Upon returning to Frostmark, Ambrose and Zort made a visit to the
Temple of Soldra with Imric’s body in tow. Father Sunamel was only
too happy to assist, for a suitably large donation. 1,200gp later,
Imric was revived but was feeling under the weather, so he decided
to stay in town and rest for a few weeks while his companions
readied themselves for the next adventure. After some discussion
they decided to head back to the Chaotic Caves, so Ambrose, Roger
and Zort procured seven light horses, a mule, and six javelins
(those last to be handed out to the hirelings). Ambrose paid Ajax a
visit and convinced a warrior named Kell to join the expedition.
A few days later the party headed out to the caves. The two-day
journey north and west was uneventful, if a bit cold. After scouting
the caves they decided to investigate an open area to the south,
where they could see a raised stone patio, leading through large
archway and then into the depths of the hill. The party cautiously
approached, led by Roger. They climbed onto the patio and could see
scattered broken rock and bones. Vol and Sundarr lit torches, and
they cautiously entered what they could now see was a long, pillared
hall. The floor here was also littered with bones, some human.
Almost immediately the party was beset upon by a horde of undead – a
dozen skeletons and 3 ghouls, who emerged from alcoves in the
walls. Roger fired his bow and fled back to the group, and Zort
stepped forward, presenting his holy symbol. Two ghouls fled from
the power of Odin away into the darkness, and five skeletons
crumbled to dust. The one remaining ghoul clawed at Zort, who felt
his limbs stiffen as he toppled over, helplessly paralyzed! Seven
skeletons advanced on the rest of the party, and in the ensuing
battle all seven were destroyed, but the price was high. Kilmox,
Zell and Roger were run through by skeleton swords – the hirelings
were dead, and Roger barely clung to life (Ref. note – Roger went to
-4 HP and made his CON save versus death). Ambrose saved Zort from
certain death as the one remaining ghoul tried to feast on Zort’s
paralyzed form. Only the two porters, who had hung back from the
melee, were unscathed. With two dead and three wounded, the party
decided it was best to return to town. They placed the hirelings’
bodies on the mule and headed back to Frostmark, with not a single
gold coin to show for their trouble.
