Our heroes escorted the caligni safely out of the vaults, before turning their attention to the strange magic Torren had detected near the area with the riding lizards. As Ptepses approached in his dragon form, the creatures instinctively backed away, sensing the danger. The heroes advanced further, ultimately cornering the lizards, which reacted with hostility. In the ensuing battle, Torren unleashed flames, scorching the creatures as they fought to escape. Some perished, others fled, and a few were successfully captured by the heroes.
Determined to unravel the mystery behind Torren’s magical discovery, the party investigated a hollow-sounding area behind a wall. Dreg proposed trying multiple languages to trigger an entrance, but the group opted for brute force instead, attempting to break through physically—only to fail. Eventually, Torren dispelled the magic, allowing them to crack the entrance open at last.
Weary from their efforts, the heroes retreated to the caligni lodge for a well-earned rest. During their downtime, they explored a small boathouse, uncovering both treasure and an undead gnome. The creature wasted no time attacking, declaring its intent to steal their souls. Despite its ominous threats, it proved to be little more than a nuisance, falling swiftly to the party’s strength.
Upon returning to their secret tunnel, the heroes found it barricaded. Carefully breaking through, they discovered drow waiting on the other side. Initially met with hostility, the atmosphere shifted once Falxi was mentioned. The drow, recognizing the group as allies of Falxi, relaxed and went to retrieve him. Falxi greeted them warmly, and the party was soon introduced to Quara, the leader of the drow. They had they listened to Dreg they would have been able to get in much more easily, as the door would open for anyone who spoke elvish..
As discussions unfolded, the seers of the drow spoke up, offering vital information about the lenses, the Ghost Queen, and the Empty Death—cryptic revelations hinting at the deeper mysteries yet to be uncovered. Understanding the importance of these newfound allies, the heroes agreed to ally themselves with the drow for the next stage of their journey.
With new bonds forged and long-hidden truths beginning to surface, the heroes brace themselves for the challenges ahead in the vaults’ darkest depths.