Memiors from the Pit. [note to self – all names are likely misspelled]
After we left Balders gate, we were ambushed by a devil with a cart and some corrupt humans, we killed the humans and drove the devil off. We made an Inn halfway between Balders Gate and Candlekeep, and stayed there for the night. I approached a drow in the Inn, thinking to get some news of the underdark. Turns out, I’m the news, he’s keeping an eye on me so his group can catch me later and execute me. Not news which is welcome to my ears. After he leaves, I mention this to the guards guarding the tavern (more Flaming Fist), and the innkeeper. His wife stops by to visit, and gives me an amulet which should offer me some limited protection from other drow, and also from devils and the like. I thank her for her generosity, and we leave the next morning.
Along the way, we’re ambushed by a group of Gnolls, and waste no time in slaying them and freeing their captive humans, except for one who was slain during the rescue.
Well, since my warning in the Inn, I’ve been a little on edge knowing their is a group of Drow out there with orders to hunt me down and either take me back or to execute me quietly. After the gnoll encounter, we decide to camp for the night, and during my watch, someone approaches from the East under an Invisibility enchantment. Luckily for me, they just want to warn me – apparently he was a sympathizer, and wanted to warn me that there is not one group, but three. Each with a mage, tasked with finding me and executing me. I get a little more nervous. The benefactor of this information is Kalanzar, a minor member of a minor house – I think I remember him, one of those who was hoping we would succeed, but not willing to risk his life on our behalf. We make it to Candlekeep, and are allowed inside. The gentleman we rescued takes us to his employer, who gets the contract between Thavveus and the devil ruler of Avernus (Zariel), allowing that ruler the right to drag the city down into hell after fifty years of protection. As a reward and to assist us in the next step of our journey, she makes arrangements for us to be transported to Avernus, and also gives us an enchanted gem, a potion, and two enchanted swords. I take one, and Shiven takes the other.
One other item to note – apparently the shield Shiven has, contains not a celestial being, but a Pit Fiend. Not exactly what we thought. Shiven is a bit shaken to realize the kind of being he’s been dragging around. The vial of liquid we stole to start this entire thing is apparently called the Tears of Lulu, and is a healing potion and can restore memories. Lulu is apparently an actual celestial being, and she’s staying with a wizard named Traxor. We fly to Taxor’s floating tower, give the tears back. Lulu is a small dog-sized winged elephant. I confirm this with the rest of the party, perhaps a bit worried the mushrooms I had for lunch were having an adverse effect on my senses. Lulu was Zariels mount back when Zariel was a divine being, and before she was corrupted by Asmodeus. After some more discussions, we port to Avernus, and Traxor disappears, leaving us abandoned.
Almost immediately, we are faced with three bearded devils chasing a woman carring two toddlers. We slay with devils without too much difficulty, despite them bringing more friends to the party – a testament to the need we had of enchanted weapons!
