Journeying through the Impiltur valley, the party heads towards the mining camps located in the western reaches. As they journey, they hear strange tales of ghoul fever and lycanthropy, of madness and mayhem – all apparently spurred by the appearance of the Black Monastery. The local lore is that it was destroyed long ago in the onset of the Demonwars, but since then it has reappeared for varying lengths of time. Each time it returns, there is chaos in the region and adventurers appear from far and near to try and gain access. Most are never seen again, but some escape with wealth aplenty.
The group climbs into the hills and deploys the wizard for some aerial recon. The layout of the place is Gormenghastly – a tangle of roofs and turrets, a large open courtyard and narrow tall windows. Gargoyles are abundant on the rooftops and the mage sees giant spiders scurrying about as well. The main entrance stands partially open and the obvious entry point is used, though ghostly voices whisper of impending doom and a sense of dread is present – though the purity of the Galadin helps keep the feelings suppressed. Hooray for good.
The courtyard is filled with weeds and the sky is permanent night, with strange constellations visible. A path crosses the yard and a crypt and graveyard are located next to a large statue of a titan holding the world aloft. The party immediately moves to investigate the crypt. Opening the doors releases a white fog of razorblades that begins shredding the lower extremities of those unfortunate enough to let it pool around their legs. The party retreats and after a short time the crypt doors swing shut again. The fog is dispersed and a scheme is hatched to keep the door open with the rusty crowbar.
The scheme is too successful and the fog continues to billow out of the crypt and begins to pool in the courtyard. Where the fog laps over the graves nearby, the dead within rise from the earth and flee the scene – putting distance between the crypt and themselves.
As the party tries to retrieve the crowbar a band of gnolls attacks, but the mage handles them swiftly. As the fog laps up against the base of the titan statue, it animates and begins attacking the party. A pitched battle ensues and culminates in a titanic explosion that shoots shrapnel at the group.
They are forced to hide under a dome of ice as a giant ball of lightning drifts over to examine them. It circles for the better part of a minute, then wanders off. Agonized screaming can be heard in the distance. What the hell is this place?
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