After their adventure in the crypts, our heroes returned to their patron and informed him of the tunnel into the depths of the earth. The Baron of Windhaven sent them back to investigate the source of the growing evil.
The party returned to the crypt and entered the mysterious tunnel (1).
In this corridor, they discover a rock-hewn altar with the terrifying sacrifice.
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| Onyx, Grizelda, and Rowan (L to R) find the bloody sacrifice |
The tunnel then opened into a large cavern (2). As our heroes entered, they were attacked by 9 imps. The party drove them off, but Grizelda was wounded. Fortunately, the next cavern (3) contained a pool of water with healing properties. Grizelda was soon back to full health.
Next (4) they battled a large rock creature. Onyx struck with his ax, chipping a piece of rock of the beast. Then Grizelda used her staff to strike it with lightning. The bolt caused a split in the rock. Rowan then drove his sword deep into creature's body. It shrieked in pain then collapsed.
In the next cavern (5) our heroes fought off a swarm of hungry grubs. Note - I don't have figures for all the possible enemies. Instead, I substitute. Below, scorpions fill in for the grubs.
Next the party entered a cavern filled with toadstools. As they passed, one spewed forth spores. Rowan and Grizelda managed to cover their mouths and avoid contamination but Onyx breathed in the befouled air and immediately began to choke. The coughing spell lasted but a minute, however it left him visibly weakened.
The party then traversed an empty corridor (7) and entered another cavern (8). In it, a large shadowy form stood in the center of a pentagram.
"Something devilish, I'll warrant." said Grizelda.
The figure then spoke to them. "Are you from the bishop? Tell him that I serve him no more!"
The party looked at each other quizzically.
"Begone!" the foul abomination screamed. It then spewed forth a breath of hellfire. Rowan used his shield to fend off the fire and Grizelda stepped behind him for cover. Onyx, however, was late in shielding himself and suffered some dreadful burns.
Rowan then dashed into the fight, striking the demon hard. Grizelda used her staff's final charge - her lightning bolt struck true. Finally, Onyx swung his axe and cleaved deep. The demon swung wildly, but the Onyx blocked the blow and Grizelda dodged. Grizelda then struck with her staff. A burst of magical energy surged through the staff and zapped the demon. It howled in rage then with a poof was banished to the planes of perdition.
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| Grizelda strikes down the demon |
"Does this mean that the bishop has been corrupted? We need to speak with him. Bring the bishop to me!"
What will happen when the party confronts the bishop? Find out next time!
