The History of the Monk Academy Part I: Guardians of the Deep

The following account was taken from, "The History of the World," written by the renowned historian, Monk Niama. The prefix reads, "Every culture will tell its own story of how it came to be. This is our story. Make of it what you will."

All children are taught the story of the world's creation. The Creator came down from on high and breathed life into our barren world. Forests grew, animals were born, and the first of the cultured races began their nomadic journeys across the land. But not all children know of the war.

Long ago, deep in the half-forgotten past, there was a great war. The forces of good and evil clashed and broke the world beneath them. The very elements were brought to bear against each other. The world was in danger of being torn apart.

The Creator, keeper of all things, came down to our world, for the first time since the Beginning, to stop the conflict that was destroying his creation. However, the sheer force of the destruction being brought to bear awakened powers from the Deep, powers older than the world itself. The Creator was able to defeat these powers, and lock them away, but at a terrible price.

Chamber of Eyes - Speed Clear Edition

Armed with Rendil Halfmoon's directions to the Chamber of Eyes, the party heads into the Labyrinth early in the morning. Whatever "morning" is, down here.

We were joined by Melissa this session, playing the part of Gwen, the halfling Rogue. She dual-wields hand crossbows.
Additionally, this adventure marks the introduction of Phineas Glark, the half-orc Ranger specializing in melee and thrown weapons. (Played by Alan)

After several hours navigating the lightless depths, the party arrives in the narthex of the Chamber of Eyes. The room is 70 feet long and 30 feet wide. 10 feet up the far wall is a balcony. In the center of the wall on the right is a large door engraved with a beholder and a symbol of Torog (god of the underdark).

Rendil's Rescue & The Seven Pillared Hall

Having rested the majority of the day in the shelter of the giant Minotaur Gate - enjoying the last sunlight they will see for quite some time - the party embarks down the Road of Lanterns. The Road of Lanterns is a massive (30'x30') tunnel leading through the mountain, lined with glowing green lanterns every hundred feet or so. A short distance down the road, several tunnels fork off from the main road, leading into darkness. The party almost passes them by when Teelah notices light in one of the tunnels. Upon further investigation, the light appears to be coming from a partially open door a short ways down the tunnel. As they approach, the party hears voices issuing from the room. It sounds as though a group of hobgoblins have captured a halfling and intend to sell him!

More is on the way, I promise.

Finals week is upon me, so this blog has been moved to the back burner. Which is unfortunate, because I've got like 5+ different posts I'd really like to write.

A preview:

• PCs enter the Chamber of Eyes and utterly destroy the BloodReavers over the course of 48 seconds.
• Phil creates a labyrinth dungeon, and we spend an hour negotiating with the Minotaur guard before I give up and smash him.
• Alan tries his hand at DMing after a long break, and half the party fumbles rolls for the entire night
• Solon throws a kickass birthday party culminating in an amazing 3-DM 16-player D&D-fest
• After watching everyone else DM, I get my inspiration back just in time for summer.

Expect several of these posts starting next Wednesday!