Summary
The adventurers returned to a previously visited abandoned orc stronghold, only to find it eerily deserted. Upon entering the palisade gates, they ventured into the underground chamber, where they encountered a feral orc who had broken free from his restraints. They emerged victorious after a brief but intense battle in which magic held the orc in place. They discovered a sacred pool of Yaloss, with mysterious sigils suggesting sinister forces at work.
Their exploration led them through several rooms in the underground chamber, where they uncovered a box of valuables in a bedroom adorned with teal blankets. A suspicious halfling named Sven Svensson attempted to join their ranks but was promptly driven away. The group faced a harrowing encounter with a black mamba snake that emerged from a black box, nearly claiming Jeffrey’s life. Still, they persevered and searched, finding books in Elvish, vials containing red liquid, and a well-stocked storeroom of food and wine.
The party’s journey took them to a dungeon area featuring ancient gates and impressive statues. After spending an hour cleaning one of the rooms, some members of the group were blessed by a magical breeze that restored both their health and magical abilities. They discovered statues bearing celestial inscriptions that spoke of entities known as ‘The Tiger’s Eye’ and ‘The Citrine’, along with a mythril chain that had been securing a gate. A fascinating mural depicting a being called ‘The Ruby’ caught their attention. The adventure concluded with the group engaging in various downtime activities, including carousing at a local tavern and researching mythril armor, during which they acquired various treasures and formed an alliance with Niara Two-Step during their celebrations.
Scenes
Abandoned Orc Stronghold
- Party arrives at the abandoned orc stronghold
- They find orc bones scattered outside the palisade
- They observe fallen tapestries and empty grounds
- Party descends stairs into underground chambers
- They find gates and the sacred pool of Yaloss
- Encounter feral orc bursting through eastern gate and attacks
- Jeffrey attempts sleep spell unsuccessfully
- Orc punches Valtor for 8 damage
- Hold person spell successfully restrains orc
- Party defeats the held orc
Sacred Pool and Living Quarters Exploration
- Party investigates Sacred Pool of Yaloss
- Identifies pool as sacred to Yaloss the Rainmaker
- Jeffrey and Valtor performs self-baptism
- Group collects water in flasks
- Party finds room with teal blankets and feather pillows
- Discover blue box with Yaloss symbol under bed
- Box contains silver coins, amber statue, silk robe, and prayer book
- Encounter with “Sven Svennson,” halfling rogue, who is driven away
Dangerous Encounters and Room Exploration
- Party opens black box in another room
- Gray serpent (black mamba) bites Valtor
- Snake attacks Jeffrey, bringing him to 0 hit points
- Light spell goes out during combat
- Snake disappears in darkness
- Find Elvish history books on shelves
- Discover vials with red liquid (black mamba venom)
- Find deer hide with diabolic prayers to Ramlaat
- Explore storeroom with food and wine supplies
Magical Restoration and Ancient Chambers
- Some party members spend an hour cleaning a plaque
- A magical breeze appears, restoring hit points and expended spells to those cleaning the plaque
- Those affected experience a magical cleansing of their clothes
- Party discovers two statues with celestial inscriptions
- One statue depicts an orb with tentacles and eyes labeled ‘The Tiger’s Eye’
- Second statue shows an almond shape with teeth labeled ‘The Citrine’
- Party finds and removes a mythril chain securing a gate
- Discover a mural depicting a being with a crystal-lined hole for a face, identified as ‘The Ruby’
NPCs
Feral Orc
Musclebound prisoner with Ramlaat sigils carved into his chest, wearing only breeches. Broke free from manacles and attacked the party with supernatural strength.
“Sven Svensson”
Suspicious halfling who attempts to join the party claiming expertise in trap finding, but is driven away after being magically held.
Niara Two-Step, Goblin Bard
Becomes an ally to the party members who participated in carousing, known for creating an insulting song about a noble. Sarcastic, gossipy, and cliquish. Plays an oversized didgeridoo and yodels songs (like Yoko Ono).
Locations
Abandoned Orc Stronghold
A palisaded fortress built into a hillside, now abandoned with scattered bones outside. Contains underground chambers and passages.
Underground Chamber
Lower level chamber complex featuring multiple iron gates, sacred pool of azure water, and various rooms including prison cells marked with mysterious sigils. Contains a hexagonal statue chamber with celestial inscriptions, storeroom with wrought iron gates decorated with nine-petal flowers, and living quarters with feather pillows and teal blankets. Notable areas include a room where a snake attack occurred and a chamber with a mural depicting ‘The Ruby’.
Sacred Pool of Yaloss
A rectangular pool of crystal clear azure water with Elvish inscriptions, dedicated to Yaloss the Rainmaker. Can be used to create holy water when blessed.
Spells
Hold Person
Successfully cast to restrain the feral orc with magical chains, requiring caster focus to maintain.
Detect Magic
Cast to examine items in the dungeon, though suppressed by some magical effect.
Items
Glowing Shield
Valdore’s shield enchanted with a light spell that produces flickering, firework-like illumination.
Azure Water Flask
Water collected from the sacred pool of Yaloss, which can be turned into holy water when blessed by a priest.
Blue Box of Yaloss
Large jewelry box with symbol of Yaloss containing silver coins, amber statue, silk robe, and prayer book.
Elvish Prayer Book
Book inlaid with large sapphire, containing hymns and prayers to Yaloss, worth 35 gold.
Vials of Black Mamba Venom
Highly lethal black mamba venom that requires a CON 15+ check or causes death, worth 20 gold per vial.
Dubious Heroes 
Leave a comment