When the Strangers reached the ruins of the castle courtyard, they were on guard and looking for clues of what had happened to Katana. They quickly found foot prints and drag marks that led down stairs to the lake. They took a quick inventory of their magic and were able to use spells to allow them to breathe underwater. Thera, at her insistence, was included. Thera was lent a great sword to use if needed. The group proceeded down the steps into the dark depths of the lake. On the way Coravel sensed a secret door. They explored the room but left it after seeing that no one was in the room. There were giant clams sitting on the stairs but they and their pearls were bypassed in order to find Katana's attackers. At the bottom of the stairs Coravel saw something within the murky bottom and reached for it. As he reached the undead of the old graveyard rose up and attacked the group. With their rising they stirred the bottom and reduced visiblity for everyone. After a battle, with some close moments, the undead were sent back to their watery graves.
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The group continued, following the ruins of the outer courtyard wall. At a break in the wall there were giant plants that grabbed for them as they walked by. The group attacked and churned the plants into a fresh salad. The addition of the giant pike added a nice bit of protein to the chopped cuisine. They continued exploring further and found a hyrda within the remains of the old gate. After chopping away and having a new head grow the group realized they would need to change how they fought. Aramil was able to bring fire to the battle and after a challenging time the hyrda was slain.
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After grabbing the items the hydra was guarding the group continued on and found a part of the ruins guarded by urchins. As they looked in they could see Katana, unconsious at the back of the room being guarded by nixies. The Strangers demanded the return of Katana while the nixies demanded information about the leader's sister. He claimed the orcs was responsible and since Katana was of orc blood she must be part of the captors. The Strangers started into the room and as they did the nixies charmed them and commanded them to walk away from the area. Kaylord and Coravel succumbed and found themselves walking away, Aramil and Quis'Ari found themselves under attack and when this happened Kaylord and Coravel started to throw off the effects of the spell. Thera also tried to help but was also charmed to walk away.
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After these actions the Strangers attacked and killed all of the nixies. They then rescued Katana and headed back up out of the lake. Katana was healed of her injuries by Quis'Ari and the entire group packed up and headed back to their Keep.
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