The Graywood Elves & Southern High Forest

King Cirallon Swan-Cloak

Elves of the Graywood 
population. ca. 600
South-west of the Star Mounts and west of the Unicorn Run river, in the far south-west of the High Forest, there lies the small Wood Elf realm of the Graywood. The Graywood elves are believed to number only a few hundred, but they defend their borders (around three hundred square miles, ten deep by thirty wide) well against Uthgardt savages, Dark Elf slavers of Phaervorul, forest Gnolls, Orcs, and other foul beasts.
The Elves are ruled by the elf-king Cirallon.

King Cirallon Swan-cloak (1288-, Lvl 18 Defender), a powerful Sword-Mage, rules from his seat at Nordhaeril. He knows Arcane rituals to 18th level. Cirallon, a wood elf of sombre and regal demeanour, is married to his gorgeous half-elven Queen Avaranme.

Queen Avaranme Aerasumé 'the Healer' (1420-, Lvl 16 Leader), half-elf grand-daughter of Queen Alustriel of Silverymoon; her half-elven mother Lydia Aerasumé (1360-1472 DR) was sister to Luruar's current High Lord, her uncle Methrammar. Avaranme is gifted by Hanali Celanil (Sune, Goddess of Love & Beauty) with considerable powers - both as a healer and as a Paragon Heartwarder of Sune. Avaranme's stunning beauty is more sensual than ethereal; it is said that the mere sight of her can drive mortal men mad with desire. Avaranme can create Potions of Vitality, Keoghtem's Ointment, and other healing items to 16th level at 1/5 standard cost, and knows Religious & Healing Rituals  to 16th level. The royal couple have three young children, two daughters and a son, but King Cirallon is rumoured to be exasperated by the Sunite doctrine that 'love should be shared', and now keeps Avaranme away from non-elven males. The royal couple's eldest child Princess Moonshadow will soon come of age.

Queen Avaranme the Healer, Heartwarder of Sune

Recently (M2 1480 DR) the Wood Elves have been troubled by signs of fire giant activity in the region of the Endless Caverns, among the headwaters of the Unicorn Run. The famous 'Stronghold of the Nine' on the west bank of the Unicorn Run marks the eastern border of the Graywood, and is currently used as a bastion and patrol base for twenty elven Rangers of the Graywood. The "Rangers of the Nine" are currently commanded by Captain Quen Harrowleaf (Ranger, lvl 15), brother to Captain Viylir't'thin Harrowleaf of Loudwater's Guard Patrol. The elves had good relations with the affable Grimnosh, the 'Riddling Dragon' of the Endless Caverns. Grimnosh perished M4 1480 DR, killed by two Chimerae lured to his lair by greedy Phaervorul drow.

Captain Quen Harrowleaf		Level 15 Artillery
Medium natural humanoid (elf)		XP 1,200
HP 84; Bloodied 42 AC 28; Fortitude 27; Reflex 28; Will 26 Speed 6		Initiative +14 Perception +16 Low-Light Vision
Standard Actions
m Short Sword (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +20 vs. AC
Hit: 3d6 + 5 damage.
r Longbow (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (one creature); +22 vs. AC
Hit: 2d10 + 12 damage
R Rapid Shot (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (two attacks); +20 vs. AC
Hit: 2d10 + 5 damage.
Minor Actions
Hunter’s Quarry • At-Will
Effect: He designates the enemy nearest to him as his quarry. Once per round, he deals 2d6 extra damage to his quarry with an attack. This effect lasts until the end of the encounter, until the quarry is defeated, or until he uses this power again.
Skills Dungeoneering +16, Nature +16
Str 16 (+10)	Dex 25 (+14)			Wis 18 (+11)
Con 20 (+12)	Int 17 (+10)			Cha 14 (+9)
Alignment good     Languages Common, Elven, Giant
Equipment leather armor, short sword, longbow, arrow x30
At full strength the Rangers of the Nine number twenty men, all experienced archers and scouts:
Ranger of the Nine			Level 15 Minion Artillery
Medium natural humanoid (elf)			XP 300
HP 1; DT 17/8 AC 28; Fortitude 27; Reflex 28; Will 27 Speed 6			Initiative +11 Perception +14 Low-Light Vision
Standard Actions
m Short Sword (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +20 vs. AC
Hit: 10 damage.
r Longbow (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (one creature); +22 vs. AC
Hit: 12 damage.
R Rapid Shot (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (two attacks); +22 vs. AC
Hit: 9 damage.
Skills Dungeoneering +14, Nature +14
Str 13 (+8)	Dex 19 (+11)			Wis 15 (+9)
Con 14 (+9)	Int 14 (+9)			Cha 14 (+9)
Alignment good     Languages Common, Elven, Giant

The thirty-strong Kingsguard defend the persons of King Cirallon and Queen Avaranme:

Graywood Kingsguard
Medium fey humanoid
Level 15 Minion Soldier
HP 1; DT 17/8    Initiative +11
AC 31, Fortitude 28, Reflex 26, Will 27 Perception+15
Speed 7 Low-light vision
Traits
Wild Step
The elf ignores difficult terrain when it shifts.
Standard Actions
 Spear (weapon)  At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +20 vs. AC
Hit: 11 damage.
Effect: The elf marks the target until the end of the elf’s next turn.
Triggered Actions
Elven Accuracy  Encounter
Trigger: The elf makes an attack roll.
Effect (Free Action): The elf rerolls the triggering attack roll and uses the second result.
Skills Athletics +14, Nature +12
Str 15 (+9)                Dex 15 (+9)                Wis 16 (+10)
Con 18 (+11)                Int 11 (+7)                Cha 13 (+8)
Alignment Good        Languages Common, Elven
Equipment: chainmail , spear, large shield, longsword .
Published in Dungeon Magazine 200.

King Cirallon is also advised by Merath Anuvias, a veteran wood elf Silverstar of Selune:

Merath Anuvias, male Wood Elf Silverstar
Medium fey humanoid
Level 15 Controller
HP 64; Bloodied 32; Healing Surges 10; Surge Value 16 Initiative +9
AC 30, Fortitude 27, Reflex 27, Will 30 Perception+11
Speed 7 Low-light vision
Traits
Wild Step
Merath ignores difficult terrain when he shifts.
Standard Actions
 Moon Touch (charm)  At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +19 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d8 + 11 damage, he can slide the target 1 square, and the target cannot make opportunity attacks until the end of  his next turn.
 Silver Ray (radiant)  At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20 (one creature); +19 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d10 + 11 radiant damage, and he is invisible to the target until the end of his next turn. In addition, the target is considered to have been hit by a silvered weapon.
 Glorious Presence (charm, radiant)  Encounter
Attack: Close burst 2 (enemies in the burst); +19 vs. Will
Hit: 3d6 + 11 radiant damage, and he pushes the target up to 2 squares.
Effect: Merath and each ally in the burst gains 9 temporary hit points.
Triggered Actions
Elven Accuracy  Encounter
Trigger: Merath makes an attack roll.
Effect (Free Action): Merath rerolls the triggering attack roll and uses the second result.
Lingering Magic  Encounter
Trigger: An effect Merath imposed on an enemy would end on his current turn.
Effect (Free Action): The triggering effect instead ends at the end of Merath’s next turn.
Skills Arcana +15, Bluff +16, Diplomacy +16, Insight +14, Nature +11
Str 12 (+8)                Dex 14 (+9)                Wis 15 (+9)
Con 17 (+10)                Int 16 (+10)                Cha 18 (+11)
Alignment Good        Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven
Equipment: robes, holy symbol of Selune.
Religious, Healing & Arcane rituals to Level 15.

Material below in italics adapted from 'The North' by TSR.

Nordahaeril pop. 100 (Wood Elf Royal Court)
Nordahaeril, the main settlement of the Graywood elves, is a small tree-city west of the Stronghold of the Nine. King Cirallon holds court here with his Queen, Avaranme. It is a series of houses built around and in the trunks of the massive trees at the forest’'s heart. Consisting of approximately 20 trees and 30 individual buildings or huts interconnected by swinging vines, branch roads, and rope bridges between the trees, this settlement is typically home to about 100 sylvan elves. There is only one entrance to this colony from the forest floor, and it is a heavily guarded winding stair that ascends 100 feet up the interior of a massive oak to the lowest of Nordahaeril’'s outbuildings.

Stronghold of the Nine (Caerilcarn in Elvish) pop. 20 Elf Rangers of the Graywood

This fortress/cavern complex is shrouded by tall trees, and hard to find without an elven guide. A former Ammarindar dwarfhold once rebuilt by the Nine, a famous adventuring band led by the female archmage Laeral. Long-since abandoned by that group of heroes, it was taken over by wood elf Rangers of Graywood in service to King Cirallon who claimed the title of “Rangers of the Nine” as their own—, apparently with the blessing of Laeral.

Unicorn Run River
This clear, pristine river begins at the very heart of the High Forest, right at the base of the Star Mounts. Sacred to Mielikki, it is known for its purity, excellent fishing, and slow-moving current, as well as the fact that it'’s a gathering place for unicorns. Although the water does not detect as magical, something draws unicorns to its banks. 

The Sisters
South of the Star Mounts lie a series of escarpments and gorges created by the flow of the Unicorn Run called the Sisters. Considered the most beautiful and idyllic of locations by all who 

ever gaze upon them, the many multi-leveled waterfalls of the Sisters show the beauty that results from unspoiled nature. The mists and waters of the falls provide the moisture that allow scrub grass and vegetation to grow on the high plateaus and cliffs around them. These plateaus are home to a large number of centaurs, nereids, naiads, sylphs, pixies, and leprechauns. To see the moon rise over the Sisters and spot a unicorn atop a cliff is considered a blessing of good fortune from Mielikki.

Ancient elven legend of Eaerlann says that this sacred place is the Womb of the World; the Earth-Mother Chauntea calls the new races of Faerun into being here.

The Endless Caverns 
At the edge of the Sisters, the broken lands south of the Star Mounts, numerous caverns dot the cliffs, and most are unremarkable. However, a northern fork of the Unicorn Run flows from a huge opening in the cliff face, and the cave it creates is the entrance to what Harper rangers and druids know as the Endless Caverns. These are a series of deep-reaching cavern and tunnel complexes that the elves of Eaerlann (as do the elves and centaurs of the High Forest today) believed had connection points with the Deep Realms of Underearth. In the ancient days after the abandonment of Eaerlann, Grax Rekaxx, an ancient green dragon, made the mouth of the Endless Caverns his home. His moss-covered bones decorate the outermost cave chamber, where the river falls a short distance to join the Unicorn Run. However, no trace was found of his vast dragon hoard after his slaying at the hands of elven adventurers from Evereska ca 950 DR. For the past two centuries (ca 1300-1480 DR), Grimnoshtasdrano, the “Riddling Dragon (Large adult green),” made his residence in the ancient lair of Grax. He had quite an old and substantial hoard for a dragon of his relatively young age; he was simply the first to uncover the remains of Grax’'s hoard and absorb it into his own. Despite some distaste, Grimnosh left the bones of Grax in place simply as a warning to those who would test his patience. Grimnosh had good relations with the wood elf Rangers of the Nine. He fell to Chimerae in 1480 DR.
A human ranger, Skimmerhorn of Secomber, once reported evidence of illithid activity here on his investigation there in 1356 DR. Returning within a year’'s time with a band of adventurers and fellow rangers, they ventured into the Endless Caverns, flushed out an encampment of illithids and drow slavers, and went deeper to collapse the tunnels used to reach the surface. No word of their success— or survival— ever reached Secomber.

The Star Mounts
The majestic Star Mounts rise far above the forest canopy, usually shrouded in clouds or mist, making the view of the peaks impossible but for a few weeks  out of the year. Two rivers, the Unicorn Run and Heartblood River, claim headwaters from these mountains. The elves of Eaerlann first named the mountains, giving them the same names as stars in the northern heavens. Most of the original names are forgotten, only their rough translations survive: Bard’s Hill, Mount Vision, and Hunterhorn. Yet, a few are remembered: Y’tellarien (the Far Star), called Far Peak; Y’landrothiel (Traveler’s Star), called Mount Journey; and N’landroshien (Darkness in Light), called Shadowpeak. The forest south of the mountains hides a gnarled surface that might be called a badland were it not so densely thicketed. 

To the north, the land is unusually smooth, as if leveled with a woodworker’s plane. The mountains are also known to be rich in metals, including remarkably pure iron and nickel. But since the end of Eaerlann, no one mines there. The Star Mounts are an unapproachable curiosity. The ancient elven names hint at some unfathomable mystery, though most suspect the elves know the truth of it. As far as anyone knows, no flying creature less powerful than a dragon can land there due to constant and usually fierce winds. Huge crystals dot the surface of the mountains, many as large as small houses. There are several tower spires in the mountains with walls made of fractured crystal shards. When moonlight strikes the crystals, it creates webworks of reflected light across the surface of the mountain. On a spire at the heart of the Star Mounts during the full moon, the crystals' patterns of light are rumored to generate a gate to another plane (Arvandor?), and/or the light has the ability to resurrect anyone laid within the cairn of standing stones at its top of the spire.

Deva are known to incarnate here, and to return here when called.

Kenku wardens dwell here, guarding the crystal towers, and do not welcome visitors.

UTHGARDT

Black Dog Clan Uthgardt pop. 240+
This small Uthgardt clan dwelt towards the south edge of the High Forest, east of the Dire Wood and north of Castle deTrevani. They include the young half-elven Druidess Arael or 'Fires of the Heart' (Dru), formerly one of the Burning Hand adventurers with Esmerelda of Llorkh.  In M4 1479 DR their sacred oak was burned by the renegade Tiefling Morthos of Luskan, but they have since recovered, not least thanks to Arael's magical powers. As of M4 1480 DR the Black Dog Clan are believed to have withdrawn to the north, beyond the Heartsblood River, in search of a new Sacred Oak deeper in the High Forest.

The Dire Wood
The Dire Wood is about 20 miles across, ca 1400 square miles, though some say that within distance is oddly distorted, that it's larger within than without. It's marked by an outer ring of frozen, petrified white oak trees. Strange beasts unknown in the outside world are commonly encountered there. At the heart of the Dire Wood lies a redstone butte embedded with green crystals; legends say this was once a flying city of Netheril. The ruined city of Karse is built at the northern foot of the butte, with the waters of the Heartblood River lapping its crumbling quays.

Tigerclaw Uthgardt pop. ca 3000, with around 1,000 warriors.

Prince Konn, Son of Scargash, Tigerclaw Tiger Rider

In the winter of 1479-1480 DR, a large band of roaming Uthgardt barbarians unaffiliated with the  northern Tree Ghost Tribe crossed the frozen Heartsblood River and entered the Dire Wood. Some of the Tigerclaw are Shifters, with the blood of tigers in their veins. Reports from elven scouts and the river-halflings of the Heartsblood indicate that the Tigerclaw are searching the ruins of Karse. They have numerous snow tiger companions, and there are reports that a large white dragon has been seen accompanying them. The Ranger Jorah Blackthorn reported that the Uthgardt have referred to the dragon as Bitterstrike, and that it (she) has only one eye.
1481 DR: The Tigerclaws under Prince Konn (Level 16 Striker) are friendly but distant to Loudwater to the south.

The River Halflings of the Heartsblood River pop. ca. 1,200
Some 1,200 halflings have long dwelt in well-hidden burrows along the banks of the Heartblood river, with the exception of the central run where it dips into the sinister Dire Wood and laps the ancient stone quays of ruined Karse. They are a goodly folk, though reclusive and tight-lipped. In olden times they often ventured south to trade with the folk of Loudwater, but the fall of Castle deTrevani to the Hill Orcs made that trip too dangerous for any but the boldest. The River Halflings are said to be divided into two Shires, Upwater and Downwater, bisected by the northern thrust of the Dire Wood. Each Shire has its own Shire-Reeve, an elected headman, currently Will Oakshot is the Downwater Sheriff. Most halflings travel miles overland rather than take the water-route past Karse; many rash souls who dare the water-trip are never seen again.
The borders of both Upwater and Downwater are protected by the Bounders (MP1 pg 28), an elite cadre of halfling warriors under Tal Goodfellow (Level 14 Defender).
Update: The restoration of deTrevani Barony by Amara deTrevani & Ashara of Akanul from M2 1480 DR onwards has opened up the Heartblood River and the River Shires to trade with Loudwater once more.
 22/6/1480: Night has fallen when you spot the bluebell trail down to the hidden dell where nestles the Halfling village of Downwater. Approaching you are met by Bounders, the Halflings' elite guards, who escort you to the Shire-Reeve's hillside estate/halfling-hole. You are taken to an antechamber (Lirael ducking) to wait while your leter of introduction is presented to the Shire-Reeve. After a short time Shire-Reeve Will Oakshot, a bewhiskered middle-aged fellow, enters and greets you. With him is a lean, weatherbeaten Halfling with a warrior's look - Tal Goodfellow, leader of the Bounders. Will greets you cordially: "Any friend of the Baroness deTrevani is a friend of mine!" Tal is more taciturn., You ask about the Tigerclaw. Will: "They passed through Upwater Shire last winter on their way in to Karse. The Bounders monitored them..." Tal nods: "We count them as three thousand, with a thousand warriors, hunting cats and sabretooths in numbers too. And the dragon of course. They've claimed the Dire Wood for their own; drove out or killed every orc and goblin they find. We avoid them, and as far as we know, they don't know we exist."
 Tal: "We didn't want to take a chance, so we told the Folk to hide from them. They've kept very tight within the Boundary Line of the Dire Wood, and we don't go in there, so no trouble - they've harmed none of us directly. We had some trouble with Frost Goblins fleeing the Dire Wood though... took us a couple days to hunt 'em all down, and a couple of my men were wounded." Will nods: "Aye, but now they've cleared the Dire Wood I'd say they're about as good neighbours as one could expect, for a place like that. From what you were telling me, Tal, looks like there's not a single Orc or Goblin clan left south of the Heartblood now, from here to the Star Mounts. First time I could say that in a hundred years - perhaps forever." Will Oakshot lights his pipe and puffs contentedly. "So far, they've been good news for us. But we didn't want to risk approaching them, just in case..."
Shire-Reeve Will Oakshot offers Dunstan and Lirael smoking pipes, then continues: "If I were a religious man, I'd say Lady Yondalla - that's yer Mielikki/Chauntea, Miss Lirael - had sent them Uthgardt as a blessing to us. I feel it in me bones - good times are coming to the Shires, and the Vale." The Bounder captain Tal Goodfellow smiles wryly as he lights his own pipe. "Perhaps, Will, perhaps. But I'll be keepin' up my prayers to Arvoreen the Defender, just in case..."
Upwater: Will Oakshot: "Upwater folks are a little queer, if you ask me... Tattoos and hair-braids - why, they're half-Uthgardt themselves! But Tal knows them well and seems to get on with them, don't you Tal?"

Karse (ruin)
In the center of the Dire Wood are the ancient ruins of Karse. In older days, religious Netherese emigrants built this city at the northern edge of a tall butte of red stone, dotted with green crystals said to be the blood of Karsus. The crumbling redstone docks of Karse lie on the south shore of the Heartblood river, within the Dire Wood perimeter which extends a few miles north of the river at that point.

Like Eaerlann and many places, the town of Karse was abandoned after the fall of Ascalhorn and left to ruin. Both normal forest and black, petrified oaks have grown throughout the ruins. The only building that weather the centuries without scars is an eerie black pyramid that pulses and flickers with a sickly green radiance - the ancient Temple of Karsus. The Netherese lich Wulgreth, whose infamy is legendary as the fool whose meddling demon summoning led to the fall of Ascalhorn, Eaerlann and Ammarindar in 882 DR, made Karse’'s ruins its home after fleeing Ascalhorn/Hellgate, until finally destroyed by the Shadovar Prince Melagaunt of Netheril immediately prior to the Shadovar's return to Faerun in the year of Wild Magic.


Mhiilamniir (ruin)
Mhiilamniir is the most complete reminder of Eaerlann’'s civilization outside of Tall Trees. Less than two days’ travel from the end of the Old Road (or three days’ travel east from the Lost Peaks) puts travelers among the overgrown ruins of the lost temple city of Eaerlann. At the height of Eaerlann’'s civilization, Mhiilamniir was the location of a number of major temples and seats of power for elven clergies of the North. Not one building in Mhiilamniir today is not thoroughly covered by mosses, undergrowth, shrubbery, or small trees. The largest building was the central temple, once dedicated to Corellon Larethian, that sits at the hub of the small grove-enshrouded ruins. With its central dome long shattered and fallen, its jagged edges of stone are the only easily sought suggestions that a city once stood here. Unfortunately, Mhiilamniir is no longer safe for elven pilgrims, since Corellon'’s temple is the lair of an Elder (Huge) green dragon female named Chloracridara (since ca 1350 DR?). Chlora is rabidly paranoid about protecting her not-inconsiderable hoard— from raiders, and she attacks anyone she finds within the ruins of the temple city. Chlora is known to have mated with Grimnosh the riddling dragon, who paid much of Graxx Rekax's hoard for the privilege in dowry, and they have several offspring, young adult green dragons who roam the High Forest and beyond. As of 1480 DR two of her daughters are said to still dwell with Chlora in the ruins.

Reitheillaethor pop. ca. 200-400?
Reitheillaethor is a newish (ca 1360 DR), well hidden wood elven settlement east of Karse, a few miles north-east of the Heartblood River and west of the eastern edge of the High Forest where it rises to the valley of the Upper Delimbyr . Unlike Nordahaeril, this is a colony on the forest floor, still primarily using huts and tents. Many of Reitheillaethor'’s inhabitants are nomads within the forest, coming to this site only during the winter. The few permanent buildings are wooden lodges, and they all seem to have grown out of the entwining roots and bark of the surrounding trees. Reitheillaethor is a circular encampment around one huge, central lodge with four great oaks as its four corners. Seven smaller lodges and a ring of trees form a perimeter around that center, and the remainder of the settlement tends to be individual tents, lean-tos, and temporary cabins. While the sylvan elves of the High Forest are all hunters and gatherers, the elves of Reitheillaethor are also accomplished fishermen and craftsmen. In fact, the graceful yet sturdy pottery they create from the red clay along the banks of the Heartblood River is a valuable trade commodity both within and outside of the High Forest. 

Session 32 Demonic Incursion 2/2/1480 DR

Ashara of Akanul and her apprentice Amara deTrevani return to Loudwater after 6 months in Akanul, only to find themselves in the midst of a demonic invasion...

Amara deTrevani

2/2/1480: After several days' rest at the Tower of Treona, Lirael Halvath Jareth and Palias ride the 14 miles back west to Loudwater. Leaving their horses at the Stables they head north towards the docks to book transit on a ship downriver, entering the open market square in front of the Moonfire Mansion. There Lirael meets Ashara and Amara deTrevani, newly arrived in town via phantom steeds. Having completed her apprentice training, Amara plans to use her powers to retake Castle deTrevani from the Orcs and restore her family fortunes.
Meanwhile a Bard, Quinn, has newly arrived in Loudwater by boat. Passing through the gate from the docks ward he enters the square, and senses a twisted portal opening below 'him', somewhere nearby. Meanwhile a local doomsayer, Malineus Bleak, has ascended the stage in front of the mansion and is haranguing a small crowd with warnings of DOOM!! - certainly true in his case, for suddenly he screams and is consumed in fire. Standing on the stage is a roaring pillar of flame and blackened bones - an Immolith demon! Quinn notices too late as flaming zombies disgorge from the open storm drain behind him and attack. The Immolith orders them to seize the Ring, and attacks Jareth.

The Immolith Appears

A fierce battle ensues, the crowd flees in panic and Quinn is hard pressed. Malineus Bleak stands back up, now a flaming zombie, and is engaged by Palias. After a fierce fight the heroes are triumphant, Ashara leads the way down into the sewers, seeking to close the demonic portal before it can open further. But more demons lies in wait...

Demon Toad Minions are Lurking!

Toad demons in the water, Mezzodemons on the pathway and a hideous sleep-inducing Chasme fly demon scurrying on the walls attack the party, but ultimately prove no match for the heroes' power. Ashara and Amara press on and find a glowing demonic portal, about to disgorge the enormous form of 20' tall Carnage Goristro. Focusing their arcane powers, they close the Portal before it can disgorge the brute.

Flies & Toads

Demon Horde vs Ashara

In the aftermath, Ashara and Amara bid farewell to the others, heading east to Trevann to raise a force and take back Castle deTrevani from the orcs with fire and sword. In the smoking ruins of the castle they plan to establish a Conclave and train a new generation of Fire Wizards.
Lady Moonfire approaches Lirael and thanks her for defeating the demons and saving Moonfire from having to unleash the power of Karsus the Failed God to save Loudwater from the demons. Moonfire implies that would have been a Bad Thing.
The group reach the docks and book passage to Daggerford with Tollun, a river merchant Lirael knows (Esmerelda once helped him bargain with an Orlbar trader over some cheap wine). The group plan to go to Wyrmscrag Fortress and loot the wealth of Emerald Dawn before taking the Ring of Nemeia to Hallomak Stromm in Waterdeep.

XP
Courtyard: Immolith & 5 flameborn zombies, inc Malineus Bleak: 3700
Sewer: Chasme, 3 Mezzodemons, 4 Canoloth Harriers: 3600
Closing the Portal on the Carnage Goristro: 1200
Total: 8500/6.5 = 1308 + 21,132 = 22,440
26,000 for Level 11 (Paragon Tier)

Session 31: Reach Lvl10 - Fall the Dawn 29/1/1480 DR.

29/1/1480 DR
The group are rested after a day at the Shrine of Mielikki. Waking that morning, Lirael finds her bow has been granted a Thunder boon by Mielikki, the forest goddess, Lady of the Gray Vale.

Arya the Wizard arrives from Loudwater; Lirael fills her in on the situation. The Ring speaks with Arya, telling her that her destiny is to free Thay from Undeath and its 'false god' Szass Tam. The group depart Brownstone, reaching Loudwater at lunchtime. They luncheon at the Green Tankard; Halvath visits Father Halvath visits his friend Brother Griffon at the Temple of Silvanus, while Lirael takes several others to see Lady Moonfire, leaving the Ring of Nemeia behind Lirael tells Moonfire about the Ring, and asks why it is seeking her. Moonfire reveals a shocking secret - that she is drawing on the dark energies of Karsus, the Failed God, to protect Loudwater. Lirael confers with the others and informs them of this.

The group leave Loudwater that afternoon and ride east, reaching Treona's tower at dusk. Just before sunset Lirael and Tassan spot a large draconic shape approaching from the south-west, flying over the South Wood. Treona examines the Ring and says she lacks the power to destroy it - only her old friend Halamak Stromm, the demon-hunting Savant-Sage of Waterdeep, might be able to do so.  But she can cast a Ritual of Non-Detection that might shield the ring.

Treona

With a thunk, a large green dragon, Emerald Dawn, lands on the roof. Jareth goes up to negotiate with it, but an epic battle soon ensues. Lirael, Halvath and Tassan are all brought near death before Jareth's glaive and a magic missile from Arya finally slays the beast.

XP:
Roleplay XP: 150 each.
Defeat Emerald Dawn: 6000/7 = 857 each.
Total: 1,007 + 20,125 = 21,132
LEVEL 10 REACHED
26,000 for LEVEL 11 (PARAGON LEVEL)

PCs reached Level 5 in Session 11, the first session of 2012, and reached level 10 in Session 31, the penultimate session of 2012.

2011: 10 sessions, 3 level-ups (2, 3, 4) = 1 per 3.33.
2012: 22 sessions, 6 level-ups (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) = 1 per 3.66.

Session 30: Blood on the Snow 27-28/1/1480 DR

27/1/1480 DR

Lirael & Halvath arrive back at the dell at dusk, and discuss taking the Ring to Treona the Wise-Woman. They have not been there long when an Ettin attacks the camp from the cliffs above. Jareth of Orlbar hurries back to assist the others, and they defeat it after a fierce fight.

With the temperature falling, the group decides to head north to Brownstone, using sunrods for illumination as they travel through the night. On the way through the woods, passing a ring of standing-stones they are ambushed by a group of five fire-breathing dragonborn warriors - skilled combatants, but they prove no match for the heroes. Four are slain, the last surrenders - Jareth wants to slay him, but he promises to leave the service of the 'Emerald Dawn', his green dragon mistress, and is granted quarter. He leaves, heading south.

28/1/1480 DR

The group reaches Brownstone before dawn; Halvath has the guards open the palisade gates and they repair to the shrine of Mielikki for a well-earned rest, waking that afternoon.

XP
Gulthog the Ettin 2500

5 Dragonborn Warriors 2500

Total: 5000/6=833

833+19,292=20,125

Need: 20,500 for 10th.

PCs
1. Lirael Sirocco, Half-Elf Archer Ranger
2. Jareth of Orlbar, Human Slayer Fighter
3. Dunstan Ironforge, Dwarf Knight Fighter
4. Halvath, Human Cleric War-Priest of Mielikki
5. Palias, Elf Archer Ranger
6. Tassan, Elf Monk

7. Not present: Arya, Human Mage Wizard

Session 29: The Ring of Nemeia 26-27/1/1480 DR

26/1/1480 DR

Descending the steps, the heroes battle a zombie hulk, flame braziers, reanimating skeleton archers, and their Draconian Necromancer master, a sort of Lizardman/Dragon crossbreed. Victorious, on the dead Draconian is a silver ring with the symbol of Asmodeus, Arch-Devil of Hell. They recognise the Signet Ring as the Ring of Nemeia, 'Demon Empress of Netheril' said to be buried deeper in the cairn.

The party return across the High Moor to the forested dell where they left their horses; the horses have been scattered and need rounding up - Lirael finds the tracks of a large Ettin. The Ring speaks in a silvery female voice to the mind of each hero who holds it, tempting them with promises of power, and punishing them with green Necrotic energy when they refuse. It tells them that  "The Scaly Ones are Coming" which proves true a few hours after nightfall, as two Yuan-Ti hunters find the camp, but are spotted by the elven Ranger Palias. Despite their speed and power, both are slain.

27/1/1480 DR

Next morning Lirael leaves the others in the dell with the ring and heads north alone to Brownstone, where she recruits Halvath, the local priest of Mielikki, and brings him back south to the dell to examine the ring. 

XP:

Draconian Necromancer, Zombie Hulk & skels: 1650/5=330 each

Yuan-Ti Abomination & Malison: 2300/5=460 each

Environment, Interaction with Ring of Nemeia etc: 200 each

Total: 990+18,302=19,292

Need: 20,500 for 10th.

Session 28: The Empress Cairn 25-26/1/1480 DR

After weeks of heavy snowfall, the last few days have been cold but bright and clear. In Loudwater's Green Tankard Tavern, Lirael Sirocco is having a drink with the High Forest elf Ranger Palias and a dwarf Fighter, Dunstan Ironforge.
The old white-bearded hunter Trapper John enters, covered in scratches and bony shards. He reports that the Empress Cairn west of Highstar Lake has been broken into, he followed tracks and when he entered he was attacked by exploding skeletons. He asks Lirael, his old friend Dunstan, and Palias to check it out - there are old tales of a curse that will arise should the resting place of the Netherese Empress Nemeia ever be violated. Palias tends to John's wounds, then he goes to get a hot bath and a nice rest.
Palias talks with local man Sunsteen Urbeth about rumours of Najaran Serpentfolk; last year Sunsteen's niece Penny Tavistock was among those rescued from human slavers in the ruins of Zelbross by Lirael and the Burning Hand adventurers. The slavers were aided by a snake-headed lizardman shaman or adept. The Orlbar Royal Guard Jareth turns up and joins the group.
Lirael purchases horses for the group, they ride west to the stockaded village of Brownstone where they spend the night at the villa of the local knight, Sir Halvard Brooke. Brooke seems worried by rumours of 'frost goblins' in the woods. He seems to keep his attractive daughter Amanda under close watch. Lirael has private quarters, the other three sleep in the main hall with Brooke's retainers.

26/1/1480 DR
Next morning the group ride south from Brownstone through a snowy landscape, Lirael following a trail. They ride up through leafless woods to the edge of the High Moor, where they leave the horses in a hidden dell, then treck for four miles across knee-deep snow to where the Empress Cairn rises on the west shore of Highstar Lake. They reach the Cairn at dusk, as the sun is setting behind the distant ruins of Wyrmscrag Castle to the west. Clear tracks show a group matching John's description - a humanoid reptilian, an ogre, and human-sized tracks, some with bony prongs, approach the cairn. John's tracks can be seen approaching the tomb, then fleeing.
The tomb's stone door has been forced and broken. Inside, undead guards await - wights and boneshard skeletons attack fiercely. When they are defeated, the urinous Dunstan activates a gas trap in the entrance chamber. The group skirt the gas. Down a sloping passage are more guards, burning skeletons and frost zombies, but these are swiftly defeated. Palias uses his Fey Step to pass a portcullis then open it from the far side, while the rest of the group jump over a sheet of weird glowing ice. They stand at the top of a long flight of stairs leading downwards. From below can be seen a baleful red gleam...

XP:
Roleplay & Travel 100 per PC
Boneshards & Wights: 1000/4 = 250 per PC
Blazing skeletons, chillborn zombies & ice: 1300/4=325
Total: 675 each + 17,627=18,302
Need: 20,500 for 10th.

Dragons of the Gray Vale

Dragon Typical Level Range (Solo)
Young: 3-8 (Large)
Adult: 9-16 (Large)
Elder: 17-23 (Huge)
Ancient: 24-30 (Gargantuan)

Central Gray Vale (2)
Bitterstrike (f): This Mature Adult (Large) White dragon entered the Dire Wood from the north, ca 1/1/1480 DR. Commands the Tigerclaw Uthgardt clan.

Tyristix: (f) Elder (Huge) Verdigris Dragon (Copper/Green Cross): ca 600 years old, approachable, dwells by hot springs in the ruins of Kiris Dahn, on the north side of the Southwood. 1479 DR handed over the Slaying Stone to Ashara the Genasi. Rumoured to be a daughter of Grax Rekaxx. Copper mother unknown.

Emerald Dawn - The Wyrmscrag Dragon: (f) An Adult (Large) Green dragon of Najara, seen hunting in the northern High Moor around the ruins of Wyrmscrag Castle and into the western Southwood. Served by Yuan-Ti and Draconians (Lizardfolk Dragonborn). RIP 29/1/1480 DR. May have been a daughter of Tyristix.

Grimnoshtasdrano (m), the “Riddling Dragon" (Large adult green), ca 200 years old, made his residence in the ancient lair of Grax Rekaxx (m), an Ancient (Gargantuan) green dragon (slain by elven adventurers from Evereska ca 950 DR), in the Endless Caverns where the river falls a short distance to join the Unicorn Run.  Grimnosh is rumoured to be the offspring of Tyristrix, making him 1/4 copper and perhaps explaining his unusual temperament. That might also make Grax Rekax his grandsire. RIP M4 1480 DR: Grimnosh is reported slain by a pair of Chimerae, who seize his treasure.

Eastern Gray Vale (3)
Ice Fang: (f) Adult (Large) White Dragon, dwells atop Stonefang Mountain between the Gray Vale and Bleached Bones Pass. Considers herself mistress of the mountain. Ward Pact with Severed Eye Dragonskull clan Orcs; the deva paladin Shawna Carter persuaded her not to attack.

Nightshade: (f) Adult (Large) Black Dragon, former leader of the Poisoned Shadows gang of Shadar-Kai assassins. Last seen in the sewers beneath Llorkh 1479 DR - killed three heroes in battle including Karvol; Arya & Lirael narrowly escaped. 1480 DR: Rumour places Nightshade in service of the Mountain King.

Azaegal: (m) Huge (Elder) Red Dragon. This great red wyrm lairs somewhere in the Graypeak mountains far to the north or north-east, but has occasionally been spotted flying over the lands of the Mountain King, as far south as Wyvern Mountain. Centuries ago Azaegal and his father, the legendary Xhitigal (m) (Gargantuan two-headed Red, near Luruar), united to slay the Elder White Dragon Slevyas (f) that had claimed Wyvern Mountain in the aftermath of the fall of Ammarindar.

High Forest
Elaacrimalicros (m): Gargantuan (Ancient) Green Dragon. By far the eldest living dragon of the High Forest, this ancient green wyrm has a cavernous lair among the highest peaks of the Star Mounts. He sleeps for decades at a time, but when awakened his hunger drives him to devour widely before returning to slumber. Possibly brother to Grax Rekax.

Chloracridara (f): Huge (Elder) Green Dragon. She came to the High Forest from the Far Forest around 1360 DR. She has had several children by Grimnoshtasdrano the Riddling Dragon ca 1370-1430 DR, some of whom have survived to adulthood and departed to seek their fortunes elsewhere.  Her lair is located among the ruins of Mhiilamniir, between the Lost Peaks and the Nameless Dungeon. She is known to attack non-dragons on sight.

Deathsleet (m): Huge (Elder) White Dragon. The mate of Bitterstrike, Deathsleet is particularly large and powerful male. He lairs high atop the Lost Peaks, descending to the High Forest to search for game.

Young Dragons: Adventurers have occasionally reported encountering young Green dragons in the Southwood, young Red and White dragons in the Graypeak Mountains, and young Black dragons in the High Moor. Typical Level range 3-7.

Hunting Range: Typical range for an adult dragon is around 700 square miles, a 15-mile radius around the lair. Young dragon ranges are much smaller, around 7.5 mile radius or 175 square miles, while Elder dragon ranges are vast, around a 30 mile radius or more than 2800 square miles.

Session 27: Death in the Sewers 24/10/1479 DR

In the sewers beneath Llorkh, the party finish off two Shadar-Kai warriors; the Paladin Calloway hacks his way out of the massive gelatinous cube in the sewer intersection. After a short rest, Karvol hacks a hole in the iron grate of the inflow pipe that the Oni fled through in gaseous form, beyond which a faint blue phosphoresence can be seen.

Karvol leads the way past the grate down the pipe to a large chamber lit by lumescent moss upon the ceiling. A barrel bobs in the sewer intersection. There is an acrid stench. Karvol emerges from the pipe - and spots the enormous black dragon hiding under the water. Battle ensues, the Oni emerges from the far side of the chamber and blasts the party with sleep-breath, while the black dragon scorches them with acid. Lirael fells the Oni with an arrow to the throat, but the dragon Nightshade proves too much for the heroes. Karvol, Calloway and Dardalion are slain. Desperately, Arya drags Lirael's unconscious body down the pipe, pursued by the dragon. Somehow Arya dodges Nightshade's bites and gets Lirael back through the hole in the iron grate, which blocks the dragon long enough for Arya to get a healing potion into Lirael, restoring her to consciousness. The two survivors flee round the corner as clouds of acid-breath from the angry dragon fill the sewer behind them. 

Lirael and Arya flee back to the surface.

Party XP

Start:16,947. 

8-2: Defeated 2 shadar-kai, gelatinous cube, & Maiko the Oni: 1,900/5=380.

8-3: Fight and defeated by Nightshade, Adult Black Dragon: 1,500/5=300

Total: 680+16,947=17,627

Need: 20,500 for 10th.

Lirael:

Lirael, quite chastened by her near-death experience, has had just about enough of Llorkh. As Esme has retired to rule the land along with her doting Pig King hubby, she wonders if she and Arya can take their share of the spoils from Llorkh's treasury (including that Rod of Hope Triumphant--just in case) and move on. She does not mention it to Arya, but she is convinced that they need to find some trustworthy companions. While she feels confident she can protect herself in the wild, it is easier to move quietly about the countryside by herself than with a (rather squishy) companion like Arya, who she would never desert...especially after Arya risked her own life to drag her out of the very maw of the dragon. She ponders where best to find some...as "trustworthy" is not something one associates with the people who frequent Llorkh. ...
Lirael also sends word to Calloway and Dardalion's (sorry if I spelled that wrong) superiors letting them know what happened to the brave warriors and including a subtly worded suggestion that if they wish to continue their hunt of the dragon Nightshade they can damn well do it themselves.

Llorkh:

Kitana and most of the Banites return from a glorious victory over the Severed Eye Orc outpost to the south, west of Stonefang Mountain. They surprised the orcs and killed dozens of orc warriors, cornering and slaying their leader, the human female alchemist Dreus Matrand - who Lirael might remember sent a Severed Eye Orc party into the ruins of Kiris Dahn after the Slaying Stone, months ago. Only one senior Banite, Oskim, fell in the battle, further convincing the Banites that they enjoy the Blessing of Bane and that the Banechild, Esmerelda, is truely the Chosen One to usher in the Age of Bane. 

Esmerelda in her wisdom sends the Banites back south again to man the southern frontier, fortify the orc caves, and defend the Victoria Mine from any renewed Orc threat.

The twelve men who Esme sent east after ex-King Boris do not return. Word soon comes from the village of Irondawn east of Llorkh that Boris apparently convinced the twelve to join with him (OOC: rolled a 31 on his Diplomacy check! [:D]) and they re-equipped in Irondawn before heading east over the Dawn Pass into the Fallen Lands.  

Session 26: The Poisoned Shadows 24/10/1479 DR

The day after Esmerelda becomes Queen of Llorkh, most of the bandits are sleeping off the effects of the Great Feast. Esme has dispatched 12 men east to kill Boris, while sending Kitana and the most fanatical Banites south against the Severed Eye Orcs.

Two followers of Bahamut, the Cleric Dardalion and the Paladin Callaway, have arrived in Llorkh from Waterdeep searching for the remnants of the Poisoned Shadows, a group of Shadar-Kai assassins who had slain the Vice-Patriarch of Bahamut. They are spotted by Lirael and brought to the Palace via a rear entrance. After consultation with Arya and Karvol, they agree to help in investigating the theft of the Ammarindar dwarven rune-plates from the tower of the deceased Transmuter Olaris Vlakos.

Investigating the abandoned Old Curiousity Shoppe on the north-west side of Llorkh, the group find three Shadar-Kai in the cellar, including a vicious Witch who clouds Lirael's vision.  In a fierce fight another Shadar-Kai arrives from the sewers below, and a fifth attacks Arya from behind, but eventually all five Shadar-Kai are dispatched. One falls, spilling the contents of a chest - treasure, assassination contracts, and recent notes from Oro Loroth, the evil dwarf Mountain King, addressed to "Nightshade, Mistress of the Poisoned Shadows" commanding the theft of Olaris' plates (600gp) and preferably the killing of Olaris (2000gp). Old contracts from Waterdeep indicate that the murder of the Vice-Patriarch of Bahamut - and desired murder of the Patriarch - were commanded by the Ashmadai, devil cultists serving Asmodeus.

The group enter the sewers, where they swiftly encounter an Oni disguised as Olaris, and two more Shadar-Kai. Battle rages, and Callaway tries to cross a slippery sewer-pipe, only to fall into the water, and the submerged Gelatinous Cube waiting there...

Photos by Kimberly Pauley:

XP: 1,700/5=340 each.  
Total: 16,607+340= 16,947. 

Need: 20,500 for 10th.

The Fallen Lands ca M10-11 1479 DR

This area, roughly comprising the territory south of the Far Forest, north of the Graypeak Mountains, and west of the Deep Maw, is crisscrossed by ridges of low foothills, dotted with scrubby stands of pine and barren plateaus. Craters, fissures, and fault lines make navigation and orientation difficult. Sheer ridges force travelers along endless twisting paths, and the fractured topography makes good vantage points few and far between.

Rain is rare in the summer and sporadic in other seasons, but the Fallen Lands are by no means a desert. Small streams are common even in the height of summer. Winter sees a light dusting of snow but only the occasional blizzard or heavy snowfall.
The Fallen Lands, as they exist in the aftermath of the Spellplague, remain largely unexplored, but here are a few facts every traveler knows.

✦ Somewhere near the center of the Fallen Lands stands Stormkeep, a mysterious castle surrounded by magical squalls of electricity that never dissipate.
✦ Orcs and goblins live in scattered bands throughout the region. They mostly war against each other, though different tribes occasionally unite under a single banner to raid over the Graypeaks and strike the frontier communities of the Gray Vale.
✦ Travel by day is reasonably safe, although particularly bold bandits sometimes menace travelers who don’t appear capable of defending themselves.
✦ Some explorers speak of a site known as the Plateau of the Reverse Obelisks, which they say is safe to approach and travel through by day. In fact, the denizens of the Fallen Lands grant this area a wide berth, making it perhaps the safest part of the journey to Spellgard. However, it is unwise (if not downright foolhardy) to make camp or spend the night anywhere near this place.
✦ Spellgard lies atop a ridge at the eastern edge of the Fallen Lands. Its ruins are visible from miles away on a clear day.
✦ Spellgard was once known as Saharelgard, a great fortress of ancient Netheril. It is home to Lady Saharel, a ghost who has the gift of prophecy and insight. She speaks of the future or the past to anyone who chances upon her in the Spellgard ruins.
✦ At the edge of Spellgard stands the Monastery of the Precipice. Treasure-hunters and seekers after Lady Saharel congregated there.

Rumors

✦ Spellgard has fallen to wizard-led soldiers of the Empire of Netheril. The brave knight Sir Calard fell defending the Monastery of the Precipice, now occupied by Netherese troops, who have ordered non-Netherese to leave the ruined city. The Netherese are now investigating the Sceptre Tower.
✦ A half-finished castle in the Fallen Lands is haunted by the ghost of the lord who died before it could be finished.
✦ The great treasures of Spellgard were taken from the place years ago, in the final days of Low Netheril when the fortress was sacked. However, rumors persist of undisturbed chambers there, and of ancient relics that have not seen the light of day for centuries.
✦ Spellgard has lain in ruins for more than a thousand years, but the castle has never been truly abandoned. A shifting population of treasure hunters and prophecy seekers occupied the aboveground ruins, and the old tunnels beneath the site are home to kobolds and fouler creatures.
✦ In the middle of Spellgard is the Scepter Tower, one of the few structures of the old castle that still stands complete. Mystery and legend surround the Scepter Tower, and it is said that no living being can pass within its walls.
✦ The magic of Netheril lingers within the stones of Spellgard. Before the castle fell, its arcanists focused incalculable power within the Scepter Tower, and the chambers of old Saharelgard were warded by magic locks that no one could defeat.
✦ Not all who look for Lady Saharel left when the Monastery of the Precipice fell to Netheril.  Seeker camps still dot the ruins, and some of their residents are as dangerous as any monsters roaming the Fallen Lands.

Session 25: Reach Level 9 - The Ousting of King Boris 23/10/1479 DR.

Battle in the Throneroom - Kitana launches herself at Boris, but is swiftly knocked unconscious. Aided by the Banites among Boris' men, the heroes overcome him before the bulk of his forces can arrive. He is stripped, tied up, then banished, along with 'Piggy', his one remaining loyal man. The brigands hail Esme as their new queen. Sir Galtos of the 'Pig Lords' (Timbervale) arrives from the south with 75 men. Esme appoints Karvol her chief of guards, Arya her Magist, Lirael her Huntress (& advisor). She sends off Kitana, consults with Galtos. On Lirael's advice, Esme proposes marriage to young Galtos, he delightedly accepts. Esme has Kitana send in Valtar, Boris' most loyal man. Instead of executing him she appoints him to a position. At his suggestion she has him gather a squad and chase off after Boris to eliminate him. Esme announces a celebratory feast.

That evening as the feast is due to start, Arya visits the ramshackle tower of Olaris Vlakos, only to find a mysterious thief stealing the old transmuter's Amarrindar dwarven records, scribed copper plates. He escapes through a window and runs off; Arya fetches Lirael and Karvol and they track him to an 'Old Curiousity Shoppe' on the north side of Llorkh.

Battle in the Throneroom

Start XP: 15707/16500 for 9th Level
+500 for fight, roleplay
+400 for level 9 major quest - overthrow Boris
Total:16607 - PCs 9th level
Need: 20,500 for 10th.

Rituals in Olaris Vlakos' Ritual Book, 42/128 pages used.

Lvl 1 - 7 pages 

Create Beer (Nature) Ritual components: hops, yeast, water: creates large quantitites of fine beer within a few days.

Brew Potion (Arcana or Religion) - PHB

Comprehend Language (Arcana) - PHB

Magic Mouth (Arcana) - PHB

Make Whole (Arcana) - PHB

Secret Page (Arcana) - PHB

Tenser's Floating Disk (Arcana) - PHB

Lvl 3 - 3 pages

Detect Secret Doors (Arcana) - PHB 

Lvl 4 - 4 pages

Enchant Magic Item (Arcana) - PHB

Lvl 6 - 12 pages

Disenchant Magic Item (Arcana) - PHB

Sending (Arcana) - PHB

Lvl 8 - 16 pages

Analyze Portal (Arcana) - FRPG pg 142

Linked Portal (PHB) - details on using Portals as teleport destinations from anywhere (ie Linked Portal doesn't require an origin Portal). Olaris' notes detail the use as teleport destinations of (1) the Zhent Portal to Darkhold in Llorkh (currently blocked), and (2) a dormant Portal of the Ammarindar Dwarves, outside the ruined dwarf-hold of Tannheim, by a lake shore on the north side of Stonefang Mountain. This is 18 miles south of Llorkh, 10 miles from Timbervale, past the entrance to the Stonefang Tunnel. Olaris' notes speculate that the Tannheim Portal's active destination-link may have been severed in the Spellplague.

In the Realms, Portals are permanent teleportation gateways, typically archways. They often require a key or arcana check to activate. Active or Dormant Portals can often be used as teleport destinations via the Linked Portal ritual (PHB). The Analyze Portal Ritual can be used with an Arcana check to block a Portal so that it cannot be used, the way Olaris blocked the Zhent portal to Darkhold.  A blocked portal cannot be used, either from its active link Portal, nor via the Linked Portal ritual from elsewhere. A portal can be 'unblocked' via another casting of Analyze Portal at the portal itself.

Useful Stuff in Olaris Vlakos' chambers

Blank 128-page Ritual Book (sale value 25gp)

Ritual Ink for Inscribing Rituals into Spellbooks: 3,000gp (sale value 600gp)

Alchemical Reagants for Arcane Rituals: 9,000gp (sale value 1,800gp)

Large Quantities of Water, Hops, Yeast for Create Beer.

Chest holding 450gp in assorted coin.

Per PHB page 298: Mastering a Ritual takes 8 hours of uninterrupted study. You must be equal or higher level than the Ritual. You must either have the Ritual Caster feat, or (house rule) have Training in the Key Skill. If you have both you can make any Ritual Key Skill checks at +2.

Eastern Gray Vale page.

Kingdom of Llorkh Average Monthly Revenue & Expenditure

Boris' levies are about double 'typical' tax rates, eg the sorts of amounts Queen Valeris levies on her subjects.

Victoria Mine - 280gp cash

Carlsen Mine - 360gp cash

Jozan Mine - 340gp cash

Irondawn - 320gp cash, plus food levy (about 320gp at market value)

Timbervale - 300gp cash, plus food levy (about 300gp at market value)

Merchant Tolls & Taxes (Llorkh) - 200gp cash, plus misc food, wine, slaves etc (about 1200gp worth at market value)

Total Income: 1800gp cash, plus food, wine, textiles, slaves etc

Most local cash income is silver from the mines; merchants are expected to pay in gold.

All food, wine, textiles etc levied is distributed to the 'army', used to feed slaves, or otherwise consumed.

Cash Expenditure: -1320gp (6gp cash per man) distributed to the 'army'. Each man also gets a similar amount by value in non-cash benefits (food, clothing etc), which is a pretty cushy deal for them (twice the typical soldier or miners' pay, four times the pay of an unskilled labourer), and attracts plenty of 'soldiers' (bandits).

Maintenance/Upkeep Expenditure: 0gp

Net average monthly cash income: +480gp (5760gp/year)

Session 24: Fall of Koptila (23/10/1479 DR)

Esme is attacked by Koptila and his zombies and KO'd inside the Necro-Monolith; Arya has returned from Orlbar with news of Valeris' refusal to send troops, and is taken down to the catacombs by Kitana, where they encounter and battle more time-travelling ogres.

In a fierce fight Koptila kills old Olaris Vlakos the Transmuter, but Lirael and Karvol save Esme and the undead ogre king and his minions are defeated; 2 of the time-travelling ogre women escape Llorkh. Karvol throws the Blue Sun Disk into the Monolith and destroys both, then evades the stasis chamber. The group return to the surface, where Esme confronts Boris and initiates rebellion in the name of Bane...

XP
Chamber of Koptila (Koptila, 2 Zombies, Necro-energy Monolith): 3550
5 Time-Travelling Ogres: 350x5 = 1750
Total: 5300/7 - 5 PCs (Lirael Esme Ardan Arya Karvol), 2 NPCs (Olaris Vlakos, Kitana)
= 757 XP
Level 7 Major Quest: Incite Rebellion Against Boris: 300 XP per PC
Total: 1057 +14650 = 15707
Need 16500 for 9th Level

Session 23: (23/10/79) "To sleep, to dream, to rise again..." - Olaris Vlakos the Transmuter, M10 1479 DR

Thousands of years ago, the Ammarindar Dwarves defeated Stonefang, the Primordial Titan, vanquished his armies, and carved out a mountain realm that would last for millenia.
But not all of Stonefang's forces perished in that war. Some, it is said, retreated into the earth, to sleep,  to wait, until Stonefang should rise again...

Boris' Hall

Time-Travelling Orcs and Ogres face Gray Vale's finest heroes.

Karvol of Orlbar delivers a smackdown to some unfortunate Ogre Savages.

Hill Giant Hulk fells Esme and Ardan.

In the Chamber of the Necro-Energy Monolith, the undead Ogre King Koptila faces Esmerelda of the Burning Hand. Poor Koptila!

Chamber of the Energy Monolith.

23/10/79: Arya has returned to Orlbar to report to the Light of the Sun. Llorkh's old coot of a Transmuter Olaris Vlakos is telling anyone who will listen that the rumblings from Stonefang Mountain presage the Return of Stonefang, and that time-travelling ogres will soon descend on Llorkh! King Boris is sceptical, but Esme, Lirael and Karvol decide to check it out (Esme warning Boris' daughter Kitana to prepare the Banites for war) - as does the elven Ranger Ardan, who knows Olaris and has more faith in the prophecies than most.

Descending into the deep catacombs beneath northwest Llorkh, orcs and ogres suddenly pop into existence! These apparent time travellers are soon defeated; further on two ogre women and a fierce hill giant also meet their end. At the end of the catacombs stands a blue necrotic energy monolith guarded by ogre zombies - the thing that is bringing the ogres forward through time? Here the party face the undead Ogre King, Koptila... 

XP 13,884+766=14,650

 XP for 9th level: 16,500.


Esmerelda's Missives
A letter carried by Arya, back to Queen Valeris:

"Dear Sister,

I find myself in the vipers den with Boris, I beleive it is time that we rid your borders of a threat. I beleive that I can get Borris's forces to betray him, or at least a good portion, in the name of Illmater.

If we can gather Borris's forces with yours on the northern Border to the Mountain king. I beleive we could destroy Borris's reign quickly and efficiently. I could become the queen to the East of you, reigning in Llorkh.

Esme.

Your eternally trusted Ally.

PS, I have enclosed a lock of hair, please forward onto Marsh in Loudwater."

A letter sent to the Pig Lords (Timbervale - Lord Sevrym, Sir Galtos etc):

"Dear Brave Sirs, I know you have been gathering swords and men in preperation for a great battle.

Myself and Borris have great need of your services. Please start to bring your forces to Llorkh to join with the kings men. 

For we are to move against our greatest enemy.

Hugs and Kisses,

Esme."

Session 22: Fall of Stonefang (27/9/79-22/10/79) Reach Level 8

27/9/79: As Stonefang crawls from the Pit of Doom he is assailed by binding rituals and the attacks of dwarves, Esme, Arya, Karvol and Shawna, and is soon defeated.
28/9/79: The party rest overnight, then head south with the dwarves to Citadel Yaunaraoth, Shawna mind-talking with the watching dragon Ice Fang, then through its tunnels and across Bleached Bones Pass to one of the High Delves of Clan Glintshield. 

Month 10: Leaf-fall

There is a fortnight of feasting and celebration (29/9/79-12/10/79), the dwarves present the party with gifts. Esme receives a letter from Boris - the Zhentarim adept Vale has escaped. Then the dwarves escort them back north through the tunnel to Timbervale (14/10/79). Esme discusses plots against King Boris with the young knight Sir Galtos, Lord Sevrym's son. There are rumours that in the Fallen Lands east over the Graypeaks, the Sceptre Tower of Spellgard has fallen to the forces of Netheril. A brave knight (Sir Calard) fought long to defend the Monastery of the Precipice, but was at last overcome.
Then the party return to Llorkh (15/10/79) and the welcome of King Boris, who seems much taken with Esme. Arya meets with Boris' eccentric and ancient greybeard magist, Oralis Vlakos, and inspects the wards he has placed on the Zhent Portal beneath the ruined Temple of Bane. Oralis instructs Arya in the rituals of Transmutation, in particular how to turn mere Water into purest Beer! Meanwhile Esme talks with and charms Boris' daughter Kitana, a capable warrior in her own right, and a fanatical Banite who sees in Esme fulfilment of a prophecy long foretold.
16/10/79-19/10/79: As the days pass, Shawna Carter feels the pull of her Deva heritage - it is time for her to return to the Crystal Spires and be reborn in some future time and place. She bids a moving farewell to her comrades in arms and heads west, into the Sunset.
23/10/79: Ardan arrives in Llorkh

XP 12,384+1,500= 13,884
PCs reach 8th level (13,000).
XP for 9th level: 16,500.

Session 21 27/9/79

Session 21 XP
Orc Prison Guards (Rampager, 3 Archers, 3 Reavers): 1714
Orc Dragon Chief Hyzkzag & 2 Orc Wolf Shamans: 1454
Persuading Ice Fang the Dragon not to Eat You: 1000
Total: 4168/5 = 834 XP each.

Party XP tally: 10,000+650+500+400+834= 12384.
Need 13,000 for 8th level.

S22: Defeat of Stonefang
XP 12384+1500= 13884

Sessions 18, 19, 20 episode summary (26-27/9/79)

S18 26/9/1479 DR 

Lirael, Arya, Shawna Carter & Karvol the Royal Guard rest overnight in the dwarven gatehouse, and are joined by Dru-Arael. Next day they use the Lever Automaton to raise the stone gate and pass through to the southern part of the Stonefang Tunnel, finding no orcs present.A mile or so south, a dead dwarf props open a concealed door into a chamber of orc and dwarf corpses. As the party examine the chamber, more orcs arrive. The PCs defeat them, and head downstairs to a magical pit chamber, defeating an orc shaman, his pet ogre, and orc archer lackeys. They investigate the glowing magic circles arrayed around the pit.

S19 26/9/1479 DR
Shawna & Dru are tired and rest, while Esmerelda is recovered and the group is joined by a half-elven cousin of Lirael's. Investigating tunnels north of the pit chamber, they hear chanting and a dwarf cries out: "Beware, the orcs lie in wait!". This is true, and the party are assailed by a strong force of orcs, defeating them after a bloody battle. All but one of the four dwarves spent the fight chanting inside a magic circle. 

S20 27/9/1479 DR

The party rest and talk to the dwarves, led by Gwendar, leader of the Shadowed Chain cult. The Earth Titan Stonefang is stirring, his missing bits must be recovered and placed in the binding circles before he escapes the Pit of Doom. The party hand over Stonefang's Hand.
After resting they continue south along the Stonefang Tunnel, emerging at dawn above the north bastion of Citadel Yaunaroth. They attack and defeat the orc guards, led by a powerful boar-riding champion, and see a white dragon atop the tower - they enter the tower before it can fly down to them. Inside, they head upstairs, disable a magic trap, and find four dwarves chained to the wall - Thane Harvak, his son, and two wives. They free the dwarves and attack the orcs next-door, seeing Stonefang's Seeping Heart atop a table... 

Party XP tally: 10,000+650+500+400= 11,550.
Need 13,000 for 8th level.

Session 17 episode summary. Reach level 7.

S17 25/9/1479 DR
Vale runs out of the tunnel, sees Lirael & Dru-Arael, and bluffs Lirael into going into the tunnel to assist her friends.  Vale flees north towards Llorkh, where it's rumoured there is a portal to the Zhentarim fortress of Darkhold.
Lirael enters the tunnel, heading south, and joins the main group past the site of the battle with stirges & spiders. They head south through the tunnel for nearly 15 miles (ca 6 hours) to the enormous stone slab that bars the tunnel. Entering the gatehouse, Lirael is menaced by traps, iron cobras, & hammerer automatons, but they defeat the ancient defenses and Arya uses the Lever Automaton, a huge dwarf-shaped golem, to pull the lever that raises the slab. Orcs rush in; Arya drops the slab and crushes 6. On the gatehouse steps a bitter battle ensues; the three Zhent soldiers are killed but Lirael, Arya and Valeris' Royal Guard Karvol defeat the orcs, taking a strange magic stone hand from their leader's corpse.

Session 16 Episode Summary

S16 25/9/1479 DR
The party are attacked by hippogriffs, one is killed. Karvol the Royal Guard is knocked into the river by archer fish, but Shawna distracts them by pushing the dead hippogriff into the river, and he is able to reach the shore.
The party reach the north entrance of the Stonefang Tunnel; Lirael and Arael/Dru scout dwarven patrol footprints heading west, while the others enter the tunnel. Some distance into the tunnel the party battle stirges, then a small earthquake opens a cleft from which pours spiders.  During the fighting the Zhent Black Sun Adept (Cyricist) Vale tries to kill Arya, but in turn is attacked by the other three Zhents, Banites. He blasts them with the power of the Black Sun and flees south, back down the tunnel.

Sessions 1-15 are here.