Episode 68
What Was Sworn, What Still Stirs
Anton, Gemma, and Willa learn more about the Stoutbrand Clan’s ancient pact and continue to explore Vuldohr’s tunnels, leading to something deep underneath the hill.
Recap
In the aftermath of the brutal battle within the Scribes’ Guild’s private archive, the Soul Survivors took time to regroup alongside Rita Gilric and Rilda Silveraxe. The archivists confirmed the severity of what had occurred: the Cindersworn had violated sacred protections to infiltrate the archive, and Wilfrem Leadbelly’s involvement revealed a deeper rot beneath Vuldohr’s political structure.
They learned the truth behind the Stoutbrand Clan’s pact: they’d turned from Moradin, the dwarven god of fire, and made a deal with an efreeti for magical forges. When Eodroansag threatened the kingdom centuries ago, they broke their pact to forge the Instruments of Binding, which were used by the Vowbound Vigilant to seal her away. Though they’d turned from their creator, the Soul Survivors found their decision just.
Escorted by Rita, the Soul Survivors delivered Wilfrem Leadbelly and the surviving cultist to Castle Stoutbrand. The documents Wilfrem carried – meant to legitimize his claim to power – were seized for review, and the prisoners were taken into custody to be given a proper trial within the Hall of Clans.
The party returned to the Barrel & Bucket to rest, but the calm was short-lived. Driven to find Willa’s bracers and answers to her past, they once again descended into the tunnels below the town through Vildash’s home. Within the sewer, they encountered a group of undead, ghouls and a ghast, lurking in the dark passages. The undead attacked without hesitation, but they were quickly eliminated by fire and blade.
Beyond, they continued down an unexplored tunnel that led deeper below the hill. It opened into a vast cavern bathed in the eerie glow of bioluminescent fungi. The beauty of the chamber was undercut by the presence of its master: a behir slithered and growled amid the stone. After attempting to sneak their way through a small opening, they turned a corner to find the creature gazing upon them, unleashing its lightning breath at the adventurers.