The fellowship set off for Nor Dumm with Lord Talin. The travel was easy and stress free with a party of dwarves showing them the way. The fellowship followed the path besides the river throughout the day before Lord Talin ordered the dwarves to camp for the night. The party veered off of the path to a clearing in the woods. The dwarves set up camp and a roaring fire for the fellowship to warm themselves by. The fellowship found that it was colder at night than they remembered.

Lord Talin invited the fellowship around the fire and shared with them the legend about the Hollowed Ones that appeared just before Nor Dumm found themselves under siege.

“In the candlelit corners of the world, where long-forgotten evils fester, there exists an undead horror that moves unseen among the living. They do not shamble like zombies, nor do they howl like wraiths. Instead, they wear the faces of those they consume, replacing friends, family, and rulers without a whisper of suspicion. These creatures are known as The Hollowed Ones—undead parasites that steal souls and assume the forms of their victims, perfect in every way except for the cold emptiness behind their eyes.

No one knows exactly where the first Hollowed One was born. Some legends claim they are the result of a necromantic experiment gone wrong, an attempt to cheat death that instead created a fate worse than undeath. Others whisper that they are the remnants of souls rejected by the afterlife, forced to steal new bodies to exist. What is certain is that they are not natural creatures. They do not breed, they do not eat, and they have no memories of their own. They are empty husks, always seeking a new life to steal.

A Hollowed One cannot simply kill and take over a body—it must first consume a soul. This process, called Hollowing, occurs when the creature locks eyes with a victim. In that moment, the victim’s soul is drawn out, leaving their body a lifeless husk. Then, the Hollowed One reaches out, touching the cooling flesh, and in mere moments, it becomes them.

This transformation is flawless. The Hollowed One takes the victim’s voice, memories, habits, and even their scent. They remember everything the victim knew—except for emotions. They can fake love, fake sorrow, fake joy, but they do not feel. When cut they bleed, but after a few minutes the blood disappears.

However, this mimicry is not perfect. Small inconsistencies can reveal their deception:

• They avoid mirrors and reflections, where their true form flickers for an instant.
• They struggle with deeply emotional memories, recalling facts but not feelings.
• Animals sense their wrongness and react with fear or aggression.
• If mortally wounded, their stolen flesh peels away in unnatural, waxy strips.”

Lord Talin told the party of two warriors that were found to be hollowed ones in Nor Dumm after returning from a patrol. They seemed like the warriors in every way but animals always responded aggressively to them. The Hollowed Ones behaved strangely and were always seeking information about the secrets of Nor Dumm. Finally, they were discovered after being cut and seeing their blood disappear.

After the warning from Lor d Talin, the fellowship was shaken and slept in fits all night. They wondered if they could trust anyone they encountered. The fellowship awoke in the morning ready to head out with the two Dwarf warriors, Radric Brewbrand and Thorhok Alehand.

The fellowship journeyed on to Nor Dumm. The travel was again easy in the sun making the tales of the Hollowed Ones seem like a bad dream from the previous night. The party arrived at Nor Dumm before evening and the dwarves were elated to find that the dwarf wives and children were waiting for them. There were escorted by a party of dwarves from Erebor to return home.

The dwarves of Nor Dumm welcomed the party to rest before they headed out the next day to Bar-en-Bairanax. Before the fellowship left, Kifak cast Augury and received mixed omens but mainly good omens. The fellowship travelled along the path and came to Bar-en-Bairanax in the middle of the afternoon. A cave entrance loomed in front of them just off of the path – all seemed quiet.

The fellowship sent Arbun to scout ahead in the cave and he first found a passageway to the right that led to a pond and a stairway up. Arbun then explored a passageway to the left and found that it led to a larger chamber and Arbun heard mumbling from around the corner. Arbun returned telling of a cavern lit by torches and a mumbling up ahead around a corner. The fellowship decided to leave Radric Brewbrand and Thorhok Alehand near the entrance of the cave while they explored.

Hallamir sent Lulubell up ahead and she returned telling of two Hobgoblins around the corner. The fellowship moved forward and stealthily surprised the Hobgoblins and attacked. The party soon learned that a Hobgoblin Devastator is a fearsome foe but were able to defeat a Hobgoblin War Mage. After the Hobgoblin War Mage was felled a Hobgoblin Death Captain joined the fray. Jesoc was able to deal massive damage to the Hobgoblin Death Captain that allowed Hallamir to quickly finish him off.

Shortly after the fellowship was able to defeat the Hobgoblin Devastator and the cave was quiet. Jesoc searched the bodies and to his surprise found that the insignia they carried was that of a black lightning bolt. Jesoc was unnerved that this was an insignia that no one recognized.

Arbun explored the rest of the cave and found a Crystal Dragon Egg which he pocketed. Arbun noticed that this was strange as the passageway was far too narrow to allow a dragon to reach the chamber that housed the egg.

Arbun next found treasure room which caused him to call out to the rest of the party – “Uh, guys?”

The party came quickly and found that the treasure room contained the following:

• 8,468 GP
• 12,641 SP
• 17,295 CP
• Cap of Water breathing
• Ring of Waterwalking

Arbun investigated the magic items and found they smelt of crisp pear – indicating enchantment magic. The fellowship decided to take the gold and magic items and to leave the silver and copper pieces behind. Arbun decided to explore the pond with the Cap of Water Breathing and was ready to dive in when he noticed at the last minute that the pond was only 6 inches deep. Arbun twisted his shoulders and aborted his dive at the last minute.

Lastly, Arbun searched the room up the stairway beside the pond which appeared to be a nicely appointed bedroom. They found note folded note on the end table. Kifak opened the note and read it out to the rest of the party:

“Engwa  – the filthy dwarves delivered the Palantir to Urial. Awaiting Helka from Dula Kuladurth before destroying/negotiating with Urial. Once we have the Palantir we will use the Gateway Ring to join you at the Ruins of Annuminas so we can finally return home to Gerlkuneshe.” – Ice Sister Losse

Hallamir shared with the group that the Ruins of Annuminas are by lake Evendim north of the shire and that Gerlkuneshe translated means “Island within a sea on a hill in the barrens”.

Hallamir and Kifak went outside to explore the cave entrance and found that it was scoured by large claw marks – likely from a dragon.

Suddenly, an old crone walked forward picking her teeth and blowing smoke rings. She challenged the party to give her what they have taken from her. The fellowship was unsure what she was referring to and asked what she was asking about.

Losse the hag responded – “Filthy Half-Elf, you have my egg!”

With that Losse transformed into a large White Dragon and roared at the fellowship.

A fierce battle ensued with the White Dragon. The fellowship was shocked to discover that they were no longer immune to cold! Their immunity had worn off at the worst time. The White Dragon unleashed her breath weapon and dealt massive damage to Thorhok. The fellowship all joined the battle and struck the White Dragon again and again. The Dragon again used her cold attacks and finally struck out with her claws killing Thorhok.

Kifak shouted out “You are hopelessly outnumbered, stand down and you will be shown mercy”

The dragon ignored Kifak’s offer and continued to attack. Seeing no options, the fellowship destroyed the beast. Jesoc and the others harvested dragon teeth and scales for future use. The fellowship offered their condolences to Radric on the death of Thorhok and Radric solemnly nodded and simply said – “He died well”

The fellowship decided to return to Nor Dumm to rest and prepare for the final battle with Urial at Steel Fall. The travel was uneventful and the fellowship were welcomed back at Nor Dumm. They quietly presented the body of Thorhok and the body was taken away to prepare for the wake.

The fellowship joined in the wake and celebration of life for Thorhok. The party woke up in the morning with vague memories on much ale, music, and headaches.

Before they departed, Hallamir and others prepared spells. Kifak again cast Augury and the omens were unclear. Jesoc took the opportunity to send messages home and to the king about what they have found and that they were alive and well.  Jesoc also sent a message to Aenwyn warning her of the Hollowed Ones.

The fellowship set out for Bar-en-Bairanax and the journey was uneventful. They found the dragon’s lair exactly as they left it – including the corpse of the dragon now picked by scavengers. Jesoc cast Ceremony and they continued on to Steel Fall.

After an hour they came to a large chasm that stretched horizon to horizon. The chasm was 400-500 feet deep and 80 feet across. Upon investigation it appeared that the chasm was created by claw marks not unlike those before the cave at Bar-en-Bairanax.

Hallamir sent Lulubell across with a bundle of rope and she held the rope while Arbun climbed across. Arbun was able to climb across successfully and he secured the rope so that others could cross. The rest of the fellowship crossed immediately after and the party continued – leaving the rope secured over the chasm.

After a few more hours the party came to the lair of Uruial at Steel Fall. All was quiet with no sound from inside or outside the cave. The fellowship decided to take a long rest before exploring inside.  The night passed without incident and the fellowship decided to send Arbun inside. Arbun was awestruck by the sight of a huge Red Dragon sleeping on a pile of gold and gems. Arbun saw that beside the dragon lay a round black sphere surrounded by a number of items.

The fellowship decided to enter to parlay with Uruial.

Uruial awoke and grumbled – “Why do you disturb my sleep?”

The party shared that they seek the black sphere.

Uruial responded – “I care not for it as it was left here by a tiny dwarf.  But what do you have to bargain with?”

Arbun offered the Crystal Dragon Egg and Uruial accepted that in trade for the Palantir. Uruial grabbed the Palantir gently and offered it to the party who immediately placed it in the bag of holding.

Uruial noticed the party staring at the other items that surrounded the Palantir:

• Varda’s tears necklace
• Drowner’s Pearl
• Horatio’s Impossible Ship In A Bottle

• Sir Varion’s Helm
• Forecaster’s cloak

“Ahhh, you are drawn to those items as well? The Tears of Varda is dear to me but you can take the other items as they were left here by Hags. But you must promise me to never tell anyone else of the location of this cave.”

The fellowship agreed and asked if they could also have the Tears of Varda but Uruial informed them that they should not press their luck. The party retreated and thanked Uruial for his kindness.

The fellowship could not resist the lure of the Tears of Varda though. The party planned a diversion and while Jesoc fell in the mound of gold and gems, Arbun deftly snuck up and snatched the Tears of Varda and made his way back unnoticed.

The fellowship thanked Uruial once again and left the lair of Uruial.

Outside the cave the party agreed to make their way south as they wanted to return to warmer climates now that they felt the cold again in their bones. They agreed to make their way to Maethelburg to retrieve their horses and settle scores before travelling to Bree.

The party left the Grey Mountains and climbed down into the foothills leaving a sleepy, unaware Ancient Red Dragon behind that they stole the Tears of Varda from.