After being drawn deep into the “Fortress at World's End”, only to find an elaborate trap, the party takes an extended rest before searching for another way into the underground areas (which they caught a glimpse of as they scaled the cliffs earlier).
Soon, Damazi spots a concealed trap door just inside the outer wall. While opening it, Zim triggers a “Psychic Scream Ward” – and while it probably alerts anybody inside, it does little to slow the party down.
Once inside, they encounter the true orrery containing the Tear of Ioun, along with the man behind the scenes: Malachi. Worse, the orrery has been activated and has opened a portal to the Far Realm. During the ensuing fight, ancient zealots known as the Kaorti begin stepping through the portal. In the end, their leader Volarn and two of his soldiers make it through before Imbo climbs into the orrery and tosses the Tear through the portal – destroying it and the orrery at the same time.
Much loot (both monetary and knowledge) is found in the now-abandoned fortress. Details tbd.
This adventure was included in Dungeon Magazine issue #163 (pages 50-95) and is the third and final installment of the “Tear of Ioun” series.
| # | Challenge | Type | XP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi | Elite Controller/16 | 2800 |
| 1 | Volarn | Elite Artillery/16 (Leader) | 2800 |
| 2 | Kaorti Fallen | Skirmisher/14 | 1000 |
| 1 | True Orrery | Elite Blaster/15 | 2400 |
| Total XP | 10,000 | ||
| (5 PCs) | 2,000 | ||