## The Journey Continues The party traveled deeper into the Pits of the Hells, searching for their missing companions. After [[Tarnik]]'s recent duel with the champion of [[Gonosh]], [[Bordak]] and [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] had both disappeared to engage in their own divine trial. A new member had joined the group—[[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] (pronounced "SAS" for short), a [[Serpari]] whose presence brought both curiosity and questions. Drogoth grew increasingly frustrated about [[Bordak]]'s whereabouts as the group debated their destination. They decided to head toward the center point near Death Mountain, marked in orange on their maps. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] confirmed this area likely had significant activity based on knowledge from maps studied back at the temple. ## Into the Scorching Wastelands The party moved through flat wastelands webbed with rivers of lava. Narzag navigated the treacherous terrain, rolling a 25 on survival (with guidance from [[Cub]]) to guide them safely. They traveled during late afternoon and evening, the sun bearing down as they pushed into increasingly dangerous lands. As Narzag led the way and the party moved deeper into these scorching wastelands, he spotted a figure approaching in the distance. Using his ranger skills, he kept watch until he could make out who it was—[[Volza Redhand|Volza]], walking toward the cart. ## [[Volza Redhand|Volza]]'s Return [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] approached the party carrying two battle axes—the Fangs of [[Gonosh]], [[Bordak]]'s signature weapons. She walked directly to [[Tarnik]] and laid them at his feet. "[[Tarnik]], the leader, for loyalty. Here are the weapons should you decide to use them. I have no need of them. They belonged to [[Bordak]]," she stated coldly. She began to walk ahead of the group. [[Tarnik]] looked at [[Grumthar]] in shock. "What the fuck? I didn't tell her to kill him. I told her I needed him." "She has not said what has happened yet," [[Grumthar]] replied carefully. "But how else are these weapons here? She went off to a duel with him. Sanctioned by the gods, she comes back with his weapons." "[[Gonosh]] works in mysterious ways," [[Grumthar]] said. [[Tarnik]] called after her. "[[Volza Redhand|Volza]], tell us your tale." [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] stopped and turned back, her gaze immediately falling on the newcomer in the group. She looked [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] up and down with obvious suspicion. "What is this? This creature?" [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] met [[Volza Redhand|Volza]]'s gaze evenly. "This one is called [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]]. The group has already decided that I could be here. If there is a problem between the two of us, I would take it up with them." [[Cub]] muttered to [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]], quiet enough that [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] couldn't hear, "Her opinion doesn't matter." [[Tarnik]] spoke up. "[[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] knows this region. We need local understanding of the areas we travel in." "I see," [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] said, though her tone suggested she remained unconvinced. "Are you sure he's not a devil?" [[Tarnik]] nodded. "We've vetted him as best we can. We need his knowledge to survive this place." "You already spoke with [[Tarnik]]," [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] said flatly. "I suspect it's for the good of the group." [[Grumthar]] finally redirected the conversation. "[[Volza Redhand|Volza]], I'm more concerned with: is [[Bordak]] dead to us? Or will he be returning?" "[[Volza Redhand|Volza]], are you dodging the question at hand?" [[Grumthar]] demanded. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] looked directly at [[Grumthar]]. "I did answer the question. He's more than likely in the hells now. I won the duel." "There's no dead body at your feet?" [[Grumthar]] pressed. "Is that what we're saying? Speak clearly." "I defeated him," [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] stated. "Ah, that's enough to know," [[Tarnik]] said grimly. "There's no way she could have returned here with those weapons without killing [[Bordak]]. There's no subterfuge here. This is straightforward. Orcs have a duel. One orc walks away. That's it." [[Tarnik]] shook his head. "Probably got blinded by his own rage when she slipped in and dropped him. That's what assassins do." After a long, tense moment, [[Tarnik]] picked up the Fangs of [[Gonosh]] and turned to [[Grumthar]]. "Here. You can use these better than me. They are very strong. And with it, I will let you lead." [[Grumthar]] was taken aback. "You worked hard to take the lead in battle. But out here with all this going on, with all these differing opinions..." "This is too much thinking for me," [[Tarnik]] admitted. "The battle, yes—I can lead in battle. But out here? It's doing my head in. We've lost companions to unknown circumstances and our first priority was to regain those companions. Is that still our first priority?" [[Grumthar]] accepted the weapons solemnly, feeling the weight of leadership settle on his shoulders. "That is. Then we pursue deeper into this region that our new companion has indicated. Until he leads us astray, I'm choosing to trust him." [[Grumthar]] studied [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] carefully. "I am willing, strong enough to admit that my knowledge, my wisdom is not as good as others. And then with that gives me concern and doubt. For now, we march forward. And I just pray to the gods that someday he will return to our aid. He was a valiant warrior. I would like to understand how someone such as [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] could possibly defeat him." The party had suffered another loss, gained new leadership, and now had to navigate the uneasy alliance between [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] and their newest member. ## Hiding the Wagon The party realized the wagon couldn't continue. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] warned the land ahead was nothing but volcanic ash, lava, and death. The wagon wouldn't survive the lava pools between them and their destination. [[Grumthar]] made the tactical decision to hide the wagon in a rocky outcropping and proceed on foot. The group worked together. [[Grumthar]] rolled athletics with advantage for 28 to uproot a burned tree for camouflage. Then came the harder challenge—moving a massive boulder. Using the tree as a lever and combining their strength (with help from Midnight, Shiv, and Tickle), they achieved a combined roll of 27, successfully blocking the entrance. Narzag cast four Alarm spells around the perimeter (taking 40 minutes total). They selected essential supplies: rations, dragon parts, weapons, and ammunition. [[Tarnik]] distributed 20 extra arrows to Narzag. ## Continuing the Journey Walking [[Cub]] created water regularly to keep everyone hydrated in the extreme heat. The landscape grew more treacherous—more lava rivers forced them to take serpentine paths around molten streams. The sun's reflection off lava-heated rocks intensified the oppressive temperature. Over the next days of travel, they passed devil patrols with increasing frequency. They observed brigades of devils—sometimes twenty to forty strong—moving in organized formations led by horned devils. Narzag rolled a 26 on stealth (with advantage) to successfully hide the group from these patrols. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] recognized the region from temple maps—the Scarred Land, called simply "the Scar." Volcanic dust covered everything, creating a cinder waste that stretched for hundreds of miles. When disturbed, fine ash became airborne, causing coughing fits. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] tore strips from old clothing to fashion makeshift face coverings. ## The Scorching Winds Around midnight on their journey, violent winds began raging through the land. The howling through natural rock formations sounded like screaming voices and dragon's breath. The party faced a DC 16 Constitution save against the burning, ash-laden gale. [[Grumthar]] rolled 18, [[Tarnik]] rolled 20, [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] rolled 18, and [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] rolled 19 (14 base + 5 from [[Cub]]'s Protection from Energy). Only [[Cub]] struggled, rolling 10 (boosted to 15), taking one level of exhaustion and 29 fire damage from the searing winds. At 1:00 AM, they made another Constitution save. This time everyone succeeded—[[Grumthar]] rolled 19, [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] rolled 19, [[Cub]] managed 16, and [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] succeeded. The winds finally died down. As the winds calmed, lava rivers glowed, illuminating the landscape. The protective cliffs were disappearing, replaced by flat, open terrain webbed with molten streams. ## Making Camp - First Watch The party made camp to rest. [[Grumthar]] organized watch shifts: [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] and [[Grumthar]] first, [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] and Narzag second, [[Tarnik]] and [[Cub]] third. During first watch, [[Grumthar]] and [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] had a meaningful conversation. [[Grumthar]] shared orcish culture—clan expectations, warrior traditions, his journey from farmer's son to soldier. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] revealed [[Serpari]] culture viewed other races as lesser beings meant to be ruled, subjugated, or eaten, though [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] seemed uncomfortable with these teachings. When asked if they were accountable to anyone, [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]]'s expression grew troubled. "This one hopes you never find out if this one is still accountable to anyone." During their watch, [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] spotted something with a perception roll of 14 (versus [[Grumthar]]'s 7). A massive dracolich—an undead dragon with skeletal wings and greenish, rotting scales—flew overhead from north to south. It didn't notice them, eventually descending beyond the southern horizon. They woke [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] and Narzag, warning about the undead dragon. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] initially dismissed it (all dragons have bones), but became serious when clarified it was undead. She expressed confidence [[Tarnik]] could handle it like he had the red dragon. ## Second Watch - [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] Scouts Ahead During Narzag and [[Volza Redhand|Volza]]'s watch, [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] disappeared to scout ahead toward where the dragon had descended. Narzag rolled 16 perception but noticed nothing unusual beyond oppressive heat. ## Third Watch - [[Tarnik]] and [[Cub]] Investigate When [[Tarnik]] and [[Cub]] took final watch, [[Tarnik]] became concerned [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] hadn't returned. He mounted Shiv and brought [[Cub]] to search for her and investigate where the dragon descended. They rode south for half an hour. [[Tarnik]] rolled 13 perception, but [[Cub]] achieved a natural 20 (modified to 29 with guidance). [[Cub]] felt the corrupting presence growing stronger—the same dark signature from [[EMBROCIEA - Master of Necromancy, The Grave-Eyed Whisper|Embrociea]]'s lantern. The corruption permeated the earth like oil. The landscape changed. Hills and rocky cliffs rose, with rock spires jutting upward. In a lower area, [[Cub]] spotted the dracolich. Its massive skeletal form was there, jaw moving as if conversing with someone. Recognizing the danger, [[Tarnik]] returned immediately to camp. ## [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] Returns with Intelligence Back at camp, [[Tarnik]] woke [[Grumthar]] and reported everything. Shortly after, [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] returned from her scouting mission. She reported crucial intelligence: she had observed the undead dragon [[Skathex - The Undying|Skathex]] speaking with [[EMBROCIEA - Master of Necromancy, The Grave-Eyed Whisper|Embrociea]], the wizard they'd fought before. They discussed portals and an army of devils preparing to invade multiple regions—the orcish homelands, Elandra, [[Lialandra]], North and South Angoria, and [[Polaria City|Polaria]] City. Devils were being summoned through magical portals. She believed their missing companions might have been taken through these portals. [[Tarnik]] confirmed [[Volza Redhand|Volza]]'s discovery—he and [[Cub]] had seen the dragon there. [[Cub]] confirmed intense corruption emanated from that location. ## Planning the Reconnaissance Mission The party debated their next move. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] argued for investigating the portals to find Little Wolf and [[Grom]]. Others worried about overwhelming forces—an undead dragon, a powerful wizard, devil brigades. [[Cub]] argued passionately they couldn't abandon their search. If corruption continued unchecked, it would poison the ley lines and everything would die. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] warned bluntly: they were heading into almost certain death. After debate, they agreed on a stealth reconnaissance mission. [[Cub]] and [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] would scout together. Despite mutual dislike, [[Volza Redhand|Volza]]'s shadow-walking could keep them hidden while [[Cub]]'s magical knowledge could analyze the portals. The rest would dig defensive positions beneath the rock outcropping, creating a bunker to hide from aerial detection. ## Preparing the Mission Before departing, [[Cub]] cast Protection from Energy (fire) on himself and [[Volza Redhand|Volza]]. Narzag cast Longstrider on both, increasing movement speed. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] offered Invisibility or Disguise Self, but [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] insisted shadow abilities were more reliable since some devils see through invisibility. [[Cub]] and [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] departed on Shiv as the sun set. They rode in tense silence—[[Cub]] distrusting [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] who had killed [[Bordak]], [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] contemptuous of the "dwarf" druid. ## Shadow Walking into Danger [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] warned Shiv not to use flames. The nightmare complied, his mane dimming to dull embers. [[Cub]]'s sense of corruption grew stronger with each mile. [[Cub]] made a Constitution save, rolling 20, resisting the worst effects. As shadows lengthened, [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] directed Shiv toward large stones. "All right, Shiv, return to your master," [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] commanded. She grabbed [[Cub]], and they vanished into shadows, teleporting silently. The moment [[Cub]] touched the corrupted ground, voices exploded in his mind: _"Murderer! You killed us all! You destroyed the seeds of life!"_ _"Drugar, you are evil! Succumb to the chaos, to the death!"_ _"You've already killed one circle of great druids. Why not continue! Feed the chaos!"_ Horrific visions filled his mind—himself unleashing terrible power, a druid screaming as [[Cub]]'s magic murdered them. The images felt like memories but also like lies. _"Yes, unleash it! Come with us! Become that which the master seeks!"_ [[Cub]] felt pulled toward darkness, toward euphoric comfort in evil and power. The corruption was trying to invade his mind and twist him. He made a DC 22 Wisdom save: 23—barely succeeding. With tremendous willpower, [[Cub]] pushed back. The voices retreated to whispers. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]]'s voice broke through—they had moved closer while he struggled. ## The Portal Site Now close enough to see clearly. Before them: [[EMBROCIEA - Master of Necromancy, The Grave-Eyed Whisper|Embrociea]], the wizard who nearly killed them with meteor swarms. Beside her: [[Skathex - The Undying|Skathex]] the dracolich, massive skeletal form covered in rotting greenish scales and torn leathery wings. Behind them, three portals shimmered: First portal: grasslands and forest—peaceful, natural terrain. Second portal: fiery lands with flying devil silhouettes. Third portal: distant castle carved into a mountainside, far away, remote and hidden. [[Cub]] and [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] crouched in shadows, close enough to potentially overhear the conversation. The corruption pressed against [[Cub]]'s mind, whispering temptations, but he held firm. The session ended there—two scouts hidden in enemy territory, three mysterious portals active, dark plans being discussed between [[EMBROCIEA - Master of Necromancy, The Grave-Eyed Whisper|Embrociea]] and [[Skathex - The Undying|Skathex]]—while miles away, the rest of the party waited anxiously, hoping their companions would return with desperately needed intelligence.