# Who the hells is Drakareth > [!Summary]+ > **Location**: `= this.location` > **Characters**: `= this.attendees` > **Setting**: `= this.setting` ## Session Summary While exploring a mysterious northern cave, the party is afflicted by an insatiable hunger, weakening several members and raising suspicions of supernatural influence. Pressing on despite exhaustion, they encounter the ominous specter of [[Drakareth]], a long-forgotten entity lamenting his lost past. Battle ensues, but the creature vanishes before being fully defeated (maybe?). Further investigation leads to the discovery of a hidden chamber, where a wraith rises in defense of an ancient staff and cape—both of which the party swiftly claims. As they rest and examine their newfound artifacts, the hunger persists for some, and eerie shadows beneath the ice hint at an even greater danger ahead. With strange yips and barks echoing from unseen creatures, the party stands at a crossroads, uncertain whether to forge ahead into the unknown or retreat to regroup. ^4b6c39 ## Session Log ### Damn, we tired and hungry While exploring a northern cave, several of us are overcome with an insatiable hunger that leaves us weakened. Only those who entered the cave are affected, raising suspicions about its supernatural nature. - [[Gray]] and [[Brosef]] feel the effects the strongest, experiencing exhaustion. [[Zeno]], for unknown reasons, seems unaffected. - Attempts to quell the hunger with rations provide temporary relief, but exhaustion persists. - We speculate on potential causes, suspecting the cave’s influence rather than a physical ailment. ### We take the stairs... Debate ensues on whether to rest and recover or push forward despite injuries and exhaustion. In the end, we press on. - [[Broski]] and [[Galath]] advocate for rest, while [[Gray]] and [[Brosef]] want to continue. Others Switzerland the place up. - [[Vellynne Harpell]], in an odd break from tradition for our necromancer ally, suggests caution but leaves the decision to us. - Ultimately, the majority decides to press on, wary of lingering dangers. - [[Vellynne Harpell]] casts _Darkvision_ on [[Galath]], hoping for a more stealthy incursion, and we start making our way down the stairs. ### OPE! 'sa baddie As we descend into a new chamber, a deep, malevolent voice in an unfamiliar dialect echoes through the cave. The professor’s orb translates its words, revealing the name [[Drakareth]] and hints of a tragic past. Never good when someone starts monologuing. > [!Quote] > "Cursed be those who gaze upon the horror that [[Drakareth]] has become. Such promise wasted, lost in this cold sepulcher! Where were you centuries ago when he was in the prime of life? Where were you when the frigid darkness consumed him? You are no good to [[Drakareth]] now! Nothing remains of him but frozen bones, ancient treasures, and me." - [[Brosef]] softly, incredulously even, into the dark... _who the fuck is Drakareth?_ Then a dark skeletal form emerges, dripping with shadows and hostility. - [[Gray]] jumps straight to fight and quickly casts _Guardian of Faith_ to block the entity’s approach. - We engage in battle, landing several blows before the creature lets out a frustrated wail and disappears into the ground. - Uncertain whether it has fled permanently or is regrouping, we remain on high alert. ### Just a weird little guy In the aftermath, [[Strath]] joins [[Galath]] in the now silent chamber to investigate the surrounding area for clues and potential loot. - Some fine 'gaitin from [[Strath]] uncovers a hollowed-out section behind an icy wall. - With brute force, [[Galath]] smashes through the barrier, revealing a small chamber. Creepy noises greet us, and a little more investigation shows another chamber beyond. - Upon disturbing the remains, a wraith-like entity rises from the body, attacking immediately. - [[Galath]] strikes first, channeling divine fury into his attacks. - The wraith attempts to retaliate but is swiftly cut down by the awesome might of [[Galath]]. - Inside, we find a weathered skeleton clutching a black staff and wearing a finely made cape that [[Galath]] definitely examines closely and sagely before touching. - [[Strath]] inspects the magical items, recognizing their arcane energy but unable to immediately determine their properties. - A BRIEF and definitely NOT obvious private sidebar discussion ensues between the two, discussing the prudence of keeping these discoveries under wraps lest they offend the zealots in our party. ### Nap time, finally We take a rest, aided by _Song of Rest_. Unfortunately, [[Gray]] and [[Brosef]] are still supes hungies. They both eat, [[Brosef]] finally feels better, but no such luck for [[Gray]]. But good news, [[Galath]] has his strength back! - While resting, we examine some of this new kit. - [[Strath]] makes _significant eyes_ at [[Brosef]] and beckons for a sidebar to say, _you should really check out this big staff that's definitely not evil._ - He's thankful and offers in trade, a neat ring. - [[Galath]] also seems pleased with his new cape. ### Back to sneakin While scouting ahead, [[Broski]] attempts to stealthily investigate the next chamber, but his approach is less than graceful. Despite his efforts, he sees no immediate threats. However, as we press forward, [[Galath]] notices a dark shape moving beneath the ice. - [[Broski]] and [[Zeno]] fail to see the figure, raising doubts about [[Galath]]'s claim and/or sanity. - The shadow darts beneath the ice, moving erratically before vanishing into the walls and ceiling. - We debate whether to pursue or ignore the anomaly, but unease lingers among us. - Venturing forward, we encounter a dense field of stalagmites and icicles blocking our path. - [[Broski]] and [[Galath]] begin breaking through the formations to clear a passage, creating, just a tremendous amount of noise. - Our efforts are met with eerie, high-pitched yips and barks echoing from the caves ahead, though the source remains unknown. - We hesitate, debating whether to push forward into an unknown threat or withdraw and regroup. With multiple paths ahead, we weigh our options. - [[Broski]] is determined to investigate the sounds, advocating for us to press on. - [[Zeno]] expresses concerns about a potential ambush and suggests a tactical retreat. - [[Brosef]] and [[Galath]] debate the dangers of narrow tunnels and ice-covered terrain. - Ultimately, we agree to remain cautious, but our next steps remain uncertain as we stand on the edge of potential danger...