The air in Thorngrip buzzed with anticipation as the party returned, their mission complete. The Goblins awaited news of their findings, eager to learn about the False Prophet. After a brief respite, they retraced their steps through the concealed entrance, greeted by Brakknap, who claimed The Ancestors had informed him of their success. Sol’andrus Van Diel realized he still wore the crystal they had gathered as a pendant and, after an apology, handed it over. Brakknap questioned Sira Antkeep about her decision to entrust the crystal to Sol’andrus, who explained their arrangement due to his aversion to conflict. Brakknap’s expression shifted to shock and anger as he revealed that the hell-human Vero Ahala was hiding in the Stagfall Caves.
Brakknapshared the tragic history of his tribe, recounting how they had been hunted by humans after the Goblinblood Wars and how his grandmother sacrificed herself for the survivors. He expressed his determination to confront Viro Ahala, and Sol’andrus affirmed their intent to hunt him down. After providing directions to the cave entrance, Brakknaphesitated before returning the crystal to Sol’andrus, only doing so after Sira vouched for him again. He also gifted Sira a Striking Runestone from the Town Elders. The party discussed their need for a Gate Attunator and decided to trade their pouch of trinkets, Intoxicating Rare Mushrooms, a Smuggler’s Locket, and Leather Armor to secure the attunator for Rin. As they prepared to leave, Goblins identified a Alloy Orb as an Mystery Orb, which Sira decided to give to Caravaggio, attaching it to his bo staff.
Following Brakknap’s directions, the group arrived at the Stagfall, discovering a small hill with a tree resembling stag antlers and a concealed cave entrance. The cramped tunnel led them into a larger chamber, where they were immediately confronted by several devilish creatures. Sol’andrus swiftly eliminated one with his firearm, while The White Shadow and Isaac engaged another. Rin used her cold magic to finish off a wounded devil, and together they dispatched the remaining foes. After searching the chamber and clearing a blocked passage, they continued deeper into the caves, uncovering a human skeleton embedded in stone and a faintly glowing column. They encountered a pair of Hellknights, launching a surprise attack that resulted in a fierce skirmish, ultimately leading to their defeat.
As they pressed onward, they discovered a Basilisk, which petrified Sol’andrus during the fight. However, the party managed to defeat the creature and restore him using its blood. They then encountered another Hellknights Armiger and a swarm of oorts, which they dispatched with strategic teamwork. After looting the fallen foes, they found a cache of precious stones and continued their exploration. In the next chamber, they heard splashing sounds and spotted Hellknights using logs for cover. A hidden devil ambushed Rin, but the party quickly retaliated, culminating in another victory. Finally, they discovered a Candlelit Ritual Chamber where Viro Ahala was conducting a dark ritual. The party engaged in a fierce battle, with Viro Ahala utilizing powerful magic to bolster himself while the group fought to disrupt Candlelit Ritual Chamber. Despite suffering significant injuries, they managed to overcome Viro Ahala, ending the fight with a well-placed shot from Sol’andrus.
With Viro Ahala defeated, the party gathered their spoils and prepared to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Stagfall.
Threads to Watch: The fate of Brakknap’s tribe; the significance of the crystal; the potential of the Mystery Orb.