Raising the Challenge Level

Since the party was fairly fresh, I presented an even bigger challenge, hoping they would take it, and they did.

With the death of Quesnef, his body crumbled to dust, with only a small token rolling and landing at the hero's feet. The dust began to swirl, slowly forming a portal. The remains of the creatures that were defeated were slowly dragged toward it. The heroes could also feel a gentle tug from the portal. From the center of it, a deep, almost hypnotic voice spoke: “You have defeated my most loyal servant. Come, face his master, Keraptis, and prove yourselves!”

Throwing caution to the wind, the party entered the portal to face a vicious enemy.