The moon hung high, casting silvery beams over the docks as shadows twisted and turned. Suddenly, chaos erupted as five Giant Sea Serpents emerged from the water, their scales glistening ominously, while Torvald, the tentacled dockmaster, loomed nearby, ready to unleash his wrath. Aguta, a fierce member of the Red Mantis, attempted to strike one serpent with a Frostpillar, but the creature deftly evaded the spell. Pato Loco, the clever goblin, strategically delayed his turn, allowing Kaida to weave her mobility magic and hasten their advance toward the waterfront.
As the battle raged on, Kaida summoned the Sea Glass Guardian for protection and unleashed a powerful lightning bolt, striking multiple serpents, though they resisted the brunt of the damage. Kaznail Fancy Pants, attempting to slip into invisibility, found himself ensnared by Torvald’s tentacle, while the serpents unleashed torrents of water that battered several party members. Prince Bernard’s explosive Thrall damaged two serpents, while Aguta called forth the Elemental Herald, delivering bludgeoning and cold damage to both Torvald and the serpents without harming his allies. Kaida’s timely Invisibility spell shielded Bernard from enemy eyes, and Kaznail Fancy Pants escaped Torvald’s grasp, conjuring darkness to reposition himself. Torsten, now enlarged, delivered a devastating Spellstrike against a serpent, inflicting significant harm. Pato Loco finished off a severely wounded serpent, while Kaida summoned a Protector Tree to absorb incoming attacks.
The climax unfolded as Torvald, relentless in his pursuit, swallowed Kaida whole, dealing continuous damage. In a moment of brilliance, Aguta lined up an Elemental Blast that struck both Torvald and a serpent, causing critical damage. Torsten’s powerful strike further weakened Torvald, who ultimately fell to Pato Loco’s decisive blows.
In the aftermath, the party collected Torvald’s ledger and a Ciphered Letter revealing a conspiracy to monitor them, linking Torvald to Sister Mairi, the abbess of the Hospice of Serenity. After searching an empty warehouse, they secured an inn for rest. The following morning, a tiny praying mantis delivered an invitation to meet at the Mantis Stones outside of town. Kaida confirmed Torvald’s identity as a high-ranking devil, capable of piercing invisibility. Approaching the Mantis Stones, they encountered Mantis Keeper, a leshy guardian, who tested their intentions and agreed to advocate for them, recognizing their alignment with the rules of Achaekek. With Mantis Keeper’s trust secured, the party set their sights on Sister Mairi to uncover more about the conspiracy threatening their lives.
Threads to Watch:
- The implications of Torvald’s connections to Sister Mairi.
- The nature of the conspiracy revealed in Torvald’s ledger.
- Kaida’s insights into high-ranking devils and their abilities.
- The potential of Mantis Keeper’s support in future endeavors.
- The lingering threat of the sea serpents and their master.