Highlord Verminaard vs the Party

Military: Battle

Verminaard reveals he was the one controlling the council member to get the party to retrieve the hammer for him so he can control the Daergar - there are 200 of them with Verminaard. Additionally, Verminaard bought 6 commanders free from the control of the hammer to assist. He monologues about what he plans to do, and reveals he heard of Embers death and intends to make the party. He demands the hammer be given to him, and the party refuses until someone snatches the hammer from Riverwind. It is revealed that Eben is a traitor and he attempts to give the hammer to Verminaard, however Riverwind snatches it back, causing the Daergar to freeze and stay out of the combat.
  Verminaard is infuriated by this and attacks - Diesa, the druid, immediately attempts to take Verminaard on by turning herself into a bird and flying at his face. He and his commanders turn on her, attacking. Alphy grabs Riverwind and the two decide to flank him together, with Alphy distracting whilst Riverwind attacks from behind. However, Alphy went a bit feral, attacking Verminaard and slicing his head off within 30 seconds of entering combat, much to the shock and horror of those around them. The battle goes quiet as Verminaard's head rolls on the floor, and the commander's immediately surrender, with the prisoners cheering. Alphy is shocked and snaps back to himself, horrified and trying to convince everyone he didn't do that, as turns out Alphy's last plan is to become a hero. Everyone ignores him and rejoices whilst he takes Verminaard's weapon, Nightbringer, and his head and helmet as the party returns the helmet to the council and one of the members becomes King of Thorbardin and the party hero's of Thorbardin.