17 October 2024
The group began their day on a cheerful note, the sound of squeaky wheels announcing the arrival of an elven cart driver in their now peaceful town. “What burdens does this traveler carry?” they wondered. Tadhg Coimell urgently requested an audience with the town leader, but the group assured him they could assist. After listening to Tadhg’s tale of men mysteriously vanishing from Amnap Port, they resolved to embark on a journey to offer their help.
They set out from town immediately, beginning their two-week journey. About three days in, Borin spotted a figure lying about 30 feet off the beaten path. Borin and Alered approached cautiously, while Tadhg and Toric remained in the cart. Upon closer inspection, Borin realized the body was that of a dwarf, charred beyond recognition. A tattoo of a fist gripping a hammer confirmed the identity: Zaghund Hammerfist. In their focus on the body, neither Borin nor Alered noticed the enormous dragon footprints surrounding them—silent clues to the fate that had befallen her.
Seeing her body, Alered was reminded of the Battle of Hammerfist Ritual bookhe had taken from her, the one he had yet to transcribe. The long journey ahead would provide him ample time to complete the task.
Upon arriving in town, they met Eochaid Banbán, who provided them with all the necessary information. With time to spare until morning, the group headed to the tavern, where they encountered Ægileif Ironhelf. Borin immediately took a liking to her, pleased to find another dwarf amidst a town full of elves. They asked if she knew anything about the recent events, but she could only mention vague rumors surrounding a mysterious house.
The next morning, the cart driver and mayor were still safe, so the group left them in Ægileif Ironhelf’s care for protection while they investigated the mysterious house. Finding the front door unbreakable, Borin stealthily climbed into a second-story window—only to be confronted by a zombie. Alered quickly hurled his staff, summoning a giant serpent to bind the creature. However, when Alered attempted to open a chest for treasure, he was attacked by a mimic. Once the mimic was defeated, they descended to the first floor, where they were met by four skeletons, which they easily dispatched. The next room held a handful of zombies that fell swiftly under their blades. Each subsequent room seemed even easier, the enemies dropping like flies—if flies could be slain with swords and magic.
The final door—this was it. As they opened it, they were met with a chilling sight: the missing men of the village, lined up along the walls, standing eerily still, trapped in some form of suspended sleep. But in the center of the room, locking eyes with the group, was something far more terrifying—an all-powerful lich. With a sinister grin, he greeted the group in a low, menacing voice, “I have been expecting you.”