Change in Plans

I postponed the war council and instead they went in search of the last segment of the Rod of Death and Rebirth.
Here are the highlights as one long post. Sorry for the extended delay.

They had learned from one of the Sentinels that is was located on a mountain in the Gloriolis Mountains, west of Pontylvar.

With a little help from some friends, the heroes had no problem finding the location of the monastery. When they arrived they found a semi permanent tent village setup at the base of the mountain. After meeting with the Colonel in charge, Colonel Lasick, they did not think the Colonel was open to sharing the segment of the rod with them. He, along with everyone else in the camp, was a descendant of the original monks who had been expelled from the monastery so many years ago. They had taken an oath to retake the monastery and continue to guard the segment. It was fairly clear they would not give it up without a fight. Their centuries of obsession seemed to have clouded their judgment. They were in fact, planning another attempt at retaking the monastery to be launched shortly.

After Rudy and Ekeraath couldn't help themselves from insulting the Colonel, the heroes were expelled from the tent city and forced to climb the mountain on their own, through the dark night. Finishing the climb, they were welcomed, at day break, by the vampire, Milosh. He explained that ever since taking over the monastery, they had been able to shed some of their tortured curse and could eat meat instead of drink blood, and even withstand some sun.

This whole line really put the party at odds as they debated which group to trust. As they wandered the grounds, they witnessed an attack by several giants and chimeras. Some members of the party immediately joined in, while others were dragged in, first having to heal comrades and then defending themselves.

At dinner that night, the heroes were treated to the best meal any of them had ever indulged in. With the exception of Leenia who could not get past her prejudice that all vampires were evil, and Alexander, who stormed out because Milosh wanted to enjoy dinner before being subjected to a detect lies ritual, they had a good time. With dinner over, Milosh consented and the party learned that he believes the Rod is still in the catacombs below, but that he cannot enter the area since undead are blocked from going there. He offers to take the party there the next day and with Alexander's objection, the heroes agree.

Milosh escorted them through the main meditation chamber, down a hidden staircase, through a labyrinth of catacombs, to finally arrive in a grand burial chamber for the previous heads of the monastery. He directed them through a pair of double doors he could not pass. Continuing through a hallway with detailed frescoes of the defeat of Acererak and the construction of the tomb, the heroes were stopped at another door. Passing through it, they found the chamber with the rod. It was displayed behind a wall of fire. A fountain bubbled in front of them, and a dozen statues lined the walls as guards. A large basin was in front of the wall of fire, with 2, different sized containers on each side.