Without much delay, the party headed to the Tomb of the High Sorcerer to ask him some further questions concerning the Pillars and the Runes inscribed into them. The High sorcerer gave some cryptic answers concerning the procedure required to activate the Pillars, and release the essence into the vergence. One item of information that they knew would be useful was that a path from the edge of the vergence to the center pillar existed, and in order to see it diamond dust would have to be sprinkled onto the vergence. The container holding the essence would have to be placed inside a compartment located in the center pillar.

The group returned to the Novice extension of Sorcery Hall, to contemplate the answers given by the High Sorcerer and to think about what they should do next. Some more exploration of the sewers revealed a troll living in the passage leading toward the southern tower. The group decided to leave the troll alone. Thinking that they may be able to procure the needed item at the Drow encampment, the party decided to scout out that location. Nimbul and Pheldas, invisible and carrying the Lantern of Darkvision, moved around the encampment to scout it out. Not seeing anything they needed without opening any doors, the party decided that it would be too risky to assault the camp.

Again, asking Xalen and Pheldas about the area, it was revealed that there was one location near Sorcery Hall, that the others had not fully explored, that was the loft area of the Acid Tower. All was known about it was that there were Baneguards in the loft. Kitiara, knowing about the magical capabilities of Baneguards, cast Shield upon herself, and proceeded up the stairs to the loft area of the tower. The ensuing battle was long and hard, but after about 10 minutes, the Baneguards were finally defeated. Within this chamber, they found a long thin box with a lock on it. After checking the location for traps, Nimbul unlocked the box revealing 5 items and a note, a 6 foot long metal rod, a jar of white crystals, a flask of water, some fine wool, and a piece of black rock (Coal). The note read, “These keys blessed by the gods will allow entrance to the Hall of Sorcery.”

Kitiara, Crawl, and Xalen each received 600 exp for destroying the Baneguards.

Realizing that this container was the answer to their dilemma, The party headed back to the Novice extension to Sorcery Hall. Placing each item in its correct location, a trap door was revealed directly in front of the door they though would lead them into Sorcery Hall. Upon opening the trap door, they discovered a stairway leading down and to the north. Following this path, they came to a circular chamber 20 feet in diameter. At the center of the chamber was a circular stairway leading up. Kitiara noticed a secret compartment on the northern section of the wall. It contained 4 items, A 6 foot long metal rod, a piece of coal, some white crystals, and some wet wool, they took the items. Climbing the stairway up into the main tower of Sorcery hall, the party found 4 levels spaced at 20 foot intervals going up the stairs followed by a 100 foot ascent to the top. Between the fourth level and the top of the stairway, they found no other accessible levels. The first four levels were dedicated to learning about four different forms of spell storage. Level one dealt with Gem Magic, level two Rune Magic, level three Potions, and level four Scrolls. Each level contained shelves of books explaining how to create these items, along with a sampling of the materials needed to create some. Level three also contained a large number of components and the alchemical equipment necessary to brew many potions. Kitiara found several jars containing crushed gems, whole gems, and other valuable stones such as pearls, she took these. In addition to taking the Gemstone jars from level three, Pheldas, Xalen, Kitiara, and Iris each retrieved books explaining about the forms of item creation. If the books are studied, one week for each, they will gain the feat explained within the book. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, the party opened the trap door leading to the roof. Residing on the top of Sorcery Hall, was a creature that they determined to be an Androsphinx. A brief conversation with the Sphinx revealed little more information than they already Know, but did reassure them that they had correctly discerned the meaning of the High Sorcerers instructions as to how to seal the Vergence.

While leaving Sorcery hall, the party met up with one more of the other groups members, Calin. The others were heading to have their lightning rod blessed. Calin, seeing that this group had already been inside the tower, decided to join up with them and aid in the sealing of the vergence. Arriving at the Sewer location of the Pillars, Kitiara was chosen to carry the Essence to the center pillar. She sprinkled a pinch of diamond dust onto the vergence. The entire area glowed faintly save for a winding path leading to the center. Kitiara followed this path. The diamond dust was consumed by the vergence after a few seconds and Kitiara sprinkled another pinch of dust. She continued in this fashion until the pillar was reached. Using a scroll of Detect Secret Doors to reveal the compartment, she spoke the word inscribed on the cover, and the compartment opened. She placed the pack containing the jar inside and the compartment closed again. Kitiara returned to the edge. The next task was performed by Iris and Gaspar, Iris on the shoulders of the warrior, touched each of the runes on the 12 perimeter pillars. Once the last rune was touched, all 13 pillars began to glow brightly giving off a bright red light. Pheldas realized that the last task would have to be performed quickly before any others had the chance to use the now unlocked magical forces contained in the vergence. The party made their way down to the Undercircle. Upon arriving, they found a small party of Drow staring up at the now glowing pillars. Wanting to avoid a confrontation, Pheldas used a scroll of levitation, and Kitiara turned him invisible with the wand. Pheldas then touched in sequence the same runes on each Pillar that Iris had done earlier on the ones located at the vergence. When the last Rune was touched, the Pillars began to intensify in brightness while also heating up, the party fled the area. Pheldas was determined to head toward Sorcery Hall so as to observe the events from its roof top location but was unable to continue toward the vergence due to the intense heat. They instead headed up into Ascore Keep, arriving on top of one of the outer walls. Shortly after arriving, They witnessed an intense explosion, and were all knocked down by the waves of force and dust that emanated from the center of the ruins. When the dust cleared, they could all see the immense crater left by the explosion. The Vergence was no more, and there was now a 500 foot diameter crater where it once was located.

Each party member received 1000 Exp.

The last task that remained for them was to find their way out of the ruins.

"That is most impressive. So impressive, that it would be great for us to make our way from here by any means... I somehow think that the shadelords are on their way to investigate what has happened to their short-term plans on the conquest of Faerun, and 'tis not my wish at all to be their first suspect, if you understand. I assume that there is no way to get out of the city by the means we got in, since the dungeon is practically no more. We need to leave by the conventional means of the... umh... city gate, be it guarded or not. Anyone have better suggestions?"

Well I will agree with wanting to get out of here, lets proceed with caution to the front gates if we must, maybe another exit or opportunity will present itself along the way.

OoC: This is not Baldak, but Serena. It seems that since SP has been down, it has forgotten some of the newer registered members. So until I re-register, I'll use my Dad's name- Hope you don't mind Baldak! ;)

IC: Serena gets up and brushes all the dust off her cloak. She stares at the crater in the earth, thinking quietly to herself. She catches a bit of the other party members conversation and agrees on a swift and cautious departure. “Well let’s start on our way!” she says cheerfully.

OoC: This is Baldak. I got it to work for you.

[This message has been edited by Serena Lynx (edited January 15, 2002).]

Calin looked at the rubble, then at his new friends. Calin took a deep breath, understanding that adventuring in this new group would tax his abilities to their limits-and beyond.

[This message has been edited by The Word (edited January 16, 2002).]

A brief search of the roof of the battlement upon which they stood, revealed another trap door leading inside the fortification. This particular building had two levels. They discovered a large dining area on the upper level, along with a Brewery, and a large room on the lower level, the nature of which they could not ascertain. Perhaps they were simply preoccupied with escaping from this area as quickly as possible. Once outside, they quickly made their way to the gatehouse, where Gaspar was able to un-jam the gate mechanism. They left Ascore Keep, perhaps they would be able to return another time to unlock the rest of its secrets. For now they needed to leave Ascore before the Shade Lords found them.

Making their way north, they decided to return to Sorcery Hall to determine several things. One, to see if any arcane knowledge remained intact in the form of the books. And two, to see if the Androsphinx had escaped the blast. To their dismay, the books had been burned beyond usefulness, but the Androsphinx had indeed escaped. They continued to follow the northern route around the enormous crater the blast created, and as they were approaching the Western Gates, the Androsphinx flew down and landed in front of them. It informed them that they were in great peril, as the blast had awoken Aridoxious, A brown dragon that had made its lair within the Western Fortifications. The Androsphinx offered to carry them to a safe location on top of the cliffs. Seeing no other way, they accepted and the Sphinx brought them to the Western Outpost, a location that Pheldas and Xalen had visited on their journey here. The remaining buildings would allow then some shelter as they made camp for the night. The days activities had worn them all down, and they were ready for some much needed rest. During the night, Xalen thought he could hear the distinct sound of a horse whinnying, coming from the ruins of the stables.

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 18, 2002).]

As the morn settled, Pheldas was up, studying his spellbook. He finished soon, and addressed the group:

"This place does seem much safer to me than the ruins, and we have to pray that the shadelords will not be on our trail. Our destination now would be the monastery, Deadsnows, however without mounts the walk may take more an'one day; I doubt that the horses we left here are still living, but I do not exclude the possibility that they are. I may as well go and check on the situation around."

With these words, Pheldas turned around and started off in the direction of the ruins of the stables.

Gaspar glances at Pheldas and gets up to follow him.
"What is this monastery that you talk about? he asks, "and not to mention these horses."

"Ah, the monastery? 'Tis a place filled with servants of Lathander, monks and clergy, I would think. They show hospitality to those who are deserving, and we will take a stop there to rest and refill our supplies, if everything goes fine", Pheldas halted to look around for anything suspicious and continued, "Despite the fact that it's standing in the land swarming with orcs, the monastery is a safe place, and they have an exceptional library... And these horses are the horse we've left here on our way to Ascore. That's happened quite some time ago, and considering the fact that some verbeeg dwell around, I'm not sure if the horses are fine."

[This message has been edited by Skedaddle (edited January 20, 2002).]

Kitiara watched from her resting spot, the same spot she had sat on watch, allowing the humans their sleep.

Seeing Gaspar and Pheldas head for the stables, she rises and shakes out the bedroll she had been resting on. Thinking to herself that the group might as well begin this journey as soon as possible, she begins to wake the others still resting.

Pheldas and Gaspar discovered that there were 5 horses and a pony in the ruins of the stables, they were in need of some first aid, but seemed to be ok. The party let them rest while Xalen scribed another spell in his spell book, they then set off for Deadsnows. About mid-morning, they noticed a group of humanoids traveling in the same direction, except the other group was about 5 miles ahead. It was decided to continue along and scout this other group when they had drawn closer. It was mid-afternoon when they had arrived in the vicinity of "The Fork." The other group turned north toward Citadel Adbar. They continued along to Deadsnows. The party arrived at Deadsnows, and were greeted by Brother Quinn, who was very interested in all they had to say about Ascore. Pheldas decided to remain at Deadsnows, wanting to research the Vergence more. He took a position in the Library. The others enjoyed the hospitality of the clerics as Brother Quinn would not accept payment for their food or lodging. Instead, he kept them up very late going over every detail of Ascore that they could remember.

In the morning, the meal was again fairly plain, but it was plentiful and hot. During the meal, the party could hear a few of the residents talking. "I tell you, we will be in for a long winter if these kidnappings don't stop. Entire merchant caravans don't just disappear and when they do, the merchants are hesitant to resume shipping. If something isn't done about this situation soon, things will get difficult."

[This message has been edited by Baldak Oakfist (edited January 24, 2002).]

Gaspar frowns a little as he overhears the conversation. "This sounds interesting," he thinks to himself as he gets up and wanders over to talk to them.
"Sorry to interupt, but did I here you say something about kipnappings? My friends and I seem to be travelling in the area and would if there's any dangers I for one would certainly like to be informed."

The cleric tooks up at the looming figure of Gaspar. "Well, it would seem that several merchant carravans have simply disappeared. They usually begin in Sundabar and head to Citadel Adbar, stopping here along the way. The last two scheduled carravans did not arrive. Here, we get many of our supplies from the trade merchants traveling to and from Adbar. I just hope that they were cancelled for some reason. I have heard that they were attacked and taken somewhere, but no-one can find any trace of them. It's as though they simply didn't exist. But now you on the other hand.....who would attack such a daunting figure such as yourself."

Gaspar thinks back to all the battles he has been in. "You'd be surprised," he says with a small laugh. "You know we saw some humanoids that looked rather large turning towards Citadel Adbar yesterday. I wonder if maybe they might have had something to do with the attacks. Maybe you ought to hire somebody to try to figure this whole thing out."