Demonic Battles in Axegard

 

17th of Reaping, High Summer

Location: Sewers under the river town of Axegard | Limbo | The Abyss

We rejoin the RedWater Fellowship still in mid battle with the demonic tentacles part of the gate to the Abyss.

Graxxuzazz and Hester are wrapped up by one massive tentacle, trying to crush them together. Gothi is hanging upside down from another, the long tentacle holding her by one leg upside down. Tibaltuous is

also grasped by one leg, but he determinedly holds on to an out-jutting brick in the ceiling. [his talkative sword levitating the bard], while Doc and Gizzard edge back preparing attacks for the tentacles waving around in the air nearby.

The right arch has three large cracks, from the explosive arrows of Gothi, a vial of acid from Gizzard a Destructive wave spell from Graxxuzazz [this hit both arches as well as all the tentacles] and the Moonbeam spell from Hester. The left arch also has a number of smaller cracks in it. All of the

heroes have the multitude of voices screaming the heroes' names inside their head still, this is impacting the teams ability to cast spells. Also being in what seems like a Limbo between the material plane and the Abyss makes it even harder for Hester and Graxxuzazz to connect with their divine powers.

Gothi tries to pull free of the tentacle but it is too well wrapped around her leg. She then shoves her trident into the tentacle cutting part of the slimy appendage. Gizzard looks up seeing the precarious position of the ranger and fires her crossbow and it pierces through. Gothi falls to the ground and then moves over nodding to the goblin/gnome with a grim smile.

Graxxuzazz is able to connect with his god, and casts Destructive Wave again. The force and divine damage destroying a number of the tentacles. Both bone arches crack even more under the energy. Using his sorcerous abilities he teleports out from the grasping tentacle and appears next to Gothi and Gizzard.

Doc is able to tap into his Paladin ability to sense if the tentacles are undead or not. The overpowering feedback shakes him, as blood oozes form his ears, eyes, and nose. These are indeed both undead and demonic. He yells that out to Tibaltuous.

Hester casts Word of Radiance on the tentacle and destroys the appendage, the cleric/druid falls to the
ground taking minor damage.. Hester presents his star map and enters a starry form. Allowing him to fought off the voices and all.

Tibaltuous attacks the tentacle cutting it with Sir Lawrence. The tentacle falls back into the sewage. The bard keeps moving up the passage. and drops to the ground looking forward then back. The passage goes on for about fifty feet from the light of Sir Lawrence, then into darkness.

Hester's MoonBeam spell takes out the final tentacle, cuts right through turning it to ashen dust. Also damaging the bone arch. The remaining tentacle swings out to hit Gothi, Graxxuzazz and Gizzard. The razor sharp suckers on the tentacle cut through all three. It does slicing damage to all three as Gizzard falls to the ground, coughing blood.

A massive hand appears at the edge of the gate. Much bigger than a giant's had, titan sized or larger. A blast of necrotic energy waves out crashing over all except Tibaltuous. All are blinded except Graxxuzazz. Gothi having glimpsed where the massive hand was, fired blindly both arrows striking true and piercing deep into the black skin only a finger's length apart.

Graxxuzazz summons his sorcerous powers to do another Destructive Wave. This one washed over this massive hand, it shudders, a voice booms up from below as it is stripped of flesh by the divine and thunder damage. The portly lizardfolk tries to cast a Guiding Bolt spell but he crescendo of noise and distraction hamper his aim and the bolt goes high over the bone arch.

Doc blindly moves forward across the sewer and is able to make it to Gizzard and lay on hands to heal the sewer worker. She coughs and sighs awake again.

Hester brings forth a globe of twilight which assists all in the area. 

Tibaltuous and Graxxuzazz and Hester call back and forth on the merits if a Banishment spell and how that may affect denizens. 

Tibaltuous slams both his giant empowered hands into the cracked bone arch. The bard sees a massive head down below looking up. Inspired he hits the perfect spot on the bone arch, a hairline crack splits and the gate starts to implode and fall down into the Abyss. The fingers thumb and all are lopped off as the gate slams shut. 

It is quiet now. the voices are all gone. The purple wall of power is gone. Only the lapping of the sewage water, the ragged breathing of the party make any sound. 

Gizzard does not appear to be breathing but she coughs up blood and is moving as Doc again used his healing ability. Three of the party members are still blind.

A short time later, the party are able to see once again. The party take a short rest, allowing their bodies to heal somewhat. Graxxuzazz takes part of the pinkie finger, with a black shiny fingernail. [very well-trimmed]

After some discussion they decide to move forward to the entrance under the Axegard keep. Moving ahead, Gothi and Gizzard take the lead being stealthy. The party moves forward, it seems the pressure and connection to the divine is weakening as the pressure increases, They surmise they are getting closer tot he Abyss again.

A red glow appears ahead. a rung ladder can be seen going up to a manhole cover with a locking mechanism. Gothi goes up and sees a vast and destroyed land. The ranger sees what looks like was once a town but areas are not jagged rocks, Every where a haze covers the ground. the lands are hot. A massive glowing blood red gate is in the distance as well as river of lava going up to it. A giant or titan possibly stands in front of the gate. The arch sprouts a dark red shadow straight up into the air, looking like it is creating or powering the shadow globe covering the town. The town looks like it is being turned into the Abyss. A massive titan, appearing to be the same one seen earlier.

Gothi comes back down and advises the party of what she saw. All look troubled at this. The party discuss tactics and strategy. A stealthy approach then attack looks to be the plan. The party advise Gizzard she does not have to accompany them. The sewer worker looks relieved. and grins. "Maybe
these will help.." She passes over three vials of acid. She nods and wishes the Fellowship good luck and fades from view into the sewer passage. The party climb up, then start across unfamiliar evil lands. As they move along they pass burnt and withered trees, faces in the tree trunks which look to be human bones and flash. 

The face contorts calling out piteously to the

party asking for help or death. Multiple flying demons can be seen circling the area, but they don't appear to see the party. Hester and Doc think about how to help them, as it appears there is at least fifteen faces in a tree or more. "Help me!" Kill me!" It appears souls or spirits have been imprisoned in the dead trees. Hester tries to comfort. But they don't seem to understand or acknowledge the two.

The party continue their stealthy advance.

Reaching a large cliff, they can see the massive titan slowing moving back and forth. As the party climb up stony hands come out of the wall to try and grasp them but take some necrotic damage. Finally able to pull free the party have a good view of the titan.

Doc and Hester note a strange cord like an umbilical cord going from the titan to the arch shooting the shadow dome into the sky. The focus is on that for their fist attacks.

All prepare. Then attack!

Arrows, musket balls, spells hit the umbilical cord and do extensive damage. The titan shudders as well as the dome above shudders and nearly disappears. The bone arches start to shake and blood gushes out. as the party realize the arch is made from flesh. Graxxuzazz summons a contingent of skeletons that appears and ready to attack!

After the surprise, the party attack again. The titan steps forward and attacks. knocking Tibaltuous back 30 feet.

The titan continues to pummel the party, stomping on skeletons but takes great amounts of damage from the party. Reaching into his gut the titan throws zombies out to crash to the ground. They don't seem to have any effect except perhaps take some of the massive damage being done to the giant.

The flying demons swoop in breathing fire on the party and skeletons.

Doc teleports up above the cord and timing it perfectly fired his blunderbuss perfectly right into the damaged cord. Shredding it. The arch starts to shudder and starts to crash down. Blood sprays

everywhere. There is a groaning shriek from the titan. The blood raining down is burning all in the area. The arches appear to be flesh without bone in them collapsing. The river of blood floods the area.

Sir Lawrence continues to make sarcastic remarks as the battle continues. The bard ignoring the blade, envelops the titan in Faerie Fire spell. Gothi's arrows continue to do massive damage to the giant.

The skeletons create a good diversion for the titan, many falling under the massive blows and stomping feet of the titan. Hester brings in his twilight sanctuary again which helps the Fellowship. Sir Lawrence engages one of the flying demons as it breathes fire on the skeletons and the party. Tibaltuous inspires the party using his mantle to allow the party extra moves.

Graxxuzazz, uses one of his signature spells casting Destructive Eave again. Two of the demons are destroyed, the waves hit the titan as well. 

Sunlight is streaking in as the party look up, the shadowy blood dome is starting to crack and dissipate. If the party can continue with this momentum, maybe.. just maybe they can be victorious. Circling griffon riders look to be coming near. Lord Royce's forces!

A giant form can be seen coming through the haze and smoke though from where the Axegard keep stands. A pale-skinned giant. Smaller than the titan but still formidable at over twenty feet tall. 

Until next time..

The Sewers under Axegard

 

17th of Reaping. High Summer

The Fellowship work their way up the sewer byways. Three on one side and three on the other. Gizzard has the lead, guiding the party forward. the stench is over-powering, even a cloth covered mouth and nose don't lessen the impact. Wafts of mist hang in the still air, the slow flow of the sewage flowing
along the narrow canal. AS they move along the sewage starts to lap up and on to the walkways used by heroes. Gizzard stops and looks over her shoulder at the adventurers.

"This isn't normal.." She looks down at the sewage then sticking her fingers into the grimey liquid puts it to her lips and licks it. Spitting she grimaces. The party has been in sewers but nothing like this, there is a pressure.

Gizzard holds up a jar of the lichen moss that glows and it shows the sewage slowly moving by.  Gothi holds up her vial which provides a little light as well. Hester recalls he can cast the light spell and calls upon his deity and the area is lit up. The party moves along, weapons at the ready.

Gizzard whispers back, "Douse that light!" 

Hester at first didn't catch the accent then understood and cancelled the light spell. In the middle of the sewage a partially submerged form was slowly floating towards them. Humanoid size. Then they see it appeared to be a body. Slowly turning over. Breathing slightly easier, Tibaltuous whispers to Graxxuzazz, "Mage hand?"

The portly lizardfolk nods already preparing to cast. The ghostly lizard claw appears nearby and floats towards the body. The claw taps on the skull, no effect seemingly, as it slowly floats nearer. Gizzard backs up against the wall of the sewer, crouching down. She holds a crossbow in her hands [normally a hand crossbow for a standard humanoid, but requiring two for her small form].

Appears to be a bloated humanoid body, something wrapped around the head, bandaging around the face, it is face up currently, the hands not visible. There are bindings around the legs. The party whisper back and forth to decide about stopping the body.

Tibaltuous jumps into the 3 feet deep sewage and pulls the body to the side and checks it over. Hester casts light spell again. The body looks to be a female orc, Her hands were bound behind her as well as legs bound with leather straps. Probably 2-3 days old. There are incisions one on each side of her neck. 

Doc looks over the body with a practiced eye. "There looks to be some organs removed from the neck." The gunslinger looks troubled, he normally would be able to recall what may have been removed, but perhaps the pressure, stench and more are affecting him. "A steady hand did this work."

Tibaltuous notes a dagger pommel sticking out of one boot. He notes an engraving on it. "The Black Source" he murmurs. "the clan formerly worked for the Black Runes but they decided to change.. employers.. to work for Iuz." An assassin's blade, jagged and sharp.

The body floats off into the darkness as Hester mumble a short prayer. The adventurers move forward. The sewage flow is now lapping around the ankles of the Fellowship. Gizzard looks very 

"Something's wrong. None of my friends are here.."  Gizzard motions ahead, "There are 2 chambers ahead, one to go to a lower level, but that is caved in, has not been used for years." She points to the left, "The other was filled with supplies and all for takin' care of the sewer maintenance. The party look into both chambers carefully, shining the light from Hester's spell and the glowing lichen in jars from Gizzard and Gothi.

The right chamber [top] has what appears to be a cracked mirror in a floor stand laying on the ground
with a fancy wooden carved chair grime and dirt covered facing it.

The left chamber is filled with cobwebs and what appears to be a humanoid skeleton in the middle of the open area. The walls glitter with gold flecks or something similar.

The party debate, and decide that there are traps, illusion and more down here so decide to not venture into either chamber. Heading onwards.

Gizzard advises the passage turns to the right. There is a chittering or slow scrabbling or scraping

echoing from ahead and behind. There is the same glittering goldish red along the walls ahead. Gizzard is starting to look very scared. "Never heard this before.. she whispers back tot he group. Tibaltuous tries to steady her resolve with some supportive words. The goblin/gnome nods and steps into the corner chamber. As she does, the light shines into the room. the whole room, walls and ceiling are covered in these glittering goldish bumps.. and they are moving. 

At first thought to be eggs.. then realization comes to the group beetles. Gizzard cries out as a large number of these gold red beetles fall onto her. The large mandibles of the 6" beetles tearing into her. The party move in to assist their guide. The beetles don't discriminate attacking all. Doc lights up his sword the flames don't seem to have any affect on the beetles. He then chops through a number deciding fire does not have any effect. The beetles that are chopped have a black - purplish blood that smokes in their area.

Tibaltuous snatches up a beetle and scans it examines it. It is trying to snap its mandibles on the bard's metal gauntlets to no effect. He determines they are not water-based beetles, surprisingly thinking back to a boring lecture in his university days on beetles and insects. With his water breathing potion still in effect, is able to move deftly through the water, his Ring of Free action a marvel. Seeing this good

tactic, the rest of the party follow suit and also dive into the sewage as well. As Gothi swims by, she pulls Gizzard into the flow and the non-swimming beetles float off, leaving quite a few wounds. Gothi is able to cast a Cure Light wounds spell and that keeps the guide alive as the gnome rips off the final burrowing beetles. Graxxuzazz runs up and expertly tackles Doc - with no resistance from Doc - into the sewage. All the beetles float away. The party swim under the fetid and rancid water looking up at the beetle infested room until they pass on into the tunnel again. Interestingly the beetles never leave the room. Perhaps something gathers them there.. the party decide to check this out possibly upon their return.

Moving onwards, the party climb out once again fully covered in sewage. the party hears whispering.. all around them. Cannot confirm it is words or a language.. it echoes down the tunnel. Hester stops to listen closely, as the party moves on, and he hears the whispers.. they are calling out his name. Full name. Each party member focuses and they can hear the whispers.. each saying the name of the listener.  The party members trade a look and grimly move onwards. Their guide advises ahead is a ladder up to the town, a glimmering light ahead. 

St. Cuthbert provided these eternal flames that don't burn but shine light. There is one at each stairwell up tot he roads in the town. The whispering continues getting louder. Every once in a while Gizzard shakes her head, assuming the constant name calling is getting on her nerves. The voices are different, a child, deep man's a woman, never the same.

Tibaltuous crouches down by Gizzard and points to a map of the town. How do we get to here. his gauntleted finger pointing to a sewer entrance near the keep of Axegard.

She sucks on her one long tooth, looks up at the bard and nods. "Yes we can get there, we are here, getting close to the centre plaza. We have to travel along a few more tunnels but should be able to get there!" She nods confidently, once again feeling brave. Tibaltuous looks to the group. "I think we need to get to the keep of Axegard. That is where this dome of darkness may emanate from." 

The party in agreement, motion Gizzard to guide them forwards. The flow at their calves and nearly at their knees. The voices start to sound more often, and often now more than one at a time. The sounds start to merge and are discordant, causing the group to wince in pain at the harshness of the voices.

Gothi last leaving the ladder room hears turns back as she hears a sound from the tunnel heading up for the ladder. The ladder goes up about 15' and then a manhole cover. Locked from the outside but openable from the inside. The ranger hears some shuffling. Whispering to the party she advises them, the decision is made to ignore and forge ahead.

The party moves ahead, the flow nearly passed their knees now, the walkway can no longer be seen. Gizzard takes out a ring and puts this on. As the party look on, she steps up ONTO the sewage. Gothi

smiles, and starts to walk along the walls. Her Boots of SpiderClimbing very helpful. The party wades forward, all hindered except Tibaltuous, Gothi and Gizzard, Graxxzazz starts to swim using his tail so is able to move fairly well.

The cacophony of sound each party member hears gets so loud that at times they cannot hear each other speaking. Different voices saying their name. It is if at times it is near them the voices, but no one is there. The purple haze gets brighter as the names screech in their heads. 

The party try to stealth forward and look around a corner. Ahead the purple glow cross the sewer filling the area. A gate, portal or wall? It pulsed once every few moments. Filling the whole sewer passage from flow to

ceiling. Gizzard was muttering to herself now. Between furtive looks at the purple haze to looks at the party to cringing back, she looked close to bolting now. The steady word of Tibaltuous as well as Doc and Gothi steadied her nerves slightly and she crouched on the water waiting on the plans for the Fellowship.

Gizzard advises there is a central hub - basically near the keep. She says that there is a passage to the far right that leads to the keep. A number of sewers merge to feed the main ones to exit into the river.

Much discussion back and forth on if this was a gate, a wall of force or something even more sinister. Graxxuzazz thinks it is a shield or wall of force from his experience. Graxxuzazz is tied with a rope and moves forward to examine more closely. Hester casts a light spell for the sorcerer to assist with the examination.

Doc looks back at Hester and Tibaltuous, and the light flashes back as Graxxuzazz moves and he glimpses a bright red glistening attached to the neck of Tibaltuous and the back of Hester's leg. Pulsing red over 8" long. All have a number attached are feel now blood is being drained. They have a numbing effect as they drain the blood.

Hester casts a sleep spell and this affects most of the leeches, this is able to

affect most of the leeches. All take a little damage to remove the slumbering creatures that are then disposed of by blade or other means. Then Hester also casts Word of Radiance affecting all the creatures around him and killing them.

The parry again turn their focus on the portal or wall of purple energy. The sorcerer casts a firebolt and it goes right through. A rock is thrown and it passes through as well. Graxxuzazz calls upon the power of Orcus and calls forth a ghast and then Tibaltuous is yelling the

same words. A ghoulish figure surfaces from the sewage and stands before the two. They name it "Sir Ghastly". "Maaaaastersss..." It looks longingly at Doc, Hester Gothi and Gizzard, licking its lips. The rope is tied about the ghast.

Graxxuzazz sends Sir Ghastly forward to investigate the portal and comeback. It steps through the gate. It wades forth and steps through the purple. The rope feels a pull and then as Tibaltuous, Graxxuzazz

and Hester struggle with the rope then pull. Sir Ghastly, is unfortunately missing his head, and one arm. The rope is wrapped about his waist. Tibaltuous standing up closer, the ghast looks to be ravage by multiple scrapings and and cuts. Shredded it appears. The remains of Sir Ghastly start to float down the sewer. Doc takes a closer look with Tibaltuous aiding, and the former doctor note nearly circular razor cuts - multiple. The arm looks like it was pulled from the socket by brute force.

Gizzard doesn't want to go in there.

The bard puts forth his sword, through the purple wall for six seconds. and then back - without ill effect on either. The blade advises the party of what he saw in his accent [English]. 

"There is a glowing yellow gate a bonelike arch above it, there are all these god-awful writhing tentacles all around. One coming for me as I was pulled back!" 

Appears to be a Demonic divine portal. Sir Lawrence advises that Tibaltuous is not to worry as he is not good! Tibaltuous after some interesting discussion and sarcastic remarks with his sentient blade "Sir Lawrence" - and then the sword being shoved under the sewage water. "That is outrageous Sir!" 

The party prepares and goes on full attack. Leaping through the purple wall. Gizzard makes a surprising morale check and steps forward and throws a acid vial at one of the bone arches over the gate.

Tibaltuous floats up - levitating with the power of Sir Lawrence, floating over and towards the upper left passage, the one Gizzard had advises went to the keep. The tentacles don't appear to reach up to the floating bard.

The party then realize [after NAT 20s by Graxxuzazz] that the bone arches are the key to what Graxxuzazz is perfectly sure is a gate to the ABYSS. As he has been there before. [DM: blogpost ] Some focused there attacks on the massive tentacles with razor sharp suction cups down there length -

the end of Sir Ghastly no doubt - while others attacked the bone arches. Gothi had some explosive arrows made for just this need and the arrows pulsed as they hit the massive bone arch, putting cracks in the structure. The Abyssal energies make casting spells difficult and the sorcerer fails to cast his spell. Tapping into the power of his toilet bowl god, he casts one of his signature spells: Destructive Wave.

The eave crashes over the arches as well as the tentacles. Blasting some out of existence. The radiant

damage of the spell appears to have greater effect than normal. The tentacles were barley moving around except the ones attacking, all of the remaining ones shudder and attack. Doc slices into the tentacles with his sword Lucky Seven. The black and brown 3' think tentacle body spurts black and purple blood. He is able to lop off the one tentacle. Hester for a moment is unable to contact his god's power but is able to push through and casts a Moonbeam which has massive effect, the radiant damage causing three massive cracks to appear in the top bone arch. Each time the attack or damage hits the bone arches, the tentacles writhe as if in pain.

Tibaltuous continues to float and pull himself across the ceiling. As he does he dons his Mantle of Inspiration and his melodious words inspire all.

Some of the Fellowship take advantage of the movement, while others hold their ground.

A massive tentacles whips out to grasp and rend at the bard, It tries to pull him up into the air but he is able to withstand it. He now hangs upside down. A tentacle slaps in to Doc, but is unable to wrap around the gunslinger.

A tentacle whips out to attack Gothi as she stands on the ceiling, pulling her off the wall, wrapped around her waits and starts to crush her. A final tentacle wrap around both Hester and Graxxuzazz crushing them together, pulled up into the air. Both restrained taking necrotic crushing damage.

Tibaltuous calls out to Doc, "Are these tentacles undead!?" 

With that, we will join the Fellowship mid-battle next time!

The Siege of Axegard

 15th of Reaping. High Summer

The road East is full of dead soldiers, with carrion eaters flying, crawling and legged in abundance. Vultures, crows, jackals and other animals are spooked many a time as the Fellowship travel in their wagon. The party look for any loot and scavenging, but it appears many if not all were looted where they lay dead or dying by either comrades or others.

The hot sun beats down baking the land, the rising stink of the dead bodies hard to manage. Part way along, Gothi, riding Morsel her cavebear, notes a dying orc soldier in the livery of IUZ emblazoned on his hard leather armour. A spear had was lodge in the side of the dying warrior's chest, the shaft broken off 6" out. "Kill me.." He gasps out blood dribbling down his chin.

The orc at first is belligerent of the group, even after some torture by Tibaltuous - nudging the spearhead with his boot - until the orc grimaces and cries out, coughed up more blood and then provides some minimal information as the bard tries to deceive the warrior, that the adventurers were followers of Iuz. The orc defiant, spat blood at the bard and so Tibaltuous healed the orc to continue his 'interrogation'. The orc again asked to die. But it appeared Tibaltuous had other plans making ready to enthrall the orc with his reading of the Psalms of Orcus from the tome he and Graxxuzazz were reading. [DM: Blogpost]

Gothi and Doc were against this; in their view was an evil act and thus the paladin of the Raven Queen took out Lucky 7 - his executioner's sword and finished the orc off.

As the Fellowship travelled, Gothi sent out his pet scavenger - Scurvy. The reptile had come across some interesting finds: the ruby ring turned out to be a powerful Ring of Spell-turning! A once magical harp - now broken [perhaps fixable] as well as a pair of wire-rimmed glasses - with one lens cracked. As they rolled along, the party decided to share out some magic items found recently and in the forgotten city of Herodia as they travelled.

As the next day dawns -16th of Reaping - the Fellowship come across the another still living soldier on the long road. A tall young man, long red hair with blue eyes, wearing furs, his muscular form covered in sweat probably from a fever. The boy - probably only 17 - had lost one arm, the blood seeping through what appears to be a thin bandage hastily wrapped around surmised Doc with a practiced eye. The party this time decide to work together and heal and support the youth. Doc Holliday cauterizes the wound with his flaming sword, and then applies some of his medical skills to keep the lad from dying. The young man after recovering somewhat, at first a little wary agrees to provide all the information he knows for allowing him to leave, and travel back to his homeland - the land of Black Ice many weeks

travel to the far North. He was part of a clan of seafarers who lived in clans along the West coast of the Dramidj Ocean, plying their long boats far along the coasts of that cold and unhospitable land. The way the boy talked about it, seems he liked the cold waste of the North much more than the hot lands he was in now. Through gritted teeth from the pain, he told them his name was Halia Rain-night. The youth was a font of information on Axegard, it seems that the remaining defenders were mainly demons and giants. Led by a massive white-skinned giant, Chief Tonoklagh. Not a frostgiant the youth was quite sure. Wielding dual massive swords and wearing black and red armor, the giant used magics to great effect as well. 

After some more descriptive details, Tibaltuous nodded sagely, "Cloud giant."

The young man went on advising his clan had been press-ganged - as 'mercenaries' to fight for Iuz. The young warriors were enthused to go off to battle but the times and death of most of his clan had tempered that young enthusiastic mind, the ravages of war taking its toll. The demons started to use the humans and other 'living' forces of Iuz in their demonic rituals. Now, Halia wanted to go home, the majority of his clan destroyed in Axegard. Both by demons and aerial bombardment by the forces of Lord Royce.

The party are skeptical the young warrior could travel such a long distance so Doc provides the barbarian a shortsword and advises of the Fellowship's town - DragonKeep - to the North in the mountain pass that may provide some respite on the way. Halia grateful for this, takes his leave, wishing the party good luck. The Fellowship continue their wagon ride East. Lady Luck smiles on them as they are able to find a stray horse, which helps pull the heavily laden wagon.

The Fellowship have no further encounters along the way, finally coming to Axegard. The once splendid river town was now under siege by the forces of Lord Royce. The lands surrounding the town blasted and smoking, in ruins. The town itself barely visible through a black and blood red shadowy dome. Evil emanates from the area even from a long distance.

Royce's' forces are on both sides of the river and as well have ships anchored up river and down blocking all access to the town. Pickets of the Lord's forces stop the Fellowship but after making them selves known as the RedWater Fellowship, they are escorted to the tents of the Lord Royce. 

The group are provided a fine large tent for them to relax and rest in. Their wagon with precious cargo right outside. Gothi goes out into the forest with Scurvy sending the growing reptile off to scavenge outside in the ruined town and away from Royce's pickets and patrols. While Lars stays near the wagon, leaving his coffin on it. Morsel at first was barred from the area, but Gothi being a hero of the Fellowship, the large cavebear is allowed to rest next to the wagon. Gothi's skills with animals showing as the three horses now are not spooked by Morsel.

Royce is delighted to see all the heroes, Doc, Graxxuzazz and Gothi and the new members, Hester and Tibaltuous. A war council is in progress. The party is introduced, all enjoying the long list of Graxxuzazz's titles. Royce's council somewhat in awe, Royce smiling as he had heard list the titles before, but not some of the newer ones.

 The dome of darkness and shadow appeared about a week past. All attacks are being blocked and and arcs of shadow hit the griffon riders killing them. Lord Royce looks to the Fellowship, "There is a way.." grinning at the heroes. "We have a former resident of the town a sewer worker."

The party look at each other.. sewers.. again. Great. 

Lord Royce signals a retainer and a small humanoid enters from the side looking around furtively. A half-goblin, half-gnome female,  with long blue hair and violet eyes, peering out from under a wide brimmed red hat. 

"Her name is Gizzard." Royce motions the goblin/gnome forward.

Wearing tattered clothes, remnants of a life spent navigating the grimy underworld. The fabric clings to her wiry frame, patches of faded brown and gray barely concealing her gnarled skin. A rusty dagger, its blade chipped and stained, hangs from a frayed belt. The creature’s eyes dart nervously, ever watchful. A backpack with shortsword sheathed on it, as well as a hand crossbow at her belt, completes the ensemble. The backpack appears worn, its leather weathered by the damp conditions of the sewer, yet it seems to bulge with equipment, treasure or perhaps just the necessities for survival in this harsh environment.

The party is introduced. "We will make an all out attack on the town, a feint, but it will cost many lives.." Royce points to a map on the large table, "while you RedWater Fellowship have the most critical task, if you are agreeable.." Royce smiles grimly and continues, "guided by our friend Gizzard into the downstream sewer entrance and under the town. There it is imperative to find a way to disable or stop the demonic shadow shield, then we should be able to finish this siege!" 

The Lord Knight/Priest of Tempus looks around at the grim faces as they contemplate this extremely dangerous mission. He winks. "I may be able to assist you with your quest too.. to find your tower." Motioning to a familiar face Lady Cowl steps out of the shadows and nods to the Fellowship.

"We will of course, assist with some gear and supplies. And.. We can possibly teleport you closer to your goal. The tower. " The enigmatic head of Overlord Romack's secret and shadowy intelligence group advises.

Discussing briefly, the party agrees, listing some supplies needed:

• Masterwork Thieves' tools
• Black powder and ammunition
• Potions of water-breathing for each [needed to get down to the sewer entrance at the river bed, down river of city] 
• Herbs and incense worth 1000gold [only partially provided]
• Potions of healing

The party makes ready, leaving the wagon its precious cargo [the cube] and much of the supplies they won't need for this espionage mission guarded by Lars.

Early morning of the next day, 17th of Reaping, the Fellowship leave the camp of Lord Royce with his good wishes and salute. The army preparing for the feint attack. All realize some of these soldiers would die this day.

Gizzard takes the adventurers South along the river and then they wait. It is a clear, the early morning stars twinkling. A slight breeze from the West as the party prepares. Horns blast and lights flash explosions are heard, the attack at Axegard is underway. 

Gizzard pops the cork on the water-breathing potion and downs it motioning to the party to do the same and she wades out into the river and under the dark cold water.

A strange feeling of breathing water.. but the party get used to it and follow the little goblin/gnome swimming down into the dark water. Except Graxxuzazz, who is adept at holding his breath for very long periods being a lizardfolk.

They come to the large metal grate covering the sewer entrance - locked. The party are able to deal with this after some time, - missing the skills of their former rogue Kantif at first. A magic ward blasts out as well, injuring some but the party take this in stride - or swimstroke - and head in. After a time they break the surface of the flowing putrid sewage and are able to stand in a sewer tunnel. The smell is atrocious the sewage coats them all until Tibaltuous casts prestidigitation to clean up.

Gizzard at first seems happy to be back in the sewers, she tells the party she was an engineer down her before the war and demons/giants took over the town.

They start to explore the sewer tunnels. Then Gizzard advises, "Something smells wrong.. something
tastes wrong.." The party hadn't really noticed anything other than the smelt was ghastly and fetid sewer water was filled with who knows what.. Hester casts death Ward on himself and advises the party he

has healing  and aid available.

Moving further then all felt something different a shift.. or a pressure..? Gizzard points to the flow, "It shouldn't be getting deeper.. it should be staying level.." The sewage was over the canal edges now, that flowed normally down the center of the sewer tunnels; now lapping around their ankles and calves. As they moved closer to the town then what they thought was past the shadowy dome. They were now under the town.. The pressure and feeling of.. wrongness.. growing with them all.

Next time.. in the sewers under the DEMON controlled town of Axegard.

The Long Road

 13th of Reaping High Summer

The wagon crew come across a broken stone bridge over a stream. A single soldier leaning against the railing on the far side can be seen. Gothi - riding Morsel her cavebear - swim across the wide stream to

investigate. The soldier is dead, looking to be a mercenary perhaps of the army of Iuz. Doc checks the body and the man looks to be dead 3 days. Looking at the partially broken bridge, the heroes look troubled, until Graxxuzazz calls upon his god's sorcerous powers to cast Wall of stone  using it to repair the bridge and allow the heavily laden wagon to crossover.

Later that evening, as the party rests, Tibaltuous is reading the books from the shadowplane [DM: blogpost] that they had acquired under the theatre in the undead lands near Enstad. The heroes travel onwards. Graxxuzazz decides to take back the 'book of Orcus' the lizardfolk had 'lent' [his words] to the bard. This large tome - found in the Lost city of Herodia - made of what feels like skin

appears to suck in the light, is a 'bible' to Orcus. Various cult/insane[?] authors wrote of their god/patron and his life so far. It is an.. extensive read.. 13 books or testaments. 54 of the 666 Abyssal Psalms  (one for each layer of the abyss Orcus Has/had sway over) The Black Darkness. The final 'book/testament' in the large tome does not open or allow any to open to those pages.

Tibaltuous notices this and a tussle ensues with various abilities being used to keep or snatch up the book. After some back and forth  [DM: to some laughter and merriment of the group] The bard and sorcerer come to a compromise and read the bible of Orcus together, alternating paragraphs and pages at times. They actually spend their watch reading the time, fully engrossed in the book.

This does not bode well for the two seasoned members of the party, Gothi and Doc. Hester, new and not knowing the history of ancient evil artifacts and such and how they have affected a previous party member [DM: blogpost], just looked and felt troubled.

Some further activity happens where Gothi while on guard that night, tries to inject a paralysis venom from her spider companion, but the athletic but portly Graxxuzazz is able to fight off the venom and confront the ranger. Tibaltuous awakes, and casts hold person on Gothi! Doc jumps up aiming both pistols back and forth at the group and book having finally had enough as Lars the vampire/warlock boy expresses his disbelief at the group.

Graxxuzazz polymorphs into a giant eagle and Tibaltuous jumps on board with book in hand and the

two fly off into the night. They find a safe spot to land after noting a long line of twinkling lights in the night. Taking a closer look they see a wagon train on the main road. Appearing to be moving Westwards.

The two find a safe spot to land, reading the tome more, finishing book two. By this point they are exhausted, the tome seems to be very difficult to read. Taking their full concentration.

Map of area [blue dot is party location]

As the sun starts to rise the sorcerer and the bard note that the long line of twinkling lights was a wagon train. an army, looking to be in full retreat. The army of IUZ.

The Defeated Army

As far as the eye can see a column of troops, humanoids of all sizes, humans, orcs, goblinoids, giants and ogres and more. The standard of IUZ's skull hangs at an angle from a wagon filled with wounded soldiers.

Looking beaten, injured and defeated, head West. Wagons filled with wounded troops roll and creak onwards, some dead and dying are left at the side of column, most tossed carelessly out of the way. Carrion eaters flying and crawling, already pick away at the dead and dying soldiers, the living heedless of the those being eaten. 

As the Fellowship watch, a small group quickly mark where a comrade is dead, piling rocks on top of the covered body and leave a sword stuck in ground, helmet hanging on it. The six wearing torn black leathers, one holding a standard of a blood
stained white rose on green. They stand for a moment, and there is a murmuring from the six, all hold a similar handax up high for a moment to the shallow rock covered grave. Then one by one rejoin the column trudging westward, dirty faces tired and worn - defeated.

On the edges of the  long column, outriders leave and return.. scouts possibly. With spyglass and scope, Hester and Doc are able to note a small contingent of riders  further along, at the top of a small hill, maybe 300 feet from the column , appearing to be watching, the standards are indistinguishable from

this distance. Using the magically enhanced spyglass the group appears to be possibly the leaders of this defeated army. What appears to be a large muscular red-skinned ogre riding some type of two legged lizard. In thick furs, even in the hot summer day. A standard hangs unmoving in the windless day. 4 fanged green snakes about to lunge on a red background. Two goblins, also hold a standard with the fanged skull of IUZ nearby. Nearby are at least 10 or more fully armoured humanoids standing ready, a white cloaked female human, long black hair, 1/2 the height of the ogre stands nearby. The woman seems to be in an animated conversation with the ogre.

The party hide the wagon and keep a watch on the retreating army through out the day. They need to head East along that road. With an army albeit a wounded and defeated one it appears in the way, they need to wait. 

Doc decides to recover the body of the fallen soldier during the night, stealthily going to the shallow grave and removing the rocks. The wagons a weary soldiers on the road move on, not noticing. Using his enhanced strength the 1/2 orc easily carries the body back to camp. Where the newest party member Hester calls upon his god Celestian

[DM: Info] to speak with the dead. The priest is able to garner a few pieces of information from the cryptic and belligerent recently dead soldier. 

Tibaltuous and Graxxuzazz read the third book of the Bible of Orcus. The two appear to become quite engrossed while reading not noticing or hearing anything. A shake of the shoulder bringing them out of their trance-like reading of the black-covered tome. 

The bard and sorcerer look to be tired as if doing a very hard day's work, even though all they did was read the tome. The two discount the misgivings and warnings from Gothi, Doc and now Hester, saying "knowing more of your enemy is a good strategy.."

Gothi's reptilian scavenger [a lizard/dinosaur-like raptor] has grown now nearly 2 feet in height and comes back with a horses hoof bloody tendons dragging with a horse shoe still attached. Gothi notes the scavenger has a ring - silver with a single ruby inset - on one of the creature's long fangs. Distracting him, with some tasty spiced deer jerky, she is able to pull it off the tooth, without losing a finger! The fine looking ring appears to be worth a great deal to the ranger's practiced eye. Perhaps Graxxuzazz or the new priest, Hester may be able to detect if the bauble is magical...

During the nightly stop, a familiar face appears in the campfire set by Gothi. Lady Cowl, the untrusted [by the party] and enigmatic head of OverLord Romack's secretive intelligence forces. She advises the group that Lord Royce's forces had indeed laid siege to Axegard. Then, the Lady confronts the party on the torture to one of her agents that had been following the Fellowship in Wayberry. [DM: Blogpost], Getting somewhat upset at the attitude of the heroes and even swears - unsightly for a Lady of her standing one would think - cuts short the dsicussion without providing key information she says she had  to the group.

The next day dawns, 14th of Reaping High Summer, Iuz's army and long wagon train not in sight. Dead and dying still line the road, the scavengers with multiple legs and winged now.. feast.

As they journey Eastwards towards Axegard, the Fellowship all receive a message - group Sending it seems - from Lady Cowl.

"Fellowship, pardon my uncouth language during our last interaction. The loss of my son to the

illithids, as well as the betrayal of others in the organization has strained my patience and more beyond measure it seems.

"We deal with an enemy that can impersonate ANY. Loved ones, those most close and more. Be on your guard against this, trusting even a most familiar face can be your peril.

"The last information I will give you is free and to form even a somewhat  tenuous level of trust: your tower looks to be 90 miles Northeast of your last known position. This image of the area may be helpful.

"To Overlord  Romack's victory!" Message ends, no option to reply.

They each receive an image in their mind of a map of the area, the tower appears in the high hills near a small mountain village. Probably 4 days East from Axegard by fast horse, they estimate maybe a week maybe more by wagon - unless they can acquire some more draft horses... next step, meet with Lord Royce!

Tibaltuous acquired a sword in the Lost temple of Herodia. It is a sentient weapon and has decided to impart its full potential to the bard as it deems him now worthy to wield the blade.

Sir Lawrence Sigurd Zlatennce, Third of Seventeen

• Dancing Blade (upon choosing its wielder, will ask what form of blade and permanent until
  
  choosing new wielder (or wielder's death)
• Intelligent
• Speaks: common and archaic elvish (long lost language of the grey elves)
• +1 - +3
• Levitation: Can levitate wielder for up to 3 times per day (5 minute duration)
• Glows as torch brightness at all times while unsheathed

On the first round of melee this weapon is +1, on the second +2, on the third +3. On the 3rd round, it drops back to +1 and the cycle begins again. In addition, after 3  rounds of melee its wielder can opt to allow it to "dance."

Dancing consists of loosing the sword (bonus action) on any round (after the first) when its bonus is +1. The sword then fights on its own at the same level of experience as its wielder. After 3 rounds of dancing, the sword returns to its wielder, who must hold it (and use it) for 3 rounds before it can dance again. In other words, it is loosed to dance for 3 more rounds, going from +1 to +3, and must then be held by its wielder at a +1 state and physically used for 3 successive rounds of melee combat.

When dancing, the sword will leave its owner's hand and may go up to 30 feet distant. At the end of its 3rd round of solo combat, it will move to its possessor's hand automatically. Note that when dancing the sword cannot be physically hit, although certain magical attacks such as a fireball, lightning bolt, or transmute metal to wood spell could affect it.

Bonus action is required to move the blade to a new target or any distance up to 30'. The blade initiative is same as wielder. The dancing sword fights alone at the same level (and class) as its possessor-if a 4th-level fighter, the sword fights alone exactly the same: if a 7th-level thief is the wielder, the sword will so fight when dancing.

 NOTE: it does not get class abilities (sneak attack etc for a rogue) or any bonus to damage other than the +1-+3. Proficiency bonus to hit is allowed.

Relieved of his weapon for 3 melee rounds, the possessor may act in virtually any manner resting, discharging missiles, drawing another weapon and engaging in hand-to-hand combat- as long as he or she remains within 30' of the sword. If further than 30' from the weapon, it falls lifeless to the ground and is a +1 weapon when again grasped.

Bards can release a sword of dancing on any round in which its plus isn't a +1. (so after 1 round of melee can toss the blade to start dancing for 3 rounds)