Mandras let out a grunt of delight as he heard Rarder’s voice coming down the corridor. There was again a discussion amongst the party members and it was decided that if we didn’t execute the contract and didn’t execute the lawful cultists, we would treat it as null and void.
The party descended the stairs and with Rarder and Hagar in the lead, wound its way through the depths towards Malachie’s lair. As they progressed, they noticed more and more sand filtering through the walls. At one point 6 naked apes assaulted the rear of the party, but were driven off, with Mandras slaying one of them. Eventually they came to the intersection with the floor trap leading down; they climbed down the ladder and entered the statue room, only to discover 4 birds masked and robed individuals posturing and dancing. The party followed them, while Koko enjoyed their archaic chaotic lingo. At the next pit trap, the birds leapt W and the party proceeded north to the screeches and complaints of the silly creatures.
Pushing into the Cathedral room, they found much more sand on the floor and actively seeping through the walls. Would it all hold up long enough? As they advanced, voices challenged them in the name of Malachie. A group of cultists charged the party, 17 of them, some armoured, supported by a magic user. Rarder shrugged aside the magic missile spell cast at him. As Mandras prepared to engage this small horde, he had a thought, why not fly over them using the sword’s power and assault them from the rear? He landed next to the sorcerer. Mandras, shocked by his own feat, missed his attack on the startled cultist, who was as surprised as Mandras himself. Mandras then proceeded to kill two more cultist warriors. Alas, victory also brough the death of Sidebottomham.
Malachie’s corpse was still there, somewhat worse for wear. More interestingly there was still 9000 platinum, 58000 silver and an assortment of magical items. Among these was a magical shield with a theatrical mouth painted on it, which he took in replacement of his own shield.
The party returned to the surface and began to ferry the treasures up.