Spirits are high outside of Watcher’s Keep as a band of daring adventurers prepare to descend into the depths and challenge the evil locked within, the Demogorgon. This creature, risen from the darkest depths and planning to break free of his bonds to rend the world to pieces, is said to be nigh-invulnerable. Even so, he is to be slain this very evening by these stalwart wanderers. (Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article referred to them using a derogatory term, making allegations that they were both homeless and inclined to commit homicide wantonly. We apologize for this act, the writer in question has been penalized.)
According to first hand accounts from the tavern at the edge of a nearby town, the leader of this band has a trick up his sleeve. When pressed to reveal the secret through which this eldritch abomination is to be destroyed, the Wizard gleefully went into detail on how he would unleash all manner of spells upon the creature. And then, when asked what’s to stop it from attacking after the first magic missile, the Wizard is said to have brought forth from his robe a rare scroll of Time Stop, which he brandished proudly.
I would love to see him even try to raise a finger against me when I have this at my disposal! I dare say there won’t be a shred of the vile beast left for my friends to even loot by the time I’m done with him.
After resting for the night, the band set out for their quarry. We wish them the best of luck.
Update: It is with sadness that I must say to you that our hopes of being rid of the Demogorgon have been dashed. The few remaining survivors of the battle have returned to town and their accounts of the battle are rather grim. According to the Paladin of the party, who still managed to retain his senses while the others weep uncontrollably and shake between bouts of vomit:
One minute my dear friend was standing right there, casting his Time Stop spell while I blessed him and wished him good luck. The next, there was puddle of red goo on the floor and the Demogorgon was nearly upon us. We ran as fast as we could. I fear something terrible must have happened for him to leave us behind. He is one of the most resourceful wizards in the land, so I know in my heart that he managed to escape as we did. Heaven only knows what occurred. What treachery he must have faced to disappear like that. Perhaps we were given a defective scroll.
As the Demogorgon stirs, the world is left in the grip of terror. If only there was some hero or some kind of demigod out there, capable of besting this monster.