Session 155 - The Maw
How to keep Iolah on the ship - have her stay with Pholon for this mission
We approach a huge volcanic island, spitting hot lava and smoke. Choppy waters and jagged rocks make a safe landfall challenging. Braz reminds the party that the entrance to the Nethersea is somewhere in this volcano, and the only way to release himself from the curse is there.
Ultros took 100 damage (of 1000) - Xan steers the ship to the bay and the crew take one look at it and decide to not leave the ship, making the excuse they wish to stay on the ship and fix up the damage caused by the stormy entrance.
The volcano itself looks hard to approach, but there is a path leading up to the apex. This island is hot. Dangerously hot.
Pholon, Bana, Nessa and Pythor told to look after Iolah - but with the watchful eye of Kyrah.
The party leave the ship and make their way up the outside of the volcano, protected by their chilli plant concoction. A 3 foot wide path looms over a 20 foot river of lava. Over the heat the party is struck by a rank odour or faeces, sweat and rotting meat. Trailing around us on the floor are cracked bones, fish heads and humanoid appendages. As they enter further into the cave they see a bloated canine headed man lies back, his body almost bursting. It flops around, leering toward the party. His teeth are sharp and grotesque. It begs for food.
Calliope casts a gentle spell over the monster as Braz conjures up a feast for the beast.
The monster tells them that he was given a gift from the Maw of Typhon - the island. The party escape the cavern and carry along on the ledge, following it up to the inside of the caldera of the volcano. Below the party there is a fiery maelstrom of magma circling a black pit - swirling like a whirlpool into the darkness. Inky black and deep. The island cannot grow as the lava is being swallowed by this centre point.
An outcrop of rock hangs over the pit, allowing for the party to descend into the volcano. The party has a weird sensation, as if someone is whispering in their left ear.
“If you are brave enough to enter the Maw, you will get grand rewards”
On the right.
“Do not plunge yourself into the Maw, there are dire consequences”
Xan looks to Braz for guidance. He points up to the ledge. “We should go there.” Theo questions him but Braz insists. “If we can free my lineage we will have a powerful cast of allies in this battle.”
The whispers try to overtake their thoughts but Braz takes the decision to jump into the volcano. Xan almost immediately dives in after him, as if jumping from the ship.