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 avoided going near the place, skirting farther west as we neared the Karuk Way. As we crossed over (the mountains weren't quite as imposing this far north), we met a dwarf who called himself "Rodin the Bold" who it seemed had been hunting rabbits. He spoke in an old tongue, strangely, but one that Fulgar and I knew. He seemed friendly and willing to talk of the land and some of its history. We realised that it had been twenty-four years since we entered the Kondii! The Githyanki had won the fight here, with Kharash supporting them (known just as the Law Keepers now). It explained the strange tongue, and any talk of the Gods was considered ancient history. We had protected my people against one threat, but failed utterly against another!

We had no choice but to continue, hoping to find someone friendly at Cron, and traveled until the end of the day, training and then resting in the mist tent. We were very close to the Karuk Way now and picked our route carefully to keep to cover. It wasn't long before Fulgar warned that horses were close, but then we heard sounds of a fight. We approached carefully to find archers engaging Kharash riders, and winning by the look of it. Half a dozen managed to ride off, with the others killed without being able to respond. We surprised one of the archers, who looked worried but relieved that we were not one of the foe. He asked us to wait and said he would send someone to us rather than have us follow them, and we agreed to his terms.

About an hour later a rider approached on a white horse. They wore jumbled, homemade armour, but carried a nice looking longbow and also a shortbow. We were a little cautious about introducing ourselves, but they seemed quite receptive of anyone that was opposed to the "Law Keepers". Fulgar wanted to talk to their leader about the Gods, noting that they seemed to believe the Gods had left them years ago. He agreed to take us, but said that Garuk would likely not be welcome given his resemblance to the Githyanki.

He took us through caves that passed under the Karuk Way and then continued north of Batuhan (as it used to be called anyway). We climbed up to a mesa in the mountains then descended back towards the river. When we were in the low ground we were blindfolded and taken through another cave, staying underground for about half an hour it seemed. When we were allowed to see again we were on the other side of the river with some open ground ahead of us. We would have to sprint across as fast as we could to minimise the risk of being seen. Thankfully we were not challenged, and the we headed back up a mesa.

After some time our guide took Garuk away to climb higher, asking us to wait but leaving his horse with us. He returned without incident, leaving Garuk at the highest point with a great view to meditate. He took us on the final leg of our journey where we found a canyon settlement very similar to Marun that I hadn't known existed, but was clearly ancient. There were a lot of people here - surprisingly so. Fulgar at once noticed that effigies of the Gods were common in the architecture, although not cared for as well as we would have expected in our time.

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.