Day 5, What Lied Beneath

In the morning, a cart brought us to the area suspected of unsanctioned mining. We were exploring a tunnel when the floor collapsed between us and we fell into what turned out to be a large network of rooms and caves.

The tunnels were filled with plants including a massive bioluminescent moss. We encountered skeletons, twig creatures, and mud golems that all seemed to be magical constructs. They seemed to have been part of a large farming operation, with herb gathering and wine making. Some mud golems were doing experiments on a sick looking rat. We also found statues of a plant person with a mushroom head in different guises - explorer, shepherd, warrior, champion. There was also a floating ghost eel outside what seemed like a temple, maybe to the same plant person but with an overhanging shadow like to show some duality. There was an inscription - “Let the sorcerous power illuminate my spirit” - and when Janna said it in a circle therewas a burst of green and black flame but she was unharmed.

In a large silvan cavern we met ‘Kulket, the Lost Druid’. He was an older man with a staff, accompanied by a young magic woman, and a warrior man. He said since we found the place our only option was to stay and tend the garden, then he attacked! It was a tough fight, I was sprayed with poison and swallowed by a giant frog. When Tsip cut me out, Janna was standing over the dead druid and everything else had collapsed.

Looking around, Twy found some skybloom root, and I found a golden ring with a cool insignia. We also found a key to Kulket’s room and found a bunch of books and potions and plants and a imposing jet-black box with a stone inside that we all though looked different. I read about the moss and how it connected to the Skybloom and it’s druid tenders, the Skybloom Circle.

We found that came out a bit away from the skybloom and near another mine. We returned to the Mayor’s house and found Gileran, who gave us some nice items. Then, according to Janna, Gileran took the skybloom root back to his room, mixed it into a solution, dumped it on itself, transformed into a grotesque, one-winged creature, and then fled out the back window! We try to inform the house staff since the Mayor wasn’t there, but we accidentally made them all quit instead?

We realized that our transportation might be waiting at the Inn. Returning there we found Milos and made plans to meet him in Gwyllipelta. We then had a long ride with Driver McDuff to Vendt. I road on top for a bit, chatting with Gofuku. He already knew Janna was a lizard, he saw her transform in SunnyVale the night he went out with Twy! When it started to rain I got in the cart and talked to Janna, Maja, and Tsip and told them that I had a relative in trouble with the Pax. They seemed ready to help.

We finally made it to Vendt, the Steel City. Twy leads us to the Steel City Inn, were we get a suite to share. It has running water, which Maja loves! Also Tsip threw a dart at a kid. It was real bad, but Twy took care of him.

After we settled in we headed back in to the dining area for charcuterie, whiskey, and shepherd pie. The hostess Lyn joined us and told us a lot about Vendt, (and had too much rose). Seems Zalow the harbormaster might be in some trouble, confirmed by newspaper (thanks waiter Nurk). Also, someone passed a note that we’re in danger! Better stay on our toes.

We went for a walk in the rain before bed. I asked if we could go towards the docks. It was amazing watching the storm rolling in over the harbor. So massive. And powerful. It reminded me of the night I left, running out into the stormy night. I was thinking about how at least now I have people with me. I wonder how much turbulence they will tolerate.

We returned to the Steel City Inn, dried off by the fireplace, and returned to our suite. Maja did something protect the room, so hopefully we can sleep well. Did I just heard a voice (Rhaelyn?) say ‘See you soon’? That’s unsettling, but then I just wonder if you ever hear my voice? I hope so. See you soon.