Latest revision as of 10:52, 15 June 2017

I'll be brief. The Tyrant of Grond, Skeflock, found out about a kivvil gnome named Zedeln sending shipments of golem making supplies through Grond. This Zedeln spoke of a lost city and his intention to uncover some golems. He gave Skeflock a mirror of scrying to send him word when they were ready to move the caravans. The Tyrant was suspicious because of a note found earlier (see note A) and pretended to go along with it, though he reported all he knew to the first Matron and the Ulath'Taller. Skeflock also said a drow ~cloaked in shadows~ was working with the gnome.

Later a powerful undead attack Grond, crying for some skull and trying to fight its way to the goblin caves. Apparently some shadowy drow were offering the goblin Garbaroth payment to retrieve this skull, one of some specific grave buried beneath the Bonefields. The creature vanished at the same time the goblins delivered the skull to the drow. The drow was a male and had no eyes, only empty sockets. Skeflock also said a veteran drow male (Let's call him X since we don't know his name) had recently returned to Udos and joined the first house. He told Skeflock that he had also seen the eyeless male and he'd vanished when X looked at him.

The drow veteran, "X", was hearing voices whispering to him about betrayal or conspiracy, and also whispered the words Zar Zek. X didn't know Zar Zek since he was newly rearrived in the city. X went to speak to Skeflock and they went to Skeflock's private chambers.

When they arrived, the gnome Zedeln was waiting for them. He greeted Skeflock and X froze in fear. He said that decades ago the gnome was a Banite on the surface, and had captured X and tortured him for many days during his youth. The gnome didn't seem to know what he was talking about. The Grondhouse staff rushed in and attacked the gnome for trespassing, but he fled, dropping another golem component. Skeflock thinks the skull mentioned earlier was for one of the golems.

When the beast attacked Udos, Skeflock went to the Svirf village and was met by a shadowy drow who told him that their army of golems was nearly ready and the beast was one of many. That they were using them to soften up their target.

The drow spoke of conspirators in Udos and threatened to destroy Grond if they continued to meddle. It referred to its master as 'she'. The Tyrant paid the Jelly's price and asked it who 'she' was. It answered Mllikiek'zztts. The Tyrant did some research and found information, which can be found on Note B.

Tyrant Skeflock spoke with the Ulath'Taller and the first Ilharess. They formed a plan where they would attack and hold the svirf village, and seek out the entrance to this lair where they were preparing the golems. The gnome had spoke it it being there. When Skeflock went there, the duergar found some excavations and what they believed led to some area beneath, and planted powderkegs. After Zar Zek left, they went below and saw a circle of red light and another figure.

The figure was a female surface elf, also clad in shadows. She mocked and threatened Skeflock and said she was the gnome and that a traitor was working with her in Udos. Shadow Dragons are masters of illusion. Skeflock ordered his forces to attack, but apparently she can only be harmed on the plane of shadow. They blew up the village and as they left, they heard the cry of the beast. When they arrived in Grond, another circle of red light, a portal, was outside the gates.

Morge did research on the portals and found the information found in Note C. The Jelly told the Tyrant where the altar is. Skeflock somehow ended up with a note meant for another, which can be read in Note D. Skeflock asked Godo to plant a copy of the note on Zar Zek to see how he reacted. Since he didn't react negatively, Skeflock is suspicious. Skeflock also thinks that Zar Zek was trying to disrupt things at the svirf operation.

~Ilmeth, 15.4.39

Note A

I have survived the treachery of the vile Yath of the Spider Harlot! We were close. The city was almost ours, but the conniving females lured us into a trap! I should have seen it, but I left the idea of hope enter into my mind.Foolish! Foolish! Foolish! Qu'ellna and Vall'exma are dead, the lucky ones. Xorn was captured and no doubt confessing to his crimes even as I put pen to paper. Nau where is safe for me on this plane. But I have survived by having options upon options.

Udos is naut ours, but I can still survive. I have opened up the portal and have found a safe harbor. Through the deserted cities I have wandered to finally come upon my instrument of my revenge. Through the ravings of the mad gnome, I have found the secret of having an army without emotion. They will be guided only by my will, my desire for revenge.

Once I am done collecting the materials I need, I shall again march on Udos. I shall again enact my revenge. Sorcere will rule Udos! Naut the Yath! We shall finally put the Yath down into a position they deserve!

Note B

In ancient times, before Udos and Grond, a city of splendor gleamed in the night like a jeweled heart. It was a dark place, a brooding place. However it was beauty in its darkness. The shades of shadow were like various curtains of nonlight in the city. It was ruled by a shadow dragon named Mallikiek'zztts and her disciples were part shadow and part corporal.

It was an unforgiving place and some scholars theorize that it was the birth of how the Drow now are ruled. Like all great cities, it grew decadent and cancerous. Others, her enemies, grew in power and wormed their way into positions of influence. Her own shadow warriors became corrupt and she was betrayed from within. A pitched battle in her temple was the last battle she ever saw. Scholars say this is where she was vanquished and the remaining loyalists fled into the plane of shadow, never to return. Her temple crashed around the intruders, sealing their fate as they sealed hers.

Note C

(first paragraph was cut off) "...rth and me followed the archmage into the cave. All around us the city was being consumed in the rage of the Yath. We stood nau chance. I made sure I was the one that carried the valuable books so at least I would see where his escape would lead me. He rose upon the golden altar and said a word of power, "Mallikiek'zztts", and the portal opened. Naut bright, yet naut dark, the portal opened to the shadow plane! I know this as I was taught by him. He turned to us and said, "I only have room for one more!" I was taken to the portal and did naut see the dagger by my life long companion. So I pen this betrayal by my own blood. Hoping that someone will find this and follow my betrayer into the portal and kill him for me! The city is dead, I hear nau more fighting. Only the dead now walk the streets."

Note D

Zar Zek, Archmage of Udos, The plan is going well. The information you have obtained for me has been more beneficial. Through your assistance, I have been able to ascertain the Yath that hold power in Udos. As per your instruction, they have been targeted and will be dealt with as the invasion commences. Once we secure our power in Udos, I will reward you your due. Yours in Lloth, SB