The party plunged into the aftermath of their recent triumph over Callido, surveying the spoils of their hard-fought battle. Among the treasures, they uncovered a set of +1 resilient full plate armor and the keys that Callido had carried. Recognizing the potential of the armor’s Resiliency Rune, they swiftly transferred it to Slych, whose previous gear lacked such fortitude. With their captive secured in the same cell where they had once discovered a tiefling, the party made their way to Yldaris, eager for rest and to finalize rune transfers.
After a brief respite, Slych donned the upgraded armor, now imbued with the Resiliency Rune. Meanwhile, Adam’andiél and Slych enhanced their weapons with +2 runes, and Adam’andiél acquired a Greater Crushing Rune for his staff, granting him the power to inflict debilitating effects on his foes. They reviewed their knowledge of ghost weaknesses, confirming that force, Ghost Touch, vitality, and spirit damage would strike true against incorporeal enemies. However, they learned that the Flaming Striking Hellforge Glaive’s rune could not be transferred, a minor setback in their preparations.
Returning to the Vault Level, the party discovered three locked doors. Using Callido’s keys, they opened the first door to reveal a dusty mechanism resembling a lighthouse lantern. The second door led them into an old armory, where they found a +2 resilient chain shirt, a +2 battleaxe, and an adamantine warhammer—treasures that would surely bolster their strength. The third room unveiled three iron chests brimming with wealth: 100 platinum, 500 gold, and a staggering 8,000 silver pieces.
Back in town, the group upgraded their gear, with Rhys applying a +2 rune to his astral weapon, while Shadow Bell and Adam’andiél enhanced their armor and gear. In the Books Room, Adam’andiél stumbled upon journals authored by Belcorra, filled with occult lore and dire warnings about the dangers of uniting four powerful lenses, which could attract the attention of Nhimbaloth—a chilling revelation.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, the party approached a previously unpickable black-stone door, using a Skull-Shaped Key that activated a mossy transformation to unlock it. Entering the Throne Hall, they were met by a skeletal figure that beckoned them to follow, ominously declaring “Trials” as it led them onward. They traversed a moss-filled chamber and arrived at a Trial Chamber dominated by a cracked jade statue.
As they pressed forward, ghostly Spectres emerged, launching poison-tipped darts and inflicting frightful pressure upon the party. Rhys engaged a spectre, striking with his astral weapon, while Slych repositioned and unleashed Vitality Blasts against their foes. Adam’andiél opened another door, entering Whirlwind Stance to combat the Spectres, while Shadow Bell cast her spells to damage and eliminate one of the spectral threats.
The battle escalated as Spectres continued their relentless assault, and Rhys suffered a critical hit that knocked him unconscious—a heart-stopping moment for the party. Slych bravely moved through a spectre to heal Rhys, bringing him back into the fray. Adam’andiél and Shadow Bell pressed on, striking down the remaining Spectres with determination. Ultimately, the party emerged victorious, all Spectres defeated, but not without a cost.
After taking time to heal, the group ventured deeper, discovering two grime-crusted copper tubes and a locked west door. Slych deftly picked the lock, revealing a portal chamber adorned with swirling silver runes and an animated golem statue. The golem attacked fiercely, but their initial attempts to damage it proved futile. A tactical withdrawal ensued as they regrouped, planning to return with the right spells to confront this formidable foe.
Their exploration continued as they opened a southern door, revealing a chamber filled with bubbling magma pools. Four Magma Scorpions emerged, and the party quickly sprang into action. Rhys delivered a critical opening strike, while Slych unleashed area blasts to damage multiple foes. Adam’andiél showcased his agility, leaping across the lava, and Shadow Bell confirmed the scorpions’ vulnerability to cold damage.
As the battle raged on, the party coordinated their attacks with precision, and Shadow Bell unleashed a powerful Tempest Surge, dealing significant damage to the scorpions. Slych delivered the final blow, slaying the last magma scorpion and bringing the night’s exploration to a triumphant close. With all threats neutralized, the party prepared to heal and regroup, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.