Ptolmek grimaces. 'We are making too much noise,' he thinks to himself. He tries to shake the worst of the viscera off the mace.

"Someone sharp search this vile corpse while I keep watch," he says shaking his head, moving north. "The place to start is with the dowel-lever we spotted before." Blackbird McAllister silently follows Ptolmek to the north.

Piker watches Ptomlek clean his mace of the worst of the Grimlock's viscera. Piker acknowledges Ptomlek's suggestion. "We should be sure to check on the way back for other side passages as well. Gods know what else we might have missed."

Kneeling next to the grimlock, Piker uses his low light vision to search the body. Even in the dim light of the ancient Vault he is able to locate and retrieve a Rusty Dagger +1, a Leather Cap +1, and 5 Gold coins.

(OOC: Successful Action Piker, searching the body you locate several items and 5 Gold coins. Please add 0:05 min to your Perception Skill and Wisdom Ability Focus Times.)

Morcant walks to the corpse and retrieves his silver dagger, flicking the blood off to the side. He talks to Ptolmek, "You handle yourself well. Let's backtrack so that we might move forward." He eyes the rusted dagger snatched up by Piker.

(OOC: Failed Action Morcant, you could not take the dagger because Piker retrieved it first. You can discuss in-character, or on other channels, if you wish to pass the dagger between yourselves. Remember to update your Character Sheets with the new inventory, whomever keeps the weapon.)

Meanwhile... perched upon a rocky crag hundreds of meters into the sky, a solitary Thunderbird observes the valley below. Her nest sits quiet and undisturbed near the base of an uncharted waterfall. It is here the hatchlings will take their first breaths, stretch their downy wings, and consume their first meals.

The constant beating of crashing water against the jagged rocks prepares the hatchlings for a life flying within the heart of turbulent storms. In time, she will carry them to larger and stronger nests near the top of The Highwall Peaks. It is there the tiny Thunderbirds will be struck by their first bolts of lightning and discover their mastery over the mysteries of storms.

From this distance the great Thunderbird cannot judge if the approaching party is dangerous or docile.  Taking flight, sailing between the clouds, she swoops and dives toward the valley floor with speed and precision. Tilting her head and arcing her back the giant bird levels off high above the party, and well out of range of any projectile attack.

Marching up the skree field surrounding the recently revealed entrance to the Vaults is a small band of diminutive people. They are heavily laden and are clearly weary under the weight of their load. But on they push, without a moments rest. As they approach the small doorway in the side of the granite cliff the Thunderbird screeches loudly. The cry echoes down the fissures and faces of the rock wall until it is firmly planted in the ears of every adventurer. Along with the fear which it was intended to instill.

(OOC: Players, the party approaching the Secret Vaults of Kas the Betrayer are not known to you at this time. However, they could become one of your greatest assets and some of your closest allies.

As you recall, you are but one member of a small hand selected Adventuring Party sent by The Great University to research the Vaults. The selection committee gathered innumerable able bodied adventurers for the journey. With each wave of applicants the University took greater care in the selection process.

You are also aware that the University has been known to send reinforcements and supply groups to parties that are waylaid, or tally in the field. It is a prudent move for a quorum of learned scholars, but hardly a vote of confidence for a proud adventurer.

Should you choose to undertake a second Character, you will be required to create a Character Sheet for the individual. The new additions will be known as Followers. A Heraldry Shield will be added to the Game Map and Easy Click Character Stack for you to keep tabs on your Follower.

When you post your next turn on Thursday, June 5 - you may include a more detailed background on the Follower you are introducing if you wish. You can also save that introduction for later in the story when the two parties actually meet for the first time, face to face.

A few notes on creating your Follower:

• The Follower must either be a Dwarf, Halfling, or Gnome.
• They do not have to be from the same House as your Primary Character.
• You will control and manage the Follower fully, as if it were another Adventurer.
• Followers may carry any gear, equipment, or magical items you 'forgot' to pack.
• The University has decided to send you items based on their evaluation of your particular skill set and abilities.
• The logical limits are: seven (7) slots per body part, three (3) seven-slot containers, three (3) seven-slot Trained Creatures, and seven-slots each of Spell Books & Scrolls, Magical Items, and Potions & Elixers.
• The hardy Follower adventurers can even wear multiple layers of armor in order to supply the Primary Characters, and protect themselves following delivery.

Follow the steps for Creating a Character:
http://www.realmsofadventures.com/sign-up.html

As the Game Master, I look forward to seeing your creativity and ingenuity at supplying your party, and managing an influx of new adventurers. It will be my pleasure to increase the potential hazards to scale with the growth of your party.

In addition, keep in mind that doubling a party of treasure hungry adventurers is not always conducive to a cohesive team spirit. The alliances you've built to this point may be tested. And the new relationships you forge may not be without frustrations.)

Ptolmek moves toward the dark creature and attempts to determine if the Grimlock is hostile. He understands from lore and story that on some fortunate occasions adventurers have been able to communicate with the foul beasts. This does not appear to be one such fortunate event.

The Grimlock advances swiftly toward Ptolmek and swings his rusty dagger broadly across the haunty human's chest.

(NPC: Grimlock Attack Action Score 3 vs Ptolmek Melee Defense is 6 (5 DEX + 1 Breastplate). The attack was a miserable failure by the Grimlock.)

The bard returns to tell of his rune discovery, when he rounds the corner and noticed the unmistakable silhouette of a fierce looking Grimlock. Piker watches as his comrade Ptomlek approaches it cautiously.

Before drawing his dagger, Piker decides on a more diplomatic approach. Having been shocked out of his resting state, Blackbird stumble walks backward away from the creature, while he readies his bow with a single arrow from the quiver. He quickly takes aim and shoots!

Morcant turns away from the portcullis upon hearing the commotion. Morcant reacts to the conflict Blackbird has set into motion, by shouting "Arm yourselves!" With that he hurls a silver throwing dagger at the Grimlock.

Ptolmek hefts the mace high above his head and swings with the force of three men, smashing the creature before it even utters a growl of anger. Connecting with the Grimlock's shoulder, neck, and jaw - the entire configuration becomes maligned into a gruesome display of gore.

(OOC: Ptolmek, you will automatically respond with a counter attack based on your desired action - and the Grimlock's desire for a fleshy meal. Your Attack Action Score is 11 (10 STR + 1 Mace) vs Grimlock Defense 1. Successful Attack and 11 HP damage dealt to the creature. Please add 0:05 min to your Strength Ability Focus Time.)

(OOC: Failed Action Piker, the creature was dead before you could approach to begin your diplomatic attempt. Please add 0:15 min to your Diplomacy Skill and Charisma Ability Focus Times.)

(OOC: Failed Attack Blackbird, please add 0:15 min to your Dexterity Ability Focus Time. Because of the shocking fear you experience, you were unready to attack this creature. Backing away, equipping your bow, and loading an arrow only added to the difficulty of your maneuver.)

(OOC: Successful Action Morcant, however, the creature was dead as your dagger sailed through the air. That being said, the dagger buried itself into the falling shoulder of the deceased Grimlock as it descended to the floor. Please add 0:05 min to your Dexterity Ability Focus Time, for the ranged attack.)

The poorly loaded arrow goes errant and fires across the room. Ricocheting against the granite walls and ceiling the arrow firmly plants itself, nock and feathers vibrating with a twang, in the center of the map table.

The body of the Grimlock gurgles as gases and fluids seep from it's dead body. While this type of subterranean vile beast is expected in some crypts and caverns... the party collectively wonders how it wandered into the sealed ancient Vault. Further to that end, the party begins to compare notes on halls passed, doors left unopened, and chambers neglected in their pursuit toward the depth of Kas' Inner Sanctum.

"We were nine when we entered, and now we are but four. We must be very careful. Let's have a look at the end of the hall where the corridor leads, shall we." states Ptolmek Skarab. The warrior stands strong against the few odds the party has faced.

Morcant backs away from the dark hallway slowly. While he is curious, he exercises a proper sense of caution. Considering Blackbird's failure to open the portcullis, Morcant heads to the closed passage and begins to search for more traps or devices.

(OOC: Successful Action Morcant, please add 0:05 min to Perception and to your Wisdom Ability Focus Times.)

Beginning where Blackbird found his end, Morcant closely examines the hole which expelled the tipped dart. Leading back from that detected trap, he notices more tubes and darts all triggered to fire. There are also a set of gear works. These lead up toward a slit in the ceiling and can only be assumed to continue to a switch plate or lever somewhere.

Examining the unfurled tapestry, Piker expounds, "She goes by many names, and she is many different things to many different souls," Piker says. "She is a mother to bastards and..."

The others begin to tune him out to some degree, but are startled back to his exhortation when it turns to battle cry! "Ptomlek, Blackbird, Morcant, keep an eye out for me. I might need some help after I reach the end of the hall. Prepare your arms comrades! I'll scout ahead!"

(OOC: Successful Action Piker, please add 0:05 min to Stealth and to your Dexterity Ability Focus Times.)

Moving swiftly into the shadows of the tiny corridor it becomes quickly apparent there are no creatures or foul critters awaiting the party. Piker reaches the end of the hall and runs his hand along the back wall to confirm he has indeed reached the end. When - oddly - he feels a series of ridges, bumps, and lines carved into the wall.

The shape is clearly a Dwarven rune, and was most certainly placed to ward off intruders or act as a blessing of sorts. "But, why chisel a terminus with such a marking?" Piker thinks. Slowly touching and considering the lines, Piker is certain the symbol is the rune for "ride" or "journey".

Blackbird leans against the large and heavy mapping table to rest a moment, regain his strength, and reconsider if he should even be in this foul place. He listens as Piker charges into the inky blackness and simply shakes his head at the futility of the gesture.

(OOC: Succcessful Action Blackbird, you rest and since several turns have passed without any ill effects from the ancient poison, it can be considered inert as well. Your health is restored to full.)

While resting, a noise carries from the previous hallway and enters Blackbird's ear. His closed eyes fail to see what his spirit senses. He finally wills himself to look full on at the presence he felt.

With shock he sees a large Grimlock, hunting for food and stalking into the sanctum uninvited. A rusty dagger in his hand nicely compliments the swatch of leather dangling between his legs, and the simple leather cap on his head.

Piker stares at the Dwarven Axe beneath him as Blackbird's curse echoes in the chamber. He glances up just in time to see the larger warrior pluck a dart from his shoulder. Piker shakes his head and wonders if Blackbird's course of bad luck will eventually run its course.

"Look at this," Piker says as he reaches down into the chest and retrieves the Dwarven War Axe. He grunts against the weight of it and struggles to bring it up. The axe is deceptively heavy.

Piker bring the axe to his shoulder, wields it with both hands, and takes a practice swing. The heavy weight of the axe makes it's inertia hard to stop and Piker staggers off balance as the blade strikes a nearby wall.

He sighs and puts the axe down.

"Although I could wield it, I think this was designed for someone a tad more robust than myself. Is anyone else interested?"

Piker reaches into the box and retrieves the 40 gold pieces and places them in his pack, thinking this is the biggest score he's had since working a higher end brothel in the outskirts of a human capital miles east of here. He wonders if he'll make it out of the crypt to get a chance to spend that gold.

Watching Morcant stumble against a door and watching Blackbird rub his shoulder, he wonders if anybody will make it out of this infernal tomb.

"Perhaps we should check out that side passage," Piker says, "Assuming no one here can disarm that trap."

(OOC: Successful Action Piker, please add the gold to your Character Sheet!)

Morcant stumbled into the new room rather clumsily. He glanced up, lifting his candle and searched the room for any auras within. In the background he heard more sounds of ineptitude from his fellow party members.

He knew that his best chance at survival required his sharpness and their improvement. With that thought he put his hands to his throwing daggers and fire manipulation.

Edging into the doorway darkness invaded his sight and cut off his ability to discern wall from floor or ceiling. It was darker than the blackest pitch of a shipyard.  The blackness began to swirl and mute the colors of other auras entering the passageway - which indicated to Morcant that it too was an aura - and not mere darkness.
 
And a dark aura of that nature could only be remnant of some dark and foreboding spirit who long ago stained these walls with their very own dark aura.

Continuing around the corner - and focusing hard to see through the aura to the reality of the space surrounding him - Morcant discerned that the passage ended as a very short and narrow hallway a few steps ahead.

Ptolmek glanced at the axe and with raised eyebrow wondered if the solid weapon might be magical as well. He shrugged - if Piker neglected the weapon - he might try it's heft.

"I don't see any of the other fighters we came in with. For now I would be glad to carry this weapon as a back-up. Perhaps we can sell it back at town as part of the group loot. I am not carrying much else."

"Piker, I found this on the wall," handing the tapestry to the gnome. "Does it mean anything to you?"

Moving toward the newly opened door, Ptolmek continues to speak to the party aloud "One more thing occurs to me," in his gravelly voice, "I do not know much about chests and locks or anything of that nature.

But did not that Iron Chest seem.... far too easy for our companion to open?" He shrugs, "Maybe someone more adept could check the base walls and lid for any secret compartments?"

"Hmmm... you've got a solid point Ptolmek, ol' pal..." he says rubbing at the swelling lump where the irritating poison was taking root. It seemed impotent, or at best only a minor irritant - but the knot forming certainly stung to the touch.

Blackbird moved back to the chest to continue exploring it's contents in the hopes a hidden compartment would be revealed.

'What luck! Not only do I miss a prize Axe and pile of gold in my haste... but I get a jab in the arm for my trouble... Well that all ends now! Ptolmek might be bright enough to think of the compartment, but it shall be I who uncovers the bounty!' Blackbird thinks to himself.

(OOC: Failed Action Blackbird, your Search Skill is not proficient enough to attempt locating such specific items. Stick to broad and general searching at this point. As a result...)

During his rubbing, tugging, and tapping Blackbird did not find a single hidden compartment. Just as he was about to give up and join the others in the side hallway, he did create a hollow noise near the base of the chest. Getting down on his belly to look more closely - he was thrilled - and uttered a small giggle of excitement!

At the base of the chest a thin wooden panel could be seen. Pressing the panel it popped out of place and fell slightly. Blackbird pulled the wooden shim away and...

Suddenly a hiss and a jet of air filled his face. The gas chocked his throat and filled his eyes with tears. It would appear the trap on the chest was either defective, or too old to work properly.

The same could be said for the gas which appeared to be less potent than likely intended.
'What luck' indeed, Blackbird.

Moving slowly and deliberately, Morcant walks to and attempts to open the simple wooden door. As he examines the doorway for any apparent and clearly visible traps, he rest easy there are none visible. Before finally resolving to bear his full weight on the door and open it - he has a moment's hesitation.

Using his gnomish low-level eyesight in the dark, Piker Silentall notices something interesting beneath the tapestry Blackbird was just searching. He strides over to the tapestry and uses his low-level vision to examine the area again, vowing to offer Blackbird some of whatever he may or may not find there.

(OOC: Successful Action Piker, please add 0:05 min to Perception and to your Wisdom Ability Focus Times.)

"Say what you will my friend, I've searched that area and it's barren..." Blackbird calls to Piker as he begins to search the fallen tapestry. In moments, the small man has uncovered a large find! Below the tapestry sits a large Iron Chest. Lacking a proper lock, Piker assumed there was little value to the contents. However, he was quite surprised upon opening the chest to find 40 gold pieces and a Dwarven Waraxe +2.

Meanwhile, Blackbird was grasping the crossbeams of the wooden portcullis tightly. He bent his knees used all the strength available to him to lift the door. The door budged slightly, then clicked. Before Blackbird was able to react a small burst of air sent a sharp dart into his shoulder.

Dropping the crossbeams he cursed loudly and removed the dart. It's tip was coated with a mixture of his own blood and a thick black tar. The ancient remnants of some poison substance he imagined. Only time would tell how potent and effective the poison might still be, but Blackbird set to work rubbing his wound immediately.

(OOC: Failed Action Blackbird McAllister, Strength alone was not suitable to open the Wooden Portcullis. The door was trapped as well with poisoned darts and may still contain ammunition for anyone else attempting to tamper with the passageway. It is usually recommended that someone disable such devices if they are present. Also, as a result of the door not being open, you are not able to proceed with your move of 6 spaces.)

Meanwhile, having been startled by Blackbird's wounding, Morcant shifts his weight and his energy into the simple wooden door. Enough of his mass acts on the resting door to force it open. With such ease infact that Morcant almost stumbles and falls to the ground in the threshold.

Ptolmek's natural suspicions give him pause as he looks over the tapestry carefully, inspecting the back of it as well. Not finding anything significant on the bare spot of wall left behind, he moves on. He moves further south to stand guard - ready for anything to pounce.

Piker Silentall allows the words of the opening lines of 'Hemlock Grove' to breach his lips. His skin crawls as the echoes of his voice curdle like sweet milk left in the sun in the darkened chamber of Kas the Betrayer. All of the stories, are they destined to be true then? He glances up at the Blackbird beside him.

"Do you think these places truly exist? The riches and lore held within them are great, but so is the darkness and evil."

(OOC: Successful Action Piker, please add 0:05 min to Perform - Song Skill and to your Charisma Ability Focus Times.)

Piker strides down the length of the room to see if there is anything else of note within the room. He continues until reaching the southern most wall where he is confronted with a choice. A simple wooden door stands closed on his right, headed West. And a wooden portcullis is drawn closed to the South. Neither looks to be too strong, or foreboding.

Glancing about the room, Blackbird notices another tapestry that's already fallen. Wondering if it's a compliment to the one Ptomlek is nabbing, he rummages through the piled cloth. Moving the cloth from side to side, he completely misses the corner of a large wooden chest being revealed, then concealed once again. The tapestry is back in the same general position it began, and Blackbird is none the wiser.

(OOC: Failed Action Blackbird, please add 0:15 min to Search Skill and to your Intelligence Ability Focus Times. Your Search skill has never been honed, and as a result, you'll continue to fail specific searches until reaching Skill Rank 1.)

After searching through the worn tapestry, he turns to follow Piker further south. Once at his side, Blackbird examines the wooden portcullis closed in front of him. To their surprise they are soon joined by Morcant Gunnar, looking positively pleased with himself regardless. A notebook in his hand indicates he was jotting notes about the map they located, and must have gotten distracted.

"Gods preserve!" Piker says as he watches Blackbird clock his face solidly on the ancient piece of furniture. "Are you okay? Who would have thought it would have been a chair that drew first blood on our party?"

Blackbird stood and put a hand to his swelling wound. "That smarts... Oooh! Oww!" He lowered his hand and wondered if anyone in the party had a salve, or herbs that might help.

The entire party chuckles at Blackbird's misfortune, including the wounded himself. As the tapestry on the western wall catches his attention, Piker begins to move into the room toward the table with the engraved map.

Ptolmek Skarab moves to the tapestry illustrating (quite sensually infact) the Goddess of Law on the western wall. The irony of his actions is not lost on Ptolmek, as he yanks at the ancient tapestry in an attempt to steal the very image of the Goddess of Law. The threads of the aged ornament give easily and soon the dust soaked cloth lay at his feet.

(OOC: The tapestry may be added to your inventory Ptolmek, no additional action required.)

Piker's fascination with maps began as a young gnome. He inquired of the Widow Summerfall, and dreamt silently of all the places his father might have adventured. Perhaps, in time, he would retrace his father's storied steps.

As he studied the old map, Blackbird also moves closer and begins to examine the craftsmanship. With one eye closed, he bent closer to the ancient etched leather battle map for a closer look.

(OOC: Piker and Blackbird, together you compare known landmarks, a few towns that still exist, and more that now stand in ruins scattered across the map. The ancient Dwarven runes used on the huge map are well beyond either of your linguistics skills. Based on known locations and similar runes still used by Dwarves today, you do manage to decipher a few phrases. You agree upon four named locations.)

Resting a moment to take stock of this discovery, the two of you compare stories from your childhood, various folklore you've heard, and whispers picked up in noisy taverns. From the fractured pieces the party agrees that the following locations are on the map.

The First Dwarven rune deciphered most likely points to The Labyrinth of Agoch

Oestharg e'Plurag the Minotaur, commonly addressed as Oes, was the head regent in the massive Kenjarii province. His administration of the province was trustworthy and just. Never was he questioned over his dealings or decisions. To that end, as with many rewards given by the kingdom early in the Third Age, Oes was awarded a sprawling estate. The estate drew the admiration of many would be brides, but his heart settled on one fine woman quite quickly. It was said her beauty could put the Queen's own radiance to shame. Soon their love bore fruit and she was burdened with a child.

However, the joy of the province quickly turned to sadness when the birth of the child killed it's mother. Not only that, but legend states, the boy child entered this world with wings. Enraged, Oes turned to his trusted adviser, a Karuras bearing the matching plumage of the bastard son. Oes quite literally ripped the birdman apart - leaving appendages, feathers, and blood strewn throughout the birth chamber. Attendants covered the winged boy with thick cloth and held him tightly in fear of their normally calm and caring master. Without ever looking on his wife's living deceit, Oes ordered the boy to be cared for, but kept secret from the eyes of all in the province. He would report that both died in delivery.

Over the next twelve years the boy grew, and Oestharg e'Plurag the Minotaur worked through his anger and betrayal as only a minotaur could. He channelled his swirling anger and confusion into order through laborious construction. His soul was in shambles, his province was in decline, his legacy was in ruins. But as the estate fell down around him, the project he poured himself into neared completion. On the boy's thirteenth birthday Oes met him for the first time, face to face, at the chamber doors to the same room where the boy first arrived.

Oes dismissed the servants and explained to the boy how his mother's shameful decisions led to this day. He then opened the massive doors, threw the boy into the darkened corridor, and locked the massive doors tightly - never to be opened again. The child was simply known as Agoch, and he lived at one time in the Estate of Terotucsis. It is certain, through the passage of time, that the entire family line was ushered into oblivion, but Terotucsis remains - or The Labyrinth of Agoch, as it is known today.


The Second Dwarven rune deciphered is most certainly The Tomb of Ninebi the Elemental

It is known throughout historical record that a young Mios boy ascended to the throne of King when his family was mysteriously and brutally murdered. Every branch of the lineage shorn, the child king took the mantle of ruler without a single argument. However, his rule was lonely, and his direction often swayed by ill intentioned advisers. Without the firm discipline of a loving father, or the loving embrace of a fearless mother, nor the playful kinship of siblings, cousins, or distant relations - the boy grew up cold, heartless, and stoic.

As a Mios military leader he appeared ideal - moving into region after region with unbridled ferocity - he conquered more territory than any in his line combined ever claimed. As a leader and ruler of the Mios people - he lacked a sense of charisma and charm that goes far in the political arena. At such a young age, to have accomplished so much, and expanded so vast an empire - the boy thought himself untouchable. More than that, his unscrupulous advisors began to whisper to his majesty that he might very well be the promised incarnation of their god or war Arpa.

As stories of his magnificents grew, the young lionman wanted to do something significant to enshrine himself in the hearts and minds of his subjects for eternity. An elder advisor told of a ritual that would forever bind one's soul to his own control, never allowing it to pass into eternity or damnation. And thus never allowing the gods a sway over his decisions. The idea was put to the passionate young ruler in such a way that he felt certain he was securing his own immortality.

As the ritual progressed, and as the hours wore on, the boy began to doubt his decision to head down this path. But the final moments sped past him so swiftly that he never had a chance to voice his regret. In the final utterances of the incantation the king's small young body tossed and writhed in agony as the very fibre of his being tore apart only to be replaced by the surrounding stone, mortar, dirt, clay, and mud that was used to construct the chamber. With a final explosion of fear filled agony, the body of what was merely a mios child, lay still on the cold ground, lifeless. Those in attendance scooped up the boy king and carried him to the tomb of his ancestors.

The kingdom fell into the hands of the beguiling ilk once trusted as cup bearers to the king, and was soon conquered by invading armies. Much of the wealth of that family line was buried deep within the tombs with them. It was believe that on the day the royal line did rise in the afterlife to rule once again they would be ranked by the gods based on the wealth accumulated in this life.

At this stage legend takes over, and the story of the boy king merely begins. For centuries following the ill-fated ritual - and decline of the empire he built - farmers, villagers, and common people say they still see the king walking among them. Only his form is that of stone and clay now. He stalks, with vengeance, the family line of those that usurped the throne. He guards against any who would abscond with the wealth intended for the day of resurrection. He lives on immortally as an earth elemental and now many in the realms simply refer to the place as The Tomb of Ninebi the Elemental.


The Third Dwarven rune deciphered gives a good indication of where to find The Halls of the Gargoyle Empress

A fortress palace perched high atop a mountain peak overlooks a valley filled with vibrant life and abundant bounty. The riches of the valley are protected by the might of fortress military, at the command of the Emperor and Empress living therein. All was right and good in the world until a terrible state of affairs brought maddness to the ruler, and death to the valley. In time, as does occur naturally, the Empress aged. However, she did not yield her beauty gracefully but instead sought many forms of natural and supernatural remedies to the ailment of age. After exhausting the knowledge, talents, tinctures, and potions of the region she sent forth a decree that anyone who could find her a solution to her aging would be granted all the rights to her ageless body that her own husband - the Emperor - now enjoyed. At first, quite understandably, the Emperor was quite shocked and appalled. But the Empress assured him he would soon tire of her ageless body when he too enjoyed the gift of everlasting life. She promised him the pick of any woman in the valley as his trophy, so long as she too enjoyed the same clemency. He begrudgingly agreed.

With time the scouts returned with many strange brews, rituals, and scrolls all promising eternal beauty to the Empress. In the end, only one method proved effective. A medicine woman from a distant land had returned with a scout with the claim that she could produce an ageless beauty that would know no rivals. The Empress jumped at the opportunity without considering the price or the consequences. As the small witch intoned through an ancient unknown tongue, the Empress felt within her womb a burning and searing pain. She fell to the floor, writhing and screaming in agony. The Emperor rushed to her side and ordered the witch silenced. But when the guards approached the old woman a simple wave of her hand froze them in place - and another gesture sent them hurtling backward into the courtroom's marbled walls. The powerful little woman continued until her curse was finished. Then she turned, and slowly hobbled from the chamber echoing with the Empresses cries of pain.

Before the pain subsided the Empress began to vomit streams of blood. Flowing from her body a stream of blood issued forth that covered the ornate tiles surrounding the throne. And soon the blood coming from her mouth changed entirely into a dark and sticky black sludge. The Emperor was appalled and ordered the witch hunted and executed for the murder of his beloved queen. But she was not dead yet - and in time, with attendance and care she recovered her agonizing pain. In the weeks and months that followed, the Empress was recovering well - but refused to eat. Nothing prepared was ever eaten and yet she remained beautiful and exhibited all the vigor of life. Eventually she insisted the meals stop coming feeling it was a waste and a drain on the valley.

In time however, her true appetite began to show. Nearly a year after the episode with the tiny witch, the Empress rose one morning from the bed of her lover, the scout who bestowed everlasting beauty and agelessness upon her. Going to the balcony above the sheer drop off which overlooked the valley she glanced down and saw a young girl tending sheep. Something stirred deep in her womb again that morning that changed her forever - and more dramatically than her encounter with the magic woman.

The aching doubled the beautiful lady over in pain. Holding herself against the balcony railing she fixed her eyes on the young girl and admired her youthful charms and virtuous beauty. As the mere thoughts passed through her mind, the pain in her body exploded, sending her to the floor. Looking through the rungs of the balcony now, she focused all her attention on the girl with rage and anger. Screaming at the scout, she sent him down to retrieve the girl and return her to their shared chamber. When he returned with the frightened girl, his lady was upright and well again. Her beauty and composure restored. The girl walked into the room, and the Empress dismissed her lover. The girl walked closer at the ruler's beckoning, in fear of being called to the palace in such haste. And the Ageless Beauty mustered every ounce of her will to hide the pain coursing through her veins. She invited the young innocent to sit at her feet, and enjoy a the soothing caress of one of her finest hairbrushes.

The girl sat, and the lady began to draw the bristles through her long golden hair. Barely able to hold it back, the Empress caught a wretching cough in the palm of her hand. Looking inside she once again saw the black sludge that had replaced her rich red blood a year ago. Anger welled deep inside her and she reached for a small knife hidden in the folds of her dress. Without hesitation she slit the girls throat and allowed the blood to cover her fingers. Overcome by the moment she bent at the waist and kissed the wound deeply, drawing in the warm blood and finally easing the pain in her aching womb. Had this been the penalty for desiring eternal beauty, was this the price she had to pay?

Her husband walked into the private chamber, the scout burst in close behind having alerted the ruler to the strange behaviors that morning. Looking up from the limp dead girl's body, the Empress looked to be sated, but merely uttered a single word... "Another!"

Drawing upon the youthful blood of the valley kept the Empress younger than the day she succumbed to the dark magic. But the shadow of death throughout the castle drove the Emperor mad, and the people into a state of fear. Soon they rose up in anger and protest at the loss of so many of their young. They drew together wise men of magic and aged holy men of god to confront the darkness emanating from the mountaintop citadel. Arriving at the now dark and bloodstained palace the quorum conferred and decided to banish the she devil to a form befitting her crimes. Having finally cornered her in a small chamber of the castle, they began their enchantment.

The intention was to turn the once beautiful and kind Empress into a horrid and demonic stone gargoyle statue. But something went horribly wrong with the application of the spell. Instead of banishing her to eternity in stone form, the results were much more dire. The Empress was transformed into a living breathing gargoyle twice her original size with a hunger for blood ten times greater than before. Now winged and nearly unstoppable, she fled the chamber through a balcony overlooking the once peaceful valley. The castle was burned to the ground, and the valley abandoned to darkness. Now the once regal palace, reduced to ashen rubble, is feared as The Halls of the Gargoyle Empress.


The Fourth and Final Dwarven rune deciphered indicates the location of The Cavern of Black Souls

Along the southern coast of the Cathomand province jagged rocky cliffs devour ships of every size and sailing vessels of every nation. Legends dating back to the earliest explorers of the First Age are clear about one thing - the Cliffs of Cathomand exact a high toll on those who skirt her shores.

"As the earth thirsts for blood, so too does the sea thirst for souls." The ancient proverb carries more weight in a region beset by more hauntings and spirited activity than any other region of the realms. And it is all said to emanate from the bowels of the deepest sea cavern hidden in the darkest corner of those treacherous crags. This map gives credence to all the nightmarish stories about The Cavern of Black Souls.

Although each of these landmarks are known to you as mere folklore, the discovery of this battle map amid the dwelling of another legendary icon can only lead to one conclusion. Each of these fabled destinations must exist - and surely the bounty therein as well...

Ptolmek Skarab quickly glanced at the barred passage briefly before sensing the party was moving on without him. He gathered his thoughts, and quickly strode west to join the others and report his findings of the closed portcullis.

Morcant Gunnar pursues the sound echoing out of the darkness and follows Ptolmek through the dark archway. He cautiously takes in the new room's accoutrements, all the while mindful of Blackbird's position as shield wall between himself and the unknown darkness.

Morcant attempts to detect anything of interest with his skill of Perception.
9 = Perception(1) + Wisdom(8)

(OOC: Successful Action Morcant, please add 0:05 min to Perception Skill and to your Wisdom Ability Focus Times.)

As his eyes take in the shadows of shadows, Morcants perception of these objects bends reality away from the fearful unknown. Taking into consideration the depth the party has penetrated into the vault, and the lore surrounging Kas the Betrayer, Morcant begins to perceive his surroundings with new clarity.

Spotted along the walls are deep leather chairs and benches for sitting. Small tables are within easy reach so goblets of fine wine might be set down and grasped once again with ease. A tapestry of a Goddess of Law hangs from the west wall. Another tapestry has fallen off the opposite wall into a bundle on the floor.

Piker Silentall lightly steps through the archway and borrows a helping of bravery form the passing warriors. Just enough to give him the courage to step aside Morcant and peer into the room.

(OOC: Successful Action Piker, lowlight vision is a trait of your people, and has come in handy in this room. Also - please add 0:05 min to Perception Skill and to your Wisdom Ability Focus Times. Perception is not a listed skill you've focused on in life, until beginning this adventure, but it is a skill you may begin to pursue if you choose. Add the skill to your Character Sheet at this time. You may fail these Perception Actions for some time until you reach a minimum of Skill Rank 1.)

Years of entertaining on rickety platforms, gypsy wagons, and tavern stages have honed Piker's lowlight vision - enabling him to examine new surroundings quickly. Knowing where to step on a wooden planked stage, and where one might fall through a rotten bore worm hole is more useful than most would think.

Several pieces of spoiled meat are scattered throughout the room. Two large squared tables fit into the room snugly. One with a massive map burned with care into a heavy leather hide. Along it's sides several nets holding figurines for strategy and planning. The other table is etched with several ancient game boards in once surface. Several high backed chairs surround the play surface, and drawers with silver knobs hide gaming pieces.

Blackbird cautiously enters the darkened room. Unsure if the source of the loud noise came from within, or deeper in this cavernous vault.

He let one hand slide along the smooth granite wall as he entered the room taking several large steps into the darkness. As his eyes adjusted to the lack of light he did less groping, and could begin to see outlines of objects against the walls and placed throughout the room.

(OOC: Unsuccessful Action Blackbird, please add 0:15 min to Perception Skill and to your Wisdom Ability Focus Times. Perception is not a listed skill you've focused on in life, until beginning this adventure, but it is a skill you may begin to pursue if you choose. Add the skill to your Character Sheet at this time. You may fail these Perception Actions for some time until you reach a minimum of Skill Rank 1.)

Blackbird is unable to make sense of one object from another, and begins to stumble in the darkness. His last shuffling step tangles around the edge of what Blackbird discovers to be a large leather chair with heavy wooden legs and solid metal grasps adorning the arms of the chair. The upper corner of his left eye strikes the newly revealed armchair as his body sails downward to finally come to rest on the floor.

(OOC: Blackbird, you've suffered 1 HP of damage from your fall. A swollen bruise has started to form over your left eye. It does not impact your vision - but it stings at the slightest touch, and won't aid in wooing maidens.)

Talking among themselves, the adventuring party determines from their combined revelations that this is some Inner Sanctum once belonging to Kas the Betrayer himself! When ornamenting the ideal space for passing time, relaxation, planning, and private entertaining - the master of this hall certainly took care in this space. The Inner Sanctum is clearly a place only the most trusted visitors, dignitaries, and emissaries ever breached.

Morcant was undaunted by Akasha's flippant response as he tried to uncover her inner thoughts. Concentrating on her thoughts, Morcant noticed a shifting and swirling in Akasha's aura. At the moment her greed at spotting Blackbird's easy find of gold coins swirled with her determination to delve deep into this shell of a sanctum. She was certain there was more here than the stone walls belied.

Suddenly a noise in the deeper recesses of the vault broke his concentration, and he moved closer to the southern door, ready for action.

(OOC: Successful Action Morcant, please add 0:05 min to Diplomacy Skill and to your Charisma Ability Focus Times.)

Piker grimaces as he watches as his human ally Ptolmek smashes one of the rats into a bloody mess. He kicks the limp tail of one the creatures and shrugs.

"Since I missed out on all the real ones, I went ahead and found one myself. What do you think?" He asks as he tosses it at the elf.

(OOC: Successful Action Piker Silentall, please add 0:05 min to Prestidigitation Memorized Spell and to your Wisdom Ability Focus Times.)

Cleaning the rat ichor as best he could from his weapon, Ptolmek notices with amazement as the nearby Gnome Bard creates a figurine seemingly out of thin air.

Hearing some kind of echoing noise, he decides to move to the south wall of the bunkroom and peer at the southeast archway. Blocking his way is a closed wooden portcullis.

Blackbird McAllister walked through the stone archway to the south of the Guard Bunkroom. Aiden Morax and Aiyana try to catch up to him, but he breeches the stone archway before they arrive. He hadn't moved deep into the darkened corridor before hearing an odd sound.

A steady whistle could be heard throughout the bending hallway off to Blackbird's left. Some unfinished construction indicates expansion of the vault was begun in this hallway. Now the dust and grime of centuries has piled up, rendering the mason's plans useless.

Passing this small side hallway, he continued a few more steps until the light of Akasha's flame was merely a faint glow dancing on the upper corners of the chamber. Here, barely out of view, Blackbird spotted deep leather chairs and benches for sitting along the walls.

Morcant proceeds into the next room where he knows that a fight is brewing. He approaches Akasha and attempts to request some training in the arcane art of fire wielding. While his smooth talk does draw her attention, she doesn't reveal the secrets to her art immediately. Instead, with a strong roll of her eyes, she gives a 'are you kidding me' glance at Morcant which she trails toward the rats in the corner.

(OOC: Successful Action Morcant, please add 0:05 min to Diplomacy Skill and to your Charisma Ability Focus Times.)

Ptolmek Skarab shakes off visions of a memory he's become lost in and moves swiftly toward the noise in the next room. Taking notice of a nearby dire rat, Ptolmek swings his enchanted Steel Mace wide and smashes the tiny creature against the granite wall.

(OOC: Successful Attack Ptolmek Skarab! You've dealt 11 Damage to the dire rat at your feet. 11 = STR(10) + 0 Skill +  Steel Mace(1)  Please add 0:05 min to your Strength Ability Focus Time. You may visit a Tradesman in a town to improve your weapon in the future. But Focus Time is not attributed directly to weapons.)

After a few minutes of stupor, Piker hears the sound of combat from one of the adjourning chambers. He realizes that his comrades in adventure may need assistance. He grips his knife and dashes down the hall as quickly as he can, hoping he can get into the fray before anyone is seriously wounded.

Piker is followed closely by Sir Jaidev Kaul. Both enter the room a bit winded, but quickly gather around Blackbird, and the remaining dire rats.

Growing more wary upon seeing what lies beyond the door, Beltin readies his bow and fires off a series of shots towards the remaining rats in quick succession.

(OOC: Two Successful Attacks Beltin, both as follows: 8 = DEX(6)+0 Skill+Bow(1) and Arrow(1). Please add 0:10 min to your Dexterity Ability Focus Time. You have also killed two Dire Rats who's bodies remain behind on the cold stone floor.)

As the party assembles nearby and combines their efforts to clear the room of these dire rats, Blackbird McAllister quickly peers the other corners of the room for any more rats. Seeing none, he smoothly wraps his bow back onto his shoulder, and kneels down to inspect the nearby dire rat corpses.

(OOC: Successful Actions Blackbird. No specific skill or ability would have helped you in this simple search. But your inspection of the corpses did yield 40 gold coins total! Each of those dire rats had swallowed about 20 gold coins in it's lifetime.)

Deep in the vaults, down the darkened corridors, the echo of a dropped object carries through the stone archway south of the adventurers.