Legends of Old Urthe - Hell on Urthe  (D&D v3.5)
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Fourth Age - Old Urthe: Serpents' Lair

The party rested for the night at the Whistle Inn (owned by Hamin's parents) while Alasha'an, concerned with the change in Saffaris, slipped out to consult Brislar. The following morning Hamin confronted the Elf about her absence, but Alasha'an refused to reveal her reasons and the one-eyed Warrior stormed off with Brugar in tow to confront the Mage. The rest of the party sought out a local map maker who was able to identify for them the location of the town of 'Vandain' marked upon Darud's map. Corana and Calanor, were both dispatched by Brislar to assist the party, and they were joined by the Sorceress Nimithil who had been staying at the Whistle. Reunited with Brugar and a disgruntled Hamin, the group set out for Hardway Mountain; Calanor commandeering a cart to speed their way.

On foot once more, the party made their way through the foothills, crossing the swamp that lies at the base of the mountain before following the Serpent river across the plain to Vandain, where they hoped to find Hamin's cousin, Henman if he lived. Approaching the town's ruins, the party were ambushed by a group of Dark Elves, but upon discovering that their ancient foes shared their aim of destroying the Snakemen's temple, an uneasy truce was declared.

With the main force of the Dark Elves due to arrive at any time to launch an assault against the temple and slay all they find therein, the party attempted to sneak inside the temple, guided by Berilac, slave to the Dark Elves and of the race of Halflings long thought to have perished. However, happening upon Fendock Gask, Mayor of Kalibar being tortured by the Snakemen, Hamin ill-advisedly attacked, revealing the party's presence. During the subsequent battle Saffaris summoned a creature from the nether Hells, and though Corana managed to banish the creature, Alasha'an, Jenna and Nimithil fell, and the rest of the party were captured by the Snakemen. Saffaris fled, disappearing into thin air, taking a somewhat surprised Hamin with her.

But though all looked black, somehow Alasha'an yet lived and, recovering from her wounds managed to stop the Snakemen killing Venelia and Corana. Meantime, the rest of the party with Fendock and cousin Henman managed to free the other captives and arrived just in time to assist Alasha'an. The group escaped from the Snakemen's lair as Saffaris and Hamin returned with news that Kalibar was under siege by the Snakemen. More shocking, however, was the revelation that Saffaris had been controlled by the demon Zhihariaster ever since the party journeyed to Arawn's cold domain. Corana was able to strike a bargain with the demon and she freed Saffaris, whereupon the Daughter immediately attacked Zhihariaster, smashing her amulet and in turn freeing Tsabaonar, the commander of the Dark Elf forces and another pawn of the demon.

Tsabaonar was left to lead his forces against the Snakemen, and Berilac remained with his master, while the party accompanied an anxious Fendock back to Kalibar. Leaving the freed prisoners in the care of the Daughters of Grunhelm Forest, they sneak into the city via an old smugglers' tunnel that lies beneath the city (known to Fendock, Henman and Corana from years ago when they freed the city from the clutches of the Despot Rothgar).

Back in Kalibar they learn from Brislar that the Snakemen have found the 'Sleeper', the herald of destruction, but were prevented from activating it, though with their forces besieging Kalibar's walls, it was only a matter of time before they broke through. Almost on the moment, the Snakemen without began their withdrawal, to the confusion of all within the city. But the celebrations were shortlived when a captured 'spy' turns out to be no other than Harry, Half-Orc servant to Brother Inurien, bearing news that the Snakemen had breached the defences of the Gardens. Barely escaping, with the aid of Melzakre, a former comrade, who sacrificed himself to give Harry the chance, the Half-Orc made his way to Kalibar seeking the party's assistance, for with the Gardens in their grasp, the Snakemen intended to journey back to the Devastation and change Time itself to ensure the ultimate victory of the Great Serpent ...

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