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Ardan 23

Our Heroes are within the mysterious Millhaven Manor, gazing with trepidation upon the laboratory. Gathering their courage, they entered the hatch, and found themselves in a wizard's working space and summoning zone. They advanced carefully, but a disgusting blob-thing fell on Vidan; and soon afterwards, magical energy zapped Vidan and Aldak. Whatever baleful spirit was animating the house seemed extra-upset; from this point on, Vidan created circles of protection against spirits, which seemed to prevent the house from perceiving (or at least targeting) the party.

In the desk Our Heroes found a sort of memory-binding crystal, used to record thoughts. Keja is able to 'read' it; it was originally recorded by a Phaedran alchemist, Benefir Yildoray.

Over several entries, Yildoray recorded comments about his studies of necromancy, learned from one of Mordante's texts. Yildoray's comments became obsessed with necromancy, and generally eee-vil. The house is a focus for change, and connected somehow to the caverns below Millhaven. Yildoray's wife objected to his obsession with Mordante's lore, and stole the text; but Yildoray apparently killed her and recovered it. In the last entry, he proclaims some horrid but not-too-specific goal. (maybe Kirk has a better summary?)

There were also boxes of jewelry and valuables in the desk; Puliko found one with about two dozen black diamonds, aka soul gems. Our Heroes decided that was enough for the day, and slowly left the building (with Vidan creating many overlapping circles of protection).

Returning to the village, Our Heroes met Hasama, who advised us that a dozen tough adventurers/tomb robbers/bandits had arrived, and taken over the inn. They were called Malek's Crew, and were led by an Arimite. The party stashed most of their equipment and loot at Lotte's house, and strolled over to the inn. Our Heroes had some tense discussions with Malek and his gang (and an unsuccessful arm-wrestling contest with a strong Arimite) but decided to curb their aggressive / competitive instincts and withdrew.

Hasama spent the evening tending to the poisoned Puliko.

Ardan 24

In the morning, Keja, Vidan and Aldak returned to the "indoor garden" of the mansion. Keja attempted to make spiritual contact with the "lady of the house"; but it became clear that we needed to return at night for that to work. We also needed to know Mrs. Yildoray's name, heh.

on to Millhaven - Bones and Booby-Traps