Session 17 Report

General Summary

The party explores the docks as recommended by Brennon and eventually find an entrance to the sewers located just outside the southern walls of the city. As they are deciding on their strategy for entering, including laying a hunting trap by one of the smaller sewer exits, they hear approaching steps-- both person-sized footsteps and waddling. Lil D has returned with Corbin, who gets quickly caught up with the party's plans.   Corbin offers to lead the party through the sewers, as he has knowledge of the underground network and can help them try to find where these goblins may be hiding. Along the way, Corbin inquires if they've heard any more about Keldon Margrave, who he had previously informed them had come to town. The halfling seems very interested when the party mentions they encountered him at the Innocent Doe, but is disappointed that they avoided him. Corbin says that Keldon is apparently looking more for a ring rather than his lost brother and wanted to know more about it. The voice in the back of Valqinor's head tells him not to trust the halfling.   Eventually, the group finds an abandoned section of the sewer that has fallen into disrepair-- a perfect hiding spot beneath the city. Crossing the rickety wooden planks covering a broken chasm in the sewer, the party is beset by packs of feral rats, several of which appear to be infected with some disgusting disease that causes them to a bleed a greenish and vile blood. Lephnut is infected by one of the rats during battle and begins feeling ill, though it is unclear what ailment beguiles him.   Throughout the battle, thudding sounds are heard against the locked door further down the sewer tunnels, as if some creature were fervently trying to break it down. The party triumphs over the rats, though worse for the wear.    As the party recuperates and examines their surroundings, Valqinor notices Corbin trying to pick his pocket. The rest of the party quickly springs into action, where it is revealed "Corbin" is a shapeshifter. The imposter breaks free, though not before incurring severe wounds and having acid splashed on his face that reveals momentarily his true form, and plunges himself down the abyss to get away. Lil D is sent after to follow.   Before any sense can be made of the situation, the door that has been getting battered suddenly breaks down and a strange creature that resembles a goblin but as if fused with many other bodies breaks the door...