The druid and her snake traveled north, for she felt a calling. Not the spiritual calling to serve a God or Belief, but a place or entity drawing her onward, and so they traveled north. North, through the forests of Cormanthor, where she felt the corruption at its center. Not that she cared for the struggles of light versus dark; just that whatever resided at this forest's center no longer cared for the balance that is nature, the balance that is all life. But the entity was further forward, and so she continued on. Past the lands of the Dale, towards the great ice and setting sun, the snake her only constant companion, into the land of the Zhents. The Zhents cared little for the land; domination, of the world, or all lands, of everything and everyone, was their concern, and while the land was not their enemy, neither was it their ally, and so it hid the druid and sped her on her way, till one day, she approached a forest glade that few new about and fewer still could find without it so desiring. Boudicea slowed as she approached this glade, with ancient trees ringing the calm and peaceful place. As she stepped through their shade into the midmorning light, the grasses swaying gently, a great oak creaked, turning toward her, and stated, "You are early, and yet late. Taliesin has been sent for, though most likely he already knows you are here." And with that, the great tree fell silent.

Not long after, the great druid appeared, and so it was Boudicea received her twined tasks. The first was to deliver a message, though the warning would be too late for those for whom it was meant. Though the warning was late, still it must be delivered for the bonds and trusts of those who protect the land and its ways are important even to aloof druids. The second task, for it had been shown to the Druid of the Glade that Kelemvor would task these self same to remedy a wrong against nature, was to accompany those for whom the warning came to late, to face a great white dragon, and put right the imbalance this creature had caused in the lands she had claimed her own.

Task at hand, assigned by a minion of the Oak Father, Boudicea traveled to the Temple of Kelemvor in the mountains west of the Zhentirim. As ordained, she arrived at the temple as a band approached along the paths of the dead. Heading down to meet these people, and accomplish the first of her goals, Boudicea noticed the great wrongness of the place. It was a land devoid of life, truly a place taken by the dead from the living, and grateful indeed was she that the priests of Kelemvor worked to contain such blasphemous a corruption. The band consisted of two elves, a half-elf, a human, a dwarf, and a creature not fully of this world whose eyes glowed blue and who noticed not the chill against which all others where cloaked and guarded. And delivering the scroll, she joined with these adventurers, that she could accomplish her task and with their aid, deal with the dragon.

It was two and a half days later that she learned they were not headed to the dragon, but to the Temple of the Winds; that Kelemvor had not tasked them as she expected, and that they were out to rid the land of the undeath that plagued it. Though it was not her quest, she “gladly” aided them, for they worked to correct a wrong against nature; and moreover, the Temple of the Wind was an ancient place long ago dedicated to Imshinn, greater Air elemental, and servitor of Obad-Hai, to Oak Father and her God.

Traveling deep into the corrupted ruins, the group banished many undead abominations. Boudicea paid respect at the alters of Imshinn, cleaning them and giving prayers that he might return to hollow these his old domains. Many horrors were encountered; mummified remains rising from their tombs and great mastiffs of shadow whose very voice sent the noble Falahara and valiant Dante running for the safety of the sun above. The shadowy remains of monks offered thanks to the group as their spirits were freed from the torment of unlife. While the corrupted abbot did all in his power to slay the group, Imshinn was no longer with him, and he finally succumbed to the silver vine of Falahara. However, it was not the abbot that had corrupted the temple, but rather a prince who had corrupted the abbot and all these grounds.

Many a holy warrior had perished trying to cleanse these grounds, and the spirit of one hung still to his task. Over the body of Tremones, blackened and charred, but holy sword still in hand, they found demonic warriors and a beast of chains. Taking his quest upon her, Falahara received Tremones blessing, and his spirit gave all that it could to ensure their success. Tremones sword burst, his body crumpled to dust, and a blue light infused the silvered vine that Falahara wielded, a blue flame that burned deep into the sides of the infernal beast of chains, and later bit into the undead skeleton of the prince, whose blade of black nothingness tore through the party, and nearly ended those who ended him.

As the last blow against the dark prince was struck, the infernal darkness surrounding him and glowing red sigil painted across his room’s floor evaporated, and the entire complex collapsed. Little was left in the room, save the companions, two corpses, and a note from the hooded man who had threatened Auhron. The note conceded their skill, but now they were trapped, doomed to a slow death, and his prophecy would be fulfilled. Yet this too was a test, and the companions passed, escaping into the portals activated by honor. Escaping, the group was split apart, and it would be many a long night before they would be united again.

After the temple of the wind, the group was split. Four found themselves standing outside the temple and headed south to the cave they had holed up in the night before. There were digging sounds, and the next day evidence that airborne assailants were following them was found. They also encountered a pair of what looked to be long dead halflings with blood red fingernails and an annoying penchant to not notice the fact that they shouldn’t be walking (especially after Bellum lodged his great sword in one). After a brief altercation with them, Bellum decided to give them back the Prince’s demon-sword (voices in his head indicated that this was what they were after). Of course, he only did such after nearly laying the entire party flat due to painful repercussions of attacking the beasts. The one still conscious halfling grabbed the sword and disappeared, while Bellum took the opportunity to destroy the remaining one before it regained consciousness. Their powers of retribution still active while unconscious, this final effort laid low the valiant Bellum, though the healing powers of the druid were enough to bring him back from the brink of death.

And so the group continued north, with Auhron wondering what had happened to those meant to protect him, and trying futility to fathom why he was in such a dire strait. They made their way to the final temple of Kelemvor, and Boudicea, using her ability to meld into stone traveled beyond the guardian statue and negotiated admittance for the evening. No relating of any occurrences occurred, and the party left as uniformed as they left the priests, having had all thoughts of the masked man's letter flee from their thoughts with the trials they faced afterwards. A grueling and cold five days later, they reached the end of the paths. Stepping through the faintly shimmering border, they reentered the world of the living and it was as if a great burden had been lifted from their minds.

Shortly thereafter, as the cold began to settle into their bones, they came across a young man, sitting a foot above the snow and reading a book. As he saw them approach, he called out a warning.

“Change your course, for all that you will find this way is a cold and bitter death!”

After that unusual outburst, he was much more helpful. Apparently, he had been given this task by his master (being just an apprentice wizard), and actually had no idea what the missive was all about. Probably just a morose joke on Raymond’s part, since he had been here for three weeks now, and had only seen two other travelers,

“. . . like the sun and the moon. The first a blazing, redhaired woman who did not stop to head the warning, but ran as nothing I’ve ever seen. The second, a man with a porcelain mask, painted by moonbeams it looked like, following after. He had important business in Nar’Faell, and a message for a band of travelers. I think you might be them, and it sounded like a warning. ‘Though bone may be reanimated by others, it is in the dying beast that the danger lies.' he said. Can’t make heads nor tails of it, but perhaps you can? . . .”

After agreeing to take a message to this young apprentice's "girlfriend" for the price of four scrolls of endure cold, the party set off. Within a couple of hours, they approached the outskirts of the settlement, seeing the target house up on a hill. Quick investigation proved that something was amiss, and that the missus of the house was missing various limbs. Dante immediately jumped to the roof, while Auhron made use of his newly found ability to spontaneously fly. Coming up out of a hole in the roof was a Belkier. After a gruesome, but quick, struggle, this creature was dispatched back to its home plane, and the contents of the cottage were searched. Unfortunately, it was impossible to deliver the message, as Andunna, the apprentice’s girlfriend, was beyond contact and had been for a few days having been rent by the rampaging Belkier when it was first summoned to this plane.

Deciding to continue on to town instead of confront the soon to be grieving apprentice, the group reached Rybath. At the gates of this walled city, they were challenged by Bit Parte. Asking about business and noting the travelers in a log, he suggested Raymond's as both the best inn and the best smithy in town. Apparently, Raymond was a dwarven wizard of some skill, with a penchant for gambling. When they reached the inn, they were greeted by an elf, covered in tattoos. Auhron, thinking to impress this apprentice quickly took to the air (never one to conserve fly spells, or flashy entrances). Unphased, the elf traced two blue swirls on his palm and joined Auhron, rising to eye level, and then returning to the floor to see to the needs of the rest of the patrons. Raymond, the dwarven wizard, then challenged Dante to a jumping match, and though he performed stupendously, was outdone by the agile monk. In exchange, food for the evening was free while rooms were paid for with Aurhon's performances. Raymond then challenged Bellum to a contest of arms, specifically archery. The wager, his axe versus a small service: Find Kinakunia's library and return whatever texts still remain.

The archery contest took place the next morning. Both dwarves fired three bolts from the same crossbow. The bow was enchanted, but the bolts were not, and Boudicea and Auhron looked on to insure no magic was used to alter the outcome of the contest. Displaying unquestionable skill, Raymond placed all three bolts in the center of the target, managing to split one of them. Bellum, knowing this dwarf had far more skill than he, congratulated Raymond, and managed to hit the target with all three bolts (not an insignificant accomplishment given the distance of almost four hundred feet). While accepting defeat and preparing to return, the snow beneath the groups feet erupted as a huge worm-like creature with glowing red eyes burst from its burrow. Raymond was thrown clear and lost in a snowdrift, while everyone else managed to keep their feet. A quick (very quick once Raymond cast mass haste) fight ensued, and the creature was defeated. So quick was the beasts destruction that it did not even have a chance to retreat back beneath the snows. Bellum took the eyes, scale, and claw as souvenir of his first encounter with a Remorhaz. The rest of the day was spent preparing for a trip to Waterford, the hometown of the great wizard Kinakunia.

Leading his guests down into the basement, and further into his study, Raymond explained that there was a magic portal deep within the stone here. It would take them near Waterford, Kinakunia’s hometown. More specifically, it would place them a few days south, beside a river that would lead them there. He would have one of his apprentices scry the area every couple of days and reopen the portal once the group returned. They were to search out the abode of Kinakunia (who should now be long since dead) and recover whatever tomes possible. While Dante and Auhron stepped through with almost no hesitation, Boudicea required a token of good faith before embarking on this journey. Raymond, seeing the wisdom in placating those doing him this favor, gave her a ring which would summon his apprentice, Millian, with the utterance of a simple word. Needless to say, Millian was not too pleased with the prospect.

For some reason, Bellum did not appear on the other side after everyone had walked through. The portal went dark, and Auhron quickly discovered that it could not be opened from this side. But the weather was wonderful, and the party was not concerned. In this land, spring had set in, and a recent rain had lent a brilliant palate of colors to the area. Sweet flowers bloomed, and a small stream burbled nearby. Knowing Bellum's penchant for popping up in the most unusual places, and his proficiency with following a trial, the three companions decided to head out for Waterford and hope that he could catch up. A little over a day an a half's travel brought them to a small village. There was a low wall, that no-one in the group had trouble with (the monk clearing it by leaps and bounds, the sorcerer floating over with his new favorite technique, and the druid taking the form of a small bird). The town appeared deserted, until the three noticed the faint noises of an argument drifting down from the riverbank. Approaching, they found the entire village round about two arguing women. After a brief period of "diplomatic intervention", Auhron was mugged by the town guard and Boudicea managed to finally get the full story from the apparent leaders of the town.

Some, as Auhron called them, "fish-people" (River Locatha) had decided to take up residence in the millhouse. Since there were no longer any among the residents of this town that spoke their language, and apparently none of them spoke the common tongue, an impasse had been reached. No townsfolk had been able to come within bowshot of the mill, but no townsfolk have been killed either; just warned away with some well-placed bolts.

Boudicea took it upon herself to intervene in this, and in the language of druids managed to communicate with them. The only member of their tribe who spoke common had been killed by something unnatural. The grounds of the river source were their home given by the humans as part of an agreement. These "lands" were now untenable, and so they have taken up residence here. Boudicea agreed to examine the source of their troubles, and if possible irradiate the unnatural menace. In exchange, one of the fish-people agreed to lead them to their old home and a truce and cease-fire was agreed to.

Traveling north up the river was a two day excursion. Along the way, a pair of feral pigs "attacked" the group; which is to say that Dante heard something while on watch and dropped a large hog with a flying leap. The second hog was befriended by Boudicea after she bodily intervened between a pork-happy monk and a rather outclassed tenderloin.

When the group reached the source of the river, their guide excused himself and retreated further downstream. They found the remains of a town, and a small infestation of zombies. Further exploring lead them to the ghost of a fish-person. Apparently, this creature was the cause of the unnatural deaths, as it warned away the approaching adventurers. This poor soul had been killed by a wicked trap below the lake. Near the center of these underground caves, he had detected a powerful entity that he intended to insure did not harm his clan. Instead, he wound up dead. Poor smeagul. But with the aid of these adventurers, perhaps this powerful elemental can be tamed, and given into the custody of one who will remain forever to oversee the well being of the area.

Bellum stepped through the stone portal into the dying light of a warm spring sun. Wherever he was, his cold winter gear was no longer such a necessity. A quick glance around the glade quickly revealed to his trained eye the tracks of his companions, the monk’s sandals making quite the unusual impression on the soft turf. Following their trail, her skirted a town and headed north along the river. Not long into the next day, he discovered the party noising around a half-flooded village and lake; probably Waterford.

Only partially buying the story of the ghost (and after yoinking the various potions this ghost will never need again and being rejoined by their erstwhile companion Bellum), the group heads below the waters. The frozen body was tunneled around, merely to trigger a second trap which summoned large turtle like creatures. Dispatching these easily, the group reached an intersection. Continuing into the current, they found a raised platform surrounded by an invisible wall of force. Climbing to the top of the platform, they encountered a Kobold, apparently trapped in this watery world.

After it became obvious that the group could not help it escape, the Kobold attacked. Mimicking Auhron, it took to the air and proceeded to attack the group seemingly at random. After Dante managed to land a few good blows, the creature reached out with its mind for Bellum to protect it. Unfortunately for the creature, Bellum managed to slip into the waters below after charging a quite surprised Dante. The Kobolds sword and dagger quickly followed Bellum as the undead menace was dispatched. This would be the second time Dante took out such a creature of the night.

A quick search of the platform (including the defiling of a tomb) produced a few items of interest; not the least of which was a silver trimmed, purple cape that Auhron took an immediate liking to.

Further exploring the realms beneath the waters, they encountered a cup with a spell of binding, and finally the library of Kinakunia. Only a few texts were left undamaged by the water, and these the group placed in their magical bag of holding. As they were leaving, they were set upon by the spirit of the Locatha medicine man, the ghost who had directed them down here. They handedly dispatched it; albeit Auhron did feel his life and looks fluttering away until the restorative magic of the druid interceded.

With a soul-shivering scream, the Locatha ghost evaporates into the damp air. Auhron lies unconscious in the knee high water. Dante and Bellum are shaken; never have they encountered such a strange and horrifying opponent (one that blades seemed not to touch). Boudicea has the presence of mind to pull Auhron from the water. After expending the last of her curative magics and making good use of an old and trusty wand, Boudicea is quite ready to leave with a plan in mind.

The body of the ghost must be given a burial, and the water elemental must be bound to the natural order of the place such that no being living or dead is in command of it. Using his remaining strength to send guinea pigs of pure force, Auhron dislodges the body of the Locatha medicine man from the icy trap and Boudicea uses her spear to pull it from the dangerous area.

Quickly leaving these underwater caverns before the spell of water-breathing wears off, Boudicea asks Bellum if he could REVERENTLY carry the body and accompany her as she returns to the Locatha guide to discover acceptable burial rights while Auhron and Dante remain in the town to provide “a soul in Waterford” and discover what they may about the use of the Chalice of Binding. Thinking that there would be no more reverent place for the finely crafted club, shield, and corpse, Bellum promptly tosses the body in his bag (finding that it does just fit), and follows Boudicea out of town, as Dante and Auhron sit down in the abandoned temple to read their respective texts.

Under the signed and drawn direction of Gylup, the Locatha guide, Bellum assembles a simple raft and lines it with dry wood. Boudicea prepares the body, ensuring all his possessions are still with him, coats the whole craft in oil, sets it alight and sends it on its way with a few words to Obad-Hai. She is touched to see a tear in Bellum’s eye at the sight of the ceremony (Bellum weeps to see such finely crafted tools of war eaten by fire and sent to a watery grave). On the return trip to Waterford to perform the binding ritual, both Bellum and Boudicea notice a large number of small tracks as well as the boots of two beings somewhat larger than any who currently accompany them.

Meanwhile . . .

As Auhron immerses himself in the study of magics far beyond his own power, i.e. trying desperately not to surround the monk in dancing lights as Dante studies the ancient texts of his sect, he overhears Dante mumble "Dragon's Hammer". Abandoning completely his task of searching the wizards journal for more information (he is fairly confident that he can bring the energies from the cup to summon the water elemental, and Boudicea should be able to place the binding) he sends his senses out to his familiar who scrambles over to Dante and pears at the text the monk is reading. It seems that this fighting technique, a long lost secret of Dante’s sect of monks, is the third element of the prophecy pertaining to the White Dragon. Making a mental note to relate this very important information to the rest of the party, he resumes his studies of the wizards journal, pondering what the "true heart of stone" is, or how one would acquire the "corded strength of a giant" much less the "poisoned sting of a winged wyrm". Then again, that has little to do with summoning or binding.

As the hours pass, Dante begins to practice a few simple techniques. One is a simple sweeping attack that leaves the victim open for subsequent blows. Another is something Dante has only heard of, a leaping attack known as "Wolf’s Fang Fist". These are some of the simpler techniques; though he is certain that in time he will master all that the scrolls contain. As he completes a sweep against a fictitious foe, he freezes, listening to voices brought to him on the wind. They are high pitched, and he does not recognize the language, though he believes he could mimic the sound. When they pass, he mentions them to Auhron, who recognizes Dante’s attempts as mangled Draconic. He can make out but a few phrases. It sounds as if Dante is trying to say "fish folk gone, sunlover city fall, ublegeck revenge at presentation, our city, watcher will maglork suspicious..."

Three hours later, Boudicea and Bellum return. In a fit of forthcoming speech, Auhron mentions that Dante’s fighting style is the last element in the prophecy of the White Dragon. That he is part of a prophecy he has not heard of leads Dante to interrogate Bellum and Auhron. Apparently, the destruction of the White Dragon along Snake Way has been foretold, and Auhron, Bellum, and Dante are necessary to bring this about as they bring the Dragon's Hammer, Anvil, and Blood. Boudicea is on the verge of cursing her fate by the time this is finally divulged, as her God has tasked her with effectively ensuring the magic buffoon, suicidal and dangerous dwarf, and Dante reach an ice cave and the Dragon within. A few hours later, Auhron mentions that the binding must take place beneath the water, where the stream enters the underground caverns. With the chalice, the water elemental can be summoned and a new set of instructions can be given. It is decided that this will be done in the morning, after Boudicea regains her spells, as she will require Aurhon’s aid in the ritual. Bellum and Dante are encouraged to come along, should things get ugly. And who knows, Dante might just get another go at the Kobold vampire left helpless in midair above a river of flowing water.

What a debacle. We found the note the evening the were-panther approached the town gate. I knew immediately that it was not a natural panther, and moreover, that the intelligence behind this beast was not trying to enter the city itself. Apparently, it had accomplices, or wanted to make us believe it did. In my line of work, you always err on the side of paranoia, and so I set my trap.

I sent the guards to the inn to let slip the information. If the outsiders were looking for a message from their Black Blood allies, then they would search for the note, and attend the proposed meeting. This they did. I could not make out what they spoke, but Falahara and Jaga parted amicably. I immediately detained them, but none proved to be were-creatures. All were vulnerable to cold steel. Falahara insisted that she was setting up an ambush, and I decided to play along to see where her intentions truly were. That her father was a ranking member of the enclave didn't hurt her case either. Of course, that could all be fabrication. I had to get in contact with Taliesin and try to confirm her story in the next three days. Until that time, she and her companions would remain under observation.

That very evening, Falahara and her group were apparently attacked. That is strange for one of Raymond's guests (in fact, this is the first time it has occurred during my tour of duty here). Guards found evidence of four intruders, but no means of entry (their rooms were searched while they were traipsing in the graveyard). Their actions in the cemetery strengthened their case of not being pure evil, for they destroyed three demons there. Then again, the blood is not known for cavorting with demons.

That fight led me to believe in their skill. If they were enemies, this town would be in trouble. Furthermore, I could not in good conscious position my men too close to the meeting zone for fear that they would turn on us. Their sorcerer alone was powerful enough to bring their entire party airborne while facing the demons! This was my mistake. My men were too far back when it became apparent that they were not working with that creature of the Blood.

Four winter wolves attacked. This confirms that Jaga works with Kisenth's branch of the Blood. They are the only werewolves in the area, that we are certain of. Their party focused their attacks on Jaga, but he managed to flee. The wolves brought the Auhron and Annu down in mere moments, and Falahara seemed to be strangely fumbling. It could have something to do with the last spell Auhron cast (a cloud of glittering dust that outlined the fleeing Jaga, and coated Falahara as well). If it were not for the Hound Archon (another point in their favor), we would have come upon only corpses. As it was, the bodies of the sorcerer and cleric were wisked away as my men closed the distance to the two remaining combatants.

Before my men were close enough even to be heard, Xon unleashed a mighty fireball, and the archon returned. Apparently, there is more than one magic user in their group. The archon grabbed Xon and Falahara and then they too were gone. The two remaining winter wolves were badly injured, and I managed to run them down. Then my men and I set to tracking panthers.

Xon, dragon-slayer!

Well, not really.

As I had mentioned earlier, we were apparently fated to kill this Kissenth. A rather large white dragon which had been ravaging this particular part of the countryside for the past hundred years or so.

After many travails, most of which I've already mentioned to you, we finally reached the mountain where the dragon resided.

The pathway to the mountain was guarded by twenty or so werewolves. I must confess to being very impressed by Dante's ability to leap forty or fifty feet without effort. In any case we dispatched them rather quickly.

We then started to explore the mountain. The dragon had a rather large series of caves at it's disposal. To be expected, really. The caves were also extremely cold and ice-covered.

During our exploration of the cave, we found... Something. A cross between a medusa and a dragon, I think. I think it was Kissenth's child. We killed it with some trouble.

We finally found the dragon in a large open cave deep inside the mountain. It was hiding inside a frozen lake. We were under the effects of a fly spell at the time, so as we flew over the lake it burst out. I remember it flew up right next to me. I remember looking into it's eyes as it breathed a blast of ice directly at me.

Quite honestly, I'm amazed I survived.

The rest of the battle was glorious, but admittedly brief. I realized I would do more damage throwing fireballs at it from afar than I would be trying to hit it from up close. Fortunately, I still had a few fireballs from that necklace. I used them all trying to help bring the dragon down.

Finally, the dragon fell.

We spent most of the rest of the day cataloging the treasure we had found and celebrating.

Unfortunately, our celebarations were short lived.