33 - 12/17

The new caves seem to be infested with some sort of withering presence, with the river flowing through rapidly shifting from freshwater to that of a swamp. The group first explored west, but only found that the water was flowing from a completely submerged tunnel. To the east, a large black lake lie in an enormous cavern, with small ledges skirting its exterior. In the middle was a large island glimmering with gold and silver, as well as a large burning brazier. Believing this their adverasiers lair, the group carefully considered their options before Valerie began shouting. The group hoped to descend into the depths to find Shane, but the dragon would likely take its prizes and leave before they returned.   Hoping to taunt it towards the edge where they had an advantage, Valerie shouted insults out into the darkness, but while the dragon seemed to acknowledge their presence she refused to come closer to the shore. Finally Valerie led the way along the shore, and finally the large black dragon rose from the depths.    The battle began, Valerie taking up a defensive posture while the rest of the group hailed the dragon with bullets and spells. The dragon supernaturally invoked darkness, swirling insects and grasping tendrils from the lake itself to assault its enemies. Nyx got some well placed shots off, Nitru used her fire magic and Amauris called lightning from the high vaulted ceiling. Valeries taunts seemed to work, as the dragon used the cover of the lake it periodically popped up to breath its devastating acid breath on the paladin.    Valerie finally fell to the horrible breath from the drake, but Nitrus fire elemental companion managed to teleport her away before the dragon could finish her off. With a few more well placed shots from Nyx, it seemed the dragon had enough and under the cover of darkness it managed to retreat into the darkness. The hoard was theirs, but still no sign was found of their friend.   The group decided to divvy up the treasure and rest to regain some spells, as the eternal flame was far to heavy to lift without Aumaris's enlarge spell. A plan was discussed, the entire group would return the Eternal Flame to Storms Call, and after rearming and regrouping in town, they would return to the underdark connection and plunge into the darkness in search of their friend.