Campaign Summary (or my really lame attempt at a story hour)

(This takes place in Nexus during the month of Resplendent Water, Realm Year 768.)

The characters are contacted through various means and invited to a conference with a potential employer, Coran Szalt. Inquiries reveal that he is a well-respected dealer in "antiquities and rarities". The group meets for the first time at Szalt's office on the 2nd floor of a well appointed building located just off of the Day Market in Nexus.

The group take in their first view of Szalt's office....affluent and tastefully done. Vases, statuary, rugs, and other objets d'art are beautifully arranged and displayed. A table is set for the meeting. As soon as all of the characters are assembled, Szalt dispatches his servant for refreshments and the meeting begins.

"I have asked you here today," he starts, "because I am in need of assistance in retrieving an artifact of surpassing rarity. But I am at a loss, for I do not know where it lies. All I have is one clue. Because of your various skills, I wish to retain you all to track this clue down and, if possible, recover the artifact. This will likely take some time and I am prepared to reward you well for your efforts, if successful."

"What is the nature of this artifact?" asks Uvark.

"Ah," Szalt continues, "it is known as the Crown of Thunders. It is said to be a relic of the First Age, forged by the Anathema. You will recognize it as a golden crown, really Orichalcum, set with precious gems. It has not been seen in over 1500 years, since the end of the First Age."

"It is doubtless someplace unpleasant," Soforth offers.

"And for that reason we will be very well compensated....won't we?" supplies Jimmy the Hand.

Szalt smiles thinly, "You will be very well compensated for your time and efforts. I am offering, to each of you, the sum of 5 Silver Talents. I will, as well, pay for all of your expenses. In addition, the Crown is likely with other relics of some value...while I have professional interest in these, you may keep them as part of your payment. If you wish to sell them, I will give you fair valuation. What do you say?"

"We must speak among ourselves and discuss your offer before we can give you a firm offer," says Uvark.

"Very well, I will retire to my office and finish some paperwork. Whe you wish to continue, please ring the bell," he says, motioning to the pull rope. Szalt leaves the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Uvark pauses for a few seconds before continuing, "What do you all think of this?"

Soforth says, "I have never heard of this relic....have any of you?" A chorus of nos greet her query.

"The pay he offers is really quite extraordinary," offers Jimmy the Hand, "This will likely be very difficult to get to."

The group compare skills and find they are fairly well complemented for the task. There is general agrrement that the job should be accepted. Szalt is summoned back to the room.

"We will undertake this endeavor for you," says Uvark. "What is the clue you have to the whereabouts of the Crown?"

"Splendid!" Szalt calls for a toast. After this is drunk down, he continues. "The last known possessor of the crown was an Anathema by the name of Firen. With some luck, I have found where his tomb lies. It is in the City of the Dead, Sijan. You must travel there, at my expense, and persuade the Priest-Necromancers to raise his ghost and allow you to speak with this long-dead Anathema."

"And if the Priest-Necromancers are unwilling?" demands Uvark.

"Then other means will have to be found," Szalt says, glancing at Soforth, Jimmy and Laetitia. "Do we understand each other?" Everyone nods.

"Excellent. I will arrange passage on a river-boat and you can leave in the next few days."

To Be Continued