Session 02
General Summary
As the last of the zombies collapsed on the floor, silence descended once more. Despite the stench
and filth, Nex Pervenio set about searching the nearby rooms thoroughly. Their diligence was
rewarded by the discovery of two secret doors, one in the torture area and one in the ogre's den.
They also picked the locks on two storerooms, stacked high with crates and barrels of supplies
such as dried food rations, arrows, etc. There were also a couple of barrels of brandy, with labels
suggesting they'd been destined for the Inn of the Welcome Wench before being waylaid by
bandits. Finally, a barred door was opened to reveal a prison cell (or ogre larder).
A single prisoner was found, who turned out to be a druid from near Hommlet, named Jaroo.
She'd been captured during a raid on her home. There had been a few other prisoners, including
traders and an out-of-favour bandit, though these had all ended up in the ogre's cookpot. Jaroo said
that Lareth had personally come to question and torment her. She said he was not Rodinian, he
was a tiefling from the underground city of Maelbrathyr. She said his forces were searching for
something they called an "abyssal gate" in the ruins of the temple. She didn't know exactly what
this was but it didn't sound good. After her ordeal she needed some time to meditate and recover
her powers. She could cast a special ritual of replenishment but would wait until Nex Pervenio
could also benefit before unleashing its magic. She rested while the gladiators resumed their
exploration.
The secret door from the torture chamber revealed a dusty passageway. Clearly nobody had been
this way for a long time. The passage stopped at another concealed door. Lights were doused and
the door opened a crack. Beyond was pitch black though with ominous sounds of scrabbling and
crunching. Torches were relit, revealing a burial crypt, its walls lined with alcoves and niches.
Pieces of broken coffin wood and splintered bone littered the floor. As Nex Pervenio moved in
they were swarmed by horrific ghouls. Toxin on their claws immobilised and stunned their prey.
But they were no match for hardened gladiators and soon all lay dead. The crypt was searched
thoroughly but the ghouls had destroyed anything of interest or value here.
A passage headed north before reaching a T junction. East, steps led down into darkness. West the
passage led to a door, with another passage turning off to the north. The door was unlocked.
Beyond was a large chamber with several exits. Firelight could be seen to the south. From that
direction came the sound of gnolls. The gnolls spotted the light from Argus' sunrod and charged to
attack. They bore markings of the scorpion tribe, the same as encountered previously in the
badlands. The gnolls fought like pack wolves, with Argus bearing the brunt of their aggression
and needing much ministration from Valun. Like the ghouls, these gnolls were no real danger and
soon all lay dead on the floor. A few gold coins were found.
But now all were feeling beaten up and worn out. Perhaps now would be a good time to return to
Jaroo. They retraced their steps rather than risk stumbling across further foes. Jaroo was happy to
see them return safely. With a few words of power, she called upon the power of her nature spirits
to restore energy and vigour to everyone around her. In just a few short minutes, Nex Pervenio
were fired up and ready for anything!
Report Date
10 Apr 2024
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