Ch. 1: Finding the entrance to the Tomb

[Bhart]

Each of you has received a summons from Ecrub'll Edro the vizier of the Overking Ivid IV. A mission of great importance is being given to you. The royal family has fallen under a curse! In a deep slumber they are aging rapidly as if their life essence were being drained from them.

The divinations of the high priests and sages have revealed that the curse originated with a relic recently acquired by the king. A perfect black sphere of crystal that was created long ago by one of the most powerful mages in history. This mage, Acererak has been long dead and the divinations say that the only way to break the curse is to use the wizard's skull to shatter the crystal ball. Unfortunately it rests in the deepest recesses of his tomb, a tomb that is renowned as an impenetrable labyrinth of death traps and unspeakable horrors. Some legends and myths say that Acererak never really died, but lingers on as a lich, waiting somewhere in the tomb for foolish mortals to enter so that he can devour their souls!

The eight of you were quickest to respond to the call. A reward is offered to each of you. For some it is riches, for others it's a royal pardon for past crimes. As long as the skull is brought back to the Vizier you will receive what is due to you.

It is uncertain how long it will be before the royals will succumb, though divination spells predict it will be soon, so the party must move fast.

The Vizier notes that leaving tomorrow is deemed an unlucky day, so you can take that day to prepare how you see fit, but you must leave for the tomb on the morning of the second day.

The Tomb is on a hill in the Vast Swamp. It will take several days of travel by horse to cross the lands of Sunndi, and then a half day barge ride across the Vast Swamp to the hill. Nearby the tomb a shelter will be set up by the time the party arrives. Reinforcements, if and when they can be found, will be sent to that bivouac to rendezvous with the party if they should need reinforcements, or to enter if the party should fail in its mission.

You have one day to put your affairs in order. Good luck.

Let's take the next couple of days to discuss any final preparations you want to make. We will officially be starting on Wednesday.

Historical Note: The original adventure did not have this introduction. It assumed you were exploring the tomb out of greed or curiosity. We have included it to help explain the support camp outside the tomb and give the mission a bit more urgency.

[Distorted Humor]

Elsa the Fair will try to round up any info she can get from non-magical sources about this tomb, as she knows that info can save her and her party its lives....

[Bhart]

Elsa the Fair will try to round up any info she can get from non-magical sources about this tomb, as she knows that info can save her and her party its lives....

Much of what you hear are old folktales passed down for generations, so it's hard to know how much is true. Once you reach the southern area of Sunndi, the locals provide some interesting bits of information.

1. The Tomb is under a skull shaped island of rock a few miles into the swamp. All the local fishermen and hunters know the location and avoid it all costs.

2. Nothing seems to grow near the skull shaped hill. It is barren of plant and animal life, except for the biting insects and leeches. It seems parasites of all kinds are drawn to the area.

3. Every couple of years a group of adventure seekers shows up in the area. Every time they ask a bunch of questions, buy some equipment, and then ignore the warnings of the locals. The fools head off to explore the skull hill. None of them ever return.

4. A few years back a crazy woman dressed in men's clothing came wandering out of the swamp. The insane woman kept babbling about demons and green devils. She didn't remember her name, but kept insisting she was really a man. The poor thing died of fever a few days later.

[NJWilliam]

Worren introduces himself to those he hasn't previously met (but I expect may have at least heard of), and offers to place any additional equipment and supplies in his Leomund's Chest that he can summon back (which a small chance of loss), while they are in the midst of their expedition.

[zebediah]

The Tomb is on a hill in the Vast Swamp. It will take several days of travel by horse to cross the lands of Sunndi, and then a half day barge ride across the Vast Swamp to the hill. Nearby the tomb a shelter will be set up by the time the party arrives. Reinforcements, if and when they can be found, will be sent to that bivouac to rendezvous with the party if they should need reinforcements, or to enter if the party should fail in its mission.

Once arriving in this area Zoster will cast as many Commune With Nature spells as he can to obtain more details on the area surrounding the tomb. He will also try Call Woodland Beings, casting it more than once if necessary, to gather information from the woodland beings that dwell in the region.

[Vargr1105]

Halbrad, being fully confident on his abilities spends the day chatting with the locals and regaling them with tales of his heroic exploits.

[Nuke66]

Mason mean while, hangs out and meditates a bit between conversations with the other party members. He is on a mission and therefore doesn't try to interact with the locals much. Ordinarily he would hang about with the children trying to teach the error of their ways when their behavior is objectionable.

He gauges the group, familiar with most of them by name if not by deed.

[Bhart]

The Tomb is on a hill in the Vast Swamp. It will take several days of travel by horse to cross the lands of Sunndi, and then a half day barge ride across the Vast Swamp to the hill. Nearby the tomb a shelter will be set up by the time the party arrives. Reinforcements, if and when they can be found, will be sent to that bivouac to rendezvous with the party if they should need reinforcements, or to enter if the party should fail in its mission.

Once arriving in this area Zoster will cast as many Commune With Nature spells as he can to obtain more details on the area surrounding the tomb. He will also try Call Woodland Beings, casting it more than once if necessary, to gather information from the woodland beings that dwell in the region.

A marsh bird tells you "It is bad place, friend should not go. Even the snakes avoid it. Water and food there is fouled. The land is sick and tainted."

An old snake tells you "Foul and sick the place issssss. I've been around for many sssummerssss. Since I was a hatchling all animals avoid it. Those who don't become sssssick and die. Many times men have gone to the hill and dig in the sand on the side where the sun shines least. They go in, but not out. Alwaysssss the sands flow and cover the tunnel again."

[Bhart]

After many leagues on horseback and half a day on a swamp barge, you finally arrive at the reported site of the lich's last haunt or dead wizard's resting place (depending on which legend you believe).

Before you is a low, flat topped hill, about 200 yards wide and 300 yards long. Only ugly weeds, thorns, and briars grow on the steep sides and top of the 60 foot high mound. There are black rocks piled on the top of the hill, that make it resemble a human skull. The grinning death's head looks down on the camp site to south of the hill. Half a dozen men are already here. A fire of peat moss is burning surrounded by several tents and crates of supplies. The men go about their work, giving the occasional nervous glance at the hill.

As you are unloading your gear from the barge one of the men approaches. "Greetings my lords. I hope your journey went well. As his majesty's right hand has commanded, we've set up camp and prepared for your arrival. You're the first to arrive, but I expect more will be along soon. Ouch!... " He pauses and swats at his neck. You notice for the first time that mosquitos and green headed flies are thick in the air. They buzz about you, stinging and biting exposed flesh. "Damned little blighters. Come closer to the fire the smoke seems to repel them, mostly." he says as he leads you toward the camp.

"My name is Elden. Those four are Bylo, Jamil, Ruben, and Neb." He says gesturing toward the nervous looking men. The fifth man looks calm and relaxed. He sits back, leaning against a crate with his feet up on a sack of apples. By his dress you would guess he's a local man. "That's Rourke, he's our guide." Elden says as he nods toward the man.

Rourke takes a bite from an apple before tipping his weatherbeaten hat to you. "So dis here be de heroes ya'll been waitin on? I'll tell you what son, I sure hope you got more comin', he he he, you's gonna need 'em." The bearded old man says through a mouthful of chewed apple.

[gray mouser]

Malibran waves away some of the mosquitos and says to Elden, "Greetings, my good man. What can you tell us about this hill?" He gestures to the skull-covered hill. "It seems a less than welcoming place, though not surprising given the reputation of its parlous inhabitant. Is there an easy means of entry to the tomb?"

[Bhart]

Malibran waves away some of the mosquitos and says to Elden, "Greetings, my good man. What can you tell us about this hill?" He gestures to the skull-covered hill. "It seems a less than welcoming place, though not surprising given the reputation of its parlous inhabitant. Is there an easy means of entry to the tomb?"

Elden shrugs,"Uh well milord I know only as much as you do. Me and the boys only just arrived yesterday and none of us have gone near the place. We figure it wasn't our place to go poking about, that's why you're here sir." The two called Ruben and Neb nod in agreement with Elden."That's right milord we was ordered to just haul these supplies and set up camp. That's all." Neb adds. He glances over his shoulder at the hill once again as he bites at his nails.

You hear a cackle come from Rourke, "He he he, aye there be an entrance but findin' it not gonna be easy, I guarantee. I've been leadin' fools out to dis here island for years, dey dig around dat hill for hours not findin' a thing. I aint ever hung around long enough the see if they get in. I'm guessin they do cause they never come back...its dat or the crocs get 'em. "

[max_vale]

Xale shifted a bit uncomfortably in the heat and humidity of the swamp; the Dwarven Warrior-Priest listened to his companions talk to Elden and Rourke. Upon hearing the latter's dark humor regarding most of those whom he had guided to the Tomb never finding the entrance; Xale just smiled a bit to himself and fingered the holy symbol of Dalt hanging around his neck. If anyone could find the entrance to a well hidden; legendary tomb; it would be the God of Locks, Keys and Portals....

[MrHemlocks]

OOC...Before Fosco deparated might he buy some poisons for his weapon? I am sure he has connections in town as to where they might be found? The nastier the poison the better

Fosco, hurring his poney up, makes his way toward the rest of the party. Stopping and looking at the group he says, "greetings fellow adventures my name is Fosco Puddlefoot. I, like yourself have been sent here to look for the skull and or course the gathering riches". He smiles and bows low to one and all... " I see we ready now...let's begin this shall we."

[Distorted Humor]

Elsa says silent, no need to expose her Orcish half to these men. She listens and oils her sword.

[Bhart]

OOC...Before Fosco deparated might he buy some poisons for his weapon? I am sure he has connections in town as to where they might be found? The nastier the poison the better

Fosco, hurring his poney up, makes his way toward the rest of the party. Stopping and looking at the group he says, "greetings fellow adventures my name is Fosco Puddlefoot. I, like yourself have been sent here to look for the skull and or course the gathering riches". He smiles and bows low to one and all... " I see we ready now...let's begin this shall we."

Yes I'll pm you with the available types and amounts.

[Bhart]

Rourke stands and stretches. The old man takes one last bite of apple and tosses the core over his shoulder. "Well I guess I best be gettin' back to town. If any more of yer heroes show up they'll be needin' ole Rourke to show em de way here." The old guide adjusts his hat as he squints at the sky. "It's a lookin' like half past noon. If you boys are plannin' on exsplorin' dat hill ya'll best get to it. Day light's a burnin'." he says as he walks with a small limp toward the waiting barge.

[Nuke66]

Mason reaches into his purse before pressing five golden coins into Rourke's hand. "Just be sure to stick around a bit so that any support will find us."

The monk begins to search around for the entrance, taking time to insure he doesn't blindly step into a trap.

[zebediah]

Zoster casts Detect Snares & Pits and goes carefully searching for the entrance with the assistance of his man at arms and wolf companion.

[MrHemlocks]

Fosco, dismounts his poney, and looks around. "Now let's see if I can find some nasty traps or an entrence to this hell whole."

[Bhart]

Mason reaches into his purse before pressing five golden coins into Rourke's hand. "Just be sure to stick around a bit so that any support will find us."

The monk begins to search around for the entrance, taking time to insure he doesn't blindly step into a trap.

The old guide considers the money a moment before tucking it into his vest pocket. "Oh if any help shows up I'll bring 'em here, dat for sure. But as far as dem findin' ya'll, hehehe, dat I can't promise son. Every other fella thats asked me to do the same thing, well no ones ever found any of dem. Thanks fer tip it was good knowing ya, I'll be sure raise a glass at the tavern tonight in yer memory or maybe I'll get me a woman. Hhehehehe" Rourke cackles as he tips his hat and continues on to the barge.