Session 05 (2024-08-30)

As we approached Bad Doric, the ground grew more solid, and the swamp faded behind us. We found ourselves on a road, or a well-made path, and following it south, we came across the banks of a fast-flowing river, likely a tributary of the Ith. Lepett informed us that we were entering the foothills of the Omlarandin Mountains. Kira instructed Lepett to return to the Lazaretto, and he agreed after confirming that we could find our way back.

Crossing a rough bridge over the river, we saw the collapsed stone of a tower on the other side, indicating our entry into Bad Doric. We investigated the ruins of the tower but found nothing of interest; it had been abandoned for decades. Concerned about the potential for ambush in the valley, Kira wildshaped into a fox to scout ahead. She discovered a building housing two goblins arguing over food and, further up the hillside, the ruins of a small town occupied by goblins and orcs.

Using her telepathy, Kira tricked an orc into thinking a female orc was accusing him of stealing food. She returned to us and shared her findings. We decided to incapacitate and interrogate the orc female leader. Gavin attempted to parlay with the goblins, but the situation escalated into combat. We killed several goblins and orcs and captured Mulekick, the orcish woman leader. Hearing human screams and seeing smoke, we rushed to a granary on fire with people in cages. After another combat, we defeated the orcs and a warlock, rescuing a civilian named Amelia.

While resting, we searched the corpses and buildings, discovering gold, barrels of clotted milk, and a cloak with potions. We interrogated Mulekick, learning about the Laguna-kin and their temple south of the town. Kira used Detect Thoughts to gather more information, and Barrick executed Mulekick. Amelia shared her story of being captured by the White Skull and her journey from Cormyr.

We then explored the temple. The cloisters were in disrepair due to a sinkhole. In the ruined bedrooms, we found a crack leading to earthen tunnels. In the tunnels, we discovered a well and alchemical ingredients. Hugh drank the water, which was bitter and caused discomfort, indicating the source of the desecration. Further south, we found a ritual table used for shamanistic orc magic. A path to the north led to a room with a shattered silver-framed mirror, used as a magical focus. We found the last pages of journals, revealing the temple was founded less than 200 years ago and abandoned 60 years ago.

The temple had a small cemetery with opened graves and was affected by an Unhallowed effect. The focal point was a dry fountain, and there were signs of recent activity. In the basement, we found four massive flowing fountains and a warm, humid environment. We discovered a collapsed library with burned books and recent orc activity. Barrick found a page with small writing. As we ventured deeper, we encountered Laguna-kin Korra in a flooded hallway and engaged in combat. After defeating Korra, we found ourselves in a crypt with five tombs, each containing a journal of a mother superior.