01 - 12/29 : The Lost City

In-game date: 30th of Yule, 3517    

Introduction

Introduction Reading Here   "Standing as a monument to the freedom of man, the Republic of Endhome finds itself nestled in an Estuary on the Akadian coast. Independent from the rule of the Foere crown, the city-state rules itself and owes its allegiance to no foreign powers. To the north the quaint Penprie forest stands in the shadow of the imposing Duskmoon hills, marking the domain of the wild lands. Inhabited by Orcs, Bugbear and, if the rumors are to be believed, even more dangerous foe. To the cities west lie the perilous Bogart Bogs and Grimmstown, the last bit of civilization before the long trek along the Kings Road into the crown lands. And lastly, the east lie the mighty Sinnar Ocean, separating the peoples of Akados from those of the far beyond.   Safe, Secure, Free. The motto of Endhome and the words that bind the Republic together. But things are not as normal, for a mysterious eclipse has settled over the land. Doomsayers and seers predict the end times, panic has ensued with the common folk freezing in their own homes as the temperatures hit historic lows. Worries abound, will the eclipse last forever, will last years meager harvest last through the winter? Beasts from the underdark have risen up and reclaimed the surrounding lands for their own, threatening to close in and snuff out the light of civilization itself. The nobility and guard of Endhome are stretched thin in a vain attempt to keep the peace, and the city stands on the precipice of disaster.   In these times of peril, not all seek to stave off the coming darkness. Some seek out profit, adventure, chaos. Dimly lit by the Pale Sister, the dock ward creeks and moans with the floating hulks gently bobbing in the harbor. Seagulls caw overhead, waves lap at the shore, and a group of adventurers make their way to the wharf"  

Wheatly

One by one the group made its way to the Docks. The dhampir Carmen with her mysterious skull-like face that most mistake for a mask, the duergar rogue Raeziel and member of the Ramrider crime family, the Tabaxi wizard and priestess of divine magic, and Pascal, a Wood elf Cleric and voice of nature. The group cautiously approached the wharf where a loan Goblin was waiting for them.   Wheatly began the introductions and informed the party of the meeting. He was here on behalf of the Crime Boss Greazly, who had gotten into contact with each of them and wished to offer them an opportunity to earn money, doing less-than-savory work. But first trust would need built, so the job he had was a simple one before moving on to greater tasks. But as he began to explain what it was, he suddenly called the group out for double-crossing them!   The group had no idea what he meant until they looked down, as three zombies began to crawl out of the water! Wheatly realized they were not with the group, and quickly ducked behind them while the party drew their weapons. The zombies proved a meager threat to the parties wrath, but as the last was struck down it seemed that the tide of undead had not ended. One by one, dozens if not hundreds of zombies began to rise from their watery grave and onto the docks. Not wishing to be swept up by the horde of undead, the party quickly fled!  

The Chase

After getting some distance with the horde, the group was halted as an enormous crash and a roar was heard. A building collapsed, blocking the way! The group quickly departed into a nearby blacksmith, and looked for an escape.   It seemed that the way was barred, but after moving a bookshelf the party opened the door to the courtyard. Unfortunately a gigantic undead behemoth stood in front of them, and prepared to attack!   The group coordinated to prevent it from using its devastating attacks on the party, with Raziel quickly spraying its eyes with a torrent of soot, and Carmen intimidating the creature enough to send it hurling back into a pile of equipment. The rest of hte party continued their attacks, until it finally fell.   In the next courtyard, the group caught eye of a statue of the cities founder. The inscription read: "In the year 2318 of the Imperial Records, General Vesuvius, later Duke Vesuvius, led an army of Hyperborean legions against the undead legions of the Lost City of Barakus. The evil was scourged from realm, and the city of Endhome was founded atop its ruins. This statue has been erected in our founders honor and stands today as a symbol of the cities resolve."   The party briefly explored the surrounding carts, but the sounds of the dead approaching meant it was time to continue. As the group was about to leave, a familiar voice cried out to Raeziel, stopping her in her tracks. It seemed that Raeziels older sister, Genziel, was sent here on behalf of The Xanathar, the infamous beholder that dwelled beneath the city of Revelmoore. She insisted her sister come quietly, but when it became apparent that this would not happen, the group prepared to draw arms! But before that could happen, the sounds of large wings flapping in the distance was heard...  

The Dracolich

  From above, a gigantic undead dragon descended upon the courtyard. In a deep voice, it cried out, "Vesuvius, my old friend. It seems you have not withstood the trials of time. A shame, now you will not be here to watch your city BURN!"   The dragon roared, and shattered the statue, before turning and launching a devastating acid breath on Genziel and her duergar companions. When the group looked, it seemed that Raeziels sister was gone, and with little time to consider what had happened, the group rapidly fled beyond.   With some distance gained, the group investigated a nearby building. A man with a stab wound in his belly had died after barricading himself inside, and a mysterious note was found with him. Before moving ahead, the group was waylayed as Genziel cried out from the rooftop, "Oi sis. Now don't you be thinking just because the dragon interrupted our little talk that I'm just letting you go like that. I'll be seeing you soon, nobody escapes the Xanathar. Nobody..."   The group quickly investigated the remaining building, and found some vampire hunting equipment as well as a nearby severed head in a bag. Where these came from was unknown, but the group took the items and continued on.  

The Final Fight

As the horde closed in, the group came across the scene of a massive battle. Wheatly quickly ran over to a nearby sewer crate, and set to work trying to unlock it.   In the middle of the battle, Alexandra Dracelias, a Priestess of Solanus and one of the most powerful casters in Akados, was defending herself and a few guard from an onslaught of undead. She created a powerful force field and called for the parties aid. But form the sky, the winged terror descended to continue its destruction of the city. As he approached, she beseeched her goddess and bound the dracolich in chains. If she had enough time, she could slay the vile creature!   The group sprung into action, healing the guard and convincing them to fight for the party. The Dracolich called forth a portal and summoned warriors of the damned, while the ones inside the portal began their relentless attack. From the south, a lich under the service of the dragon tried to enter the field but was repelled! It channeled all of its power into creating a vortex, allowing undead to spill through. The priestess channeled all of her focuses on maintaining her hold on the dragon as she assaulted it with radiant magic, but took some of her focus away to summon powerful fields to aid the party. One empowered those and imbued them with holy wrath, while the other invoked the healing nature of Solanus and sheltered them from harm.   One by one the undead fell, but the attacks were beginning to take their toll. Finally the dragon let out a final roar, and began to disintegrate as the holy energy ripped it asunder. But in its final death throes, it launched a blast of energy and vaporized the priestess, before itself succumbing to her magic. With the priestess gone, her protective magic faded away, and the undead horde eyed the group hungrily...   Wheatly called for the group, "I UNLOCKED IT!" and flung the grate open. Seeing one last way out, the group quickly dove into the hole, and into the sewers of Endhome.  

The Lost City

  After escaping the horde of undead, the group continued into the sewers. A massive earthquake rattled the city, causing a cave in from the streets above. With no way back, the group looked for shelter to catch a moment of rest.   In a nearby hovel in the sewers, the group stopped to properly introduce themselves. They discussed where they came from, what had happened, and more importantly, what to do now.