While in the city of the invincible overlord (desert city) Skilver hears rumors of inquiries being made regarding him. Following up on the lead Skilver, Raineer and Thud head off to meet with the mysterious contact. When they arrive they are told by a guard to come back after sunset. They decide to go to the church of Belial. It seems as though Skilver has convinced Thud to convert to the Belial religion. Thud converts and has his tongue split in the center in accordance with the traditional Belial initiation. Skilver also receives the tongue splitting as it was overlooked at his first initiation. They are reminded that the iron fist is best wrapped in a velvet glove. Thud must also contribute to the church 10% of his income for the next ten years.
The three depart the temple and travel back to meet with the mysterious contact. They arrive to find a familiar friend to Skilver. It is Leonardo the vampire. He would like Skilver to go and capture the crimson death that is his soul and return it to him so that he may re-take his human form. (step toward being a litch)
The group decides not to partake in the mission and look for more leads. After paying for information on several leads the group decides to travel across the eastern desert and into the Grey Peaks to find the lamp of wondrous power that runs on crushed gems. At the end of the day the group can see that a large portion of the city is in flames…
Upon entering the grey peaks the party spots a group of eight mountain giants traveling on an adjacent slope. Max uses the helm of brilliance to summon a fireball. Doubling the effects using the rod of fury, the 20 hit dice fireball produces quite the explosion. Two more fireballs from Raineer and Skilver leave the giants in ashes.
The following day the group finds a cave entrance that looks like a giant mouth with vicious teeth. The teeth being the great stalactites and stalagmites that fill the cave. As the group moves further into the cave it becomes evident that other groups have camped here before. In the very rear of the cave there are stone carved stairs that lead down. At the bottom there is a large cavern that has seven tunnels that lead in different directions. Between each tunnel there is a droopy face carved on the wall. As the group approaches one of the tunnels a face says: “turn back, this is not the way.” The group notices that each mouth has a different gem on the tip of each tongue. The group decides to rest and decide on the next course of action.

After killing the animated door the group proceeds down a long stone hallway. Suddenly another group appears at the opposite end. It seems as though they were teleported to this location. The EFK has complete surprise. Raineer, Max and Skilver unleash a volley of lightning bolt spells. A few more magic missiles leaves all dead, except one. He is questioned and then released of his mortal binds. Left in the wreckage the party finds: 3 rings, 1 belt, 1 cloak, 1 helm, 1 long sword and 1 shield all radiating some sort of magic.
Half way down the hall the group turns left into a side passage. Down another hallway brings the group to a room that contains a skeleton statue sitting on a stone throne. Orthan becomes excited and exclaims, “I’ve been here before!” He begins to rifle through his pack looking for some lost map… He pulls out a piece of parchment from his pack and shows the group their location compared to the location of the great lift that leads to the tavern in Waterdeep.
The group follows the map down several tunnels to an open area where there is a shoe hanging on a rope. Orthan reaches out and pulls the rope. A distant chime above is heard. The group waits but nothing happens. Orthan pulls the rope again and a voice is heard from above. “What do you want?” Orthan replies “We want to come back up. Send the lift down.” A cranking noise is heard above and then a steady squeaking of gears. Down from above arrives a platform lift. The group climbs on and the lift begins to rise.
Up through the mountain and into the tavern in Waterdeep. A cheer goes up in the bar. Hurray! This party is the first to arise from the lower dungeons since the great siege over two years ago. Bets are won and lost in the crowd. The group tells their story to the crowd (mostly a lie) and moves out of the tavern trying not to attract too much attention.
The three magicians go to the wizard’s college to renew their membership. Potions and spells are purchased. Thud bathes several times at the request of the others… Then the magicians identify the items found on the trip from skullport. The following items are divided among the members:

• Ring of shocking grasp
• Ring of spell turning
• Ring of warmth
• Scroll – protection from acid
• Girdle of pouches
• Cloak of Elvin kind
• Helm of light
• 2 daggers +1
• Long sword +1
• Shield +1
• 2 Potions of healing

The remains are sold for gold.
Orthan is able to sell the clear steel like material found on a previous adventure for a great profit. The party then travels to the church of Lethander to seek restoration for Raineer and Orthan. Due to their alignment (LE), they have to pay a considerable price. Good thing Orthan kept the clear steel material.
Thud and Skilver notice a few familiar faces and become aware that they are being watched. The harpers are suspected. The group decides that it is time to leave Waterdeep and deliver the map they have created.
The party travels to Orlbar and then sets out toward the desert city. Over the dawn pass and down into the desert. A few changes are noticed along the way across the sands. There is now a rudimentary road with several way stations. As the group approaches the city there is more green terrain surrounding the lands. It looks as though the magic of the city is expanding.
Traveling to Crusty’s tavern, the group delivers the map and collects their 250,000 gold reward. That’s about 41,665 and 28,833 experience each. Some of the members spend their gold on the following items:

• Thud – Tome of fighting (increases one level of fighter)
• Skilver – +3 Cloak of protection
• Greenleaf – +4 Cloak of protection
• Max – Rod of absorption

Some members seek training, while others relax and enjoy the city.