The Cave entrance loomed dark and foreboding as Juk-Aen stood guard, his companions venturing deeper into the shadows. When he rejoined them, Rin revealed a piece of armor, identifying it as iconic Hellknights equipment, cautioning that it was dangerous for non-Hellknights to possess. Sol’andrus Van Diel contemplated carrying the armor but ultimately decided it was best left in the party’s shared gear for Juk-Aen to manage, discussing the options of melting it down or handing it over to the Hellbreakers. As they examined the ritual area, Juk-Aen discovered rubies used in the ritual and added them to their loot, along with a Hellknights shield that could reveal Hell itself to those who gazed into it.
Their exploration led them to the lifeless body of Caravaggio. Juk-Aen attempted to rouse him, only to realize the grim truth of his friend’s death. Overcome with grief, he insisted on taking all of The White Shadow’s gear, holding onto his Silver Nunchucks as a personal memento. When the topic turned to removing The White Shadow’s shell, Juk-Aen stood protectively over the body, tears streaming down his face, making it clear that any attempt to disturb The White Shadow’s remains would be met with force. The party resolved to carry The White Shadow’s body out of Cave Entrance rather than abandon him.
Upon their return to Thorngrip, Brakknap offered condolences and confirmed their success. The goblins celebrated their return as heroes, with children donning masks resembling Carvaggio in tribute to him. Juk-Aen crafted a matching mask for himself, and the party reveled in a night of food and drink, including pickle-flavored liquor. As the goblins clamored for the tale of their battle, Sol’andrus recounted their exploits. The next morning, Mirdona, the goblin alchemist, provided a hangover cure to those in need. Wyn, the village’s hobgoblin protector, expressed his desire to join the group after missing the battle, offering his skills in exchange for their help in saving his village. The party accepted him, learning that he was a hunter and spellcaster named Wynter, though he preferred Wyn. Before they departed, Brakknap gifted Sira Antkeep a Pendant Of The Occult and a length of rope, jokingly suggesting it was to keep Wyn from wandering off. Sira passed the pendant to Rin, who accepted it.
The party decided to investigate Vordia, a town they had yet to explore. Upon arrival, they noted the town’s allegiance to Cheliax and Asmodeus, with symbols displayed prominently. Sira spoke with locals and learned that the Sisterhood of the Golden Erinys had left weeks prior, and of strange occurrences at Bright Embers Orphanage, which they had once run. Juk-Aen joined local children in a game of tag, where he learned of their dares to enter the orphanage at night, spurred by strange noises. He promised the children he would investigate the orphanage and stay overnight.
Approaching the orphanage, a decrepit two-story building with a banging front door and an eerie atmosphere, Rin used the pendant to sense a supernatural presence and noted the decay surrounding the grounds. As they entered, Juk-Aen heard the sounds of unseen children running through the halls. They discovered a dining hall and a recreation room filled with faded murals and a Toy Box. When the Dusty Toy Box opened, it unleashed a haunting presence that prompted Sol’andrus to fire at it. The party engaged in battle, with Wyn and Juk-Aen ultimately destroying the box, which emitted a childlike cry as it fell apart.
Moving to the dining area, they encountered floating plates and spectral food, which they also fought against, successfully shattering the haunting plates. Sol’andrus led the way upstairs, where they found a bedroom filled with decrepit beds and a canine skull. Sira’s call for bedtime triggered a lullaby, awakening an undead creature formed from childhood remnants. The party fought valiantly, with Juk-Aen holding the creature in place while Sol’andrus delivered the final blow.
After defeating the creature, they explored newly opened rooms revealing prayer cells adorned with pentagrams and a letter indicating theSisterhood of the Golden Erinys had gone to the Lucent Mission. Despite the dangers, Juk-Aen insisted on staying the night in the orphanage to fulfill his promise to the children. The party reluctantly agreed, settling into a dormitory room. By morning, the haunting presence had lifted, and Juk-Aen emerged to share his adventure with the local children, who celebrated his bravery. The party later showed the townsfolk the Draft Letter, clarifying the fate of the orphanage’s remaining children, who had been sent to the Lucent Mission.
Threads to Watch: The fate of the remaining children at the orphanage; the significance of the Hellknights equipment; the whereabouts of Sisterhood of the Golden Erinys of the Golden Aranus.