Session 35

Setting: Donrae Compound

The Order is held in a cell on the House Donrae compound. Rhaine is able to pick the physical lock, but the magic barrier still holds. They hear guards approaching, so he goes back inside the cell and closes the door. A Priestess enters and asks who they are. Durzo tells her the truth of who he is, and is invited to meet with the Matron. They take him to a large cavern with a throne in the center. Matron Donrae is there, along with two Driders waiting in the shadows. He repeats his lineage to her, and she gets angry. She states that he and Azoth are supposed to be dead, and sends him back to the cell.

In the cell, the Priestess asks the group questions, to which they answer fully, and let slip that they are hunting a key. A portal opens, and Lightning Bolts shoot out, knocking out the Priestess and the guards. The team break the Duergar and Mathias out of their cells and all escape through the portal.

Setting: Acaelus' Study

They find themselves in the study of Acaelus Statera, at the top of the Mage Tower in Eryndlyn. After introductions, he tells them all the back history that Azoth was to be wed to the now reigning Matron of House Donrae. He was never told about it, since he fled the city and was already headed to the surface. When Durzo was born, the Spider Queen informed the Priestesses, and House Donrae sent assassins to kill both Durzo and Azoth.

So that he wouldn't be able to answer certain questions after his death, he gave them clues of how to get to the right point in the Shadowfell to find the Vault Key. On a chess board, they found an Imp piece with a drawing of a teleportation circle on the underside. Steam drew the circle on the ground, and all teleported to the Shadowfell.

He told them to work fast, as the Shadar-Kai would be alerted to their presence immediately.

Setting: Shadowfell

In the Shadowfell, they follow a glowing beacon to a stack of boulders. It takes them much effort to get the boulders moved. In the mean time, a group of Shadar-Kai approach and are intrigued by the team. They seem to know why they're there. Once they Key is retrieved and placed on Durzo's neck, the Shadar-Kai alert them that something is wrong, and that Acaelus is now dead. The portal closes.

The surrounding Shadar-Kai form into one, and offer to help. They open a new portal back to the study and follow them in. They are greeted on the other side by some guards and the same Priestess. Acaelus' body, along with Mathias and the Duergar are all missing. Without warning, Azoth is banished. A fight ensues until the Priestess is nearly killed. She tells Durzo that his grandfather is dead, his father is now anchored in another plane, the Statera compound is under attack, and their new Mind flayer allies are watching his girlfriend. She says Matron Donrae extends an invitation to have a conversation, but Durzo kills the Priestess.

Two portals open, showing an army led by the two Driders. A cackling can be heard from the other side.