Several days have passed since our heroes triumphant return from Darkspire, a time spent recovering from wounds and from the life draining effects of two trips through the ShadowGate. This morning finds you all in the Town Hall, looking down at the maps you recovered from the Scourged fortress, your attention focused upon the map of DarkHallow and it's single black pin as well as a black queen chess piece which rests upon the small mining town of Krylorn.

A few changes have occurred in the group.  Elviar has decided that he would rather write epic songs and poems than star in them himself.  The trials of Darkspire and the Fallen's Tomb weigh heavily upon the normally jovial gnome and he has decided to retire from the adventuring life ,for a while at least.  Before he left he promised to spread the word of the Scourged and your heroic deeds and to go to warn the settlements to the west of the large raiding force that you suspect is gathering in the Wastelands near them.

Zarun has decided to stay behind in DarkHallow.  He says that it's so he can help strengthen the town's defences against another covert raid such as the last one, but whenever you see him together with Raiaan (which is often), the real reason becomes clear enough.....

Fortunately the group has managed to recruit a new member, a scout and sharp-shooter by the name of Ryltar.  Though his dark elven heritage earns him a few sideways glances  the townsfolk try not to judge him by the colour of his skin.  After all, if a tiefling and half-orc can be the saviors and heroes of their town, why not a drow?

It has been generally agreed upon that the mines of Krylorn should be the group's next destination.  The helpful townsfolk are already busy preparing the supplies the group will need for the estimated four day hike required to get there.  This meeting is simply to finalise plans and to bring Ryltar up to date on the happens thus far.

You all find yourselves eager to be on your way.  The attitudes of the townsfolk have become almost worshipful, especially towards Finceleb.  Everywhere you go you are followed by small groups of children begging you for tales of your exploits once more.  Conversations stop when you enter a room, leaving you in awed silence only to have new, excited conversations erupt as you leave.  Finceleb's white hair and sapphire eyes draw gazes wherever he goes.  All-in-all, it's beginning to make most of you a little uncomfortable.... 

 As our heroes prepare to leave DarkHallow a small gathering forms to see them off.  Bernard limps forward  supported by Shamesh, the massive innkeeper looking at the priest in gentle concern.  Although the insidious infection wrought by the Shadow Warrior's cursed blade has been contained and even begun to recede somewhat, Bernard is still weak and Shamesh is obviously of the opinion what the cleric should still be in bed.

Bernard clasps arms with both Finceleb and Rolen, his eyes bright despite the dark circles lingering under them.  "I wish I could be going with you." he says.  "We started out together, it would have been nice to finish things together...." He pauses and looks down at his weak and sunken frame.  "After I am well again, if ever you should have need of my mace you have but to call and it, and I, are yours."

The Frostfang family, Zarun amongst them step forwards next.  Raiann gives a fond embrace to both Rolen and Finceleb.  "You saved my life and perhaps my soul....... I shall be forever in your debt.  Return to us after your adventures are done, for surely there is a home for you all here in DarkHallow."

Zarun stands behind the sorceress with an easy smile on his face and his friends cannot remember a time where he has looks more happy and at peace.  He nods to you all and says with a grin,  "I'm counting on the rest of you to keep Rolen out of trouble.  Who knows what messes his hot head will get him into without me to look after him.  Take care for yourselves as well.  I'll be doing what I can to tighten up security here, so another raid like the last won't catch us off guard.  My people can be full of many dark tricks, so stay on your guard."

As his daughter and Zarun speak to the others Jerrik steps up to Jett, the gears and pulleys in his metallic leg armour whirring and clanking with each step and hands him a bundle.  "Zarun tells me you are running short on your special arrows.  Take these and use them well."  Unwrapping the bundle, Jett finds six gleaming silver arrows, each similar to the ones he already carried. 

Several other townsfolk have gathered behind the notables, but they keep a respectful distance back, waving and shouting well-wishings and encouragements.  With a final hug from Raiaan and nods from the others, our heroes set of towards the mines of Krylorn......

....... After about a half hour upon the road, the refreshing feeling of the wind in their faces and a new adventure before them, Rolen and Ryltar spot a small group of HallowGuard, in the distinctive black and orange armour of DarkHallow, ahead of them.  Amongst them is one of the junior priests from the Shrine of All Gods, whom Rolen recognises from his time spent there though he can't bring the man's name to mind.