The Temple to Orcus

We were asked to a small town called Goldshire to help with some kind of problem. We arrived Two days after Holy day, around noon if I recall correctly. After looking around the town and getting a little feeling for its people, we made our way to the city official's home. There we met the council. The mayor, Nicholas, spoke to us briefly about a group of Orcs and Kobolds that have been attacking their village over the last few months. He then went on to explain how they had kidnapped 5 children from the town and were now demanding an outrageous amount of gold for ransom. The townsfolk, try as they might, had no way of coming up with that kind of money. We readily accepted to help rescue the children, his son included amongst those that were taken. Nicholas did give us one more clue, there was a dead Kobold body that they managed to keep. After close inspection we found one hint... A pendant, the symbol of Orcus.

We explored the town gathering information. Sidiyan discovered a magic shop with a sweet, old, and a little odd, wizard. He said his name is Tim, but he seems to forget quite often. We spent a good amount of time and gold in Tim's little shop, though I did manage to purchase a handy ring of feather falling. It should prove to come in handy. We retired for the night, though I was unable to sleep. I spent a good bit of time in front of the fireplace at the inn. It was cozy and quiet. I sat in meditation and thought over the task at hand. As I sipped on my herbal tea, Sidiyan joined me for a brief moment. He gave me a gift. A very beautiful pendant made of gold. There were jewels in it, and it adorned the face of my God, Pelor. When I held it in my hand I felt a warmth fill me, one of peace and rememberance. After I thanked Sidiyan, he retired for the evening and then the young Leighlann came in the door shortly after. She sat next to me and I had to ask what she was doing out so late... I sometimes fear for the child, though I know she will make the right choices in the end. I sat with her for a moment then she went off to bed as well. Finally feeling like I could no longer stay awake, I headed for my room. As I entered, I saw on my pillow, the loveliest glass rose. It was perfectly carved and there was a note as well. It read, "To remember those you lost." I was immediately overcome with emotion. It was a beautiful gift and sentiment. I knew it was from the young Leighlann, yet another bit of proof of the goodness in her heart. In the morning, we didn't wait much after dawn to begin our journey. We headed in the direction of the woods with the ranger leading the way. She followed the tracks that lead to cave where these Orcs and Kobolds lived. There were some guards around, but Leighlann, scouting ahead got the drop on them.

During our search through the caves, we discovered a vast system of tunnels housing dozens of Orcs and Kobolds. We managed to get through most of them. It wasn't until we actually came into the temple area did we face any true danger. Thankfully most was avoided with the help of our deft rogue, Leighlann. We then came across an evil Cleric. Her name was Lady Arcadia. She was as evil a woman as I have ever met. We defeated her in battle but the rest of the party wanted her alive to continue questioning her. We freed the captured children and I brought them back to the room where our rnager was trapped in a bubble... Oh yes, the ranger Tam was trapped within some sort of magical barrier.

I was called back to cast a Zone of Truth so Lady Arcadia couldn't feed us her vile lies. Unfortunately, after I left the room, I heard a commotion shortly after. I rushed back aonly to see Sidiyan on the ground, dead, and Lady Arcadia unconscious. A rage washed over me, and I don't know why I did this, but Pelor forgive me, I ran to Arcadia's body, drew back my mace and smashed her skull. I dropped the the floor over Sidiyan's body. I failed him. I lifted him gently fromt he ground, Malik at my heels. We went back to the children's room where I spent the next Eight hours deep in prayer, hoping the Pelor would grant me the ability to bring Sidiyan back.

Thankfully, my prayers were answered and I was able to raise Sidiyan from the dead. Leighlann somehow was able to get Tam out of that magical bubble, I am not sure how though. We left the children safely locked in the room while we finished ridding this place of its evil masters. In the last room we discovered a Wizard named Dragno, and a large Demon of some sort. We fought diligently. Every ounce of strength and magic went to defeating those ruthless creatures.

We picked up the children after the battle and flew back to Goldshire. Their parents were very grateful. Sidiyan gained an unwanted companion, the evil wizard's hawk familiar. And the rest of us decided to relax and enjoy the quaint little town for a while.