Upon returning to their stronghold, Rolann, Boarstack, Kelderrin and Marcus discover that there are some new recruits who are willing to help them track down the murderer in the asylum. Kyrin the half-elf bard, Zoe the drow ranger and [name?] the svirfneblin wizard join the ranks of the party.
A messenger arrives to bring dark news as to the fate of the guards left to protect the asylum. The party rushes over and finds the guards laying lifeless on the ground. With grim determination, the band heads down into the darkness of the subterranean complex beneath the asylum.
As they navigate the tunnels below, the group eventually come to a large pool of water that is marked by the slumped remains of a body. While Kelderrin carefully tries to investigate the scene with his mage hand, the [svirfneblim]’s curiosity draws him to look into the pool. To reward his inquisitiveness, three large Chuul burst out of the water. This results in a pitched battle where the party is able to beat down these monstrous [lobster-like] creatures.
Zoe decides to scout ahead with Kelderrin close at her side. As she comes into a juncture, she investigates a large cavern to find the exits blocked by a gelatinous cube and [an ooze]. Kelderrin misty steps into the room to join Zoe while the rest of the party battles the [ooze] on the north side of the cavern. After having Boarstack’s armor being severely damaged by acid and Zoe nearly engulfed by the gelatinous cube, the party eventually prevails.
The brave companions push further into the cave and eventually reach a strange cavern with two levels. In the center of the lower level is a tall rock structure that resembles a column. On the other side of this structure is a magical circle that glows with sinister menace. Beyond the magic circle is a workshop with several desks, papers and a fleshy humanoid body that appears to be made with second-hand parts…both figuratively and literally.
Kelderrin melts into the shadows and begins investigating the room. His companions saunter into the room after him. Once again, the svirfneblim’s cat-like curiosity draws him towards the workshop.
As the svirfneblim reaches the desks, the fleshy creature rises up from the table and tries attacking the deep gnome. Without regard to his own safety, Boarstack charges forward to confront the flesh golem. Rolann, also without regard to his own safety, rushes in to stand by Boarstack’s side.
Unfortunately, that means standing on the magic circle. As Rolann’s boots touch the glowing runes of the magic circle, lightning lances out to strike Boarstack and the svirfneblim. The poor deep gnome is fried beyond recognition and his burnt body collapses to the ground. Rolann steps out of the magic circle.
Then, the mysterious killer makes his sinister appearance on the second level of the cavern. Kelderrin, who had been investigating this level, sees the dark shadowy figure of the killer and its glowing eyes. Without regard to his own dignity, Kelderrin runs screaming away from the killer.
A terrific battle ensues in which Marcus uses both his clerical magic and defensive skills to hold off the killer. Boarstack and Rolann fight the flesh golem. Zoe leaps to the top of the stone column to rain down arrows. Kyrin provides inspiration for the group and also uses his magic to attack the enemies. Kelderrin resorts to his tried and true tactics of hit, run and hide.
During the battle, Rolann once again steps onto the circle. There is sound of magic ringing in the air as a powerful enchantment is activated.
To the horror of the party, the holy paladin is mightily morphed into a holy cow before them. Despite this inconvenience, Rolann continues to battle with bovine bravery.
Notwithstanding this unusual turn of events, the party manages to defeat the mysterious killer and to somehow restore some semblance of safety to the slums of Luskan.
recap by Chris
