After a much-needed rest in town, our heroes found themselves back at the Dawnflower Library, presenting the miserable little Borbo to head priestess Vandy. She explained that Borbo’s soul was unnaturally imprisoned. Asterion, moved by the plight, decided to free Borbo, shattering the soul gem and hearing a gentle voice of gratitude, feeling a surge of empowerment. Thumper, however, disagreed and left the scene.
The group then headed to the Rowdy Rockfish for the night. Over a hearty meal, they conversed with the innkeeper, Brelda Venkerdale, learning about her missing son who vanished a year ago with a hooded figure. Despite a rocky start, Thumper charmed Brelda and secured free rooms for the night. Only needing a couple hours of rest, Thumper ventured out into the night, discovering a tunnel beneath a ruined tavern, the Thirsty Alpaca, filled with animated skeletons. He also met friendly druids at Stone Ring Pond, learning about their worship of Gozreh, and that one of their members, Worliwynn, believed the werewolf Jaul to still be alive since his body was never recovered.
Returning to the inn, Thumper mischievously scattered Bags’ candy around Torren, leading to a morning altercation where Bags bit Torren’s hand in frustration.
The heroes then explored the Thirsty Alpaca’s tunnel, finding the skeletons help up by wires and animated by clockwork. They pressed on, discovering a secret door and meeting Augrael, a morlock ghoul who feasts on other ghouls. Augrael, rejected by both ghouls and Ghost Queen Morlocks, agreed to guide them. As they passed a room with a green glow, Torren’s curiosity was piqued but left unanswered.
In the mist room, a tentacle creature attacked, but Augrael proved his loyalty by aiding in the fight. Victorious, they reached the library, encountering more ghouls, including a formidable leader who healed in a mysterious light. After a fierce battle, they discovered the light drained them but empowered the undead.