Episode Seventy-seven - Triumph of the Dark Lord

General Summary

Satisfied with his fill, the thirst of his cursed but powerful axe behind him, Aldrich left the Reluctant Pig and made his way toward the mustering grounds outside of town. Sat upon the back of his trusty mule, Aldrich checked in on the progress of the gathering and met the commander of the forces that were arriving to defend Castle Rend. After speaking with the commander, Aldrich learned that they'd located some blue tabards to outfit the men with and in conversation, recalled where his friends had gone. In a steady gallop, Aldrich sped off toward Castle Rend and at the end of the road he found Katerina Pride. Speeding, as if from Haste, she came to a whirlwind of a halt and greeted Aldrich. Together they went in and found the rest of the company. Katerina informed the group that she'd been rescued by a being known as The Enchantress and wrought from the Infinite Layers of The Abyss. Together they discussed some of the mortalities of stealing, and Arion specifically asked in essence that Katerina use her skills for good. The group then decided to return to her what they could and gave her back her Twin Rings of Thievery and her hand crossbow and bolts. As a chest snuck on them, Arion turned swiftly and killed it with four angry strikes and ended up dividing it into fours. As Arion began to craft plans for the body parts, Annabelle used her Wind Walk to go an retrieve Katerina some gear from the mustering grounds. Returning, they all decided to go and fight to regain the armory of Castle Rend. Using the door as a choke point, they ground down the animated armors and recovered a suit of magic armor. They learned that it was the Armor of Saint Gaed and that it could call upon the souls of Castle Rend's Blue Dragonflight. One such soul then greeted them and helped them quell the undead within the structure. As the heroes ventured forth, Arion's plan found completion as he took the mimic parts and all the redcap body parts he'd collected and left a warning by the road to the castle. It read, here lies the fate of all who trespass on the grounds of Castle Rend, and around it were several red cap heads, bodies, and many of their iron boots, as well as the body parts of a mimic. Deciding not to venture to far away as they witnessed the grounds, the group returned to the castle and rested for the evening. Come the early morning of the 7th of Flamerule, 1479 DR the heroes all awoke to the surprise of a goblin at their door. GukGak, a worshipper of the Savior of the Butts, came to give Arion news. He told Arion that the enemy army was marching and that they'd arrive within a few hours if such was their intention. The heroes quickly gathered and outside the castle they met the leader of the Lhang Lashers. He swore to defend the castle in the name of their treaty and in proof of their conception. The leader of the force then called down to his men, as he stood upon the dirt wall Sol created, "today we serve House Deepwinter in glorious combat, we fight in the name of the reborn and if we die, we die in the name of Celebrimbor!" As the wood elves cheered they began to follow Arion's order to scout for the enemy. The heroes then went to the front of the castle and began to plan as they waited to meet their forces, whom they could hear marching in the distance. Once met, they spoke with the commander and had him order the troops inside. As they stood there and continued to devise a plan of battle, a portal opened just across the road. Stood within was death, a horn helmed figure of opposition carrying a rune covered blade and a nasty set of armor, and stood before him was a battered elf from Nordahaehirl. As the large warrior kicked forth the elf, his portal began to close. Arion surged forth as Sol attempted to pull the creature from his place with his mind but failed to do so. Upon him, Arion grabbed the creature's armor then and struggled for a moment but then pulled him though at the last moment. As one of Katerina's bolts whizzed past his helm, he looked down to Arion calmly and made a bold declaration. "This shall not end as it did before, fear me Arion blood of Númenor," the warrior threatened as they all came to realize they were facing Sauron. In the moment before they'd hope they were only looking upon Pelliton's brother but as they realized their true opponent, several among them became fearful and even considered fleeing. Not Arion, that was certain, Arion stood strong as Sauron battered his shield and pummeled him toward the ground with ease. With quick action, Arion sheathed his blade and lifted his shield high. He drew forth, from his bag a potion and latched to it with his teeth. As the potion poured down his gullet he let the bottle drop and revealed, the Soul Gem. As the raw radiant energy pulsed through Arion's body, Sauron but laughed as the gem killed the desperate warrior before him. Paralyzing Annabelle and Katerina with his fearsome presence, he cut Aldrich from his horse and then finished them both off. Paralyzing Sol, he slid his blade in the wizard slowly and then walked casually to Aldrich whom still clung to life. "I'll see you in Hell," he offered as he slit Aldrich's throat. As the souls of the company faded from the Material Plane, the crashing of catapult shot and the start of a battle began beyond the pooling of their blood. Satisfied, Sauron called upon another portal and returned to his evil machinations.

Rewards Granted

1080xp

Missions/Quests Completed

Quest of Fate Halted, Subquest Forging Fate Halted, Sidequest The Siege of Castle Rend Halted

Notes

Notable Party Damage:

Aldrich has a horrible burn scar on the left side of his neck in front of the ear from an azure fire elemental summoned by Seldra Tylmarande. His armor and shield are extremely claw marked from many Lizardfolk. His shield has a large fist shaped dent in it from when he was crushed by a Sacred Statue.
Noted Effects: Horrible Scar (Neck). You are disfigured to the extent that the wound can't be easily concealed. You have disadvantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks and advantage on Charisma (Intimidation) checks. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal and regenerate, removes the scar. Dead.
Annabelle is pristine.
Noted Effects: Dead.
Arion came from Arda with a scar that won't seem to heal.
Noted Effects: Minor Scar (Head). The scar doesn't have any adverse effect. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal and regenerate, removes the scar. Dead.
Sol has tear marks across the back and chest of his shirt, as well as down the sleeve, from the claws of lizardfolk. He has a burn mark on his cheek where a water droplet seared his flesh.
Noted Effects: Minor Scar (Left Cheek). The scar doesn't have any adverse effect. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal and regenerate, removes the scar. Dead.