In the dim light of General Ordulf’s bedroom, the scent of sweat and smoke hung heavy in the air, remnants of the fierce battle at Crownhold fortress. Kaznail Fancy Pants stood resolute, adamantine greatsword in hand, as he proposed the destruction of the stone altar dedicated to Gorum. Aguta the Dreadice, channeling her magic, cast Gentle Breeze to bolster the party’s healing, while Pato Loco busily tended to his wounded companions. With a loud crash, Kaznail Fancy Pants began his demolition, drawing the attention of a nearby guard. Thinking quickly, Aguta the Dreadice feigned illness, convincing the guard to retreat without a second glance.
As they navigated the fortress, Pato Loco’s attempts to pick a lock ended in failure, prompting Kaznail Fancy Pants to offer a spare lockpick. When the second attempt faltered, Aguta the Dreadice unleashed her Elemental Toss, blasting the door open only to find a mundane storage closet. Meanwhile, he liberated General Ordulf’s fishing gear, which Kaida Arashi carried for her. Kaznail Fancy Pants, not one to miss an opportunity for mischief, unlocked a washroom door and tossed the general’s personal items into the latrine pit below. With the altar in ruins, the group felt the lifting of previous penalties and Gorumites boons. Kaznail Fancy Pants eavesdropped on guards discussing tests, catching wind of a bribed guard’s voice, and the party moved on to a sparsely furnished barracks, devising a plan to use inhaled poison as a trap against their enemies.
Amidst factional tensions between the Roc Riders and the Jorogumo leader allied with General Ordulf, the party donned disguises as Gorumites soldiers and a priest, with Aguta the Dreadice fashioning a makeshift staff from a table leg. They gained access to the warm Kitchen, preparing coffee and spiking two cups with a Truth Potion before entering the Meeting Room. Inside, they confronted Dajira, a Snow Oni, Celasik, a Jorogumo, and two Adlets. Aguta the Dreadice cleverly suggested returning the fortress to the Adlets, igniting underlying tensions, while Kaznail Fancy Pants proposed an equitable division of territory, escalating the situation into open hostility. The climax erupted as Dajira unleashed frozen lightning upon Celasik, igniting a chaotic battle.
In the ensuing chaos, the party seized their chance to retreat from the blizzard-filled room. Upon reentering, they found all combatants dead from mutual destruction. Looting the bodies yielded little more than striking spears, but Kaznail Fancy Pants managed to snag valuable battle plans and a bottle of akvavit from General Ordulf’s office before the sound of approaching guards forced a hasty exit. Utilizing Kaida’s flight ability, the party executed a daring aerial escape from the fortress, recovering a cache of javelins along the way. Back at their inn, they regrouped, removing their disguises and planning their next moves. The following day, Kaida translated a prayer book that hinted at a crucial distraction involving General Ordulf’s fishing gear.
Returning to Crownhold, the party observed two frost rocs patrolling as they resumed their disguises. They unlocked doors in the castle basement but were confronted by Gorumites working on a furnace. Aguta the Dreadice attempted to deceive them, but when their identities were challenged, combat erupted. The fierce battle saw the party leveraging their abilities against the Gorumites. Despite sustaining injuries, they emerged victorious, acquiring keys from the fallen enemies for future access.
Threads to Watch:
- The implications of the stolen battle plans and akvavit.
- The potential fallout from the brewing conflict between the Roc Riders and the Jorogumo.
- Aguta the Dreadice’s makeshift staff and its effectiveness in future encounters.
- The significance of General Ordulf’s fishing gear as a distraction.
- The mysterious bribed guard and the impact on their infiltration strategy.
- The fate of the Gorumites and their operations within the fortress.