Journal - The Lands of the Gods

Asgard, or How Visiting the Gods is Never Simple

Entering the ethereal greyness caused us to hallucinate and see visions, something that I was more used to than the others. These were particularly vivid, though, and again we saw visions of the White Council and how the monk Hintzu in particular was in danger in the old Dwarven halls of the far east. We also gained an insight into how we might deal with the particular predicament we found ourselves in, namely not knowing where the fuck to go or how to get there. Apparently the old songs that Baldir, with his Elven heritage and faith in Odin, had sung to memorise legends also had some power in places between worlds. Of those he knew, he most wanted to journey to Asgard to meet his Gods, and Odin in particular. This was unsettling, but at least I knew he wouldn't intend to stay as only those killed in battle could stay in the halls of Valhalla (which is why he is so keen to die all the time).

As he was the only one who could sing the right ballad, we roped ourselves together so that we would not get separated. It was a good job we did, as the pace of travel picked up rapidly and we would have soon been lost if left to our own devices. Takeda beat a tempo for Baldir to follow and his voice was surprisingly musical in the way that only Elves and the fey folk seem to be capable of. As the song progressed we travelled rapidly but without any wind in our hair, visions of strange places flashing past, not from our world. Some were brilliant and others terrifying, and then we passed through a great tube and suddenly stopped as if we had never started moving in the first place.

It was clear that we were no longer in the same place, though, as huge clumps of earth smashed into each other far above our heads and magma rained down in gouts around us. We descended, again with no feeling of movement, to land softly on a world in the depths of winter, with snow all around us. Sensations returned as I felt the earth beneath our feet and a biting cold wind whipping at my exposed skin. A fierce, thunderous noise echoed above us, although the sky was now obscured with grey cloud and snow was blown into our eyes with the wind. We quickly pulled out the furs we had set out in from Fontainver, wrapping up as best we could against the elements.

Squinting against the snow we started to make sense of the landscape. We stood on a snow-covered path running across a steep slope, with rocky outcrops on one side and a drop to an ice covered lake on the other. Baldir called on Odin to protect us, and we were at once warmed as if standing in a brisk summer breeze, relaxing a little and removing the rope we had depended on to get here as one party. We set off along the path, with no other obvious way to travel.

After a short while we saw, to our left, the head and shoulders of a huge humanoid, ape-like, giant cresting the rise. He saw us at about the same time and started to run towards us. He was wearing furs and a backpack, and carrying a large battleaxe that he obviously intended to put to use. I quickly conjured some magic missiles, sending two into his bulk and then moving to put the fighters between him and me. I need not have worried, as Rhion and Takeda killed the thing with arrow fire before he could reach us. They rolled the corpse over to look in the backpack, finding swords, gems and a cloak. The brief encounter over, we continued our journey along the single path, first moving up the slope and then zig-zagging steeply down. Despite the constantly falling snow, we were not impeded by it as long as we kept to the path, which I found curious and suggested that a kind of dweomer was in place.

An ice river, flowing down towards the lake, crossed our path ahead. Spanning this was a beautifully carved gemstone bridge, about twenty feet or so in length. Looking up there seemed to be a glacier far above us, making this the only sound crossing point. Unfortunately a massive dog, as tall as a human at the shoulder, stood in the centre of the bridge, and as we approached a howling of wolves arose from around us. This was all very symbolic, with a 'wolf' (Fenris?) and a bridge (Bifrost?) on the path to Asgard!

Baldir, without hesitation, sprinted forward shouting "for Odin!" The rest of us were left standing, preparing to meet our enemies together. For his efforts Baldir was chased down by a giant wolf and bitten. Twat. Other wolves emerged from the dead ground around us and advanced more cautiously. Rhion reacted first, hitting one with an arrow, and Takeda followed his mark, killing it with an arrow of his own. I conjured a web, hoping to trap one of them, but it leapt free; this brought it into Takeda's line of fire, though, and it was soon dead beside its pack mate. Baldir approached the massive dog on the bridge, ordering it to "stay" with a word echoing with power, and ran past to reach the other side. The wolves had closed with us now, and both Takeda and Rhion were bitten. Takeda responded decisively, killing the wolf that had attacked him. I smacked the one attacking Rhion, causing a yelp of pain, then Rhion and Takeda in turn landed hits that finished it off.

Baldir was still going along the path, and I called for him to hold. I warily made my way past the dog on the bridge, not threatening it in any way and it let me pass without harm. The others followed, and Baldir offered a prayer of thanks to Odin as we caught up with him. This journey felt like a test, and I was sure we could expect more challenges before we reached our goal. Sure enough, as we continued on the path, undead mummified Norse warriors rose from the ground around us; their eyes burned with a cold fire and they wore white and black capes. They appeared so close to us that one of their grasping hands closed on Takeda before we could react. He seemed to visibly drain of energy and weaken at its touch, and I quickly used my mental powers to levitate out of reach of the accursed things. Takeda responded with a well-aimed shot, but his arrow passed straight through the foe without effect! Baldir called on Odin to banish the undead abominations, lifting his holy symbol where all could see it, and in a moment they had vanished as if they had never been there.

Despite this affirmation of his faith, Baldir started to have doubts. He questioned why his Gods would put such obstacles in the path of one of Odin's faithful, wondering whether we had taken the wrong route. "Is this the path of wisdom?" Although I could not know for sure, my reading of his holy texts made me believe that these tests had so far represented Thor (might), Loki (the wolf), and Hel (death, black and white). Symmetry would demand one more test - from Odin himself - to judge whether we were worthy. I urged Baldir to continue, despite his doubts. Whilst we debated our way forward, Baldir healed Takeda; his healing was very powerful in this place, and Takeda was much refreshed.

Eventually we agreed to continue forwards, down the constantly winding path. Rivers were flowing from our left to our right, not completely covered in ice now, and the snow was thinner here. We approached a pool to our right, eddying with chunks of ice, and three brilliantly white swans idly swam in its centre. The path forded the river ahead, beside a waterfall where it fell from a rocky outcrop above us, and stepping stones made their way to where the path continued on the other side. We approached peacfully, with weapons stowed or at our sides, and Rhion kneeled at the edge of the water; he called out to the swans, hailing the "ladies of the lake" and asking to speak with them.

The swans responded to his call, swimming closer and then transformed before us into a young girl, a beautiful woman and an old hag. They spoke in turn: "from the Prime you have come," "in Gladsheim you are," "to the Prime you return." Takeda also knelt, offering gifts of gold, but they spurned this offer, having no use for such things. Baldir, focused on the test of his faith, stepped up to the stones and declared "I accept my fate." He quickly crossed to the other side, without incident, and then paused, turning to see if we would follow. Takeda tried the same, but as he came near to the centre of the river a pit opened up before him. The lady said "uncertain is your fate; will you jump or stay?" Takeda steeled himself and jumped, just reaching the stone on the far side, steadying himself, and then crossing to join Baldir, embracing him in celebration.

I tried to use my powers of levitation to cross over the water, but an invisible barrier prevented me from crossing over the pit. Instead I landed on the nearest stone and attempted to leap across. As I entered the air the pit seemed to grow and moments later I was falling into blackness. I awoke as if from a pleasant dream to find myself surrounded by beautiful women, food and fine wine. The girls were willing to see to my every need... and I mean EVERY need, anything I could think of was no problem, and they were very good at what they did. I have no idea how long I stayed in this place, and I think I might have been happy there for all time, but eventually I was forced to leave. I think this will only make sense if I continue the tale of my companions.

Rhion crossed safely and the rest of the party made their way up the slope on the other side of the river onto a warm plain, spring-like in temperature and growth. The sound of horses heralded the arrival of nine riders, all atop white horses, dressed as Norsemen with axes and shields. They were not aggressive, though, and knelt to welcome the living, seldom seen in their realm. They announced that Heimdall awaited their arrival, and summoned three horses that almost immediately trotted into view and waited patiently to be mounted. Glad to be within reach of his Gods, Baldir did not hesitate and they were soon riding up to a great feast hall, being handed flagons of ale almost as soon as they had set foot on the ground.

Heimdall himself greeted them, and they sank to the floor instinctively, awed into supplication by his brilliance. He spoke knowingly of the path they had taken to reach his hall, and welcomed them as guests. He showed some recognition of Baldir's shield, and then ticked off the various motivations - you (Baldir) seek to know where to go, you (Takeda) seek a standard, you (Rhion) seek a future. But first, he insisted, they must feast; food and ale was brought to part of the long tables in the hall and everyone tucked into a hearty meal.

Refreshed, the conversation turned to the path to Vorsaykorai but little was forthcoming from those not used to walking mortal paths. Instead Heimdall started to assign tasks; Rhion was to be the destroyer of Inwe, Takeda the destroyer of Malor, and Baldir the banisher of demons! These were no small tasks, but it was at this point that he seemed to notice that I was not there. He summoned me in an instant, wrenching me from blissful happiness to a smelly (although not unpleasant) hall of Norse warriors to demand that I oppose Hades! I was too shocked to sink to my knees as my companions had done, although fortunately I seemed to have had my clothes restored as part of the summoning process. Before I could really take in where I was or what was happening he had started to hand out gifts.

Heimdall restored Takeda's strength that had been sapped by the undead on the way to his hall, empowered Baldir's morning star, enhanced my mental faculties - a real gift from the Gods that distracted me from seeing what Rhion received. He asked us to honour him in return, using the symbol of a drinking horn to ensure those we met remembered him. He also mentioned a few items of news that were of interest: the reason there was such a celebration going on was that Gos had been retaken by the forces of good, and the key of Morgrad had been lost, showing Inwe's weakness.

Heimdall rose, beckoning us to follow, opening the gates to Asgard to admit us. Shimmering, floating horses awaited us, carrying us easily past a massive, chained wolf (Fenris) that snarled ineffectually at Heimdall as we passed. The beautiful white walls of Asgard were before us, lined with gargoyles, and we could see warriors looking down at us, ready to defend against attack. The sky was bright blue and everywhere we looked was dazzling and radiant. Within the walls were stone long houses in a Norse style, rising up a hill which we ascended towards a massive palace. A great eye was above the palace, looking in all directions simultaneously - Odin's sight saw all. Trees surrounded the palace, and as we approached we were met by a beautiful elf (Freya), who greeted us as if we were children (which we must have seemed the way we walked around with wide eyes trying to take everything in). Heimdall bid us farewell, starting another round of kneeling and prostrating in subservient thanks.

Freya led us through a lush field into the shade of the trees, where it seemed dark after the radiance outside, and stars could be seen twinkling above us. We entered a small glade and sat to enjoy a picnic, being served by pale elves as Freya asked about the White Council and ourselves. She spoke to Baldir of the keys of Kagrash, which if we could locate them would allow us to access the enemies' strongholds in secret. Rhion was feeling ashamed at his lack of devotion, recent events on the Prime having shaken his faith. Freya was kind, allaying his fears, but asked that he speak with Malenwe and get her to call for Freya's assistance. She granted him a boon - the ability to play the flute. Although this might seem strange, the importance of song and tempo had become clear to us, so it should prove useful. To travel through the planes we needed to know the direction and the timing. One way to do this was to have a compass and a timer, but the right song provided direction (the words) and timing if the tempo was right.

Eventually the meal was finished and Freya rose, so we did so instinctively. It was time to leave the halls of the Gods, and Freya returned us in an instant to Wallorin's House. We now were focused on retrieving the shard of the gem that we knew had been left in the pool in the glade... but the time it was left would determine which glade Wallorin's House was in when the gem was left. We used the door to enter the glade outside... this time emerging into the spring glade rather than the winter glade we had entered by.

Efferendil Again

It was early spring, but the change was still noticeable, and this glade had not been violated by the Drow and demon. Water flowed through the pool, tumultous over rocks but otherwise undisturbed and natural. The surroundings were beautiful, with light entering through the trees and highlighting newly opened flowers and colourful lichen. We heard music as we approached the pool and a staccato voice sang along to our right. The music was charming, bewitching almost, and we carefully started to make our way around to the left, careful not to startle the singer that we suspected to be a nymph. Rhion started to play along with his new ability to use the flute, blending with the music, but then stopped. At once the nymph emerged into view, and Rhion quickly started playing again. In appreciation she started to reveal her brilliance, but forewarned of the danger this posed we averted our eyes.

Baldir and I continued to move around the pool, although singing seemed to come from all around us now. The words spoke of Persephone returning from the underworld as part of the conditions her mother set, bringing spring to the world again. I had a whispered discussion with Baldir at this point - it had always bothered him why the nymph was captured by the ogres we met and not slain, but what if the nymph was actually Persephone and was willing to be captured and taken to her love in Hades? Ragnorak was, as legend tells, preceded by a long winter - were the enemy interfering with the seasons to herald the arrival of Ragnarak? Malenwe worshipped Athena, so it would certainly be in her interest to reinforce the defences of the glade, and we resolved to speak with her.

We addressed the nymph/Persephone now, and she admitted that she was sad having just left her love, Hades. She informed us that if we sought to return to the winter glade then we would have to head north to the river first. She paused, lifting her head, and warned of Drow in Wallorin's House. We moved back towards the gateway to the House, ready for battle. The phrase to enter the spring glade was "Lilacs out of the dead land mixing."

As Rhion opened the gate a dark figure slashed at him, missing at first but following up with a backhand that cut him badly. We rushed forward to help. The foe was bunched up in the space behind the gate, so Takeda's arrows were particularly effective, although he was firing over and around Rhion, who landed a retaliatory blow with his short sword. Baldir uttered a prayer of protection for Rhion, as two fell to Takeda's relentless assault. Rhion stabbed his assailant again, but I finished him off with a magic missile, and he stepped back to give Takeda a clear line of sight. One of the foe took this opportunity to rush Takeda, but he was firing so quickly that he put one arrow in him as he was running and then stepped aside from his blow and put one in his side that killed him. Rhion was fighting the last foe, landing quick hits but unable to deal a killing blow. Rhion used his mental powers to heal some of Rhion's wounds, and I decided to take a direct approach and bludgeon the Drow to death with my rod while he was distracted. We took a moment to catch our breath before searching the bodies, finding a note and some keys. These were the keys of Kagrash that the Gods had told us to find! One was a green key linked to a place called Emras, and the other a black key to Vorsaykorai. I carry the keys for now, and we gathered in the trees to rest.

The note we had found read as follows:

Ragerath Uluksor,

I entrust to your leadership five score of my best warriors and the Mage, Erigg. You are to land with the rest of my army north of Fontainver but are later to separate. You must make for the forest at Efferendil. You will encounter the Demon who has already been led there by his Lich. Do not attempt to resist his dominance; instead you are to aid him in his quest to find the Mage, Walorin. The Demon is solely concerned with the most powerful of the First Mage's trinkets. The most important of which is part of Sarnim: in this case, that which the dwarf, Destrin, foolishly used at Emras. Our Lady believes the shard will again be our reach, during the winter period of the Glade’s circuit. If, by chance you discover it, you are to bring it to my forces at Minas Emras immediately. Travel via the Tree on the paths used by our Gith colleagues - the green Key will point the way.

Should you fail to find the shard, you are to find and retrieve the scrying stone from the Tree of Many Worlds. The stone is that the Arch Mage created in the Age of our first Dominion. We need the stone for many reasons, chief amongst which - as far as you should be concerned - is to deny the enemy the ability to be part of our conversation.

Once you have the Stone, you are to take it to Vorsaykarai. It must be delivered personally to our servant, Mercantire Carass. He will reward you handsomely and provide further instruction. The black Key will point the way, you may wish to travel via the Tree, on the inner-most Plane. You will be aware of the need for sensitivity and caution – you are to balance carefully our relationships with the Demon, the Lich, the Oriental and your men. Be sure you are successful.

Inguran of Morgrad Overseer for Inwe, Queen of the Drow

We decided to report to the White Council to update them and warn them of the threat to the monk, Hintzu, we had seen in our visions. They had been focused on Sutur after their victory at Gos, but now would have to rescue Hintzu. They asked us, once we had finished securing the Efferendil (no small task in itself), to scout Emras now that we had a means of reaching it and then report back.

We prepared to move north, aiming to reach the winter glade and find Malenwe. We made good time initially, walking through easy-going forest under pale daylight; the oaks were well spread out and ferns did not slow us down. Rhion scouted ahead as usual, and it wasn't long before he came back warning of enemy ahead. There were Drow about one hundred and fifty yards in front of us, but with their backs to us and weapons sheathed. They had stopped and were in discussion, with some pointing at the ground.

Takeda and Rhion moved up quietly and I turned myself invisible, but the Drow sensed the dweomer or perhaps heard me speak, and shouted a warning, drawing weapons and turning. I move up to the right as the others go left. Takeda put two arrows in the one we had sighted, as three more came into sight from the trees ahead. Baldir spoke a defensive prayer as Rhion finished off the Drow that Takeda had wounded. An arrow deflected off Baldir, fortunately not causing damage, and the Drow we could see charged forward to engage us. Rhion and Takeda were quickly surrounded, and in his twisting fight Takeda managed to shoot me with an arrow! Baldir entangled two, although they fought with the clutching plants and were able to move very slowly towards freedom. Rhion took some light damage, but struck back harder. Takeda was badly hurt, though. I summoned a web to surround the archers holding back, and I counted nine Drow now engaged.

Another two arrows pinged off Baldir, who seemed to be blessed. Takeda killed one of his attackers and then another but was injured again. I hit an archer with a magic missile. Baldir was now engaged in melee, and he took a hit. Now that I was visible, one turned and struck me - I was in great pain! Baldir struck back; Takeda and Rhion killed one each; I send another magic missile into the chest of my attacker, but he didn't go down and I was struck again. Baldir killed the one attacking him, although lightly wounded in return. Takeda killed another as Baldir struck at his other attacker. Rhion was hit badly as he tried to come to my aid, and then got entangled by Baldir's earlier dweomer! Takeda was more effective, killing my attacker and then, jogging to the side for a better shot, killed Baldir's attacker as well. Confronting the last two Drow, dangling in my web, he demanded that they drop their weapons. They did, although the web effectively kept those weapons suspended by their sides.

Baldir went to Rhion's aid as I got out my keoghtomes to heal my wounds before I passed out. Baldir treated Takeda and himself once he was sure Rhion was sufficiently restored. Rhion examined the spot that the Drow had been looking at, finding roughly eight small sets of footprints leading north. We decided to leave the Drow hanging and press on.

We followed the trail for a couple of hours and then the footprints veered off sharply to the east (our right), and we decided that our quest was more important than identifying the source of the tracks and continued north. We then discovered a different set of tracks, made with just two toes, winding in and out of the trees to the side of our direction of travel. Rhion reckoned that there were over thirty of these creatures, although the tracks were confusing. Again, we determined to carry on rather than be diverted by these finds. The journey passed without further incident until evening came and we stopped to rest and eat. Towards the end of my watch with Takeda the forest suddenly erupted with chaos as humanoids burst from the ground and the trees all around us, stabbing us all as they did so.

Rhion reacted quickly, drawing swords and cutting one down seemingly in one swift movement. Baldir ran from us in a straight line into the woods, the swarming creatures surging to chase him. Rhion and Takeda killed another two each - these creatures were weak but there were just too many of them! Rhion is cut again and I felt about ready to fall from all the small wounds I had sustained. I did have one way out, something that I had saved for just such a situation... I grabbed and necked a potion, which if it worked as I expected would give me control over at least some of the creatures, and even if I could not communicate with them they would consider me an ally; most of the creatures around me seemed to be affected, and mercifully they stopped stabbing me! Unfortunately they moved their attention to Rhion and Takeda instead. Hmm... I tried to order them to put up their weapons, but they either did not understand or would not comply. Well... it's unlikely Rhion or Takeda will read this journal unless I'd dead already, so they don't need to know it was my fault they were so set upon. Didn't Takeda enjoy the honour of fighting overwhelming odds or something? I was practically doing him a favour!

Speaking of which, Takeda and Rhion had both taken more damage, but both had killed two more apiece. Baldir tried to stun those chasing him with his mind, but was caught by two of the creatures and had to defend himself. He then lashed out more wildly with a mental attack that killed half a dozen of his pursuers, leaving only one standing. Suddenly braver, he fought toe-to-toe until the thing was dead. Takeda killed another four of the foe, but was clearly struggling from blood loss. He stopped fighting to grab his keoghtomes to heal some of his wounds. Rhion was also struggling, and Baldir returned at a charge, killing one of Rhion's attackers. I used magic missiles, killing another two around Rhion, and Rhion himself killed another. We were making a comeback now - Takeda, with wounds closing, killed another foe, I took out another two with magic missiles, and Baldir smashed the head in of the last one in reach of Rhion. Takeda killed another two, leaving just one fighting him. He took a hit, although not serious, and then grappled the thing to the ground, knocking it unconscious.

Baldir prayed and healed the wounds of Takeda and me (wow, I must have looked bad if he actually healed me), and then used his keoghtomes on himself. Fatigued, we moved the bodies out of our encampment and settled down to a restless sleep until morning. Baldir gave another prayer of healing for Takeda, and then we set off - all too happy to put that place behind us. The only tracks Rhion found now were old, and we were not bothered by any more of the creatures. After a few hours, though, Rhion motioned for us to halt. He had seen some shimmering shapes moving across the path ahead. As we were crouched in the undergrowth a voice whispered to Rhion "you'd better hide!" We split up and took cover off the path.

Rhion moved forward, blending into the shadows so that we could no longer see him. Baldir started to hear voices next, and he too moved forward; he wasn't quite as stealthy as Rhion, though, being struck by an arrow loosed by an unseen hand. He found Rhion, though, dropping into cover, and Rhion removed the arrow then dressed the wound with Keoghtomes. Takeda charged forward with a warcry in an unfamiliar language, and just as he spotted two archers ahead a Gith stepped out from behind a tree and struck him from the side. Takeda retaliated with two wicked looking black arrows, killing his attacker. Rhion charged forwards to engage, with one of my magic missles streaking over his shoulder to strike the foe. It looked good, but was probably superfluous as Rhion sliced his head off with his first slash! Takeda engaged the other Gith, landing one hit.

I half jumped out of my skin as a Gith appeared right in front of me, slashing with his sword. My shock probably saved me as my body involuntarily jumped backwards and his blade passed just in front of me. Another Gith appeared in front of Baldir - where were they coming from? Takeda killed the archer he was targeting, leaving Rhion free to double back and help me, stabbing the foe from behind. I sent a magic missile flashing into him, but despite these strikes he stayed on his feet. Rhion soon sorted that out, swinging his bastard sword into his side, which proved to be the fatal blow. Takeda put an arrow into the last Gith, but it didn't stop the fiend from hitting Baldir with a flaming sword, setting fire to his tabard!

No more Gith were appearing and everyone was bearing down on the last one... well save for me - with the fight almost over I decided that I was long overdue a good puff and sparked up my pipe. Takeda tried to grapple the last foe to the ground, with his usual concern for giving them a chance to surrender, but the Gith twisted lithely out of the way and left Takeda face down in the mud. Rhion was more pragmatic and just stabbed him to death. Baldir helped Takeda to his feat and healed some of his wounds, before doing the same for himself.

Once we were sure everyone was safe we headed back to where some of us had heard voices and Rhion hailed our "unseen friends." A Halfling emerged, removing bits of undergrowth, surprisingly close to us. He introduced himself as Garron Foregold and, noticing my pipe, offered to share some pipeweed - it was excellent stuff and he smoked very well. I think I will get on well with Garron! He was grateful for the help dealing with the Gith, having been hunted and trying to avoid them for some time. He sought Wallorin, and we sadly informed him of the events that included his death. He decided to open some wine, which we gladly shared. He had come from Larion, king of the Halflings (Goblin Smasher, Lifegiver, Destroyer of all Evil - I guess the Halflings like their titles).

Baldir had his usual trust issues, but decided to pray to Odin for guidance and received the holy thumbs-up, which reassured him. We shared food and knowledge of visions, and eventually Garron agreed to travel with us north - our destinations were the same so it made sense, and I for one welcomed another friendly face. He travelled invisible, which might have been a problem if we needed to know where he was, but we reached the river by evening without futher encounters. Rhion warned us to be quiet, bringing us forward to show that the river, as expected, was guarded - Gith patrolled the riverbank.

There were too many to safely approach without some kind of diversion, so we came up with a plan for one volunteer to light a fire whilst the others positioned themselves opposite a hidden passage that Garron knew about - when it was relatively safe they would quickly make for the entrance and once inside should be safe. I had the dweomer to turn invisible, so I volunteered to light the fire. Garron could have done it, but was needed to identify the entrance. I was given a mark to head for once the fire was going, and then we wished each other luck as we separated.

I gave the party time to get into position quietly whilst building up a suitable collection of dead wood to burn. I soaked the makeshift pyre with oil and all was set. I started the incantation to turn invisible, which was thankfully a short one, but as I felt the dweomer coming together there was a massive surge of energy and for a moment I felt the ecstasy of primal energy bursting from every part of my body. This had happened before, and had got me into some difficult situations in the past, with the results unpredictable. The fire in front of me burst into flames, despite the fact I hadn't moved to light it yet, then the flames grew in height and intensity until I could barely bear to be near them. As I stumbled backwards the fire... well it seemed to turn and a couple of dark patches uncannily like eyes seemed to stare at me. Then it started moving!

I immediately turned and sprinted away, screaming a warning... well mostly just screaming, but I'm sure I got a few "run away!" and "go, go, go!" phrases in there somewhere. Garron and the others started their run, unable to wait as a great fire elemental was now bearing down on them, in pursuit of me. There were Gith near the entrance, so they had to engage them. Takeda was hit, and the poor light was affecting his aim so he borrowed Rhion's dagger, stabbing the foe with a strong blow. Baldir and Rhion also landed hits. I was running in a curved path, trying to reach my friends but not before they were ready to enter the passage. A trail of fire followed me through the forest, with the elemental at its fore.

Garron fired magic missiles at a Gith, but did not break his invisibility, which was a natty trick. Rhion benefitted from the assistance, quickly finishing him off. Baldir killed another, and Takeda hit one that was finished off by more magic missiles. Rhion killed the last Gith, but there were more coming. I had run in a small loop, leaping over the line of fire, but now headed straight for my companions hoping that: a) they were near the entrance to the passage, and b) the Gith reinforcements might be put off by a massive fire elemental. A pit opened up as I approached, presumably opened by Garron, and I ran straight down the stairs below alongside Baldir. Rhion and Takeda were right behind us and Garron's voice called from nearby that the entrance would close behind us, so we kept going!

I conjured some light, mainly for Takeda's benefit, as Rhion scouted the corner ahead. He was hit by a hulking, hairy brute as soon as he stuck his head out! He backed up quickly, parrying another blow, and Baldir prayed to Odin to protect Rhion. The creature backed off, having seen the rest of us, disappearing around the corner again. Takeda moved forward and I ensured the light went with him, only to find that the thing had moved back out of sight. I conjured a web behind us to hopefully delay any pursuit as Rhion moved up again. There was another corner ahead, and Rhion again went first - this time he took a crossbow bolt to his chest! He kept moving, though, landing a hit on his assailant. Three magic missiles zoomed into a foe in cover from Garron, whilst Rhion and Takeda paused to treat their wounds with keoghtomes. Garron stepped back behind me, warning of foes behind us.

We played the same game again, moving to the next corner where the foe had withdrawn, but Takeda went first this time, taking a hit from another bolt. He advanced to find a closed door at the end as the light caught up. He ran forward and slammed into it, but it was sturdy and didn't budge. Gith came into view behind us, so I quickly splashed some dweomer infused oil over the floor to make it especially slippery. Takeda hit the first Gith with an arrow, despite firing past us all, but I was still hit by a flaming sword and had to ditch the waistcoat as it caught (which I might have stolen from a Drow anyway), although it was almost worth it to see a Gith do a comedy run on the spot before falling flat on his back. Baldir called on Odin and somehow moved the stone away from around the door, leaving it swinging free with no purchase for it's lock. Garron took the opportunity to use a scroll, launching a missile into the room beyond that exploded into a sudden ball of fire, with suitably encouraging cries and screams as an accompaniment.

I swung my rod at the prone Gith, glancing off as he twisted the first time, but then caving his head in with a satisfying crunch the second. There were still a couple of foes in the room despite the pyrotechnics, although Rhion hit one of them. Garron raised some kind of dweomer shield and I charged forward into the room, knowing that there was no time to lose. Unfortunately the fighters seemed to have a different idea, so I found myself alone in the room with the foe! Fortunately my charge distracted them and the arrows from Rhion and Baldir both found their mark, killing both enemies just as I checked my advance. Rhion then turned and engaged a Gith behind us, killing it.

There was another door on the opposite side of the room, with the furniture that was once in use here hastily thrown into barricades for the archers that we had overcome. Unfortunately the door was locked. Baldir said a quick prayer and then we all rushed at the door, lending our combined weight to a charge that smashed it open. We almost tripped over a set of stairs leading up, only to be fired at by Drow at the top, and Rhion took an arrow. Baldir and Rhion moved forward, both landing hits on this new foe, as Garron and Takeda engaged more hairy beasts (apparently Bugbears), killing one apiece, that had come from the other corner behind us. Baldir took a hit, but he and Rhion killed the Drow to open the way forward again.

The lights I had conjured had disappeared at some point, but there were torches in the room we had fought the bugbears in and Takeda took one so that he could see. This meant he couldn't use his bow, though, which was his main strength, so baldir prayed to Odin and made him glow in the dark. This served the double benefit of allowing him to see and making him the obvious target instead of me! Takeda passed me his torch, but as I was able to see with Essere's help I extinguished it and stowed it in my pack. We climbed the stairs, finding more Drow at a split in the corridor up ahead. Rhion charged forward to engage them, as Takeda made good use of his free hands, killing one with rapid arrow strikes. Rhion cut down the other one before I caught up to them.

I thought I heard voices down the left path, so we headed right. Rhion met another Drow as we reached some stairs and they both danced around each other for a bit, neither landing a blow, then Rhion finally landed two hits in quick succession, slaying him. Moving on again we came to the end of the tunnel - we had reached the other side! Unfortunately it was guarded by four Drow. Rather recklessly I charged forward into melee, reasoning that Drow were safer than Gith, and even landed a satisfying blow on the nearest foe - perhaps he was surprised to see a slightly singed, crazed mage charging into combat. Garron shouted for help as the Gith caught up with our rear, and Takeda responded by turning back to aid him. Rhion and Baldir joined me in the fight, both landing hits until one fell. Baldir and I suffered nasty wounds, although we were giving as good as we got and Rhion was the master of finishing them off, and it wasn't long until there was only one facing us.

Meanwhile Takeda had reached Garron's side, holding the Gith back for now. Garron managed to cut off the weapon hand of one foe, and he died bleeding out on the floor. Rhion had engaged the last Drow facing us, landing hits, and this time it was Baldir who finished him off leaving us alone at last after the harrowing fight through the tunnels. We peeked out from the end of the tunnel, and we were indeed across the river in a small glade. There were a lot of Drow about, with some riding past and others on foot moving this way. We heard an Elven trumpet blast - we were not alone! Baldir took a moment to heal my wounds as the Drow closed on us. I was glad he did as I took a hit as soon as we were engaged, although the others fared better. Takeda had also taken some damage, as well as dishing it out, but Garron was really sticking it to them, killing the last Gith in sight and allowing them to move towards us.

Baldir killed one Drow as Rhion put two down; I landed a good hit on the last one and he legged it away from us, probably to seek reinforcements. We had ducked back down, expecting arrow fire or some kind or retaliation, but none was immediately forthcoming. We heard Takeda's calls behind us and decided to make a break for it towards the horns we had heard rather than sit and wait for more trouble. Baldir removed the glow from Takeda's armour so that we had some chance of hiding, and I took the opportunity to apply more keoghtomes to my wounds. We could hear horses moving in the trees somewhere, but couldn't see them or determine whether they were friend or foe. We just managed to reach the treeline as we saw the first of the horsemen enter the glade, at a walk. We dropped and moved into whatever cover was available, trying to minimise movement. Garron disappeared from sight, as we identified the riders as Drow. They seemed to be moving casually rather than seeking a fight, but in the end the fight found them and they were peppered with arrows, both falling dead in seconds.

Rhion used some kind of whistle and call to signal to the hidden Elves, moving into their sight with weapons stowed before being approached by one seeking to identify him. They spoke quietly and rapidly, then Rhion gestured for us to join them. Once the Elf was satisfied he asked us to follow him quickly but quietly to where there were horses that could take us to Malenwe.

Malenwe and the Glade

There were at least a score of elves with us, speaking urgently to each other, although I could not understand their words. It was clear that we were still in danger, and would have to move quickly. We were given horses, although Garon rode with an elf, and started at a canter. Progress was difficult in the forest terrain, although Takeda seemed comfortable on horseback and was soon lost to our sight ahead.

We had not gone far when an elf screamed and fell from his saddle with several arrows in him, and then another the same. We dismounted quickly but still took at least one arrow each from our right flank. Rhion's horse was slain and he used its body as cover from the rapid fire we were taking. My horse was quick to follow, and soon I was doing the same. Fortunately I managed to land lightly on my feet, more by luck than judgement, so I was able to drop into cover quickly. Baldir's horse survived, but he also dismounted and tried to find cover. Although we could not see it, Takeda's horse was also lost to arrows and he landed heavily, winding himself as he tried to twist to avoid being trapped under its body. Rhion returned fire, but they were blind shots with no targets visible.

I grabbed and read one of the scrolls I was carrying, which should protect me from the arrow fire; the result was instantaneous, with arrows landing around me, even curving in flight to avoid me, but leaving me untouched. Baldir crawled closer and called a blessing from Odin upon me. Rhion had been watching the arrows' flight and managed to land a hit by carefully aiming at one origin point. Baldir then touched me with his staff from behind - I felt warmth on me and was invigorated, with my wounds knitting in a matter of seconds. Rhion had found his mark now, and followed up with more shots, killing one of the foe. Takeda was calling to us, making his way back as best he could without exposing himself, and I called back to let him know we were still on the same path.

I stood, ignoring the arrows that doing so attracted as they could not harm me, and I tried to suggest using dweomer that one of the foe should run, but it had no effect. I changed tack, conjuring a stinking cloud around one of the trees the Drow were using for cover, forcing one out into the open. Rhion had been hit badly, and started to apply keoghtomes to his injuries, but then Baldir used his staff on him as well, with similar miraculous effect. Rhion and Takeda were hit again though, and there seemed to be no let up in the relentless attack. One of the Drow, seeing that I was immune to arrow fire, ran at me with swords drawn. Fortunately Rhion was alive to the danger; he glugged at a potion and then commanded the plants to grab and entwine the Drow, suspending him immobile before he could reach me.

I shouted again to Takeda, who was still not in sight, and more enemies started moving towards me, although one was hit by Rhion who now had targets to aim at. Takeda shouted, closer now, calling for light, but now I was engaged, as was Rhion, by the Drow. I was hit with a sword, but Odin's blessing saved me from the worst of the blow. Baldir engaged with his bow now, hitting one of the foe. Takeda applied keoghtomes, having suffered several hits, and sprinted towards us, killing a Drow from behind when he finally reached us, but not before Rhion took another hit.

I was struck again in melee; why was I the one in front being the target so the others could fire at them again? It was working, though, as Rhion felled the Drow that had struck me with an arrow. There was still arrow fire coming at us, and both Takeda and Rhion were struck. Baldir crawled forward and healed me again with his staff, which was most welcome, whilst trying not to expose himself. Takeda made his way to Rhion's side and hailed me, which seemed strange, but then I remembered he couldn't see in the dark so he wouldn't know all of what was going on.

I advanced (I'm not sure why I was being so bold, but we couldn't all cower in the dirt), spotting more of the Drow bowmen and calling out their position as best I could. Baldir summoned a spinning dust devil in front of him, hoping to prevent arrows from flying true when aimed at him. He still was grazed by an arrow, with Rhion and Takeda also hit, although the rate of fire had fallen off a little. Rhion landed a hit in return, and Takeda moved up towards me, climbing over the bodies of the horses to do so. Rhion hit with two more shots, but the foe wouldn't go down. Takeda was struck as he advanced and I resolved to press on quickly.

I jogged forward, and the party started to come up behind me. They were all being hit as they moved up, and Rhion used Keoghtomes to heal the worst of Takeda's wounds. Baldir was also hit, and he hid behind the dust devil while he healed himself. There was a loud thump behind me as Takeda fell, but it turned out he had just tripped in the dark. I decided I needed to risk lighting a torch, then ran forward to take the light to the enemy's position shouting "to me!" Rhion killed one, seeing his target better now. Takeda was still struggling, falling over twice whilst trying to hurry forward, so I went back to assist him.

Takeda finally managed to close to combat, and then proceeded to miss completely with his first few swings. He and Rhion were hit again, both seriously hury, but Takeda eventually dodged sideways and cut his opponent down with katana and dagger blows. Baldir began edging forward again, but was quite a way behind now. Takeda started to shout about finding his bow; apparently he had dropped it in the dark to strike at Rhion's opponent earlier, but it was important to him. The foe seemed to have retreated for now, and we headed back to search the area he thought it was in. Rhion was concerned about time, though, thinking that the enemy would regroup and attack in greater strength.

The dust devil disappeared and Baldir finally stood up. He sought out a scroll and after chanting to Odin moved with purpose, finding Takeda's bow in the dark of the undergrowth. Elven riders approached in war gear; perhaps this was why the Drow had withdrawn? Rhion urged us to leave immediately, but we tried to explain to him that we needed a horse at least for Takeda if we were to move at any speed. Takeda, distracted by the finding of his bow, said "why you speak horse?" Baldir quipped back "who can speak horse?" Takeda was just as quick: "Rhion can!"

The elves took us with them for about an hour, unmolested this time, to their camp. Calls were made as we approached so that we were not mistaken for the enemy. The ride was up a steep bank onto a well-found track, climbing out of the mist as we drew closer. We met other riders leaving the camp, and they quickly disappeared into the mist. Once inside the perimeter we were glad to dismount, as the climb had been difficult for most of us, not too familiar with riding.

Another elf ran up to the leader of our escorts, handing him a note. Apparently Malenwe wanted to see us urgently; we had been noticed by the Queen! An elf was assigned to show us to Malenwe's tent, and he set off beckoning us to follow. Rhion followed at once, but I waited for Takeda, who was busy thanking Baldir for rescuing his bow and saving his honour. We eventually followed, but Rhion arrived ahead of us. Malenwe was in armour, dressed for battle. Rhion kneeled and greeted her formally, finally delivering his message that Fontainver still stands for good. Malenwe thanked him and said that she sought his counsel, but would need his companions to join her immediately as they were preparing for battle.

By this time we had arrived, and were quickly shown in. Malenwe had taken her leave to advance her preparations, but would return shortly. To our surprise Garon was already there, having escaped peril once more! I greeted him as he tried to greet us, and we were quick to share pipeweed and food. Garon admitted that he knew of the Drow orders to proceed to Yarlug, where the Derro held someone with a sword as prisoner. Yarlug was a threat to good people's movements in and around the Efferendil.

Malenwe returned, beautiful, almost god-like and awe-inducing. She was dressed in studded leather armour and still ready for war. She had many swords sheathed about her person, and a bow on her back. She had rings of gold with a large diamond on one, and a metal circlet on her brow. Her hair was in a loose ponytail so that she would not be distracted by it. Her shield depicted sea elves, hinting at long held alliances with Fontainver and Milai. Although a little short, she was still a powerful, imposing figure. She bowed to us, which was a surprise, hailing us as friends. Takeda kneeled with his katana in a formal address, speaking of his family's shame and his quest to regain land and honour. The rest of us introduced ourselves, as unlike Rhion we were not known to her. Once we were finished, Baldir asked to speak with Malenwe alone about religious matters. We knew that Freya herself had asked Baldir to get Malenwe to contact her, so we were expecting this. Apparently he shared some pain about the loss of a family, and successfully entreated her to at least speak with Freya, using the glade, even though she was faithful to Athena.

Although this was all very nice, I found I relaxed a little when we finally left her company. We were able to rest and refresh, and then given access to mentors to help us with our studies and reflect on what had happened. I met with Mish, an enchanter known to be good at dealing with other cultures, of which I was an example. He was good at sleight of hand and happy to ignore laws when it suited him, although mindful of the need to further the greater cause of good. He could play the crowd well, but secretly disliked having to hide behind a "wall of warriors" instead of living out in the forest. He gifted me a fine hat, topped with a skull and antlers that shielded my face and would mark me as a shamen of worth amongst my people. I was able to find some woad and add decorations to properly look the part, as well as learning more dweomer in Mish's company. Baldir was gifted a mirror by Malenwe, her mother's, that allowed the scrying of other places, even between planes; she had used it to watch Mercantire, the enemy's general, but it was dangerous as it allowed the foe to know your position.

The plan was for Malenwe's greatest mages and priests to transport us instantly to the glade, and Malenwe would accompany us. We knew that we were likely to meet opposition, so we would first take precautions. We were turned invisible, blessed, and the fighters protected from arrow fire. Takeda and Rhion would go first (we were to go two at a time), and sure enough arrived instantly next to the glade pool. It was no surprise that Drow were present, although it seemed that they were only just venturing out of Wallorin's house to investigate the glade, probably wondering what happened to the last party that they sent. About ten of the enemy were approaching their position warily but in formation. Baldir and I were next, with Malenwe behind us, but being invisible we had to act on our own initiative, trying to be silent so as not to alert the Drow. The glade was beautiful, and peaceful, and would have been a lovely setting if it were not for the evil troops desecrating the forest.

We were not the first to strike, although we remained unseen. Instead the foe lashed out with their minds, the psychic echos heard by us all but Takeda and Baldir feeling it the most. They had a mage with them, who dispelled the invisibility shielding Malenwe and Takeda. Takeda engaged anyway, at point blank range, killing one with two arrows before they could react, and then another as they cried a warning. Malenwe simply charged into the foe, engaging two at once with her swords in what seemd like a beautiful, swirling dance... but deadly as one fell with blood gashing from a slit throat. Lightning streaked from their mage's direction, striking Takeda and putting his aim off so that his arrow thudded into the ground. Half of the Drow rushed at Malenwe, probably recognising her importance, and surrounding her. Takeda recovered from his shock (no pun intended), and killed two of the foe with sure strikes, back in his stride. I used dweomer to speed Rhion's movement, and he took advantage by charging forward and landing several blows in Malenwe's defence.

Now that the enemy was fully engaged, and still being invisible, I decided to charge through the gap and wrestle the enemy mage down before he could do more damage. Unfortunately Baldir (also unseen) had the same idea and we arrived within seconds of each other, both clattering off the evil bastard without bringing him down. Fortunately Takeda was watching, probably with slight amusement, and as the mage was laughing at us Takeda put an arrow in his chest. He reeled back, but did not fall. Malenwe cut down another, but the weight of numbers was telling and she was bleeding from several cuts. Takeda took a hit, having focused on the mage for slightly too long, and was in a bad way. He retaliated, killing his attacker and giving himself some space. Rhion was still battling to reach Malenwe, cutting down one foe with impossibly fast strikes. Only their leader and the mage still stood.

Baldir left the mage to me, running to heal Malenwe's wounds, although at almost the same time she plunged both swords into the Drow leader, who fell dead at once. I could not land a hit on the sneaky mage, but Takeda got into a better position and finished him with another well-aimed arrow. He then dropped to his knees, exhausted from effort and blood loss. Baldir made a big dramatic scene out of calling on Odin's aid to heal him, clearly making sure that Malenwe could see the power of the Norse Gods. He then asked if Malenwe would submit to Odin's healing, again wanting her acceptance of his power, and she did, benefitting from his healing. There was a debate about collecting arrows, and checking the dead, but Baldir urged us to secure Wallorin's house first in case there were more that would endanger us.

We did not know the pass code for the Spring glade (although it would seem the enemy did - perhaps from Rathon, who we knew had used this gate), so Rhion remained in the glade to ensure the gate remained open for us. The interior of Wallorin's house was familiar to us, but the portal was open and we could see through to an unfamiliar room, carved from stone with no windows. A Drow war party was gathering there, preparing to enter the portal, and therefore the glade. There was a fire pit burning, more for warmth than light by the look of it, the walls were plain, and we could see a pentagram on the floor and a recently used brazier placed upon it. No palantir could be seen, though.

I conjured a stinking cloud just inside their room, making it hard for them to reach the portal and forcing most within its effect away. Baldir prayed loudly to Odin and their fire began to belch thick, choking smoke that began to fill the room and obscure vision. Just before the portal was obscured, a flaming ball flew from the room, conjured by a mage, and exploded with fire amongst us. We were all burned, but Takeda suffered the most and Baldir and Malenwe had to put out the flames on him to prevent more damage. It seemed that the first explosion had caused a flask of oil to explode, and the secondary explosion had done even more damage. Takeda's prized bow was damaged beyond repair, and his katana's scabbard was also destroyed. I hurried to apply keoghtomes and Takeda glugged a potion of healing even as he was tended to. Baldir hurried to the brazier on our side, as did I, with one intent - move the portal before more damage could be done. He applied oil and I used flint and tinder to get the fire going, then Baldir shifted the portal to the ethereal as we had done once before, cutting the connection with the Drow.

I rushed out to the glade, asking Rhion to urgently help me gather some wood in order to keep the brazier going and hold the connection. I rushed back to do so, and then returned to explain to a very confused Rhion what had happened. It seemed that so long as we kept the brazier alight then we were safe from further incursions, so Rhion and I agreed to keep a vigil over the fire whilst Baldir, Takeda and Malenwe attempted to commune with Freya. The first step was for Baldir to consecrate his drinking horn, which took at least an hour, but then the true ceremony could commence.

He carefully filled the horn with water from the glade pool, and as he pulled it from the water he found that a hand rose to hold it in place! He then turned to Malenwe, asking her to pray with honest faith to Freya, and after a moment's concentration the Goddess herself rose from the waters. She seemed even more awe-inspiring here on the Prime, and all those that saw her fell involuntarily to their knees. Two Valkyries accompanied her, and all three of them floated above the pool, with clothes floating in a breeze that we could not feel. She thanked Malenwe for listening to her, and hoped that she would turn back to the Norse pantheon as her ancestors had before her, promising that if she did so she would be delivered victory as Queen of the Efferendil. She also warned that the time of the second born was coming, and that she must seek their souls, as that is the route to saving the Prime. The influence of Hel must be prevented. Baldir's plain drinking horn was transformed into a bejewelled beautiful construct, reminiscent of Heimdall. Knowing that Takeda had pledged himself to Heimdall, Baldir offered it to him as a sign of his faith. Takeda struggled to accept it, as he treasured family possessions, but eventually realised that it would be rude to decline and instead accepted it with honour.

As the vision of the Goddess faded, reality seemed to fade with it and we saw visions, gifted by the Gods, to guide our efforts. There were, it seems, seven Dwarven rings of power and only four of these were combined with the Elven gems to defend against the major inner planes (fire, earth, air, water). After this the glade was quiet but untouched by evil, and we were finally able to rest and consider our next moves. We first agreed that Malenwe would return to her people and move them here to defend the glade from attack. They would be able to keep the fire burning and deny the enemy easy access, but being here would fix them and stop them from conducting attacks on the foe elsewhere in the Efferendil. When they did arrive, several days later, the rangers agreed to teach Rhion the words to give him access to this gate if he needed it. A new Dai Ku (bow) was given to Takeda, although it was not as fine as his old one.