|
8 Flamerule, 1371
Dear Master Zorthaster,
They tell me I was dead. I didn't feel dead, but Primula
is certain. I don't know what to think. I only know that I am back
amongst my friends after answering the call of Primula and Corellen
Lathareian.
Our adventures in the Gap of Skulls continued from
where I left off in my last letter. We recovered what spoils we
could from the bodies of our enemies while Primula prayed over Kerith's
body. She was successful in calling his spirit back and we immediately
made a hasty retreat back to the relative safety of the caravan.
Vestele and Darvin seemed unsurprised by our return. Evendur, as
much as he likes to hide his emotions, seemed visibly relieved to
see us all back alive.
The loot from our dead enemies was full of interesting
items. In addition to the mundane things such as masterwork weapons
and armor, there were several magical items. I ended up with several
magical wands, scrolls of fireball, lightning, and confusion, a
cloak of resistance. We spent the night resting and in the early
morning I cast an identify spell on several of the items we found.
Of these things, I identified a ring of deflection (given to Shane),
a cloak of resistance (mine), and wands of burning hands, ray of
enfeeblement, magic missile, summon monster II (for Kerith), and
Melf's acid arrow (Xan). There was magic armor and bracers that
others claimed and a couple more wands that I did not have time
to identify yet.
By early afternoon on the 7th, we were rested, healed
and I had identified as many of the magic items as I could for the
day. We headed back into the Gap for more exploring. We encountered
another flock of varguilles, but little else until we discovered
a cave in one of the spires. A ramp led up to the opening and we
prepared to enter. Shane scouted the entrance and reported that
two drow and something else were waiting in ambush. Oskar suggested
a fireball so I crept to the opening, prepared a spell, and poked
my face around the corner to cast the spell. Instantly I was caught
in the gaze of a horrifying creature. I felt a brief instant of
unspeakable terror and fell dead on the spot.
I later learned that this undead thing was a bodak.
Shane and the others rushed in to kill it and the drow as soon as
I fell. They also discovered a pit trap with two mummy residents.
Primula cast a spell that brought me back to life. Meanwhile the
others had discovered another pit trap with more mummys. I got busy
with my spell books and prepared a rope trick. We spent the next
several hours recuperating in the extra dimensional hideout.
Through the night we watched out the little window
of the rope trick as drow scouted back and forth to the cave entrance.
In the morning we surprised another bodak and 2 more drow guards
when we appeared behind their post. We killed them with no more
losses on our side. From there we scouted carefully ahead, finding
a "T" in the passage leading to doors. We tackled one room with
drow fighters and are ready to explore a bit further now. I am taking
fewer chances, spending most of the time protected by invisibility
spells and staying back from the action where I can cast ranged
attack spells.
I have not yet had time or opportunity to reflect
on the events of the past day. I think I am profoundly shaken. For
now I have to press on and aid my friends as best I can. As soon
as possible I think I will have a complete breakdown. For now though,
there is not the time.
Your student,
Cedar
|