Our heroes were attacked by more of the undead gnomes, this time rising from the murky waters. Their eerie presence set the tone for the challenges ahead, but the creatures proved relatively easy to defeat, allowing the heroes to regroup and continue their exploration of the vaults.
Torren and Bags dove below the surface to investigate further, while Asterion and Dreg remained above, examining a broken cage. Their observations revealed a chilling detail: whatever had destroyed the cage had broken in, not out. Meanwhile, Bags and Torren were ambushed underwater by chu’ulothi. Bags endured a brutal assault, but together they defeated the two creatures, one of which tried to flee. Their efforts uncovered a clutch of chu’ulothi eggs before they regrouped.
Switching to exploration by boat, the party discovered coves containing hidden treasure. However, as they ventured out to claim their prize, they were ambushed by undead creatures intent on draining their life force. A fierce battle ensued, with Asterion heroically shielding his allies from harm. Tragically, his bravery came at a cost, as he fell in battle against the relentless undead.
Grieving the loss of their companion, the heroes returned to town to mourn and recuperate. To prevent Asterion from rising again as an undead, they took the necessary steps and destroyed his remains. Though deeply shaken, the group resolved to honor his sacrifice and prepare for the challenges that still awaited in the Abomination Vaults.