Session 33

Setting: Underdark Passages

The team decide they need to rest before moving on. After some well-placed fire spells from Durzo and Steam to clear the pursuing Jellies, Azoth investigates a bloody side cavern and sees a pile of bones next to a pile of gold and gems. They choose to rest in there, so Steam molds the rock to barricade themselves inside. During their watches, Steam counts the gold and gems, Edge has a brief conversation with the Frost Brand (who tells her there is plenty of evil nearby), and Durzo buries one gold coin from the pile and throws another in a pit. Rhaine gets the idea that he should go out of the cavern and continue on alone, but the barricade stops him from doing so.

After the rest, they continue on through a cramped corridor of jagged rocks for hours. It takes a lot out of them physically. Afterwards, the passage opens up and splits into two. As they debate, a voice enters their minds and suggests which path to take. Durzo and Steam go left, while Edge and Rhaine go right. Azoth decides to follow on the right. Edge and Rhaine are told that they should drop their shiny weapons and turn around. The Frost Brand intervenes and asks to take control. Edge allows it in, and breaks the mental hold. Rhaine also breaks his. They are assaulted by a Mind Flayer standing in front of them.

On the other side, 2 Mind Flayers attack Durzo and Steam. As they battle, one latches onto Steam's face with its tentacles after stunning him. It sucks the brains out of him, and Steam falls to the ground - dead. The others defeat the Mind Flayers, and race over to their fallen friend. Despite not having the Revivify spell, Durzo breaks a diamond over Steam's chest and prays to the Raven Queen. The Champion's voice responds, and asks if he's willing to give up his own soul for his friend. Durzo accepts, and Steam opens his eyes. Durzo looks down to see he's holding a purple-bladed scythe.