Epic - Twenty-Four Years Later

Escape From Kondii

We appeared in Kondii, standing on Shang-Ti's symbol, but there was a troop of Kharash, about a score, riding through the valley. As we looked around we could see that there were lots more Kharash encamped around the Kondii, although thankfully none seemed interested in the cave for the moment. It was no longer winter, with no snow visible, so time had passed although we had no idea how much at this point. A voice in the cave challenged Garuk, who had arrived first, calling out "thief"! The creature didn't seem impressed to see us, and demanded to know what we had stolen. Before we could respond, though, a Githyanki appeared having followed us through.

Magic missiles streaked at Garuk, so it was clear that we were being targeted, then he charged at us, striking me as I ran him through. He died quickly, but I had taken a nasty wound, and another one appeared to engage us. I struck him twice before Garuk finished him off. Fulgar meanwhile had made his way up above the cave, and was peering over the side, confused as to why we hadn't followed him - sometimes he was just too fast to follow! The creature that had been skulking around seemed impressed but wary and we left him to join Fulgar, thankfully unseen by the Kharash.

We had to head north to Cron, especially as time had passed since we entered the pathways between worlds. It was the only place we were likely to find answers and not be met with hostility, anyway. We walked for the rest of the day, following the mountains and staying away from the road, but strangely saw no wildlife and only a few Kharash riders. We stopped to rest overnight, as well as giving Fulgar and I a chance to train properly after all the disruption. We were undisturbed and Fulgar called Shang-Ti's blessing upon us in the morning before we set off once more. We traveled for half a day before we caught sight of some fortifications ahead that I didn't recognise. They were no makeshift barricade, either, being stonework and well constructed... had years passed?!

We meet Rodin the Bold a friendly dwarf that told us of this time... 24 years later! The Gith had won and the language and the Gods were ancient.

Oh fuck. Travel until the end of the day and rest in the mist tent again.

As we near road hide due to Fulgar's warning of horses, but then hear sounds of a fight. Approach carefully and find archers engaging the Kharash.

They win and half a dozen ride off. The one near us asks us to wait for him to send someone.

About an hour later a rider approaches on a white horse. Jumbled homemade armour but nice longbow and also a shortbow.

Thought the Gods had gone - Fulgar wanted to talk to their leader about the Gods, but Garuk not likely to be welcome.

Travel north of Batuhan (through caves under the road). Up to a mesa in the mountains then back towards river. Blindfolded and holding horse's tail whilst guiding Garuk.

Enter a cave and continue for 30 mins underground before emerging. Run across open ground then head up mesa on other side.

Eventually takes Garuk away to climb higher asking us to wait and leaving horse with us.

We are taken to a canyon settlement very similar to Marun. A lot of people here - surprisingly so. Effigies of the Gods, surprisingly, but not cared for as we would expect.

Taken to chief's building and wait in a well appointed room.

Meet Makhansu, the leader of these people. Interested in the way in particular, and the link to Shang-Ti's truth. Also my armour and weapons. Fulgar agrees to an exhibition fight to show his knowledge of the way.

Spend some time learning their ways and joining them on raiding parties, and also teaching of the Gods. Give Runestone to Fulgar as it has healing powers of Shang-Ti.

Eventually news of a captured Githzerai on a ship, so set off to find out more. Two guides and have to travel overnight but reach it the next day.

Three masted galleon, few sails so moving quite slowly.

Come up with a plan...

Fulgar blesses us with Shang-Ti's protection. Archers fell pilot, and Garuk summons fog. Archer killed by return fire, sadly. Fulgar tows Garuk across as he levitates carrying me.

Warning horn as we reach the ship and start to climb. Fulgar gets on and snarls, smashing one off the back of the boat. Not much space, so struggling to join him.

Fulgar kills 2 more before I force my way onto the deck. All taking damage in the process. Garuk fell, into water, and Fulgar dives and drags him behind ship.

I kill 2 - alone on deck now! Fulgar uses Runestone to fully heal Garuk. Climbs back to join the fight as I kill 2 more. Garuk reaches the top and conjures a hypnotic pattern.

I am killing the fighters, but the arrows were taking a toll and badly hurt. Garuk conjures a cloud onto deck.

I kill 2 more and some archers jump into the water terrified. I run up to remaining archers and realise they are not all there.

Wait for dweomer to disperse and rest flee. Fulgar eating their captain's arm in their face helped.

Free Khat and Grimbol. They fought a war 12 years ago but lost. Cron now in a secret place away from the river. Githyanki rule with the Kharash as law bringers. The old calendar was lost.

7 scrolls tiara in silvery metal - not magical chunky golden necklace with gems - not magical 2 x bracelets - not magical 2 x golden metal jug - refill with wine over a day (3l each)

• 5 x brocage tapestries
• 2 x large gold bound mirrors

2 x pouches of gems (about 20 total) Ioun Stone of Wisdom 4 x horns with silver ends patterned - not magical 4 x earthernware pots - keotomes 2 x delicate phials in separate chests (fizzing white liquid - Super Heroism, purple thick liquid - Neutralise Poison) Super Heroism and Speed to me, Neutralise Poison to Garuk Effigies of the old Gods in silvery precious metal - whole pantheon in ivory case - Not magical Golden metal brace with metalwork and plate to fit the hand - pair - Allow to climb as an equivalent level rogue Bag of climbing equipment - silk rope 25', pitons, hammer

Take them back to the home of the Minnerwe and ask permission to admit them, which is granted.