The air crackled with tension as Specter approached, carrying the lifeless body of an elf clad in local garb. An Elf Man rushed forward, shoving Lady Antkeep aside in his anguish, exclaiming, “my wife.” He demanded answers, and Specter revealed that he had slain Wode Hag responsible for the elf’s death, noting her transformation into an elf woman upon dying. Lady Antkeep warned the group that such an act could allow Wode Hag to return or possess another body. The distressed Elf Man pleaded with the party not to harm anything else nearby, especially if elves were present.
As the party deliberated, they speculated on the connection between the ominous tower and the relentless storm, confirming that both had emerged simultaneously with the captain’s arrival. They decided to rest in town, where Lady Antkeep took the first watch, earning the trust of the townsfolk. During this time, Matthew researched Phazon, discovering its potential to unlock additional effects in crafting, while Marin trained the Wood Elves as sentries. Specter lifted the spirits of the townsfolk by performing for them. However, their respite was shattered when Matthew reported a vision of his sister Nya in danger, pursued by a creature crackling with electricity and fire. The party set out immediately, following burn marks on trees that indicated the creature’s path. After hours of tracking, they found drag marks leading to a door. Collecting a sample of Ink-like Blood along the way, Matthew led the group as they approached the door. Listening intently, they opened it and stepped inside, only for Specter to be pulled through the darkness, prompting the others to follow.
They emerged in a bureaucratic city run by devils, known as the “Eight City Advocacy.” Marin disguised himself as a dirty peasant and spoke deferentially to a clerk, who advised him to clean up before meeting a dealmaker. Meanwhile, Matthew inquired about Nya, but the clerk had no information. Specter, having arrived accidentally through a Black Void Door, accepted food offered by the staff. A functionary soon informed them that Chancellor Lazivos was ready to see them, leading the group through a series of rooms and stairs. In the audience chamber, Chancellor Lazivos greeted Specter and Lady Antkeep, acknowledging Marin. Lady Antkeep presented canisters related to her previous deal, prompting Lazivos to express surprise at the significance of Phazon. He offered her a reward, declaring her bound as his servant for life under their agreement. Lazivos identified Marin as an immortal, expressing fear and knowledge about him. Lady Antkeep, still tiny, explained her usual size, promising Marin that she would use her reward to request the release of his father, Karl Heldhammer, instead of her own freedom. Marin proposed a mutual aid pact, but Lazivos warned that freeing Karl was risky and not easily accomplished.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a cry of alarm: “Chancellor Lazivos! There’s a demon attack!” The Chancellor instructed the party to evacuate Lady Antkeep through a portal, cautioning that he could not guarantee where it would lead. As Marin grabbed Lady Antkeep and began to flee, chaos erupted around them, with devils engaging the invading demons. In the corridors, demon minions attacked; one demon’s tongue yanked Lady Antkeep from Marin’s grasp, but she retaliated, killing a minion with a glare. Lady Antkeep created linked portals to facilitate their escape, while Specter and Gorda held the line against the pursuing demons. A demon evolved into a stronger form, teleporting onto Lady Antkeep and striking both her and Marin. The party fought fiercely, with Matthew using holy power to clear a path and regrouping with Lady Antkeep. Marin provided cover fire, marking enemies as they advanced. Specter sustained multiple strikes, cursing and judging enemies to hinder their advance, allowing the others to escape. As more demons appeared, the group continued to fight their way through the chaos, determined to get Lady Antkeep to safety.
Threads to Watch:
- The implications of Specter’s actions regarding Wode Hag and the elf’s death.
- The connection between the ominous tower, the storm, and the captain’s presence.
- The fate of Nya and the risks associated with freeing Karl Heldhammer.