The Journal of Mordryth Pendreic Syndication Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:52:58 -0500 webmistress@dndresources.com (Forums) IP.Blog 60
We entered the seconded building after a rather difficult time opening the door. Not only was it bared from the inside but there was also an armoire blocking the door. Neither proved to be much of problem for Nagmar’s mighty strength. Once inside the building we encountered a dead elf. The corps has been there for many years and had nothing of interest upon his person. Inside are more rooms. We have stumbled upon the dormitories. Each room is ,or was when the school was in service, fit to accommodate two students. Not nearly as nice as my own room at Theca Austra D'Emertius After a truly agonizingly boring search of the dorms, the druid notices a glint of metal.

When we reach the metal object, we discover it is a sword of little value. Obviously made for ornamental reasons and not combat. Of course we still might have been able to get something for it had the previous owner not attempted to use for combat. Upon my recommendation we leave the garbage there and proceed in our investigation. Not long after we leave the sword, another glint of metal is found. This time it is a dead human in a suit armor. Frost and Garion recognize the face of the stiff, but to there recollection he did not even own armor. Underneath the corps was a great sword. This sword was made as a sword and is most likely magical, judging by it’s weight.

As we continue down the hallway, in which we found the dead fighter, we are halted by a disembodied voice. The voice is an Invisible Stalker, an entity from the plane of air. The Stalker is bound to the hallway and is instructed not to let anyone past until his master returns from the room at the end of the hall. This was ten years ago. I suspect that the Stalker, like the golem, is protecting something important. I also believe that there masters have either transcended the physical plane or have killed themselves outright to protect these secrets. I decided to test my theory at another time and convince the group that we would be better off not engaging the Stalker at the moment.

After checking out all of the dormitory rooms, we head back to the large room with the gate. Cham’s book on the school has a diagram of both the gate, and the key needed to enter. After several failed attempts, and the joy of watching Cham walk into the barrier several times, Kern address the party. In his scouting of the room, Kern has found one of the cloak pins used to pass through the gate. The question now is weather or not it is real or a forgery. I test it first. I grab the pin and take a deep breath. Then I walk through the portal.

It worked. I have just entered the library of Lycaeum Arcana! I can smell the ancient paper in the air. After I toss the pin back to Kern, I cast a light spell on the tip of my staff. The room is [FLOPPING] huge! There are bookshelves over twenty feet tall. [WOMBAT]! A large number of the volumes are missing. I look through the remaining books for something of interest as the rest of the party enters. Kern mentions something about there being a robed figure in the room, but none of the other party members see it. Only by everyone touching in a group can we see the figure. He claims to be the librarian, and can take us to any book in the library. I ask about my Uncles spell books and the apparition tells me there is one here. I can not believe my ears. One of my uncles spell books is here! I demand to see it and the librarian floats away telling me to follow. As soon I broke contact with the group I could not see the librarian anymore. Apperantly to only way to see it is with the lenses that I had given to Kern in Mordhold. And the cloak pin allows communication with the specter.

After obtaining the lenses and pin from Kern, I take off in pursuit of the specter. He floats through a solid door, that I am unable to open. The librarian tell me I need a key for the thrice [darned] door. After a few moments of pondering the new obstacle, Kern suggests that he may be able to bypass the doors. With out hesitation I move to allow him access. Kern studies the look for barely a moment then proceeds to open the door. On the other side of the door is a lounge, with a reading table several comfortable chairs and a fireplace. Resting atop the table is my uncles spell book. I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment. I am in Kern’s debt, for without him I would not have found this precious tome.

I dare not open the book at this time for fear of a trap. Later this evening when I have the time I will attempt to unlock it’s mysteries. Cham and Frost go off in search of some theology books. Why I have not the slightest idea. After letting the reality of having the book sink in, I suggest we continue in our mission and try to find more information. As we rendezvous with Cham and Frost, we hear movement below. The group proceeds down the stairs to investigate. When we reach the bottom of the stairs we encounter a group of people and some animated skeletons.

We quickly engage them in combat, but what should have been an quick cleansing turned out to be disastrous. I have seen these people in combat before and they are not amateurs. They can truly be a dominating force however since we stepped foot in the ruins they have been fighting like Swansea hoods in a drunken brawl. I suspect that the musty air and the lingering magic have altered the groups perception and taken the keen edge off of our fighting abilities. Perhaps I will address this matter to the group tonight. Finally we manage to exterminate the threat, but it took too long and cost us much. A quick search identifies the new courses as members of the Cult of Ikshyisi.

Mordryth Pendriec]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2006 13:05:37 -0600
We arrived at the ruins of Lycaeum Arcana, and what a warm reception we had. The dead rose from the grave just to great us. I’m touched. We made short work of the undead, and the Druid did something amazing. He cast a spell. He actually did something useful. I can hardly believe it. After our fight was over we met two individuals, a human male named Garion, and an Elf female calling herself Frost. The had been part of a convoy that was completely annihilated. According to there story, it was the leader of the convoy that killed everyone in the entrance courtyard hear at the old school. Only these two survived, and they want vengeance against the mad who killed there companions. If there story is true then I think we can accommodate them in there quest for vengeance. [WOMBAT] we so need a name.

We stabled our horses in the entrance courtyard. This part of the school was open to everyone, and consists of two buildings. Past these buildings is the ultimate prize, but that will have to wait until we have finished with the cult of Ikshyisi. When our horses and equipment was seen too we entered one of the out buildings. After a long hallway we came to an auditorium. The room was filled with rotting corpses. The sight and smell were too much for my stomach to take. After I gained my composure we entered and looked around. The dead bodies were amazingly varied in there discomposure. Some were hundreds of years old and others were much, much more recent.

Cham, Frost, and I investigated the stage at the front of the auditorium. Cham noticed some markings on the stage but I did not see any relevance to them. As I was looking at the podium something caught my attention in the wings. I called for Cham and went to take a look. As Cham approached a shadow leapt from the curtain and attacked him. Thinking that this was Cham’s shadow I ignited the curtains on fire in an attempt to drive it away. When this failed I resorted to magic, this proved successful. After I had struck it with a Magic Missile, Frost had used her clerical magic to turn the creature. The encounter left Cham in a weekend state.

We then left the auditorium to investigate the rest of the building. Each room was more or less the same. Classrooms all of them, and ransacked long ago. Every room we entered was little more than a pile of rubble. With two notable exceptions. The first one had a large stone cabinet that had fallen over and crushed the would be thief. With Nagmar’s help we righted the cabinet and looked inside. There were a dozen vials of alchemists fire, and a partial series of alchemy books. Shifting through the rubble I also found a staff that was in remarkable condition. I believe it to be magical. The other room held only a trap. A creature disguised as a chest, that attacked anyone who ventured too close. We defeated the monster and continued with our search.

The second floor of the building held to the same ransacked standard as did the first floor. We also had the added bonus of walking skeletons, but they proved to be little threat. Although outside of one door we did find a massive pile of dead bodies. When Nagmar attempted to open the door he was throw back by a powerful force. His next attempt he managed to enter the room, but was then tossed out again, by an ancient flesh golem. The golem is no doubt a guardian of the former occupant of the room who to this day follows his order not to allow anyone to enter.

At this time I felt it prudent to retrieve my crossbow from my horse. The stairs in this part of the building looked like they could collars at any moment so I went back the way I came. As I was passing the door to the auditorium I was attacked by the same shadow that had attacked Cham earlier. I cursed my own shortsighted ness and prepared to counter the attack. Too late I could feel my own strength draining as it ripped at me with it’s claws. I did manage to hit it with my new staff and felt a connection. Luckily the others were able to assist before the thing killed me.

Feeling weaker we continued the search. Up stairs we found a seemingly empty room. Kern used his lenses to determine that everything in the room from the books to the furniture was under a permanent invisible spell. Kern investigated the room wile I sat down to help regain some of my lost strength. Further down the hall we found a room with a balcony and jumped from this building to the one adjacent to it. There we found a portal. The nature of this portal is the same as the one in the library in Mournhold, to restrict access. After seeing a figure hiding in the shadows on the other side we decided to rest. We gave false information to our whereabouts and set a trap for whomever would attack us. Then we went back to the invisible room to rest and regroup our strength.

Mordryth Pendriec
]]> Fri, 30 Dec 2005 10:47:02 -0600 As I was researching a new offensive spell, I was interrupted by a female voice. When I looked up there was a female elf, dressed in purple. She had the bearing of nobility so I politely asked her name. She told me it was, Lheeha Eliavenel. She comes from a noble family in Seraport.
After spending time with Lheeha, studying new spells, I envied her to diner. I took her to the place I had dined with Cham the previous evening. She was much more receptive to the atmosphere than he was. Diner was exquisite and was able to entice her to my future plans.
The next day we started my training. Nagmar’s methods seamed puzzling at first but soon made sense. He started by having Cham and myself attack a tree. After his initial assessment of our individual fighting styles, he made recommendations to the most appropriate weapons.
Next was the practical application. The first fight was Kern against Cham. It was quite obvious from the start who the victor would be. Kern proved me right by annihilating Cham. Although the fight was heavily one sided, Nagmar was able to determine Cham’s level of skill.
When it came time for my lesson the ignoramus of a drunken fighter had to start shooting off his mouth once again. The reason this was a problem was that he ended up fighting Nagmar. Jarin was using Cham’s wooden practice sword, and Nagmar was using mine. Nagmar destroyed Jarin, but unfortunately broke my sword on Jarin’s head.
That evening I had diner once again with Lheeha. I think she has excellent potential as a future ally. I made reference of my uncle in hopes that if she encounters any of his spell books that they be made known to me. The ground work is being set. Hopefully this will come to fruition.
I spent the remainder of the evening listening the inane chatter in the common room or the inn, before heading off to bed. I the morning we leave the city for the crying woods.

Mordryth Pendriec
]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2005 12:22:01 -0500
This morning proved interesting. We met at breakfast, as we planed, and reviewed our options. I told of the gnome and his insights. The real trick was to get Nagmar to go along with our new found direction. To obtain his cooperation I painted a tale of honor, and glory, and how his name will be recited throughout the ages bringing him and his descendants a level of honor reserved for histories greatest heroes. He bought it, and life moved on. After we have gathered our supplies we will strike the Claws of Ikshyisi at there encampment at the ruins of Lycaeum Arcana, in the Crying Woods.

During the meeting Jarin offered a very good point. It seams that everyone else in the party has gotten some gift from the gnome, every one, that is, but me. What is in this for me? Why should I risk my neck for these people? Right now I am doing this for my own reasons. And because I am the only link for Cham. After that…

Before I could go about my business one of the guards entered the Inn looking for me. He was there to follow up on what I know of the claw tattoo our illusionist friend wore. I told him the information I thought prudent. Telling him enough to establish credibility, but withholding enough to keep him out of our way.

With that out of the way it is time for me to do my shopping. First I take Kern to see the gnome. He is interested in finding out what magic properties are in the chain mail I gave him. The tower is empty. Like rats deserting a sinking ship, they have left the city. Do I scare them that much? What didn’t they tell me? Jarin’s words come crashing back. What do I get from this? I must ponder this later

Kern and I head to the auction house to sell the lute. After talking to the auctioneer, we settle on a price. 112 gold pieces and a cleaning spell. Now to find some [FLOPPING] wizards in this [WOMBAT] city.

Mordryth Pendriec
]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2005 08:12:45 -0500
We arrived in Mournhold sometime before noon. Upon entering the gate we met an extremely helpful guard who helped us with some lodging options. Some one must have bribed him for him to be so helpful. He also told us of a disturbance last month where some crazed wizard started blasting up the market place. I showed him our sketch of the tattoo, and he confirmed that the mage has a similar tattoo. He was interested in how I came about the knowledge, and asked were I would be staying. I told him, and invited him to compare notes at a later time.

Cham and I are staying an inn called the Gryphon. Apparently so is the rest of the party. It is popular with the guard so I believe our belongings will be safe. I have asked for a strong box anyway. One can’t be too careful. We are meeting in the morning at a place called the Green Flagon, which I understand is the place to be if you want to get drunk. After checking in, I went up to my room. It is nice enough. Simple but it will do. Shortly after that the innkeeper’s boy arrived with the lockbox. Excellent, now to detect which items are magic in nature, then it is off to town.

First order of business is to get Cham a new wardrobe. If we are going to be spending time in the high section of town he can’t go around in rags. The first pace we go too just will not do. It is too outdoorsy. Fine for traveling but not the impression we want to make in the upper section. The next pace is more suited to what we want. I explain to the seamstress what I am looking for. As she begins to take Cham’s measurements however, Rizzo makes himself known. The seamstress nearly had a heart attack. How often dose a rat emerge from someone’s crotch in her line of work. When she calmed down, her assistant came over and he took Cham’s measurements.

After finally finding something that he will wear we get him new boots. The boots are nothing special, but they work. The last two places we go before visiting the high section are for jewelry and a hat. We purchase a couple of baubles for Cham’s outfit. Nothing too expensive or gaudy, just something for show. The hat is to cover his wild mane of unruly hair. I pick out something simple but fashionable. Now that Cham is presentable we can try to get information.

The guards eye us as we pass thru to the high section. Just as I thought, they don’t want people who do not belong. Thanks to Cham’s new outfit, we pass through unhindered. Our first stop is a place called the tower. I was told this is the place one could find out what various magic items were. We were let in by a Gnome who led us to a sitting area. The interior of the house was much, much bigger than the exterior. I explained to Cham that we were in an extra-dimensional space. Then I explained to Cham what an extra-dimensional space was.

After our Items were identified, we attempted to get information. We were told all about, The Claws of Ikshyisi. They are cult whose goal is to bring the Indrinii back to this world. They seek out artifacts of the Indrinii, in an effort to understand them and to use them to form a porthole to bring them back. The box that we are charged in returning to Zorin is one such artifact.

Inside the box are both the key and the person who can use the key. The gate itself, although destroyed, can still be opened. Not the most intelligent move, putting the key and the one person who can use the key in the same box. The Claws of Ikshyisi have most likely taken the box to one of the wizarding collages were they hold much influence. They are still spread out across the [WOMBAT] continent though.

The Gnome is a part of some council; they are the origination that entrusted the box to Zorin. Who ever ambushed Zorin’s caravan, must have know he was the one with the box. There have also been suspicious activities here in Mournhold too. The disturbance the guard spoke of was merely a distraction so some one could apperate into the city unnoticed. The council was too busy to notice. Only the Gnome knew of the incident.

The gnome still wants the box back, but not at this time. It would be a fool’s errand to go after it wiles it was so well protected. Instead our mission has altered slightly. We are to get the attention of The Claws of Ikshyisi. That way the insane wizards can come after us instead of resurrecting the Indrinii. What fun. He suggested we start with the ruins of Lycaeum Arcana, in the Crying Woods.

Cham and I also were given items and messages for the remainder of the group. We have a sword for Jarin. Opals father is concerned about her. The Druids sword is not a fairy tale. After we spoke the gnome returned the Lenses of Magnification, and we were on our way.

It is very late now and I am hungry. I’ll force Cham to eat wile were here, and then at breakfast tomorrow we will discuss our new information with the rest of the group.

Mordryth Pendriec]]> Tue, 06 Sep 2005 17:20:10 -0500
Believing that time is of the essence we traveled overland through the Crying Woods. We left early, and made good time in the morning. However as evening approached so did our troubles. It started with a group of ogres. There were three of them and they had set up an ambush. With my help we were able to stop the threat, although this was one of the rare occasions that I did not have the proper spells ready. I honestly did not expect to encounter hostility.

Nor was I prepared for there leader, a rather huge ogre with a giant axe. He said we had passed his test and were now worthy of fighting him. Oh joy, an ogre with a superiority complex. He just stood there and waited for us to make the first move. If it were up to me I would have just continued on our way, but when one travels with a barbarian, one must accept that one can not just walk away from combat.

True to form Nagmar was the first to attack the behemoth. The ogre would only attack after he was hit. And would only attack who hit him. I was out of my most deadly spells and what I had left was not appropriate for the battle. I was able to instruct Cham though and because of my guidance he was able to inflict damage.

It took much, but we final fell the beast. Beaten up, but still alive. Except for the bard. Apparently he died in the battle. Nagmar did his usual thing that he dose. And just as we were about to continue on our merry way, an argument broke out about what to do with the dead bards body.

We should have just left it for the wolves, but no. The druid wanted to waste everyone’s time by starting a giant fire in the middle of the woods, and leaving it to burn down the whole [FLOPPING] place. So we burn the corps, but that’s just not good enough for the druid. He wants to burn everything that bard had. Wonderful, we have an arsonist druid with us. Yea for us.

We burned what was left. Which wasn’t much after Cham collected the “party treasure” the bard was holding. And it still wasn’t enough for the druid. He wanted to burn the bard’s lute. That was were I drew the line. Doesn’t he now how much a good Elvin made lute will go for? We told him it would go to further the bards course, the lute not the money we’ll get for it.

Finally we could continue. We rode for a wile longer before our guides had a disagreement over witch direction to go. So we decided to make camp here for the night, and continue on in the morning. I made a wonderfully delicious meal and now I am off to bed. Tomorrow I want to be more prepared in my spells.

Mordryth Pendreic
]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2005 12:13:05 -0500
At the other Inn I quickly divulged my finding to Jarin and Kern, someone we seamed to have picked up the owlbear fight. They informed me that our party was off doing gods know what to the locals. You would think that in the middle of trying to find out who is throwing monsters at us they would act in a more dignified manner. I guess they just won’t be happy until they get themselves killed. Then Jarin starts to get uppity with me over not waking him for the fight. That drunken lout actually had the audacity to reprimand me. This is not the fist time he has shown open hostility toward me, but he is now on very shaky ground. I am tolerant up to a point and he is so very close to it.

I sent Ragde to spy on the traveler in the other Inn. After my brief discussion with the more sensible members of the party and Jarin, he came flying to the Inn, now called “The Owlbear’s [CHAIR]” or something like that. With Ragde’s warning I look out to the street and the horse is from the other Inn is riding past, but with a different rider. Different but very recognizable, it is the mage from the farmhouse ambush. With obvious rage I command Jarin and Kern to gather the others and follow the bastard. Then I cast Dragon’s Flight upon myself and fly after him.

I attack him with my magic but he is moving too fast and I am unsuccessful. The rest of the group is now beginning there pursuit as well so I fly to the stables for my horse. I get my horse some weapons and follow after Kern, Cham, and Nagmar. The first two riding horses and Nagmar running on foot. Naked. No words can describe what I felt, only nausea and sorrow.

With Kern and Cham leading the pursuit, I quickly came upon Nagmar who although fast can not out run a horse, so I offer him assistance. He accepts my offer for a ride and soon enough we get to where Kern caught up to the mage. When Nagmar and I arrive they are fighting not only the mage, but a displacer beast as well. Seconds into the fight, after he casts “Mirror Image” upon himself, I realize that our mage is an illusionist.

As I quickly inform the party the beast is not real, our prey cast another spell. This one changes his form to look exactly like me. Then he charges me, trying to confuse everyone. After some quick thinking on Kern’s part, he grabs the real Illusionist. I let every one know I am me by igniting my finger and punching the bastard in the face.

Our victory is short lived however as Nagmar splits the mage’s chest open with his axe. Not that I care he is dead that would have happened any way. What I wanted was information. Although with his dying breath he was able to tell me that the box we are looking for was passed on to his superiors. He was unable to tell me there name, only that, “the box was in the claws of x…”

I can see that Nagmar is going to be a problem. He is very proud and noble, but his thoughts are small. He sees too much in black and white. The mages death, though wanted, was too soon. There must be a way to harness his rage. I think it can be a very useful weapon in obtaining my goals. The problem is he sees me with the eyes of his people. He disregards my strengths, and focuses on fighting ability.

I think the time has come for me to learn how to use a sword. I feel this is the only way to envelop Nagmar into my fold. I have asked him to “teach me to become a man.” This should develop a bond between master and student. Such bonds are exploitable.


Mordryth Pendriec]]> Fri, 29 Jul 2005 10:10:23 -0500
Our new companion Nagmar is quite the character. He is obvious a barbarian from a warrior tribe. I feel it is best to make nice and keep him willing to aid me should I have need for little brains and much brawn.

I lead the party to the beasts nest but found little information there. It was a younger one, no eggs. But I did find a few items of interest. I willingly split the coins with the group, but kept the lenses for myself.

I have beef feeling a bit off lately. I can’t quite put my finger on it but there seams to be some sort of shift in the magical energy. It happens from time to time, this should clear up shortly.

I have a lot of pieces but the puzzle still is not coming together as neatly as I would have hoped.

Mordryth Pendriec
]]> Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:30:33 -0500
The integration went well. I did not get all the information I wanted, I did however get the information he had. It appears that he was just an apprentice. He made a very bad choice in masters.

We are no closer to Zorins infernal box, or the pile of excrement that attacked me. I did however, set up our friend with a more worth wile master to teach him the Art. At the same time I created another pawn to use when the time is right.

After we sent the apprentice on his way, with a warning not to meddle in my affairs, we journeyed into the town. So far we have no leads on the box or anything.

The service at the inn was appalling. I must remember to destroy it and kill the owner when I rule the world.

Mordryth Pendriec
]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2005 22:37:40 -0500 After we removed there arms and armor we questioned them briefly. typical underlings they knew nothing of value.

Sent Ragde to scout ahead. My hunch paid off. there was another ambush at some farm house just past the woods. Now is the perfect time to try some of my uncles spells.

the shear joy and undulation of flight. it was very difficult to focus on the task at hand instead of just flying off. however tempting flight is I must stay true to my goal. The world must be taught. that is for then however I must deal with now.

Our would be assassins were caught unaware of my brilliant ploy. My aerial assault worked brilliantly. one of there number however was hiding out in the hayloft of the barn and was able to recover enough to launch a counter attack on me. I diverted my flight path to intercept and run him down. he however had time to prepare an escape rout and his magic and knowledge of the unfamiliar terrain proved my undoing. the basted escaped. I did however get a good look at him and I will find him and deal with him later. (my list is growing)

our final tally was three killed, one escaped and one captured. Our "guest" is being healed for his interrogation tomorrow. I have everything prepared. after I have the information I want he is of no further use to me and will be eliminated

Mordryth Penreic]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2005 23:32:29 -0500