TIEFLINGS AND SKELETONS AND ASSASSINS OH MY! (published 11/07/2013)

After slaying the white dragon Caltharsus and consuming his flesh the heroes fell into a deep slumber in the ice cave.  When they awoke they found a mysterious tiefling woman sharing an “intimate moment” with Aunrae.  Cassim the Halfling drew his short sword and cautiously approached thinking the obviously infernal newcomer was a succubus.  However, Aunrae waved him off and the tiefling explained that she was drawn here by the spirits who were bound to Aunrae.   Accepting the tiefling Kilarra as her cohort the party sets out to the town of Reaver’s Rest.

About a day into their journey a large crow flies down and perches on Callista’s shoulder and speaks a grave message into her ear.  Callista learns that her father has died and she is being summoned home to attend to matters.  Calipheros reluctantly agrees to the diversion and the party heads to the valley of Clan Armageddon.

Upon their arrival Callista’s companions are treated as honored guests.  After a private meeting with her mother Callista emerges from a tent with her father’s sword in hand proclaiming herself as the new Chieftain of Clan Armageddon to loud applause.  A large and powerful half-orc named Gorstak approaches and challenges Callista to right of combat for leadership of the Clan.  The fight is short and brutal with Callista as victor.  The defeated Gorstak, unable to land even a single blow, submits and swears fealty to his new Chieftain.

During the combat Cassim becomes nervous and uses his magic ring to become invisible as he prepares for the worst.  No one but Cassim sees a lone shadowy figure approach Dazulka, Callista’s mother, from behind, but it is too late.  Dazulka lets out a blood curdling scream as she is impaled from behind.  As Dazulka falls the identity of her assassin is clear for all to see, it is Aioka the warrior from the Vaasan wall who was hired by the drow elf priestess of Kiaransalee, Shi’ndiira.

Suddenly the ground erupts as skeletons burst from beneath the ground as Aioka grabs the fallen Silver Sword from Dazulka’s grasp and disappears into thin air!  Battle is joined.  These skeletons are more powerful than they appear.  They are heavily armed and armored and fight with cold intelligence, but eventually the heroes manage to defeat the undead threat.  Callista rushes to her mother’s side just in time to see her take her last breath.

In the aftermath of the battle, Aunrae examines the skeletons and finds a mysterious but familiar symbol marking each skeleton.  It is the symbol of an ancient Vaasan warlock named Chernobog who ascended to godhood about the same time as Kiaransalee.  The two were enemies and Kiaransalee slew the interloper.  Are these skeletons remnants of a bygone age, or are there new adherents to the long dead faith?  It would appear the mantle of leadership will have to wait for Callista as she contemplates how to retrieve her Clan’s sword of ruler ship.