The air crackled with tension as the party infiltrated Crownhold, the imposing fortress of General Ordulf Blade Caller. Shadows danced in the flickering torchlight, heralding the impending clash between the adventurers and the powerful priest of Gorum. With hearts racing, they steeled themselves for the confrontation that would test their resolve.
The battle erupted with Pato Loco, the agile rogue, sustaining injuries as he fought to rally his allies amidst the chaos. In a desperate bid for survival, Ordulf retched to alleviate his sickened condition then consumed a potion to, only to find himself beset by Aguta the Dreadice’s ominous Raise the Reaper’s Scythe. Kaida Arashi seized the moment, striking the general with powerful blows, while Kaznail Fancy Pants attempted to distract him, only to rebound with a critical hit that left Ordulf on the brink. Just when it seemed victory was within reach, the general revealed a pallid, sickly form and regained strength.
The climax reached its zenith as Aguta the Dreadice unleashed a devastating Elemental Blast, critically affecting Ordulf and freezing him in place. With their foe incapacitated, Kaida Arashi aided her allies with flight, while Kaznail Fancy Pants capitalized on Ordulf’s vulnerability. The tide of battle shifted dramatically when Aguta the Dreadice delivered a final, lethal Slashing Gust, slitting the general’s throat and sealing his fate. However, the party’s victory was short-lived as ominous war cries echoed in the distance, heralding a new threat.
In the aftermath, the party swiftly gathered loot from Ordulf’s body, including his greatsword and a Gorum holy symbol, as Bernard summoned more thralls for defense. Yet, their moment of respite was shattered by the arrival of Valkyries, tasked with retrieving Ordulf’s soul, and the formidable First Blade, a towering servant of Gorum. Kaznail Fancy Pants bravely engaged, and despite the chaos of deadly shards unleashed by The First Blade, the party fought valiantly, ultimately delivering a killing blow through their combined efforts. Vatum then appeared out of nowhere, warned them of approaching Red Mantis assassins, led by a kitsune named Talaro, who accused them of killing a legitimate ruler. The group swiftly prepared for the next confrontation, with Kaznail securing proof of their victory by decapitating Ordulf and bagging the head as evidence. With Vatum revealing his true form as a dragon, they neutralized the Red Mantis assassins sent after them, securing their safety for the time being as they prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
Threads to Watch:
- The implications of Gorum’s acknowledgment of the party’s strength.
- The nature and purpose of the Valkyries.
- The mysterious kitsune, Talaro, and the Red Mantis assassins.
- Vatum’s true identity and potential powers.
- The treasures gathered from Ordulf and their possible significance.