A BRIEF INTERLUDE PART 3 (published 04/11/2014)

The heroes return after their successful mission to intercept Shemeshka’s wine shipment only to be confronted by none other than Duke Rowan Darkwood and his retinue.  If that weren’t enough Shemeshka arrives soon after demanding restitution in the form of a soul.  She looks at the assembled Reavers and says that Killara the tiefling is of the “right breeding” and will do nicely.  Killara reluctantly agrees to go with Shemeshka and serve as her newest retainer in order to spare her mistress Aunrae.

Rowan Darkwood says that he still has an interest in his former home world of Faerun and is willing to help the Reavers in any way that they need if they agree to keep him abreast of their progress in Reaver Hall and join the his faction the Fated whom he says shares the same principles as the original Reavers.  The Reavers agree to the terms and agree to meet Darkwood for dinner that evening to tour the Hall of Records and be indoctrinated into the faction as full ranking Factotum.  Darkwood offers further support in the form of Azanthus, a Ifrit warrior with the ability to take the form of a giant red mantis.

The heroes are on their way to meet the Duke for dinner when they are ambushed by Shi'ndiira the dark elven priestess of Kiaransalee, her hired assassin Aioka, and a trio of dark elf vampires!  Shi’ndiira channels a wave of negative energy though the heroes as the vampires move with supernatural speed to engage in melee.  Callista draws her celestial holy sword and cleaves the first vampire in twain while Azanthus, Aunrae, and Amalielle engage the other two.  Cassim quietly maneuvers into a more advantageous position when Aioka issues a challenge to Callista while wielding the stolen Armageddon Githyanki Silver Sword!  Callista realizes that Aioka has also been transformed into a vampire making the assassin even more dangerous!

Azanthus and Aunrae are both drained of life energy by the vampires but continue to fight.  Amalielle uses her supernatural abilities and spells to inspire her companions and Cassim manages to harass their enemies with magic missile volleys.  In the midst of their duel Aioka leaps away from Callista and cocks her arm back with dagger in hand preparing to throw, but realigns the attack at the last moment sending the magical dagger into the leg of Shi’ndirra then dissipates into a gaseous cloud making her escape.  “Traitorous bitch” screamed the drow priestess just before Azanthus, now in giant Mantis form, grabs the priestess in his formidable fore claws and holds her fast.  Callista taking her cue rushes in and cleaves Shi’ndiira in half ending the threat once and for all.