[Balanor]

The following is an ongoing event recap of the Deserved Damnation campaign. It provides much OOC information which, unless your PC was involved, he or she will not know! Otherwise, public information will be noted in bold and will be things that your PC will likely have heard during his or her travels in Thay and can freely talk about in-game. This thread is simply provided as a public recap of the Deserved Damnation campaign for your reading enjoyment.

For those involved in any event, I encourage you to add your own entries here (screenshots are welcome and encouraged too) but please keep them to your character’s IC perspective!
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“The end times are nigh! Ours is deserved damnation!”

The cry rang out from the doomsayer in the black of night, echoing throughout the nearly deserted streets. No rest for the damned the Red Wizard thought as he waddled along, finally reaching the Bezantur City Tombs. If he only knew how right he is, he would run screaming from the doom approaching.

The man made his way through the silent crypts. Adventurers had done their job well and the crypts had been near-barren of the more powerful undead that could pose any threat to him for years now. That will soon change - he was only holding them back for this moment in time.

He finally arrived in his master’s chambers, deep within the most ancient and hidden tombs of Bezantur. He was not alone. All the highest leaders of the Vengeful had been gathered, as he knew they would. The time has come! Now we shall finally move out of the shadows and put our plans to action! He gazed around the room at his peers, weighing each as he slowly made his way to the large chair kept for him.

There sat the vampire Victor, leader of the Shadow circle - master of their spy network and assassins. Once a puppet of Tam’s, then Velsharoon, and now of their leader directly, his responsibilities were quite dangerous and difficult. But with a legion of vampires behind you, that should make any task easier, he imagined. Except crossing a river or getting a tan he chuckled inwardly to himself.

Across from him sat the Old Man, who very un-originally called himself ‘The Thayan’, in charge of the Counter circle that worked to unbalance the power of the Reds. His was a neverending quest to bring those of a ‘good’ nature to Thay and willing or not, get them to work in cooperation with the enemies of Thay. Old fool he thought as his scowl turned the old man’s gaze from him with a sad smile.

Next to him sat Maligor, looking stone faced and quite perturbed. So he did survive both the cave-in and Tam’s discovery of him upon his less-than-triumphant return. Impressive. Apparently his attention did not go unnoticed as the leader of the Arcane Circle turned and sneered at him, shaking his head.

There was another man he did not know sitting next to his oversized chair. He must be the new leader of the Vengeful’s Temple Circle that had nearly imploded when Velsharoon had so ungratefully left them to assume the mantle of godhood. That debacle had nearly cost them both the Temple and Shadow circles, but for whatever reason Velsharoon had granted his patronage to the Vengeful after his ascension -or to at least their leader- and the decades of work spent on each had been salvaged for the most part. At least, that was his understanding. But then their master told them nothing of the workings or status of the different circles.

He sat down heavily in his chair, panting from the exertion of such a long walk. He knew many of the others were looking at him with contempt, but he had long ago risen above such petty emotions. He was perhaps the most savvy and richest man in Thay - hence his position as leader of the Trade Circle of the Vengeful. His activities funded everything they did. Let them sneer and scoff all they like. They depended on him. Just as their master. That was all that mattered.

Mere moments after he was seated the raspy voice of their master seemed to fill the dead air all around them with words each had waiting years, decades, or entire lifetimes to hear.

“Our plans have come to fruition. The necessary agents are in place. We move to claim Thay now! This is how we will begin...”
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Druxus Rhym, the dread zulkir of Transmutation and one of Szass Tam’s staunchest allies, is dead!

His body was found left by the assassins who killed him at the top of Maligor’s Tower in Amruthar. Even now the Red Wizards of Transmutation were meeting to decide upon a new zulkir to represent their school, dealing with the normal bickering that entailed, and fighting against the external influences of the other schools in their attempt to sway who would be chosen next.

The story was music to his ears. Finally he would get the recognition he deserved, and the Vengeful’s final plan was now in motion.
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Those summoned to the Gold Dragon Inn of Amruthar had performed acceptably. Maegor, returned from the dead as promised by the Seneschal of Velsharoon and seeking to avenge his family name. Behir, an up and coming priest of Tyr and one-time bane of Szass Tam himself. Elliana, a powerful priestess of Sharess. Rhona, a feared fire priestess of Kossuth - said to be nearly as powerful as the high priest of the Flaming Brazier. Vokala, a Red Wizard of Evocation. Shara, a newly made Red Wizard Apprentice. Taygete, a calm ranger dedicated to a sworn enemy of the Red Wizards. And Amelia, she of the pale skin and cold touch - one whom Victor himself took a special interest.

Despite their very different backgrounds, they all had one thing in common - they were the (un)willing agents of the Vengeful having been saved by their ‘mysterious ally’ from slavers long ago and virtually all had avoided near death situations on several occasions only due to the assistance of the Vengeful. Whether or not they truly wanted to eliminate the zulkir, they all -at least reluctantly- agreed to participate in his assassination.

Fortunately none had refused, or they would be visiting their gods by now...

The representative of the Vengeful’s Shadow Circle had prepared them well, granting them each Hoods of Disguise and rare and powerful potions that would allow them to pose as the typical monsters that inhabited Maligor’s Tower. All in an attempt to draw the zulkir into an ambush at the top of the tower as he apparently sought to verify something he had found regarding an ancient magic relic. They were to use these disguises to fight against the zulkirs forces, slowly falling back to higher and higher levels of the tower in an attempt to draw the zulkir in for the final battle at Maligor’s old laboratory at the top of the tower.

There, they were to cast off their disguises and use one of the Vengeful’s most powerful relics - a crystal of Wild Magic and a crystal of Dead Magic which, upon shattering released one of the deadly affects in their area for a short time. This was to be their equalizer - something to nullify Rhym’s power at the final confrontation at the top of the tower.

Alas, he lamented, no battle plan survives contact with the enemy.

The party made plans, but unfortunately the zulkir moved faster than anticipated and rather than fight a delaying action, the party had to fight through the zulkir’s forces scattered throughout the tower and hurry their way to the top to try and catch the zulkir before he finished what he came for.

Through many battles, they arrived at the final level of the tower, prepared themselves, and then burst through the laboratory door to meet the zulkir with several powerful wizard, monstrous, and golem allies surrounding him. The battle was fierce and the power of the magic unleashed crumbled walls in the tower. It was only when the zulkir himself remained and half the party was bleeding or near death, that the power of the Dead Magic crystal was unleashed!

One of the few still standing against the zulkir’s terrible might, Elliana saw an opening and slammed her weapon against the zulkir’s battered and now-unprotected body and finally delivered the killing blow that laid the zulkir low. Only a look of stunned surprise showed on his bloodied faced before the spark in his eyes faded and he fell lifeless to the ground.

Leaving his body there as instructed, the party quickly exited the tower and returned back to the Golden Dragon where the representative of the Vengeful awaited them with double the promised reward of 10,000 talons each.

“You will find we are generous,” the man said before taking his leave - but not before telling them how pleased the Vengeful were with them and how their actions had set in motion that which would become an avalanche of change.
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Now, he thought, I will be chosen zulkir and the true battle has only just begun.

The retaliation for the murder of zulkir on the outskirts of Amruthar must not go unpunished. But before that, they needed the council of zulkirs and make sure they publicly choose sides. That was true reason for replacement of Rhym - a sure cause to trigger such a rare public gathering of the powerful and arrogant archwizards. Only after that would the people of Thay truly understand what was to befall them and rise up to greet the true master they had long forgotten…


Thanks again to the following players for joining the event yesterday, and for sticking through the unfortunate technical difficulties we had. Our first zulkir death at the hands of PCs! What is the world coming to?!? Join in some of the events for the campaign and find out!

[kta]

A timid knock on the door had Amelia look up. She sat naked on the unused bed in her suite. Rising, she walked noiselessly to the door, grabbing a robe on the way. Her new armor had arrived.

Checking every cord and clasp she donned the armor and started sorting her equipment, some pieces had not survived the devastating magical defenses of the late Zulkir of Transmutation. "Fools!" she thought. "Why did they not stick to the plan made before we set out? The crystals should have been used when we entered the last chamber and not when almost all foes were already dead." The lack of leadership, patience and discipline had almost cost her existence. Maybe she should make sure this Maegor did return to the dead? And Behir would not lead any party again she was part of. "Mere luck that we killed the mark and made it out."

Looking at the big pile of talons on the table she decided to keep working for the Vengeful.

Minutes later she left the suite. She was hungry.

KTA

[kta]

Meeting of the Assassins





KTA

[Karilynn]

Melody was amazed. More zulkirs present than you could shake a stick, err wand, at. Not that anyone would ever do so to a zulkir. Well, not counting what happened to Zulkir Rhym. And actually being commanded to speak by some of them. An amazing sight for all gathered. Though not exactly the outcome she expected.

[Purulent Carcass]

Meeting of the Zulkir's













Enjoy!

[Balanor]

The new zulkir of Transmutation, the enormously fat Samas Kul, wasted no time seeking revenge for the blow taken by his school when its zulkir, Druxus Rhym, was assassinated in the fortress tower of his predecessor on the outskirts of the ‘free’ city of Amruthar.

As his very first act, he introduced a decree to the assembled council of the zulkirs that Amruthar be taken be force, ‘cleansed’, and made a true Thayan city. The debate was fierce and heated with the zulkirs bickering for hours.

Several had called an entourage to attend them. Of those assembled, most belonged to Aznar Thrul and the Priador - Melody Singer as the bard with the golden tongue, Juliet a'Careth for an outsiders perspective, and the legionnaires Duston Conners, Azura, Anastashia Shadoe to show just how ready and bloodthirsty his legion was.

Other than Thrul’s entourage, Nikos Galambos attended his then-tharchion Dimon, the apprentice Shara Bross was conscripted to attend her zulkir Nevron, and Kessa Sepret who managed to survive her Red Wizard trials through the aid of her zulkir Lauzoril who was able to ‘cheat’ her through while the Red Wizards were focused on the council. In exchange, she lied brilliantly on his behalf.

After the zulkirs spoke and their entourages predictably spoke in favor of their zulkir’s view, the vote was finally called. Kul found allies in zulkirs Aznar Thrul, Nevron, and Lauzoril. While Szass Tam, Yaphyll, and Lallara opposed such a heavy-handed and rash decision. With all eyes turning to Mythrell’aa, the zulkir of Illusion, the final vote to decide the fate of Amruthar went:

Mythrell'aa: deciding a decree of such magnitude -6 meals per day for every Thayan- is not a waste of time, *nor* a decision to be taken lightly *shakes her head vehemently*
Aznar Thrul: *shakes his head and looks to the others almost pleadingly, like -can we slay her now and get it over with?-*
Samas Kul: *sputters in rage, his entire body quivering* no you fool! what to do about Amruthar?
Szass Tam: *looks over at Mythrell'aa with a beneficent smile* Zulkir Thrul Awaits your vote on the "esteemed" new Zulkir Kul's proposal to end the "threat of the tiny city state of Amruthar...
Aznar Thrul: Crazy vote, please. This century.
Szass Tam: *sits easily in his throne*
Mythrell'aa: amruthar? oh...that... *looks over to Tam and nods in agreement* well of course i agree with you, as always...
Aznar Thrul: *sighs and rolls his eyes, starting to get up in anger*
Mythrell'aa: we must attack *stands and stretches* and with that, i am truly bored. perhaps next time one of you dies i shall pay more attention at the next council. goodbye...
Mythrell'aa simply disappears from view
Szass Tam: *nods smilingly* Well the council has spoken..
Aznar Thrul: I told you this was a waste of t-
Szass Tam: WHAT?
Aznar Thrul: Hah!
Melody Singer: *blinks*
Azura: *raises eyebrow*
Samas Kul: *smiles fiercely* it is done!
Aznar Thrul: Crazy vote wins. We attack. *smiles menacingly at anyone who dares to look*
Nikos Galambos: *glances to the empty throne, then to Tam, then looks to Tharchion Dimos and nods*
Szass Tam: Obviously Mythrell'aa was joking...she agreed with me.
Duston Conners: *blinks, quite awestruck*
Samas Kul: i shall of course be working with my fellow zulkirs to plan the attack. those who voted correctly, you have done well. know that
Szass Tam: SHe can not have meant to go to war...she supported 6 meals a day at firs..
Aznar Thrul: Her vote was as lucid as she gets.
Juliet a'Careth: *As Mythrell'aa vanishes, she can't help but surpress an amused smile and show of respect for the womans command of illusion; Juliet remains silent, as usual.*
Szass Tam: You cannot intend to go forward with this MADNESS?
Yaphyll: disappointing. Kul, not a good way to start...
Anastashia Shadoe: *looks around her mouth agape at the vote but keeps quiet *
Azura: **frowns slightly but then regains compposure*
Melody Singer: *brown eyes look around the table, then back at Lallara*
Nevron: *sneers at Tam* the council is decided
Nevron: thrul, kul. we shall meet soon to decide the course of action
Lallara Mediocros: *scowling* Insanity has ruled this day, I am certain the people of Thay will not appreciate what you are about to do.
Szass Tam: *His easy smile drops and his face contorts in unnatural ways* You doom thousands to slaughter with this madness....the people will be punished for YOUR arrogance.
Lallara Mediocros: Not all agree with your warmongering Thrul. Your legionnares are loyal only because they fear you, I can see in their eyes they do not agree with this decision.
Lauzoril: Insanity? that is the definition of most of what we do. should something be needed *looks across the table and points to Kessa* she is my proxy in this
Juliet a'Careth: *Despite herself, she flinches from the wizards angry responses.*
Juliet a'Careth: *Particularly Szass Tam's show of anger.*
Szass Tam: *glances at the soldiers behind Thrul* Your loyalty commends you....I hope it serves to drown out the screams of the innocent thayans you slaughter in the name of this folly.
Thessaloni Canos: *stands and bows to the assemblage* should anything from the Alaor be needed, please don't hesitate to contact me
Lallara Mediocros: Remember this legionnares, when you are running someones old granny through with your blade.
Anastashia Shadoe: *frowns at her words*
Azura: *likewise frowns as well*
Duston Conners: *keeps a rather expressionkess face*
Hezess Nymar: *extends his hand to Kul and shakes it* i have long desired to see Amruthar as a true city of the Lapendrar. as tharchion, i shall do whatever is required *bows and leaves*
Juliet a'Careth: *She forces a stoic expression, apathy clouding her expression.*
Szass Tam: *Sneers at Thrul with undisguised contempt*, You have won the vote...I hope you are satisfied with the results.
Melody Singer: *gulp*
Azura: *looks once more at Lallara then turns her attention to Thrul*
Aznar Thrul: *nodding* The only sensible decision, not the ninny pandering of doddering old politicians.
The Tharchioness: *looks over at thrul and Kul with undisguised loathing and turns to Tam and bows low* at your service, omnipotence. Eltabbar troops shall remain far from this debacle
Aznar Thrul: Treasonous bitch.
Dimon: *stands with a shrug*
Nikos Galambos: *his fist strikes his chest in salute*
Dimon: Nikos, prepare the troops under your command. you will be leading those of the Tyraturos legion in this assault
Nikos Galambos: As you command Tharchion
Dimon: should anything be needed, my lords, please reach out to Captain Nikos - and of course myself
Kessa Sepret: Actually, you may wish to find another to lead your troops.
Kessa Sepret: I plan to take Nikos as my Knight.
Shara Bross: *small smile*
Aznar Thrul: Duston, coordinate with the Tyraturos legion and see this matter to its inevitable conclusion.
Nikos Galambos: *turns to Kessa, his face finally showing an expression of a smile*
Dimon: ah *his smile drops*
Duston Conners: *gives a bow* As you wish, Omnipotence.
Dimon: well, as a Thayan Knight i trust you will have him follow your zulkir's wishes and assist in leading the troops in battle, aye?
Kessa Sepret: Of course.
Dimon: just as good then
Dimon: congratulations then, captain
Nikos Galambos: *nods to Kessa, then turns to the Tharchion*Thank you
Aznar Thrul: It seems Tyraturos will be without its leadership, so make due in that case.
Shara Bross: *mouths congratulations to Nikos*
Nikos Galambos: And congratulations to you, Omnipotence Kessa
Nikos Galambos: If this session is over, shall we visit the Knight Commander
Kessa Sepret: aye.
Aznar Thrul: Your troops appear loyal. This should be done by the numbers.
Kessa Sepret: NIkos... a moment.
Nikos Galambos: *nods and smiles to Blondie*
Duston Conners: Yes Master.
Nikos Galambos: Mistress?
Melody Singer: *steps aside and curtseys as zulkir Samas Kul rises*
Samas Kul: *nods triumphantly to thrul* you have my thanks. and we shall speak again soon
Kessa Sepret: If you had no more need of me, Zulkirs... I will take my leave.
Azura: *bows to kul*
Juliet a'Careth: *The Priestess awaits to be addressed, be it for speech or dismissal; her eyes lingering on Nikos and Kessa with a fond smile.*
Lallara Mediocros: *scowls at all the women surrounding Thrul*
Nikos Galambos: It has been an honor your Magnificences*strikes his chest in salute*
Lallara Mediocros: *snapping suddenly* I've had about all I can bear of this.
Melody Singer: *curtseys to zulkir Lallara as she rises*
Azura: *bows as she rises*
Juliet a'Careth: *The priestess, again flinches as the old crow caws.*
Duston Conners: *waits to be addressed futher*
Melody Singer: *curtseys as Thrul rises*
Aznar Thrul: All of you did remarkably well.
Azura: *bows*
Juliet a'Careth: *She steps aside to let the Zulkier stand, curtseying for him.* Thank you, Omnipotence.
Aznar Thrul: Melody.. thank you.
Aznar Thrul: *nods briefly to Juliet*
Duston Conners: *bows to Thrul*
Melody Singer: You are welcome Omnipotence.
Azura: Thank you Omnipotence
Aznar Thrul: *looking back at Duston* Get prepared. *then to Azura and Ana* Now..
Duston Conners: Yes Master.
Aznar Thrul: You will be informed when the strike will take place, await your orders.
Anastashia Shadoe: Yes Omnipotence
Azura: Yes Omnipotencce
Azura: *bows*

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As Samas Kul looked over Aznar Thrul and Nevron across the table from him in his tower, he thanked the gods neither of them were Yaphyll or very capable of reading minds. If they knew what was coming as a result of their actions, they would not hesitate to slay him on the spot.

Such as it was, the battle plans for Amruthar were nearly complete. The Lapendrar, Tyraturos, and Priador tharchs were all committing troops to the battle, and Red Wizards with their Thayan Knights of Evocation, Conjuration, Transmutation, and Enchantment would be leading the attack.

If the Heirarch knew what was coming, he gave no indication of it. Regardless of whether or not he did know, thought Samas Kul, was irrelevant. The real purpose of the attack would be revealed only when the battle had begun. Then, he knew, the zulkirs would begin to get what they deserved.

True damnation.


Thanks to everyone who participated in this momentous event. I personally had a great time with the first-ever full council of the zulkirs witnessed by players! And I especially I want to give a very big thanks to Purulent Carcass and Vortar the Mad for their assistance playing several of the zulkirs and tharchions. Without them, this event wouldn’t have been possible.

Thank you everyone for making this council a reality!

[Balanor]

Zulkir Lallara studied the companions through her divining pool for a long time after they left her massive library. She had summoned them because the bard Melody Singer had intrigued her at the zulkir council. She needed to know more about her.

After bringing Melody, Elliana, Ihsahn, Maegor, and Juliet to her library to test Melody, Lallara had to admit: the bard was good. Melody had passed her tests and performed a rendition of a tune specific to the school of abjuration. Despite herself, Lallara formed an ever-so-slight smile on her ancient and wrinkled face not used to the effort of doing so. Indeed, she was quite good.

And therein lay the problem. Even one as eloquent, and with as much ‘talent’, as she had been unable to sway Aznar Thrul from his path to war. Lallara had actually hoped that Melody had more influence with Thrul. Either that or she had been almost hoping the bard had been a plaything of Thrul’s for no purpose other than the pleasant sight she no doubt provided him. Sadly, neither was the case.

She moved back to her desk and sat down wondering what to do. She had let them all depart with knowledge that they could potentially use against Thrul should they get the chance. The tharchioness of the Priador who he deposed after the Salamander War, Mari Agneh, was indeed alive and held as his sexual plaything and captive. Lallara had planted the notion with Ihsahn that perhaps a better choice of zulkir for the school of evocation was needed. With Maegor she had found him willing to kill a zulkir even if it resulted in the loss of his own, which was further curious to her. And finally, she planted a seed that if attention were diverted from Amruthar in time with the threat of something more important, maybe -just maybe-, bloodshed on a massive scale could be diverted.

Abruptly she rapped her knuckles against her desk and called out shrilly for one of her apprentices.

“I must speak with zulkirs Szass Tam and Yaphyll,” she started as soon as the apprentice had entered the chambers. “There may be a way we could avert this foolishness.”

[Balanor]

The previous tharchioness of the Priador, Mari Agneh, is alive!

It has been discovered that the long whispered rumors about her captivity were true. She was taken captive by the zulkir Aznar Thrul when, backed by the priesthood of the Flaming Brazier of Bezantur, he successfully put an end to the Salamander War in 1357 DR and then wrested control of the Priador from her. For the past 15 years, she has been his sexual plaything - paraded in front of his sycophants at parties and humiliated in virtually every way possible.

Mari has been freed from her prison in the Bezantur Citadel with the assistance of her old allies at the Temple of Mask, who long thought her dead, along with the aid of Melody, Avrora, Rand, Ihsahn, and Elliana recruited by the zulkir Lallara herself. The heroes even overcame the remaining Thayan Knights of Aznar Thrul guarding the Citadel led by no other than the notorious Vortar - who nearly brought low the entire group by himself before they managed to dispatch him. Within hours of Mari's return, the few remaining legionnaire officers charged with the defense of Bezantur pledged to serve her as tharchioness of the Priador, and once more all legion forces in that city are presumably under her command. In addition, representatives have already been sent to the reduced Murbant and Thasselen garrisons with an ultimatum to either pledge their oaths to her as Tharchioness of the Priador, or be taken by force and then publicly tortured and executed.

It seems obvious that freeing Mari at this time is primarily an attempt by the zulkir Lallara to tear apart the forces of the zulkirs rallying on the edge of Amruthar which are preparing to attack and sack that city. Aznar Thrul must now decide whether or not to abandon the assault of the city, return to the Priador with his legionnaires (and the bulk of the force attacking Amruthar), and retake it from Mari and the Priador forces now loyal to her. Whether or not this risky strategy works in time, and whether or not it will actually save Thayan lives as opposed to costing more, will be soon determined.

Regardless of what the future holds, at present Mari has returned and retaken her 'rightful' role of Tharchioness of the Priador with her claim supported by zulkirs Szass Tam, Lallara, and Yaphyll. Needless to say though - she is very, very angry at her long captivity and the inaction of those who knew about it.

Vengeance will be hers, and to hell with the consequences.

[Karilynn]

Omnipotent Hierarch Kessa. It sounded like a proper title to use to address her, to mix the two. It was hard to say for certain which to use individual, since she was both now. With much of the legions injured, and Mari's return, and the death of Zulkir Thrul, there would be much change. Kareena would need to report that to the Temple. There was much opportunity in change.

[Balanor]

After some work by the leaders of the attacking force, and reassurances that the battle would be swift and not costly, Aznar Thrul agreed to remain with his forces and take the city of Amruthar, then the combined force would be turned to the Priador to deal with the usurper Mari Agneh.

As planned, zulkir Nevron and tharchion Hezess Nymar’s forces of demons conjured by his Red Wizards and the Lapendrar legion attacked the eastern gate. Zulkirs Samas Kul’s and Aznar Thrul’s Red Wizards pinned down the forces on the wall. And tharchion Dimon attacked the western gate with his Tyraturos legion and a special vanguard that included the Priador legionnaires Rozz Khephra, Kalis Kurm, and Azura, the Red Wizard Kessa and her knight Nikos, and the mercenaries Kareena and Pedron Niall II. The bulk of the Priador legion was held in reserve to sweep into the city, under the command of Aznar Thrul, once the gates were breached.

At Samas Kul’s insistence, the zulkirs cast a powerful magic over the city to prevent the use of teleportation and recall magic so the defenders could not try to get in behind their troops as they advanced - or escape.

This was to prove a fatal miscalculation…on the part of the other zulkirs.

As the battle commenced, the vanguard under Dimon proceeded to take the western gate and dispatch the initial resistance, and then made their way south along the interior of the city wall while the Priador legion poured in behind them to begin a sweep through the center of the city.

Dimon’s vanguard encountered heavy resistance. It quickly became apparent that first, the defenders were under some magical protection that prevented minor spells from harming them and also absorbed some of the impact of damage they would have otherwise sustained and second, they knew of the planned flanking motion around the southern wall and had defenses in place to slow or stop the advance. Could it be that the zulkirs Lallara and Yaphyll were aiding the defenders? Would they be so brash as to outright defy the majority of the council, Dimon had wondered aloud to those in the vanguard?

Despite the strong resistance the vanguard pushed through to the rear of the Heirarch’s Palace and then cut north to the market with Dimon becoming bolder with each enemy defeat. Indeed, he may have fallen on that advance had the Priador Lieutenant Azura not been there to break off her attack and aid him. Finally they reached the entrance to the Palace and regrouped as Red Wizards of Nevron and his demons were battling the forces of Amruthar throughout the eastern portion of the city around them.

The force charged into the palace and met more strong resistance within the throne room. Dimon, in a bold but foolish move, rushed away from the bulk of his vanguard to attack three of the city guards on his own and had his skull split before his force could reach him! Thus ended the reign of the tharchion of Tyraturos.

Command of the vanguard now passed to the Red Wizard Kessa with the guidance of her Knight; Nikos. After fighting through the barracks and lower levels of the palace, they made their way above where the Heirarch had taken his last refuge. Fighting past his guards, the vanguard slew him as well, moments before Thrul, Kul, and Nymar converged on the Palace and joined them.

After being informed of Dimon’s fall, Thrul moved to inspect the body of the Heirarch which suddenly transformed into a terrible Blood Fiend - and undead demon-vampire! The Blood Fiend unleashed some magical power that swept through the Palace and throughout the city, rising all that had fallen as shadows, dread warriors, and worse. Those in the Heirarch’s chambers proved to be the strongest of the undead and converged around Thrul, hacking and slashing at him. Thrul’s power was terrible to behold, but he could not stop from being overwhelmed by the creatures surrounding him and could not escape due to the anti-recall magic laid over the city. The great and mighty Aznar Thrul fell there, in the Palace of the Heirarch, damned by his own magic and the horde of undead that ripped apart his body.

In the last moments before Thrul’s death, Hezess fled the battle, screaming retreat as he flew from the city - which in turn caused his Lapendrar legionnaires to flee in disarray. As the dead armies began to rise and attack their mortal counterparts, the balance of the battle fell from the attackers. The Tyraturos and Priador legions, now leaderless, were both routed in disarray and horror. Only Nevron, his Red Wizards, their demons, and the remaining wizards of transmutation and evocation remained to turn the tide against the undead. As was Dimon’s vanguard which was fortifying its position and regrouping in the upper level of the Palace.

Samas Kul found the battle at a precarious point, and ordered the vanguard to counterattack back through the Palace and to make their way to the Slave Stockyard which would be a rallying point for Nevron and the others who remained. Wearied, but resolute, the battered vanguard set back through the Palace and streets of Amruthar, battling undead almost every step of the way. Once at the stockyard, the ever-unhappy Nevron informed all arrived that the undead had been mostly destroyed by the few remaining living attackers, demons, and Red Wizards still committed to the battle.

But the losses they had inflicted as both living and undead defenders of the city had been enormous. Almost half the attacking force had been destroyed, and the remainder scattered. Worst of all, tharchion Dimon and the mighty zulkir Aznar Thrul had been killed as well. Successors for both would be needed, and Kul vowed that Hezess would be stripped of his position as tharchion of the Lapendrar. Among those still remaining in the vanguard, it was decided that the Red Wizard Kessa should become the new Heirarch of the city, and before he left, Kul charged her with clearing the remaining pockets of undead while the restoration of the city was being organized.

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Samas Kul, zulkir of Transmutation and leader of the Vengeful’s Trade Circle completed his lengthy report of the battle to his master, although he was certain his master already knew all of it.

“I believe your magical influence was sufficient to convince those involved that Lallara, Yaphyll, and especially Szass Tam were all involved in assisting with the defense of the city. Nevron is hot-headed enough that he will not see past the obvious and blame Tam for the cost of this ‘victory’. There will be blood, and trying to replace Dimon will make the divisions more apparent.”

“Our plan worked quite well, but the coward Hezess ran before your undead that killed Thrul could dispose of him as well. And as we expected Nevron to survive, the anti-Tam faction of zulkirs is still strong, although diminished. No doubt Tam will seek a way to exploit the situation...,” Kul trailed off, finally stopping his one-way conversation.

“You have done well, and your part in this first part of the plan is over. The chaos has begun. You may go,” the raspy voice of Kul’s master simply stated after a few uncomfortable minutes of silence, from the darkness around Kul.

After the fat zulkir lumbered out of the chamber, the Old Man stepped forward.

“You have heard Kul’s results. The balance of power is shifting back to Tam’s faction,” the master rasped. “Ensure it shifts away from him just as quickly. Contact your agents here and in Aglarond. It is time the Simbul become involved.”

The Old Man opened his mouth as if to speak, closed it, and then nodded once. He well knew that Tam’s plan for domination of Thay was nearly ready to be unleashed. And on the off chance the zulkirs should put aside their increasingly dangerous feud to combine their strength now, they were still strong enough to thwart the Vengeful’s plans. He would need to act soon to prevent any chance of that occurring before it was time.