Greyhawk Session 25: The Forge of Alaxus

Foreword: Report from Wyn Dervish, recounting the death of a particularly odd human:

I set out from Greyhawk City in the company of a new member of the guild: a strange human from the Mistmarsh. Typically, I would value the skills of a Druid, given they are typically quite aware of the natural surrounds, but this one was far too focused on insects and spiders that, one day into our journey, during his early morning watch, he was attacking and feasted upon by a pair of mountain lions. I did my best to recover his body, but could not pick up their trail after his disembowelment.

Some time later, while trekking through the woods, I was pestered by a spider who thought it best to talk with me. A bit off-putting, but I corrected its thinking that I abandoned my fresh-faced comrade to die by explaining he was already dead when I was able to get eyes on him and there was nothing I could do. Later, a faerie approached me, thanking me for "playing along" and rewarding me with a jar of honey, which I later was informed was magical. 

Excerpt from Fenric Moonshade’s Letter to his Master, Cranthir

I was assisting Itimad with his new sword when Wyn arrived unexpectedly. He was accompanied by a human, and together they were organizing a mining party with several hirelings to continue exploring the dungeon for Amor. Something about the venture felt off, though I couldn’t quite place it. The next day, I rented a war mule and rode after them.

I arrived not long after they had lost a companion—the same human I had met at Amor’s shop. Sensing an opportunity to help finish clearing the dungeon for Amor, I joined Wyn and the others.

After resting inside the dungeon, we began a search and clear operation. It appeared that the kobolds and centipedes had already been dealt with. The mining crew spent the next two days excavating and preparing the hallway for passage, while Wyn kept watch and rhythmically beat his glaive like a drum.

Beyond the hallway, we entered another octagonal chamber. The northern section seemed to have been cleared—perhaps by another adventuring party. The southern area bore signs of a massive fire, with charred remains less than a week old. To the east stood two enormous obsidian doors secured with a silver lock. Upon hearing singing from the other side, Wyn prepared a trap, and I swiftly opened the doors.

To our surprise, three metallic minotaurs stood before us. Two smaller ones, slightly taller than Wyn, bowed to a much larger figure who bore a sapphire embedded in his palm. All three were forged entirely from metal.

Battle erupted. I charged the large minotaur, suspecting he was preparing to cast spells, while our hirelings engaged the smaller ones. I struggled to pierce his metallic hide, and he couldn’t land a blow on me as I danced around him. Eventually, Wyn delivered a devastating strike, tearing out the creature’s ribs and cleaving him in two. Upon death, the minotaurs began to rust rapidly, and the sapphire cracked. We disposed of their bodies in the hottest forge I’ve ever encountered.

Wyn and I discovered two chests filled with gold and sapphires, along with a bookshelf chronicling the life of Alaxus—his trials, divine punishment, and various maps, letters, and instructional tomes on smithing and arcana. I also found a book containing several spells.

After safely returning to town, we met with Amor to conclude our business in the Tomb. He offered each of us a favor. Wyn requested a suit of full plate armor, while I asked for information on where to find Elven Chain. Amor also agreed to procure two polished jades worth 100 gold pieces each, which we plan to embed into the eyes of the viper-shaped sword Itimad and I are crafting.