The adventurers continue their forced march north, not having time to do more than pour some sand over Ralo’s body. A proper burial would be appropriate, but the pursuing storm and the watchful kes’trekel constantly remind the party that stopping would lead to almost certain death. There is some hope, though, as the group approaches the Table Mountains. Perhaps the weary and injured unit could find a place to hide in the hills?
The journey moves on, and at one point Phye thinks she spots an oasis in the distance. She points it out, and the other travelers see it as well. They rush toward the water, yearning to cool themselves from the desert heat. But the water seems to elude the group. They think it is one direction, but as they travel, the water seems to move to another spot. So they continue the pursuit, only to see the mirage move again. Has the glaring sun finally brought the group to the doorstep of madness? The quest for the water takes a heavy toll on the adventurers. Their defenses are weakened because they have expended so much energy in the pursuit of the water that exists only in their delusions.
At one point the party spots some black and defiled sand in the desert. They are about to investigate when they suddenly hear the hissing of approaching ssuran. The warriors ready themselves for the battle that quickly breaks out. There are four ssuran attacking the group. Shortly after the battle begins, a huge ankheg crawls out of the sand. An ankheg is a large cockroach-like creature with sharp mandibles and poisonous saliva. The shaman ssuran throws a raw egg on Jarvix, hoping the ankheg will mistake him for food and attack. Confused, the ankheg seems to attack both the adventurers and ssuran with its deadly and poisonous spit.
At one point in the battle, the shaman ssuran takes control of Castri’s mind. The poor elf has no control over himself, and attacks his friends. Fortunately Castri is able to break the mental hold after a short while. Meanwhile, the party attacks the ssuran relentlessly. Barcan and Jarvix notice that while they are standing in the black and defiled sand, their attacks are much more potent. So they unleash attack after attack on the ssuran. Shikirr jumps up on a rock and attacks the shaman ssuran with great skill.
When the last ssuran is brought down, the group focuses all attacks on the ankheg. Yuka takes the bulk of the attacks as he bravely battles the giant insect at close range. With several members on the brink of death and no more healing available, the ankheg is finally brought down by Phye’s energizing strike.
The group searches the enemies and discovers two healing fruits and a magical orb that Jarvix claims. They quickly grab up the items and run for cover from the storm that is almost on top of them. The party spots a cave close-by and sprints to it- jumping in just before the sharp stones rain down. As they enter, the adventurers collapse to the floor of the cave, completely exhausted from the perils they have faced for two days without rest. Finally, the party is rewarded with safety and sleep. Barcan is the last to turn in for the night, spending his last few minutes awake searching the night sky for some purpose or hope.
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