The red mantis assassins, led by the doppelganger Markuss, journeyed toward a Base Camp using a newly drawn map of the Clashing Shore. The trek of approximately 60 miles was marked by a distortion of time, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Upon arrival, they discovered the Base Camp littered with the corpses of their fallen comrades, including red mantis assassins and Valkyries, all devoid of blood, as if drained by an unseen force. This grim sight prompted a thorough scavenging of the battlefield, where the party collected valuable gear, including resilient armors and striking sawtooth sabers.
Ferro, the dwarven magus, noted the absence of resurrection locks among the dead, indicating that the high-ranking red mantis assassins leaders had not left behind their vital markers. As they considered their next steps, misty red blood-fog creatures emerged from a nearby Stone Bunker and launched a surprise attack. The ensuing battle was fierce, with Markuss and Bjorn Smallhorn sustaining injuries from the blood fogs’ assaults. Makiri countered with agile strikes while the party quickly realized the blood fogs were resistant to their attacks but vulnerable to fire.
As the fight escalated, the blood fogs retaliated, draining Markuss and gaining protective armor. The party’s efforts to counter the threats were met with mixed success; while Ferro’s knowledge checks failed to yield information on the creatures, Markuss’s Double Slice and Makiri’s opportunistic strikes proved effective, though still partially resisted. The battle raged on, with blood fogs casting debilitating spells and inflicting damage. Eventually, Ferro’s fiery weapon felled one fog, leading to a brief respite as Markuss tended to his allies’ wounds.
With the immediate threat neutralized, the party sought entry into the bunker, where they discovered the corpse of a Red Mantis Commander and a lock of hair in a pouch, hinting at potential resurrection. Their investigation was abruptly interrupted by a thunderous explosion that destroyed the bunker, injuring several members of the party. In the aftermath, they faced the gaze of Gorum, the war god, which afflicted Bjorn Smallhorn with debilitating effects.
Saint Fang, a massive dragon and servant of Gorum, erupted from the sea, accompanied by Ordulf and three Melomach metallic behemoths. As chaos ensued, Makiri stealthily engaged Ordulf, demoralizing him before Agatha granted flight to Ferro, allowing him to join the aerial fray. The dragon unleashed a fiery breath attack, creating a shroud of smoke that concealed the battlefield. Bjorn Smallhorn seized the opportunity to drink a potion for flight, while Ferro cast spells to strike at their foes.
As the battle unfolded, Markuss and Makiri coordinated their attacks against Ordulf, landing critical blows. Agatha sustained her allies with healing magic, while Saint Fang retaliated with devastating strikes. The tide of battle turned when Ferro reappeared in a dazzling display, delivering a critical hit to Saint Fang, further exacerbating the dragon’s injuries. Despite the overwhelming odds, the party pressed on, employing a combination of tactical prowess and powerful magic.
In a final confrontation, Markuss invoked Iron Command, forcing Saint Fang to kneel, while Bjorn Smallhorn and Ferro dealt significant damage. As the dragon attempted to flee, the party unleashed a barrage of attacks, culminating in a decisive blow that sent Saint Fang crashing to the ground, defeated. They located Ordulf’s corpse onshore and recovered a powerful greatsword from their fallen foe, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their ongoing quest.