Episode Introduction
The battle for Cindervaeld has reached a stalemate as the Mortal Guardians and their allies converge upon the Quarter of Sovereigns where the Stars Concordat has besieged the castle. Though outnumbered and surrounded, the soldiers of House Arthenaf control the magical defenses of the palace, rendering assaults upon the district devastatingly costly at best, and hopeless at worst. However, Guildmistress Ellandira has an ingenious plan—and, of course, we need your expert help and unparalleled ability to make it work. The dungeons of Cindervaeld's palace are connected to an ancient network of catacombs that link to places all over the city—including the Undergrim Citadel. Normally these passages are avoided at all costs, for they are exceptionally dangerous and quite possibly haunted, which is why your help is crucial. As the best and bravest adventurers of the Mortal Guardians, you have the ability to navigate the cursed and long forgotten tunnels that would allow you to break into the Quarter of Sovereigns and turn the tide of the siege. We must try, for the lives of all hang in the balance: if we delay retaking the city much longer, we shall have little chance to stand against what horrors that the coven has conjured in the sky above.
SPOILER ALERT!
SPOILER ALERT!
SPOILER ALERT!
Episode Recap
Venturing into the depths beneath the city of Cindervaeld, the brave Mortal Guardians seek to outmaneuver their enemies and break the siege of the Quarter of Sovereigns. As they breach the defensive positions of the Stars Concordat, they find a temple entrance into the catacombs where the ancient maze of passages and winding tunnels have long hidden deep and dark secrets. Not long after they enter these forgotten chambers, the heroes encounter a bizarrely cruel and inquisitive entity: the Great Abbooze, a sentient slime which seeks to force the characters into its den of maddening choices where they must navigate a deadly maze to satiate its curiosity. Along the way, the Guardians meet the strange kuo-toan, Weep, who worships the Great Abbooze and offers its advice to help find a safe path through the maze. Ultimately, the characters discover the lair of this gargantuan slime and must make a terrible choice or face it in battle! Following this unusual encounter, the Mortal Guardians emerge within the Quarter of Sovereigns in a perfect position to break open the gates and allow the Light of Cindervaeld to overwhelm the Coven of Zul and their noble allies—bringing victory in Cindervaeld one step closer!