Kergen's Whip March 7, 1203: A group consisting of Steven, Renchor, Saddanar, Dane, Roman, Rygar, Mirizida, and Kali, gathered at the Speaking Stones, just outside of New Moret. Upon their arrival, the party witnesses a strange phenomenon. The center of the stone circle was shrouded in darkness and a strange growling howl echoed from the stones. Earlier in the morning, there had been reports that some creature plummeted from the sky and landed in the stone’s center. Without regard for his own safety, Roman entered the stone circle, piercing the darkness and disappearing from sight. Roman found that the Speaking Stones were the domain of a Demonic Oracle called “The Guardian”, an incredibly powerful being who resembled a Maralith and perhaps was countless centuries ago. Roman surprised by The Guardian’s appearance, launched an attacked at the vile beast. This was a mistake, however, as Roman was severely injured in the exchange and decided that perhaps diplomacy was needed. Fearing for Roman’s life, the rest of the group dove through the darkness and into the Guardian’s domain. Several party members found there was blocked as they emerged on a pile of bodies; past sacrifices to the Guardian’s hunger. While the party regrouped, the Guardian gave ground, allowing time to prepare her defenses. This day, there was no battle, however, as the Guardian told the group that a Baylor named Kergen had visited earlier in that day inquiring as to the location of his fabled whip, a weapon that had been stolen from him many centuries earlier. When asked about the pile of bodies, she replied that they were merely sacrifices from those grateful for her services. As a token of her generosity, she offered to send the party to the same location where Kergen had went hours earlier to find his whip. The party agreed and were transported to a Maure Castle in an alternate reality. Many party members, having previously faced the dangers of Maure Castle, found themselves facing a familiar opponent in a terrible Iron Golem. In this reality, however, the party only needed to touch a sigil on the powerful construct’s fore-head. Still, this task proved difficult, and if it were not for the quick thinking of Saddanar, who encased the golem in a wall of stone, the party may have suffered heavy losses. Once the sigil was transferred to the party, they were able to access the next portal which led them to the domain of Kerziz, a demon bound to this alternate reality. Kerziz told that group that he had indeed been visited by Kergen, but would say no more unless the party agreed to free him using a special tome in his possession. Reluctantly, the party agreed to perform the “Freedom” ritual and after a short while, Kerziz was no longer bound to the cavern that had for centuries been his prison. Kerziz explained that Kergen was looking his flaming whip and that until recently, the whip has been part of his own treasure hoard. Kerziz expressed pleasure when the party came to the realization that they were too late and that Kergen had regained one of his two fabled weapons. “Seek the chamber.” Kerziz said just before he teleported away. “If you desire the location of the Balor’s sword. It will not be long before he resumes his search.” |
The Speaking Stones
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