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.

A Rainy Night in Marthton, Part 2

With the center of the room clear, it was time to focus on the real threats; Myrissa and her lieutenant Kyrion. Climbing the ladder to the catwalks, Kai was kicked square in the jaw by Kyrion. But he held his vice grip on the ladder and pushed his way up onto the platform. While Terik was busy following Kai up the ladder, Kyrion and the warlock had their sights set on the exposed fighter.

Meanwhile, across the room and on the floor, Ayas is still locked in battle with the enemy dragonborn. As Dandelion runs over the crates and catches his breath, he is just in time to see the dragonborn fall to his knees in exhaustion. But Ayas, honorable to the end, refuses to strike the prone foe. On his way to the ladder, Dandelion strikes out but misses the tired foe. But it is Wotan who finishes him off with a blast from his rod, rounding the corner just in time to see this all unfold. Dandelion sprints towards the ladder, his armor transforming into mundane clothes for extra speed. He climbs and begins running across the catwalks towards the exposed Kai and Terik. Wotan stays on the ground, running towards the enemy warlock and blasting her with eldritch energy. And Ayas heads towards the door, hoping to prevent Myrissa from escaping again.

The fighting between Kai and Kyrion reaches a feverish pace, as both furiously slash at each other. Kyrion, using a sword stolen from Kai a few months ago, again tries to disarm the fighter, and is again successful. He catches the dropped sword and takes Kai’s knees out, knocking him to the ground. Terik, wanting to get behind Kyrion, climbs along the edge of the catwalk and stands up right behind him – but his eyes are focused on the warlock. He charges and slashes her arm, but she is ready. With but a touch, she sends draining energy coursing through his body, pushing him back and knocking him from the catwalk. As he falls the twenty feet to the ground, his body falls limp and it is clear he is badly injured. Kai, now facing a well-trained soldier and a powerful warlock, is on his own for now, with Dandelion still too far away to lend his aid and Wotan twenty feet below, rushing towards the downed Terik.

To be continued…