As the party approached the Underground Lake, they spotted a Boathouse to the north and a larger Lodge to the east, the latter recognized by Rhys as the home of the Caligni, a local group. Adam’andiél moved to the Boathouse door, listening intently, only to find it locked. Calling upon Slych, the rogue set to work on the lock. After a loud failure on his first attempt, Slych’s determination paid off as he successfully unlocked the door on his second try. But as they opened it, they were met with a chilling sight: a small undead gnome, surrounded by swirling souls, shouted for them to “unlock this door!” before launching an immediate attack on Slych.
Combat erupted in a flurry of chaos as Lightwing demoralized the undead, setting the stage for the party’s assault. Rhys loosed an arrow from his longbow, but it flew wide. Shadow Bell, undeterred, cast a spell that ensnared the undead after a moment of inspiration. Recognizing the creature as a Devourer, Shadow Bell recalled its vulnerabilities. The Devourer retaliated, attempting to cast a spell on Slych, who managed to shake off its effects, albeit temporarily stupefied. Slych then unleashed a powerful blast, followed by an Aerial Boomerang, while Adam’andiél engaged with a series of strikes, landing one hit but missing the follow-up.
As the battle raged on, Rhys employed a clever tactic to discover that the Devourer had no weaknesses, yet he still managed to land a solid hit with his longbow. Shadow Bell struck with a vitality effect, injuring the undead, but the Devourer broke free from her grasp, clawing Adam’andiél for significant damage. Undeterred, Adam’andiél tripped the Devourer, while Slych unleashed a two-element blast that missed its mark. Lightwing struck with Needle Darts, and Rhys repositioned to attack with a flaming melee weapon, but the creature evaded his strike.
Shadow Bell cast a spell that dealt half damage to the Devourer, raising her shield for protection. The Devourer attempted another soul-draining claw on Adam’andiél, but he managed to resist the effect. The battle reached its climax as Adam’andiél delivered a final blow that killed the Devourer, bringing the fight in the Boathouse to a victorious end.
The party searched the Boathouse and uncovered a dagger, a +2 Potency Rune, and a feather token. After some misidentifications, they decided to use the Swan Boat Feather Token to search the lake for the lens. As they launched the swan boat, murky commotion stirred beneath the water, and two large tentacled fish erupted to attack.
Slych struck one fish with a bludgeoning and electricity infusion, gaining temporary HP, while Adam’andiél unleashed a series of strikes on another. Lightwing afflicted one fish with frightened and slowed conditions, and Shadow Bell cast a spell that hit both fish for significant damage. Rhys moved in to deliver a critical hit with his dagger, causing heavy damage and persistent bleed to one fish. The fish retaliated, biting and grabbing Slych and Rhys, but Adam’andiél’s counterattack reduced the damage to Rhys.
The fight continued with Slych unleashing elemental blasts, while Adam’andiél stunned one fish with his strikes. Shadow Bell cast a spell that zapped both fish, and Rhys delivered a final blow to the upper fish, killing it. The remaining fish attempted to swallow Slych but failed, and the party quickly dispatched it as well, identifying them as Duthorex, large tentacled fish native to the lake.
After healing, the party proceeded toward a Green Crystalline Shoreline, where they spotted a Cauthooj, an ostrich-like bird. As the Cauthooj began to sing, all but Lightwing fell into confusion, leading to chaotic friendly fire as Rhys, Shadow Bell, and Adam’andiél turned their weapons on each other. Shadow Bell attempted to pilot the boat away from the song’s range, but confusion continued to plague the party.
As the battle with the Cauthooj unfolded, Rhys managed to shoot it while remaining invisible. Amidst a flurry of self-inflicted strikes and confusion, the party began to regain control. Slych and Adam’andiél struggled against the song’s compulsion, but Rhys successfully secured the Ochre Fulcrum Lens from the water. The singing Cauthooj continued to cause confusion, leading to more chaotic attacks among the party.
Ultimately, the party managed to stabilize Adam’andiél and fend off the creature, with Rhys triumphantly securing the lens.