Session 40: Beast that eats Black Stone Report

General Summary

The party is escorted back to Clan Lord Motoud Woldgrog, where they are welcomed with open arms, (except the elves). They are thanked for clearing the mines are are each given a 500 gp diamond for their services to the dwarven clan hold. They are then told that their entry into the Under Road will be much more difficult. They are told they may have entry only if they agree to taking a Binding Oath to never speak or share of what they see down below. The party is slightly suspicious on this, but agree knowing this would be the safest and quickest way to make it to Sanctuary.   The party is escorted to the neighboring temple to Otarr. Here they join in on the ceremony that ensures their secrecy. After the Oaths are sworn, Clan Lord Motoud Woldgrog is quite excited to take them to the Under Road and see the party off. As they are escorted through the city, they realize that the entrance to the Under Road is even more fortified compared to the actually front gate. Odd, but whatever is down there must be a secret worth keeping. Descending down a ramp capable of moving carts they find themselves face to face with multiple metal carts that dwarf a simple cart, all attached to a large black iron beast on the front giving off black smoke. Clan Lord Motoud Woldgrog informs the party this is the dwarves newest invention that he himself created. He calls it a train. It is powered by a black rock known as coal, that feeds a boiler that uses steam to move pistons to create locomotion. The exact technical details are quite complicated and most of the party has trouble keeping up with them. With this Clan Lord Motoud Woldgrog shows the party what car they will be riding and also shown that the car in front of them is the bar car where they can find food and refreshments. The Clan Lord leaves them to some dwarves who get the party onto the train before they kick off to Vor Koduhr.   The trip lasts a break neck speed of only 8 hours, which is incredible given it would have taken over a week of traveling on foot to make it to the second dwarven clan hold. On the car they spend some time exploring and marvelling at the fast moving scenery before them. When they arrive they find themselves escorted by yet more Dwarves who place the party in a private room to share. They are provided with some basic provisions and water.   The next day the dwarves inform the party the entire valley has been completely overrun with undead and that they will not be able to travel easily within the woods. They open 2 of their shops to the party and allow them to purchase some supplies before kicking them out and wishing them good luck. The party pushes on through the blowing snow of winter and are ambushed 6 or so hours later by a group of Cold Light Walkers. They prove to be a very dangerous foe and the party is pushed to the limits of their abilities.   Battered, bruised, egos a little hurt the party pushes to the entrance of the hidden cave that will take them through to Sanctuary. Travelling for almost an hour into said cave the party comes across a larger clearing where they can spread out and take a short rest. Feeling far better they party pushes further into the cave, eventually reaching a set of stairs the lead up, at the top a ruin, and inside Troglodytes. Vile creatures that are quite ghastly to fight they party begins to kill any that step into their paths. They are also ambushed by a multi headed giant folk. However he as well is a simple enough enemy and the party gets ready to push further on.