29 - 11/12
The group began talking to the simple ogre name Ulfe, who didn't appear to be particularly hostile to the group. It turned out that the orcs were keeping him here in chains and occasionally using his brute force for their purposes. The group decided to pity the poor creature and free him, but the ogre was extremely unsure of what to do with his freedom. Beyond his cavern another group of orcs was discovered, but they heeded the advice of the orc guide and surrendered without a fight. Down below a group of human prisoners were freed, but they were terrified and hungry and unable to do much other than run.
Further up, the orcs decided that serving the group was better than being slaughtered, so one of their members led them onwards. Not far up ahead, the group found a shaman completing a rushed ritual to complete another Guard Drake to defend against the party. Nyx shot a repelling blast at it, spilling over the cauldron and the guard drake slunk back, unsure who to test. Shane recognized an opportunity, and shouted for Nyx to feed it. It seemed to bond surprisingly quickly with the gnome, and when the orc knocked Nyx unconscious it began to defend Nyx with alarming ferocity.
Unfortunately when the party defeated the hostile shaman and went to heal Nyx, the drake remained hostile and seemed intent on protecting Nyx. After finally managing to heal Nyx, the group calmed the drake down and settled in for a short rest, where they began to teach the creature basic commands. It was difficult and would take time to bond with the creature, but for now it seemed find with Nyx riding it around.
At the end of the Orc section of this enormous citadel, the group descended into a fascinating set of sparkling caverns. Ahead the group found running water and a dwarven burial tomb, where they were accosted by some unknown invisible folk who told them to leave. They negotiated to be allowed through, as long as they did not interrupt what the Duergar were doing. Deciding they didn't want to make more enemies the group continued on and found itself face to face with a gargantuan lizard! A battle ensued, but the enormous creature was overwhelmed by sheer numbers and finally fell. After the battle, the group stopped briefly to discuss what to do going forward.
Comments