The party briefly recuperates after their fight with the Black Monk at the bottom of the Black Tower. In the shivering cold, they decide that it would be best to open the puzzle case in a place where the climate is less hostile. They ascend to the main floor.
Fyn discerns that the puzzles are complex, but solvable. They spend some time trying solutions before they finally unlock the scroll tube. The Emerald Codex lies within!
Comprised of several scrolls written on wyvern hide, the Emerald Codex contains incredibly powerful spells. We’re talking GAME-CHANGING level stuff, here. Also included in the tube is a set of instructions to enter the Therassic Library, although it’s a bit late for that.
The negative levels from the fight are weighing on the heroes. Seeing their work as completed, they teleport back to Barnaby’s estate in Magnimar. They rest in the peaceful presence of the fireplace, under the watchful eye of Cloratus, Barnaby’s housekeeper.
When they awake, Krask receives a message from Father Zantus. What a surprise! He briefly mentions something about a sinkhole that’s opened up in Sandpoint. Apparently there have been evils emanating from within.
Without thinking, the party makes their way back to Sandpoint where they receive a hero’s welcome. Everyone is thrilled to have the party back in town. For a moment, at least, it seems as though the danger is forgotten.
Father Zantus, Mayor Deverin, and Sheriff Hemlock are waiting for the party in the cathedral. They explain the situation – guards were sent to investigate the sinkhole but haven’t returned. Additionally, howling sounds echo from the hole each night.
The party agrees to take a look, and they clamber down the pit. The rocky terrain isn’t too difficult to navigate, but it twists in several directions on the way down. Eventually, Krask looks down to see an opening into a room with a shallow pool.
It’s a place where they’ve been before – where the path from the Glassworks took them! This was the room where they fought Erylium. And something else has taken her place down here.
What is the cause of the massive sinkhole? Is this event tied to the Runelords? Is Sandpoint REALLY this helpless?