Editing Game-Summaries:7/14/2018 Recollections

==Visions from the Past==
===Yestabrod===
A cavern of peculiar beauty opens up before you, with lights of every color shining from the pure essence of life, diffused and amplified by the glow of faerzress. The glow pulses, and you can feel the life in the cavern rotting away, bursting with infection. A mushroom grows in the center of the cave, ever larger and taller, pustules forming and seeping as its stem thickens and its cap reaches to the cavern's ceiling, forming a cast fungal tower.
Two myconoids approach the site in awe, not minding the carpet of rot under their feet. You sense their minds come alive in wonder, and as they kneel in worship, you know they are doomed. A voice sounds out within clouds of spores that fall like snow. The voice tells the myconoids to prepare for a gift unlike any they have ever known. 
===Gromph Baenre===
An imperious drow archwizard in spider-silk robes casts a mighty conjuration spell. As the ritual draws toward its conclusion, a web of faerzress energy expands outward. The wizard seems alarmed by this, his efforts to complete the spell growing more crazed as he realizes he's lost control.
And then, madness! Rifts open in the web of energy around him. These cracks stretch and widen, and through them come horrific fiends that scream, shriek, and howl as they are wrenched from the Abyss and cast into the Underdark.
===Zanna===
A huge person with long delicate ears and hair down to his shoulders is working furiously over a table on several experiments. He is darting between several manuscripts and books, flipping pages, referencing a line or note, running back to one of the experiments. He seems to be aware of your presence and walks around and over you as if you were a fixture in his laboratory, you feel his thoughts of love towards you, and concern towards his experiment. He grabs a chisel and makes one final notch in what appears to be an amulet, and one by one pours several vials onto it, the liquids being absorbed, and he sockets several gems into this large stone disk. After it settles under his watchful gaze for a minute, he looks towards you and says "Well, let's hope this works!" and he twists the amulet, he winks out of existence completely. You hear the sound of a child crying, and it takes you a moment to realize that it's you.
===Kaylorr===
A young woman in a white robe is packing up several tomes in a library and putting them onto a cart. She shuffles her cart through the shelves, one by one putting the tomes away in their place. She is putting a tome away in the family "lineage" section, and the title of the book she's putting away catches her attention. She smiles, and cracks the binding as she glances through the first few pages. Her eyebrow raises with a look of concern, and she licks her thumb, and rubs at a spot on the page. Her eyes widen and she drops the book and backs away, into a man who is just rounded the shelf corner and catches her. You feel the sense of intimacy of long friends, and maybe something more between the two, and a nervousness. She points at the book, and he walks over and picks it up. Understanding slowly washes over him, and he tears the page out of the book. A sudden golden light glitters in his eyes, and as he turns he outstretches a hand and a brilliant streak of light flies out at her. Her body slams against the wall and slumps down, limp. He appears shocked at himself, looks at his hand, and flees the library. 


==Recollections by Dereth==
===Through the Feywild===

On 6/6/346 [[Tallulah]] and I prepared for the journey by taking the advice of several magisters and purchasing [[Goggles of the Night]]. I can see in the dark, now! Artificers are pretty handy! [[Zanna]] made me a longsword, too! She’s the nicest gnome (read: only gnome) I know. [[Ford]] said he was happy to leave the city for a bit after playing "some innocent card games" around town. [[Kaylorr]] and I should open a shop or clinic to help those in need more directly because his healing ability is quite remarkable. [[Kaylorr]] crafted several of his [[Kaylorr's Kwik-Aid|Kwik-Aids]] while I scribed several Scrolls of Revivify, just in case...

[[Tallulah]], [[Ford]], [[Kaylorr]], [[Zanna]], [[Rezik]] and [[Dereth|I]] were escorting "[[Karnifax]]" who kept control of [[Kaanyr]]. [[Reshi]] lead a party of 6 adepts and 6 disciples comprised of Greens, Greys, Reds, Blues, and a Brown and a Yellow. We're not sure why no Whites accompanied this delegation, but the time for questions was over when Fortia of the Blue teleported us all (Wizards, right!?) to the northern edge of [[The Golden Forest]]. Reshi prepared us to enter the forest by carrying a rock to anchor us to our plane. Apparently, [[The Golden Forest]] crosses with the [[Feywild]]!

As we prepared to enter, the Magisters’ rings all glowed red and our diplomatic delegation was suddenly deprioritized as the rest of the delegation left us to complete our mission with [[Karnifax]] and [[Kaanyr]]. Pressing on, we nearly lost our path ([[Kaylorr]] and I both forgot about Guiding Hand!) as the forest felt as if it pressed upon us. I don’t mind the forest or natural environments, but this did not feel like the forests I know. 

Suddenly we beset upon by a stampede of [[Centaurs]]. As we began to gain a handle on the Centaur assault, a monstrous giant ([[Fomorians|Fomorian]]) crashed out of the [[Feywild]] and proved to be FAR more than I could handle alone. Luckily my allies came to my aid, especially [[Tallulah]]’s canine companion.

Licking our wounds and healing up, we continued toward where [[Reshi]] directed us, now utilizing the divine [[Guiding Hand]]. Eventually, [[Tallulah]] noticed we were being spied upon and a company of Wood Elves had us surrounded. The leader of the [[Moon Guard]], [[Celebor]], asked us to prove our intentions. Casting a Sending to [[Reshi]] cleared up any confusion and made clear the sibling relation. We were escorted to [[The Golden City of Elves]] where I replaced my simple longbow and dagger with more expertly crafted versions. [[Kaylorr]] learned to craft Antitoxins.

We learned of the [[Elven-Sundering]] where [[Corellon]] banished [[Lolth|Araushnee]] (Lolth) and her followers to the [[Underdark]]. Those banished who rejected [[Lolth]] were not welcomed by [[Corellon]] and became forsaken by both, known as the [[Shadar-Kai]]. The ruler of [[The Nightshade Kingdom]] on the [[Plane of Shadow]] was the Goddess of Death herself, [[The Raven Queen]]. During a moment of weakness, she killed [[Nerull]] and inherited his [[Campaign_Notes#Divine_Spark|Divine Spark]] and absorbed some of his divine portfolio. 

The [[Shadar-Kai]] prevent the Underdark’s denizens from escaping, and the Golden City’s Wood Elves prevent the Shadar-Kai and the Plane of Shadow from entering our realm. Keeping invading outsiders from our realm is important, but a peaceful party may be acceptable.

===The Plane of Shadow and the Underdark===
[[Celebor]] informed us, as we left the city, that we were named Friends of [[The Golden City of Elves]], though a more accurate translation is the Ancient line of Noble Healers (note: always explore and ask around). [[Celebor]] parts with us and we come to [[The Nightshade Kingdom]]. At the entrance, we pay a fee: memories. First, we experience a young woman putting away a large tome in the Family Lineage section of a library. She sees something and she is killed by some godly-looking being because of what she found. Next, we see a giant working furiously around us on crafting a stone disk. Suddenly, it cracks and he winks out of existence. 

[[The Nightshade Kingdom]] is an expansive city-state filled with artificially lit obelisks and pyramids. [[Karnifax]] leads us through the city as we see Grey Elves ([[Shadar-Kai]]) and people-looking-things roam the streets, seemingly going about their own business. Why are these people segregated and hated by their own kind so fiercely? Atop the largest pyramid we see a shadow roaming back and forth, and we learn this is [[The Raven Queen]] herself. Inside her [[The Nightshade Kingdom#Fortress of Memories|Fortress of Memories]], we are assaulted by voices in our minds but only Ford and I are shaken to our core. Our companions are hardier. The "portal" is a hole in the temple floor that we must fall through! Taking the plunge together, we crash into the floor of an expansive cavern. The [[Underdark]] at last.

[[Karnifax]], still restraining a bound [[Kaanyr]], leads us deeper into the [[Underdark]] toward [[Menzoberranzan]], through the Silken Paths. We pass the [[Faerzress]], which is how [[Gromph]] is attempting to control his plane-shattering mistake of allowing the [[Demon Lords]] into the [[Underdark]]. We avoid the [[Faerzress]] as best as we can. The Silken Paths is not a metaphor, unfortunately. It is an obscured pathway made entirely of spider’s silk. Unsurprisingly, we are ambushed by two [[The Chosen|Driders]].

Daylight burned the abominations away, while [[Rezik]] burned down the Silken Paths. We prevailed and finally stood overlooking [[Menzoberranzan]]. After a brief overview by [[Karnifax]], we disguised ourselves as best as we could, but only [[Tallulah]] could speak [[Undercommon]] naturally (Rangers are so versatile!). The rest of us decided not to speak unless totally necessary.

===Menzoberranzan and Rescue===
Karnifax got us wondering who is lighting the [[Menzoberranzan#Narbondel|Narbondel]] if [[Gromph]] has fled the city. Had we been able to decipher more [[Undercommon]], or be more critical of our allies, we would have realized that "[[Karnifax]]" was leading us away from [[Drow Houses#House Melarn|House Melarn]] and onto the grounds of [[Drow Houses#House Yauntyrr|House Yauntyrr]]. Passing a guard post, "[[Karnifax]]" identified himself with another name, but we had no choice but to follow his lead. We were led into a holding room adorned with statues and edifices depicting scenes of Elven culture before [[Corellon]]’s betrayals. A blend of Abyssal and [[Undercommon]] labeled a plaque that was less than 1 year old. With these clues glaring in our faces, we tried a sending to "[[Karnifax]]", but I was rebuffed and my mind felt like it split in two. We were told to wait for our attendees by a voice beyond one of the sealed doors, and after several hours, the Draegloth [[Jeggred]] (formerly Draegy) and "[[Karnifax]]" approached us, assuring us that we have "nothing to fear". Then, [[Kaanyr]]’s sword appeared through [[Tallulah]]. Drow betrayal! 

Cornering "[[Karnifax]]", I eventually succumbed to the assault of "[[Karnifax]]" and [[Jeggred]] even with [[Kaylorr]]’s best efforts. The pain was too much. The darkness overwhelmed me. 

I heard the flowing of streams and the termination of their destination. The all-giving lake and flows of water through the world bequeath life to us all. Arriving at the Lady’s Lake I knew my faith was justified. The beauty of this harmony was something I’ve only read about in the few books written about experiencing [[Vivienne]]’s realm. This was [[Avalon]]. I began to weep with joy, knowing I had kept to my faith and the [[Vivienne|Lady of the Lake]] has allowed me into Avalon. I knelt to drink a mouthful of water, when the smell of sulfur suffused my nostrils. Alarmed, I looked around and noticed the surrounding forest deteriorating and falling to darkness as the sunlight became eclipsed. A presence was invading my heaven and I went to draw my sword and shield, but realized I was without anything. As I screamed for the corrupting outsider to leave this sacred place, I blinked tears out of my eyes only to see the looming shape of a figure reaching toward me. It grabbed me like I was a firefly and brought me close to it’s face when I realized this figure was no longer the corrupting invader, but [[Kaylorr]].

It’s a good thing I crafted those Revivify scrolls, but the cost of my return is...strange.

Apparently the Matron of [[Drow Houses#House Melarn|House Melarn]] and her consort saved us after [[Kaanyr]] was defeated. [[Halisstra]] and [[Cosmopolitan|Tel]] escorted us back to her house and we held palaver in a secret safe-room. She confided in us that she and her house worship [[Eilistraee]] and oppose [[Lolth]] as vehemently as possible. The [[Dyrr|Lichdrow]] has also been coordinating with her in opposing [[Lolth]] and [[Drow Houses#House Yauntyrr|House Yauntyrr]], but she does not control his actions nor understand his every machinations. [[Halisstra]] told us we had but hours before [[Danifae]] married the Demon Lord [[Demon Lords#Zuggtmoy|Zuggtmoy]]. [[Halisstra]] and I suspected the [[Underdark]] would become just another layer of the [[Abyss]]. Resuming our diplomatic duties, we offered Magistery protection to [[Halisstra]]’s people as long as they kept the peace. After she agreed, I rested to report via Sending to [[Reshi]] and another magister I had met briefly concerning the [[Underdark]]’s peril and the refugee crisis. The others went exploring during my rest, but [[Reshi]] and Melvin beckoned us to return. 

[[Halisstra]]’s plan relied on all 99 of her house meeting at a designated location to teleport outside of [[The Nightshade Kingdom]]. We arrived hours early for [[Tallulah]]’s rousing speech, but as [[Halisstra]]’s consort opened a portal out of the [[Underdark]] two members of [[Drow Houses#House Melarn|House Melarn]] were unaccounted for. [[Halisstra]] and [[Cosmopolitan|Tel]] said they would wait for them, so [[Rezik]] and I followed several of the refugee [[Drow]] through the portal. We prepared to manage the [[Drow]], but the orderly Melarn members waited for their mistress as the rest of our [[the Eternal Order|Eternal Order]] fell out of the portal, except [[Kaylorr]]. [[Ford]] and [[Zanna]] said he would wait with [[Halisstra]] and [[Cosmopolitan|Tel]] for as long as possible. After some time, we saw [[Halisstra]] fall out of the portal followed by [[Kaylorr]] who said [[Cosmopolitan|Tel]] turned into a large purple dragon and went after the two remaining members as a fissure began to race toward the teleportation circle on the floor of the cavern. We saw the portal’s edge break and wink out of existence. 

We traveled by night to accommodate the [[Drow]] and arrived in Solace on 346/7/27! Our plane travelling had amounted to a time difference of about seven times faster than Terran time measurement. With magisters on the wall keeping watch, the escort into the Magistery was without incident and [[Warden]] and [[Kord]] debriefed us before taking [[Halisstra]] into private consultation with ALL the heads of the Magistery and a previously unseen woman wearing a gold dress. She looks like she fits the profile and silhouette of [[The Seal]], according to [[Rezik]]. We attended to any injured and exhausted [[Drow]] during the time of [[Halisstra]]’s orientation to the Magistery. When she came out of the meeting, more exhausted, she informed us of her new title, [[Halisstra|The Black]]. If anyone should be in charge of wandering the planes and investigating the unknown, [[Halisstra]]’s House of Black will be most disciplined and will know who should join our ranks and who our plane should be defended against. I hope the [[The Magistery#Blacks,House of Time|House of Black]] can keep [[Avalon]] safe.

Returning to my quarters, I noticed several invitations to Magistery houses. In line with the [[Vivienne|Lady of the Lake]]’s teachings, I will join the [[The Magistery#Yellows, House of Lightning|House of Yellow]]. I hope my new friends chose wisely.

==Recollections by Ford==
==Recollections by Kaylorr==
==Recollections by Rezik==

=== 1: So it begins ===
Our day started today with us embarking on our journey to the Underdark. We knew it was going to be a difficult journey, but we were accompanied by a number of Adepts and Disciples, so I felt comfortable in the fact that we were a formidable group.

I've outlined who joined us for posterity's sake:

Adepts:
* [[Reshi]] - Green
* Fortia Camaia - Blue
* Ancis Decaius - Green
* Amus Bonuso - Red
* Sacra Fadanius - Gray
* Niditu Capa - Gray

Disciples:
* Domus Durocco - Brown
* Felicia Vianiusall - Blue
* Gina Musala - Yellow
* Desa Portula - Red
* Sasisbai - Green
* Amuriar - Gray

[[The Eternal Order]]:
* [[Rezik]]
* [[Dereth]]
* [[Kaylorr]]
* [[Zanna]]
* [[Ford]]
* [[Tallulah]]

* [[Karnifax]] (Our guide through the [[Underdark]])
* [[Kaanyr]] (He had joined us as a prisoner to be given to [[Halisstra]])

Regardless, even though we knew we had a full entourage, we decided to be fully prepared for whatever may happen.

[[Dereth]] was kind enough to have created Revivify scrolls. I truly hope we won't need these, but it'll be good to have them in case. Also, [[Kaylorr]] had brought health potions that he shared with the rest of [[The Eternal Order]] members. 

Once the appropriate time approached, we all met together and prepared for our journey.  

As we approached the group, we were told to join hands in a circle and suddenly were teleported away. [[Reshi]], who seems to have been leading the group, informed us that we had teleported to just outside [[The Golden Forest]].

=== 2: Our Conversation with Reshi ===
We knew our journey would take us from Solace, to [[The Golden City of Elves]], to [[The Nightshade Kingdom]], at which point we would enter the portal to the [[Underdark]]; but we just knew broad strokes and not exact directions or even who our contacts in these regions would be. 

[[Reshi]], seemed to know exactly where to go, though. She led us confidently through the forest (which seemingly came out of nowhere and was so thick it was hard to see through). 

As we were walking, [[Reshi]] gave us a history lesson on the region, the [[Underdark]], and what we could expect. I've summarized and bulleted some of her thoughts below:

# [[The Nightshade Kingdom]] is the overlap of the [[Plane of Shadows]] and our Plane. Similarly, [[The Golden Forest]], is the overlap of the [[Feywild]] and our Plane.
# We expect time to be different in the Feywild - it could be faster or slower, we're not really sure. 
# [[Lolth]], was known as [[Lolth|Aurashnee]]. She backstabbed Corellon and was forced to leave Arvandor, taking on the name of [[Lolth]]. The elves that followed [[Lolth]] at first, but tried to turn back to [[Corellon]] after she backstabbed him became the [[Shadar-Kai]]. 
# [[The Raven Queen]] is the Queen of [[The Nightshade Kingdom]] and is also the God of Death. She killed [[Nerull]] and stole his [[Divine Spark]]. 
# The changing of Divine Sparks and upsetting of the balance is what lead to the [[The Great Awakening|awakening of the Kraken]]. 

While we were walking through the forest, suddenly the [[Magistery Rings]] that the Disciples and Adepts were wearing starting to flash red. They seemed concerned and quickly huddled to whisper to each other. 

Reshi grabbed us and told us that the flashing means that they are being recalled back to the Magistery. She told us that the last time the red's dispensation was called was the great awakening. 

We were given an option. Join the disciples and adepts back to the Magistery to deal with whatever had triggered the alarm, or forge forward alone & on our own.

=== 3: Alone & On Our Own ===
We decided to forge on. [[Reshi]] left us her notes (summarized below) and the disciples and adepts formed a circle and teleported away. We were left alone, with [[Kaanyr]] and [[Karnifax]] - not sure where to go or how to get there. 

We just knew we had to go south west. So we started walking, with each of us trying to help guide the party through the woods.

[[Reshi]]'s Notes:
Ruling 7:
# [[Drow Houses#House Baenre|House Baenre]]
## Yvonnel Baenre, matron mother.
## Gromph
## Quenthel
# [[Drow Houses#House Barrison Del'Armgo|Barrison Del'Armgo]]
## Militaristic, trains with Melarn & Do'Urden
# [[Drow Houses#House Agrach Dyrr|House Agrach Dyrr]]
## Lichdrow
# [[Drow Houses#House Mizzrym|House Mizzrym]]
## Plotting against Agrach Dyrr
# [[Drow Houses#House Duskryn|House Duskryn]]
## Meritocracy, militaristic
# [[Drow Houses#House Melarn|House Melarn]]
## Halisstra
## Most fanatical for Lolth, founded from house Kenafin and Horlbar after the fall of Ched Nasad
# [[Drow Houses#House Do'Urden|House Do'Urden]]
## Disgraced house reformed by Yvonnel
#??? [[Drow Houses#House Yauntyrr|House Yauntyrr]]
## [[Danifae]] became a captive beholden to [[Halisstra]] when [[Ched Nasad]] fell, [[Drow Houses#House Yauntyrr|House Yauntyrr]] started the conflict, and [[Drow Houses#House Kenafin|Kenafin]] & [[Drow Houses#House Horlbar| Holbar]] are the only surviving houses, forming [[Drow Houses#House Melarn| Melarn]].

=== 4: Centaurs & Magical Beasts ===
We traveled through the extremely difficult forest for 7 days. On the next day, as we were trekking through the forest, we realized that we had been surrounded. 

As we started to determine who had surrounded us, suddenly, a group of [[Centaurs]] charged out of the trees towards our group. We had a hard battle ahead of us, but were able to dispatch the first few.

Just as the tide was turning and the [[Centaurs]] were falling, out of no where a terrifying creature joined the fight. At first we weren't sure if the creature had come to save us, as it utterly decimated one of the [[Centaurs]]. When we looked more closely, all doubt was gone from our mind - this creature was going to try to kill us.

We later learned that it was a [[Fomorian]], a grotesque looking giant with a hideous eye. The group quickly killed off the final centaurs so we could focus our efforts on this giant fomorian.

[[Zanna]] had the brilliant idea of casting Tasha's Hideous Laughter and causing the creature to fall to the ground laughing helplessly (it doesn't actually laugh). We all prepared our most powerful attacks and were able to quickly kill the [[Fomorian]].

I kept the [[Hideous Eye]] - who knows if it might come in useful.

=== 5: Seriously?! ===
Once we took care of the battle site, we decide it was time to continue on. Just as we were trying to figure out how to find our way through the forest, [[Dereth]] realizes that he's received a spell from his divine inspiration - Guiding Hand. The spell would point us in the direction we have to go. 

(Seriously [[Dereth]]. Oh [[Kaylorr]] has the spell too... Both of them could've saved us so much trouble in the first 7 days of this trip. Stupid.)

With our magical hand ahead of us, we restarted our journey towards [[The Nightshade Kingdom]]. 

Our good fortune didn't last long.

=== 6: Note to Self: Learn Sending ===
As we continued walking, suddenly we were surrounded by a group of [[Wood Elves]] that seemed to step out of the trees themselves. 

The leader of the group, [[Celebor]], stopped us and asked us what we were doing. He told us that we were not welcome in the woods, especially with [[Karnifax]] and [[Kaanyr]]. 

We tried to explain ourselves and tell [[Celebor]] that we were from the Magistery on our way to the Nightshade kingdom to liaise with [[Halisstra]] from the [[Underdark]]. He didn't care nor believe us. 

When we finally mentioned [[Reshi]], he become more interested in what we had to say. He didn't believe that we knew [[Reshi]], but we showed him the notes that she gave us and I described her to him (I'm not sure why he didn't like my description). I've included an [https://i.imgur.com/VJMcdAm.jpg image] for the journal

It almost seemed like he believed that we had met her, but wasn't sure that we were actually friends. I think he was worried that we had killed [[Reshi]] and taken her notes. 

[[Dereth]] finally came up with a good idea. He would cast the spell Sending to get a message to [[Reshi]] - asking her something that she would only know. 

[[Celebor]] allowed us the opportunity to do that and the response from [[Reshi]] was definitely interesting. 

Turns out [[Celebor]] is Reshi's younger brother. He had been promoted to Captain of the [[Moonguard]] (which explains the glowing moonblades he and his colleagues carried). 

Once we proved that we knew Reshi and were actually on a mission for the [[Magistery]], [[Celebor]] relaxed and started to trust us. 

He guided us into [[The Golden City of Elves]]. He even helped us resupply and prepare for our eventual trip to the [[Underdark]].

=== 7: The Library ===
As we were shown around [[The Golden City of Elves| city]], [[Celebor]] brought us to the library. It's a beautiful building with hundreds of spells. I'll definitely have to come back and revisit this place. 

While we were there I picked up a few spells - specifically: 
* Sending
* Guest of Honor
* Heartache

=== 8: Leaving the City ===
Once we all had finished exploring and preparing, Celebor showed us to the edge of the city. We'll definitely miss the elven hospitality, especially since every step we took towards the Nightshade Kingdom felt darker and darker. 

As we past the threshold of [[The Golden City of Elves]], we could feel that we had entered [[The Nightshade Kingdom]]. 

Ahead of us loomed a huge city with pinpoints of light and moving shadows of gigantic monstrosities. Entering the city required us to cross a single bridge. It's an absolutely unnerving sight to behold.

==Recollections by Tallulah==

Going Under – Part I 
 
On the morning we were to embark on our mission to the Underdark, Ford, Kaylorr, Dereth, Resik, Zanna and myself gathered to join the other 12 Magistery members and our guide Karnifax with captive Kaanyr in tow.  We all teleported to the edge of The Golden Forest to discover that we would travel the rest of the way on foot through the forest to reach the Nightshade Kingdom where we would be able to find a portal to the Underdark.  Reshi instructs all of us to grab a rock as it would keep us grounded during the journey.  Also, by traveling through The Golden Forest we were likely to cross through The Fey Wild where time passes ‘differently’ than we are accustomed to. 
 
Before we could go any further, the disciples and adepts stepped aside when their rings began to glow and flash red.  The last time the red raised the signal was the Great Awakening—this was serious.  We were told that they had to return to answer the call but that we had a choice to continue on or to return to the Magistery.  The 6 of us decided to continue on with Karnifax and Kaanyr and take Reshi’s notes about the drow.  Just as quickly as we had arrived, our companions disappeared and we were on our own. 
 
According to Reshi’s notes, the last known location of Nimor was in the Golden Forest shepherding people to the Underdark.  Kaaynr stated that he had always traveled around the forest to get to the portal but that it was a considerable journey...so, we decided to go through the forest.  The edge of the forest appeared to be a solid wall of green, but other than the dense flora, I could not detect anything out of the ordinary and we began our trek.   
 
After traveling for 7 days, or at least what felt like 7 days to us, we noticed silhouettes of people riding horses circling around us.  The hair raised on the back of my neck, it didn’t feel friendly.  Dereth cast Guiding Hand to help us gain a better understanding of which way we should be traveling toward, but, as the riders approached nearer I realized they were not horses and riders after all but centaurs!  Six strong, angry looking centaurs began to charge at us weapons drawn.  I drew my bow and let loose an arrow landing firmly in the centaur nearest to me, I heard Kaylorr cast Bless and Sanctuary as the charging centaur pierced through my shoulder.  Wethril had charged too but missed his mark. 
 
From behind me I turned to see that Ford had jumped onto the back of one of the centaurs and was striking furiously with his rapier—the centaur grabbed Ford and slammed him at my feet.  I landed an arrow in the centaur’s chest as it galloped past us when Zanna dropped from the treetops for a sneak attack!!!  Wethril leapt at one of the other centaurs ripping its throat out and taking great pride in his success.  Not missing a beat, Ford stood from where he fell, stabbed at the centaur who had thrown him and climbed nimbly into a nearby tree—a move we would dub—stand, stab & climb…“The Old Ford Classic”.  The centaur fell to his death as Kaylorr attacked two of the remaining centaurs with Guiding Bolt.  They reared up and struck myself and Kaylorr.  A Fomorian appeared from who knows where and I moved away from the heart of the battle to drink a Quick Aid—I was in pretty rough shape and the appearance of this new foe did not bode well for me. 

Wethril remained in the fight but was having horrible aim at landing a bite.  I could tell he was frustrated and his previous kill seemed to distract him from being accurate.  Zanna and Ford moved through the trees independently, dropping onto a centaur, making their attack and moving away.  Kaylorr and Resik used powerful spells with a lot of fire keeping the centaurs at bay.  Dereth bravely confronted the Fomorian which used its enormous club to smash Dereth to the ground.  
 
Zanna cast Tasha’s Hideous Laughter on the Fomorian and it fell to the ground laughing a horrible sound I don’t care to hear again any time soon.  Ford plunged his rapier into the chest of the remaining living centaur and Kaylorr healed Dereth enough for him to regain the fight.  We all moved to prepare for our joint attack against the giant beast who was rolling in laughter on the forest floor.  Our attack hit with considerable force; the Fomorian woke from its hysteria and stood attacking Ford who was nearest to him.  I struck the creature with my longbow as Wethril leapt from the forest floor with such strength and force as I had never seen before; he lunged for the inner thigh of the giant tearing through the femoral artery shaking his head as his massive paws reached the ground spraying blood everywhere of course. 

After the battle we took some time to heal, examined the tribal tattoos on the centaurs’ bodies and cast Guiding Hand once again.  Zanna’s rapier began to glow so she climbed into the trees to see what she could see and we decided to continue to follow Guiding Hand.  Wethril scouted a perimeter for us and reported that there were elves nearby.  We traveled for several hours until we reached a clearing to set up camp for the night.  A Wood Elf named Celebor approached us asking our intent for traveling through the forest; he was ornately dressed and wore a gorgeous katana I later learned is called a Moon Blade.  Dereth was able to send a message to Reshi as Celebor seemed to recognize her name and Kaylorr convinced him to let us rest while we waited for a response from her. 
 
We received a mildly embarrassing response (for Celebor that is) from Reshi the following day and discovered that she is in fact, his older sister!  It was a relief to hear that Reshi was still alive given that we had no idea how much time had passed while we were in the forest and uncertain of what the flashing red rings meant for the rest of our friends back home.  With Reshi’s confirmation we were welcomed to enter the Golden City of Elves, as we walked through the clearing, a sprawling gorgeous city appeared as if out of thin air.  We followed Celebor through the city and learn that the Shadar-Kai feed on memories and we should not allow them to touch our head.  They are also vulnerable to light and invigorated by darkness.  We were able to rest and explore the city for a short while before moving on.  I was gifted with Elvin silk rope and a number of +1 arrows to take with me; each of my travel companions received similar, generous gifts from the elves.   
 
Celebor escorted us to the edge of the city into the pitch, black darkness.  Kaylorr and Dereth cast Guiding Hand together and we eventually reached the outskirts of the Nightshade Kingdom where we could see a tall wall and the silhouettes of giant pyramids and an obelisk towering into the sky.  The first part of our journey had ended but we had a long way to go ahead of us before we would make it home. 

 
TO BE CONTINUED...

==Recollections by Zanna==