The party pools its gold together for the Duel of Duels, Kildrake with Capitain Liu Hau. After the previous Rogue maze, Bard song and Mage Battles being won, the party amasses 1816gp in winnings.
Ereborn suggests that Salazar visit the Prona Libraries to find the origins of the Ancient Dwarven Ring. Salazar has some inkling about the ring but cannot divine its ancient properties fully and returns it to the Dwarven Cleric, as the party settle in to rest and prepare for tomorrow.
Ereborn also suggests to go and see Jarpi Warhammer about fitting up Kildrake for Plate Armor.
The Smithy does not have normal Plate and will not be able to order in time for the battle, but has a beautiful set of Dwarven Plate for 1600gp, but with a caveat – a quest to kill a dragon beast to provide Hide for Dragonplate Armor. The party agrees, sealed with a Dwarven handshake and pledge, and Jarpi comes through with a truly wondrous set that comes together at the final buckling up to enter the Arena. The party bet 18gp on Kildrake at 50:1, and keep the remainder for future supplies.
Kildrake battles hard and lasts 3 rounds with Liu Hau. However, Kildrake then produces the dwarven ring and puts it on. Looking on, Ereborn checks his purse to find the ring has been stolen! As he does so, a Chimera appears in the Arena!
Enraged, Ereborn moves to protect Zorron and Salazar, surmising that that this is the punishment for foolishly using the ring without understanding, and the realization that the only one capable of stealing it is Trym. The party manoeuvres as the Chimera is grappled, hit in melee and scorched by Salazar. Trym nearly dies after being hit by the beast.
The ring is again put on by Trym and a Gargantuan Serpent appears and eats the Chimera. The ring is taken off and the Serpent disappears. The party are thankful that the arena guards are none the wiser as to the ring being the culprit.
Ereborn is furious the ring was stolen. Trym explains the ring caused her to steal it, she could not resist. Erebron demands the ring and remembers a childs tale about relics that turn people into monsters, and now understands this as chaotic in purpose, and feels the ring needs to be destroyed. Runes now apparent on the ring confirm his suspicions.
The party retires to the Inn to contemplate their next movements.