Session Sixteen : Drumkeld

The Ruins of Drumkeld

The party arrive in Drumkeld. Gutted by fire and still smoking, there are ruins everywhere, only the stones remain, and without wooden beams to hold buildings together, many have collapsed upon themselves.

The party were met at the docks by a weary looking battered contingent of soldiers.

"Hail, you’ll not find anything to trade here, there are barley and survivors, and still a number of living dead here and there," the sergeant told them.

Garec questioned them further, "What happened here?"

"The dead arose from their graves and began to attack the populace, setting fire to buildings, and attempting to eat people. Once someone was bitten they would become the same as the living dead were."

"Sounds bad." Goh muttered.

"It would have been much, much worse if the Paladin had not showed up to help."

"Paladin! What paladin? What did he look like?!" Rhogar exclaimed, stepping aggressively towards the sergeant, unable to contain himself.

"Err...Blond hair, tall, wore a symbol of Bahamut." The sergeant spluttered as he stumbled backwards in his hurry to not be too close to the large dragonborn.

"Christophe De Laney!" Rhogar spat.

"Where is he?" asked Garec a little more calmly.

"Last I saw him, he was entering a mausoleum to clear out some of the few remaining living dead."

"Which mausoleum?" Zin asked.

"Over there, the Hammercrag family tomb."

"I'll fucking kill him!" Zin replied, as he calmy picked up his warhammer and strode purposefully towards his family tomb.

The Hammercrag Tomb

Inside the tomb the party discovered Christophe De Laney and some ugly undead monstrosities. Amongst the undead minions are two Forsaken Shells. One appears to be Zin's father, the other the corpse of Lucy Arach!

As the entered Fizpon takes one look at De Laney's face, a look of surprised recognition, "You!" he shouted.

"I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage old man. No matter I'll make sure to kill you later after I procured what I need from Master Medrash here." He turns to Rhogar, "We need not fight you know my dear Rhogar, we could be civilised, I shall leave you alone if you just allow me to have some of your blood, just a little."

"What have you done with Kelsie?" Rhogar replied.

"You can fucking rot in hell for all I care", Zin shouts as he charges towards De Laney.

ROLL INITIATIVE

During the fight Fizpon and De Laney have the following exchange of words.

Fizpon: You may remember me as Ostran. Ah yes I see by your eyes you do. Well I remember you and the death and destruction that followed you.

CDL: Ah Ostran of Magewick, well met again. I do not think we have spoken since the time slaughtered your fellow mages.

Fizpon: Indeed, though I think today you will pay for that.

CDL: You are weak old man, always were, not to mention that you are of no consequence. Sworn to protect the royal families of this fair land? Pah. It was easy to kill your guild mates, it shall be so with you. You can’t protect Rhogar and his royal blood, it will be mine.

At this point Fizpon was mortally wounded.

CDL: I can see this is a fight I won’t win quickly. Nevermind, perhaps I have enough royal blood on my blade.

De Laney then makes for a portal he has opened, through which can be seen Zork style architecture.

As he leaves, all the undead collapse to the floor, no longer under his control.

Fizpon: I have not long Rhogar, I fear this body that was never mine has taken too much hurt. I can feel my grip on it weaking. He is too strong. Please, I shall return, although I do not know what I shall remember when I do. Look for me at Magewick, Alistair has been working on a memory charm that might draw us there if we die.

Fizpon: Do not wreak your vengeance on him too soon, you must become stronger, wiser and better able to fight him. Seek out those that can teach you, grow stronger and then look for me in Magewick.

Alistair arrives. Holds body. Attempts ritual of memory. Needs everyone to hold hands in a circle. Arcane checks all round.

Everyone goes their own seperate ways, swearing to meet again in a years time, at Magewick, when they have all grown a little stronger.