" Not one of us could have endeavored to guess the impact of the Outsiders coming to the An’Desh capital would have had on the world as a whole. It is this humble Bards opinion that something akin to fate brought these reluctant heroes to the very epicenter of the nation that would determine the fate of Worlds. Final from Excerpt from The Coming Of The outsiders ~ written by Yolo Swaggins

The Party flew on the backs of the Military Wyverns, becoming quite surprised with the beasts ability to teleport a days distance toward the city. Seeing for the first time the expanse of the world it was almost too much to take in, as it differed so much from the dessert world that they came from. It was then they saw the grandeur of An’Llivi’an, the capital city of the An’Desh empire.

Landing before the An’Desh Palace. Aya informed the party that the portals that brought them here, were created by some other force, and should not be. With Goll’s help, they plan on destroying the portals, and now would be the time to return home if they so wished. It was here that Kira, said goodbye to her brother and the rest of the party to return home. She also promised to look for Hal’s ex-wife and son, to keep them safe from the war between the Church of Ariex, the Bannteth, and Betrand the Benevolent. Kira returned to her home world.

Once inside they were escorted, to a side room where they were given new armor and clothing emblazoned with the insignia of the An’Desh Empre. There they were met by Anku, lady in waiting to the Empress who made sure that they “presentable” for their meeting with the most powerful person in the world. This is also, where they met a half orc woman, named Tarzi, who was also here for the same audience, as she had attacked and decimated a slave ring in Valsunor, and was directly responsible for making Kennel Master Luthias return to the Pass and meet his inevitable end.

Once in the throne room, they watched as Lady Anku and Aya seated themselves on either side of the Empress. From there, they watched as the head of the Taerian Delegation was brought before here in Chains. He cursed at the gathered elves and promised that his Lord would bring destruction on their heads if he was not released. Unfortunately, for him, a rider was already dispatched to Warlord Damus of Taer. The Warlord, decried the actions of his emissary and denied any involvement in the theft of living stone, promising to return it should he locate it. The future of the emissary was to be left to the Empress’ discretion. Empress Na’Dine sentenced the man to death and was taken Batheus, champion of the realm to be beheaded.

Lord Governor Talvas was then brought before the Empress, his incompetence in ruling the pass being deemed criminal. The Empress took partial responsibility in his failure by not recognizing his lack of leadership. Instead of ordering his death, he was exiled, to Haven, in the Westetrn Marshes, to help the people fight the hordes of the Faceless Queen.

With that unpleasantness complete. Hal, Balsatra, Lyman, and Tarzi, approached the dias. They were met with mixed reactions, from respect to outright racism on the party of Dynast Wynvoris and his cronies. They were thanked by the Empress and offered positions within the Empire as Knights. This of course was met with mixed reaction as well. To add feul to the fire, Pellar arrived in the throne room, claiming that Hal was his father and he too was granted citizenship in the capital. The teifling seemed to be the last straw, for the more conservative of the elves.

Once the nobility was dismissed, the empress also gave them gifts for their service, and told them that she had a selfish reason that went along with the positions. She wanted to show her people that their isolationist practices were not correct and that the other races, whom they have had very little dealings with in the old world, were to be respected and seen worthwhile.

Before the party could leave, the throne room was attacked by a wight, speaking with the voice of the Faceless Queen. The Wight offered a dire warning, that the Faceless Queen had returned and would bring the An’Desh to heel. The wight attacked and the empress and Anku were teleported out of the throne room by Lady Corina. Leaving the Party and Aya, the Party, and Pellar to deal with the undead. Once dispatched, on a balcony Keiren Rathal Emerged in his full Vampire Glory! He dropped a orb on the floor which then turned into an undead Hydra.

Aya and Kieren disappeared from the throne room as they fought. The party fought the Hydra as Batheus returned to help. As this occurred, Pellar seemingly exibited Divine powers during the fight. The Hydra was killed and Kieren Rathal escaped.

Once the enemy was defeated, Aya brought the party to their new home. Here they agreed to be under her personal patronage. She gifted them with 5000 gp a piece and a personal butler and house keeper (Greta and Grendel). She instructed the party to get to know the city and wait on her summons.

Over the first few days the party realized that Batheus was watching teh house and asked to speak to Pellar. Batheus informed Pellar that he was a Paladin but to what god the young teifling is not saying. Batheus has taken the young man under his wing and is training him.

" And so it was that the Outsiders were witness to An’Desh justice. A dark time spread across Guardians Pass, with every swinging hang mans noose, those who once brought only pain, in death brought a sense of hope. Hope for the future of the Pass and all its peoples. Yet this left a bitter taste in the mouths of the intrepid heroes that brought this peace to pass." an excerpt from The Outsiders ~ by Yolo Swaggins

After bringing the unconscious body of Orlen Farrick, to Lord General Na’Rill of the An’Desh Empire, the party with Felice, were ordered to return to Galavant’s and remain there until sent for. If they were attempt to leave the city, they would be killed.

They were well tended by Galavant and did what They could to help ease the mind of Felice who had been betrayed so completely by her sister, as she was almost sacrificed by her to the Faceless Queen. Also, in the tavern, Balsatra, ran into Durden, who had been attacked by the Taerian delegation and his master killed, in their search for the Dwarf. Durden was now the defacto head Alchemist for the Military city, but promised to keep his business deal with Balsatra in Place. Genk was there as well along with her dog Drool. Suprisingly, she was accompanied by a few Orcs dressed in Human barbarian Armor. “Her New Clan”. She thanked the party for all they did for her and left the Tavern. To where, no one knows.

Over the course of a few weeks, the party watched as the An’Desh Military and the Clerics of Pike began rounding up an arresting any gang members remaining from the battle of the city. It was during this time that the party witnessed the Dutchess and her remaining followers being led to the stockades. While she looked resigned to her fate, this did not sit well with the party, as she and her followers, twice intervened on their behalf as they escorted citizens to the Temple district during the battle.

It was in the Western Side of the Pass that they also witnessed the two sides of the Church of Pike. Having only, met Cleric Falnor and his clerics, they were in for a shock when they saw the brutally efficiency of the the Clerics doing the hunting, under Inquisitor Enir Kamos, as Paladin Kalvar Rrakesh, did all he could to see to the innocent people affected by the tragedy that struck there home, going so far as to oversee a temporary hospital with the Temple of Nepthira, and constructing temporary housing for those displaced.

Once again returning to the Laughing Crow Inn, the Party was pleased to see that Zilah had taken ownership of the pub, and along with the Blades were warmly welcomed by all. Sammual had gone missing and no one knew where to.
Lyman, purposed a business proposition to Zilah, and they came to an agreement that Lyman could be a silent partner, working toward buying shares of the Inn, but never enough to become the primary shareholder. They renamed the Inn “Smileys”.
Balsatra turned into a monkey and provided a bit of entertainment for the crowd.
Hal took to speaking with the moody Teifling, Pellar, and trying to act as a father figure to him, much to the confusion of all.
It was at this moment that Lyman produced Sammual’s book, which proceeded to burn the bard and shout in the minds of all in the bar to return it to its owner. Inquisitor Enir, who happened to be in the Inn, took the book and healed Lyman. From there the party watched Enir gather up all the clerics and create a summoning circle, using the book as a focus. They summoned a very injured Sammual, and Enir proceeded to break all his fingers and jaw, before taking him into custody.

Over the next few weeks, daily Hangings took place in front of the Fortess, overseen, by the Lord General, Na’Rill. The party chose not to watch these until it came to the day Sammual, was hung. Sammual said nothing to the party, yet made sure his eyes never left his as he died. Hearing that the Dutchess would be hung on the following day, the party requested and audience with the Lord General. After quite a bit of persuasion and impassioned speeches, the Lord general, agreed that the if she agreed the Dutchess would be exiled “In secret” but her Orcs had committed crimes and at least half would need to answer for that.
Escorted by Lt. Vieren, the party spoke with the Dutchess in the dungeons and told her of their plan. Due to the love she had for her followers, she refused. However, the very orcs she was willing to sacrifice herself for, stood up and volunteered to be hung to meet the deals requirements. The following day, half of the Dutchess’ orcs were hung but were met by salutes by Lt. Vieren, the Blades, the party, and even Cleric Falnor, who once counted them as enemies. Tom Harlo, of the Blades then quetly told the party, that the official, story, was that the Dutchess, “died in prison due to sickness.” She was actually escorted out, with here remaining Orcs by the blades and set free into the Wilds.

The following Day Orlen was hung, and his soul claimed by a spirit serpent, like Kieren Rathal before him. He offered only a warning to those in attendance. “the Faceless Queen would have all there souls, when this was all over.”

A week later the party was called back into speak with Lord General Na’Rill. They were greeted by the Lord General, Lt. Veren, Lord and lady Vieren, and Lady Aya. Here they were informed that Lt. Veren would be taking over the Military command of the City and Lord Vieren would be taking over as Governor of the Populace. Due to the death of Lord Madesta by the doppleganger, the gang leader, Nestor Zilan, who had been working in secret for Lady Vieren, to look out for the party, was elevated to the new Lord of Contracts for the city.
they were also informed that what remained of the Taerian delegation attacked the mines and managed to escape with a sample of the An’Desh living stone. This battle cost Soltar one of his arms.

Aya was also pleased to announce that the Empress herself, wished to thank the party for their efforts a invited them to the capital city of the An’Desh, An’lliuvi’an.

Before I dive into the write up I wanted to show you decision trees as why certain things shook out the way they did based on your decisions. Those events you took no part in or were “locked” do to other decisions will not be shown here.

Aya’s investigation: You did not lie.
1) Were allowed to walk around the city with no hidden escort.
2) aya was able to complete her investigation quicker and return to the pass.
3) Aya able to free Goll and alert Empire’s Military as to Talvas’ ineptitude.

Galavants: By not acting a fool in this establishment.
1) Lyman able to secure himself a steady Gig as House Bard and made an Ally in Balzadar Deep.
2) Balsatra Gained access to Durden and obtained a criminal contact and a supply of alchemist supplies.
3) Was Given knowledge about the current ruling structure of the Pass.
4) Dealings with Karl and Frank were not as difficult.
5) Kira becomes known as Thunder Nugget in the fighting pits.

Theren Family Shop: Being nice to a “touched” old man, a book worm, and a bitchy sister.
1) Goll took to the team and gave them weapons he had created with the help of his “little Friends”
2) Abigail made nervous by Goll’s kindness and took more of an interest in the Party. She contacted Orlen Farrick about the Party.
3) When the time came, Felice opened up her hidden cache of old world books and provided information on the Faceless Queen.

Clearing Out The Mine: Excepting Orlens offer.
1) The party took pressure off of him from the higher ups. He hoped that the mine would be cleared out but your numbers dwindled.
2) Befriended Soltar and a minor ally in the military.
3) Prevented Taerians from gaining a sample of the An’Desh living stone.
3a) Took the goblin shaman alive. Shaman provided Soltar and by extension, Talvas needed information in regards to Taerian plot.
4) Balsatra seen through the portal by a Taerian Noble.
4a) Taerian delegation actively looking for Balsatra to silence him
4b) Durden attacked by members of the Taerian delegation looking for Baslatra.
5) Invited to Madesta Ball.
6) all Party members survive. Abagail fakes her own death and speeds up her timeline.
7) Lord Madesta hands Lady Madesta over to Orlen. Doppleganger takes her place.
8) Lord Purite murdered by Doppleganger and Orlen.

Madesta Ball:
1) Lyman charms Lady Vieren – Gain an ally in the merchant noble class of the Pass. Agrees to share info with Lyman.
2) Hal bonds with Lord Vieren – Gain ally in the military as well as a friend in the investigation for drug shipment. Lord vieren cracks down on security in the docks.
2a) Lord Vieren and his men catch Nestor Zilan moving smuggled goods.
2b) Deal was struck between Nestor and Lady Vieren. Nestor is to keep an eye on the party and interfere on their behalf should they find themselves in deep shit.
3) Hal dances with Lady Purite – Lord Purite becomes jealous. Sparks suspicion from his wife as to change in behavior. Keeps her guard up around her husband.
4) Balsatra snoops – discovers affair between Lord Madesta and Abagail. Finds stange goo in the walk in closet of Lord Madesta’s master bedroom.
5) Kira – befriends Angelik Vieren – Gains ally in anti Talvas faction. Endears the party to Felice Theren and Soltar more.
6) Balsatra and team save Angelik form Taerian golem. – House Vieren is a staunch ally.
6a) Lord Vieren prevents party from being arrested by Talvas.
6b) Information provided by party and Goblin Shaman convince Talvas to take the Taerian Delegation in for questioning.
7) Trying to rid himself of the Party, Orlen tells them that they should travel to other side of the pass and meet with Sammuel Trexium in hopes they will meet their end there or drop the murder investigation all together and join Sammuel’s mercs for better pay.

Western Pass:
1) The party turned down Samuel’s offer to join him as a mercenaries for the neutral zone.
1a) This made the blades curious in the party.
1b) Zilah gained a bit of respect for the party. Did not trust them though.
1C) Sammuel decided that the party could not be trusted if not under his control.

2) The party took an interest in the murders and was kind to Fennrick. Balsatra gains more goop.
2a) Zilah began to trust the party.

3) The party killed Kennel Master Luthias.
3a) Zilah trusted the party as they were good guys.
3b) Fennrick and Lilith refused to spy on the party for Sammuel.
3c) Party gained notoriety in the pass and lower tiered thugs and thieves let them be.
3d) Blades send Harllo to aid the party against the cult. Samuel is unaware.

4) Party shows respect to the Dutchess and does not insult the Orcs 2×. They also do not interfere with her plans.
4a) She does not order their deaths after the destruction of the Cult of An’Desh’a
4b) She actively tries to defend innocent folks during the riot.

5)Party Aligns themselves with the Clerics of the Temple district.
5a) Party able to destroy the cult of An’’Desh’a with decreased difficulty.
5b) Party trick the cult and Kieren into open warfare. This decreased the difficulty as well and made sure that more clerics survived the assault on the cult, and aid them against Kieren Rathal.
5c) Party gains valuable information about doppelgangers present in the Eastern Pass.
5d) Potential pandemic of Lavavoth worm disease averted as Clerics can destroy it.
5e) Sammuel dives deeper into his dark pact. Places a bounty on the parties head. Starts gearing up for war. Has decided the Dutchess and the party must go.
5f) The blades actively protect the party under the guise of keeping order in the Neutral Zone.
5g) Party gains access to Lt. Veren as an ally against Kieren Rathal.
5h) Lyman learns about the potential name and whereabouts of his father from Cleric Falnor and Soul keeper Malick.

6) Party kills Kieren Rathal.
6a) Faceless queen plot to weaken the pass discovered. Faceless queen knows the party’s faces (altar eye)
6b) Necromantic drug ring detroyed.
6c) Party does not interfere with Dutchess and Sammuel. More bonues points with dutchess.
6d) Party evacuates innocent folk from Kieren Rathal’s territory. Blades are now a firm ally.
6e) Due to location and destructive nature of clerics and failed attempt by the party to be stealthy, Talvas made aware of Lt. Veren’s actions. Western pass placed on lockdown.
6f) Sammuel attacks the Dutchess.
6g) Abigail and Orlen decide they need to assassinate the nobility and Talvas before leaving. Doppelganger agents set loose. Felice kept alive to be sacrificed away from the pass.
6h) Lord Madesta connection to faceless queen and no affair ever reported. Lord Madesta murderer by wife/doppleganger with no issue. Trade contract documents lost to the Pass.

7) Escape from the Werstern Pass:
7a) Weakened power structure allows Nodius to try and take the Pass for himself
7b) Party allies with the blades to evacuate innocent folk to the Temple district.
7c) Balsatra stops Sammuel from killing the Dutchess.
7d) Lyman charms sammuel into fighting Nodius. the party is able to save Zilah and Fennrick from Sammuel. Pellar agrees to flee with them. A fight with Sammuel is averted and slows down Nodius and his troops allowing more people and Sammuel to escape.
7e) Hal And Kira break the Neutral Zone blockade, allowing Nestor to see his chance and help get the party and the people to safety through Sammuels underground tunnels. More people are kept safe and Lyman steal Sammuels Tome.
7F) Party able to hold off Nodius long enough for help to arrive in the form of a huge black wyvern ad the military to teleport in.
7g) friendship with Soltar and alliance with Clerics allow the party to reach the Eastern Pass by way of a secret portal in the Temple of Nepthira.

8) The party Saves lady Purite:
8a) Due to Hal inadvertently showing Lady Purite the change in her husband, she survived initial assault by her doppelganger husband. Shipping routes to the Pass are still secure.Lady Purite in their debt.
8b) Doppelganger threat neutralized.
8c) Party misses a chance to prevent Orlen’s attempted assassination of Lord Talvas. Talvas already paranoid about Taerians and Military arrival. He survives.

9) Party chase down Orlen.
9a) Party unable to interfere with the fighting in the mines.
9b) Orlen taken alive and being brought to the Bastion.
9c) Abigail escapes.
9d) Felice recovered.

While no one in Guardians Pass shed a tear at hearing of the death of Kieren Rathal, I would be remiss, if i did not illuminate, as it did for many of us, how even in the New Worlds, unspeakable cruelty born from our fragile imaginations could bend and twist an individual in the monster that Kieren Rathal became. This was the first time that the Outsiders would come face to face with the Power known as the Faceless Queen, and to their credit did not flinch! However this was just the beginning for our intrepid party and one could only guess how this inevitable clash would end. One does not kill the favored son of a doting mother and not expect repercussions. One could even turn their same thoughts to the rest of the Pass’ more “colorful” leaders. If the Pass were the mother that gave birth to Kattar, Rinya, Luthias, and Kiren, what would be the cities response for losing its most devoted offspring? Would it be the wrath of a mourn filled mother watching her children murdered, or the the silent indifference similar to a prostitute for to care for a child unplanned and unwanted? Or perhaps it would be their estrangedsiblings Sammuel, The Duchess, or Nodius Jiskal that would give answer.
- Coming of the Outsiders – Chapter 5 ~ Yolo Swaggins

The party awoke early in the morning to the sounds of a commotion in the main hall of the Temple of Nepthira. After Balsatra wke up Hal and then stole his bed, he decided to once again join the party as he “could not sleep with all the investigating”. They were greeted by a sight of the slaves that they had freed from The Cult Of An’Desh’a sitting up in their cots in unison, blank faced, mouths agape, a haunting chorus of suffering. Aken-Ra and her clerics sprung into action, and by placing their holy symbols on the infected’s chest, were able to force them to vomit up a pile of worms and eggs that were beginning to hatch within their bodies. Deemed safe, the infected all fell into blissful slumber.

Remembering that the Duchess had asked to meet with them, the party made their way to her territory. Here they encountered a much more lively guard force for the territory and even heard screams coming from the back alley’s. They even witnessed an Orc guard throw a drug addicted man through a vendor stall and his head crushed under foot. Once again re-iterating the Duchess’ intolerance for those who imbibe Kiren Rathal’s drug. They made their way to the Tavern that the Duchess holds her court and were greeted with the utmost courtesy. After receiving food and drink to break their fast, it was evident that she wished to ask them a favor. It would be a big one as Nestor Zilan, the until now absent head of the local Theives guild was also present. The Duchess first gave them “presents” which came in the form of Wanted Posters in the amount of 10,000 gold for the death of the Party. The posters were signed by Sammuel Trexium. The Duchess informed the party that she forgave them for not allowing her to calim the Cult’s territory for her own. After she had seen what had become of the place, she did not find it to her liking. She also stated her request for at least half of Kieren Rathal’s territory after the party and its allies had done away with him. She even offered to speak on behalf of the party to Sammuel and have the bounty removed. She did not want any further bloodshed in the Pass. Ultimately the Party agreed to not stand in her way but failed to see how they would have any sway with the Military or the Clerics that would be aiding them. Disappointed, the Duchess allowed the Party to leave unscathed.

Outside, Nestor Zilan approached the Party, inquiring about the “additives” Balsatra was using to enhance his drug consumption. Balsatra, not trusting the Halfling leader, played up his level of drug induced lunacy. Seeing the conversation as a lost cause, Nestor offered his services should the party find themselves in need of a “favor” as they apparently had “Mutual Friends”. As he departed the company, Kira noticed that Nestor was now and probably the entire time surrounded by at least six invisible bodyguards. She also heard him mumble to himself “Uppity bitch didn’t tell me they were fucking bonkers. Ain’t worth the coin if you ask me.”

The Party left the territory of the Duchess and made their way to the Temple of Pike where they promised to meet up with Cleric Falnor, in order for him to make good on his promise to aid them in their fight with Kieren Rathal. Cleric Falnor saw the Wanted Posters as good thing as it proved the lowlifes of the Pass were running scared. With all the speed he could muster, he gathered what clerics he could and formed ranks around the party, a precaution as they would need to walk through Sammuel’s Neutral Zone. They made their way of the the Temple district and saw that Palading Sylvan Jastra had lined up the Clerics of Liandra outside the Cult’s old territory. Sounds of flames being spread could be heard from within, as well as Sylvan ordering his men to keep the area under quarantine until the Druid and Elementalist arrived.

In the Neutral Zone, the party was greeted by an angry mob blocking their way. Sammuel was on a literal soap box and was preaching to the masses, the evils of outsiders, the government, and his fellow gang leaders. The party noticed that not only had his forces grown, but some were the same slaves they had freed. They did not witness it but it appears that Sammuel was able to rid them of their worm inhabitants as well. As the Mob looked as if they were going to attack the party, Commander Jessen ordered the blades to form up to protect them, placing his men between the clerics and the mob. When Sammuel accused him of turning traitor, Jessen replied that he was following the terms of his contract, that n violence be committed in the Neutral Zone. One over zealous follower of Sammuel’s threw a dagger that struck Balsatra, which in turn gave Zilah the opportunity to put a crossbow bolt through the offenders head. Once again, following orders. Sensing that the situation was about to go from bad to worse, Hal gave a rousing speech, with the aid of his comrades, that eventually calmed the crowd and they were allowed to pass.

Once they reached the Western Bastion the party was greeted by Lt. Veren, and escorted to the war room, making note that the Bastion appeared, understaffed, under armed, and bereft of military Wyverns. In the war room they were introduced to Soul Keeper Malek, an elderly half elf and Cleric to the Goddess Arissa, who had broken into Bastion the night before and refused to leave. He had heard about Kieren Rathal and wanted to rid the world of his kind. It was also made clear that, he and Falnor were old war buddies going back to the Old World. That he was the Commander for the military branch of the church of Arissa. After introductions were made, Lt. Veren, explained the importance of secrecy in their mission. In the past, he had attempted to aid Sammuel, before the once Tavern owner turned to Darker forces and was betrayed by his own. This reslulted in his imprisonment by Lord Governor Talvas. He was eventually freed due to his connections with Lord general Na’rill in the An’Desh court, but was demoted and sent to the Western Bastion by Talvas. Lt. Veren then led the party to a secret room that housed about sixty soldiers. Here they were given health potions and Falnor and Malek played rock, paper, scissors, to determine who was in charge. Falnor won.

They entered the territory of Kiren Rathal in stealth but due to a bad stumble by Lyman, scarecrows discovered them and the military advanced. Once again, Falnor’s clerics led the party deeper into the territory and left them in search of the supply depot where the necromantic drugs were being created. After some difficulty with the door entering Kiren’s tomb, the party made their way deep inside underground, through the mist filled stairways.As the Party progressed they were shown Kieren’s earliest memories of being a child attacked by a Ba’Rai vampire, as his village burned down around him, then as a youth being attacked by the Clerics of Huldera, and finally being embraced by the Faceless Queen. once in Kieren’s crypt, the gang leader tried to convince the party to join him, by entreating to their outsider status. The party declined the invitation.

The Party was swarmed by scarecrows and shadows, which they dealt with, fairly easily. But just when they were about to square off with Kieren’s two remaining bodyguards, the gang leader crushed their skulls with his flail and absorbed their energy. Just as they though they were going to defeat him, he called out to his “Mother” revealing an altar to the faceless queen and its disturbing eye staring at them from within. The altar kept healing Kierens wounds! After a long fought battle Kira destroyed the altar, and Hal delivered the death blow, with a stake he had been given by Falnor. As the stake plunged into Kieren’s heart a gray radiant energy filled the fallen gang leaders body, rendering him helpless. In Hal’s mind he could hear the faint howl of a wolf.

Their foe vanquished, their body in pain from many wounds, the party fought through their exhaustion and ransacked the place. What they did find was a partially written letter to Kieren, that explained that their “Otherworldly assets” had been successful in integrating themselves within the noble houses of the Pass. Upon further inspection of the letter, they released that the other half was being concealed by magic. Once dispelled, it triggered some residual energy from the now destroyed altar. A Spectral snake, lashed out and the party were helpless as they watched the snake, take Kieren’s soul into its maw and dissipate. the rest of the letter now readable, it continued on about the final sacrifice being nigh, and that the Pass was doomed to fall. It was Signed A.T. and as a post script added that O.F. would be checking in on the production of the drug. The party then realized that the person whose murder they were investigating this entire time was actually the culprit and that the murder of the blond woman in the Eastern Pass was just a way to cover her tracks. Abigail Theren was alive, and Orlen Farrick was working with her! Where did that leave Felice?

The Cult of An’Desh’a rose to prominence relatively soon after the formation of the An’Desh Empire. Those who longed for a time before they had to flee their home and call another God their own, gathered in peaceful celebration of their fallen goddess. But the slow decline of Guardians Pass gave birth to both the despicable and the indifferent. By the time Lord Governor Talvas stepped in to aid his lost brethren it was too late, as hate had already taken hold in their hearts. Talvas would end up receiving the credit for squashing the Cults rebellion but whispers have always surrounded it’s fiery fall, one word …Skallar. Many would tend to agree when no steps were taken stop the resurgence of the Cult under Kattar and Rinya, that the man did not earn such regard. It would not be until the Outsiders took their lives that the Cult officially ended. While this action is still praised in the annals of Time, some historians believe their and the Clerics actions were too hasty, and therefore what came next could have been avoided. ~ The Coming of the Outsiders Chapter 3 – Written by Yolo Swaggins.

After a rest filled night the Party made their way from the Temple district accompanied by the Paladins of Liandra, Priestesses of Nepthira and Clerics Of Pike. They stood before the gates to the territory claimed by the Cult of An’Desh’A. There they witnessed the Dutchess, surrounded by her elite guards sitting upon her thrown, eating cucumber sandwiches as if waiting for the show to commence. With a disproving wag of her finger, she dismissed the group and awaited the results of their endeavor.Sammuel also arrived, surrounded by his Mercenaries, and blocked off any retreat into the Neutral Zone. He had no words for the party but the setting of barricades along his borderes told them all they needed. Sammuel was not pleased and would no longer be the ally he once was. But not all was so dour, both Zilah and Harlo offered discreet waves and encouragement.

The battle commenced as most battles do in this world, as the Paladins of Liandra made quick work of the gate with their divine magics. The Party and the Clerics stormed the gate under the splashes of boiling oil and arrow fire from above. The Paladins Burst through, taking on the majority of the cultist fighters, once through the Priestesses split off from the group to prevent any further reinforcements from flanking their position. From there the clerics of Pike escorted the Party deep within the Cult Territory, taking it upon themselves to deal with the infected legions and freeing as many slaves as possible.

Left alone and deep within enemy territory, the Party made their way through the city in search of the cults leaders, Kattar and Rinya. They witnessed the horrors of life that the slaves of the cult had to endure. These included, torture chambers, crammed buildings stuffed with tattered clothes and bedding, troughs filled with rotting vegetables and various types flesh and appendages used for feeding. Then the mobs came.

Mobs of human slaves driven to madness by their captors attacked the party with makeshift weapons and gardening equipment, one poor dud only had a clay pot. The party dispatched the mobs, making sure to not kill them, as they were innocent and Hal refused to shed their blood. their keeps on the other hand were fair game. The party engaged desiccated and hooded cultists whose very touch created festering wounds on the flash as well as injecting a worm like parasite into them. After the intiial wave was dispatched, Hal noticed that they were not worshiping An’Desh’A at all but the dread god of the Void, Lavavoth!

The Party also cam across a caged Halfling Barbarian named Genk and freed her from captivity. After finding and freeing her dog/mount, Drool, she agreed to help the Party Kill Her captors. She wanted revenge for her fallen Clan,… and she also mistook Balsatra as the Great Bear spirit.

Deeper in, they soon discovered Kattar standing before a fountain that’s brackish water was infested with the worms they had seen before. The ground underneath their feet was layer upon layers of moving refuse and decay. Once again Mobs of slaves attacked them, only they were already too far into the worms infection to be saved. With each infected slave killed the party battled their way to grinning Kattar, only to notice that the adversary had large an toothed living worm dwelling in his esophagus. To make matters worse the entire area continued to dim, making viability difficult. When the darkness was almost complete, Rinya struck from the shadows, almost killing Killing our hero’s.The battle was long an hard but eventually both cult leaders were slain. Rinya’s body was completely devoured by the worms in the decaying in the refuse under foot.

While investigating The fountain, the party found a chuck of the An’Desh living stone glowing red. Lyman pulled it out of the fountain, burning his hand and dropping it on the loamy ground. The stone cleansed the area it touched! Using one of Kattar’s boot they attempted to scoop up the stone but it burned through. When Lyman placed dirt at the bottom of the second boot, it did not burn through. While further investigating the body of Kattar they found that his body had undergone painful alterations. His armor grafted to his muscles and bone with Iron Bark, They also found a very small journal but it was written in Elvish, which no one read, and they needed to get Genk to a Cleric for healing.

On exiting the territory once owned by the Cult of An’Desh’a, the Dutchess called out to them, forgiving them for “stealing” territory that should have been hers, but has expressed an interest in having another conversation with the Party. Sammuel on the other hand left without a word as some of the Blades and Zilah clapped for the party’s success. Lyman then spotted a group of halflings on the roof of a building near the Dutchess’ territory. Since the Party has seen the wanted posters, they recognized the leader of these halflings as Nestor Zilan, leader of the thieves guild in the Pass. Nestor made eye contact with lyamn, spoke into a ring and made his exit.

Back in the temple of Nepthira, the party had Kattars journal Translated to them by an elderly elven cleric. The journal told the story of a young Kattar and Rinya growing up in the Cult of AN’Desh’a. The cult had started out as a peaceful group of people, confused with their place in the world and cosmic cycle. However, their pacifism led them to be attacked and exploited when the gangs of the Pass started to form. They plead for Lord Governor Talvas to come to their aid but it fell on deaf ears. When the Priestess that had adopted Kattar and Rinya was killed by a now long gone gang, a new spiritual leader stepped to the forefront. This leader pushed aside the pacifistic approach and called for war against all non-An’Desh. As the violent fervor grew, the cult lashed out against all residents of the Pass. this resulted in a battle that lasted weeks. During this time Kattar and Rinya hid from the violence in underground tunnels eating nothing but worms and insect eggs to survive. Eventually lord Talvas took action and tried to stem the tide with the military but it was too late, and the majority of the Western Side of the Pass was in flames and the death count was growing at a fast rate. It was during this time in the Journal that a young Kattar witnessed black scaled Wyverns flying over head. he claims that it was the coming of the Skallar. Soon after the Leader of their cult was taken into custody and executed in the capital. Lost and alone, Kattar and rinya simply tried to survive, as most of those they once called family in the cult were either dead or fled the Pass during the chaos. Kattar became sick with an undisclosed deisease that Rinya claimed to have a way to fix him. the journal then ended.

the party, thoroughly depressed were healed and went to bed, except Balsatra who helped Genk give drool a bath in water infused with oranges.

.

Fame can be a fickle thing. A thing that all good Bards know, and keep in mind. For every heroic deed there comes a very unheroic fallout. No one talks about the princess growing to resent her savior or goblins slain making way for a Troll horde. Let no good deed go unpunished, they say. I say, if that punishment is indeed inevitable, then be prepared to make sure the other guys do all the dying.
~ Excerpt from the Journal of Evindahl Honeykissed. Referenced by Yolo Swaggins in The Coming of the Outsiders chapter 2.

The party Awoke the next day to the warm welcomes of the denizens of teh Laughing Crow Tavern, for having killed Kennel Master Luthias. The Blades even seemed to look at them with increased respect. A dwarf by the name of Harlo went so far as to buy they breakfast and a drink. Any morning revelry was broken when Fenrick arrived at the Tavern with a wanted poster of Lyman. News traveled fast and the Cult of An’desh’a had put a heafty price for the death of a new “gang” in the Pass. While most of the party was not thrilled by the idea, Lyman was pleased with the increase to his notoriety. After all he was singled out for the death of the death of a much hated slaver. To the party, this was obviously his plan all along. he did allow one of the slavers to leave unscathed.

At risk of being Debbie Downer, Zilah informed the party that a bounty like this would put them on the radar of all of the functioning gangs of the Pass. It was then that Sammuel offered his assistance in keeping party safe. The Party did not want to continue violence against the gangs of the Pass and instead asked for Sammuels guidance in continuing their investigation. He offered a meeting with the Dutchess as a way to gather intel on the Madesta’s. the catch was that they would need to help Sammuel stop incursions by Kieren Rathal’s fanatics, who had been kidnapping folks from all the territories.

The plan was simple. Pose as one of Kieren Rathal’s Scarecrow faced fanatics and attack the Cult of An’Desha’a. Here they would steal a body, kill the men responsible for the kidnappings and plant the body in the rival territory. No harm no foul, and no one the wiser. and when one fell Sammuel would be there to claim additional territory. For the good of the innocent people, of course.

The Party attacked the front gates of the Cults territory and manage to abscond with the body of one of their fallen foes. As they stealthily made their way through the Neutral Zone to the Territory of Kieren Rathal they were met by Harlo, the dwarven rougue and member of the Blades. He was sent by Sammuel to aid them in infiltrating Kieren’s territory and helping them dispatch the kidnappers and plant the body. They wndered around the underground tunnels that went through Sammuels territory and managed to sneak a peek at what appeared to be an altar bathed in red light, guarded by people that did not appear to be part of the Blades Company.

On the way through the territory they witnessed quite a few attrocites and were given what little information there was about Kieren.
- They witnessed the sacrifice of an innocent person who was bludgeoned to death and fed upon by what appeared to be living scarecrows. the party, outnumbered, once again made their way past.
- These living scarecrows used to be regular people who had become addicted to a necromantic drug that allowed the user to live in the memories of the dead. This drug took the form of a skull with a small tallow candle that emitted a toxic smoke that was inhaled.
- It is beleived that Kieren may have some “Eclyptian” (not so nice term for the Ba’Rai. An Eleven race that were natural Vampires and the blood enemies of teh An’Desh.) harlo did not believe that he was a pureblood as the An’Desh Clerics of Pike have ways of locating such creatures and destroying them with all due haste.

The Party came across the kidnappers that Samuel wished dispatched but were shocked to see that they were Hulderan elves who had clipped their ears. Not only that, they were drinking a black, viscous, fluid similar to that they saw in the quarry earlier. This liquid made their veins bulge from the skin and appear black. Harlo also informed them that while their were two present that their were indeed four identical such people in the gang leader employ. They dispatched the two men and planted the Cultist body making it look like the cult had attacked. An interesting note is that a dark orb emerged from the bodies and sunk into the ground. On their way out they found the half eaten woman hung by a lampost and her blood being drained into a chalice. Lyman used his crossbow to knock the chalice over.

The Party returned to teh Laughing Crow Tavern to find a letter from Lady Viren, letting them know the following.
- Felice Theren has gone missing and Soltar is investigating.
- Goll was found in a pool of blood, his neurosis making him seem the likely suspect and he was arrested by Lord Talvas for the murders.
- Lord Vieren had investigated the docks and found that the gang leader Nerstor Zilan was aiding unkown human clerics smuggle crates he believes were drugs out of the port.
- Durden had been attacked by the Taerian’s, who are searching for Balsatra.
- Lady Aya had returned to the passed and looked “Displeased”.

Following their successful subterfuge, Samuel made good on his promise and set up an audience with the Dutchess. The Party, accompanied by Zilah was safely escorted through the Dutchess’ territory, which was run by fancy dressed orcs. here they witnessed the Orcs smashing any form of the drug created by Rathal and “accidentally” killing the addicts in the process. The Dutchess greeted them with all due respect and offered up the history of her family being thrown out of the eastern pass due to the betrayal of Lord Madesta, that eventually left her the only survivor. She had befriended the Orcs and used them to kill her “husband” a former gang leader and took his territory. His men scattered to join the other gangs. She also struck a deal with the party and Zilah to aid the group take out the Cult of An’desh’a and Kieren Rathal. The result would be, she takes the cults old territory and Kierens would be for Sammuel. She also let it slip that there had once been a collection of Half Orcs that had mad their way to this world and the Cleric of Pike had relocated them somewhere, leaving the more aggressive full blooded orcs behind. She is doing what she can to prove that full orcs can be just as “cultured” as anyone else. When Lyman noticed that the Dutchess was a skilled harp player, he offered played for her. She offered him potential work in the future because her orc piano player was just plain awful.

From here, Zilah left the party as they went to check in with Paladin Sylvan Jastra about the mysterious goo that he was going to study for them. They were greeted at the Temple of Liandra but were informed that he was in conclave with the heads of the other Temples. The party made their way to the Temple Of Nepthira.

In the Temple of Nepthira the party watch as many of the human clerics went about their day healing various peoples of the pass prior to being admitted to the conclave. Once admitted they were greeted by Cleric Aken-Ra, Paladin Sylvan Jastra, and Cleric Falnor, who appeared to already be in a heated discussion about Kieren Rathal.
- Sylvan told the Party that the goo was from an otherworldly being similar to shape changers.
- When Falnor was told about the chalice of blood he was convinced that Kieren Rathal was practicing magic used by the Ba’Rai and wanted to stage an attack immediately. Which came as a shock as the Church Of Pike loathes the Cult of An’Desh’a as well.
- Cleric Falnor also explained that he had men looking into Kirens territory and he noticed that a hooded halfling had been coming and going, freely. The Drug had to be created by a Necromancer.

It was then that Lieutenant Veran of the An’Desh Military for this side of the pass arrived late to the meeting. He was a staunch ally of the conclave but had to keep it secret from Lord Talvas, who had once imprisoned him for interfering outside of his normal duties to the pass. He was eventually freed by someone high up in the Military in the capitol. There was mention that this imprisonment may have caused a falling out with Sammuel Trexium, but no one perused the topic.

After more discussion the Party reached another agreement in regards to Kieren Rathals after the Conclave and Military offered their aid in taking down Kieren Rathal. In exchange they asked for help taking out the Cult of An’Desh’a. The Party agreed.

Now the Party is in a dilemma. The Clerics and Military wish to take the territory of the cult. However, the Dutchess also wants it. The party thought they may offer Sammuel and the Dutchess half of Kieren Territory each. Yet two gangs remain a mystery. Could Nestor be the hooded halfling? What of Nodius Jiskal, the warlord gangleader with the largest force to bear on this side of the Pass. We will have to see.

The great Wyrm of despair and cruelty known as the Western Pass, had slowly crept along for years, devouring the hopes and dreams of those poor denizens looking for a better life for kith and kin. Those it did not devour were broken upon the altar of indifference and bent to it’s will as its many heads fought one another to feed their greed, doctrine, lusts, and righteousness. It would not be until a group of outsiders tasked with investigating murders most foul arrived in the Wyrm’s den that it would again waken to violence.
- Coming of the Outsiders Chapter 1 ~ Yolo Swaggins

Upon their arrival in the Western Pass the party was instantly introduced to the lawless nature of the city. Directly in from of them they witnessed a “fancy” dressed orc stab and murder a guant An’Desh Elf in cold blood. However this was immediately followed by a woman by the name of Zilah Barlowe executing the Orc on the spot with a crossbow bolt to the back of the offenders head. Even more shocking the body was dragged away and hung from a sign post outside the Laughing Crow Tavern as a warning to all. Most surprising is both the Orcs and Elves companions did noting in retaliation. Instead they walked away with shrugged shoulders and the utmost speed.

The Party, minding the dripping blood from the sign entered the Tavern in attempt to get the lay of the land. They were here to investigate a murder, not get caught up in local justice. Here they were to Samuel Trexium, the owner of the Laughing Crow tavern and self appointed leader of the Neutral Zone. Since gang violence is strictly prohibited in his territory, Zilah as his enforcer is tasked to make quick work of those who break the rules. The Gang leaders if the Pass also abide and no retaliation would be forth coming.

Samuel asked if the Party had arrived to join The Blades, a mercenary group that he has employed to keep peace in his territory. The party of course, declined and inquired about the seemingly ritualistic killings that had been happening on this side of the Pass. After an almost tragic situation involving Hal’s past as a City Guard, which luckily for all, Commander Jessen of the Blades subdued that Samuel agreed to help with the investigation. After all he wanted the murders solved as well. After all his friend, the halfling, Orlen Farrick sent these naive folks to him for such a purpose.

Accompanied by Zilah and a young Huldrean child named Fenrick, the party was brought to an alley where the young boy “witnessed” the shadows of a short person and a very skinny person commit another murder. In the alleyway Balsatra found some more of the same clear “goo” that he had discovered in the master bedroom of Lord Madesta. The investigation was cut short, however when Lillith another young An’desh orphan girl informed Zilah that the reknowned slaver, Kennel Master Luthias had returned to the Pass.

The Party escorted Zilah and the two children back to the Laughing Crow and made their way toward the Temple district, where they were informed the most recent victims family lived. They were given a warning by Zilah to mind the pathways that marked the Neutral Zone and to not venture outside its boundaries for their own safety. As they made their way they witnessed a group of Orcs attempting to get them to cross into their territory by means of insults and threats. The Party swallowed the insults and kept going. Unfortunately, when nearing the territory of the Cult Of An’Desh’a, a known xenophbic cult of Andesh Elves, they witnessed Kennel Master Luthias line up a group of slaves as the cultists slit their throats in front of the party as a sign of power and an attempt of provocation. This did not sit well with Hal but they kept going.

Once in the Temple district, Hal insisted that the party go to the Temple of Pike. Here he hoped the Wolf God of Justice, that promised him justice for the crimes committed against him would show him the path. However the god was not pleased with Hal simply walking by as people were murdered. Instead of showing him a path to justice the god wracked his body full of pain and demanded that Hal prove his conviction by bringing peace to the Pass. Balsatra was also visited by Dirt Ghost and was asked to find his “line in the sand”. Kira was freed from any emotional guilt she may have had for murder to protect her brother. Lyman was given a vision of the Grey Lady, a woman he was once asked to kill and was told that he would one day be in a position to help her.

After this, Cleric Falnor allowed them to rest in the temple and directed them to the home of the murder victim. Things did not go as planned. Perhaps it was dueto a cultural or language difference but Lyman broke down the door of the grieving family and demanded answers. he was shot by a crossbow for his trouble. Any further violence was halted at the arrival of Paladin Sylvan Jastra of the Temple of Liandra. The party explained that they were here to investigate the "Faceless Queen Murders’ and Balsatra gave the Paladin the “goo” he had taken from the crime scene to be investigated by the Temple.

Not wanting to overstay their welcome, the party left the Temple District for the hospitality of the Neutral Zone. On their way, they came across Kennel Master Luthias who informed them of his views on the Pass and asked them to join him in the “re-building” phase of his slavery business. Not wanting run afoul of the slaver the party lied, and told him that they would think on his offer. they returned to the Laughing Crow in search of food and booze. offhandedly they told Zilah that they had just been propositioned by the slaver. this resulted in Zilah grabbing her weapons and running out of the Tavern. Concerned for her safety, Balsatra turned into a Tiger and gave chase, the rest of the party arriving soon after.

Once in the broken a burned down area of the former West Pass Orphanage, Zilah immediately began killing any slaver she saw. Battle ensued and Kennel Master Luthias lay dead at their feet. It was here that Lyman took a liking to the slavers magical dagger, but it seemed the dagger itself, filled with dark energies rejected him. With Luthias’ head as proof they returned to the Laughing Crow where it was spiked above the bar for all to see. This brought a sense of relief to Fenrick and Lilith. The Party also met a Teifling Orphan by the name Of Perran Hallar, who was not as convinced by the Parties good nature. Not much was gained from his except knowledge about the tenuous acceptance of Tieflings by the An’desh do to something in their two people past that made them immune the normal hunting and eradication of demonic beings.

Sammuel was pleased was pleased with the death of the slaver and was more than willingto pay the party a portion of the bounty and eagerly bought the dagger off Lyman, which did not in any was effect him. Hmmmm. The party rested in the inn.

Last log was when you all cleared out the quarry.

I’ll break these up by plots and please feel free to add specifics that your notes have.

New Canin
- Before you guys left you saw the church of Ariex was actively fighting the forces of Bertrand the Benevolent.

Murders:
- All victims believed to be from the western side of the Pass until Abigail Therens mutilated body was discovered by Franks the Halfling, hanging from a light post.
- The biggest common thread between the victims was that they were all had a patron in Lady Madesta.
- Lord Madesta was having an affair with Abigail.
- Abagail went missing from of the the Madesta parties.
- Victims all had the symbol of the faceless Queen carved into their bodies. Info on the faceless queen was discussed with Abigails sister, Felice
- Mysterious goo with what look like body parts that have fallen off were discovered by Balsatra in the Madesta master bedroom and in an alley of the Western Pass where a murder took place and was kind of seen by Fennrick; “There was a really skinny man”. Both sets of goo contained Blond hair. Sample of the goo given to Paladin Sylvan Jastra at the Temple of Liandra after he said that it looked otherworldly.

Taerian Delegation:
- Arrived in the Pass to renew trade negotiations.
- Plot to steal An’Desh healing stone discovered and thwarted by the Party. Balsatra seen by man in throne while a terian agent attempted to teleport away
- Taerian Delegation actively searching for Balsatra.
- Party defeated a clay golem created by the Taerians and saved Angelik Vieren. Balsatra is her hero.
- Taerian delegation last seen being taken into custody by Lord Govornor Talvas for questioning along with Lord and Lady Purite.
- Goll the Tinkerer – admitted that he was once Terian and had taught them how to create the golems but refused to show them how to fully enslave a soul.

The Gangs of the Pass
- The Party has befriended Samuel Trexium, Zilah, and the Blades in the neutral Zone after helping Zilah murder Kennel Master Luthias. Orlen admitted to trusting Sammuel.
- The Party is attempting to play the cult of Andesh against Kieren Rathal’s Nobles.
- Kieren Rathal is selling a drug that will let people experience others memories.

Balsatra’s Wild Ride
- Made contact with the Alchemist Apprentice Durden and has shown him a formula for creating a detox drug.
- Has started to unlock his potential and mend what broken parts of his mind/body were shattered in New Canin

Lyman;s Notoriety
- Hates Yolo Swaggins the greatest Bard in the Realm.
- House Bard at Galavants with back up provided by Balzadar Deep
- Wanted by the gangs for the Murder of Kennel Master Luthias.
- Kicked in the door of poor unsuspecting mourners. Temple district not a fan.

Hal Finding Religion
- Was approached by Kojima of the Temple of Ariex to find the followers of Ariex a new home as well as the gods successor
- The God Pike showed how Kojima had sent him on this quest while at the time manipulating his family through his elder brother, who is spreading the teachings of Ariex in Triton City. Told his son and ex- wife that he was dead.
- The God Pike offered Hal a path to Justice if he proved himself to him. Hal failed by letting a bunch of peeps get their throats slit. To make up for it, he must do what he can to bring about as much order as possible to the Pass.
- Hal also trying to track down a shipment of drugs from New Canin

The Skallar
- Goll admitted they existed and he knew them but when pressed asked for proof from the party that they were allies of the Skallar.
- Kira has been discreetly asking around.

Thunder Nugget
- Kira took first steps in becoming a pit fighting champion.