Gathered, with the disposal of the rod of Orcus and damnation to follow behind you, Orontor and the mages gathered circled and nodded.
Appreciative and with the Journal of Paldemar in hand, he went over the notes and his face was a grimace of concern throughout.
"I see. Well...this is concerning but recent words make sense suddenly. The Lord Warden, Faren Markelhay of Fallcrest, sent out a messenger some time ago wording concern and seeking help with what now seems to have a direct link to our rogue mage and traitor - and with extend beyond what was initially feared. With the link to pyramid, and the curse of the beasts associated with its presence, I urge you kill two flies with one stone and seek out the lord and aid him and the course, sooner than later. A word of caution. We have learned of many agents of the course and you will likely be watched and hunted. Pay heed. And make haste. It is due south of here, a days travel or so by foot."

Orontor remained, cautious and talked briefly to the gathered.
"We will scry and watch your doings, and aid if we can, but we are weakened and rebuilding so what we can offer is inconsistent. But we will do what we can. If you have nothing further, I urge you make haste, but ask if you have any doubts!"

A mage turned and tugged at Nezumi.
"A creature called Baaz asked for you. Said no rush, just wanted to check in on you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:59, Thu 21 Dec 2023.

"Ah, I should probably check in on my little servant. Make sure they're well taken care of in my absence and all. Would you at all mind guiding me to them? This place is a tad labyrinthine." Nezumi replies to the mage.

-- Recap of events up to now--

Through use of the Rod and the powers that it bestowed Paldemar, along with tainting his mind and actions, he sought to capture and create a rift to the shadowfell.
As the veil is thin between The Nether vale and the shadowfell, piercing it from within the Thunderspire Labyrinth and using the lore and abilities of the mighty mage Karavakos and his artifact allowing the capture and opening the the rift, allowing Orcus, his influence and minions to freely ascend on the lands and cause eternal darkness and anguish.
Failing the ritual to bind the rift and succeed in dragging a fortress of necrotic energy back to this plane, the fabled pyramid of shadows, forces have now sought to not only find other ways to bind and force it through, albeit from the other plane, but also seek vengeance and revenge on those who stand in the way and prevented it.

As a shadow and agents of Orcus and the pyramid begin to come through, albeit little at the time, and harassing the city of Fallcrest, the concern is that the mission to stop Paldemar and the veil in the sea of shadows, have been no more than a delay to something inevitable - and the heroes, the group, have every chance to gather, and prevent this by dealing a final blow to the plan and damnation of the lands.

The mages, instrumental in being caught and bound, know the above and parlays it to the group - and points to fallcrest as a key location to stop any agent of Orcus and their enemy.

Nezumi followed calmly the young mage.
Not to much surprise, the small room at the Inn, she offered and prepaided remained the base for the small creature, affectionately defined as friend Baaz, not forced but marely been shown affection and calm for the first time in it's existence and realizing the joy in freedom and opportunity.
Inside the room the small creature advanced, calmly and bowed its head.
"Master! A joy to see you! It has been most curious here. Calm, but also sense great concern and strange things at night. Was told this place is busy. Still. Lots happening. Saw a dark man, with curious ears. Sat alone. Wrote. Left behind a scroll. Can not read. Perhaps master can use it? Also made this small thing for you! Will keep you safe!"
Baaz hands a small frame with a curious almost fiery liquids inside, that is no larger than her hand.
The scroll is bund with string.

Elsewhere Orontor took note of the curiousity into Karavakos.
"The mage was powerful beyond words, and angered the gods many years ago and the pyramid you are to seek out..is his prison. He made a pact with infernal legions and sought and almost succeeded to take over the lands around, on many planes before meeting defeat in the feywild - but his power, anger and willingness to do everything to get what he wanted saw him trapped within. If he has any sway in Paldemars deroute or his influence will keep disturbing the lands and stability, seeking the god-taint Karavakos is instrumental. Be careful, granted."

"Well, if I can't read it I'm sure one of those bookish types can. While I take a look how about you tell me about this potion you made and how life here in the city has been treating you?" Nezumi stows the potion carefully in a potion slot in her belt before opening the scroll and attempting to read it or else identify the language it's written in.

(Known languages: Common, Draconic, Elven. INT check result of 16 to try to identify the language if it's not one of those.)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Thu 28 Dec 2023.

Grock stood in the treasure chamber looking to claim his reward for disrupting the ritual in the sea of shadows. The half Orc saw something out of the corner of his eye. It was a set of blood-stained black leather gloves. He felt like he had seen them before. Checking the back of the hand, his eyes went wide as he recognized the emblem embossed on them, a tusked skull and crossed swords. It was the symbol on the pirate flag that had enslaved him most of his life. These…had belonged to his father, Captain Snaggletooth of the Iron Tusk pirates.

His father must have been defeated not long after his escape. Which means…Grock slipped on the gloves and held out his left hand like he had seen the Captain so many times in the past. A bow and quiver appeared. A mental command sent the bow and quiver back into the glove. The same motions were repeated with the right glove producing the infamous double sword, Blood Rain, named for the spray of blood produced when it’s victims’ heads are chopped off. Grock couldn’t believe his eyes and felt the bloodlust coming from the blade.

Wrapped around the handle was a piece of paper, the last will of the Captain written in his own blood:

“To whoever claims the Blood Rain,

These are my last words as the sea comes to claim what is hers. What you hold is the twin blades of freedom. Freedom for whoever wishes to grab life by the cannonballs and forge their own destiny! This blade freed me and my fellow sea dogs from the yoke of spoiled merchants living fat off the backs of others. I imprisoned the crew of the ships we sank so they may know what it is like to be chained and know what is means to truly be free and willing to fight for it be their spirit not broken. I submitted my own son to the whip to toughen his back and strengthen his body. His hate for me fuel to his will to live. That bastard even broke free and escaped. Just like his old man. I’m proud of him. Now my era has ended and yours is about to begin. Forge your own destiny in the name of freedom…or don’t. Nothing my rotten corpse can do to make you hahahaha!

-Captain Snaggletooth of the Iron Tusk Pirates

The letter fell to the floor as Grock finished reading. Stunned to silence, he stared into the blade and could swear he saw his father smiling back at him with his usual smug grin. The ex-slave could never forgive his father for the atrocities he had committed, but at least he now knew why. The hate melted away and was replaced by peace. The blade went back into the glove as he looked down at the remnants of chains that dangled from his forearms and ankles. Would he always be chained to the past? Would he always be running from something? No. The half Orc reached down and with much strain ripped the chains off tossing them to the side. He would make something of himself and charge towards his own destiny that he wished now that he was truly free.

Grock stood with renewed purpose and determination at the exit of the town in the direction of their next great journey. He looked back waiting for his companions to conclude their business in town and join them.

In reply to Nezumi (msg # 5):

Baaz smiled and nodded.
"This thing will keep you safe. Can't explain, but learned to harness flame. Rise like a flame, when hurt."
He turned and nodded at his room with a small smile.
"Enjoy it here. Most are nice. Some look strange. Made friend with big Ogre fella. He promise to keep me safe. Good fella, bit big and curious smell. Feels good here. Master is also nice to Baaz. Can not complain."

The scroll is gibberish to you and the tonation and writing is curious even to you. So for now it appears a lost cause.

Rynoth had one other thing in mind before they departed, something trivial to provide and potentially crucial once they arrived. "Would you provide us with a letter of introduction? The leadership of Fallcrest, and its defenders, may not be welcoming to strangers in these circumstances."

Orontor nodded.
"As the Lord warden approached me, that has already been handled. Here, take this, and please make haste if you can. The road is is straight west and the roads are well established to the town itself."
Extending a piece of parchment, bound with a dark blue ribbon, he nodded, awaiting further questions or requests for aid.

After spending a while with Baaz simply socializing after their business was concluded Nezumi returns to Orontor.

"Can you or one of your colleagues read this? I received it from my associate Baaz who said it was left behind by a 'dark man with curious ears who sat alone and wrote' in the common area of the inn. I thought it might have some importance."

Orontor nodded and took the scroll.
He glanced over it and looked curiously.
"thalackz'hind....thats high drow".
He waves someone over.
"We can perform some magic to decipher this when time permits, but it will take a while. The word thalackz'hind and the runes suggest that this very word or phrase means attack from afar or assault...whom, where and what is unknown for now however."
He looked it over.
"I urge you pay heed and keep your eyes open and I will advise to you, via a sending ritual, what it states. Would this work?"



OOC:
I will post an update that is for the road to fallcrest.

This message was last edited by the GM at 09:31, Thu 11 Jan.

"Works for me, we should probably be off then. The forces of shadow never rest."

----Outside the Seven-Pillared Halls----

With the words of the Mages of Saruun, the decree of the Lord Warden of Fallcrest, you make way out of the Thunderspire mountain, seeing true sunlight for the first time in eons it feels. The sweet scent of the natural flora fill the air, the delicate hues of lands and forest before you.
The road ahead, a common and well used travel route leading past the mountain southward.
While well cleared and easily traversed, the road and lands offer some variety with hills, rivers, and various changes in the ground.

Some time pass and the sun standing high in the sky burns your skin ever so softly. Suddenly you see something up ahead.
You meet heavily laden carts with people sitting on top of the carts. The carts seem to be containing most of their worldly belongings, the pore mules in front of the carts are all but worn out. You meet the peoples eyes and you see the fear hidden away there, deep inside of them. They have been through something that forever is going to put a scar in their souls.
They barely glance at you as you pass them, obviously worn and scared.


----Some time later----
With a calm trip behind you, sore legs and concerned demeanor, you notice a sight ahead.
You clear the last hill and set your eyes upon Fallcrest.
The town stands amid the Moon Hills at the falls of the Nentir River, divided in two by a large cliff that divides the town into Lowtown and Hightown, with the Moonstone Keep overlooking the town.
Here travelers and traders using the old King’s Road that runs north and south, the dwarven Trade Road from the east, and the river all meet.
The surrounding hills shelter several small valleys where farmers and woodsfolk live.

But what catches your eyes are not the town in itself – it is the immense pyramid floating in the air above the town.
Swirling black clouds cover the sky and thunderous lightning can be heard from its core, challenging anybody who dares to enter. The pyramid in itself is utterly black, as if it was sucking in the surrounding light, and casting the town below in shadows.
A huge swarm of black ravens circle silently around the pyramid. The sight is so unnatural so you feel fear fill your bowls at its sight.
What dark purpose can this pyramid of shadows have?
^{(You are free to roll Perception/nature/arcana checks)}

NOTE:
Given your actions and embarks of bravery, you will incure a passive +2 bonus to all diplomacy and charisma based skill checks while in Fallcrest!

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:33, Thu 11 Jan.

Descriptions of locations:

1. Tower of Waiting
This old fortification was built on a small island in the Nentir to guard the city from any waterborne attack from the north. It fell into ruin even before the sack of the old city, and now is little more than an empty shell overrun by mice and birds.

2. UPPER QUAYS
Barstomun Strongbeard - Porter.

3. FIVE-ARCH BRIDGE
There are no guards at the Five-Arch Bridge.

4. NENTIR INN
Tavern.

5. KNIGHT’S GATE
Knight’s Gate guards the northeastern road to Thunderspire Mountain.

6. SILVER UNICORN INN
Tavern.

7. HALFMOON TRADING HOUSE

8. MOONSTONE KEEP
Home of the Lord Warden.

9. The Tombwood

10. HOUSE OF THE SUN
Temple to Pelor.

11. HOUSE AZAER
Trader.

12. The Nentir Falls

13. TEMPLE OF ERATHIS

14. The Bluffs

15. The Catacombs

16. MOONSONG TEMPLE
Temple to Sehanine.

17. FALLCREST STABLES

18. WIZARD’S GATE

19. NAERUMAR’S IMPORTS

20. KAMROTH ESTATE

21. Moonwash Falls

22. SEPTARCH’S TOWER

23. Blue Moon Alehouse
Brewhourse

24. TELDORTHAN’S ARMS

25. KING’S GATE

26. THE MARKET GREEN

27. SANDERCOT PROVISONERS

28. LUCKY GNOME TAPHOUSE

29. LOWER QUAYS

"I take it that that's not usually there."

Grock looks at the pyramid. “No I’m pretty sure it is. They would not have built a town underneath it on purpose in case it fell. There would also be a clear way on how to get up there. Let’s check in with the lord.”

15:19, Today: Grock rolled 33 using 1d20+14 ((19)).

Arcana: 12
Perception: 21
Nature: 13

"That'd be the problem we're here to deal with up there. Here's hoping things aren't to complicated to deal with on the surface beforehand though. If you need to be certain that someone is being honest and they're mostly friendly I can be of some assistance. Wake me if I'm needed, otherwise I'm going to rest up to keep watch overnight tonight." Nezumi shifts into mouse form and curls up on Grock's head playing the role of the harmless pet mouse that nobody who would let it sleep on their head could be particularly dangerous.

Bluff: 27 (Forgot to add the local +2 bonus)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Sat 13 Jan.

"I don't think it is actually there." Rynoth pointed up toward the birds flitting about the structure. "See how the shadow ravens just pass in and out through the walls? It's only half-manifest, which means that Karavakos hasn't broken out yet." He let his hand fall back to his side, although he continued to split his attention between the pyramid and the road ahead. "I went through the mages' archives before we left and learned a few things about him and why he's there."



Legends of old speak about the time before men when eladrins and fomorians battled for supreme ship of the Feywild. One such legend tells the story of the ancient fomorian king Moran, who was known for his pursuit of power and fell magic. He stroke a bargain with a demon lord who transformed his evil eye into a crystal vessel of shadow and fire. Moran later crafted several lesser eyes of similar design, naming them Moran’s Eyes and giving them to powerful monsters in exchange for fealty.

Karavakos had with his demon pact with the Prince of Undeath managed to concur all neighboring lands and form a mighty nation to rival the great human empire of Nerath that held sway over much of the land at this time. It was at winter’s arrival that Vyrellis, the eladrin princess, arrived to Karavakos palace seeking his audience.

Vyrellis was the second daughter of the great Eladrin King Palenthior, Warden of the Silver City of Celduilon, and shared Karavakos ambitions for power. The beautiful eladrin princess filled Karavakos head with dreams of power, proposing that he should extend his rule ship across two worlds and into the Feywild. Against eladrin customs, Karavakos took Vyrellis as his bride without her father’s consent, and they proclaimed that they together would rule the new empire. With spring’s dawning his armies would march into the Feywild.

Vyrellis knew that her father would close the Moon Door’s into the Feywild at the approach of Karavakos demonic and undead armies, so she proposed another alliance, betraying her people, and spoke of another portal to the Feywild, a portal guarded jealously by the troll king Vard, founder of the realm of Vardar which bridged into the Feywild as well as the world of men.

Karavakos went to the troll king’s lair with an offer of alliance, but the troll king of Vardar would not hear of it. He knew the strength of the eladrin forces and did not want to march against them and risk his life. Karavakos had to return empty handed. There the story could have ended if not the Blood Lord had interfered, because Vard wielded one of Moran’s Eyes, using it to dominate his violent subjects. Through it the Blood Lord whispered, sending visions to the troll king of Vardar. Telling him to go back to Karavakos with an ultimatum – If Karavakos could guarantee that the troll king would survive the eladrin battle, he would lend Karavakos his aid and his troll hordes.

Karavakos, who received help from his demonic advisors, started the creation of the Stone Cauldron—a vessel built to contain the waters of life that the troll king guarded, having the power to fuel a ritual capable of returning the dead to life—even those already claimed by the Raven Queen. What Karavakos did not tell Vard, was that those raised returned as shades of their former selves under the control of the one who raised them.

When spring came, the demon hordes marched through the Crystal Throne at the Fortress of Mross-Kagg into the Feywild. In the Feywild, though, the demons and the undead met their match. Invincible on the battlefields of the natural world, the demons had no such protection once they stepped into the Feywild and met the mighty eladrin army. Fey spears and arrows felled the hordes, putting an end to Karavakos’s dreams of conquest—and severing his demonic bargain.

When the troll nation of Vardar was sacked, Vard was killed in battle at Kadorhak, his body vanishing in a sheet of orange flame. The forces of good assumed he had been incinerated, but the power of Moran’s Eye carried his body back to the Great Warren. Troll shamans later interred Vard’s remains and the Eye in a great barrow hidden in the Trollhaunt, waiting for his return. But as ages past he was soon forgotten in the mists of time.

The pyramid was constructed from green feystone, so it would last forever. The Tower was the foci used in the complex ritual to bend the dimensions for the creation of the demiplane needed for the prison.

And so one witness remained – Karavakos – imprisoned for eternity in the Pyramid of Shadows by the eladrin king Palenthior, together with princess Vyrellis for her betrayal.

For reference, you all across the board learn this(already partially summarized by Rynoth:
----
Perception Check
You notice that the ravens seem unnaturally silent, and a trail of shadows follows its wake.
You spot that some birds fly into the surface of the pyramid, just to disappear into its black surface as if it was not there.

Nature Check
Those ravens are not normal birds, but something else – darker and filled with shadow stuff.

Arcana Check
You sense that this pyramid is created with very strong magic and somehow extra-dimensional, not a true building per see.
You can notice the presence of both shadow stuff and fey magic in its magical bindings.
----

Your arrival is quaint - few guards if any are visible and there is a lul or calm to the town that is unexpected to say the least.
You know that two things must happen here. Be prepared for anything - find the Lord Warden and learn of the pyramid and a way in if needed.
How, for now is uncertain..
You do notice in the distance, a few men and women wandering from house to house, but little more.

Note: You are at the knights gate(number 5 on the map, north).

Grock keeps moving seeing that there aren’t any guards to stop them or ask why they are here. Going through the gates, he heads east going up the path straight to the Lord Warden’s house. “Let’s go straight to the big man and get the rundown on what has been going on in town.”