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After the initial destiny introductions (as presented in Adventure Hooks on page 4), and even more so after the Ebon Riders attack (see Encounter A1 on page 8), the adventurers might want to engage in some research to find out more about whats going on. This section reveals what they can learn through their efforts. Investigating any of these topics openly might attract the attention of powerful beings who want to make sure that certain information remains secret. You can add encounters with such forces if you wish, or to build tension simply have word get back to the curious PC that he or she has aroused the suspicion or interest of someone with more than a modicum of influence and power. The lore in this section offers clues to who might care about those investigating specific topics, as well as those that might seek to avenge the deaths of servants dispatched by the adventurers along the way. In fact, the research done by the Eternal Seeker or the Deadly Trickster might be the cause of the Ebon Rider attack in the opening encounter of this adventure. The lore addressed in this section crosses over in numerous ways, opening new avenues of investigation and research. For simplicitys sake, the information is presented in alphabetical order. Tyrr the Blood Knight (a human paladin); Kielno Varim the Mad (a tiefling warlock); and Shonvurru the Blood Serpent (a marilith rewarded with undeath through service to Orcus). Each of these leaders advances his or her own scheme to elevate Orcus. DC 29: The Ashen Covenant has found a cause the factions can unite behind. Elder Arantham has breached Deaths Reach and even now unearths terrible secrets from the time of the Dawn War when the gods battled the primordials. Elder Arantham has purposefully excluded some of the covenants members from this plot, so the entire movement wont be wiped out if he fails. DC 31: The ultimate hand behind this movement is Orcus himself, who has been working on a grand scheme of conquest and power since the events that happened at the Keep on the Shadowfell several months ago.
Rituals
If the adventurers skills fail them, there are powerful rituals that can help them uncover more information. Consult Mystic Sages provides a method for using Religion to determine what the adventurers couldnt figure out using the History or Arcana skills. Consult Oracle allows the adventurers to learn any fact they want, as long as they can formulate solid questions based on what they already know. In this adventure, information helps build tension, so reward wise and clever uses of rituals.
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price is met. They support no great cause, unless that cause is their own. DC 27: Rumor suggests that the Ebon Riders are dedicated to evil gods. Numerous leaders among them are undeadpossibly even Mauglurienand the knights and mounts of the group are known to reanimate as undead after falling on the battlefield. DC 29: The Ebon Riders forces include death knights, liches, wights, and vampires, many of whom maintain the appearance of living beings. The Riders ultimately serve the cause of Orcus, and they gladly rally to the call of the Ashen Covenant. DC 31: The Ebon Riders plan to assault Zvomarana, the Raven Queens holiest of temples and the gateway to Letherna, the Raven Queens dominion. Such an attack can only serve the foul purposes of Orcus, and must be opposed at all costs.
he has ties to the Demon Prince. Ghovran also has a cambion disciplea magus named Tannerli. DC 29: Ghovran Akti is a lich dedicated to Orcus, although he maintains his living form so that he can pass for one of the living. He hopes to help Mauglurien slay the Raven Queen, to elevate Orcus, and thereby to become an exarch of bitterest winter.
Mauglurien Lore
A character knows the following information about Mauglurien with a successful History or Streetwise check. DC 14: Mauglurien the Black Dragon is a mighty dwarf warlord. He is a savage, bloodthirsty, and remorseless fighter who seeks glory in battle and wealth above all else. His battleaxe, Boneshredder, is as well known as he is. DC 22: Maugluriens history is a dark one. It begins with his exile from his own clan long ago, but the crimes that occasioned that punishment are long forgotten. The dwarf is ancient now, attested by his wizened appearance, though his beard bears no hint of gray. Nonetheless, he continues to lead the Ebon Riders to victory upon victory on the broken bodies of innumerable fallen foes. DC 27: It is said that Mauglurien once worshiped Kord. In his thirst for bloodshed, he turned to Gruumsh. It is unclear if he still reveres a wicked patron, but the warlord is clearly evil, insane, or both. DC 29: Despite his appearance, Mauglurien is a death knight, and he has turned to the worship of the demon lord Orcus. Working in the Ashen Covenant, he plans to put Orcus on the Raven Queens throne by slaying the god of death and winter.
Zvomarana Lore
A character knows the following information about Zvomarana with a successful Religion check. DC 22: Zvomarana is the Raven Queens holiest temple. Located in the Shadowfell on the edge of Letherna, the temple features several monumental gates. Beings who wish to petition the Raven Queen must pass through Zvomaranas gates and perform the required rites. Only then can the high priest of Zvomarana open the final portal to the Raven Queens citadel. DC 27: The gates of Zvomarana appear in more than one heroic legend. In most tales, the heroes pass through the Seven Veiled Gates of Fate on a journey to their ultimate destiny. Zvomarana holds only five of the gatesthe final two gates are always different and always located in different places. Every story describes Zvomarana as a high place on a mountain, its paths covered in cold mist.
R E S EA R C H
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