"Twisted Rune"'s Case
The notes of this notebook were originally penned by a varieity of writers over the course of the years 163 and 164 AR. The appropriate author will be credited per chapter.
= 15/2/164 AR. - Twisted Rune - Tactical Situation =
Current tactical situation.
25/1/164 AR.
Facts:
(- "Enemy" acquired a body of Rugrim and are going to raise him soon. Why this is of importance to "Defiler", unknown.
(- "Enemy" cooperates with "Spook".
(- "Enemy" cooperates with the Dread.
(- "Enemy" attempted to cooperate with Voidcult's leader, Sojourner. One of the Voidcult's scouts, Tarrick, was spotted near the Tower in 30/1/164.
(- Black Orcs and Thalassians are assisting the Twisted Rune's case, their large numbers were slain on battlefields around Bendir's Trade Route and the Arcane Tower.
12/2/164 AR.
(- "Defiler"'s phylactery was moved out of the "Den", according to the "TW / Zhent?" translated texts. "Lackey"'s one - unknown.
(- Orcs are attacking Greyhammer when large forces are not present in Bendir. Wallace asks adventurers to visit it more often.
(- "Defiler"'s image currently resides in Benwick, preventing the Undead there from being erased.
(- The portal to Baator in Benwick that the Twisted Rune that Defiler wanted to use is cleansed, preventing the reinforcements from mainland.
Strategic goals:
> Acquire Knowledge of "Defiler"'s phylactery.
> Prevent "Prisoner" from being released.
> Prevent "Enemy"'s forces in succeeding in their attempts to get Blood Crystal to re-allign Gates to Baator or similar structure.
> Maintain Vigil at the Tower and nearby settlements.
Signed,
Head Warden of the Arcane Tower,
Day 25, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
Sythaeryn Dawnwing
= 12/2/164 AR. - Twisted Rune - Revisioned Summary =
Actual date:
12/2/164 AR.
Names:
Actual summary date:
12/2/164 AR.
Names:
# Twisted Rune and their forces - alias "Enemy".
# Ophelia Darkheart, female demilich - alias "Defiler".
# Xhazhygix, male demilich, husband of "Defiler" - alias "Prisoner".
# General of the Ninth of Black Fortress - alias "Spook".
# High Warden Silvess Shieldpledged - alias "Protector"
# Negative Energy pocket plane owned by the "Enemy" - alias "Den".
# Vzorius Doomwisper - male palemaster, alias "Lackey".
# The Wardens, Hawk'in, Heartwood and Dragonstone Groove druids and rangers, Kuldarn, Church of Helm, Radiant Heart, Knights of the Road, the Tower's allies, associates and supporters - alias "Resistance".
"Enemy"'s forces:
(- Necromancers.
(- Liches.
(- Undead of all calibre, from lesser to drakoliches.
(- Cultists.
(- Infiltration agents seeking Knowledge of Malice.
(- Vampire thralls and lords - cooperation with Manor of Mourn.
(- Shadow creatures.
(- Palemasters - known one is "Lackey".
"Enemy"'s alliances:
(- Cooperation with the Dread - exchanged the information on matters of creating spaces like "Den".
(- Black Orcs and "Spook".
(- Thalassians, assumed to be convinced or bought.
(- Attempt of cooperation with Voidcult and their leader, Sojourner, through bartering the Mirror.
(- Cult of the Dragon, assumption through a large presence of drakoliches in "Enemy"'s forces.
(- Frost Giants, assumption through connection to Manor of Mourn and the Dread.
(- Hill Giants, assumption through scouts reports and one being spotted before the first major attack in 1/2/164.
"Enemy"'s goals:
> Free "Defiler", success.
> Free "Prisoner", ongoing.
> Combine forces of "Defiler", "Prisoner", "Spook" to wrestle Benwick from Devils, failed.
> Reallign another portal to mainland in order to receive assistance, ongoing.
Chronological order, dates may fluctate by a margin of two days.
List:
12/9/163
(- Radiant's Heart and associates mission to tackle down man named Aldous - arcanist of the Arcane Tower. Point of countdown since the mission in that island, material - case openening note.
13/9/163
(- Been freed, "Defiler" assumed leadership of the remnants of the Twisted Rune on Arelith.
12/10/163
(- Attack on the Tower. "Protector" was forced into "Den" by the "Enemy"'s agents, presumed dead. One of the agents captured live and interrogated. Goal to free "Prisoner" - failed.
25/10/163
(- Graverobbing of Bendir's burial sites. Man named himself Yoris and unknown necromancer were responsible; the former escaped, the latter was slained.
25/10/163 - '/12/163.
(- Graverobbig notices in several areas, information on public messageboards.
25/11/163
(- "Enemy"'s agent in Myon, Elanthan, confirmed dead by Coronal Zathlan and Vance for attempt of graverobbing of Lye Astalderea.
3/12/163
(- Angela Armana's Scrying confirmed "Protector"'s soul to be imprisoned in the "Den".
5/12/163
(- "Enemy" attacked Cordor. "Lackey" was slained in the catacombs, but probably not permanently. Seek Ciaran Grady's report for details.
17/1/164
(- "Retrievers" accomplish their mission, details in "Shieldpledged Revival". "Enemy"'s "Den" is assumed to be destroyed or severely damaged.
22/1/164
(- During a coincidetal scouting mission, John and associates notice Benwick being attacked by the "Enemy"'s forces.
22/1/164
(- Transcription of a tome acquired in the "Den" is finished hours later, dubbed "TW / Zhent?". Goals and associates of "Enemy" and "Defiler" are more clear.
23/1/164
(- "Resistance" forces battle with undead besieging Benwick, scouting the portal to Baator - no threat to it was present yet.
(- "Enemy" announces their attack on the Tower in nearby tendays.
23/1/164
(- Several groups of "Enemy"'s forces spotted by "Resistance" scouting parties around the Dales and Arelith Forests, on surface and in the caves.
(- Scouts learn of Black Orcs and Giants being involved.
24/1/164
(- Tyne prevented the infiltration in Radiant's Heart. A knight who mentioned his allegiance to "Defiler", named Frederick de Lerone as his superior. This was an attempt of theft of the mirror.
1/2/164
(- Attacks on the Tower, Trading Route and Bendir, commenced. Black Orcs forces, with Thalassians were spotted after Tarrick in a company of a Giant, left the vicinity of the Tower to the North.
02/2/164
(- First sign of the "Enemy"'s own forces at the Tower. Hawk'in, Wardens and the assistant parties defend successfully, with Hawk'in beginning patrols to the North of the Tower.
02/2/164
(- A contigent of the "Resistance" forces approached Benwick, receiving information on heavy undead presence.
They fougth all the way up to the portal to Baator, dispatching small army of undead, bypassing "Spook" as well in the process. Portal was succesfully cleansed by the "Resistance".
03/2/164
(- Arelith Forests see the small contingents of Undead, they were present at the Heartwood's Groove vicinity.
03/2/164
(- Hawk'in and the "Resistance" forces commenced second check upon Benwick, found "Enemy"'s forces present at large, fighting with the devils. "Defiler"'s image prevented "Enemie"s Undead part of forces from being defeated wholly. After cleansing the city for the last time, retreat was made.
Summary:
Up till 15/2/164. "Resistance" forces succesfully defended The Arcane Tower, Bendir's Dale, The Grove and part of Arelith forests from the forces of Undead
Signed,
Head Warden of the Arcane Tower,
Day 25, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
Sythaeryn Dawnwing
= Battle Against Twisted Rune - 6th Alturiak, AR 164 =
Below is a summary of Bendir's involvement in the battle against the Twisted Rune on the 6th of Alturiak, AR 164.
I awoke to find that Black Orcs were spotted in forces near the Arcane Tower and on the surrounding roads. I sent Speedies to Hawk'in, and found that Sheriff Rossira had been leading patrols to and from Bendir, Greyhammer, and the Tower, clearing the roads.
Upon receiving a Speedy that a heavy contingent of undead were at the tower, the Hawk'in (and some adventurers) gathered. I assumed command at this point.
A small force remained at the Gates, and the remainder traveled to the Arcane Tower, where we fought dracoliches, and checked in with the Wardens, who said defense was needed at the road north.
We held position at the Trade Road just across the bridge from the Gnomish Turret, atop the hill leading to the Arcane Tower. We fought at least four waves of Black Orcs, Vampires, and reanimated Skeletons. We sustained some temporary casualties, but otherwise held ground.
I want to thank the Hawk'in present: Sheriff Rossira, Defenders Miatza, Bruce, and Allwyn. The others accompanying us also: Megan, Maebyn, Aura, Harcourt, Bido, and those of the Gauntlet who joined us at one point and held a position east of our location, where they also faced waves of fighting.
Eventually, we heard reports that the undead were spotted in the Forest. We knew that the enemy's plan was also to engage Benwick and change the Hells portal to instead unleash an army of undead. We reported back to the Tower and informed Warden Alina Muk that the Hawk'in were heading towards Benwick.
She asked us to scout the caves first.
We entered the Orc caves off the Trader's Route and slew them all. None of the Black Orcs were spotted. At this point, several Hawk'in had to rest, as they had been fighting for over a day.
Our contingent as this point was Defender Allwyn Marcher, Sheriff Gavin SmallBurrow, Harcourt, Delilah, Ulrik, Thekla and myself. We then proceeded to the Arelith Forest, where we found and slew undead. We ventured onward to Benwick, which was overrun with undead.
Partway through Benwick, I asked Harcourt to notify Buppi of our progress via an illusion. Buppi replied and informed us that they had just finished cleansing the portal there, and we should fall back.
At around this time, the Visage of Queen Ophelia, "Born of Benwick" appeared to us, as well as undead and devils. We fought both, suffering some injuries, but none permanent. The devils were there because the portal change had been undone, back to the Hells. Ophelia attempted to convince us to undo the cleansing, spouting propaganda like:
"The Dead Do Not Tire. The Dead Can Contain The Devil. Move Forward. Undo What Your Friends Before Have Done."
"You Speak Of Xhayzygix. He Who Created The Doom Door."
"The Dead Shall Persist. They Shall Stand. We Shall Fight The Devil That You Are Afraid Of And Keep Them In The Crypts."
Some of the group seemed tempted to discuss more. I ordered a retreat, and I'm proud to say the Hawk'in showed great discipline that day, heeding my call immediately. Some of the rest of the party seemed content to linger, and we convinced them to follow.
At this time, undead remain lingering in the Forest and in Benwick. Orcs remain in Greyhammer. The Hawk'in will continue to lead patrols toward Benwick, and through Greyhammer. We will provide updates when we learn more.
Knowledge guide our paths, and the Wary Sword guide our blades.
Hour 10, Day 9, Month 2, Year 164
Wallace Lyonall
Day 25, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
Supportive
= Defense of AT, Bendir, Grove and Attack on Benwick (Ophelia) =
8/Alturiak/164
Word reached much of the isle of an orc attack upon Bendir and undead on the Arcane Tower. I arrived at the Tower shortly after a host of dracolich and orcs had attacked.
Buppi and I went to Benwick to scout the area. We encountered a large number of undead in the area (abnormal), as well as the ogres and shades. Sythaeryn requested Buppi conjure him, which was done. Cald and Wolf showed up to aid as well and at Syth-through-Buppi's request Alina sent 5 more, including Warden's Second Relds and several Kuldarn.
As the reinforcements arrived the undead surged forth from Benwick, and we battled our way within. We went deeper and deeper until we reached the portal. Along the way we fought a host of fiends, spirits, skeleton warriors and archers, giant bone constructs and dracoliches, including one as tall as Danathor.
We made it to the portal and the portal was blocked by a massive pile of bones and flesh. A firebomb was sufficient to burn it away to reveal an unholy altar. Attempts were made by Buppi to cleanse it using druidic magic but they were unsuccessful. Sythaeryn then used his connection to Selune to attempt to purify it. Hours passed and hoards of undead poured from the portal and attacked from the hall. Waves of bone and flesh spat out of the portal and covered Syth and others; which I burned away with firebombs. Ten or eleven times. The altar could not be damaged by acid, fire, holy water or blade.
A disembodied voice, likely belonging to Ophelia, commanded us to obey her as she was our saviour. After some impolite exchanges Syth succeeded in removing the altar and the portal switched back to leading to Baator. More fiends came to interrupt us.
8/Alturiak/164
The last thing of note is they had a blood golem, possibly the same as the blood crystal. It stood, impossible to damage like the altar. It did not respond to a golem stone or any attempts to control it. It vapourized when they attempted to move the golem.
We returned to the Arcane Tower to learn that and Bendir had fought a host of undead and even more orcs. Similarly the Grove came under some attack with their pools becoming tainted.
After our group departed Hawk'n ventured towards Bendir with Wallace leading. From reports his group was attacked by similar forces and was asked to undo the cleansing of the altar which Syth wrought. They left the battlefield to return to Bendir.
To follow up:
- Reports from Bendir
- Reports from Arcane Tower defenders
- Reports from Hawk'n on trip to Benwick
Day 22, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
Ren Engeve'te'lyn
= TW / Zhent? stolen plans, BENWICK/TOWER/BENDIR RISK =
"Everything is going to plan. Rugrim's body is ours, and I will see him soon raised. An army has been gathered, and almost all of them have been transported out of our storage realm into Benwick, waiting for my signal.
An agreement has been secured by Rhantak Fauzgan to be used for our ends with Voidcultists. And we have the Blood Crystal, which will allow us to change the Baator Portal to connect to our own forces on the mainland, giving us much replenishment. Now is the time to begin the Benwick Campaign.
Use the crystal we have found to temporarily shift the portal to open from Baator to our own mainland forces to reinforce the army we have here.
Finish moving the remaining army to the deepest crypt in Benwick. As per our agreement with the General of the Ninth, leave an additional force within the orc encampments in the caverns of Bendir Dale. Use the cave network they provide to get closer to the tower for the assault to free Xhazhygix. Our Radiant heart infiltrator is on our way to Sojourner and his Voidcultists to deliver the mirror as promised which will win us his support in our tower siege.
Once Xhazyghix is free, bring him to Benwick. Meanwhile, send a large force to function as a distraction into the forest and into the Skullcrags to divert any forces away from the tower.
Once all three of us are gathered, we will move our sights to conquer all of Minmir as the new rightful bastion of our Dark Benwick. Then the realms will see a new age.
Finally, ensure your phylactery is transported out of this realm as mine was. I will want you here in Benwick if they defeat you, so you may be sent out again.
We are very near the end, Doomwhisper. Your great reward will come soon. It is only a matter of days.
-Ophelia Darkheart"
Day 19, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
Anonymous
= Twisted Rune infiltrating Radiant Heart =
Tyne was sewing in the Radiant Cave, and she heard someone sneaking behind her. The sneak didn't approach her, but she instead turned to face him, after hearing him.
He made a few quick excuses for being there, and was attempting to disguise as a knight of the Radiant. Tyne used charm magic to force him to be truthful, and he revealed an allegiance to some unknown Queen. After the charm wore off, he struck out at Tyne.
Tyne subdued him, and questioned him further. He named a knight Frederick de Lerone as his surperior. Swore that this Frederick would return him to undeath. Tyne also noticed Aurlyn's door was open and reasoned the cultist had been snooping inside.
Cultist made claims that his group would mean to reclaim Benwick from the devils using undead minions. Tyne also found a note explaining that he was here to steal and give something to Sojourner.
Day 19, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
John Lymitre
= The Campaign =
While rescuing Shieldpledged's soul and conversing with the lich and creatures there under guise, there were several allusions made to most of the undead being gone on a 'campaign.' It is now know what this 'campaign' is.
In the note under this one, at the end, it mentions where Tyne found out the cultists had intent to take over Benwick using undead for their own purposes.
After receiving a report that a minotaur (Mar'grath Bloodhorn) and accomplices (unknown pirate and Ruger Rockenstocks) were on the road to Benwick, Tyne and I, met up with Lakas and Solveig, and made our way to Benwick. After getting near to the turn to Benwick, we found the three aforementioned fighting many undead and shadow creatures. Ruger and the man fell, while the minotaur fled, who was later slain by our group.
The undead and shadow creatures are already assaulting Benwick. I went inside, but saw no undead or shadow things inside, so I think it is safe to say they have had no success yet.
They are many and powerful, caution is advised. We even had difficulty slaying what we saw.
Day 19, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
John Lymitre
= Details of "Twisted Rune"'s case. I. =
Details:
Is a cabal suspected of Necromancy and another keen, foul magic.
It was tracked by members of the Radiant Heart's Auxillary in their investigation. Other individuals may have been present, the full list is unknown.
One of Twisted Rune's mages - Aldous - was spotted meeting with several others, all while looking for very specific books within the Arcane Tower.
The group's investigation led them a specific island.
Upon arrival, the group met necromancers and other sorts of casters, that were summoning sturdier forms of undead and attempted to block their progress.
The group pressed inside, into a tomb, with a spirit guarding it. Spirit named itself "Jocelyn", it was a knight of Benwick.
It warned of a presence inside the tomb - a Demilich.
Another spirit the party met inside was named Richard, presumably Jocelyn's husband.
Upon meeting the group, spirit attacked them.
Spirits affiliation with the Demilich is not known to this report.
Inside the tomb, they met one of the cultists. It tried to hold the progress of the group using explosive magic, to no avail.
Further down the group found a prisoner, a chained deva. Presumably, intended to be a test to prove the cultist's members determination by killing the said prisoner, as a part of the initiation ritual.
The group pressed onwards, found their initial target - Aldous.
The latter was apprehended and briefly questioned. He confirmed that cult is seeking to release a Demilich, by the name of Ophelia (Orpelia?), the Lady of theirs liking.
The whole cult aimed to set her free.
According to one of the group's members, this cult demanded one particular prisoner to be released from Spellhold, unclear which one.
According to Aldous, the Demilich has her soul stashed in several powerful gems, making it more difficult to destroy the phylactery. Further questioning is needed.
Inside the tomb, several other cultist members, including a man with a bone arm, also had their phylacteries.
Day 10, Month 2 (Alturiak), 163 AR
Sythaeryn Dawnwing
= "Twisted Rune"'s case. =
Party in case:
"Twisted Rune", until further notice.
Motto:
"Promote the strong, cast away the weak".
Members:
Aldous.
Oher unnamed Magi, dubbed "cultist" in report.
One of those was described as a man with bone arm.
Goal:
Set free a Demilich, the corruptor, by the name of Ophelia (Orpelia?) (success).
The groups investigating:
Radiant Heart's Auxillary, Knights of the Road.
Conclusion:
The group managed to disable the cult, free the deva, apprehend a valuable information source.
Yet, the Lady of the said cult, Demilich, is set loose.
How does this cult, Aldous and the Demilich connect to the events within the Arcane Tower, Mila's Brown assassination and theft of the Child is unclear to this report.
Aldous was captured and put into the Spellhold.
The interrogation is about to start in next tendays. Details will appear alongisde this case.
The report dubbed "I" was given by:
A member of the investigation group, Isabella Isherwood.
Received by:
[signed] Head Warden of the Arcane Tower,
Day 10, Month 2 (Alturiak), 163 AR
Sythaeryn Dawnwing
= Report: Negative Pocket Plane Entry (And destruction?) =
17/Hammer/164: The retrieval of Silvess Shieldpledged's body and her revival and the attempted destruction of the plan.
Involved: John Lymitre, Buppi, Rat, Alina Muk, Sythaeryn Dawnwing, Sparrow, Vico, Quinton, Zathlan, Cald, Azalea, Wallace Lyonall, Solveig, various Turret and Tower staff.
Vico, Sparrow, Rat, Alina, Quinton and John would enter the negative energy pocket plane which took the soul of Shieldpledged, and likely houses the bodies of all those stolen from the Graveyards. If possible they would use a bomb to attempt to detonate the plane as well. With them would go a bone golem, adamantine golem, rust golem and a bullette. Sparrow took the form of an undead with a red scythe while Alina donned a disguise and she and the rest polymorphed into zombies. Alina conjured forth the portal and they all entered together, with Sparrow at the lead.
Shortly afterwards Azalea and Cald left to check the Halls of Candor and Alteration, with others on the Foyer and Apex.
After a whole day and a half of waiting we received a messenger from Alina that they would be out in a few hours. A moment later suddenly a giant bone golem came through followed by shadow creatures 8 feet tall with giant swords, and eventually vampires, skeletons and a dracolich. The creatures came from the shadow portal itself. After six or seven waves of such creatures the portal closed. After the second wave, in the midst of the fighting, Zathlan entered the hall and was able to retreat to gather much needed reinforcements.
In order to get the six out, Buppi and Zathlan worked to reopen the portal. This allowed the six to escape with Shieldpledged's body which allowed her revival, as well as the return of the body of Birdie Swordhill to her grave in Bendir. More undead attacked as the 'Funball' was tossed into the portal and closed, hopefully severely damaging or destroying the plane.
Day 18, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
Ren Engeve'te'lyn
= 12/1/163 - Twisted Rune News - Shieldpledged Revival =
When:
Began at Day 17 of Hammer, at dawn, concluded by Day 19, at evening.
Where:
Negative Energy pocket Plane - Retrievers.
Arcane Tower's Wardens Hall - Defenders.
What:
Rescue mission.
Who:
Retrievers - Alina, Vico, Quinton, Sparrow, John, miss Rat.
Defenders - Wallace, Buppi, Zathlan, Ren, Cald, Syth, Azalea, Alrius, Solveig, Beruthar, member of the Turret, The Artificer, Daria.
Enemy - Twisted Rune cult and supporters.
Assistance - Dredok, Bo.
Details (I):
Retrieval began suddenly. Likely because everyone informed were present, required materials and gear ready, and waiting a further month was deemed not necessary.
Proceeded with opening a portal to a Negative Energy pocket plane owned by the Enemy, that the latter used in various malicious means. It was confirmed that the plane contained bodies stolen from various gravesites, that added a more personal matter to some of the Defender.
The mission commenced with the Retrievers, following a priorly discussed plan, stepping into the portal. Portal to that plane could only be opened from the Prime. Defenders were informed to wait for hours and were tasked to guard the perimeter around the Tower, as well as watc
During the wait at the portal, a man named Exordius abandoned the field due to his issues with one of the Defenders. Noted as unreliable.
After the Retrievers went inside, an initially small party of Defenders contacted their associates, to set up a better Vigil. Some of the names of those who were in the foyer for hours to help the cause will come later.
After a long wait, for several hours, portal activity began. It spawned a drakolich, entities, [Drawings and descriptions of towering, black corporeal figures with a singular long sword in their hand, presumably Shadow in nature] and vampires, thralls and lords, in waves.
Details (II):
The initial wave nearly broke the composure and only seven Defenders were watching the portal, including the animated suits and menagerie creatures. That wave broke all the suits, menagerie creatures and brought some casualties to Defenders. During the battle, Coronal appea
Waves became continuously harder to battle, and during one of those Beruthar rose a question of closing the portal for the sake of everyone in the Tower. Defenders remained unshaken, defending it.
During the battle with the last and most dangerous wave that came from portal, the portal closed. In a heat of big battle, no one noticed who was responsible. The Defenders after consulting with Coronal, and after his scrying, quickly found all the necessary materials to re-open it
Luckily, the Defenders had Buppi to perform necessary practice and opened a portal, releasing the Retrievers and some lesser Undead alongside. The indead were quickly dispatched, and the 'Funball' device bomb was delivered inside the portal by physical means. It is expected to .
Conclusion:
The Defenders managed to hold their ground, communicate and see the Retrievers to leave the Enemy Plane.
The Retrievers managed to successfully accomplish their mission, details are in John's joint report.
Additional commends:
> to Dredok for reviving some of the fallen Defenders, Tower's staff in the foyer (there was a suspected orc attack during the last wave battle, that got them - no one could have been spared in the foyer at that moment). Also saved the day providing the pixie dust.
> to Solveig for providing largely all the necessay materials to re-open the portal.
> to Buppi for being the one to assist with opening the portal.
> to Zathlan for making a communication bridge.
Signed,
Head Warden,
Day 18, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
Sythaeryn Dawnwing
= Shieldpledged Revived, Pocket Plane Destroyed =
Myself, Alina, Vico, Quintin, Sparrow, and Rat all warded and armed ourselves, and went into the negative pocket plane where Shieldpledged's soul was being held prisoner, disguising ourselves as students.
There were many obstacles faced once inside, though none proved too perilous in the end. Shieldpledged along with a smattering of other prisoner souls were freed and rescued.
In the end, the Funball was thrown into the plane and the portal closed, and High Warden Silvess Shieldpledged was revived, once again amongst the living.
I eagerly await an account of what happened on the other side while we delved in.
We absolutely did the unthinkable. I could not be more proud of what has been accomplished by everyone this day.
Day 17, Month 3 (Ches), 164 AR
John Lymitre
= Suggested Investigation: Minmar Manor and Mansfried =
I've verified from multiple sources that Mansfried, the Minmar Manor ghoul-lich thing, is highly likely to be involved in all this Twisted Rune business.
Per the records of "Alia Silveroak", Mansfried worked with the Twisted Rune to bring down Kholigen. Per "Euthyumius' History of Minmar", Mansfried was originally corrupted when coming into contact with a powerful undead that existed in a negative energy plane (similar to the divinations of the Black Mass Portals.)
Despite this, I have yet to hear much, if anything, out of the Minmar area (Endless Battlefield-thing aside). Its highly unlikely the twisted Rune wouldn't contact Mansfried. So why haven't we seen much activity from that area?
The Rune's actions thus far don't seem to be resource-driven. Mass-graverobbing corpses to raise as undead later would make sense, IF, they weren't throwing hundreds of already raise, more powerful undead at people every time they were discovered graverobbing. Its like paying a gold coin to get a few coppers back.
I suspect the mass-graverobbings are something more of a mass-search. Grab what you can, process it later at your leisure somewhere safe. Like digging through a loot bag after a bank robbery. Can't do that crap at the bank; the guards'll catch you if you stick around too long.Given the context of their invovelment, I suspect they're looking for a specific corpse, an item/artifact/knowledge buried with a body, or both.
I -suspect- Minmar has been deliberatly left "quiet" to avoid drawing attention to it while larger, flashier displays are done elsewhere. Either to divert attention, or because the Manor is already Rune territory and they can process that area at their leisure.
This is all theory. I need to speak with other investigators to verify all this.
Day 10, Month 3 (Ches), 163 AR
Sei
= Scry Report: Silvess Shieldpledged's Imprisoned Soul =
Upon learning Silvess had been captured but not confirmed dead, I set upon a course to try and locate her: To reopen the portal she was taken through, and attempt to link to her with a focus-assisted scry.
Technical details aside, it was successful. The scry revealed a cell block where Silvess' soul was being held, confirming she is indeed dead, though not beyond possible rescue. The Cell block was thus: A short hallway, with four cells on either side. I could see into three of them by my sensor's angle, and each was a soul with a myriad of wards on it. What I could Identify was: Soul Anchor, Anti-Conjure, Corporealize, Alert.
Being a scry, Silvess was unaware of me, and I'm unsure if she was aware of her surroundings. The Skeletal figure guarding her was repeated for each cell: *a drawing of a skeletal guardian, no weapon, with heavy plated in ancient Minmir style*. Further, it appeared unintelligent.
Unfortunately, there was a partially undead necromancer at the head of the cell, though I could not tell specifics beyond black and red robes. Intelligent and powerful, likely actively controlling the undead in the cell. For this reason, I did not elect to send Silvess an Image of reassurance.
My sensor itself, due to the unique nature of the scry, began to absorb some of the negative energy of the plane, for it was the Negative Energy plane she was being held in, and I had to end the spell. Withdrawing the sensor back into me caused severe withering of my physiology, but quick action by Samantha Goodman and Jacob Swift had me feeling well within a few moments. Specifically a withdrawl of the negative energy by Jacob, and a Greater Restoration by Samantha.
At this time I am unsure of recovery of Silvess' soul without knowing the location on the plane. It is encouraging to see familiar armor among their sentinels, but that doesn't guarantee proximity to Arelith.
I am optimistic that recovery is possible, if improbable.
Signed,
Conclave Archmage,
Day 4, Month 3 (Ches), 163 AR
Angela Amana
= 7/12/163 - Bendir News - Twisted Rune attack on Cordor =
Bendir:
5/12/163 - Twisted Rune attack on Cordor:
Exordius claims that undead attacked Cordor, via portals opened in the graveyard. A palemaster (no description given) was found deep in a crypt. He gave a "weird lecture" which apparently distracted the party for some time. The palemaster claimed to have been stealing bodies from graveyards on the island. Amana asserted it was the Twisted Rune.
The palemaster was slain, and the attack defeated.
Day 5, Month 3 (Ches), 163 AR
Vico Killian
= Elanthan Report - 26/11/163 =
Twisted Rune's agent Elanthan in Myon is confirmed dead. He was slain on site of Lye Astaldarea during the graverobbing some moons ago. Keeper of Myon's records Mithreas verified his description to Coronal Zathlan, I, as eyewitness.
Day 3, Month 3 (Ches), 163 AR
Vance Gravelle
= Recovery of Thomas (Mirror) - 26/11/163 =
At day 20 of this month three diviners: myself, Zathlan, and Rat in the presence of Alina Muk and Sparrow performed the Sight of Three, to search for a mirror encased boy Thomas who was taken from the Spellhold.
(after he was removed unlawfully, a band of brave individuals marched into Abyss to challenge a demon, a succubus, who played a role in cursing this child in the first place. Demon was vanquished).
The sight pointed us toward Sibayad, and mirror to be in possession of demon cultist Lora Gallenson; who was one of the two main suspects toward the end.
She was confronted at bazaar, where she agreed to speak to me alone in her abode, ''Holy Sanctum'', due our prior knowledge of one another. It took some time to have her confirm she has the mirror, and majority of this time she spent trying to convince me, and perhaps herself, about rightness of her action(s). She told me I will find no absolution or future for myself with aide from Abyss. At this point I had enough, conjuring Zathlan in. He conjured Alina in, in turn.
Radiant Heart branch had appeared outside, and eventually they smoked us out of the house by fire. They sought for Wicked Artefact Lora had. After informing them of Thomas condition matter was settled as follows; once boy is free, mirror is given to the Most Holy Order of the Radiant Heart for destruction.
Lora gave mirror to Alina, and her fate was left to be decided by remaining Radiant Auxiliary; by myself, Elinee Fynn, Aoth. Knowing Lora's vily ways it was not a difficult debate. After her last failed manipulation I struck her with a spear, and chase began.
Many demon generals, balors, littered the path around Sibayad's coast toward old ruin of yuan-ti where she ran to a dead-end and eventually fell. She had no time to personally trigger conjuring incantations, but likely relied to prior arrangements for near-certain death-case.
Some remained to bury her, some left for Tower with a mirror. Some searched Lora's house.
Day 3, Month 3 (Ches), 163 AR
Vance Gravelle
= Summary of Angela Amana's Portal - 12/11/163 =
12/11/163
Observed Amana in the company of four human women and one halfling. She had painted a large circle of runes on the floor near my office door.
Amana opened a portal to the plane Silvess was taken to. She noted she could not open a portal to her location. I asked for clarification on this point later and di not recieve it. Suggest this is sought that a means can be found.
Amana then scried through the portal, the rift eliminating the cross-planar divide that might have otherwise disrupted scrying. She observed the Silvess' soul bound and warded. She could not release her but claimed she was "aware". She also observed skeletal dead outside cells with the garb of Minmir on them..
Talk then turned to speculation of location and plans to rescue her. Much focus was placed on the Minmir armour but I suspect it was simply indicative of the recent theft of Minmir dead.
Day 27, Month 2 (Alturiak), 163 AR
Vico Killian
= Bendir Dale - Account of Interplanar Graverobbing =
Dregan Young reports Dregan, Gwen and Tagd observe a gateway in graveyard near Bendir, and dead walking into it. Second nearby war cemetery then also found to be defiled. Solveig, Zethlan and Sigvaldir joined by this point. Meet alleged Kelemvorite going by Yoris with fabricated orders from Ciaran Grady to send dead into rift. Zathlan observes alleged demilich within rift. Yoris then escapes. It is discovered Lys is being robbed similarly. The necromancer responsible is slain, though identity is not given.
Day 22, Month 2 (Alturiak), 163 AR
Vico Killian
= Attack on the Tower - High Warden Shieldpledged's death =
Merely few days ago, the Arcane Tower was attacked after Aurlyn, Tahlal and I went into Spellhold to interrogate Aldous. He gave us two names:
- Elanthan, an elf who has pretending to be a traveler and Dawnwing, the same one mentioned by Benet, and that used to reside within Myon's library.
- Garrett, a human who worked in Cordor's crypts, allowing cultists to gather during the night.
When we came out of Spellhold, the Tower had been attacked by the Twisted Rune and High Warden Shieldpledged was gone, with Daria Hilltop claiming to have seen her walk through a dark gateway.
Soon after Buppi was able to confirm that Shieldpledged was dead, and all arcanists were interrogated atop the apex. Benet was found, detained and interrogated. The information regarding this wicked man can be found on Buppi's report.
Day 19, Month 2 (Alturiak), 163 AR
Alina Muk
= Tower Attack - Benet Interrogation =
High Warden Shieldpledged is presumed dead. During an attack on the Towers Warden Hall, she was likely forced into the dark portal that was opened up within that hall. This portal leads to a pocket plane simply referred to as storage. It has properties like the Negative Energy Plane, in which no life can exist. Upon entering said portal and said plane, Shieldpledged would have died.
Buppi performed a summoning of the High Warden to be certain, and found no life-pulse that would respond to it. It was not due to being blocked or too far of distance, further confirming her fate.
After Shieldpledgeds Death, the various members of the Tower were gathered into the Apex to be questioned, as it had been determined someone had betrayed the Tower. Alina headed up questioning until one mage was singled out. Through questioning by Head Warden Syhaeryn, Solveig, and Zathlan, further details were found.
The magis name is Benet, who is in love with Aldous and claims it is mutual. He has stated he assisted Aldouss people in having Shieldpledged get killed, as he wished Aldous free from Spellhold.
Benet gave Aldouss allies a Arcane Town Token, informed them where the High Warden would be, and when mages with clearance generally enter and exit Spellhold.
The Token was acquired via illusionary magics, Benet made to look like Head Warden Sythaeryn and simply asked for a spare token. The illusion was done by Aldouss allies, using only a description of the Head Warden. This illusionist is an elf who had also asked of the Lye and Baelnorns, Benet claims to not have seen him since.
Benet spoke further of another associate of Aldous named Garet, a male human. They would meet behind Mayfields tavern, in the library, or in the various classrooms in the Tower. Both this elf and Garet are described as wearing hooded black robes with red belts.
Garet offered for Benet to work directly for him, though Benet refused, stating he only wished Aldous. Benet asked when Garet intended to free Aldous, Garet stated after he had gathered a sufficient force. Garet further spoke of graveyards being a gold mind for such a cause.
Benet described Garets offered work to be necromantic in nature. Garet also spoke of the black matter gateways.
Garet spoke of an old manor on the Dwarven Mountain (Dark Spires, likely Mourn) that contained a text of transportation, mostly used as a way to safe travel or safely hide what you did not wish to destroy. Garet spoke of a third use: a metaphorical camp for their animated dead (see, pocket plane).
Benet spoke that they had bartered for a copy of this book, and the originals remained in Mourn.
When questioned when was the last time Benet saw Garet, it was two or three tendays ago and he did not see them today, which he found odd. Benet stated it is likely they died (unconfirmed. Authors note, likely related to the events during the Hawkin patrol in the Spires to Mourn.
Benet is currently in custody in Spellhold. The wardings of Spellhold are also being changed.
Day 18, Month 2 (Alturiak), 163 AR
Buppi
= A few adds to initial reports =
Demilich is called Ophelia Darkheart. it may try to find or animate her fallen husband, who died before incarceration of Ophelia.
Jocelyn and Richard: spirits bound to the prime until their task keeping them here is complete. Task keeping them here: Ophelia. Once this demilich is vanquished, it's assumed spirits will be set free and find rest in afterlife.
Jocelyn: she originally sealed Ophelia in her tomb.
Cultists believe they will be rewarded with immortality due their service to Lady Ophelia Darkheart. Aldous included.
We found no phylacteries on the site. We met couple of liches, confirmed, their phylacties elsewhere thus their defeat is not absolute. Ophelia's is likewise in unknown location, and demilich are able to tether themselves to one from great distance.
Aldous, as Twisted Rune agent, had wished to break into Spellhold after ascending high enough in the ranks to have a security clearance. Plans changed, but he stated it's no loss, as Lady was freed from behind a seal regardless.
There's still something they seek from the Spellhold [advise: this discussed Spellhold inventory taking; to know what there is].
A necromancer with bone-arm, contact of Aldous to Twisted Rune, was keeping tabs on his progress. Aldous visited library of Cordor as well, not only that of a Tower to gather components needed to break Ophelia's seal.
During final confrontation this bone-arm said he had hoped Zhentarim had kept Rune's enemies busy enough, forces of good busy enough, to avoid detection. I asked to clarify, which enemies, Tower? Bone-arm confirmed.
Zhentarim attacking Archmage Brown was either known beforehand by the Rune, making them as vague allies, or her death was a mark for them to act fast. Aldous, after gathering all components, left in a hurry to this necromancer isle.
Note: I've heard a tale of another demi-lich of great power on this isle, rumored to be locked in last cell of the Spellhold; brought in by no other than Khelben Blackstaff. Target?
Day 10, Month 2 (Alturiak), 163 AR
Vance Gravelle
==Transcribed by Winter's Rest Librarian Gwenno Auburnridge, Flamerule 21st, year 173 AR, 1373 DR==