Village of Shadowdale

Arriving in Shadowdale village, it was evident that the Zhentarim had taken over.
Not only was it posted at the town square, several groups patrolled the streets and outlying farms.
In the sky a few Foulwings, bearing wizard riders, monitored from above.

Shadowdale is overlooked by a granite promontory from the north, dubbed Old Skull for its central white rock dome.
The tower of Elminster, Sage of Shadowdale, lies in ruin and most buildings have been confiscated by the Zhentarim Army.
With each resident tasked to only work their trade for them.

The visible destruction is minimal, as the Zhentarim took over at Lord Mourngrym's request.
Morningdawn Hall, the once-magnificent, phoenix-shaped temple of Lathander lies in ruin, while its clergy fled its treasure was scavenged.

Passing the Twisted Tower of Ashaba, lending its name to the River Ashaba, the heroes notice Foulwings perching on top.
Beyond its great gates a third of the Zhentarim Occupying Army, (Brigade of Shadows; 250 Zhentilar, 250 mercenaries, 500 orcs/goblinkind) under command of Battle-Captain Forthar Helvenstron resides.
A further 4 Skymages, and 20 Magelings under command of Eregul the Freestave dominate the skies, and Dark Doom Malathon commands some 25 Clerics of the Dark Lord.
Each commander reports to Lord Mourngrym Amcathra, Rightful Lord of Shadowdale.
Further up the chain of command stands Esvele Graycastle, leader of the Church of Shar, and Scyllua Darkhope, Castellan of Zhentil Keep and High Captain of the Zhentilar.

Currently Scyllua leads a charge, allied with the Masked Brigade, against the Knights of Myth Drannor, while another brigade tried to secure a base in Mistledale, Ashabenford.

Next, the heroes pass the House of the Lady. Originally a temple of Tymora (Lady Luck) it is now converted to a gambling hall. Off-duty Zhentarim gamble their wages and mercenaries lose their bounties.
Sending back a large chunk of the winnings to the Zhentarim Commanders, Preceptress Eressa Ambergyles hopes to ensure that they turn a blind eye to religious services held within.

After entering the village of Shadowdale, riding through its main road and passing the Twisted Tower and ruined temples, Rekk, Tereus, Anon and Jack arrive at their destination.
A vision of Mystra guided them here; a low rise next to the Old SKull where once a Shrine to Mystra stood.
A low pyramid of white granite, with its topmost step once-inscribed with Her symbol in silver, now stood defaced, carved and Unhallowed by Malathon, who sacrificed 3 captured villagers.


Mystra appeared before them, although briefly.
"Thank you Champions, my Chosen are unable to enter the Dale, and I cannot remain much longer. The evil of Shar permeates the very stone and must be stopped. I'll send someone to guide you for I cannot.."

Waiting for that 'someone' to show up, the four ate and drank at the Old Skull Inn, and payed, the heavily-inflated price, for a room.

The next morning each tried to Gather Information and Rekk checked up on Dobby, who stayed in the forest.
Leaving the main street, a white glowing hand appeared, beckoning them further on. Leaving the last house behind a dry echoing male voice speaks;
"The Ghost Witch fades, her beloved's Staff at last laid to rest. Seek her ashes where those who sought justice fought injustice, guarded by the scorched remains of that which she gave her life to slay.
Perhaps the eldest of the Seven can contain the Unwinding, for there is power yet in her kiss."

With his extended Local Knowledge, Jack recognizes the eldest of the Seven as well as the naming of Ghost Witch to be Syluné, spectral harpist and Chosen of Mystra.
Syluné gave her life in battle against a flight of dragons by breaking her Staff of the Magi, unleashing a retributive strike.