The night is quiet for all except Dorus. Dark dreams ebb and flow through the loxodon’s mind as he slumbers until he wakes with an insatiable hunger. He can hear the heartbeats of his party. He can all but taste their delicious blood. Dorus scurries for the vials of silver satiate Huther has given him the day before. Greedily drinking half the first vial, Dorus' knuckles go pale as he tries to resist his vampiric urges. They subside, but for only a few moments before the hunger returns. He quickly finishes the vial, but the tinges of hunger remain. Dorus sneaks from Alora’s tiny hut and begins to pray in the only way he knows how -- Reps for Eldath. He can feel his goddess or is that just his own vampiric delusions. Dorus feels the hunger begging to stir in his stomach once more remembering Huther had said the vials may not go as far due to his large stature. Dorus drinks half the remaining vial -- only half a vial left -- this is not good. The hunger seems to be at ease. Returning to the hut Dorus eventually returns to slumber.
The morning sun begins to lighten the sky. Krom, an early bird by nature, wakes Dorus to talk. Krom missed his good friend -- years have passed for Krom since they had seen one another. They reminisce about the good days and Dorus fills him in on the insanity he had seen in such a short time with this party. Their ears perk up -- voices in the distance. Krom and Dorus wake the party telling them to be quiet. Does Alora look older? No time for this now.
Two dirty gnolls meander along an old dirt trail. One of them is clearly missing its bottom jaw. He is bone thin and trips when he walks. The other, much larger walks in front. He swings a rusty blade halfheartedly at branches and grass as he continually speaks. "Boss says we need to find them or we are on tonight's menu. He can't eat all of us now can he." The other gnoll barely registers the conversation. "We are too thin back at camp if you ask me. They ain't even trying to get that thing from the bank that the boss wants. Never seen him so angry." Just then a young hyena rushes past them right up to the edge of the hut; its nose drips a greenish mucus as it sniffs. Does it smell them? Then its head turns as it rushes past into the bushes nearby and begins to rummage and root. "Snot what'd you find over there." Snot does not answer as it continues to snort and growl. "Snot… back here now!" The larger gnoll is not happy with the lack of response. The young hyena comes rushing out of the woods with a human torso in its maw… as it runs past the hut an arm disconnects from the torso and falls to the ground -- a piece of paper gripped in a closed fist. The gnolls and their young hyena continue down the path, clueless that their prey had been only feet away, with a very satisfied Snot prancing in the lead with a human torso in its bloodied mouth.
Once the coast is clear, Dorus sneaks out of the hut. Unfurling the stiff fingers Dorus quickly retrieves the note and rushes back to the magical hut’s safety. The note appears to be ripped from a larger page, bloody fingerprints bleed through the page. The note reads: Get Help!!! The artifact must remain safe! No matter the cost! Beside the message are listed a few words. Benny, Oleanders, Jonas, and Brazenbull. On the opposite side a strange scrawling: B7 Add Low. Unsure what any of the note means, the group begins to discuss a plan on how to enter the bank -- they need to retrieve whatever it is the gnolls want so badly. They decide to scout the bank, Jarnigol Holdings, before they make a decision on how to proceed.
Even Mokon knows a live person can’t be just an arm and torso so he decides to investigate the source. Walking only seconds into a group of shrubs he finds the rest of the corpse. Although it has nothing of importance as far as loot, it does have an interesting patch on the sleeve of the remaining arm -- a Jarnigol Holdings emblem. He heads back to the hut with the newfound knowledge.
A strange ethereal music begins to play. There is no source. There is no direction. “Umm what is the amazing music? '', Torin asks. ALMOST everyone is uncertain. As the group listens and tries to figure out the cause the music fades and is gone. Alora stands revealing that she truly has aged once more during her sleep appearing to be around 21-22 years old. (Torins eyes instantly show his disapproval.) Her clothes cling tightly to her body. (Torin’s eyes instantly show interest.) Alora returns her focus to Torin blaming the musical incident on the young halfling who, in Alora’s defense, is notorious for making bad, random, and uncontrolled magical decisions. Torin swears it is not him as he hangs tightly to the patchwork robe Alora had gifted him the night before and of which Torin had become attuned to over his night time slumber. Alora tries to convince Torin that she only let him borrow the robe to stay warm during the night. Torin counter-convinces her that he had lost ALL of his belongings and he had been through so much over the last month. With a sigh, Alora concedes. Torin clings to the Alora smelling robe tightly.
Just then, Dorus feels an intense pain on his wrist. He looks down to see the last leaves from his Eldath bangle wither and fall. The bangle begins to squirm on his wrist as the roots from the armband begin to dig deep into his forearms. Dorus feels intense pain throughout his body as if his veins are becoming solid. His body is racked in pain as roots explode and rip through his flesh. His joints become rigid and unmovable as roots burst from his legs and feet anchoring him deep into the earth. Dorus skin becomes dry and rough as it turns into bark. After only a few moments the tips of two ivory tusks and a wide leafless loxodon tree are all that remain of Dorus. Everything happened so fast the group had little time to react. Torin begins to crawl over his best loxodon friend's body, eagerly trying to find a way “in” to help Dorus. During which time his foot slips breaking off a small branch from Dorus body -- a trickle of blood appears at the break. Nom, expecting the worst, wraps her arms around the Dorus-tree. She hears a thumb, and then another. Is that a very slow heartbeat? She tells the group that he is still alive.
Nom then, in very Nom fashion, asks Torin to try to magically free Dorus knowing that Torin’s magic is more miss than hit when it comes to ideal outcomes. Torin also knows his magic is a bit… spastic, still he tries. Closing his eyes he begins to hum and ask the ether to help his friend. He slams his hands down where Dorus head probably would be if he weren’t currently a tree. The group watches as barren branches begin to bud and blossom, thousands of leaves begin to sprout, and strangely thousands of frogs begin to overrun the area. Torin watches the group with one partially open eye hoping for positive reactions -- he receives more confused looks than anything else. Nom decides she’s had enough and hucks a small rock at Torin squarely hitting him between the eyes. The halfling tumbles from the top of the loxodon-shaped tree landing in a puddle of frogs. He quickly stands brushing amphibians from his clothing and picking them from his hair.
Then, as quickly as it had started the frogs begin to hop away. The group watches as the leaves from Dorus branches begin to wither and die. Branches begin to curl and blacken as does the bark on the tree’s trunk. Within moments standing before them is a noticeably larger and more earthly Dorus. Green highlights flow through his hair, the bangle around his forearm now lush with leaves once more.
Dorus begins to explain that Eldath had come to him and even though most gods do not meddle in the lives of mortals, she cannot stand by to watch the land be destroyed by the gnoll blight. She has deemed Dorus her champion to destroy the gnoll infestation once and for all. He also explains his vampirism is no more. The group feels empowered although still unsure how to vanquish the gnoll threat -- an artifact that the gnoll leader Arkak wants is a good place to start.
Following the river they approach the city once more. Krom laughingly mentions the gnolls would definitely not think they would go back to the place they had just fled. From high on a raised riverbank, right outside the city walls, and with a clear view of the harbor and Jarnigol holdings, the group sees only two guards. This is a much different sight than they had seen the night before when a long line of gnolls stretched from the main entrance. The larger gnoll is on his hands and knees playfully pouncing toward (and missing) a brightly colored butterfly. The smaller angrier looking gnoll yells at the first, “Get back to your post. What if the boss sees you acting stupid.” There is no response, the bright blue, red, and yellow butterfly is clearly more important.
Mokon has a plan. He’ll put them into a magic slumber. Alora and Krom will knock down their health right before the spell takes hold. The only problem is that the two gnolls need to be closer to one another for the spell to work the way it is intended. Dorus has a plan telling the group to wait for an opportunity to strike. Using his new druidic abilities, Dorus shapeshifts into a giant purple octopus and slides into the river. His companions watch as he approaches the dock, close to the gnoll guards. Dorus tentacles begin to rattle the dock and splash in the water. The gnolls tilt their heads in confusion and approach. Two arrows fly from the distance. The first hits the smaller gnoll in the chest, the second pierces the ribs of the larger foe. Just as they begin to yelp in pain their eyes roll back in their heads and they fall fast asleep. The coast is clear and the crew approaches (except Torin and Echo who stay safely on the outskirts of town). A thick suctioned tentacle pulls the larger gnoll into the river who is quickly dispatched by Krom’s blade, Nom’s blad takes care of the second. Some might say, curiosity killed the gnolls.
The SOP stand before a foreboding keep. High stone walls are adorned with unmanned ballistas. A massive crane hangs overhead -- used to move items from ship to shore no doubt. Two wide iron gates oppose their entry. A minecart sits idly on a wooden track that disappears under the right gate. Dorus explains the minecart is used to bring larger valuable items to the vaults within then points out two levers beside each gate. Although Dorus has never been inside Jarnigol Holdings he has seen the levers pulled to open the gates. Hoping there is less resistance inside the building Alora pulls the left lever. The great iron gate groans to life as slowly great gears lift the massive door upward -- no gnolls. Mokon takes the lead and is met with another massive vault door -- this one circular shaped with two large keyholes. He quickly notices keys will not be necessary as the door is slightly ajar. He pulls, the door moans open introducing a long hallway with an identical vault door at the end. Mokon, feeling this hallway is a great place for a trap, removes one of his boots and throws it down the hall -- nothing happens. He collects his boot, walks up to the second vault door, and again pulls it open. Another room… and another vault door. He repeats his actions opening the third door -- again, no traps. As the large door grinds open, Mokon and his companions (who had followed at a safe distance) see a larger room. A large boulder sits against the far wall -- a thick vein of gold glimmers in its center. A plaque beside it reads “Jarnigol Holdings founded in 1410 by Warren Jarnigol with the riches from a gold vein unearthed by his father Fendrus Jarnigol.” A large elevator waits in the center of the room. A small desk with an ornate book of visitation is located in the corner of the room. Nom and Dorus take a little time to investigate the desk -- they find nothing of value, but do take the visitation book. Investigating the elevator reveals a panel with the labels G, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6. Assuming the panel references floors (of which the G is currently lit in red) they choose to go to B6 (presumably six floors down). The group squeezes into the elevator -- a tight fit considering Dorus is still a giant octopus. Luckily, octopuses are extremely squishy. Alora pushes the button labeled B6. A large metal door closes as the elevator rattles to life and begins to move downward.
After a short ride (although it did feel longer since a slightly damp Loxopus was very handsy on the way down) the elevator stops and the metal door opens to reveal a large room filled with a greenish liquid. A large pipe with a round handled wheel juts out from the fluid. Octo-Dorus crawls past his friends and into the water -- he notices nothing unusual albeit a slightly stagnant taste. He tries to open the pipe, but is unable -- clearly only the strongest of beings could open this tightly closed latch. As Dorus investigates the underwater section of the room further he realizes there is another pipe below the surface -- similar to the one above except it seems to run horizontal instead of vertical. He takes a moment to spin the wheel (this one is quite loose) and opens the door. He then follows the pipe for a few minutes-- nothing remarkable is found -- just a straight length of pipe as far Dorus could tell. Krom, couldn’t help but notice Dorus struggling with the above-water pipe wheel moments ago, he hops over to try his hand, avoiding the water. Krom grips the wheel with two strong hands, squares his stance, tightens his core and prepares mentally for the challenge. With a grunt he pulls. The locking wheel Dorus has struggled with so desperately moments ago opens so very very easily, it almost opens itself. Krom is reassured of his superior strength. Dorus gives a “pfffft-big-deal” out of his siphon (the jet propulsion and breathing hole of an octopus) and crawls into the second pipe -- this time Dorus runs into a dead end about 15ft downward. Unsure of the rooms' purpose, the adventurers regroup at the elevator.
B7 low add-- the bloodied note -- what could that mean. Mokon, although not known as the most cerebral member of the group, often has unexpected moments of genius. What if he pushes multiple buttons at once that add up to seven. He tries B3 and B4 -- the buttons stay red for a moment then fade. He tries B5 and B2 -- again they light and fade. B6 and B1 -- nothing. Mokon tries every two button combination that adds up to seven -- nothing happens.
Dorus then motions for the group to get into the elevator. His tentacles wave in unison… quite the site really. All but Krom go into the elevator -- time to split the party. Dorus pokes the B5 button. The elevator door closes and the platform moves upward. Unfortunately, the thick piece of metal for the door has no seams, is extremely heavy and thick, and leaves no spaces to look downward in case there is another floor below. It was worth a shot.
Alora, Mokon, and Nom ride upward. The elevator opens to a glimmering room that holds perhaps twenty to twenty-five small individual vaults all aligned in perfect rows. Each vault is about five feet tall by four feet wide. Nom uses all the strength she possesses to stay inside the elevator -- so much potential loot. Mokon hits the B6 button as the golden room disappears from view.
The group is together once more. Dorus had some time to think and as we all know, an Octoloxo doesn’t soon forget. What if it isn’t a two button combination for B7, what if it is a three button combination. Dorus pushes the lowest value three numbers that add to seven -- B1, B2, and B4. The buttons turn red and the elevator begins to rumble. Quickly Krom and Dorus squeeze into the elevator. The door closes and the elevator begins to move downward.
The downward ride seems… long, much longer than the entire ride from the ground floor to B6 -- strange.
The door begins to open. The group is blinded by gold. So much gold. And gems. And diamonds. And sapphires. And more gold! The room is much larger than the others above and the floor is completely covered in riches. Gold nuggets bigger than a human head. Diamonds as big as your fist. Dorus' body returns to loxodon form, was it because the spell had run its course or the shock of the room -- we will never know. Krom and Nom wade into the hip deep mound of wealth. They pause for a moment and then begin filling their pockets. Dorus quickly picks up three large diamonds, storing them in his pack. Alora notices two items of interest toward the back of the room. A diamond that puts all other diamonds to shame. A diamond that stands at least five feet tall and equally as wide. This must be the diamond Milbin had spoken about. And a golden dome covered stone pedestal. The stone pedestal looks out of place in a room such as this. She approaches, wading and walking past the unfathomable fortune. The artifact Arkak is after, must be inside. She begins to investigate the pedestal noticing nothing strange. It appears to be flat stone -- no markings and no writing. Alora looks upward to see two blades slowly move past her head as Nom lifts the dome from the pedestal. Alora doesn’t even have enough time to stop her before she hears a hissing sound from all directions. The room is completely engulfed in flames as the dome’s trap is triggered as a collective yell of pain and anger reverberates from the golden walls. The fires extinguish as Nom drops the dome -- it lands precisely back on the pedestal. (Nom is nothing if not predictable.) Mokon, the only one who is not frolicking in riches waits quietly (and currently smoldering) at the elevator hears a loud click. That can’t be good.
The air feels thin. It is difficult to get a full breath. Although the group can breathe, it feels labored. Thanks Nom.
Alora has a safer plan. She takes a few moments to magically cast her impenetrable tiny hut during which time Dorus casts a spell to find traps -- he tells the group the dome is trapped sarcastically. Alora’s tiny hut fades into existence and the group enters. This time Nom and Alora use mage hands to lift the dome. Nothing happens -- the trap had already been triggered. The dome falls to the ground. Nothing. There is nothing inside. Nom begins to frantically brush the flat pedestal with her magic hand. Something falls to the floor scattering a pile of gold coins. Dorus exits the hut running his hand across gold and gems until he feels something rough, something jagged, something invisible. He picks up the item -- it is large. Not heavy, but large. It curves into a spiral. The ends are hollow. There are at least three holes. Alora decides to end the guessing game by casting dispel magic. The invisibility on the item begins to subside revealing multiple growing areas visibility. Seconds later Dorus is holding a large horn, from what beast he did not know. This twisted, bone-like horn is adorned with demonic runes. Three rough holes have been bored into its surface with a seemingly random placement. Dorus, usually one who thinks actions through, brings the horn toward his lips, but instead of the horn touching his lips he feels Aloras palm. She tells Dorus what a stupid idea it would be to blow this horn without knowing what it does and that it is something Arkak wants -- so that’s not good. Dorus reconsiders putting the large horn in his pack.
With the danger seemingly gone, Alora lets the hut fade from existence.
It is getting more difficult to breathe.
The last order of business before they all suffocate, get the giant diamond for Milbin. Alora pulls Chester from around her back where he waits in a form very much like a backpack. Chester opens his multiple different sized eyes as they blink haphazardly. A wide toothy maw opens as if to smile. Alora explains to Chester that the diamond here is a little larger than the red diamond from the volcano -- she is unsure if it understands. Chester looks around, hops down from Alora’s hands as little legs sprout from the bottom of its form. Chester skitters across the room, over gold and gems, stopping in front of the humongous diamond. It looks at the task at hand, and then back at Alora. With a wiggle Chester hops to the top of the diamond and begins to engulf it fully -- very impressive. As Chester’s mouth gets to the bottom the Nom and Dorus realize Chester can’t close its mouth because the diamond is flat on the ground. With a shove the diamond falls to the side along with Chester and is gone -- completely swallowed by the young mimic.
Time to find a way out. As if it were that easy. The ground begins to quake as an explosion of teeth and gold erupts from below and a long tendrilled tongue wraps around Krom.