The Lost Mines of Karak

After taking a few weeks to rest, re-equip and research new magics. The band was approached by Kalad, who was now a high ranking member of Overlook's city watch.

"My friends, I may have a commission for you. Bram Ironfell, is a wealthy and influential member of the Elsir Consortium, a powerful merchant group in these parts. He has asked me make an introduction with you. Are you available to meet with him at Pollivers this evening?".

After several weeks of civilian living and the prospect of a profitable venture, the group agreed that the least they could do was hear out Bram Ironfell's offer. It was common knowledge that Pollivers was a renowned and exclusive eatery catering for the higher echelons of Overlook society, at the very least it would be an opportunity to sample how the other half lived.

When the Company of the Free arrived at Pollivers they were ushered into a private banqueting suite which Bram Ironfell had reserved for the meeting. Strewn on the table was a fabulous selection of the finest food from every corner of the realms. Not to mention half a dozen bottles of expensive wine. On their entry, Bram stood and beckoned the party to sit.

“Greetings, Heroes of Overlook. I am Bram Ironfell of the
Clan Ironfell and representative of the Elsir Consortium.
Your reputations precede you, and for your actions, you
have my personal thanks in addition to that of the city. I
have a tale I wish to share with you, over dinner and drinks
of course.”

After several minutes of polite conversation the dwarf steered the talk toward the business in hand. "What do you know of the Karak Lode?" he asked. Ben had heard tales of the place and knew something of its history and he began to recount the tale

"Several centuries ago, the Ironfell clan—made forays in search of mineral wealth in the deserts beyond the Stonelands to the northwest of the Vale. There, they established a mine they called the Karak Lode, after the first dwarf of Clan Ironfell to fall in its defence. Over long years, Karak became a legendary source of wealth as its folk pulled rich deposits of gold, silver, and other precious metals from beneath the desert sands. A supply depot was established at the desert’s
edge to service the caravans traveling between the mine and Elsir Vale, but the location of the Karak Lode was kept a closely guarded secret. Only oathsworn members of Clan Ironfell ever made the final leg of the journey across the sands. This secrecy was to become the dwarves downfall at contact was lost with the mines, and none of the dwarves returned to tell the tell. Over time the Karak Lode dissappeared from history".

Bram complimented Ben's knowledge of dwarven history and continued. “The location of the Karak Lode was known to few even within the clan, and it was thought that all who had such
knowledge were lost when the mines were reclaimed by the desert. Even within the clan, Karak is all but forgotten. However, recent events might change that. “The destruction of Sarshan’s operations in Overlook saw the shadar-kai’s many warehouses and transit points raided. In one of those raids, the watch uncovered documents connected to Sarshan’s operations, including an ancient fragment of parchment. On it was written a list of landmarks and bearings for a journey, along with the name of Clan Ironfell. I had never seen this parchment before. However, at the watch’s request, I undertook a bit of research into my family’s archives. If what I discovered there holds true, this parchment holds the directions to the Karak Lode.”

“Discovering what became of my kin would end a sad chapter in Ironfell history, but that is not my primary motive in seeking your aid. If the Karak Lode can be found, its wealth offers the means to shore up the defenses of Overlook and the Elsir Vale. However, it is anyone’s guess
what manner of creatures might lair there, or what defenses the last of the clan left to guard the mines. This is not a job for the city watch, I fear.”

"Indeed, such a dangerous mission, would require serious remuneration" interjected Nalklyr.

Bram responded by throwing a heavy pouch on to the table. I'm prepared to offer 1000 gold for successful completion of this task, half of it is in that pouch. The other half I will give to you on your return with proof the task is complete. Do we have an agreement, gentlemen?"

The party readily agreed to the dwarves terms and Bram handed over the parchment with the directions. After finishing the exquisite meal they bade Bram goodnight and returned to their lodgings at Belden's Rest, for in the morning they would embark on the perilous journey to the Lost Mines of Karak.

Escape from Umbraforge

The party entered a circular chamber. Although unoccupied the room was littered with research equipment, workbenches and various books concerning the magical transformation of mundane creatures in to beasts of war. Pausing only long enough to gather a selection of ritual components, the group headed for the circular stairs running up the wall of the room.

They emerged in another similar room however a passageway lead of to a exotic indoor garden. Dim light from globes of gray glass cast faint shadows throughout the dark garden. Though the trees and other foliage appeared healthy and luxurious, the leaves, stems, and flowers of these plants are sickly shades of dark blue, gray, and black. Along the south wall of this chamber stood another stone arch identical to the teleportation portals the group had seen earlier.

Before the band had an opportunity to explore the area a hissing sound became audible prefacing a cloud of insects suddenly boiling up from the shadows, swarming to attack. At the same time, what had appeared to be a mass of mottled leaves rose
up to reveal itself as an enormous beetle, which had viscous black fluid dripping from its joints.

Immediately Ben reached in to his bag for a cinderbomb and flung it at one of the swarms which had materialised at the far side of the garden. Unfortunately, the fact that the shadow creatures were concealed in the thickets made them difficult to hit. Garig headed straight for the enormous shadow beetle and tore in to it with his axe. Melech and Nalkyr also launched attacks at the swarms but only killed a handful of the scores of creatures which composed the swarm. Within seconds the swarms of shadow spawned insects has converged on the group the tiny but vicious insects crawling through gaps in armour and gnawing the skin beneath. The beetle then spewed forth stick stands of shadow catching Grogar and rooting the paladin where he stood. Ben tried to Thunderwave the deadly swarm away but being in such close proximity found it difficult to to get his aim right. Finally, Garig and Melech managed to take down the beetle. However, by this point things were looking rather dire for the group Grogar and Melech were totally covered by swarms of the dreaded rot scarab swarms and Quick Ben was cornered by a third column of the beasts. It was at this point when things began to look doomed.

Below Six shadar-kai ascended the levitation lift, and footsteps in the distance heralded groups of four coming through the doors of each of the towers. The squad that comes up from below was led by a grizzled captain, with ritual scars standing
out on his cheeks. Two panthers move at his side with teeth bared as they hiss. The captain waved his hand commanding "Creatures of shadow - begone!" and the insect swarms began to dissolve back in to the ground. He then turned his attention to the party. “Stand down!” the captain shouts, “or your lives are forfeit!”.

At least the short respite had given the unconscious Melech time to come round and staunch his wounds. However, before the band had time to start a dialogue with the Captain they were interrupted.

Suddenly, the garden was illuminated by a pulse of white light. The archway to the south flared as it revealed the black shrine, and a familiar figure stepped from that chamber into the garden. It was none other than the veteran the group had spoken to in the Happy Beggar, but he was no longer stooped with the appearance of age and his scarred skin began to turn gray.

The guards saluted the shadar-kai, who appeared surprised at seeing the heroes. He took in the scene before him with a cold eye. “I am Sarshan. I assume someone has an explanation for this?”

Eager to alleviate their difficult situation Ben hoisted the corpse of Modra from the bag of holding, which seemed to provoke a smirk from Sharshan. However, before Ben had a chance to press home his advantage, he was interrupted by Thannu the Shadar Kai Captian who proceeded to deliver a military-style report on the
bands incursion of the tower, noting the areas they had infiltrated and the number of the dead and wounded.

Finally Sharshan addressed the heroes: “You are, quite literally, the last people I ever expected to see here. The charges leveled by my captain warrant torture
and death. However, I am told that an episode of sabotage in my foundry appears to have been thwarted, and that the you bear proof you have executed the traitorous Modra".

“As far as you’ve managed to infiltrate my operations, I can only assume you know a little of who I am. My wealth and reputation turn largely on honor, obligation, and secrecy. When I spoke to you of Modra, I hoped you would kill him and save me the risk of more exposure than he had already caused. The fact that you journeyed here to do the job is a surprise, but for your part in ending his threat to me and whatever he meant to do in the foundry, I am in your debt. However, for your role in the death of my personal guards, you are more greatly in mine. Here is a bargain that
balances the obligation for all of us. Join me.”

“Your skill at arms is clearly first rate. I offer you a place to use and advance that skill. Moreover, I offer you a place where you might live long enough to enjoy the fruits of your bravery. In a month, or six, or a year, your world will be a
place you will not want to live. Join me here instead.”

“Though I am nicely positioned to take advantage of these things, I know relatively little yet. What I do know, I cannot share for professional reasons, but trust me when I say that you do not want to know. Name your choice, friends.”

Realising their only hope laid in convincing the Shadar Kai they would accept Nalkyr spoke up. "We accept Sharshan and would be proud to fight with you". His companions didn't know whether the Drow's words were a lie, but he certainly appeared to be telling the truth.

"Very well escort them to the barracks" motioned Sharshan. "When you are rested I would like to speak to you about a betrayal of Overlooks council whom my sources inform me you are on good terms with".

Garig bit his lip and resisted the urge to cleave the Shadar Kai where he stood.

After spending some time in the barracks there was a familiar shaking underfoot as another tremor rose and fell quickly. Then suddenly, an ear-splitting explosion shook
the tower. Near the eastern side of the chamber, one of Sarshan’s guards shouted: “The foundry is in flames!” The guards were in motion, Sarshan all but
ignoring the party as he barked orders. One group was sent to the foundry, and another received orders to keep the mercenary camps under control. Sarshan then took a last squad of chainfighters with him as he moved for the lift. Suddenly the group was alone. Wasting no time they headed back for the teleportation arch in the garden below. However, when they reached the garden a familiar voice greeted them. "Going so soon, I knew you dogs were lying. Now prepare to die!" Flanked by his two spectral panthers Thannu strode in to the room.

"Hold him off, I'll see if I can work the portal" yelled Ben and he quickly went to work using his knowledge of the arcane to reconfigure the portal for the party's escape. Meanwhile, Garig unslung his axe and went to do battle with the veteran Shadar Kai. Thunnu's panthers darted in to the room harrying Ben and Nalklyr who were busy trying to work out the correct process to open the magical portal. The battle did not begin well for the heroes Thannu's twin katars struck home with alarming regularity and his shadowsteel plate seemed almost unbreeachble.

Finally Ben moved the last of the arcane gems in the portal in to place and the Portal was open. "Quick, fall back to the Portal, let us begone from this cursed place before it falls down around us!" yelled the wizard to his companions. The rest of the group gradually made their way across, however Grogar was caught by one of Thannu's attacks which caused shadows to writhe around his legs and rooting him to the spot. Garig, came back to the Dragonborn's aid striking a telling blow against the pursuing Shadar Kai. Meanwhile Ben, Melech and Nalkyr were gradually beginning to wear down the spectral panthers. Grogar suddenly broke free of the Shadar Kai's enchantment and took a great swing at him with his holy blade. Thannu tried to bring one of his katar's up to block the blow but it was too late, Thannu's head rolled along the floor coming to rest at the Paladins feet. With Thannu defeated his panthers followed in short order.

The party quickly searched the captain looting several magic items which Melech expressed more than a passing interest in, then darted through the magical portal. They emerged back at the cave of the Black Shrine and navigated back to Overlook.

The group then hurriedly made their way to High Hall the seat of Overlook government and reported their findings to the Council. One thing was clear - war was coming to the world, what was not know was when..............

The Foundry

On Leena's tip off we sought out the Dark Creeper known as Smeakin at the Slave Market. However, as we skirted the perimeter of the slave pens there was another earth tremor, but on this occasion a fiery rift opened up in the earth, out of which sprung an assortment of elemental creatures. A fire bat headed straight for us showering several of us in flame, it was accompanied by a Hellhound and some kind of fire-hurling beast which continued to lurk within the rift flinging balls of flame from afar. Fortunately, we managed to destroy the other wordly beasts with little trouble, which was met with cheers of delight from the petrified slaves in the nearby pen.

It didn't take long to locate Smeakin. We were able to gain audience with him with a pretense of being prospective slave buyers, however when we mentioned Modra's name he began to get suspicious. This esculated into a furious row, and it took Garig concerted effort not to remove the creepers head from his shoulders. We decided to leave Smeakin's tent before things got out of hand, but I was worried he had identified our group as a threat to Sarshan's operations based on the nature of the questions we had posed.

Shortly afterwards we were met by a messenger requesting a meet up with Leena, apparently she had some new information for us. We met up with her a one to many drinking tents in the mercenary camps.

“Well again. I did not tell you everything I knew of Modra when we first met. Modra and I worked together for a time, but when he elected to go behind Sarshan’s back, I told him we were done. I heard word of him in the camps even before you started asking around. He has a plan to disrupt Sarshan’s operations by destroying the foundry, then the tower.
Sarshan has a private tunnel connecting the two, and Modra is planning on venting the foundry’s destructive energy there. A mass of mercenaries is moving out tonight. He’ll be using that as cover when he goes inside. Modra’s made his bargain with fate, and honor decrees that he die for his betrayal. He won’t get tears from me. But if Sarshan captures him, he’ll die slowly. If it’s you, I’ll hope you make it quick.”

We contemplated how we should proceed. Perhaps we should just leave Modra to carry out his sabotage and hopefully disrupt Sharshan's plans I ventured. "Modra was responsible for my sister's death - I'm not about to risk losing his trail now" retorted an emotional Reneiss. "I've a score to setle with that bastard too" added Nalklyr "he stuck me with that dagger of his, before leaving us all for dead in the cavern with the wraiths". The matter was settled we decided to head out to the foundry at dusk.

A claxon call of horns sounded out from the west. A haze of red light glimmered against the clouds as the cascade of the magma shadow rift flared. As Leena predicted, a huge force
of mercenaries is on the move, heading out along the east road. The area around the foundry was deserted; the guards at the tower and the bridge had turned eastward to watch as Sarshan’s forces moved out.

Sensing we had a window of opportunity we headed to the entrance of the Forge and Garig decided the best approach would be to kick the door off its hinges. This had the advantage that we caught Modra's team of sabateurs off guard.

Inside the foundty the red glow of the lava trench was shrouded by shifting clouds of shadow and steam. Huge stone vats with steel doors lined both sides of this massive chamber, where great arrangements of pipes and vents connected them. Two squads of what looked like hobgoblins, their bodies seemingly cloaked in shadow, were working, supervised by another cloaked figure. They worked busily at two sections of pipe that diverted and channelled the lava flow.
Closer to the door, two other shadowgoblins stood guard.



With the element of surprise we were able to quickly overpower the shadowgoblins. However, are problems were only just begining. One of the cloaked figures pulled back it's hood to reveal himself as Modra. "You! What in the Nine Hells are you doing here? This time there will be no escape." With that he pulled a lever next to one of the huge stone vats. As the door opened, it
spilled a huge mass to the ground in a fountain of viscous green fluid. Out of it rose an enormous two-headed boar, bellowing as it clawed the ground. It charged straight for us knocking Garig to the ground. Modra meanwhile dissipated in to shadows. Fortunately, Garig recovered quickly. Seizing an opportunity he bashed to huge boar knocking it back into the lava trench and pinning it in place, which inflicted horrible burns on the mutated beast. I got to work eliminating Modra's henchmen. However, Modra's shadow walking ability made for a frustrating opponent as he became temporarily visible struck and then disappeared into the shadows once more. Grogar and Nalklyr soon learned to hold their attacks until Modra attacked and then unleash them when the dark creeper emerged from the shadows. Using these tactics we quickly gained he upper hand and finished Modra and his cohorts off. No sooner were we victorious, than Nalklyr keen hearing detected voices outside. It seemed Smeakin had deemed fit to alert Sharshan's guard to our presence. Thinking quickly I stuffed Modra's corpse into my bag of holding. "Quick, to the secret door" said Reneiss urgently. Nalklyr quickly located he concealed portal and we moved into the corridor beyond as quietly as we could closing the secret door behind us.

At the end of the corridor was another secret door. It opened into a library, which was occupied by a number of Shadar Kai guards. Clearly, they were not expecting our arrival and sprung up to attack us. However, they were quickly overcome as we fought our way in to the room. A Shadar Kai witch tried to escape but one of Nalklyr's crossbow bolts between her shoulder blades cut off any chance of her raising the alarm. Fortunately, the battle was over in mere seconds and we hoped that the noise hadn't alerted any of the other inhabitants of Sharshan's tower.........