The War Council

This is a copy and paste as I read it to you. Too much to retype. If I left any info from Stephen out, please tell me.

The first couple weeks are a blur as numerous leaders discuss their battles, their successes, and their worlds. Still, it is assuring to hear Richard is not

the only one having success.

During this time, it is determined the next council will be held in 3 months. The location has not yet been chosen, but Kuppies’ family heirloom, along with

his new planar transportation rituals will allow him to easily locate the assembly.

At the end of the third week, the agent, who has the new information, is scheduled to arrive and present his findings. The war room is packed with leaders

from every sect that was invited to the council. As the tension and anxiety begins to rise, Tiandra, Oran, and the Prince of Frost enter, with a fourth

individual, concealed by a heavy robe, trailing them.

Tiandra steps up and calls for quiet.
“After many, many years, we have finally found out who is behind the Darkness and what his plan is.”
Stepping to the side, she beckons the robed man to step forward. He does and finally drops his hood to reveal a face you have seen before…that of Stephen

Amber.

Tiandra continues, “Few of you will recognize this man, but his name and reputation precede him. This is Stephen Amber, recently freed from a 1000 year

curse by the Heroes of Idera!” After a brief cheer, the room goes silent. Apparently the exploits of Stephen are legend on dozens of worlds and being in

his presence is awe inspiring to many.

With his introduction out of the way, Stephen steps up to the podium. “For the past 1000 years, I was held captive by a curse, cast by my family. During

that time, I learned of a way to disconnect my consciousness from my body and wander the planes, vigilantly searching for the perpetrator or perpetrators of

this conspiracy of Darkness. Finally, I was forced to delve into locations few men know exist, never mind wish to visit. The horrors I have been witness to

will forever haunt me, but, it was in one of these worlds, that I discovered the identity of one of the conspirators. And it is far worse than I had

expected!”

“The demi-lich Acererak has set a plan in motion that would allow his consciousness to bond with the energy that all undead are created from. As a result,

he would be able to control them all. The outcome of that would be disastrous for all of us.”
“To that end, the Heroes of Idera have already dealt him 2 devastating blows. They have destroyed 2 of his lieutenants, the monster Morbius, and my own

brother Simon. Still, he is powerful and has many other devoted servants. His tower in the Shadowfell is producing undead as you raise ears of corn. That

is why we are unable to make advances on that world.”

Looking directly at you, he continues, “My friends from Idera, please come here. The tasks I have previously assigned you still need to be completed, but I

am able to offer you help.” Reaching into his robe, he produces an extremely ornate rod and a ring. Giving the rod to Leenia, “The first part of the Rod of

Death and Rebirth.” The ring, he hands to Kuppies, “The ring of the archmage Mordenkainen. The Mountain of the White Plume, north of Grandwood Forest hosts

both another part of the rod and another of the rings. I suggest you visit their after your return. Beware, this was one of the labs of Keraptis, the third

of Acererak’s Lieutenants.”

Turning to Rudy, "Thank you for putting my brother out of his misery. I'm afraid your task is not yet complete. As I feared, I must ask you to lead your

friends against Acererak’s remaining lieutenants, and the demi lich himself. As I mentioned before, start at the Mountain of the White Plume. I believe the

lich Keraptis occasionally makes his home there. It is unlikely his phylactery will be there, but temporarily destroying his body will delay whatever he has

planned for his vile master."

Addressing the crowd, “I do not believe Acererak is acting alone, but I have yet to discover whom his partner is.” I am awaiting word from my friend

Sephora. She was investigating one additional lead. Hopefully she will arrive tomorrow.

Stephen visits you later in the day. After hearing the details of Simon's death, he tells you the mansion belonged to his family, but it now belongs to you.

Conveniently, there is a teleportation circle there and he tells Kuppies how to connect to it. Additionally, it is on the north east border of Grandwood Forest.