Mission 13 - Kostchtchie's Maw

[!abstract] The Job
Do Olanthius's favor: free Lord Kostchtchie as a distraction.

Kostchtchie's Maw

We reach the arches without resistance. At the edge of the maw we jump, feather falling to the bottom. Chained in the center is Kostchtchie. "Free me, bring me my hammer!" he booms. "That's precisely why we're here," I answer.

A chain demon with animated chains steps from an alcove and four hellhounds circle us. The chains burst from the ground at Baktha's feet, trying to slash and grapple him. The hounds bite and claw. Five long rounds later, they're dead. Kostchtchie breaks free, screams "ZARIEL!" and flies off.

We take the gradual climb out the other side, which means a long hike back to the grinder, around the eastern volcano. A few hours in, we run into a giant hornets' nest, and thirteen of the blasted things attack. They love fire, so we're hamstrung. Thomas burns them with radiant magic. Zaleria swings wildly and never connects. I kill the first, Thomas the second, and I kill a few more. Mike gets one. Zaleria keeps flailing; the bugs laugh at her. I kill three more and end it.

We walk another hour, rest, and make it back to the grinder. Through Ulloch's gate, thinking of the Hellknight tomb, and: "For Glory." We're back inside.

Olanthius takes the map, marks the Bleeding Citadel, and takes his leave, reminding us of our promise to free his companions. I use the shatter spell stored in my thunder sword to destroy one of the tablets of names. Mike destroys the other three with thunderwave. We feel their spirits leave.

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#session #mission