Session 23: Sand, Rest, and a T-Rex

General Summary

Continuing in the trials in the Shifter's Catacombs, the party headed down another tunnel, finding themselves in a desert. Atop a nearby dune, they met a spectral camel who told them their next test was one of observation: they needed to reach an oasis two miles across the dunes. As they started towards it, a heavy sandstorm arose, making visibility very difficult. Despite the heat of the sun beating down, and Shadow and Viridian gaining a level of exhaustion, the party neared the oasis. Unable to pinpoint it exactly as they neared it, Alden threw Eirame into the air, above the storm, and she was able to spot it. Refreshed in the water, the camel transported the party back to the entrance tunnel.   The fifth tunnel led the party into a cave opening into a forest, guarded by a giant spectral bear who seemed more lazy than anything. He instructed the party to go demonstrate repose by the river, despite what would come. Doug cast Leomund's Tiny Hut, giving the party a measure of protection, as they proceeded to try and rest. A few party members were startled by a sudden thunderstorm and by several large grizzly bears sniffing at the hut, but as a group, they managed to keep quiet enough to pass the test of repose.   Next, the group found themselves in the test of memory, met by a spectral elephant on grasslands similar to southern Rasharan. The elephant used magic to scan their memories, saying that to pass this trial, they'd need to demonstrate successful recall of their pasts under pressure. Nearing a large hill, the party found themselves facing a large t-rex. As they entered combat, the elephant periodically asked party members questions about their former experiences, which they managed to answer with a high degree of success. Doug and Rome used magic to incapacitate the t-rex, and Alden and Shadow worked together to bind its mouth shut with rope. Passing the test, the party started to head back to the tunnel. Finally breaking its magical bonds, and opening its jaws with great force to snap the rope, the t-rex chased the party to the doorway. They just escaped into the tunnel, entering into a small hillside, as the t-rex crashed into the hillside, snapping its jaws in vain behind them.

Notes

Takes place on YA 2269, The Panther, day 24