Episode 18
Connections
General Summary
After valiantly slaying the hydra that guarded an ancient cave, the group delved within the dark space. Very quickly, they found a secluded path. Garroth and Korva used their animal companions to squeeze past the barrier that blocked the way. They found two things: a variety a treasure that was conglomerated here, as well as viscous undead monsters that were stuck on chains, bound to the wall. They decided to avoid these beasts.
Further down the hall, Maul and Jack were able to see these beasts first hand, as a group of them was guarding another treasure in wait. They tactfully decided to attack these creatures from range, slowly whittling them down until there was nothing left. They celebrated their good fortune by opening the chest, where they quickly realized the chest was alive and was itself a mimic! They quickly vanquished it, taking the spoils inside.
Korva explored the next room, finding what was no doubt another of the pyres they had seen in the past, along with two massive holes that extended downward into the dark abyss. He sent his raven down, looking through its eyes, as he ventured into the darkness. During this time, he was lashed out at something, although he couldn't get a view on it beyond its slimy tentacle. He retreated back to the surface.
The rest of the group joined Korva in the main Pyre room, Jack investigating the crystal within. Seeing that it was similar to the other crystals, he decided to pry it from the ground, which exuded the flames from the pyre as expected. With little delay, however, it was made clear that the beings they had bypassed were now aggressive, and attacking them. Meanwhile, two blood kisses - strange beholder beasts - attacked from the shadows of the holes. A combat ensued as the cave began to quake with tremors. Suddenly, the walls caved inwards as massive walls of fire pushed through the room connecting with the pyre itself. This aided them in their combat, although the risk was high, and all of their companions were scraping by meekly after the battle had ended.
The group healed up in the light of the pyre before leaving, returning to One and his family to take him to the circus. They introduced One to the rest of the Dubious Daggers, and although there was some outright concern, they seemed to accept that One would remain with the group. Jack berated the Dubious Daggers for their lack of growth during training, hoping to have Maul later inspire the group, which he did. But morale within the circus was distinctly lowered from that point forward.
Meanwhile, Korva made contact with Lacie, his paramour, who stated she was back in Willow Creek. Wanting to avoid the racist town of Oakheart, they decided to head due east to rendezvous back at Vale Academy to recount what they had learned about the pyre to Belisarius. While at Vale, they sold various byproducts of their battles, prepared for future adventures, and meandered around. Korva once again met with Lacie, who was very excited to see them. They spent an evening together around the premises, as Jack went about romanticizing with his own couple with Daeryn. Maul eagerly worked with Tomi the cook to produce some delicious Hydra Eye Soup, and the group ate a filling meal with Lacie's group in the school hall as evening turned to night...
Rewards Granted
Various treasures and magical items, along with a healthy amount of gold and gems.
Missions/Quests Completed
Found the first pyre and activated it.
Character(s) interacted with
Lacie Pryde, Daeryn, Nia and Headmaster Argentum, the Dubious Daggers, One and One's clan.
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