Summary
Under the cover of darkness, a determined party of adventurers prepared for their second attempt to infiltrate an orcish fort nestled in the forest. Their previous assault had ended poorly, with their dwarf companion Dunger suffering the humiliation of having his beard shaved by an orcish sorceress named Hydac. The fort’s imposing structure sprawled across a large hill flanked by two smaller rises, all protected by towering 15-foot wooden palisade walls. Maldivent the thief took point in the infiltration while others positioned themselves in the treeline for ranged support.
As they crept around the palisade, the sound of movement drew their attention as four orc guards emerged through a gate to investigate suspicious noises. Taking advantage of the distraction, Maldivent slipped inside the fortification, discovering ancient standing stones and a ritual building, while ritualistic chanting filled the air. The situation quickly escalated when arrows found their marks in the investigating orcs, and one of their companions managed to silence a sleeping guard before preparing to set the wooden structure ablaze with oil.
The ensuing chaos reached new heights when the burning sauna forced Hydac, an orc sorceress, Serpent to transform into a terrifying two-headed serpent. Combat erupted across the compound with javelins cutting through the air and steel meeting steel in desperate close-quarters fighting. Dunger found himself face-to-face with the serpentine monster as more orc warriors poured through the gate to join the fray.
The tide turned when a perfectly placed arrow from their hidden thief struck true, bringing down the fearsome snake creature, its skin sloughing off as it fell. The orcs, led by their ranger Nag, sought immediate vengeance but were met with equal ferocity. Another precise shot ended Nag’s life, sending the remaining orcs fleeing into the night. During the following investigation, they discovered this was no simple orcish outpost, but rather an advance base for a dragon’s army, connected to a scarred sorcerer named Ferazhin who harbored deep hatred for the city of Pitden.
Near one of the standing stones, they found a grim scene – a dead elf and a bound cleric named Floyd, who had been intended as sacrifice to the beast. After defeating Hydac and her remaining forces, Dunger claimed the sorceress’s head as his trophy. Rather than claim the 500 gold bounty, the party chose to keep their discovery secret. Among their findings was a curious orichalcum coin bearing compass-like markings and a precious gem, which they sold for 600 gold. Their harrowing night of combat and discovery earned each party member 13 XP, though the implications of what they’d uncovered weighed heavily on their minds.
NPCs
Hydac
Orcish sorceress who captured and humiliated Dunger by shaving his beard and attaching it to her magical staff. She captured Floyd by promising magical snake transformation rituals, and was ultimately defeated by the party who took her head as a trophy.
Orcish Ranger Triplets
Three identical orcish rangers operating from the fort, one of whom was previously captured and exchanged for Dunger.
Orc Guards
Group of four orcs armed with great axes and javelins, one carrying a torch. Patrol the palisade and investigate disturbances.
Hydac, Orc Woman/Serpent
An orc woman who transforms into a massive two-headed golden serpent, appears to be a leader or significant figure.
Nag
An orc leader seeking vengeance against the party, particularly focused on the dwarf character. Killed during the confrontation.
Ferazhin
A terribly acid-scarred sorcerer who fled Pitden and now works with the dragon. Seeks vengeance against Pitden for past wrongs.
Floyd
A chaotic cleric who was captured by Hydac after being promised magical snake transformation rituals
Locations
Orcish Palisaded Fort
A fortified compound built around a large hill (100+ feet wide) with two smaller hills, surrounded by a 15-foot wooden palisade wall. Contains a wooden structure at the top with torches at each corner. Located in a forested area.
Pitton
A border town of about 15,000 people, serving as a regional headquarters and main port. Built primarily of timber, it’s a vassal state controlled by maritime guilds and merchants.
Ritual Building
A cedar wood structure resembling a sauna, emanating pungent herbal smells and ritualistic chanting.
Standing Stones
Stone monuments with glyphs carved where Floyd was found tied up
Spells
Force Manipulation
A spell with 25-foot range that can create spirit hands capable of dealing 1d6 damage per level and manipulating objects
Items
Griffin Shield
A +1 shield with red enamel griffin design and yellow sun behind it.
“Golungung,” Adamantine Great Axe
Weapon that provides bonuses against orcs, used to cleave through orc warriors
Orichalcum Coin
A rare coin made of orichalcum with compass-like markings and a gem inset in the middle, worth 120 gold
Dubious Heroes 
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