20 - 1/29

The remaining Hobgoblins knew that they stood no chance against the invaders who had massacred their tribe, and when given the opportunity by Morrigan to surrender most took the opportunity. After heading towards the exit, the group found a patrol of Orcs that were investigating the loud noise that had rang out of the hobgoblin tribes cave. They were members of one of the two orc tribes, and agreed to arrange a meeting with them and their leader.
The orc leader, a female shaman named Nargol, admitted that if the party could defeat the entire hobgoblin tribe that their own stood little chance. She agreed to serve them, but under the condition that they take out the rival orc warlord Rulfim. If defeated in single combat, the orcs would have no choice but to recognize their new ruler. Morrigan agreed, and Nargol showed her the way through the secret back entrance to the orc warlords room.
Here the battle lines were drawn, and Rulfim agreed to the duel. Unfortunately he was not only more skilled than expected but landed a few devastating blows, striking Morrigan down. Nargol seemed to weigh her options and decided that in his weakened state this was the time to strike, and the remainder of the group tried to eliminate the bodyguards before they could escape and alert the rest of the tribe. Morrigan began to slip away before she could receive aid, and as the last of the breath in her lungs left the group watched her vanish into a puff of mist the quickly dissipated down the hall. The orcs were defeated and Nargol swore fealty to them, but Morrigan was nowhere to be seen.
Zelem and Ira began to return to Hector the Necromancers lair, and found Morrigan unconscious on a slab. He knew not what magic had caused this, but saw it as a gift from the gods and after consulting with the others risked a healing spell. It brought her back to consciousness, and the group concluded their dealings before a much needed rest was had.
Lastly the party left towards the dragons lair with the orcs preparing to assault once they heard battle. The dragon believed the group truly served him, but when they began to show hostility the dragon retaliated. Though outnumbered, the fearsome drake proved a difficult foe, knocking them unconcious numerous times and draining the group of much of their resources before finally striking down the red dragon. With the caves finally secure, Hector could assume command over the conquered tribes and secure the remaining caverns, and the group could finally return to Saltmarsh.

Important Characters

Morrigan Oweland - Heir to the Oweland estate and The Oweland Family, half-elven daughter of Eda Oweland and cousin of Robin Oweland. She is ambitious and beginning her political career.

Zelem - Tiefling, conman and swindler. Accomplice and partner in crime of Morrigan, has numerous alter-egos including Valor Windsail who is considered upstanding and is liked by the guard.

Ira - Sorcerer, Half-elf, she has worked with Zelem in the past and occasionally accompanies the group on adventurers.

Nargol - One of the two orc leaders, she betrayed Rulfim and is now in command of the orcs under Hector and Morrigans control.

Rulfim - One of the two orc leaders, he agreed to dual Morrigan to the death. His confidence was warranted when he knocked her unconscious, but before he could strike the final blow he was betrayed and slain.

Infernathrix - This young red dragon has taken up residence in the caves, and has a tribe of kobolds who worship him. He was slain by the party as the final act in securing the caves.

Hector - Morrigans step-father and worshipper of Hecate. Long thought dead, he survived his ordeal and continued on in the darkest recesses of the earth, biding his time and preparing for the coming of Morrigan. He has devoted his time and energy into raising an undead horde, and awaits Morrigans command as to how to use it. He is now in control of the Caves and all the forces within.