Realms S1E8 Deadstone Pass

The party is on the trail of the kidnappers with the help of a mysterious and cantankerous old man and learn that sometimes a pickle isn’t just a pickle.

Player Characters Present
Jeidobii, Torq, Denahi, Burakubuu, Guest: Zin

Synopsis
In the morning, the party once more accosts Zin at this home. This time they are successful, and discover a cantankerous and curmudgeonly man who berates them for ransacking his space while he was away. They make amends and Zin eases up a little and finally agrees to help them find the mountain pass suspected to be the base of the dark kidnappers. They hitch Carlox up outside of Zin’s home and head off on foot.

The party makes a long journey to the mountain, getting to know Zin along the way. Once they find a safe spot near the base they make camp to rest up before the climb. Zin shares his infamous pickles with the group, which works out well for all but Burakubuu who finds himself with a minor curse. They awake the next morning and being their upward hike, largely without incident save a few missteps. Though they notice some falling stones and sounds above they never identify any real danger.

They spot an opening in the mountainside ahead and Zin confirms that this is the end of the path. Something seems off, so with the aid of Zin’s owl Jeidobii interrogates a bird that was flying overhead whether it has observed anything unusual. The bird is not informative in the least and the party resolves to make their approach. It seems, at first, quiet and unoccupied. Then, rock like creatures emerge all around the entrance.

First it is two larger stone creatures that seem to be guarding the entrance. They are joined by two smaller creatures perched above that begin tossing boulders and stones at the party. Finally, two even larger stone creatures emerge to make a final attempt to repel the party. It is an arduous battle and Zin proves himself an able ally. Jeidobii summons a fiery maelstrom that scours the battlefield scorching the enemies. Beneath their rocky exterior shows flesh, and Torq takes more heads for his ever-growing collection.

The party looks ahead into the dark entrance and plans their approach.