Krampus
Krampus: The Malevolent Yule Fiend
Overview
Krampus, the sinister spirit of Yule, has haunted the folklore of Faerûn for centuries. Known for his horned visage, tattered black robes, and glowing red eyes, Krampus is said to visit those who stray from the path of virtue during the festive season. Tales of his arrival are marked by unnatural chills, ominous knocks at doors, and the appearance of his Redcap minions—gnarled creatures who delight in sowing chaos.
Among his most infamous appearances is the attack on The Buzz and Bramble Tavern in Neverwinter during the Yule celebration hosted by the Hoplock family. This event, now referred to as the "Krampus Krackdown," led to his ultimate defeat at the hands of an unlikely hero.
Redcaps: Krampus’s Chaotic Workforce
Krampus’s infamous partnership with Redcaps is both practical and comedic in its dark absurdity. These vicious fey, known for their iron boots and blood-soaked hats, are drawn to Krampus’s promise of mayhem and carnage.
While most employers might value punctuality or teamwork, Krampus’s hiring criteria seem to revolve around sheer malice and a love for property damage. Redcaps under his command are often tasked with breaking doors, overturning tables, and scaring innocent bystanders—all of which they perform with gleeful enthusiasm. However, their propensity to argue over "whose turn it is to smash the next window" has occasionally delayed Krampus’s plans.
One notable tale recounts how Krampus’s frustration with their antics led him to declare, "If you’re going to bicker, at least bicker louder so the mortals hear it and flee!" This peculiar management style has cemented Krampus’s reputation as both a terrifying figure and an unwilling babysitter for chaotic minions.
The Attack on The Buzz and Bramble
During the Year of the Dancing Lights, Krampus made his move in Neverwinter, targeting the Hoplock family and their guests. Emerging from the shadows, he arrived at the bustling Buzz and Bramble Tavern, demanding a "bad boy" as payment for sins against the spirit of Yule. His Redcap minions poured into the tavern, disrupting the joyous celebration and plunging the gathering into chaos.
Though Krampus's presence struck fear into the hearts of those present, the Moonlight Vigil—comprised of Fjord the Forgetful, Jember Hoplock, Olaf Deepshadow, Zeromus Stormbringer, and Jorm—rose to meet the threat. In a fierce battle that spilled across the tavern, Jember’s loyal donkey Butty fended off Redcaps in the kitchen, while Fjord defeated one of the minions by surfing it down the tavern stairs. However, Krampus managed to seize Luto, one of the Hoplock children, and vanished into a plume of ash, leaving the party to regroup and plan their counterstrike.
The Demiplane Confrontation
Determined to rescue Luto, the Moonlight Vigil and key members of the Hoplock family launched an assault on Krampus’s lair: a coal mine demiplane where enslaved children toiled away. The party discovered that Krampus’s power could be weakened by donning the festive colors of red and white. Fjord, in a bold move, crafted a red bandana from a slain Redcap’s hat and smeared its blood across his face, while Zeromus magically transformed Olaf’s armor into a gleaming red-and-silver suit, making him appear like an armored Santa Claus.
In a harrowing ascent up an elevator shaft, the party battled waves of Redcaps as Krampus’s sinister laughter echoed through the mine. Jember’s precision with his bow, Zeromus’s arcane mastery, Olaf’s unwavering faith, and Jorm’s brute strength carried them through. Amidst the chaos, Douglas, Jember’s brother-in-law, displayed unyielding courage, charging into danger to free the enslaved children from their chains.
The Defeat of Krampus
The climactic battle took place at the heart of the mine, where Krampus loomed over his captives, his sack of misdeeds brimming with stolen joy. The combined efforts of the Moonlight Vigil and the Hoplocks proved too great for him to overcome. Jember’s arrows struck true, Zeromus’s spells disrupted Krampus’s defenses, and Olaf’s prayers to Selûne inspired his allies. But it was Douglas, the unassuming human husband of Jember’s sister, who became the hero of the day. With unshakable resolve, he charged through Krampus’s minions, freeing the children and delivering a decisive blow that disrupted the fiend’s concentration.
Defeated, Krampus let out a guttural roar before collapsing into a pile of ash, his demiplane crumbling around him. The party escaped with the children, returning them safely to Neverwinter.
Legacy
The defeat of Krampus during the "Krampus Krackdown" is celebrated as a testament to courage, unity, and the power of redemption. Stories of the battle are recounted every Yule season, with Douglas hailed as an unexpected yet legendary hero.
The Buzz and Bramble Tavern remains a symbol of this victory, its hearth adorned with festive decorations in honor of the occasion. Though Krampus is said to be gone, some whisper that his essence lingers in the shadows, waiting for another opportunity to punish those who defy the spirit of Yule.
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