HILL GIANT STEADING
Continue exploring and find an ancient temple to the outer beings, the deep ones, the otherworldly outsiders that exists before gods. Codex goes to the altar and is tested, and found worthy. He is given a ring of mind shielding.
Bale is also tested and found worthy when he steps to the altar, and is rewarded with wealth in the form of a glittering diamond. The others decide not to step on the altar due to the disturbing nature of the whole area. It seems older than the cavern complex, it is possible they broke into this room and then boarded it up.
We then head to the chamber of the troglodytes and roughly communicate with them using hand gestures, drawn pictures and Bale using comprehend languages to assess how much they understand. We indicate we mean no harm, and we want to fight the beasts beyond them. They understand.
We pass by them peacefully and then enter into the next chamber, and are attacked by a pair of giant lizards and their four young. We defeat them, and are greeted as heroes by the Troglodytes. Hurrah!
We then travel along the underground river, and enter into a large chamber with several piles of bones. Within this chamber are 11 carrion crawlers, which we defeat.
We meet with Andrew Smythe, the human engineer, and the dwarves, and they are amenable to going to Everlife. The Elf will go with them. We inform Michael using a sending stone that refugees are coming, and teleportation circle to Everlife.
We meet with Paladin Arnold Shane (older, scarred) and Paladin Christopher Ravenhell (younger) – they are guarding the upper area. They tell us that the paladins have arrived and are sweeping the town house by house to flush out the intelligent undead. They are making progress.
Michael arrives, and speaks to us privately. He accepts the dwarves and Andrew, and will find them work to rebuild the city. He tells us that nobles have been sending messages requesting access to their estates, including Sabre Khaludz, the Consul. Also Rin Bluewolf is asking to return, which makes sense as she hates Kingston.
We then teleport to Southspire. We take some time to unwind in the baths, cleaning up and relaxing. Then we resupply.
We then watch the Gnomes compete for Fustilarian, the holiday where teams compete by dealing with each other’s traps. It is very exciting, the challenger team wins!
We head to Bale’s summit to deposit some items, and then Word of Recall to Lasthaven. The Dwarven caravan is there, and there’s a small party happening at the Liondark trading compound.
We spend time there, Codex gives Uhurak a giant necklace, and Uhurak hands Codex a jeweled dagger she found from a dead guy – she didn’t elaborate whether or not he was alive beforehand. Bale gives Cynthia and Katla gifts, a gold necklace for Cynthia, and a gold necklace with a fire opal for Katla. A lovely time is had!