In the shadowy depths of Crownhold, the party stumbled upon a hidden armory chamber, its eastern wall graced by a stunning mural of a mountain. Embedded within this masterpiece was an adamantine greatsword, accompanied by a weapon rack and four imposing stone chests that promised untold riches.
As the adventurers pried open the chests, they uncovered a treasure trove of platinum, gold, and assorted coins, alongside a sturdy shield, a +2 striking composite longbow, a +2 greater striking greatsword, and a dozen greatswords. Kaida Arashi generously provided a level-2 Spacious Pouch to help carry their newfound wealth. The party’s attention soon turned to the mural sword, which Prince Bernard the Third identified as a key. With Kaznail Fancy Pants Fancy Pants’ deft manipulation, the sword revealed a hidden door leading to a secret room filled with more wonders: Stormflash, a magical rapier, a bloodstained prayer book, and a variety of gemstones and coins. Aguta the Dreadice the Dreadice claimed the prayer book, and the group decided to use the Translate spell later to decipher its cryptic contents. A debate arose over whether to assign Stormflash to Pato Loco Loco, depending on his suitability for the weapon.
The tension escalated when the party, after a brief recuperation aided by Kaida’s Ocean’s Balm and group healing, found themselves unable to identify the gemstones due to Crownhold’s consecration. Their luck turned when they encountered a patrol of Gormites; Aguta the Dreadice’s quick thinking led them to believe the party was bringing new recruits, allowing the group to slip by unscathed. They retained the adamantine greatsword for future use and discovered artisan toolkits in a nearby storage room. However, Aguta the Dreadice’s scouting efforts upstairs revealed two sleeping Kodiaks, prompting a strategic retreat to avoid confrontation.
As they gathered provisions, including firefoot popcorn and assorted coffee blends, they narrowly escaped detection from a passing patrol. Tensions flared when Aguta the Dreadice, checking for cold, was confronted by hostile residents in a nearby barracks. The ensuing battle against multiple Rage Riders was fierce, with Kaznail Fancy Pants conjuring a Dance of Darkness to conceal the party, while Kaida unleashed a Howling Blizzard to impede their foes. Prince Bernard summoned undead thralls, sacrificing one to deliver devastating damage, while Aguta the Dreadice unleashed elemental blasts and strategic spells to turn the tide.
Emerging victorious, the party collected loot from the fallen Rage Riders, including +1 striking returning spears and cold-resistant armor, and cleverly concealed the bodies with Kaida’s wind aura. After a brief recovery, they scouted their surroundings and devised a plan for their next moves. Under the guise of recruits, Aguta the Dreadice presented the party to a training hall instructor, who shared crucial information about exit controls. In the kitchen, they stumbled upon a dawnsilver halfling web-link and an adamantine cleaver, stowing these valuable items for future use. While exploring the dining hall, they met a nervous soldier named David, who offered a favor in exchange for the return of a hidden dazing coil, giving the party leverage for their mission.
As they delved deeper, they overheard whispers of a power struggle among the general’s trusted warriors, revealing internal rivalries ripe for exploitation. In a war room, they found leaders discussing General Ordulf’s ambitions to conquer the Linnorm Kingdoms, dismissing traditional methods of legitimizing rule. When Kaznail Fancy Pants attempted to steal a valuable map, he was caught, nearly blowing their cover. Despite the close call, the party withdrew without engaging in combat, having successfully sabotaged key defenses, secured valuable items, and gathered critical intelligence for their ongoing mission.
Threads to Watch:
- The potential consequences of the internal rivalries among General Ordulf’s warriors.
- The implications of the bloodstained prayer book and its secrets.
- Pato Loco Loco’s suitability for Stormflash and its potential impact on future battles.
- The hidden dazing coil and how David’s favor may come into play later.
- The significance of the adamantine cleaver and dawnsilver halfling web-link in their plans.