22 - Crossing Into Highmarsh

Amelia, still disoriented, could only recall being brought to the area, resisting her captors, and then losing consciousness. Varis approached the workers and asked for permission to examine the bodies to identify if any were known to them. As he inspected the bodies, he recognized one as Vaylin Moss, an acquaintance. Varis solemnly covered her body and stepped down from the wagon. Meanwhile, Rayenne used her druidic magic to cleanse the blood from the ground. With little more to uncover, the party decided to head back to Northvik.

Upon returning, they were greeted by the town guard assigned to monitor them. They proceeded to the tavern to get a meal, during which Amelia, now seemingly more herself, admitted she had been joking about not recognizing them. The group then briefed her on what had transpired since her disappearance. After eating, they inquired about lodgings, and the guard led them to the local inn. Upon entering, they discovered that the inn was a simple lodge offering just one room with several beds. Unwilling to share the space with strangers, Varis decided to pay for all the beds for the night, ensuring the party had the room to themselves.

A Brief Stay In Northvik

While the sun was still up, the party decided to find a general store to stock up on supplies. The young boy from earlier appeared and offered to guide them. He led them to a local general store, The Collectors' Stop, where they were greeted by a gnome shopkeeper behind the counter. The shop was filled with mundane items, but Varis and Bartimaeus inquired if there were any special items available. The gnome, intrigued, asked if they had the gold to back up their interest. Varis assured him they did, prompting the gnome to unlock a hidden room. A wall slid open, revealing shelves of unique items and some armor.

As they browsed, Bartimaeus noticed a suit of Dominus Plate Armor and decided to purchase it. Varis selected an Inventor's Utility Belt, while Bartimaeus also picked out a set of fine clothes. He also found an Enchanted Cooking Pot. Instead of paying with gold, Varis offered a handful of gemstones for trade. The gnome agreed, and they made the exchange. Before leaving, Varis cast a spell to boost Bartimaeus's charisma, hoping to help him haggle. Bartimaeus, feeling more confident, managed to negotiate a discount, saving a couple hundred gold before donning his new armor.

Later, the party reconvened at the inn for dinner and a discussion about their next steps. Amelia, in high spirits, paid the bard to perform a lively tune on the table, bringing a cheerful atmosphere to the evening. The party enjoyed a relaxing night and decided to take a long rest.

The next morning, Amelia was the first to wake up. She found the bard already downstairs, preparing for the day, and asked if she could go upstairs to wake the others with music. The bard agreed and went upstairs, playing a tune that roused everyone except Rayenne, who remained deeply asleep. Amelia, mischievous as ever, crushed some Red Meadowpawn mushroom near Rayenne's face. The pungent smell caused Rayenne to wake with a serious headache, much to her annoyance, but it successfully got her out of bed.

As the party stirred awake, some members decided to visit the general store for another look. Keira and Rayenne headed over together, mentioning to the gnome shopkeeper that their friends had visited the day before. Recognizing Rayenne, the gnome unlocked the hidden room again, allowing them to browse the special items.

Keira quickly explored the hidden selection, while Rayenne took her time examining the store's offerings. Rayenne found a pair of Boots of Heroism, believing they would be useful. Keira was drawn to an Amulet of the Silver Moon, a beautiful piece that caught her eye. The gnome, however, doubted she could afford it, prompting a defiant look from Keira. Undeterred, she also chose a Belt of Nobility.

Rayenne inquired about diamonds, prompting the gnome to disappear into the back room. He returned with three diamonds, each worth 500 gold pieces. Rayenne purchased the diamonds along with the boots. Keira, meanwhile, proved the gnome wrong by paying for her items without issue.

Rejoining the others outside the tavern, the party discussed their next steps, considering the possibility of using necromantic magic to speak with the dead victims found earlier. They asked the guard about the corpses' whereabouts, only to learn that the bodies had been burned during the night. The decision was made out of concern for potential corruption, and the ashes were scattered into the Gylder River. Accepting this outcome, the party decided to move on.

Afterwards, Rayenne took Varis to the local bookstore, where she had previously placed an order while the others were shopping. She happily picked up the books she had ordered and paid for them, it was the Healer's Compendium: A Medicinal Guide, Cartographer's Aid: A Guide to Maps and Mapping, Mariner's Almanac: A Navigator’s Guide, Culinary Codex: The Epicurean's Companion and Alchemist's Compendium of Toxins and Antidotes. She was satisfied with her purchase. Amelia visited the general store on her own, purchasing the Amulet of the Guiding Sun and three superior healing potions offered by the gnome shopkeeper. With her new items in hand, she rejoined the party as they prepared to leave Northvik, setting out eastward toward Highmarsh.

Entering Highmarsh

The journey continued until midday, at which point the environment began to change, signaling their approach to Highmarsh. The air grew heavy and a faint green mist lingered, giving the area an eerie atmosphere. They reached a large stone bridge, and as they crossed it, Keira noticed figures on the other side. Halting the group, she stepped forward to inquire about their identities. They turned out to be soldiers, border guards bearing the banner of Redmond. Relieved, the party introduced themselves. The guards warned them to stay on the road, cautioning that straying into the wilderness of Highmarsh could be dangerous and that they would not expend resources to rescue anyone lost there.

After crossing the checkpoint, the party decided to deviate from the main road and venture into the dark forests of Highmarsh. As they navigated the dense woods, Amelia spotted movement ahead—a large figure shaking the trees. The party cautiously approached and discovered a lone ghoul rummaging through an abandoned cart. Seizing the opportunity, Amelia and Keira lined up their shots and fired, killing the ghoul instantly. However, their relief was short-lived as Amelia noticed a giant spider emerge from its camouflage. The spider swiftly grabbed the dead ghoul and dragged it into the bushes, disappearing from sight. The party watched in silence, realizing that the dangers of Highmarsh were not limited to mere ghouls.

As the party cautiously ventured deeper into Highmarsh, they stumbled upon an overgrown tunnel entrance. Cutting their way through the thick vegetation, they emerged into a surprisingly serene chamber. Inside, a natural spring flowed gently from a statue of a crying angel—an unexpected sight in the midst of the marshlands. The chamber showed signs of previous visitors, evidenced by an old campfire.

Deciding to rest and strategize, the group settled down. During this time, Keira sifted through her belongings and realized she was out of her blood vials. The realization triggered a gnawing hunger that she struggled to conceal. Without a word, she slipped away into the marshes, leaving the party puzzled by her sudden departure. Concerned, Amelia transformed into her beast form and attempted to track Keira, but her pursuit was interrupted when she nearly collided with a small figure outside the cave. Startled, Amelia turned to see a group of armed goblins, who looked equally shocked by the encounter.

One goblin quickly raised its hand, signaling peace and expressing a desire to talk. Amelia, relieved, reverted to her regular form and sighed, then led the goblin leader back to the party. The goblin greeted the group and inquired about their purpose in Highmarsh, curious if they were treasure hunters. The party explained that they were searching for a lich, prompting the goblin to ask which one. When they mentioned the large spider they had encountered earlier, the goblin dismissed it as a common occurrence in the area and claimed to know little about any liches.

However, the goblin offered to take them to meet his "big boss," sparking the party's curiosity. Unsure of what to expect but seeing an opportunity for information, they agreed to follow the goblins to their leader.

The Big Boss

The party followed the goblins to their encampment, nestled within an abandoned burrow cave. The goblin guide led them inside, where they were greeted by the sight of a large tent at the center of the camp. After a few moments, a towering orc emerged from the tent with a sluggish gait, clearly roused from rest. The goblin proudly introduced him as Grimrok Dreadtusk, known by many titles: The Skull Boss, The Big Bonesinger, Harvester of Voices, and The Green Wraithbinder. Grimrok, adorned in bones and rugged cloth, gave the party a curt nod before asking who they were. The goblin quickly explained that they were adventurers who might be able to help.

Grimrok asked for their names, but before they could fully introduce themselves, he shifted the conversation to his missing mushroom collector, Mokrok, who had been gone for some time. As the party considered this task, they noticed a wooden pen within the camp holding human prisoners. Among them was a missing merchant from Northgate, a man with a bounty on his head. Recognizing an opportunity, the party began negotiating with Grimrok, offering to find the mushroom collector in exchange for the prisoners.

Amelia, keen to secure the deal, handed over some of her own collected mushrooms as a gesture of goodwill. Grimrok accepted without much hesitation, agreeing to the trade. When the party asked for any clues or directions to find Mokrok, Grimrok admitted he was unsure of his exact whereabouts. The goblin who had brought them to the camp suggested they use the map, and Grimrok, with a nod, retrieved a patch of leathery skin bearing a crude map of Highmarsh.

The map was covered in hastily written, cryptic phrases: "The willow speaks in riddles only the dead can understand," "I offered my blood to the roots; they whispered secrets of the afterlife. I think they ate my mind," "Bones of the ancient ones sing lullabies to the newly fallen leaves," "Flesh decays while the leaves turn gold," "The trees are silent," "The wolfman watches," "Who is Vicarin?" "Don't Anger The Liches," "Too Many Voices!" and the word "Moonshadows."

The map also marked various locations in Highmarsh, including a Wizard's Tower, a school, and a wolf tomb, among other unexplored areas. As the party examined the map, some were intrigued by the mention of Vicarin, though Amelia seemed unperturbed by it. With the map in hand and a new objective, the party gathered their belongings and prepared to venture deeper into Highmarsh, eager to find the missing mushroom collector and uncover whatever else the marshlands might hold.

The Wizard's Tower

It didn’t take long for the party to reach the towering ruins marked as the "Wizard's Tower" on the map. Rayenne immediately recognized it as the Pale Tower, a structure she had read about in her studies. The group spread out to investigate the area, each drawn to different aspects of the ancient site. Varis quickly noticed a large stone construct partially hidden beneath overgrown vegetation. It was clear the construct had been inactive for a long time, it lacked mechanical components, leaving behind only the traces of the powerful magic that once animated it. Varis marveled at the craftsmanship, impressed by the arcane energy that must have powered such a creation.

Meanwhile, Amelia approached the tower’s entrance, a solid stone door marked with an indentation shaped like a crescent moon. She called Rayenne over, suspecting that moonlight might be the key to opening it. Rayenne nodded and focused her energy, channeling a beam of moonlight onto the door. As the moonlight struck the indentation, the stone door rumbled and slowly creaked open.

Their success was immediately overshadowed by the distant sound of monstrous roars. The party’s eyes widened as they spotted groups of undead creatures in the distance, shambling rapidly toward their location. Without hesitation, they all bolted for the tower entrance, slamming the stone door shut behind them just as the first of the undead reached the door.

Breathing heavily, the party took a moment to collect themselves, believing they were safe. However, their relief was short-lived as they noticed a large suit of animated armor standing ominously in the hallway ahead. The armor, massive and imposing, stood perfectly still, but the moment Amelia took a cautious step forward, it shifted, readying its broad greatsword in a threatening stance.

They quickly realized they were not the first to encounter this guardian; the hallway was littered with bones and remnants of those who had tried—and failed—to pass. The party huddled together, brainstorming how to deal with the enchanted sentinel. After some deliberation, they decided to attempt a dispel magic spell to neutralize the enchantment animating the armor. Bartimaeus stepped forward and cast the spell, his paladin magic surging through the air toward the towering figure.

To their surprise and relief, the spell worked. The powerful enchantment binding the armor unraveled, and the once-threatening guardian crumbled to the floor in a heap of metal. The hallway was now safe, and the party could continue their exploration of the Pale Tower, wondering what other secrets—or dangers—lay ahead.

The party continued their exploration of the Pale Tower, eventually reaching a spiral staircase that wound its way upward. As they ascended, they noticed the walls were lined with countless bookcases and tables, all buried beneath thick layers of dust and cobwebs. Amelia, always on the lookout for anything valuable, sifted through the debris, but most of what she found were old tomes on magical studies—outdated, obscure, and largely incomprehensible.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in their minds, a disembodied presence warning them to leave while they still could. The voice promised that if they turned back now, they would leave with their lives intact. The group exchanged glances but chose to press on, dismissing the voice as an empty threat. They continued up the stairs to the next floor, where the atmosphere grew noticeably darker.

Here, the nature of the studies had shifted dramatically. What began as general ritual studies and magical theories now transitioned into grim necromantic texts and theories on undeath. The eerie change did little to deter the party, who continued to search the floor for anything of value or importance. As they rifled through the ancient tomes and scrolls, three spectral figures suddenly materialized from the stone walls. The ghostly beings were clad in spiked armor from a long-forgotten era, their hollow eyes fixated on the intruders.

Without hesitation, the party drew their weapons, ready for battle. The specters, incorporeal and menacing, proved difficult to hit, but the party’s magical weapons struck true, slicing through their ghostly forms. The fight was tense, but the adventurers managed to defeat the spectral guardians, their forms dissipating into nothingness.

No sooner had the specters been vanquished than the mysterious voice returned, more insistent this time, warning them again to leave before it was too late. But the party, emboldened by their victory, chose to ignore the warning once more and continued deeper into the tower.

They soon found themselves in a large, dimly lit chamber, where two undead twin liches awaited them. The liches, identical in their ancient, decayed features, conveyed the same ominous warning: leave now or face destruction. Without waiting for a response, the liches attempted to paralyze the intruders with a powerful magical stun. The party resisted the spell's effects—except for Varis, who was momentarily frozen in place.

Reacting swiftly, Bartimaeus charged forward, channeling divine energy into his attacks. In a flurry of radiant strikes, he obliterated one of the twin liches before she could even react. The surviving lich let out a furious cry, her rage palpable. Realizing she was outmatched, she cast a powerful teleportation spell, forcibly ejecting the party from the tower.

In the blink of an eye, the adventurers found themselves outside the tower entrance, standing where they had started. The door behind them was now sealed, the Pale Tower looming silently above, as if daring them to try again.

The Arcane Collegium Lyceum

Deciding that the Pale Tower could wait for another day, the party opted to venture deeper into the eerie expanse of Highmarsh. The terrain grew increasingly dense, the underbrush thick with brambles and the remnants of long-forgotten ruins scattered throughout the landscape. After some time, they came upon the remains of another structure. This ruin, once a tower, had long since crumbled, leaving only its foundation standing amid a field of ancient stone rubble.

Curiosity piqued, they approached the site, noticing a set of old stone stairs leading downward beneath the ruins. With a shared glance, they decided to investigate further, descending the worn steps into the darkness below. The air was cool and damp as they found themselves in a narrow underground corridor. The walls were lined with weathered stone, and the atmosphere was thick with the scent of earth and decay.

As they cautiously made their way through the corridor, a rattling sound echoed from up ahead. The noise was unsettling, like metal scraping against stone, and it grew louder as they advanced. Rather than proceed with caution, Rayenne called out a loud, "Hello?" Her voice reverberated through the corridor, causing the rattling to abruptly stop. For a brief moment, there was only silence.

The silence was soon broken as the party turned a corner and came face-to-face with two heavily armored figures. The figures were imposing, their armor dented and scarred from countless battles. There was a tense moment of stillness as both sides sized each other up, but it quickly gave way to a fierce battle.

The armored foes proved to be formidable, seemingly impervious to most of the damage the party inflicted. Each strike the adventurers landed seemed to have little effect, as if the figures were sustained by something other than mere flesh and blood. After a grueling fight, the party finally managed to bring them down.

As the dust settled, Varis inspected the fallen foes more closely. He discovered that the armor was enchanted, bound by some dark magic that had trapped the figures within. The warriors inside the armor were barely alive, their bodies on the brink of death, but their will was not their own. It became clear that some malevolent force had encased them in the armor, turning them into near-invincible sentinels, forced to fight against their will.

Realizing the danger they were in, the party resolved to be more cautious as they ventured deeper into the ruins. The encounter had served as a harsh reminder that the marshlands were full of hidden dangers, and that not all threats could be met head-on. With renewed vigilance, they pressed forward, eager to uncover the secrets that lay buried beneath the ancient stones.

As the party delved deeper into the underground ruins, they soon found themselves in a vast central chamber, its walls glittering with the eerie light of arcane crystals embedded within the stone. The air was thick with residual magic, and the chamber hummed with an almost palpable energy. As they cautiously entered, their eyes were drawn to a large, shadowy figure on the far side of the room, sifting through piles of shattered crystals.

Sensing an opportunity to catch the figure off guard, Amelia decided to strike first. Without warning, she launched an explosive spell at the figure, the blast echoing through the chamber and sending shards of crystal flying in every direction. The force of the explosion caused several of the nearby crystals to shatter, filling the air with a shimmering cloud of dust and smoke.

As the smoke began to clear, the figure slowly turned to face them, its eyes glowing with a menacing light. The party braced themselves as the creature, now fully visible, emerged from the haze. It was a hulking brute, wielding a massive sword and carrying a horned tower shield. Most disturbingly, its abdomen was embedded with the same arcane crystals that filled the chamber, pulsating with a sinister energy that seemed to fuel its strength.

The battle was fierce and chaotic. The creature's crystal-imbued power made it a formidable opponent, and every swing of its sword sent shockwaves through the chamber. As the party fought, a new threat emerged—Keira, driven mad by her insatiable hunger, suddenly appeared from the shadows. With a feral look in her eyes, she lunged at Varis, desperate to feed on his blood. Caught off guard, Varis barely managed to fend her off. Seeing what had transpired, Bartimaeus acted quickly, casting a banishment spell that sent Keira into a temporary pocket dimension, removing her from the battle.

With Keira neutralized for the moment, the party focused all their efforts on the crystal-infused behemoth. Through a combination of magic and sheer force, they eventually managed to overpower the creature, shattering the crystals within its body and bringing it down in a final, explosive burst of energy.

As the dust settled and silence returned to the chamber, Bartimaeus released Keira from her banishment. She reappeared before them, disoriented and ashamed. The party remained on guard, unsure of what to expect, but Keira quickly sat down, her head bowed in remorse. She confessed that her blood vials were depleted, and her hunger had driven her to the brink of madness. The party sternly reminded her that she needed to warn them when her supplies were low and to never again turn on them in such a manner.

With the tension eased, Varis turned his attention back to the chamber. He examined the crystals more closely and realized they were not ordinary; these were Source Stones, solidified magic capable of amplifying spells and magical effects. Recognizing their potential value, the party carefully gathered a few of the stones, knowing they could prove useful in the challenges ahead.

Exhausted from the battle, they made their way back to the entrance of the ruins. There, they set up a small fire and rested, the flickering flames casting long shadows across the ancient stone. As they settled in, they reflected on the trials they had faced and the dangers that still lay ahead, knowing that the secrets of Highmarsh were far from fully uncovered.

As the party settled around the campfire, the atmosphere was tense, with unspoken concerns hanging in the air. Keira's recent actions were still fresh in everyone's minds, and the group quietly mulled over the implications of her uncontrollable hunger. Despite the tension, Amelia seemed unperturbed, inwardly dismissing the gravity of the situation. Her demeanor conveyed a stark pragmatism; in her view, they all carried their own burdens, and no one among them was truly pure of heart. The discussion faded into silence as the weariness of the day took its toll, and one by one, the party members either drifted off to sleep or took their positions for the night watch.

During the first watch, an eerie screech pierced the stillness, echoing through the darkened sky. Those on guard strained their eyes but could only catch a fleeting glimpse of something large and silvery gliding through the distant clouds. Whatever it was, it remained a mystery, and the night resumed its uneasy quiet.

When Bartimaeus took his turn to watch, the faint glow of the dying fire barely illuminated the ruins around them. His attention was soon drawn to a raven perched silently atop the crumbling stones. Its gaze was fixed intently on the camp, as if it were watching and waiting. Without overthinking, Bartimaeus quietly borrowed Keira’s shortbow and, with a steady hand, released an arrow. The raven disintegrated into a fine sand the moment it was struck, a strange occurrence that Bartimaeus noted briefly before moving on, feeling no immediate concern as he passed the watch to Amelia.

Amelia, ever vigilant, took a brief walk around the campsite, scanning the darkened landscape. She caught sight of small creatures darting through the shadows, but they paid no mind to the party's resting place. Satisfied that there was no immediate threat, she returned to the camp, maintaining her watch until the grey light of dawn began to filter through the ever-present dark clouds of Highmarsh.

As the party slowly roused from their rest, Bartimaeus casually mentioned the raven from the night before. Varis, however, recognized the significance immediately—it was likely a conjuration of Zetra Wildshade, a sorceress from the Arcane Academy, known for her mastery of arcane conjuration. The realization stirred unease in Varis, who wondered what the sorceress might be plotting. Bartimaeus, though, remained unconcerned, brushing off the encounter as just another oddity in a land full of strange occurrences. Yet, the lingering question of whether they had attracted unwanted attention weighed heavily on Varis as the party prepared to continue their journey through the treacherous expanse of Highmarsh.

Returning Mokrok

The party pressed deeper into the eerie marshlands of Highmarsh, navigating through a labyrinth of ancient ruins and densely forested areas. Their journey led them to an old cobblestone road that wound precariously along the edge of a steep cliff. As they cautiously made their way down the old path, the sound of movement in the underbrush caught their attention. They paused to investigate and soon stumbled upon an unusual sight.

Before them stood a large spider, roughly the size of a large dog, its body covered in various types of mushrooms. Perched atop the spider was a small goblin, identifiable by the oversized mushroom cap he wore as a hat. The goblin appeared entirely unperturbed by the party’s presence, engrossed in the task of collecting mushrooms from the surrounding area. As the party observed him, they realized this was likely the goblin they had been sent to find.

Indeed, this was Mokrok, the mushroom collector they had been tasked to locate. Despite their presence, Mokrok remained focused on his work, uninterested in any conversation. When they attempted to urge him back to the goblin camp, Mokrok initially brushed them off, intent on finishing his foraging. Eventually, however, he agreed to return, gathering up his haul and mounting his spider, ready to head back to camp.

As Mokrok began his journey home, the party deliberated on their next move. They decided it was best to accompany the goblin back to the camp to ensure the completion of their task. However, when they attempted to follow, Mokrok and his spider mount quickly outpaced them, disappearing into the dense marshland ahead. By the time the party arrived at the goblin camp, Mokrok had already returned and was tending to the mushrooms within the encampment. Gathering themselves, the party prepared to address Grimrok Dreadtusk once again, ensuring they were ready to see their mission through to the end before entering the camp.

Freeing Of The Prisoners

Grimrok was informed of the party's arrival and emerged from his tent, looking weary and groggy. The party promptly informed him of Mokrok's return and requested that he fulfill his end of their agreement by releasing the prisoners. True to his word, Grimrok unlocked the wooden cage and freed the captives. He then conjured a magical portal, transporting the prisoners to the outskirts of Highmarsh, far from the dangers of the swamp.

With the prisoners freed, Varis took the opportunity to inquire about Grimrok's knowledge of a figure named Vicarin. Grimrok acknowledged the name but struggled to recall any details, his vague recollection frustrating him. Annoyed by his inability to remember, he retreated into his tent, leaving the party with more questions than answers. They turned to Mokrok, hoping he might shed some light on the situation. Mokrok revealed that Grimrok had indeed met with someone called Professor Vicarin not long ago, but Mokrok had been kept at a distance during their conversation. He mentioned that Grimrok's behavior had become increasingly strange after the meeting, but Mokrok had refrained from pressing the issue further. Satisfied that they had gathered as much information as possible, Mokrok returned to his mushroom collecting, leaving the party to ponder the significance of what they had learned.

Intrigued by the possibility of uncovering more, Keira volunteered to stealthily investigate Grimrok's tent. Inside, she found a collection of old books and various mushrooms, along with a large iron cauldron. Behind the cauldron, Grimrok lay asleep, clutching a large red mushroom as if it were a pillow. Reporting her findings to the group, Amelia immediately recognized the mushroom as a Red Meadowpawn, a rare species native to the Stormwoods known for its potent effects on the mind and its ability to cause extreme exhaustion.

Realizing the potential danger, the party decided to wake Grimrok and warn him about the risks of prolonged exposure to the mushroom. Groggy and still half-asleep, Grimrok struggled to comprehend their concerns and resisted the idea of parting with the mushroom that had brought him some comfort. However, Amelia managed to persuade him by offering a trade—another type of mushroom that would help alleviate his fatigue without the harmful side effects. Reluctantly, Grimrok agreed to the exchange. With their business concluded, the party prepared to leave the encampment, having fulfilled their mission and gained valuable insights into the strange happenings in Highmarsh.

Tomb Of The Direwolf

After a brief rest at their cave camp, the party decided to continue their journey to the "Tomb of the Direwolf." Amelia took the lead, carefully scouting the path ahead. She spotted several undead patrols moving through the area but skillfully avoided their attention, guiding the group safely around the threats. Eventually, they reached the site believed to be the tomb. There, they discovered a stone statue depicting two howling wolves atop a large rock, with a small tombstone and an altar situated before it.

Upon closer inspection, they found ancient carvings on the tombstone that read:

"Here lies the guardian of Vindrik, the Direwolf of the Moon's Grace. Sent by Lyria, the All-Mother, who howls with the silvered night. In shadowed dawn, the protector's tale, a silent vigil beneath celestial veils. Remember the Moon's fierce embrace, for in forgotten whispers, the ancient howl remains."

Puzzled by the inscription, the party attempted to decipher its meaning but found themselves at a loss, unable to recall any historical references to the guardian or the tale it described. Bartimaeus speculated that the tomb might be connected to the moonlight, similar to the tower they had encountered earlier. He asked Rayenne to cast her moonlight spell on the area, but nothing happened. Keira, thinking her silver moon amulet might be the key, waved it around the tombstone, yet still, there was no response.

As they pondered the significance of the carvings, the wind suddenly picked up, whistling through the trees. With her keen senses, Keira noticed a mist beginning to form and coalesce into the translucent shape of a werewolf, charging directly at Rayenne. She quickly alerted the party, allowing them to react in time to avoid the creature’s ghostly claws. A fierce battle ensued with the spectral werewolf. Though the creature was swift and deadly, the party managed to defeat it, causing the ghostly figure to dissipate into the air with a haunting, echoing howl.

As the group recovered from the encounter, they spotted the eerie visage of a giant ghostly wolf standing on a rocky hill nearby. The spectral wolf gazed at them for a moment before silently vanishing into the mist. Uncertain of what the apparition signified, the party debated their next move. Some wanted to return to their camp, while others were keen to search the area for any potential loot. However, their search yielded nothing. Rayenne, who had hoped to find relics or artifacts based on her readings about the tomb, realized that not everything written in ancient texts held true.

With no further clues or treasures to be found, the party regrouped and began their journey back to their cave camp, ready to rest and prepare for their next expedition through the treacherous Highmarsh.

Visit From Drolo

As the party returned to their cave camp, they settled in to rest and recover from their recent adventures. During their respite, they were unexpectedly visited by a large orc dressed in druidic attire, adorned with feathers, bones, and wielding a hefty wooden staff. He was accompanied by a lumbering ogre. Varis and Bartimaeus immediately questioned the orc, who introduced himself as Drolo, while simply referring to the ogre as Brother. After a brief introduction, the party asked Drolo about his presence in Highmarsh.

Drolo explained that he was lost and curious about what had brought the group to this forsaken land. Varis shared parts of their journey, including their recent encounter at the Direwolf Tomb and the defeat of a lingering spirit there. Upon hearing this, Drolo muttered to himself that this must have been the cause of the recent stillness in the wind, as if something heavy had been lifted from the marsh. Intrigued by the orc’s insight, the party then mentioned their exploration of the Pale Tower and their encounter with the liches that resided there.

Drolo reacted with surprise, questioning how they were still alive after such a confrontation. He told them about the lich that rules the tower, Lord Mortem and that he is unable to leave the tower and it would be best to leave it be. He then informed them that there were other liches lurking in Highmarsh, each with their own dangers. He spoke of a woman named Lyriss, a collector of skulls who roamed the marshlands. He advised the party to keep something valuable on hand for trading should they encounter her, as it could prevent unnecessary conflict. Drolo also warned them about a young girl who called herself "Darkstar," always accompanied by an undead figure. He urged the group to avoid her if possible. Finally, he described a hooded figure that wielded a bone scythe, a relentless attacker of anything alive, advising them to remain vigilant.

Curious about Drolo's origins, Varis pressed him for more information. Drolo revealed that he hailed from the Riverwoods, which caught the interest of Rayenne, who was also from that region. When she joined the conversation, they quickly realized they were from different tribes, but they shared a mutual respect for one another. The two Riverwood natives exchanged stories and, along with the rest of the party, shared a brief meal. After their discussion, Drolo decided it was time to continue his journey. He bid the group farewell, leaving them to ponder the new information he had shared as they prepared for the next phase of their expedition through the mysterious and perilous Highmarsh.

The Five Finger Chamber

The party ventured deeper into the shadowy expanse of Highmarsh, with Amelia leading the way. She expertly guided them past a roving undead patrol, their movements silent as they avoided detection. Soon, they noticed something stirring up ahead. It was a lone ghoul, unaware of their presence, darting into the remnants of an old ruin. Deciding to investigate, the party quietly followed it into the crumbling stone structure. The ghoul led them to a cavernous chamber where more of its kind lurked.

Without hesitation, the party acted swiftly, causing a section of the stone ceiling to collapse, crushing most of the ghouls beneath the rubble. They then focused their efforts on eliminating the pack’s leader. Once the immediate threat was dealt with, the party pressed on, discovering a hidden entrance to an underground crypt. As they ventured further inside, they encountered more ghouls.

Keira, always quick on her feet, scaled the rock walls, positioning herself to rain arrows from above while the rest of the group charged in from the ground. The battle quickly escalated, and on the far side of the crypt, a skeletal figure emerged from the shadows. Its hollow gaze turned towards them. Recognizing the threat, Amelia transformed into her beast form and lunged at the figure. Varis hurled a Frostbite Gemstone into the fray, freezing several ghouls solid. The skeletal figure began teleporting across the crypt, revealing itself to be a lich, and they spotted a stone zeal hanging from its neck—a relic the party had been seeking.

As they engaged the lich, an iron gate screeched open. From it, a large mutated beast came barreling out, protecting the lich. The party froze in shock. The grotesque creature, covered in spikes with jagged teeth and torn flesh, was unmistakably their old pet, Archibald. His mutation had progressed far beyond what they had last seen—tentacles now slithered from an open wound in his stomach, and his body had become a monstrous amalgamation of decay and mutation.

While the others were locked in battle with the lich, Bartimaeus, seeing the abomination Archibald had become, attempted to calm the beast with his paladin abilities. Through the haze of pain and mutation, Archibald recognized his former companions. He became still, no longer seeing them as enemies, though he remained in agony from his twisted form.

Meanwhile, Amelia, in her beast form, managed to decapitate the lich with a swift strike. Varis quickly snatched the skull as it rolled across the crypt floor, even as the lich’s body wandered aimlessly, blind and confused without its head. With the immediate threat neutralized, Amelia reverted to her humanoid form, and together, they bound the lich’s bone body. Varis gagged the skull and tucked it into his bag of holding, securing their prize before turning to check on the still-pained Archibald.

Varis, Bartimaeus, and Rayenne stood over the still form of Archibald, deliberating on what to do before the calming charm wore off. The twisted mutations were unbearable to witness, and the idea of letting him remain in such a painful existence seemed cruel. Varis proposed the idea of using reincarnation to give Archibald a new chance at life, free from his grotesque form. Rayenne, however, was uncertain if it would work, and the uncomfortable truth was that to even attempt it, they would first need to end Archibald’s current life. Despite her reservations, the group agreed it was the only way to free him from his suffering. With heavy hearts, they put Archibald down swiftly, and Rayenne began preparing for the ritual of reincarnation.

While Rayenne worked on the ritual, Amelia and Keira explored the crypt further. They discovered clear signs that the lich had made numerous failed attempts to open the crypt door. Amelia, driven by curiosity, tried to open it herself, placing her hand against the ancient stone. The door responded with a sharp cut, her blood running down the intricate indentations carved into the stone. A faint sound echoed from behind the door, as if something was stirring, but the entrance remained firmly sealed.

Keira, examining the surroundings, noticed two statues nearby, each holding out their hands as if awaiting something. Her instincts kicked in. She swiftly beheaded a few of the recently slain ghouls and placed the severed heads into the statues' palms. Blood began to trickle down the stone arms, flowing into concealed channels. As the blood drained, another low rumble sounded from the crypt door. This time, the heavy stone barrier slowly unsealed, revealing the entrance they sought.

Simultaneously, Rayenne completed her ritual. The corrupted and mutated corpse of Archibald dissolved into rich soil, and from it, a small brown weasel emerged, blinking and darting about. It was Archibald, reincarnated into a new, innocent form. He scampered around Rayenne’s legs, overflowing with joy at his newfound freedom, no longer burdened by the monstrous mutations that had once plagued him.

The Blood Chamber

The party cautiously stepped through the stone door of the crypt and into a dimly lit chamber. The room was small, with two pools of stagnant blood flanking the walls. In the center stood a large, empty stone bowl. Across the chamber, a staircase led upward to another pool—this one defying gravity as its blood hung sideways without spilling. The air felt thick, heavy with an unsettling tension that seemed to press down on their senses. They exchanged wary glances, trying to make sense of the ominous scene.

Keira took the lead in examining the chamber and noticed faint indents carved into the floor, which formed pathways leading toward the central bowl. Further investigation revealed inscriptions on the cold stone floor, reading: "O spirits of the forgotten, accept our offering of blood. We bow before the crimson sovereign, and may our souls surrender for your boons."

The eerie message unnerved most of the group, their unease growing as they discussed its meaning. Bartimaeus approached the vertical pool at the top of the stairs and, against his better judgment, touched the blood. Instantly, his mind was assaulted by a psychic force—dark, chaotic thoughts that rattled him to the core. He stumbled back and warned the others to stay clear of it.

Despite his warning, Keira, ever bold, urged the group to heed the inscription. Reluctantly, they agreed. One by one, each party member offered their blood, watching in morbid fascination as it flowed from their wounds, moving with a will of its own. It snaked along the indents in the floor, pooling into the central bowl. Once filled, the room seemed to hum with anticipation.

Keira, emboldened by the ritual, stepped into the stone bowl filled with their blood. For a moment, nothing happened, and the group held their breath, waiting. Then, the vertical pool of blood at the top of the stairs began to churn violently, expanding and rippling as if some dark force within it had been awakened.

From the swirling depths, a massive figure began to rise, emerging from the blood like a nightmare made flesh. The being towered over them, his skin as dark as obsidian, glistening under the sickly light with the sheen of fresh blood. He wore regal armor that pulsed with a malevolent glow, and his eyes blazed with the torment of a thousand lost souls. A crown of twisted horns sat upon his brow, marking him as a ruler of dark powers. The air crackled with malice, and the oppressive weight of his presence pressed down on the party.

The figure gazed upon them with an inscrutable expression, his voice reverberating through the chamber as he announced himself as the Blood Monarch, keeper of forbidden pacts. He acknowledged their blood sacrifice and, with a chilling calm, asked what they were willing to offer in exchange for their desires. The room fell silent. The party stood frozen, caught between shock and fear, as they exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of the situation dawning on them.

Amelia was the first to speak, tentatively asking if she could offer up her emotions in exchange for a boon. The devilish figure, towering and foreboding, rejected the offer, demanding something far more significant. Bartimaeus, looking for some connection to his own beliefs, asked if the creature had any ties to the rivers, but the devil simply dismissed the question, uninterested. Rayenne remained silent, clearly uncomfortable with the dark exchange unfolding before them.

Keira, however, had her own desires. She boldly inquired if the devil could turn her into a full-blooded vampire, like her father, offering herself up in return. The Blood Monarch, intrigued by the proposition, watched her closely as she began ascending the stone stairs toward him, each step filled with determination.

Varis, seeing the dangerous path she was on, quickly reached into his bag of holding and pulled out the crystallized demon heart he'd been carrying, offering it in exchange to prevent Keira from making such a drastic decision. But the devil was unimpressed by the heart, showing no interest in the deal. Growing desperate, Varis tried to reason with Keira, urging her to reconsider, but she continued her steady march toward the devil.

With no other options, Varis quickly drew his enchanted rope and, with expert precision, lassoed it around Keira, yanking her back down the stairs. As she struggled against the rope, Bartimaeus charged forward, hurling his body into the devil with full force. The impact sent the Blood Monarch toppling backward into the blood pool from which he had emerged. As the devil sank back into the swirling red depths, he let out a furious curse, vowing vengeance before vanishing entirely into the portal.

Keira, visibly enraged by being pulled back, stormed off without a word, disappearing into the shadows of the crypt. The others stood in stunned silence, exchanging looks of frustration and disbelief at what had just transpired. It was clear that none of them were prepared for how close they had come to a dark and irreversible bargain.

As the party began to exit the chamber, Amelia, still rattled by the encounter, paused. She drew an explosive arrow from her quiver, nocked it into her bow, and fired it into the ceiling of the chamber. The impact caused a cascade of debris to collapse, sealing the chamber and the blood-soaked horrors within. When they emerged from the crypt, Ameena was waiting for them. She immediately noticed Keira's absence and asked why she had run off. The group, still shaken, explained that Keira was simply "having one of her moments." They gathered their gear in silence, the weight of what had almost happened still heavy in the air, before leaving the crypt behind.

Home Of the Broodmother

As the party journeyed toward the city ruins, they stumbled upon an area thick with large, glistening cobwebs. The eerie sight prompted them to proceed cautiously, but their presence didn’t go unnoticed. From the shadows, several large spiders emerged, raising their legs and baring their fangs in an attempt to intimidate the intruders. The party held their ground, refusing to be frightened away.

Then, the broodmother appeared—massive, with gleaming eyes and a commanding presence. Hoping to avoid a fight, Amelia tossed some of her rations toward the spiders as a peace offering, but it only incited them. The spiders, hungry and hostile, rushed in for an attack. Weapons were drawn, and the battle began.

As the party defended themselves, more spiders poured in from the webs above. It was a brutal struggle, with venomous fangs and sharp blades clashing in the dim light of Highmarsh. When the broodmother was gravely injured, the tide turned. Sensing their matriarch’s defeat, the spiders began to scatter, retreating into the shadowy corners of the marsh. But the party wasn’t about to let the broodmother escape. With one final push, they struck her down, ensuring no more threats from the nest.

After the fight, the party examined the spider-infested area and noticed a crypt hidden among the webs. The main entrance was sealed shut, but with some investigation, they discovered a narrow passageway the spiders had dug out, leading into the crypt. Slipping inside, they found the crypt chamber filled with both treasure and unhatched spider eggs.

Navigating carefully around the eggs, they collected their prize: 200 platinum pieces, 5,000 gold pieces, 20,000 silver pieces, and 20 quartz gemstones. The haul was substantial, enough to leave the party satisfied. Yet, amidst the treasure, Amelia’s curiosity got the better of her. She quietly snatched one of the lone spider eggs, slipping it into her pack before anyone noticed.

With their loot secured, they exited the crypt and resumed their journey toward the city ruins, leaving the spider nest and its brood behind in the fading webs of Highmarsh.

Journey Towards The City Ruins

As the party entered the outskirts of the city ruins, they found themselves in a desolate cemetery. Tombstones of varying sizes dotted the landscape, and small crypts loomed in the misty gloom. A cold, unnatural breeze drifted around them, sending a chill down their spines. Sensing something amiss, Varis attuned himself to the ethereal plane and spotted several wandering ghosts drifting aimlessly through the graveyard. He quietly signaled to the others, guiding them around the restless spirits, and led the group toward a ruined tower that stood in the middle of the cemetery.

The tower had a crumbling staircase that spiraled downward into darkness, piquing the party’s curiosity. They cautiously descended, finding themselves in a stone chamber dominated by a single tomb at its center. There were no markings on the tomb, but it was clear that it had been disturbed, the lid slightly ajar. Varis, still using his ethereal sight, noticed a spectral figure—headless and pacing restlessly around the room.

Varis approached the ghost and asked who it was. The spirit identified itself as Davos, endlessly searching for his missing head. Unfortunately, neither Varis nor the rest of the party had any clue where it might be. They exchanged a few more words, but it was clear they couldn’t help Davos at the moment. Unsure of what to do, they left the chamber and returned to the graveyard above.

As they moved to leave the cemetery, a cold presence halted them in their tracks. Several ghosts appeared before them, heralding the approach of another. A large, imposing figure emerged—a woman, her ghostly form shrouded in sorrow and shadow. Her voice echoed through the air as she questioned the party’s intentions.

Varis and the others explained they meant no offense, only that they had explored the area out of curiosity and harbored no ill will. The ghostly lady stared at them in silence, her gaze penetrating and unnerving. After a tense moment, she granted them passage, allowing them to leave with their lives intact.

The party, relieved but wary, quickly exited the cemetery, casting glances over their shoulders as they left the haunted grounds behind.

The House Of The Dragon

The party pressed deeper into the city ruins of Vindrik, the desolation around them marked by crumbling structures and an eerie silence. A loud, piercing screech echoed through the sky, making them freeze in place. Looking up, they saw a massive bat-like creature soaring above the ruins. Quickly, they ducked behind broken walls and watched as the beast glided past, its wings casting ominous shadows, before it finally disappeared into the distance.

Once the danger had passed, they set up a small makeshift campfire to warm themselves against the chill of the ruins. However, the sense of unease never lifted. As they ventured out to explore nearby buildings, something unseen struck suddenly. Varis yelped in pain as a ghostly arrow pierced his foot. The party scanned their surroundings and spotted a spectral figure flickering among the ruins. But as they approached, the translucent assailant dissolved into thin air, leaving no trace behind.

Unable to locate the elusive spirit, the party continued their search and stumbled upon the remains of a ruined tower. Examining it, they deduced that this was once the "House of the Dragon," a fabled depository of draconic knowledge. The tower itself lay in ruins, but they managed to find an entrance leading to an underground chamber beneath it. Descending a spiral staircase into the darkness, they soon spotted a flickering arcane flame hovering over a statue of a scholar. Varis moved closer to inspect the flame and realized it was part of a magical ward, still active and powerful, designed to keep something imprisoned within the chamber. Treading carefully, the party ventured deeper, until they reached a massive archway. The faint, ominous sound of chains dragging across stone reached their ears, sending a shiver down their spines.

Stepping through the archway, they found themselves face-to-face with a colossal dragon skeleton, bound by heavy chains that rattled with an unnatural energy. As they approached, the skeletal dragon began to stir, bones creaking and shifting. The party braced themselves, weapons and spells ready, but they held their ground, determined to question the ancient creature that had been awakened by their presence.

Though the dragon's physical form had long decayed, its massive skeleton remained bound in place, tethered by the trapped spirit of the creature. The party cautiously approached, attempting to learn the dragon's identity. The dragon, however, could not recall its original name, only that it had been known by many titles over the centuries. With a deep, resonant voice, it recounted the ancient pact it had made with the scholars of the tower: a mutual exchange of knowledge. Yet, somewhere along the way, the scholars had turned on him, binding his soul and imprisoning him. The dragon no longer remembered the details of his betrayal but had long since resigned himself to his fate.

All the dragon desired now was release—an end to his torment and the freedom to finally rest. The party considered their options, discussing possible bargains or benefits they could extract from the ancient being. However, the dragon remained steadfast, refusing any deals beyond his plea for release. With some hesitation, the party agreed. As they dispelled the ancient ward, the arcane flames flickered and died, and the dragon’s skeleton crumbled to the ground in a heap of ancient bones. The dragon's soul, now free, vanished from the chamber, leaving a sense of solemn stillness behind.

The party exchanged uncertain glances, wondering if they had made the right decision. They searched the chamber for any treasures or relics but found nothing of value. With little to show for their efforts, they left the chamber, stepping back into the haunting darkness of the city ruins. Determined, they pressed on, their next goal to locate Asher Karlstain's keep hidden somewhere in the ruins of Vindrik.

Asher's Keep

The party made their way through the crumbling streets of the ruined city, navigating the labyrinthine paths until they came upon the remains of Asher Karlstein’s keep. Little was left standing—only the remnants of stone foundations, with the upper structures having long since collapsed. Keira ventured into the ruins first, spotting a small group of goblins scavenging among the debris. With a few persuasive words, she convinced the goblins to leave peacefully, and the party entered the area without conflict.

With nightfall approaching, the party decided to set up camp and rest. As the others settled in, Bartimaeus explored further, his curiosity drawing him to a shadowed corner of the keep. There, he discovered a concealed path leading to an underground armory, hidden beneath the rubble. Beyond the armory, he found a secret crypt lined with stone coffins, each one bearing the names of Grail Knights from his past. His heart grew heavy as he recognized some of the names—fallen comrades he had fought alongside, now at rest.

Moving deeper into the crypt, Bartimaeus paused in shock as he found a tomb marked with his own name. Peering inside, he found it empty, a chilling reminder of his mortality. He continued to inspect the other tombs and discovered ornate chests nearby. Within one, he found a set of gleaming Anointed Grail Armor and an heirloom longsword, Silverthorn, which once belonged to Corvus Dane, a dear friend and trusted companion from his past. Overwhelmed with memories, Bartimaeus took the armor and sword, vowing to honor his fallen comrades.

Emerging from the crypt, Bartimaeus returned to the camp where his companions were resting. With reverence, he removed his old Dominion chestplate and offered it to Ameena, who accepted it with gratitude. She donned the armor and gave him a solemn nod, acknowledging the weight of the legacy he now carried. The party gathered their strength, ready to face whatever awaited them in the ruins of Vindrik.

The Crypt Of Asher

The party finally located the crypt of Asher Karlstain within the ruined city of Vindrik. Without hesitation, they descended into its depths, finding themselves at a crossroads. Before them stood a sealed stone door, with two chambers branching off to either side. Wasting no time, they split up to investigate. Within the chambers, they discovered two keys, which they used to unseal the imposing door and step into the crypt's inner sanctum.

The chamber was foreboding. At its center stood a massive stone altar, upon which rested an ornate sarcophagus. A circular fountain surrounded it, but instead of water, a viscous black goo, eerily familiar to the party, churned within. At the front of the room, a smaller altar held an ancient tome pinned beneath a dark sword, from which black, gnarled roots extended like creeping vines.

As the party examined the unsettling scene, a disembodied voice echoed through the crypt, warning them to leave. Undeterred, they decided to act. With some effort, they pulled the sword free from the tome, enduring a wave of searing pain as the cursed weapon resisted. As soon as the sword was removed, the black roots began to wither and crumble into dust, leaving the tome untouched but ominous.

Turning their attention to the sarcophagus, they pried it open to reveal the skeletal remains of Asher Karlstein. However, it became immediately clear that something was amiss—one of his ribs was missing, as if it had been deliberately taken. Brushing off the unease, Amelia grabbed the remains and unceremoniously tossed them onto the floor of the crypt.

At that moment, the chamber's atmosphere shifted. A spectral knight materialized before them, cloaked in tattered robes and mounted on a ghostly steed. Asher's spirit had been disturbed, and now it sought vengeance. The room erupted into chaos as magical darkness began to engulf portions of the chamber, obscuring vision and disorienting the party. The fight was grueling, with the knight exploiting the crypt's dark magic to gain the upper hand. Despite this, the party fought valiantly, focusing their efforts on Asher's cursed remains.

Finally, with a decisive strike, they destroyed both the spirit and the remains, banishing Asher's tormented soul. As the crypt fell silent once more, an eerie calm settled over the chamber, as if the malevolent presence that had plagued the area had been lifted.

Taking a moment to regroup, the party began to speculate about the missing rib. The implications troubled them—could it be part of some sinister plan, perhaps involving William Vicarin? The thought lingered as they emerged from the crypt. Outside, the oppressive air of the city seemed lighter, the ruins quieter, as if Asher’s defeat had brought peace to Vindrik, if only temporarily.

Discovery Of A Great Oak

Clearing The Wizard's Tower

The Sudden Departure