MERRSHAULKI

Following the odd tracks, the ranger, the paladin and the Vistana found a hidden village. Short reptilian-like creatures can be seen walking around gathering food or getting others to walk towards a giant ziggurat that appear right behind the village. At the center of the village and right before the ziggurat, a wall of green fire crackles and dances erratically. before the wall, a platform made of stones allows access to a specific plank that seems to reach the flames. The platform is 3 feet high. Over the platform, a group of people stand, without moving. Luc spots Shaman Brucian in the group and goes to him, trying to make him speak. All the people standing have eyes that are fixed and lost into the fire wall. They look very pale but are alive. The breathing is almost imperceptible.

The reptilian people become alert to the new strangers that were trying to hide and attack them. During the fight, Sir Frederich surrenders to bloodlust. The glee for killing the reptilians did not go unnoticed by the Land. Something changed in him, within him. Agis attacked, killing a few reptilians as well. His eagerness to end the reptilians also called the attention of the Land. Bot Sir Frederich and Agis are cursed by the Land. The enticement has begun for them.

A hut was lit in fire, so fire extended around the village really fast. Our four companions took advantage of the commotion (as the reptilians were concerned with the fire), running towards the back of the ziggurat. They managed to get in. The ziggurat is half done. The small reptilians are building it out of stone, and so far, have created 3 levels, and are working on the 4th and the top. On the second floor, they found a little statue that resembled the one that was taken from the lizardfolk village. In the level above they faced Merrshaulky workers. Running from them, they went down the center shaft, ending up in a pit filled with crocodiles in the "floor" and snakes in the walls. One side of the wall gives out a dim greenish light.

The crocodiles were waking up to attack. One crocodile bit Kelar's foot. But then they all took on a formation giving out the feel of a skin floor. After crackling noises and screams, and guttural roars, the giant head of a crocodile peeked from the shaft that came from up above. It looked at them and pounced forward. Its tail still stuck on the shaft, it started to try biting and slashing the companions. Sir Frederich hit him at the base of the head, almost slicing it in half. The creature immediately turned around and left. Trying to follow the creature, the companions went up the shaft, and this time Agis found a secret door thanks to following the tracks and blood trail. They came upon a room in which a man laid in the corner. The man was ripped apart. From there, the trail vanished.

Going back to the second floor, the companions met with Sandover, human with tanned dark skin. dressed in various leather pieces and who demanded them to part. The companions battled Sandover and take him out of the ziggurat, int the village. The Merrshaulk were terrified and gathered around the companions. They threatened to kill their leader, got inside one of the huts that were left standing and questioned Sandover after tying him up. Sandover laughed at them and did not give them any information. Sir Frederich beheaded him.

Upon coming out, the reptilians attacked them since there was no reason to stay at bay. The companions were getting overwhelmed by the reptilians. Midnight arrived, and under the full moon, a gate began to open on top of the flames. Something seemed to be peaking at the whole scene, a giant eye was the only thing that could be spot. Beastlike hands held the gate as if trying to open it side to side. As this happened, the motionless people began moving forward towards the plank facing the fire. The companions tried to attack the eye but failed. Shaman Brucian began stepping towards the plank, and as he was to step into the fire Luc pushed him aside and jumped towards the eye, his dagger ready to strike. A scream of sheer pain was heard all over the swamp. The beastly hands let go of the gate and the gate closed... but as the creature let go, he managed to grasp Luc as he was in the air. The gate closed completely. Luc was gone.