Reuniting the Band

Trolkarl, retreats to the accommodations, removes his armor, and lies down for a nap before being summoned for dinner. 

Xymox’s Interlude in Star Hall

Star Hall is quiet.

Not the uneasy silence of tombs or the tense hush before battle, but the deliberate calm of a place shaped by patient minds. The air is warm, the stonework immaculate, and for the first time in many days there is no immediate danger pressing upon the Company.

Xymox allows himself a moment to appreciate it.

Once inside his chamber he wastes little time taking advantage of the luxuries offered. The road, the tombs, the sea voyage, and the cold winds of the north have left their mark. A long, steaming bath has already been prepared, and the bard sinks into it with a quiet sigh of contentment.

“Civilization,” he murmurs to no one in particular, “continues to justify its existence.”

While he soaks, the attentive valets gather his travel-worn clothes and carry them away to be cleaned, mended, and properly pressed. Xymox makes a brief mental note to compliment Xagyg’s household staff later; such efficiency deserves recognition.

As the heat works its way into sore muscles, his mind wanders—as it often does—toward the more pleasant curiosities of civilized life.

He glances idly toward the chamber door.

A faint smirk touches his lips.

“Mage hospitality is thorough,” he muses quietly. “One wonders just how thorough.” He notes that he doesn't recall seeing any female mages in the halls.  He dismisses the mental notation with a deep sigh and sinks further into the tub.

The thought lingers only briefly. There are matters of consequence before the Company, and a bard who intends to enjoy life’s pleasures learns the value of patience.

Eventually he rises from the bath, refreshed and considerably more presentable. While awaiting the return of his cleaned attire, he dons spare garments from his pack and moves to the desk provided in the chamber.

From his satchel he withdraws his travel journal and opens it to a fresh page.

His quill hovers.

Then begins to move.

Field Notes: The Company — Entry XII

The Staff, the Sea, and the Star Hall

Xymox writes with the patient rhythm of someone who believes stories deserve precision.

He records the fall of Illiandil and the wizard’s failed grasp at lichdom. The strange corruption surrounding the tomb. The destruction of the phylactery beneath celestial witness. The names of Sariel and the Lord of Axiom are written with careful respect.

He documents the uneasy voyage south along the Sea of Swords, including the mysterious brigantine that shadowed their convoy, its white pennant marked by a stark dark X. He notes the swift and unsettling elimination of the men who had watched the Company depart Neverwinter.

The quill pauses occasionally while he refines a phrase.

“No story improves with haste,” he murmurs softly. “Even truth deserves proper rhythm.”

When the account is complete, Xymox sets the journal aside and lifts his violin.

A quiet melody fills the chamber as he experiments with themes for a new ballad—one somber and reflective, tentatively titled The Fall of Illiandil.

A second tune soon follows, lighter and quicker, the sort meant to survive the lively judgment of tavern audiences.

He writes the working title at the top of the page.

Five Fools and a Wizard’s Problem

A faint smile appears.

Eventually the music fades and the bard returns to more practical concerns.

A cloth is spread across the desk and several recovered treasures—gemstones, circlets, and assorted curiosities—are placed carefully atop it as he drafts a short list for the Company’s next stop in Waterdeep.  What needs to be bought and sold?  He makes a short list.

At the bottom he adds one final note.

Investigate magical protections against mental influence.

His eyes flick briefly toward the scimitar resting beside the bed.

“…purely precautionary.”

Not long after, his freshly cleaned clothing is returned. Xymox dresses carefully, brushing the fine fabric smooth and ensuring every detail of his appearance is properly arranged.

Boots polished.

Gloves replaced.

Violin tuned.

The scimitar rests comfortably at his hip once more.

He studies himself briefly in the mirror.

A small smile touches his lips.

“Let us see,” he murmurs softly, “what truth looks like in the Hall of Truths.”

Then the bard then sits on the bed, lightly plucking his violin, waiting to rejoin The Company for dinner with Xagyg.

Each of you spend time relaxing and enjoying the idea of being safe for the first time in a long time.  The baths are wonderful and self-draining.  There is a drain situated in the bottom of the tub that can be activated by depressing it and then closed with the same motion.  Genius.  Chadwick has the appearance of someone who has never had a care in the world.  Yartol and Trolkarl are rejuvenated from baths and naps.  Xymox has an extra spring in his step and glint in his eye.  Starker and Cyrus return from the gardens and a tour of their horticulture there.  The gardens above you are mostly for cooking and consumption.  Many herbs and other botanicals are present.  Kragen seems to be just a bit less uptight than usual after spending time in prayer.

The valets indicate it is time to make your way to dinner.  You are gently reminded about leaving weapons and armor behind.  They are not necessary here.  Your protestations to this are received with a smile and they quietly wait until you divest yourselves of steel before leading you out the doors.  You make your way down into the depths of the tower and bedrock below it.   Communal sitting areas and residences are passed on the way to what appears to be a secure door.  Two dwarven guards in armor with hammers on their back stand before it.  The valets greet them and you are allowed through the doors.

The halls here are a bit more austere.  Fewer decorations are set about.  The stonework is utilitarian in appearance, though still expert.  Kragen is unable to find anything to complain about the quality.  A few more turns through less crowded halls and finally a set of double doors. 

The chamber beyond is large and rectangular with several other smaller doors exiting from the opposite wall and the far end of each side wall.  You guess about 40 feet x 30 feet in size.  Dark wood paneling is on the walls and the ceiling is covered murals depicting Moradin creating the dwarves 15’ above you.  The floor is polished stone with a rectangular carpet 30 feet x 20 feet centered in the space.  A long table is on the carpet with many heavy chairs set about it.  Settings for a meal are in place.  You enter to find several dwarves already present as well as a human and an aarakocra.  All are dressed in fine clothes accented tastefully with gems and precious metals.  You are introduced to them as you enter.  These are the advisors to Xagyg.  A butler signals for all to take their seats after introductions are made and beverages obtained.  Xagyg arrives along with the dwarves from your meeting at this time.  He sits in the center  of a long side of the table flanked by these dwarves.  You are arranged on the opposite side of the table, across from him. The rest fill in around you.

A toast is offered to Moradin and the meal is served.  Soup leads it off followed by plates of savory pastries, slices of roast and sausages.  Wonderful sauces and mustards accompany the dishes of this course.  This is followed by fresh fruits and whipped cream drizzled in exotic honies and then, finally, nuts, sweet meats and dwarven spirits finish the meal.  It is a welcome repast after trail rations for the past weeks.

Once the meal begins, Xagyg greets you, “A welcome to our special guests known as The Company.  They have performed a great service for us and all of Faerûn.  We welcome you here to Star Hall.  Please tell us of your journey and the challenges overcome.”  He moves to sit and adds, “All are trusted here.  Do not feel the need to withhold detail.  Tell us everything.  All of it.”

Starker stands up, clears his throat, and adjusts his robe as would a professor about to lecture a sett of sophomores. He notices the horrified looks of The Company, deflates, and says: “A tale best perhaps told by a bard … “ and sits, ruefully, gesturing towards Xymox. 

Xymox rises smoothly from his seat, adjusting one cuff with practiced ease. He offers a respectful bow to Xagyg, then inclines his head to the assembled advisors around the table.

“Master Xagyg… honored advisors of Star Hall.”

A small, courteous smile follows.

“You asked for the truth of our journey. I will endeavor to give it plainly—though I should warn you that the road here was neither short nor particularly tidy.”

His purple and silver eyes flick briefly toward Starker.

“Our wizard is more than capable of recounting every arcane detail with admirable precision… but he has kindly deferred the broader telling to the bard.”

He nods gratefully toward Starker before turning back to the table.

“We began, as you know, with your warning and your request—that the Staff of the Void be recovered, and that it be handled with the utmost caution. I can say with confidence now that your concern was well placed.”

“The tomb of Illiandil, deep within the Spine of the World, was no simple ruin. It was a carefully constructed stronghold of necromancy—wards, riddles, traps, and undead guardians layered together with the meticulous cruelty of a wizard determined to protect his work.”

He gestures lightly toward the members of The Company.

“Each of my companions proved indispensable there. Sir Chadwick’s unwavering courage, Father Kragen’s divine insight, Trolkarl’s steel, Yartol’s skill in the wilds, and Starker’s command of the arcane carried us through dangers that would have undone most expeditions.”

A faint smile crosses his face.

“My own contributions were largely musical… and occasionally preventative.”

He continues.

“Within the tomb we also discovered that Illiandil’s ambitions had already claimed victims. Several prisoners were being held within his domain—souls meant either for experimentation or sacrifice.”

“We were able to rescue Kellen, who had suffered greatly under Illiandil’s attentions, as well as Serethia, a wizard of Neverwinter who had been captured while investigating the same threat.”

“Both played important roles in our survival and in what followed.”

His tone grows more serious.

“In the end we confronted the remnants of Illiandil’s work and destroyed the vessel anchoring his continued existence. The destruction required aid beyond mortal strength—celestial forces and powers aligned with the Lord of Axiom saw the matter finished.”

He inclines his head slightly.

“Illiandil will not return.”

“The Staff, however, remained. We were strongly advised not to tamper further with it and to deliver it to the wizard who had first warned us of its danger.”

Xymox gestures lightly toward Xagyg.

“So we did.”

“The return journey proved… eventful. We drew attention along the way—watchers in Neverwinter and a ship that shadowed our convoy across the Sea of Swords. Whoever observed us chose not to interfere directly.”

He spreads his hands slightly.

“And so, after tombs, planar detours, celestial negotiations, and a somewhat uncomfortable voyage by sea, we arrived here in Waterdeep and followed your instructions to the Raging Lion.”

His expression softens.

“Illiandil’s ambitions have ended beyond recall. The Staff has been returned to your care. And The Company is grateful that your warning allowed us to approach the matter with the caution it deserved.”

He bows once more, elegant and sincere.

“That, Master Xagyg, is the journey as faithfully as I can tell it—without forcing our wizard to lecture the table for the remainder of the evening.”

Kragen chuckles at Starker's theatrics... however he should not doubt himself. Then smiles to hear Xymox's humble recounting of The Company's incursion into Illandial's vile abode.

You see that Kragen has donned his clerical vestments, which seems a bit odd? However is vestments are in meticulous condition and glow with the radiance of Tyr's strength. He has removed the Eyes of the Eagle, it seems there are funny impressions from the constant use.

Kragen waits for Xymox to finish and addresses the room, his countenance turns to more serious. "Master Xagyg, it has been some time since i have witnessed dwarven craftmenship that you have hear. The visage of the Soul-Forger warms my heart and bolsters my strength." Nods in thanks

"Our Master Bard seems to be to humble to admit that without his sharp wit, vicious tongue and precise accuracy, we would have been done for." nods at Xymox in appreciation "If i may add a few details that i feel are of import, that i believe Master Xagyg and his advisor's need to be aware of." looks to the others "Please add to or correct any details you feel i might have missed." Then begins

"Some of our findings were more concerning than others. Despite the fact this Human sought eternal damnation walking the earth as an aberration, it seemed he had ill intent that may affect other world's. It appears he had defeated that Titan Kythos in his attempt to directly link the material plane with the outer planes. I know not of these machinations, however it seems that should not be possible?", "It seems that someone should sever this link and restore the Titan, if that possible. It was beyond our capabilities."

"There were some additional artifacts that may provide more information as to what the Mage was about. I have his personal journal, which provides clues that he was not the only actor in his scheme's. The Mage Kellistor, was a benefactor as well as a being named as Besterimolikur?" Pauses after trying to pronounce the name. "Do you know of this Being and it's aspiration?? I would offer his Journal and also the Ledger of The Defiler for your review. These may provide damning clues into their future intent. They are back in the apartment"

"Speaking of artifacts, besides that vile Staff, we have a few items which we recovered from the vessel of Illandial, which were personal artifacts" Kragen removes the Crown of Tenacity and places on the table. "This powerful artifact and a ring which provided us access to his personal quarters and his phylactery.", "My concern is that these items still have Illandial's vile taint? They have tremendous capabilities however i would know if they have more nefarious effects?"  frowns at the Crown.

"We would greatly appreciate your input on such matters."

(( Anyone else ? ))

Starker:”My friends and colleagues are seemingly sated with this magnificent feast and the satisfaction on having done a deed that has large positive dot product with their prefered esthetic.  Forgive me, but as you know neither knowledge nor spells nor material components come cheaply and so I ask, with all due respect, …. You refered to yourself as our benefactor. How might your beneficence manifest  concretely now that we have delievered up the Staff?”

Yartol enjoys a great meal along with the excellent ale and mead served.  He remains mostly quiet and to himself unless one of the dwarves sitting next to him asks him something directly.  At the end of each of you recounting your tale of facing down Illiandil he does speak up, "These five individuals did all of the things described and more.  Heroes they each are in their own manners."  He raises his mug of ale, "Cheer for The Company!"  From around the table comes a resounding "HUZZAH!"

He then sits and looks on quietly.

Xagyg has listened to each of your stories retelling your deeds.  He questions you about the creatures you found in the lower level that had the resin armor and everything coated in their resin on the walls and floors.  Kaorti he names them.  Beings from the Far Realm.  He and his advisors seem to react with concerned looks when you confirm what you saw.  The tomes offered are of interest and Xagyg would like for his advisors to have access to them to be studied and copied with your permission.

He then offers you a tale of history.  Illiandil was mortal about 150 years ago.  He was a necromancer of some renown and member of the Arcane Brotherhood of Luskan.  His ambition became more than even that craven organization could bear so he set forth into the Spine of the World range to set up a stronghold.  Many tribes of orcs, goblins, bugbears and ogres came under his control.  They terrorized the area for many years.  At the same time, a conjurer named Kellistor established a keep and tower on the edge of the plateau above the Mirar River.  This was near the town of Shalecliff.  Shalecliff was little more than a mining settlement that could barely defend itself from the marauders from the mountains.  About 100 years ago, both Kellistor and Illiandil disappeared.  Kellistor's keep fell into disrepair but for his tower.  It was and remains protected by a specialized Wall of Force than no one has been able to penetrate.  Illiandil's armies turned upon themselves with the loss of a commander to control them.  For many years there was relative peace in the area.  Ten years ago, strange encounters began around Kellistor's tower.  I sent Arnak and Hanny there to observe and investigate.  They were instructed to befriend you when you headed there from Luskan.  Looking to Starker, "this was the initiation of my status as 'Benefactor' to you."  Precious little has been learned.  Until now.  You have given us much to consider with your testimony and securing the destruction of what remained of Illiandil.  

The connection of the Abyss to the Ethereal is worrisome.  The loss of Krothys must be connected to that.  If we can deduce what has happened to the titan then perhaps some rescue could be performed.  Otherwise, he remains trapped in the Abyss.

"We have much to consider at this point.  Where do you intend to go from here?" Xagyg asks.  As he speaks, six valets enter bearing a small silver tray with a silver dome towards the table.  Xagyg spies them coming and adds to Starker, "You are about to find out, concretely."

Starker:”We are under an obligation to kill a particular white dragon. Yartol knows where.  We will go there and kill the dragon.”

Trolkarl listens to Xagyg’s account without interruption, his expression changes from guarded to thoughtful  

I am grateful for the candor, Master Xagyg. It answers questions I have carried since a morning in the Dancing Dolphin when five strangers woke from the same dream.

I will not pretend I did not wonder whether we were being used. I have seen enough of powerful men and their designs that I am oftentimes suspicious. I am satisfied with what you have shared with us tonight.

He glances toward the door where the valets now approach with their silver trays.

As for where we go from here… as Starker mentioned we have an obligation to bring Yartol revenge on a dragon. That weighs on me, even while we enjoy this hospitality. Beyond that I suspect much will depend on what those trays contain and what you ask of us next. 

Kragen listens to Xagyg recount the history and nods as some clues start to come together.

When Xagyg mentions Kellistors Tower. "I would have that foul Tower near Shalecliff destroyed, we may now have the capability to overcome that specialized wall of force. Put it on our target list!"

When the mage is finished. "Master Xagyg, i was gifted with a great boon that i am eternally grateful for from the Lord of Axiom. We carried with us a part of Kythos's legacy, a shard from his greatsword. This shard had been infused with properties which assisted the great Titan in protecting other realms. The Titan (insert name), used that shard to forge new capabilities for The Judge, my Warhammer. If you are able to restore the Titan Kythos, i offer The Judge to Kythos and return to him his capabilities. Do not hesitate to call on me, it would be my honor." nods to Xagyg.

Then acknowledging the commitment they have made to Yartol "As my compatriots have mentioned, we have committed that we will assist Yartol in his quest for Justice. Moreover, i am honorbound to uphold his quest, Yartol has shown his quality and true heart in our Company! We go to right a wrong and bring Justice to the dragon Gryndeneur." Raises his mug of ale at Yartol

Chadwick remains uncharacteristically quiet during while the rest of the company tells their stories. He seems content to sit back and listen, just politely offering a few bits a pieces here and there rather than interjecting in his normal over eager style style. When the discussion of Krothys comes around he joins the discussion.

"When I touched the statue I received a message. "Guard the boundary. Do not let the Chaos through" it boomed inside my head. I had a vision of the pure chaos of the Far Realm,  it was a terrible, mind-numbing, soul-wrenching, hope ending, eerie and terrifying all in a split second. 

He takes a moment to collect himself taking a sip of wine. I was gifted a boon, a small sliver of his remaining power allowing me to frighten away foes.  When I think of this spark my thoughts turn to protecting the Veil and keeping the chaos out.

If there was anyway yhis small spark could assist in bringing him back I'll do what it takes, but I fear he is gone forever.

I'm still trying to puzzle it all out, and listen to where Tyr and his angels wish to me go. For now ridding the world of the winged menace in the north seems to be my path.

Yartol seems to shrink from the attention given to him by Kragen.  "This is your time to shine, dwarf," is his response behind a mug of ale.

The servers arrive to reveal new Xagyg's Talismans for each of you.  Starker has a new one as well.  "I was unsure of most of you after that test in Luskan.  You have certainly earned my trust at this point.  Keep these with you to assist your being recognized in our network," he says as they remove the silver domes from the trays to reveal ovoid hematites with a dwarves X etched in them.  All have a faint bluish aura.  "Yartol, I would like to continue to work with you.  I was unaware of you prior to your arrival here now.  I hope you understand that trust is a guarded thing that should not be easily earned," he again makes Yartol seemingly uneasy with the attention.  (( Xagyg's Talisman added to your character sheets. ))

At the mention of Gryndreneur by name, Xagyg turns to one of his advisors.  The advisor speaks up, "Yes.  A white wyrm of adult age residing in the Spine of the World.  More of a regional nuisance than systemic threat."  Xagyg nods.  "Dragons are tricky creatures.  Be careful.  White wyrms aren't very smart, but are exceedingly cunning," he offers.

The dinner concludes.  Goodbyes are said.  Xagyg offers some last words, "You are welcome to remain here to recover from your Abyssal travels.  I find it takes several very hot baths to get all of the stink off after returning from that wretched collection of planes.  Be sure to speak up if there is anything that you require.  The talismans will grant you access to the libraries and common areas of Star Hall.  When you are ready to return to Faerûn, let us know and arrangements will be made."  He turns to go and then stops, saying, "I'm guessing you will be needing some cold weather gear and protections?  Make a list of your needs and give it to your valets."

Starker to his valet:”Xagyg is generous to a fault. I would appreciate a set of cold winter clothing for me and one for my monkey. Also, if possible I would like to learn two spells:  Tasha’s Hideous Laughter and Earthbind. If possible, perhaps a librarian could show me books wherein I might study the habits, strengths, and weaknesses of white dragons.  Also, anything he has on the interactions of celestials and fiends.  Finally, I seem not to have found or forgotten where I misplaced the small pile of large diamonds that serve as a reward for my part in bringing the Staff here.”

With greater access to Star Hall, you now discover that it is a busy trade port set in the Astral Sea.  Mundane goods can be bought and sold at face value.

Unique or magic items are available.  Ask if you want something like this.

You also find a pouch in each of your rooms.  It is filled with 12 (gems of your choosing) worth 300g each

Starker attempts to buy a scroll of Earth Bind or Tasha’s Hideous Laughter.

Or, for the same amount of gold, he can be taught the spells and add them to his spell book.  Your choice.

Starker always happy to learn. Give a mage a fireball he burns for a day, teach a mage to fireball and he burns all his enemies’ lives. 

Starker works with librarians and others to read Illiandal’s quipu.