Our heroes returned to Red Larch and sought out the innkeeper, Kaylessa, to relay the unfortunate news of Shabri’s demise. Initially, Kaylessa was overcome with guilt, but our heroes reassured her that she was not to blame. After some discussion, they revealed their role as Shabri’s bodyguards. Although initially reluctant to pay them due to their perceived failure of protecting Shabri, Kaylessa eventually handed over the owed 50 gold.
The heroes spent some time recuperating in town before retiring for the night. The next morning, a large blue humanoid and a dwarf entered the inn, but before introductions could be made, cries for help rang out. Our heroes, along with the blue humanoid, rushed outside to discover a newly formed sinkhole with children in peril.
After some quick planning, Isaac leapt into the sinkhole, and the rest of the party followed, securing a rope for their ascent. Inside the sinkhole, Valerian, a towering 7-foot tall goliath cleric of Lathander, introduced himself as he aided them in rescuing the trapped children and villagers.
With the immediate danger resolved, the group decided to explore the cave they had found themselves in. They navigated through a series of corridors, encountering giant rats feasting on corpses marked with a strange triangular symbol. Yurian recognized the symbol from a recent encounter.
Defeating the rats, the heroes discovered a room with a floating rock, levitating by magical means. They continued through another door and heard voices. Opening the door, they were confronted by the Bringers of Woe, a group wearing armor adorned with the same ominous symbols. The enemies focused their attacks on Isaac, nearly killing him, but Valerian’s healing prowess saved the day.
After vanquishing their foes, the party found a magical dagger engraved with Reszur, etched with star motifs. Moving west, they encountered a half-orc watching a door and a youth trapped under boulders. The half-orc seemed more confused than hostile, and Isaac’s flattering words distracted him long enough for the heroes to free the youth.
The youth revealed he had lost a letter from his father and was being punished by the believers. Although he could provide limited information, the heroes pressed on, meeting Baragustas, a believer who warned them of more powerful adversaries, the delvers and the Bringers of Woe.
Ignoring Baragustas’ pleas to turn back, the heroes forged ahead. Zonga cast entangle upon seeing their next adversaries, quickly dispatching the weaker members before turning their focus on the priest. The priest’s shatter spells took a toll, but our heroes’ resilience prevailed.