Date: 10/21/08

XP Awarded: 428 (Gob, Kiria, Signore), 215 (Deivon)

Start: The tunnels below Sandpoint, about two weeks after the goblin raid.

The high-pitched cackling rises into a shriek of rage, and the party sees a small, green, demonic creature hovering over the pool at the back of the room. Before they can react, the creature slits its wrist and dribbles blood into the bubbling, glowing pool. The light from the pool dims noticeably, and a creature climbs out of the same type the party had fought previously. As it rushes towards the party, the demonic creature fades from sight. Deivon engages the creature that climbed from the pool, as the invisible flying creature casts a spell to summon a group of dog-sized giant spiders that swarm over Deivon, Gob, and Signore. As the adventurers battle the giant spiders, the flying spellcaster becomes briefly visible again as she casts a spell to shatter Deivon's greatsword; fortunately he is able to resist the magic, and rushes to attack the creature, but it disappears before he can land a solid blow. The others have almost finished dispatching the giant spiders when the invisible spellcaster summons a giant scorpion that quickly traps Gob in its claws. As Deivon and Signore fight to free him, Deivon continues to hunt the invisible spellcaster as she flies around the room. Eventually he corners her, and she spits a disgusting wad of acidic spittle at him that almost disables him from nausea. As the rest of the party defeat the giant scorpion, rescuing Gob from it's claws, they join the battle against the flying demonic creature. With the help of his teammates, Deivon manages to land a solid blow, and the demonic creature dissolves in a whiff of sulphuric smoke and disgusting green goo. The party returns to the cathedral to seek healing from Father Zantus, then rest overnight in the Rusty Dragon inn.

The next morning they return to the tunnels and thoroughly explore the complex to ensure it is free of monsters; the only activity is the pool still filled with glowing, bubbling water. Gob takes a sample of the freezing cold water. The party continues into the smugglers' tunnels below Sandpoint and follow them on, finding a collapsed side tunnel along the way. Eventually they reach a dead end, but Kiria's keen elven eyes pick out an irregularity in the stone wall that seems to indicate a hidden door. After some searching, the party finds a secret door that opens into a large cavern overlooking the Varisian Bay from inside the cliffs on which Sandpoint is built. Several crude goblin beds are found here, along with the disgusting remains of goblin meals.

The adventurers return to discuss their findings with Sheriff Hemlock and Mayor Deverin. They are very surprised and concerned to hear about some sort of unholy cathedral located under the center of their town. Mayor Deverin agrees to send brickworkers down to close off the tunnels with masonry, including the secret entrance from the sea cave. Sheriff Hemlock is worried about the goblin threat at Thistletop, and urges the party to travel there soon to try to disrupt the goblins' plans.

After resting for another day and purchasing provisions for the half-day trip, the group sets out the next morning. The brisk morning soon warms, and the travel along the Lost Coast road is quick. When the party reaches the Thistle river valley, they turn off the caravan trail and head into the overgrown tangles of the Nettlewood. With Signore and Kiria leading the way, the party avoids the worst of the swampy ground. As they make their way between the thorny thickets, they run into a small group of goblins. After a moment of surprise, the goblins surge forward to attack the intruders. Kiria and Deivon make quick work of the goblins with their blades, and Signore and Gob lay down covering fire. Soon the goblins are retreating, and although Deivon and Signore cut down a few of the fleeing goblins, at least two escape into the thick overgrowth.

After a couple more hours of travel through the woods, Kiria finds what appears to be a narrow trail, and the party follows it to the coast, coming into a small sheltered area underneath the briars that grow to the height of trees. The crashing of waves can be heard through the undergrowth, but no sign of the coast can be seen. After exploring a couple other narrow trails that lead from the sheltered area, the group searches for a bit, and Kiria finds what appears to be a trap door made of prickly thistles.

Inside is a small tunnel filled with the cloying smell of filthy animals. Signore and Gob move into the muddy tunnels, but Kiria and Deivon have to hunch over to avoid the tearing thorns.