Episode 56
General Summary
To reach The Imprisoned One, Collective Action must first prove themselves. Three trials stand between them and their goal, each designed to test a different aspect of their being.
The first trial challenges their mind. A mischievous imp blocks their path, demanding they best him in a battle of wits. The adventurers solve his riddle with ease, then outmaneuver him in a cunning coin game, forcing the trickster to begrudgingly let them pass.
The second trial tests their heart. A powerful Djinni offers them a wish—anything they desire—on one condition: they must abandon their quest and leave the keep. It is tempting, but the party stands firm. No reward is worth failing their mission.
The final trial pushes their spirit to the limit. Wave after wave of orcish warriors storm their position, but the adventurers refuse to falter. Exhausted but victorious, they stand tall as the ghostly overseer deems them worthy.
Their prize? Three keys, which they use to break the ancient seal in the floor. A staircase descends into darkness.
Below, they find a vast chamber, thick with the oppressive weight of something alien… something evil. Though they see no enemy, they feel its presence. The party readies themselves for the worst, while Barnabus begins the sealing ritual.
Laughter echoes through the chamber. Two voices, distinct yet intertwined, mock them. They claim the Order of the Vigil has deceived them—that completing the ritual will trap them inside with The Imprisoned One.
The adventurers refuse to be swayed. Barnabus finishes the incantation.
Then the truth hits them like a hammer. The voices weren’t lying.
The ritual was a trick—one designed to keep them imprisoned alongside the monster they came to contain. And that monster?
Demogorgon. The Prince of Demons.
Though still bound to his prison, Demogorgon is not powerless. He opens a portal—large enough for them to escape. His price? A simple lie. Tell Verja’s followers that he is dead. Let them come down to confirm it. Then he will deal with them.
Faced with no other choice, the party steps through the portal, emerging at the top of the keep.
Waiting for them is Odrin, leader of the Order of the Vigil. He demands to know what happened. When they tell him the truth, his expression darkens. He accuses them of being complicit—or worse, controlled by the demon. He moves to attack.
But before he can strike, the spirit from the trials materializes. With divine authority, it condemns Odrin’s actions, revealing that Verja herself is furious at his deception. Odrin was meant to conduct the ritual himself, but his cowardice led him to manipulate the party into taking his place.
With shame and regret, Odrin finally accepts his fate. He descends into the keep, walking toward the prison of the demon he was meant to face.
Their task complete, Collective Action returns to Takari Peak, where Tanfan greets them with congratulations. Their reward is secured, and in a few days, they will receive their long-awaited gold adventurer’s pins.
But before they can rest, an old acquaintance waits for them in the taproom—Alexis, along with the rest of The Fist of Justice. He calls in a favor.
Alexis is betrothed to a noblewoman in an arranged marriage, but he has no intention of settling down. He likes being an adventurer, and he wants out. His plan? One of Collective Action will accompany him to his family’s estate, posing as his beloved.
Though Alexis’ first choice is off the table, he turns to Blair. With a mix of amusement and exasperation, Blair agrees. The rest of the party, not wanting to miss out, manage to secure invitations as well.
With time to prepare, they decide to head to the capital for shopping. Inadi is happy to teleport them.
But as the spell completes, Roan catches something—Inadi’s whispered words, barely audible:
"I’m so sorry, guys."
And then—darkness.
Report Date
28 Mar 2025
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