Session 65 - Defeating Sarthoggus

The party fights Sarthoggus, the high priest of Frigga that had been corrupted to be a follower of Tsathoggua, the Frog God.

This write up is based on our Sunday, May 3, 2026 session. Written by our scribe Carl, with edits and additions by myself. Since we are scattered around the country, we use Discord for voice communications and the Roll20 online tabletop to connect with each other.

Continued from: We Find the Main Bad Priests

Date: May 21, 4433
Location: The Main Transformation Chamber under the Temple of Frigga

We were embroiled in fighting priests and their minions, down deep under the temple of Frigga.

Sarthoggus, the high priest, had just come into the area, so we wouldn't have to go look for him. Still gotta track down 'that' book for the Lich. But that is for another time (at least after this fight is over).

Beneddar grabbed the scroll case that the demon messenger had just dropped. Good thing, as it would have streamed away over the falls soon.

It was a note from a priest, to Sarthoggus.

Sarthoggus freaking BANISHED our healer, to another plane.  That took the spirit guardians along with him....sigh.  One reason Sarthoggus was in charge, I guess.

So, with Paraselene out of the fight, we had a close-in combat of spells and melee, with the younger priests of Frigga on the periphery and with some sniping at the enemy.

Sarthoggus touched a medallion hanging from his neck and dark shapes flew down from the ceiling above.

We were being swarmed by Flying Frogs, of all things...

Sarthoggus had some really really bad (from our viewpoint) spells, and let them fly all over. Acid is so rude...

And to make it worse, as Sarthoggus looked about to collapse...he vanished.  Probably a legendary ability to get out alive at the last moment.

The rest was wrapping up the trash, which started backing off as soon as Sarthoggus was gone. Gone for real, cause Beneddar could not see him even with his robe of eyes.  Probably we will meet again.



Heading north to the bridge, Shadow took out the demon on the platform with his crossbow.

We were not quite done yet with the wonderfulness of combat. Four bullywugs actually stood their ground, and had stayed in one spot for the entire fight. That was more than a little bit interesting.

They went down quickly.

After some serious investigation, we found a shifting panel on the platform that the demon and bullywugs were determined to guard.

Reebo got the panel ready to open, and went for it. There was a shaft going down, and Aefir climbed down and found Sarthoggus. He was on a bed but barely conscious. Definitely the worse for the fight.

Hold person, Strike to Stun, chained and gagged, we were pretty sure we had him under control. Will try Charm Person in due time.

This looked like a study and bed room, beakers and good lighting. Small creatures in beakers, some dissection residue.  Giant idol, a golden statue with red eyes (rubies?)

The bed was not much used, so he must have been a dedicated worker.  A proper search of the room revealed:

    Notes on early experiments that resulted in zombies and how to do it
    This was the cauldron born zombie formula, almost certainly what the Lich tasked us to get.
    Further lab notes as his quest for a super frog soldier.

    Hidden drawer in a desk: black wand and a gnarled staff.

The statue was definitely magic, as well as a spell book and assorted goodies. We looted the hell out of the place.
    
With the ruby eyes beckoning, we got one eye out.  The room filled with (poisonous??) gas, and since Shadow was not affected by poison - he went down and got the other eye.

Using a rope to full advantage, we finally pulled over the statue and exposed the drawer that Reebo said would be there. It was more of a panel, and when opened a LOT LOT LOT (5000) Platinum pieces fell out.

Continued in Session 66 - The Battle for the Temple of Thor