Chapter Nine: the Ragged Man (under the swamp)

(this is the last update from the marathon session on 3/25)

May 9, Temple of Kharad

In the morning Kettle and Tilk each attempted to shake of the effects of the spectre's draining touch. Neil casts restoration on Kettle ensuring him success, while Tilk must depend on his great fortitude to see him through. Alas, he is only able to partially recover from the experience and permanently suffers loss of his life force (one permanent level lost).

The heroes head back underground to investigate the doors that they know lie inside the great cavern of vines. Neil casts water breathing on the Starborn and they head under . . . they first head for the partially opened door heading south. Tilk and Dinah work together to wrench open the door. What they find beyond is most interesting:

This arched tunnel is like no other you have seen in the Temple. The floor is of stone and seems to be mundane enough but the walls are absent altogether. Instead, the swamp itself is above and around you, glistening like a soap bubble, held at bay by some invisible force field in the shape of a half-cylinder. You can clearly see the mass of water, mud, roots and weeds pressing down on the field. There are even fish and other living creatures moving around out there, startled at your appearance. In the centre of the floor, some 20 feet ahead of you, is a single flagstone in which a crystal rod is embedded, lying lengthways along the tunnel. It glows with a weak green radiance.

The adventurers move into this strange tunnel complex and discover a maze of sorts. Inside the maze they encounter a great plant beast. With a bit of planning and coordination they best the creature rather quickly. Seebo's plan almost worked to perfection. He's likley to tell everyone about his plans in the future!

Continuing into the maze they find the endpoint:

This spherical chamber has a central raised bed of flowers and plants. You recognise many of the plants from the marsh, growing with lush life, as well as many bizarre growths that may have come from other worlds or even other planes. In the centre of the riot of plants, almost hidden, is a coffin of glass.

Here the heroes find a pair of shambling mounds which attack on sight. This battle was quite touch-and-go as the shamblers managed to grapple Dinah and Seebo. While the creatures crushed the hapless heroes their friends tried desperately to apply healing magic and kill the dangerous plants. Eventually great heroics (and some spent action points) win the day as the shamblers fall to blade and spell.

As the heroes get their bearings, clean off weapons and move to inspect the glass coffin, a cloud of vapor begins to pour out of the coffin . . . what new evil is this?

Everyone roll initiative!

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