The Dark Pacts within Prosperity

A campaign takes place in Battledale located in The Dalelands in the year 1479. Four souls intertwined by a potentially dark fate that has been set in motion since before their calling. This campaign is run by Ignacio Jaramillo.

Characters

 * Brutus is the first warforged warlord looking for purpose and acceptance. Played by Davy.
 * Toshiro Guardian is a mysterious wilden druid wishing to prevent a world disaster before it is too late. Played by Joe Cruz.
 * Rmoncael en Ia is a revenant warlock who was brought back from death, although he has no memory of his past nor his purpose. Played by Jorge Jaramillo.
 * Reshkarr Shesharone is a loud dragonborn paladin, who has devout beliefs of battle and glory. Played by Keith Novack.

Prologue
The Triumphant Entrance of Tempus's New Champion! The young dragonborn was just about to storm out of the town to see his rival Maximus get into a boxing match with Tiamat when a guard stopped him telling Reshkarr to go see Gregory immediately. He slouches and snorts but he succumbs to the order and heads towards the temple. He meets with the local cleric of the temple and tells Reshkarr that Gregory is waiting for him downstairs in the training room. Reshkarr mumbles to himself and heads downstairs towards the same room. As he heads inside the room, he sees Gregory sparring with another person and beats him rather soundly. He then acknowledges Reshkarr and gives him a mission which involves battle. Reshkarr eyes light up at the thought of him destroying his enemies in the name of Tempus. Gregory tells him to go to Battledale where he needs to defend a piece of cargo. It needs to go through the Batteldale forest where there lies thieves. The thieves have been known to rob everybody that travel through those forests. Reshkarr is to protect the cargo and ensure its safe passage through the woods and kill any thieves that would endanger the cargo. Reshkarr gave Gregory his word that he would kill any thief that came his way. Gregory later asked Reshkarr if he knew the whereabouts of Maximus. Reshkarr replied that he was having a boxing match with Tiamat in Battledale. Gregory rolled back his eyes and told Reshkarr that if he sees Maximus, tell him to see Gregory at once for an assignment. Reshkarr then goes out to his horse which is named Facecleave. He rides to his destination uneventfully. The town was small but pretty well guarded. Reshkarr made his way to the gate and introduced himself. The guards quickly recognized him and allowed him access, telling him that Nemniel Froke was waiting for him. The guard also commented that another Tempus paladin was here and pointed his finger to his rival Maximus. Maximus turns his head and makes his way towards Reshkarr and surrounding Maximus are fans of his. Maximus taunts Reshkarr for missing his boxing match against Tiamat which left her a humiliating defeat against someone vastly superior in every way fathomable. The crowd was eating it up as well as Reshkarr buying into Maximus's story. Reshkarr then told him that Gregory wanted to see him. Maximus then got on his heavily decorated war horse and rode off, taunting Reshkarr once more. This of course got Reshkarr mad and the crowd quickly dispersed away from the angered dragonborn with smoke is coming from the snout. He quickly gained his composure and started to ask around for the building where Nemniel Froke was at. The townspeople were really helpful in pointing Reshkarr in the right direction. On his way to his destination he saw wanted posters of a bandit dead or alive. The building was a stone brick structure which resembled a barracks only smaller. Reshkarr came up to the building and the guards let him in telling him that was on the third floor. Eventually he had to leave his horse in the stable within the mini-barracks. He made his way into the building exploring the three floors of the building. The first floor consisted of bunkers and training rooms, the bottom floor was the jail, and finally the top floor was mainly the office floor. After exploring the whole place, Reshkarr had no idea where to begin. He asked one of the guards where Nemniel Froke was. The guard told him that he was on the third floor, even though his door appears closed. Reshkarr made his was back up to the third floor in front of Nemniel Froke's door and knocked on it. Nemniel asked who was at the door and Reshkarr answered with his name and his cause. Nemniel granted Reshkarr access into his office. Reshkarr then came in into his office. Nemniel looked like an old man in his fifties, dressed in plate mail and an eyepatch. Nemniel briefs Reshkarr on the situation, which is basically what Gregory told Reshkarr before he got in town. Reshkarr was told to meet back at the entrance of the barracks at dawn and was offered lodging within the quarters. Reshkarr then walked out the door with a purpose again which involved smiting evil-doers.

An Amnesic Figure Given A Second Chance At Something... Old Man: Why should I bring him back to the plane? ''Crossed Arm Man: He has left this world leaving something undone. I just wish to ensure he leaves his mark as most beings do in their lifetime.  Old Man: What have you planned for this one?  Crossed Arm Man: Something TRULY beneficial, should you bend the rules for this one. He will bear fruit and his third coming will be but a false memory.''

The revenant woke up from the vision annoyed. It was still night yet he continued to walk in the forest of Battledale. The walk was uneventful until he heard some rustling from a distance. He blasted within the area where he heard the noise. He demanded who was there making the noise. Appeared in front of him were two people in robes. They asked if he was one of "them". The revenant had no idea what they meant and asked. The robed men replied with violence. The revenant responded to their aggressive act and killed both of them. He searched for anything of importance on the bodies and all he found was a note saying, "Find the fragments. Kill them all!". He quickly tore it up into pieces and vented his anger on beating the lifeless bodies reducing them to unrecognizable lumps of flesh. He continues to walk on and eventually he finds himself out of the forest and a town nearby. He walks up to the gate and guard saw that he was roughed up. The hooded figure said he was jumped but fought his was through it. The guard praised him for his act of self-defense and granted him access to the town. He walked in to see a quiet town, being a late night after all. Rather than go to in, he looked for the cemetery and slept on a tombstone. He woke up at dawn and decided to have a look around the town. The town looked rather regular for it had: some residents, a blacksmith, a pub, and an inn. The only thing that was different was a stone building which looked like a barracks, only smaller. As the revenant walked through the town, he saw a wanted poster for a thief dressed in a pair of sunglasses for robber. There was a rather unusually large bounty on his head for 15000 gold alive and 5000 for dead. He asked himself how a petty thief could be worth that much. He went to the pub called The Crippled Puppy first and went to the darkest corner of the pub and ate some food. There was a time where food was actually either a pleasure or a disappointment, but now to him, it was just a necessity and nothing more. He was also listening to boring banter about the thief on the wanted poster and then he heard something about a "talking statue". It caught his curiosity and he walked over to the conversation and asked about it. They referred to him as a monster. This annoyed the revenant and slashed a stool cushion with his talon-like hands and walks away. He then heads towards the stone building and requests an audience with the person in charge of placing that bounty. He was admitted entrance and he made his way into the office of the individual. He was allowed into the office. The person behind the office was a pretty old man looking to be in his fifties and wears an eyepatch as well as plate armor. He introduced himself as Nemniel Froke and his role of watching the town's safety. The revenant wanted to know more about the bandit situation. Nemniel told him that the bandits and their leader have been making transportation of goods nearly impossible if not so. He told him of the reward for the bounty but honestly Nemniel did not care if he came back as a corpse. But the job truly entailed of defending some cargo through Battledale forest up to outside the forest. Nemniel told the hooded man that he will be compensated for the job. The revenant accepts the job. Nemniel also requested that he removed his hood so as to see his identity, but the revenant respectfully denied the old man of his request. Nemniel was not offended by his decline, though he did ask for a name. The name the revenant gave him was Rmoncael en Ia. Rmoncael was told to come back at the entrance of the building at dawn. Nemniel asked Rmoncael if he needed lodging, he replied with a yes and therefore was given keys for one of the lodgings and there he saw a turquoise dragonborn.

Enter The Man Conjured of Steel and Super Science... Brutus comes across an old elderly man looking for a giant man with blonde hair who emanates hope from him. The old man then points him to a direction, which leads to Battledale. The old man asks in return that Brutus removes his hood to see who he was speaking to. Brutus reveals his identity and the old man looks in awe in the man conjured in artificery. The old man tells him that he has the slightly similar feeling of hope of that of the man that he's looking for. He gave gratitude of the old man for the information and leaves. He walks into the direction that leads to the woods and gets ambushed by three bandits. The bandits demanded some money but Brutus did not comply and made swift work of the bandits, killing the leader and the other men run away. After the encounter, he travels some more. As he walks he sees various wanted poster of a bandit in sunglasses. Eventually he makes it out of the forest and into the plains. He sees a town in the far distance and walks toward the town. He walks towards the town and the guards stop him. Brutus requests entrance for the night. The guards however requested that he remove his hood for the safety of the town. Brutus hesitated at first but eventually complies and at the moment, the guards immediately puts up their spears and demanded that he leave immediately. Brutus pleaded with the guard. The guard called for another guard to talk to about the matter. They both agreed to grant him access but they deemed to watch the mechanical titan like a hawk. He soon after put on his hood. It was night when he walked in so there was no activity going on right now. Brutus walked over to the inn. The inn-keeper was an elf and he greeted the hooded titan. He then went to his room and awaited the next day. The innkeeper made a conversation about the bandit on the wanted poster. He suggested that he looked into it since he looks tough. Brutus gives the idea some consideration in order to build a sense of trust with the townspeople and to do some good for the town. He then left the inn and went straight into the stone building and he saw guards guarding the entrance. They gave him a hard time before Brutus said his reason for wanting to talk to the person that put up the bounty on the thief. The guards escorted him into the building right into the office of the man Brutus wished to speak with. The man ordered the guards to wait outside and told Brutus to come in. Brutus comes in to see a rugged old man appearing to be in his fifties with an eyepatch dressed in plate mail. The old man asked what he can do for him. Brutus replied that he was here about the bandit on the wanted poster. The old man was pleased to hear that and explained the situation. That man on the poster had caused a lot of problems within a few weeks stealing from caravans and travelers of various goods including valuables, food, etc. The old man asked if Brutus would remove the hood; Brutus was hesitant at first but eventually removed the hood. The old man was startled at first seeing a construct as sophisticated as the one standing in front of him, but he was not frightened. He then explained the situation on the matter at hand. The actual job however was to transfer a piece of cargo from the town, through the woods of Battledale, and outside the forest. The old believed that the bandit would strike this caravan and would appreciate it if he was brought back dead or alive should they see him. He also said told Brutus that he would be awarded for his services for defending the cargo. Brutus agreed to the terms. The old man asked for the Brutus's name; Brutus gave his name and the old man in return gave his name, which was Nemniel Froke. Brutus then asked Nemniel if he knew the whereabouts of a 7'7 man in blonde hair. Nemniel knew nothing about such a character let alone his whereabouts, but he said he would tell Brutus about should such information come to him. Brutus was to meet back at the entrance of the building the next day at dawn. Brutus then received lodging from within the quarters before departing the office.

In the year 15XX... The world where he comes from is a world where peace is but a memory. The reality of the world around him consists of death and slavery. He and a small group of a resistance were headed towards an evil temple where sources said a powerful yet unusual ritual would take place there. The rebel leader was a wilden named Connor. They made it to the temple but it was heavily guarded. One of the members said that he and a couple other people built a tunnel going into the temple that has yet to be seen. Toshiro along with the group went into the tunnel and forced their way through the vermin that dwelled within the manmade tunnel and made their way into the temple. The group explored their options and found out that combat was inevitable so they forced their way deeper into the temple fighting warforged sentinels that guarded the temple. The group found a large door and they opened the door which led into a large hallway. Toshiro and Connor heard a ritual going on while sneaking deeper into the hallway. Eventually they were spotted and they saw their prime enemy whom was a revenant with a tattoo on his left arm and dawned a red cloak. He went by the name Blood Wing. The small group went into a room where there was a glowing yellow circle and along side Blood Wing was several warforged. Blood Wing was highly amused by their futile attempts to stop him. An encounter ensued while the small band of heroes fought Blood Wing. The fight quickly turned into a massacre as Blood Wing killed most of Connor's men only leaving Connor and Toshiro. Connor was put in a forced cage and Blood Wing went into the circle and disappeared. Connor gave an order to Toshiro to follow Blood Wing and put a stop to whatever he was planning. Toshiro went into the circle without question. RIght after seeing his mentor and leader being beaten to death by the warforged, everything white. He soon after saw clips and visions of events have already happened and each vision he saw was an event that happened less and less frequently. The visions eventually stop and he was in a forest located on the material plane. He eventually found himself at the exact same spot where he was only it was not destroyed. He eventually learned that the magic circle we went in sent him back in time, but he was not sure how far back he was. He saw what looked like footprints and assumed it belonged to Blood Wing so he followed the tracks. The tracks he followed eventually ended and it was night so he decided to put up camp for the night. He has heard some rustling in the woods and was on guard. The people who have made the rustling the woods revealed themselves. The appeared as bandits for they demanded for Toshiro's valuables. Despite Toshiro's appearance, the bandits still wanted to rob him. Toshiro had other plans and made the first attack and makes quick work of the bandits and left one bandit alive and tied it up for questioning. The bandit awoke and asked him where the nearest town was and was answered. His main question though was what year it was. The bandit replied that it was 1479. Toshiro now realized that he was thirty one years into the past. He left the bandit the alive and tied up. Toshiro frustrated that his rest was interrupted, continued to walk on until he was out of the woods. After just exiting the woods he saw a town nearby and he went closer to it. Just before he attempted to enter the town he transformed into a panther. This caused the guards to jump and draw their spears at it. The panther then began to speak and this freaked the guards even further and they attacked him. Toshiro then reverted to his true form. He appeared before them as a fey which resembled a moving talking tree of that of human size. He then explained his story, which made no sense to the guards since they knew nothing of time travel nor of this "Blood Wing" he referred to. The guards just thought he was rather intoxicated. He pleaded with the guards to gain admittance giving his word that he will not harm anyone. They finally agreed to allow him access. There was no real activity going on since it was late at night. He went to an inn that was close by. He sees an elf as the innkeeper. Toshiro requested a room for the night. The innkeeper was the only one so far that was not disgusted or fearful of the wilden appearance. The innkeeper told Toshiro about the wanted bandit on the poster and it interested him and decided to pursue it in the morning. The innkeeper suggested that he goes over to the stone building to talk to a man named Nemniel Froke for the job. The next morning, Toshiro decided to go to the stone building and the guards stopped him. Toshiro requested an audience with Nemniel Froke concerning the wanted poster. The guards grudgingly let him enter escorting him to Nemniel's office upstairs. They eventually reached the room upstairs and Toshiro walks in the room. The old man made a playful comment on Toshiro's appearance since he has never seen a wilden before. Toshiro took minor offense but it blew over within a second. Toshiro explains that he is there for the man on the wanted poster. The old man was actually getting people that were interested in taking on the job and so he took in one more person for it. The old man explained the job in greater detail. It was actually a job to defend a cargo going through the forest of Battledale. Having a feeling that the bandit would try to steal it, he would appreciate it that if they got the thief dead or alive. Toshiro agreed to the terms. The two gave their names to one another. The old man was named Nemniel Froke. Toshiro asked Nemniel if he came across a man called Bloodwing; Nemniel told him that he did not come across anyone by that name. Toshiro was later told to meet back at the entrance the next day at dawn.

Part I: The Wanted Man
Rmoncael walked in towards his room in the quarters and saw a turquoise dragonborn. The dragonborn said hi, and just as fast, Rmoncael left. The four that took the job kept to themselves for the rest of the day. The next day at dawn, the four non-humans that took the job showed at the front of the mini-barracks. Rmoncael and Brutus both hooded while Toshiro and Reshkarr were not. Proper introductions were made among the four. Minutes later, the convoy came out being pulled by two horses and along side them are four of the guards. They moved out of the town. Just outside the town they saw farmers working hard on the fields as they made their way into the forest of Battledale. Time passes and the trip was uneventful until Rmoncael heard running in the distance and fired a warning shot in the area where he heard the running from. The thieves then show themselves and the numbers were equal eight against eight. The man on the wanted poster is with them as well leading the band. The bandits make their way towards the carriage but the party and the four guards were less than willing to hand it over to the likes of them. A long battle began and the four guards and the two horses were quickly dispatched by the enemy. The battle was grueling for neither the bandits nor the party showed any sign of deteriorating. Rmoncael and Reshkarr developed a bond shared by bloodlust against their enemies. Toshiro has seen for the first time Brutus's head as the fight. Toshiro began to feel uneasy fighting alongside the warforged, especially since he has known them to be ruthless killers. Eventually the party won the day by killing off some bandits, some running away, and knocking out the leader bandit for the reward. Rmoncael pinned one of the guards in a dead end and demanded that the bandit told him where the base of operations was. The bandit, quivering with fear, told him that their base of operations was at Essembria, a ghost town, and the loot was at a cave north of the town. Rmoncael then decided to end his life. Not having any guards to transport the cargo out of the forest, but actually having the bandit leader in their possession all tied up, the party then decided to head back to town with the cargo and the bandit leader. It was night then they headed back to town with the bandit leader who was "damaged goods" but alive. The guard was shocked seeing the bandit leader beaten to a bloody pulp and tied up. He praised the party for the efforts and took the cargo and the bandit with him dragging the bandit on the ground. The next day the party went to Nemniel's office about the reward and Nemniel was more than happy seeing the bandit leader put behind bars. He compensated the party for their efforts in gold as promised. He said he would like to transport the cargo again the next day at dawn, the party agreed to do try again.

Part II: Destroying the Bandit's Grip on The Dalelands
2-1: Preparations Before Destroying the Bandits' Guild

Nemniel said he was going to interrogate the bandit leader, Reshkarr had interest in it and followed Nemniel to the bottom floor where the bandit leader was being held. Nemniel and Reshkarr began the interrogation and asked Benjamin where the valuables that were stolen from all the travels went. Benjamin was less than willing to cooperate. Reshkarr and Nemniel had to literally beat the info out of him and then. After a few punches and two crossbow bolts to the knees, Benjamin finally decided to tell them. The bandit told the two that he hid his treasure to a cave north of Essembria, which is north of the Battledale forest. Nemniel drew a map to give a sense of direction. During the interrogation, Toshiro confronted Brutus about his appearance. Toshiro asked Brutus if he can be trusted. Brutus was confused with the question for he showed no sign of betrayal. Toshiro began to explain that Brutus's kind were that of emotionless killers. This further confused Brutus even more for Brutus was told that he was the first of his kind. Brutus had questions of his own after hearing Toshiro's words for they clashed with what Brutus was told. Rather than answer Brutus's question, the wilden left from Brutu's sight. Toshiro had trouble placing trust in Brutus for he has only seen his kind running rampant leaving only death around him. Brutus came into the interrogating room with Reshkarr and Nemniel. Nemniel tells Brutus the info he learned from Benjamin and gives him the map. The old man asks if the was interested in taking out the bandits as well as take the cargo out of the woods. Brutus and Reshkarr agreed to take on the task. The two were told to meet back at the building again at dawn the next day. Brutus and Reshkarr will inform the others also. While that was going on, Rmoncael and Toshrio were going around (on their own) listening to the townsfolk about news of the town. What he found was just the town being happy that the bandit leader was captured and something resembling cult activity happening in the forest. Right after the interrogation Reshkarr invited Brutus to go for a drink. Brutus accepted the invitation and the two went to The Crippled Puppy. The two got a couple of pitchers of beer. As they continued to drink, Brutus had only drank two pints before succumbing to the alcohol. Brutus went into a drunken rage ranting about his creator and cursing his name for the situation he left him in. The rage escalated as he destroyed the table and his eyes glowed and the people in the bar ran out of the bar. Reshkarr calmed him down and soon after Brutus was in control of his emotions once more and apologized for his outburst. The bartender was in shock as of what happened. Reshkarr offered to pay for the damages. The bartender accepted it and the two left the bar. Rmoncael eventually went into The Crippled Puppy as well for his required fueling. As normal, he would sit in the darkest corner of the pub. This would go routine for him until he finally ate his steak. Positive emotions stirred within him as he was eating that steak. Rmoncael was confused and did not know what to make of it. He still did not finish his meal but he ate a good deal more than he would normally. In the evening the party then assembled at the Crippled Puppy and Reshkarr and Brutus discussed to Toshiro and Rmoncael the info that was received from the interrogation. Rmoncael and Toshiro agreed to take on the mission. Later that night Rmoncael looked around the town and eventually outside the town for anything resembling cultist activity. Toshiro does the same later only to have an Eldritch Blast zip by Toshiro. Rmoncael eventually realizes that it was only Toshiro and knowing that pursuing this any further was pointless he walks back into town. Toshiro does the same.

2-2:Setting Off Again...

The next day at dawn, the party met in front of the same building as they did the day before. The same kind of carriage showed up as before with two horses, the cargo, and four guards. Before moving out, Nemniel comes to Brutus to talk about the incident that happened in the bar. Reshkarr took the blame for what happened then because it was him to that made Brutus take a drink. They moved out and ventured into the woods again. Time passes as they go in deeper into the forest while they were stopped by a band of men on horseback. Unlike the bandits they encountered before, they were well armed and resembled authority figures. The leader of the band stepped forward and introduced his group as soldiers from Netheril. He also says that they have come for the construct that stands before them and points to Brutus. Brutus was confused as to why the Netherese wants him. The Netherese soldier explained that Brutus was simply very valuable spoils of war and they really want him back. Reshkarr took offense when they spoke lowly of Brutus and spoke that no such cooperation will be offered. The Netherese soldiered smiled and ordered the other soldiers to charge. The Netherese soldiers attacked the party and an encounter for Brutus's freedom erupted. The party eventually came out on top. Brutus wanted to keep one one alive for questioning. The interrogation went routine; Reshkarr would intimidate the survivor and the part would ask the questions. What they got was who ordered the attack, whom was someone by the name of "Wittgraff", and how they know to look for Brutus in the first place, which was a tip off from the bandits. More accurately one of the bandits that Brutus left alive back when he first traveled through the forest to reach town for the first time. After the party got whatever information they want from the survivor, Rmoncael quickly put an end to his life. The party then continued on their way out of the woods along with the cargo. Eventually they took the cargo out of the woods. The guards said they could take it from here and wished the party luck on taking out the bandits' hideout. Rmoncael acknowledged them and have them rest assured that they will all die. The party then went into the direction of the hideout. What they found was a deserted town. Toshiro spotted a couple of dire wolves running by. They were devising a sense of strategy to tame the wolves but no plan could be made to do so. Reshkarr charged in leading the attack against the wolves and one bandit guarding the cave just up north. A battle started just as quickly as it ended for the wolves were proven to be no match for the party. The party then ventured into the cave. The party found a couple of bandits playing a card game from the inside. Brutus was shining a light from his chest in their general direction, which caught them off guard. The party made quick work of the bumbling bandits and looted their prize pot of the card game. The cave was not without traps however, but the party's perceptive nature was more than enough to see where the traps were located. They came across a small batch of treasure and looted the small batch and eventually went deeper into the cavernous hideout and encounter more traps and a group of bandits guarding a gigantic mound of treasure. They fought the bandits and endured the traps aiding the bandits in their battle. The battle was fought long and hard but the party became victorious over the group and disabled the traps. The party within hours took the entire treasure haul and decided to head out of the hideout on a job rather well done.

Part III: Cultist Activity and the Secrets of the Sword
3-1:Secret of The Cargo is Unveiled

After walking out of Essembra, the party see a nearly dying person on horseback. Reshkarr heals the person to consciousness. The bloody person was one of the guards that was guarding the cargo. The guard said that he and the other guys were jumped and the cargo was gone. Reshkarr was confused for he thought they could take on the bandits. The guard replied that they did not seem like bandits. The people that jumped them were robed individuals and one of them looked draconic like Reshkarr. The guard said he was heading back to town to report what happened. Brutus suggested that the party goes with him for safety sake.

The party then went back into town. The guard then separates from the party. Brutus shortly after goes to the building to find answers about what has happened. Brutus goes to Nemniel's door and he hears loud profanities from across the door. Brutus knocks on the door and he was admitted entrance. He sees Nemniel and another man, which he has never seen before. It was a middle-aged man who was dressed in plate mail as well and had a symbol of Tempus. Brutus wanted to talk about what has happened. He mainly wanted to know more about the robed people and why they guards were killed brutally for the cargo. Nemniel told him that the guards were jumped by robed people and devils. Brutus was not told about the devils that took part in the ambush. Nemniel thinks that they were cultists due to the rumors he has been hearing across town. Nemniel then introduces the man right next to him. The man right next him goes by the name Gregory. Gregory stated that he is Reshkarr's master. Nemniel and Gregory agreed to tell Brutus the content of the cargo. Nemniel told Brutus that the cargo was a broken sword. Brutus was confused on why a broken sword was of any importance. Nemniel told him that it was a sword of great evil used a century ago. Brutus then asked how he gained possession on such a relic. Nemniel then answered that a friend of his came across it. This friend was a worshipper of Tyr and he gave it to Nemniel in hopes that he could send it to safe hands. Brutus was slightly disturbed that guards died over a personal favor and suspected the two men of hiding some information on the sword. Regardless though, he was surprised that he received that much information on it. Just as Brutus was about to leave, Gregory asked Brutus if can see Reshkarr as soon as possible. Brutus said he would do it then leaves. As Brutus left for the building earlier he took Toshiro for a meal.

Just as Brutus was walking to Nemniel's office, the dragonborn and wilden returned to The Crippled Puppy for a meal and the two run into Maximus. There was never a point where Maximus was anything more than an eyesore to Reshkarr. Maximus went to the table and taunted Reshkarr. Already annoyed at Maximus's presence, Reshkarr asked what Maximus was doing here. Maximus replied that he was in Battledale to investigate the cult activity which was taken place around here. He then asked for the name of the wilden sharing the table with Reshkarr. Toshiro gave his name to Maximus. Even Toshiro was subject to his taunting, then Maximus left angering Reshkarr. Reshkarr developed an urge to have a few drinks. He eventually became rather intoxicated and it was then when Brutus came back from Nemniel's office to Reshkarr saying that Gregory would want to speak with Reshkarr as soon as possible. Reshkarr felt ashamed to go to Gregory as he was being drunk. He asked if Brutus if he could go back to Gregory to relay the message to him that he would like to get back to him the next day. It was at this point where Brutus was the role of messenger and he went back to tell Gregory that Reshkarr was feeling indisposed of at the moment and felt more comfortable talking tomorrow. Gregory was annoyed but understood he said to tell Reshkarr to meet him tomorrow. Brutus then walks back to The Crippled Puppy and tells Reshkarr to meet Gregory back at the building tomorrow.

The next day Reshkarr and Brutus went to meet Gregory the next day and they found him sparring with Maxmius. After Maximus lost the sparring session he then turns to Reshkarr. Reshkarr firsts laughs at Maximus before acknowledging Gregory. Gregory then asks Reshkarr if he Maximus told him about the cult activity. Reshkarr said that he was somewhat informed. Gregory then told him that there were cultists that lie within the Dark Watch located north of Glaemril River in Deeping Dale. Reshkar was greatly excited for he knew before Gregory said anymore that the mission would involve killing cultists and by the time Gregory said that, he eagerly accepted the mission. He also asked for Brutus and the rest of the party's help on the matter. Brutus then started to ask a few questions. He wanted to know about the sword and why he was keeping its origin a secret for people were dying for the sword's security. Gregory said he did not want word to go out to the public. Brutus did not buy his cop-out answer for people were dying over the sword. Reshkarr intervened for he felt that Brutus was giving Gregory the third degree with the questioning. Gregory finally accepted the questions and said he kept the secrets due to cultist ears that could be anywhere. Brutus said that in order to develop a sense of trust for the mission, one must be fully informed. Gregory heeded his words well and looked out the door to make sure no one was around then he closed the door to the room. He then told Brutus and Reshkarr about the sword's origin how it was forged for evil a century ago was used by Cyric himself. He was also informed that the sword was the tool implemented in The Spell Plague. Brutus remembered that devils took part in the ambush which stole the sword, and he asked if the cultists worshipped Asmodeus. Gregory did not answer the question for he did not know but had a strong hunch that Cyricites were involved. Reshkarr remembered that the Cyricites are now currently led by a sadistic mastermind going by the name of Percius Von Eshkabelle. Should the party come across Eshkabelle, Gregory strongly suggested that they run. Reshkarr suggested that some of the other guys may not go after the cultists without some sort of compensation. Gregory agreed and followed through with the suggestion. Gregory then told Maximus to tag along with Reshkarr and company. The two paladins were against the idea and they bickered liked children over the thought of cooperating with each other. Disgusted with this display, Gregory told them both to stop and told them to put their hate for each other. Reshkarr and Maximus both grudgingly accepted. Brutus brought up a question, "If the mission was this important, why does not he do it himself?". He simply replied that he would come along himself but he would split up in teams once they are in the Dark Watch. Brutus was satisfied with the answer. Gregory said that they would approach the Dark Watch the next day and to meet back at the entrance of the building. They all agreed to do so and the group dispersed. Reshkarr and Brutus looked around for Rmoncael and Toshiro to talk about a new job to take down some cultists within the Dark Watch. The other two agree to take down the cultists as well.

3-2:Venturing into the Depths of Evil

The next day, the party met up with Gregory and he said to make preparations before heading out. The party made previsions before they headed out. They met back with Gregory and headed out. Maximus was leading the group for he knew where the Dark Watch was. During the time he was leading the group, he was keeping the part entertained with one of his lesser epic stories on how he took down a Tarrasque. He led the way all the way up to an eerie entrance to the forest. Maximus stated that this was it. As the party and Maximus entered the forest, the forest got dark really quickly as if it was night. Monstrous noises were made within the forest from various monsters that lurked within the forest. The party actually caught up with a small group of robed cultist that was walking. They were following the cultists until the cultists found out that they were followed by the party. The cultists quickly attacked the party. At the start of the encounter, the tall robed cultist turned invisible and left and four devils appeared before the party. Despite the party now being outnumbered, the party overcame the odds. Brutus wanted to keep one cultist alive for questioning. The surviving cultist was a little harder to get talking but they still got some answers from him. They got the whereabouts of their base of operation, which is an abandoned church. He did not know the cult leader's name but he knew of lord Eshkabelle and considered him to be a great man. Rmoncael then ended the cultist's life. Maximus continued to lead the party to the abandoned church, where the cultists are located.

The party comes across a small dilapidated church and walk in. The church looked rather old and destroyed from the inside. When the party looked around for something resembling a staircase, angry apparitions appeared before them. Maximus then turned tail and ran out of the church so he can "take watch" and kill any cultists that would come this way. The party then took on their ethereal foes. The battle rather quick but fierce on both ends, Maximus returns to the party's aid but he does not deliver the final blow which makes the party victorious over the encounter. The party then continues to look for a secret compartment. Rmoncael found a secret stair compartment located underneath a toppled over book shelf. The party then goes downstairs.

They reach a long hallway with various drawings on the wall. The first drawing they see, Brutus and Reshkarr recognized as a moment in The Time of Troubles where they see Eshkabelle and Cyric fighting a man. This drawing triggers a vision in Brutus's mind. It seems that he is seeing through the eyes of that man fighting off Eshkabelle then the vision cuts off. Brutus was confused with this vision. Brutus shares this vision with the party as he does not know what to make of it. The party continues on the hallway and sees a picture of a bloody crusade between angels, gods, and man. Reshkarr and Maximus instantly recognizes this as a moment in the war of The Citadel of The Raven. Reshkarr gives the gist that this was the war where Cyric and Bane died and a mighty hero emerged victorious whose name is Nassim. Reshkarr also gave a sense of admiration for the hero. The party then continues to walk down some more and they see another violent drawing of thirteen children wreaking havoc upon the people; one child in particular holding the hold high up in the air. Reshkarr also recognized that these thirteen children were The Children of Woe. He began to name of the children one by one. He also explained that the children were to fight each other and the sole surviving Child of Woe would become Cyric. The party ventures deeper into the hallway and they see Vinnrick (or Cyric) impaling the woman in the chest with the sword. Coming out of the woman's wound was purple strokes of paint. Brutus and Reshkarr continued on with the lecture saying that Cyric killed Mystra, which caused The Spell Plague, forever altering magic killing millions. Another drawing was to portray Vinnrick in screaming in shackles chained to this throne. Reshkarr told the party that Cyric was imprisoned within his plane. Finally, they reached the final drawing where they see Vinnrick ascending into the sky with Cyricites killing people. Both Brutus and Reshkarr were confused with one for they did not remember this happening yet. Reshkarr then thought that the last drawing might portray as a prophecy.

The party then continued to walk down some more stairs and the surroundings became less church-like and resemble more of a dungeon. Rmoncael and Toshiro heard some ritual incantation and they continued to venture onward. The stairs stopped and they saw a glowing magic circle on the guard and standing above them were two large devils wielding chains and they had their eyes fixated on both Brutus and Reshkarr. The party then charged at the devils and another fight ensued. The party came out victorious and they continued onward and found themselves going down some more stairs. The surroundings of this deep citadel were now becoming more cavernous and they reached another long hallway. What the party saw at the end of the hallway were a bunch of robed cultists and heard a man shouting something about a third coming and the cultists cheering. The party continued to walk further down the hallway quietly and saw more of the giant room. The party could now see even more cultists and see two figures standing above them at a high cliff. The two figures they see is a man with a burnt scar on his face dressed in ceremonial robes with a big symbol of Cyric on his sash. The other figure was a red dragonborn dressed in solid black plate mail. He had his wings wrapped around him like a cloak. The party's stealth failed when the cultist leader mentioned, "It seems that we have visitors!" The cultists turn around to see the party, and then he finishes his statement, "KILL THE INTERLOPERS!!" The party prepared for a big battle.

The cultists and devils that were in the room charged at the party. Despite the cultists' numbers being overwhelming, the party was able to handle them for the cultists and devils dropped easily. All was going well until the large dragonborn swooped in front of Brutus. The dragonborne began its merciless assault on Brutus. The party tried to intervene, but the dragonborn was not phased by the party's attacks. The dragonborn mentioned to Brutus that he serves Asmodeus, The Lord of Nine. Right as the party decided to leave, Gregory had a small party to come and fight. The quick timing they did on their part caused the party to become quite suspicious of Gregory's integrity. This angered Brutus and Rmoncael for they assumed that they were bait or something of that nature. Brutus also felt betrayed for this was the sort of thing that Brutus did not want to happen. Gregory just simply said the did not know that the Cyricites and devils were working together. Not liking the situation one bit, the party fled. the dragonborn began to pursue Brutus. Brutus thought of confronting the dragonborn since the dragonborn would not stop chasing Brutus. Rmoncael was able to persuade Brutus that what he would be doing was a senseless sacrifice for his death would not stop Asmodeus to learn what he needed to know. Brutus came to his senses and began to follow the party. Gregory not being far behind chased after the dragonborn, with Reshkarr right beside him, he was eager to fight along side his master. Sadly for Reshkarr, Gregory quickly told Reshkarr to leave with his friends. Reshkarr did not question his order and ran out with the party leaving behind him the sounds of clashing metal.

3-3:Cyricites and Betrayal?

After the party ran out of the lair of the Cyricite cult, Rmoncael and Brutus shared their distrust for Gregory. Reshkarr on the other hand was in denial and never thought Gregory would harm Reshkarr. The party then decided to head back into town and after a day's worth of travel, they make it there uneventful. The guards stopped Toshiro and told him to go talk to Nemniel Froke for he had information concerning Bloodwing. Toshiro immediately followed the guard over to the barracks and the other party members split up to find ways to vent about what has happened over in a day's time.

3-4:Toshiro's Big Lead

Toshiro eventually made his way into Nemniel's room and he was informed that he has someone that has seen Bloodwing and is resting in one of the bunkers. Nemniel first asked about how the cult hunt went and Toshiro simply replied, "It was suicide.". Nemniel did not what to make of that and he went back to the subject at hand and led him over to the old man. The old man looks traumatized holding onto his chest and his eyes are wide opened looking all around him. Toshiro asked some questions concerning Bloodwing and his whereabouts. The information that he received was that the old man was a part of a small group of travelers and was seeking shelter and found a cave. They came across a pale man inside the very same cave and asked if he needed assistance; he answered the question with his murderous intent and slaughtered the group and the old man was the only survivor. The cave was located in Shadowdale. The old man was screaming in agony clutching his chest even more and eventually a guard went in to check on the situation. The guard noticed a glowing magic circle glowing on the old man's chest and eventually the old man's chest exploded leaving blood and organs all over the room and some outside the room as well. What came out of the chest was a small ugly demon with a raven's head and eight legs. It let out a loud shriek and latched itself onto Toshiro's face. Toshiro was able to take it off and kill it. The other guards came in to see the commotion. The one guard that saw the whole thing was in shock for he never saw anything like this before. Toshiro explained that the abomination was Bloodwing's doing that made the old man die a slow and painful death, and stressed the direness of the situation that he must be stopped. Brutus decided to go into the barracks to talk to Nemniel minutes after Toshiro did. On his was over to the office he saw a bunch of guards talking to Toshiro and spattered blood and guts that reached outside the room where it originated from. Brutus was curious and asked what was going on. Toshiro replied that it was Bloodwing that did this and caused an old man to die, holding the dead demon in his hand. Toshiro requested Brutus's aid in taking down Bloodwing. Brutus accepted the offer and headed off towards Nemniel's office again. He made his way into the office and reported that the mission was a failure and asked if Gregory has done anything that resembled anything untrustworty. Nemniel said that in all the years he has known Gregory, his integrity was never placed into question. Brutus explained on how he quickly came to his rescue; perhaps a little too quickly. Nemniel ponders over the matter to himself a little bit and then he asked about the commotion which was outside. Brutus explained that it was Bloodwing that caused the commotion when he killed the old man. Brutus then talked about Toshiro's background based on what he was told and how it relates to the small demon that spawned in the old man's stomach. While they were both skeptical of the time traveling they both agreed that whatever happened here could have a potential infestation of those abominable demons. Nemniel said he would investigate the Gregory matter further while Brutus and Toshiro would eliminate the infestation. Brutus left the office and soon after, Nemniel followed Brutus in order to ask Toshiro a question of what revenants looks like. Toshiro gave a description that they were pale skin, their forearms resembled scales, they have black talons at the end of their fingertips and toes, and they have red eyes. Nemniel said he would give a lookout for anything resembling that description.

Meanwhile, Rmoncael was going to the woods to vent out the sudden rage he felt after confronting the dragonborn with various eldritch blasts onto a tree.

3-5:Enter The Shady Back Knife

Reshkarr went to The Crippled Puppy to drown his woes in alcohol. He was eventually joined by an old friend of his, Back Knife. Back Knife has never seen him this down in all the time that he has known Reshkarr and was curious to know what happened. Reshkarr explained that for the first time, he felt weak. He said to Back Knife that while he was fighting against a cult, he met a dragonborn that was in every way better than Reshkarr and then when he was able to fight alongside Greogory, he told Reshkarr to leave. Reshkarr also said that his new friends have suspicions of Gregory's integrity. Back Knife was intrigued when he said the word cult. Back Knife wanted to talk about the subject some more, but he wanted to do this within his quarters. Reshkarr agreed although he was a suspicious of Back Knife hitting on him, at least he was in his drunken state. The two went to the inn and back into Back Knife's room. Back Knife explained that the cult Reshkarr encountered was most likely the same cult that Back Knife was after. Back Knife explained that he is working with a group that hunts evil and right now, they were looking for a cult that resided in The Dalelands. Back Knife then told Reshkarr to come with him to Shadowdale. Reshkarr was confused as to know why. Back Knife explained that the info that Reshkarr holds could help bring down the cult as well as help explain Gregory's actions. Reshkarr thought long and hard and decided to go with Back Knife, but NOT for Gregory's sake but actually for himself and his mission in life to fight in the name of Tempus. He was concerned about what his party would think about the matter. Back Knife just said to take them along. Back Knife was curious to know whom his party consisted of. Reshkarr gave him their names and descriptions with the exception of Rmoncael since Reshkarr has never seen Rmoncael without his hood or gloves. Reshkarr slept on the floor on Back Knife's room for the night. The next day, Back Knife and Reshkarr went off to see Brutus first. They met Brutus in his lodging in the mini-barracks. Brutus was surprised to see a man by Reshkarr for which he had never seen him before. Back Knife introduced himself to Brutus. Back Knife and Reshkarr told Brutus that they were going to Shadowdale and wanted to know if Brutus was interested. It was by coincidence that Brutus said he was going as well as Toshiro as well. Back Knife said that his reason was to pursue a cult and asked if Brutus knew of devils working with Cyricites. Brutus said no, but Back Knife was able to see through Brutus's lie. Brutus then decided to come clean and said that there were devils working alongside Cyricites. This confused Back Knife as to know why. Back Knife then explained the situation that he was in and said he was a scout for a group of men in Shadowdale looking for information. Brutus agreed to help Back Knife out in sharing the information with his clients. Brutus then asked Back Knife if he knew anyone that fit the description of a 7'7 man with blonde hair. Back Knife did not think he saw anyone by that description. Then they went to see Toshiro next. Despite the description given to Back Knife about Toshiro, he was still in awe for he never saw a wilden before. Toshiro and Back Knife introduced themselves to each other. Back Knife explained himself to Toshiro and what he, Reskarr, and Brutus are planning. Toshiro agrees with this detour for he is going to Shadowdale as well. Now that the party is mostly together, they finally looked for Rmoncael. They party managed to find him at The Crippled Puppy at his favorite spot. The party speak to Rmoncael about the trip to Shadowdale. Rmoncael was less than interested because this did not concern him in any way. Back Knife introduced himself to Rmoncael and his situation. Rmoncael began to trust him even less since he basically said that he was an mercenary. Back Knife tried and tried to convince Rmoncael to come along with them but Rmoncael saw nothing in it for him to come along. Back Knife gave up on Rmoncael and then decided to take the rest of the party along. Toshiro then went to Rmoncael to further describe his nemesis Bloodwing and his physical description. This bit of news actually brought interest of the revenant it was only because of Toshiro did Rmoncael actually went along on this trip.

Part IV: The Pursuit of the Revenant Scourge Bloodwing
4-1:Embarking on a Journey to Shadowdale

Reshkarr was sad that Rmoncael wasnt coming, then Rmoncael came out of the crippled puppy saying he was coming. Reshkarr being all sorts of happy came out and hugged Rmoncael. Brutus then asked when the time of departure should be. back knife said the sooner the better, unless the party had to restock on supplies. Reshkarr then asked to borrow 8000 gp. Back Knife said no, he did not have enough money on him. the party ventures into the outside once again. back knife then tells the party about the raven like demons that run around in the north eating everything in its path and they seem to hunt in large numbers. The party notices the lack of wildlife noises and eventually see devoured wildlife. This of course raises some questions and the party asked Back Knife the situation. Back Knife answered that this was probably the work of the those wretched "raven-like arachnid abominations". Toshiro filled in the blanks that they were made by Bloodwing, they feasted on anything that moves, and they traveled in large numbers. As they get closer to Shadowdale, fog starts to pick up and they saw a horde of small black creatures devouring the dead of a couple villagers. The villagers were no longer able to be distinguished from one another due to them being torn limb from limb and being eaten from the inside-out. These abominations have spotted the party and they darted from what looks like a free meal. The party had some trouble at first but they overcome the little scavengers. The party then continued on the path as the sun started to set. They found the town and they decided to try to spend the night in a town. The party then advanced towards the town only to have an arrow whiz by them. The arrow came from one of the guard towers. The guard from the tower demanded to know what they were doing here. Back Knife answered that they wished to spend the night in town. The guard then asked if any of those wretched scavengers followed them here. The party replied with a no and they were granted access to the town. The party then decided to eat a meal before retiring for the night. They went to an inn/pub called "Munchydale" and they met the owner called Monday O' Friday. They were greeted with hospitality despite coming at a late hour. They ate a fine meal and went to bed only to wake up a few hours later to screams of terror. The party rushed out only to find people running around if they were not already eaten alive. There was a flood of the same abominable raven spawns from earlier in the day. The town was in such disarray from the attack. The party then sprung into action and took out the monsters. The party then left the town quickly, but not before a boy was tugging on Rmoncael's sleeve and gave him a ring as gratitude for saving his life. Reshkarr felt a little aggravated for not getting a token of appreciation for the boy. Brutus then calmed him down convincing him that the boy gave all he could in exchange for his life. The party then left and the fog started to clear up.

4-2: The Tower of Dale Justice or Ignorance...

Eventually, the party made their way to what looks like a white tower with guards patrolling it. Back Knife said that this was their destination. The party made their way up the tower and eventually they made their way up towards the top where they saw someone in pulled back, semi long blonde hair in full plate. He looked like he was in charge of this tower. He was seen talking to another person. The man in the full plate then turns his attention to the party. He welcomes the party and introduces himself as someone that's in charge of hunting down cultists. He asked soon after about the information that the party knew about the cultists. The man in full plate said that he and his group are one step behind. Back Knife then said that they knew valuable information concerning the cultist. The party revealed that they saw the cultists last at an abandoned church located at The Darkwatch. The man in heavy plate thanked them, so then Reshkarr then asked when they were going to kill cultists. Back Knife replied, when we find them we will kill them. Reshkarr became surprised and angry because he felt like he was lied to by one of his closest friends. Back Knife and Reshkarr went into a argument for a few minutes, then Reshkarr stopped yelling. The knight said that he came across something something that resembled a bird made of metal and it was for a Brutus. Brutus immediately recognized the bird as a messaging device for he has encountered something like that before. The man then gave it to Brutus and he immediately played the message. A hologram came out of the bird's eyes and out came an old man with a cigar in his mouth whom which, Brutus recognized the voice as his creator Eustace Califomme. He stated is the message that by this point he realized the Mordekai were after him. Eustace then told Brutus that no matter what happens, he should never fall in the hands of Asmodeus or Khaldun. He was also informed that a good friend of his, Calvin Ford also helped with Brutus's creation. Rmoncael already feeling annoyed over the idiocy of the whole group of knights. He asked what was their next plan of action. The man in plate said he planned to storm the church. Rmoncael mentioned that it might already be too late since the Cyricites knew that they were exposed and may have abandoned the church as a base. The man thought it might still have some sort of clue anyway, since they knew nothing. Toshiro then asked about Bloodwing and described the evil revenant. The man in full plate then said some scout did meet someone that fit Bloodwing's description. They said that he was last seen in a cave north of their current location. Rmoncael asked why did the knights not pursue Bloodwing. The man said they did not think anything of it. This enraged Rmoncael and as a result Reshkarr along with Toshiro stormed out as well. Brutus stayed behind and apologized on behalf of the party. Back Knife then gave the payment of ten astral diamonds, and asked Brutus to tell Reshkarr that he is sorry. Brutus then left the tower joining the party. Reshkarr was in a deep depression for as of late, he has been feeling that all of his friends he has made in the past have been stabbing him in the back as of late. Brutus attempted to console Reshkarr. Toshiro had other things in his mind and wished to take care of Bloodwing. Rmoncael told Toshiro to lead the way to the cave so he can meet this Bloodwing face to face. The party though was in agreement that they hated Shadowdale and their stupid tower.

4-3:The Pursuit of that Revenant Scourge Bloodwing

The party made their way north when they found the cave mentioned by both the old man and the man in the tower. They make their way in and pretty quickly when they set foot in the cave they see the dead men that accompanied the old man. This cave was not without its share of large spiders. The party though fought their way through the spiders easily enough. Eventually the party came across a large bone serpent with a head of a human skull blocking the passage going downstairs. The serpent began to speak in a Draconic tongue saying only the dead may pass through. Only Reshkarr was able to understand its language and then asked if someone came by here; the serpent replied yes. Rmoncael then asked if it spoke common; the serpent then replied yes in common. Brutus then requested that they were admitted safe passage onward, but the serpent was less than willing to comply. Having enough of this diplomatic nonsense, Rmoncael attempted to walk past the serpent only to have the serpent's tail slammed in front of Rmoncael. This of course resulted in an encounter in which the party came out victorious. The party then ventured onward and went downstairs.

Upon reaching the lower floor, they notice the cavernous surroundings are now replaced with bones. Not being phased by the new surroundings, the party continued onward fighting a variety of skeletons as well as trying not to get lost with its multiple twists and turns. After reaching the end of the catacombs they reach an opened sarcophagus which had a staircase going down. The party attempted to make their way down only to be stopped by a skeleton in robes wielding a scythe along with a small band of skeletons. The party though with quick thinking made quick work of the skeletons and continued to make their way downstairs.

While they reached the bottom floor they see a large room and a bridge connecting the two cliffs and on the bottom of the room would lie a bunch of bodies squirming and reaching out towards the party. The bridge to the floor would be a long drop. On the opposite end of the room was a large door. The door opened and came out of the door was a revenant with long black hair, pale skin, a marking of Bane on his arm and donned a red cloak. Toshiro called out Bloodwing. Bloodwing looked at Toshiro and smiled. "Hello there. I almost didn't recognize you without you following Connor like a lap dog!" he said mockingly towards Toshiro followed by maniacal laughter. Reshkarr then demanded that Bloodwing explain himself as of what he was doing. Bloodwing then dodged the question by mentioning how he actually knew everyone in the party as he pointed to them saying their names individually. Rmoncael asked how he knew their names. Bloodwing just said that it was a story for another day, for he has things to do. Brutus said "You're not going anywhere!", Bloodwing relied, "I beg to differ...". Bloodwing then reached inside his pouch and pulls out a small flesh ball and tosses it on the floor. "This should keep you entertained for a bit. Until we again again!" He moves towards the end and walks off the bridge, hitting the floor of organic bodies. Bloodwing waves to the party as the bodies drag him in. The party look at Bloodwing sinking not being away of the flesh ball growing larger in size to at least thirty times its previous size. The ball consisted of flesh bodies and the party decided to attack the flesh ball. As they attacked the ball, bodies were falling and making their way towards the party and attacking the party. Upon beating on the ball of flesh, they finally reached the core of the beast which was a smaller veiny sphere with tentacles sprouting out of it. Realizing that the beast is threatened, it shoots out lasers out of the tentacles. Eventually the hideous beast was taken down and the party made their way towards the open door and sees a roost of raven spawns in cocoons. The party then smashed every last one of the cocoons. The party then sees a hidden compartment which revealed treasure for which the party help themselves to before making their way out of the cave. They make it out of the cave without incident and hopefully put an end to the abominable carnivorous beasts. Shortly after exiting the cave, the party sees a black rider approaching them.

Part V: Stopping a Ritual Fueled By Madness
5-1: The Ominous Box

A rider in black on horseback made his way towards the party. Upon inspection of the rider, the party realized that he had no head. Upon the headless rider's arrival it kneels before Rmoncael and gives him a box. The headless rider tells Rmoncael telepathically that it is for his eyes only and dire consequences will befall his friends should they look at it. It was shortly after that Reshkarr said to open the box in order to look inside. Romncael said that it would be better that he did not because that would be dangerous. Rmoncael gave himself distance from the party and opened the box. A bright light flashed before Rmoncael and he appeared to be in a trance of some sort. Inside the box was just a magic circle and it started talking to him. The conversation between Rmoncael and the box was completely done by telepathy. Rmoncael asked for a name, the box replied, "I am many things, but you may call me Bane." Bane then revealed to Rmoncael that he was handpicked by Bane himself to fulfill his vengeance. Two images popped up before Rmoncael: one of them being the crimson scaled dragonborn and an old man identified as Percius Von Eshkabel. Both of them gave Rmoncael emotions of anger but he does not know why. Rmoncael asked why this was important to him, Bane then replied that the dragonborn was his killer. Rmoncael then asked "What's in it for you?". Bane then said that two powerful members of his enemies' faith will be wiped out. Rmoncael agreed to help kill the two provided that no one of Bane's faith harms the party. Bane agreed to the terms, then began to brand a rune on Rmoncael's arm.

Meanwhile, Brutus and Reshkarr began asking The Headless Zhent questions about the content of the box and why gave it to Rmoncael. The Zhent refused to give away any information and decided to walk away. Brutus and Reshkarr then got in front of him and began threatening the rider with violence. The Headless Zhent warned them to leave his path or be destroyed. Neither Brutus or Reshkarr were intimidated by his words and started to attack the rider. The rider then retaliated against the two and began decimating them and before long, the rider ran off. The two were confused as to why he just ran off. Brutus and Reskharr then decided to check back on Rmoncael to see how he was doing. They looked at Rmoncael and see that he was in a trance, so Reshkarr quickly slapped the box from Rmoncael's hand and Rmoncael came to his senses. The rest of the party were concerned as to what has happened. Rmoncael saw that Brutus and Reshkarr were wounded in combat, and they both explained it was that headless rider that caused the harm. Rmoncael was upset with that statement, and then the two finished the statement with he just left. Rmoncael then explained that it might have been the box that saved both Brutus and Reshkarr. Rmoncael explained now his interested in killing cultists as well and the party had now a common goal in stopping Cyric's third coming. The party though had no leads on where to go. Rmoncael then suggested that they might as well visit that abandoned church in The Darkwatch. The party then agreed that it will be their first choice of action. Rmoncael looks as his arm and then follows the party.

5-2: A Chat with Elminster

On their way they come across a house and an old man comes out and invites them to his house. Reshkarr insisted that everyone else came and they all accepted his hospitality. The old man introduced himself as Elminster. and the old man explained his exploits and Reshkarr ate all the stories up. There was one story in particular that made Rmoncael suspiscious when he spoke of Eshkabel. Reshkarr was trying to tell Rmoncael to calm down but Elminster did not mind and continued with his story and how he saved The Dalelands from Eshkabelle about 100 years ago (That never happened). Brutus then asked if time travel was possible. Elminster laughed and said yes; it was only possible through means of a powerful ritual and almost nobody knew of it. He then explained it was never really practiced because it was a one way trip. Reshkarr then said how there was a lot of evil going on and he asked if Elminster would lend the party a hand in killing some Cyricites. Elminster's mood changed rather quickly and told Reskharr that his adventuring days were over. Reshkarr was confused as to why it was. Elminster then explained that all of his friends are dead and lost his will to fight evil and thus kept to himself. Reshkarr pleaded with the old hero and try to convince him otherwise but Brutus told him to stop. Brutus told him that the things he have seen must have been traumatizing and must not dwell on his actions. Reshkarr then withdrew from his actions. Elminster then went to give him something called Protantherberries. He explained that his good friend Protanther made these berries and came all the way from Vaasa. The party then left Elminster's house with the basket of Protantherberries. Reshkarr ate his share and fell in love with the berries.

5-3: Our Town is under Siege!

The party then continued on their way towards the Darkwatch when they spotted some smoke rising into the sky. The party then ran to see what that was and they realize that the town they all met as is under attack. The party then ran in only to see dead people all over the place and some of the attackers spot the party, "It's the construct! Get him!". The attackers are wearing the symbol of Cyric on themselves and charged at the party. An encounter ensued and they were victorious. The party then split up to look for survivors. Rmoncael and Toshiro looked separately while Brutus and Reshkarr paired up.

Rmoncael and Toshiro found some survivors tending to their wounds, while Reshkarr and Brutus decided to check out the barracks for survivors. They looked downstairs in the dungeon area and found more dead guards and prisoners. Eventually they see a man with a burnt scar on his face donning the symbol of Cyric. They recognize him as the cult leader from the Darkwatch. Brutus demanded to know what happened. The cult leader simply replied that he came here and killed them all. All for the pursuit of Brutus. This quickly enraged the dragonborn paladin and a battle among the three began. Brutus and Reshkarr were struggling against the cult leader at first but eventually began holding their own. Toshiro and Rmoncael heard fighting within the barracks and rushed towards the action to see an exasperated Reshkarr and Brutus fighting against a Cyricite. The party then began turning the tide and would have looked like a decisive victory until the cult leader then called in a Cyricite artificer by the name of Walter. Despite the backup however, they fight was won and forced the cult leader to make a getaway.

On their way out they meet up with one of the guards and the guard expressed his gratitude. Brutus then asked about the future of the town. The guard replied that they might leave town and head over to another town and to use the resources left from the vault in the barracks. The guard then leaves to tend to the other townsfolk. Not much later Reshkarr then ask Brutus about taking some sort of payment. Brutus then agreed with the sentiment and the party made their way into the barracks into Nemniel's office. When the party entered the office they see a Nemniel on the floor brutally killed. Reshkarr and Brutus spoke a eulogy for him and made their way to the vault behind him. The vault was locked and they began to pick at it. After that failed, they started beating at it. As they were beating the lock, one of the guards yells out, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" They replied, that they would be paid for their services. The guard has bought the bluff and he said not to take only 1,500 gold for they need what is left for traveling to another town. He pondered to himself why the attack happened in the first place and Brutus replied that it was because they were in search for Brutus. The guard, enraged, drawing his spear at Brutus, jumped to the conclusion that Brutus was responsible for the death of hundreds of the town. Brutus and Reshkarr said that while Brutus was the one they searched for, Brutus did not wish for death upon the town, nor did he decided that it was to be attack. After pleading with the guard for a short while, the guard lowers his spear and just told the party that it would be best that they left. Before leaving, Reshkarr request that Nemniel got a proper burial. The guard nodded and the party left the town and made their way to the church.

5-4: Revisiting the Old Church

They eventually made their way without incident right down the large cavernous room they were at when they first met the cult leader and the crimson scaled dragonborn. The party then saw the cave went deeper on top of the cliff. The party climbed up to the doorway and ventured onward. They travelled down the hall and the light in the cave became pitch black so Brutus had light the rest of the way. They were slightly delayed by devils that were blocking they way, but eventually they made their way into an active portal. The party jumped in. On the other side of the portal they arrived at a cavernous area in a small pool of blood. The party made their way upstairs and it began to look more structured like stone bricks. They forced way out to see where exactly they were and fought many cultists. They eventually left one alive for questioning. The cultist was less than cooperative at first, but after being subjected to some flesh slashing as well as his hand shattered, the cultist then complied. He told them that they were now in The Blood Marshes and their great leader Eshkabel was leading an attack on the Temple of Illmater even as they speak. The party then put an end to his life and they quickly tried to find a way out.

They found their way out and it seemed as if they made their way out of a borrowed tunnel. Off in the distance, they found a temple. Toshiro performed a ritual which conjured phantom steeds (after conjuring lesser ones which immediately drowned in the blood.). The party then rushed towards the temple and before long, they see a huge battle taking place just outside the temple.

5-5: A Mad Race to Eshkabel

The battlefield consisted of Cyricites and followers of Illmater decimating each other. Deep within the battlefield, the party spots Eshkabel as well as the cult leader forcing their way effortlessly towards the temple. The party quickly pursued them forcing their way through Cyricites. Eventually they made their way into the temple following the trail of death left behind the two Cyricites. The trail ended downstairs into a rather odd looking labyrinth. The markings on the ground were clearly not of the temple's doing. Continuing onward, the party followed feint footprints of blood and without getting themselves lost, they party came across an active portal. Toshirio analyzed the portal, and what he knew of the portal is that it goes deeper down and it dates back to over 1000 years and it is not of human origin. With the knowledge at hand, the party quickly jumped in. Despite the knowledge however of having the portal going down, their new surroundings are only sky and glass platform keeping them afloat. The party became confused over the fact that the portal took them to a completely different plane. In front of them, they saw destroyed constructs. Feeling that they were on the right track, the party followed the path of scrap metal, only to be stopped by a construct, which was not completely destroyed. The construct was a large intimidating piece of machinery with blades swirling all around it. The party took a small beating before finally pushing it off of the glass platform, having it fall eternally in limbo. The party did not waste any time and continued onward and saw another portal. The party jumped in and the portal took the party to a cavernous hallway and at the end of the hallway were two giant two-headed snakes, Cyritcite lich, the cult leader, and Eshkabel with the broken sword performing the ritual to free Cyric from his prison. The party quickly charged in to take them all out and foil the Cyricite plot.

5-6: Just Moments Away from Rekindling the Feeling of Fear

Everyone except Eshkabel stepped forward to stop the party. During the fight, the party notices that the sword is slowly becoming whole again. Eventually it started draining the life of the cult leader. "Such is the price of becoming a devout child of Cyric!" The cult leader being horrible weakened the party then killed him and everyone until it was just Eshkabel and the party.

As soon as he realized he was the only Cyricite standing, the ritual stopped and he turned around to greet his uninvited guests. Eshkabel saw the four people trying to foil his goals and then took a look at Brutus, "The prodigal son of Eustace." Eshkabel says calmly. Brutus replies, "How do you know of Eustace?". Eshkabel then tells him how they were once friends and comrades at arms and how it was shame that he died in the war. He then said how he would become a powerful asset for Cyric for building an invincible army and requested that Brutus joined Eshkabel in a utopia made from the blood of his enemies. Brutus was disgusted with the offer and rejected him. Eshkabel had a disappointed look on his face and accepted his rejection, but not without a price. Eshkabel then attacked the party. The party would face off against the Cyricite leader of the material plane. The party at first struggled against his necrotic might but began to get a footing on the fight. Eventually they wore Eshkabel down to the point where it became hard to for him maintain his human form. In a bright flash, damaging everyone around him, he revealed his true lich form. This angered Eshkabel greatly and went straight for Rmoncael and out of the ground came a hand concocted of evil energy grabbing Rmoncael's throat. "I will wring the life from you!" Before Rmoncael could lose consciousness he broke free of the grip. And after what looked like a struggle at first, they party came out on top defeating Eshkabel. Eshkabel crumbled to dust and sword dropped to the ground.

Just as Reshkarr was making a reach for the sword, a familiar yet annoying voice echoed within the cavernous walls, "I wouldn't do that if I were you!". Walking into visible sight of the party was Bloodwing. "Unless you believe in Cyric's faith, you would suffer a horrible fate." The party then surrounded the sword as Bloodwing made his way towards it. He said he would be taking the sword. Reshkarr refused to comply with scum like Bloodwing. "I don't want to hurt you Reshkarr." Bloodwing said and Reshkarr still refused to move with a hostile demeanor towards the reventant. After taking a deep breath, Bloodwing then pulled out two hammers and started to attack Reshkarr. Bloodwing was laughing loudly as he pounded on Reshkarr with his hammers. It was not long before Reshkarr dropped to the ground unconscious. Rmoncael then asked why was he doing this. Bloodwing simply replied he was blocking the sword, which was actually a cornerstone of his empire. Rmoncael then quickly said, "YOU MEAN THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR EMPIRE!". It was then when Rmoncael actually unveiled his hood for the first time revealing his face, which shares an incredible strong resemblance to Bloodwing. Rmoncael was indeed Bloodwing only thirty one years into the past. Toshiro's face turned white because he was traveling with Bloodwing this whole time and was not aware of it. Brutus then ran to heal Reshkarr. Reshkarr awoke to see two Bloodwings. He was very confused for he did not know what was going on. Bloodwing then stepped away from the sword and said he would be on his way to kill that dragonborn. Rmoncael then asked why he hated the dragonborn so much; Bloodwing never knew the reason why outside the reason that he hated him. He says this as he's pounding the Eshkabell's remains frantically with an extremely angry face. He then quickly regains his composure reaches out with his arm and his arm glows and the portal opens up again. He then says to Reshkarr, that Gregory is in Hell. Reshkarr became alert and had a shocked look on his face after hearing that. The party then grabbed a cloth in attempts to grab the sword without touching it and dumping it into a bag of holding and jumped right in after Bloodwing into Hell.

Part VI: Hell Awaits Our Heroes
''6-1: Hell... It's Home Away from Home''

After they jumped in the portal they find themselves in a plane of fire and brimstone also known as Avernus, the first layer of Hell. They survey the scenery around them and the skies are black with the occasional red flashes from the fire emanating from parts of the ground. The party then decides to walk around and they see two devils grabbing fresh souls dropping in from a portal above The Lake of Despond. They eventually notice Brutus and started running after the part. The party gets ready to defend themselves. The party is riding the fight rather easily then all of a sudden comets fall from the sky wreaking havoc on the battlefield. Toshiro realized the comets smashes the ground when the blood spatters in battle. This made the fight slightly more difficult but the party remained victorious.

After the battle, someone appearing human dressed in magician's attire (tux, bow tie, top hat, etc.) claps his hands for a job well done. He compliments the party over their victory, but Brutus was suspicious of the man in the top hat. The magician whips out his cane and stands it on the ground and a clear dome appears over them. He claims that it would be a lot easier to speak now without spying ears intruding. "So you're the guy everyone wants." Brutus then puts his guard up. The Magician kept on talking saying that he can relax for he has no intention on harming Brutus nor his company. He asks what they were planning on doing here, for he does not see many visitors in Hell. Reshkarr replied that he wanted to rescue Gregory, a human paladin. The magician then said he saw a red dragonborn carry him off into The Bronze Citadel and points the party in the general direction. He gives some basic information about the dragonborn; information involving his name being, Tezukratuzuxxma Xilmengreth and his position as general for Bel, the ruler of Avernus. He also asks for Brutus's name, at first Brutus was skeptacle, but gave him his name and in return asked for his. The magician then gave Brutus a business card and the name on the card was "Zenedrake". Zenedrake then dismissed the dome and walked off whistling a tune. The party then rushed in the direction of The Bronze Citadel.

6-2: Venturing into the Bronze Citadel

They reach the outskirts of The Bronze Citadel and they saw an entire citadel made of Bronze populated by thousands of devils. The party then decided the sneak in with their sense of stealth. During their acts of stealth, Brutus then saw another flashback where he sees in first person someone killing everyone one in a town in cold blood laughing while doing so. This of course confused the warforged and he then decided to tell the party what he saw in his flashback. He decided that it was not the time to be emotional about his past history. The party then continued with the stealth mission. It was going well until Brutus accidentally made too much noise and some devils in the area spotted the party and immediately charged at them. An encounter ensued, which the party struggled at first but came out on top. At that point, their element of surprised was blown and they darted right for the heart of the citadel. Devils right and left saw them but made no attempt to stop them. The devils saw Brutus and to them, he was delivering himself to Bel.

The party entered the dark halls of the citadel; Brutus, as usual, lit the way. The party forced their way in the first halls fighting devils. Upon reaching victory, they hear screams of terror followed with pleads from a woman and a child. The party rushed down in hopes to save them. The party was unfortunately too late and the woman and child were killed by what sounded like their husband and father for some initiation to devil hood. Disgusted with such practices, the party charged at the devils and put an end to their dark rites.

The party then continued to venture deeper into the citadel fighting more devils. The interior of the citadel became more intimidating with devil statues as well with black marble tiles throughout the walls and floor. The party saw Gregory, hung by his arms. Reshkarr shouted his name and rushed to his aid getting him down. Upon inspection, Gregory had no pupils, for he has gone blind. "Reshkarr?", Gregory said as Reshkarr helped him up. Reshkarr wanted to know what happened; Gregory replied that experiments were performed on him. Gregory then grabbed his head for he was writhing in agony. Gregory then told Reshkarr to fight him and show him everything he had learned. Reshkarr did not wish to fight him, but Gregory did not accept no for an answer. "This is your reason. DEFEND YOURSELF!!" is what Gregory said as he charged at the party. The party was ready to fight back, but they decided not to kill Gregory. The party was faring well standing toe to toe against Gregory. Toshiro witnessed something that made him very fearful about Rmoncael. While Rmoncael was trading blows with Gregory, which each hit Rmoncael devivered, he wore a smile as if he was in ecstasy. Eventually the party came out victorious and Gregory fell unconscious to the ground. The party then stripped him of all of his weapons and gear and decided to hang him back up on the wall. When Gregory awoke, Reshkarr asked again what happened to him. Gregory replied after the party left the church, the dragonborn started killing off everyone in Gregory's team and left Gregory himself unconscious. During Gregory's stay at Hell is also where he saw a elf named Dhansis Kaldhun. He was the one performing experiments on Gregory. The name rung a bell to Reshkarr's ears. Reshkarr then explained that Kaldun was a collector of strange artifacts throughout various parts of the whole world. Gregory then suggested that if they plan on going further to put an end to the madness, then to grab a scroll located in his pocket. Reshkarr inched his was slowly towards Gregory with a suspicious look in his eye and reached in Gregory's pocket and pulled out a scroll. Toshiro then identified a scroll as a powerful magic that will fully restore the party to their top shape. The party then left, but not with Reshkarr saying to Gregory to sit tight and he would come back for him.

The party then went downward and found their way into a dark and ominous throne room with the only source of light are two giant torches. On the other end of the throne room was Tezukratuzuxxma Xilmengreth (red dragonborn) and a huge pit fiend sitting the throne, which was none other than Bel himself.

Part VII: The Final Battle in the Name of Vengeance
7-1:The Final Battle

Tezukratuzuxxma (From this point on, I'll just call him Dracablo) and Bel were seeing in plain sight Brutus, the construct of Hell's desire, and the party around Brutus. Bel greets the party and Dracablo reveals some sort of knickknack which develops a holographic image (much like Brutus's final sender) of an elf in robes who introduces himself as Kaldhun. He asks why Brutus is prolonging the injustice. Brutus of course was confused with this question and asked what Kaldun meant by that. The elf replied that Brutus was a result of a pact made by Eustace and how he was promised over to Hell in exchange for his own life also followed by a story of how Eustace was hardly a saint and has killed many people. Kaldun asked that he stopped delaying the inevitable and come quietly. Brutus was unimpressed by Kaldun's attempt to reach out to Brutus and remain defiant even in the face of impossible odds. Kaldun had a disappointed look in his face and replied, "You share your creator's stubbornness. Kill them all! All we need is the shell anyway.". Dracablo then crushed the knickknack with his hand and drew his giant sword and the party was ready to retaliate.

The fight began with the party standing no chance against the dragonborn. Rmoncael, as frustrated as ever, shouted to the skies, "YOU PROMISED ME MY REVENGE!". Not a moment later, Rmoncael heard of voice in his head and it told him to draw the sword and his hand will be guided. Rmoncael dumped his bag of holding reaching for the sword and grabbed it. The runes on his arm started to glow ominously through his bracers and the sword changed color to black and gave off an tyrannous aura. The aura then began to drain the portion of life from his foes crippling them slightly. The sword's power flowed through Rmoncael and thus charged at Dracablo as if he had nothing left to lose. Rmoncael then gave off various auras making the party feel oppressed but at the same time given them additional strength in attempts to tip the scale in their favor. Some dialogue was exchanged between Reshkarr and Rmoncael as the fight progressed. Reshkarr tried to calm Rmoncael down since Rmoncael revealed a side of extreme anger that Reshkarr had never seen before. Rmoncael also demanded answers from Dracablo as well as to figure out his own identity. Dracablo did not know what Rmoncael was talking about, but then it hit him. Rmoncael reminded Dracablo of a meddlesome dwarf that he killed off long ago and pinpointed that Rmoncael was that very dwarf. Rmoncael demanded more information out of Dracablo, but Dracablo was less than willing to give out more information. As the fight between Dracablo and the party drew to a close, Rmoncael delivered the final blow to the dragonborn and his very soul became trapped into the sword. Rmoncael then took a look at a red cloak that Dracablo was wearing and decided to take it and wear it as a symbol of his completed vengeance. This action made Toshiro extremely fearful because before his very eyes, Rmoncael was slowly looking like Bloodwing more and more.

7-2: Salvation Brought Forth by Tyranny

Bel then decided to rise up from his throne to commend the party for their struggle, but a struggle all the same. He then slowly walked towards the party. Rmoncael then told the party to run off without him. The party was confused as to know why. Rmoncael then felt that his purpose was completed and wished to make a selfless sacrifice for his newly found friends. Reshkarr refused and wished to fight by Rmoncael's side and the two charged at Bel with complete abandon. Before the sound of clashing mettle could go off, everything froze in place, including Bel. Only Rmoncael was able to move and what he saw was everything, even time itself froze; out of nowhere, a white portal opened up and a man in gray skin with his arms crossed behind his back. The began to commend Rmoncael for fulfilling his duty. Rmoncael stated though that he did not want to end up like that abominable Bloodwing. Bane was confused and interested by Rmoncael's words and thought that the concept of time travel was an interesting but then stated that Rmoncael's destiny was his own. The moment that the man spoke to Rmoncael was when Rmoncael recognized the man as Bane himself. Rmoncael has became one of Bane's favored children and thus offered a bargain with Rmoncael saving his and his party's life, provided that they all performed one single task. Rmoncael then requested to prolong the protection that no child of Bane would ever lay harm on the party. Bane accepted his term and thus a pact was made between man and god. Lasers then shot out of his eyes; the lasers looked as if they were aimed at Rmoncael but then zig-zagged away from Rmoncael and then branched off hitting, Reshkarr, Brutus, Toshiro, and one that seems to made its way out of the throne room. The laser then branded its target with the mark of Bane and then disappeared. Soon afterward, a bright flash engulfed the room and the party as well as Gregory were back in The Dalelands.

The party as well as Gregory, was confused because they had no idea what just happened. Rmoncael was the only one that knew what conspired back there. Neither Gregory or Reshkarr complained at the fortunate turn of events though, however the party was in deep thought on why it happened. Rmoncael then concluded the thought by saying that his new found purpose was to watch over his friends. Gregory then felt that it was time to head back home to his town and asked if Reshkarr wanted to come with him. Reshkarr then declined the offer for his thirst for adventure, even after all that has happened, has not been quenched yet. Gregory understood and reached out to shake his hand, "You'll make a damn good paladin.", said Gregory. Reshkarr then reached out to hug Gregory and then Gregory left the party.

Not much later, a pale eladrin dressed in all white, with glasses, came timidly towards the party asking for Brutus. Brutus then mentioned his name and asked for the eladrin's name. The timid eladrin answered his question with Niles Volmarv. He then explained that he was an apprentice to MeLuis and wanted to accompany Brutus to further his training in the field of artificery as well as look for A.T.H.A.N.A.S. The name however had rung a bell to Toshiro. After a slight trip down memory lane, Toshiro recalled the name belonged to that of a mad man also responsible for plunging The Dalelands into chaos. This of course created more of a fearful state in Toshiro. The party grew concerned over Toshiro's face; he then explained that Niles Volmarv was also someone from his time period that destroyed the land. Niles felt intimidated with Toshiro's remark. Rmoncael told Toshiro to dismiss those concerns, because Rmoncael believes that he himself is living proof that whatever future that Toshiro came from is not set in stone. Reshkarr quickly warmed up to Niles and told him that he was already part of the group. Niles felt more at ease and the group quickly went off on their next destination, wherever that may be...