The battle against the ghouls proved an easy victory, emboldening the party to press forward. Their confidence, however, was met with swift brutality as they disturbed the flesh-tattooing ghoul. It lashed out with terrifying speed, nearly ending Syphir in a single strike. Helle and Hod worked tirelessly to keep their allies standing, but the battle quickly took a devastating turn.
As Syphir pleaded for mercy, the ghoul’s fury only deepened, telling the group to leave. It struck down Hod, silencing his presence forever. Grief-stricken, Syphir and Derek began to retreat, but Helle refused to abandon the fight, bolstered by Sol’s unwavering support. With arrows flying, the battle raged on. But fate was unkind—Helle too fell before the monstrous creature. Driven by rage and sorrow, Syphir and Derek turned back, striking down the ghoul in a final act of vengeance.
The heroes carried Helle’s body back to town, bringing her to the druids at Stone Ring Pond. In honor of her sacrifice, one of the local druids stepped forward, offering to join the group. With heavy hearts, the party took time to rest before returning to the ruins.
With renewed determination, they confronted the worm that had once sent them fleeing—this time, triumphing over it with ease. Their journey led them through chilling patches of cold brown mold, which they wisely chose to avoid, pressing forward instead.
In a chamber littered with bones, the party witnessed the remains attempting to assemble into a creature. However, Syphir, ever impulsive, swiped a few choice bones before the transformation could complete, rendering the would-be foe powerless and easily destroyed.
The expedition took another turn as they uncovered a secret door. Behind it lay a room with a an eerie pale blue ribbon of light at the centre. A massive purplish worm loomed before them, an unmistakable challenge waiting to be met.
Loss had hardened their resolve, and the Gauntlight’s horrors still stretched deep into the unknown. Whatever lurked ahead, they would face it together.