The Undead Swimming Pool

With Whelm in tow, we started heading back towards the entrance to the dungeon - back towards the sphinx. We made it back without any trouble, but once there we quickly discovered that to pursue the other weapons we would have to answer more riddles. Bolstered by our success (or luck) with the sphinx's first riddle, we believed our next attempt would be equally successful. The sphinx then queried:

"Round she is yet flat as a board,
Altar of the Lupine Lords.
Pearl on black velvet,
Jewel of the sea.
Changing yet never changing,
Eternally"

Caverns Vast, Where Chain Links Rattle

After leaving the room full of glowing globes behind, we backtracked to the last intersection we passed, this time heading north. As we walked, the ground started getting damp and the air grew oppressively hot. Travel was slow, as we tried to avoid sliding around. Soon enough the scenery changed dramatically, though. The tight hallway opened up into a vast cavern, nearly 50 feet wide and at least 100 feet long. The ground ended abruptly, plunging down into a lake of boiling mud thirty feet below. Every ten or so feet along the length of the cavern was hung an 8 foot wide wooden disc, supported in the center by a thick chain. It seemed the only way to cross would be to jump. Unfortunately two hot spouts of dirt and water regularly exploded up towards the platforms, making our crossing even more deadly.

The Nine Glowing Globes

Now, let’s see…where were we?

Ah, yes. The human headed, lion beast with the twenty foot wingspan. We know now it was a Sphinx, but at the time we assumed it meant to harm us. As we readied our weapons for a fight, we realized it had no immediate intentions of attacking us. Instead it greeted us. “Greetings” the beast said, stretching as if waking up from a long sleep. Glancing up at the trap on the ceiling, the sphinx said “as you can see, you will not be getting past the traps, or me, unless I allow it. You must answer one riddle – answer correctly, and I will allow you to choose one of the three paths behind me. Answer incorrectly, and I will be forced to eat you.” It was then we noticed that the beast’s eyes were glowing yellow, hinting at some sort of mind control. But at the time we had no other choice than answer her riddle. With all of the disinterest of a creature expecting failure, the sphinx purred her riddle.

“My creator wants me not, and much in dread will I be bought. My cold embrace is fiercely fought, and most who need me know it not.”

A Story for the Ages

“Men and women, boys and girls, gather ‘round and hear a story for the ages. Let me tell you of the events that transpired under White Plume Mountain. I shall warn you that this story is not for the faint of heart, for we were in peril at every turn! Hideous monsters, insidious traps, and mind bending riddles awaited us around every bend. So sit down, pay attention, because I assure you that this tale is utterly true!”

Business Ventures

Later than night we met up with the Vistani, who were traveling west towards Brindol. After the battle in the warehouse and the storms before that, a little relaxation was in order. Dandelion introduced the group to his sister Lily, and to his niece Thrush. The party rested that night, then made their way to Brindol, where they had some loose ends to tie up.

The Dawn Way

With the goods packed up on the wagon, we make our way from the warehouse. The rain is clearing up, but it is getting late. The noise of the battle has apparently gone unnoticed, and it is much easier making our way out of town than it was getting in. And so we believe we have gotten away cleanly. Oh, how wrong we are.

A Rainy Night in Marthton, Conclusion

On the ground after taking a huge hit and falling twenty feet, Terik is in bad shape. But he is nothing if not a survivor, and he miraculously surges back to his feet.