"So what are we going to do about the Guru?" Kazandra asks, belying her respect for the Dwarven preacher.
"We forge on," commands Taran, "and hope we find him in one piece."
"Do you mean find the Guru in one piece, or we find him whilst WE'RE still in one piece?" Lotto quips.
"Both." Taran hefts his axe, and leads on into the scorching environment of the Fire Node.
Although protected by Sahrim's ability to modify the temperature in the immediate area, you can see a heat haze by your light. Wisps of smoke and ash contribute to the searing that you can feel in your stomach, if not on your skin.
Your next encounter is with six Fire Giants. Not your first time against this type of enemy, but this is the best home advantage they are likely to get.
Chris Bright manages to confuse two of them with a dweomer of his; Pan targets a couple of lightning bolts well; and soon you have your victory. An oil, a philter, and a Scroll of Protection vs Cold are found.
Lysander suggests, "I think we've got what we came for, and I'd feel a lot more comfortable heading back to what we thought was the Water Node entry point. I'm like a fish out of water. Literally."
Now, switching to water environment protection, a recon team is formed.
Lysander, Arnie, Pan, Sahrim (as a dolphin), Lotto, and Chris Bright start a patrol.
Water Elementals have a distinct advantage when completely immersed in water. A haste spell, getting to nearby land, and a few whacks with a Staff of Striking, are exactly what you need to set a level playing field. And then kill them.
Sahrim (now the crocodile), soon after the foam settles, manages to sniff out a submerged entrance to a shelf sitting about 10' above the water line. Here you find another gate, in the shape of a triangle.
A brief conflict with a clan of sea ogres ensues, with Chris Bright taking 4 out with a Color Spray, and Arnie taking care of the bulk of what's left the old fashioned way. A little bit of the ol' "smasho's".
Now here's some interesting finds: a silver plated sea shell serving plate; a metal sea chest; a bronze ocean fisherman sculpture; a bronze nude nymph sculpture; a set of brass ocean shells drawer pulls; and a pair of brass sail boat book ends.
"Are you guys going to be able to keep this pace up?" Lysander asks.
Although he could easily survive this environment, he sensibly reminds his companies of their relative frailties.
"Not a problem," Chris Bright replies confidently.
"You have a plan then?" Arnie asks, recovering quickly from his earlier ogre work.
"Well, Leomunds Tiny Hut is the answer. A couple of them actually."
Chris smirks his satisfaction as the master of the utility spell.
The recon team heads back to the group. "So...Chris...make with the Hut's already," Pan demands impatiently.
"Oh I don't have any memorised."
Silence.
"Well what the hell good is that? We're gonna have to survive 8 hours while you have a nap!" Taran snaps impatiently.
"2 hours. I don't need much sleep. Anyway...goodnight all!" Chris settles into a comfortable position and shades his eyes.
11 hours later, and everyone is back on deck, recharged, Stoneskinned, and Strength'd, as available.
Taran leads on into another hidden grotto, and after dealing with some of the stranger elemental inhabitants, recovers a carnelian gem, believed to be of some importance to the mission at hand.
Ten water-gargoyles are despatched soon after, with the help of Pan's Web. A pendant, a potion, and a halberd are recovered.
Fourteen marine ghouls are also short work, with a devasting Turn by Lotto, and the follow-up hand-to-hand pummelling. The yield: 2384sp, Scroll - Protection vs Cold, Scroll - Protection vs Undead, Scroll of Priest Spells: Illusory Artillery; Solipsism; Prot v Evil; Continual Darkness.
And finally in this chapter, 2 saltwater versions of the Umber Hulk.
Pan's opening Wall of Ice turned out to be twice as effective as expected, having something to do with the environment you are in. Taran, both Enlarged, and Hasted, soon cuts the mighty beasts down. The treasure: 7061pp; black ceramic day of the dead skull; bird and mushroom porcelain figurine; mushroom cap sterling silver pepperettes; brass elf on mushroom doorknocker; violet aranaceous teapot; white ochre wash death mask figure.
What next?
Explore the node further? Head for the exit? Cash in your chips?
Saturday 18 June 2011, we shall find out.
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