Episode 30: The Dark Mirror

Sankara continues on his reconnaissance mission for Queen Gabriella into the heart of Quaymire. Bjorn, Gallogk, Lucky and company journey across The Gash into the desert island home to Al-Kazahm. The party finds a Dark Tower on the northern coast of the desert, shimmering in the blistering sun above. It turns out the rumors Gnax heard about its location turned out to be true. 

Lucky investigated the tower and found it to be made of obsidian glass and encountered the reflection of a strange woman therein. Referring to herself as "Nameless", she asked Lucky what he desired from the tower. Upon confessing that the were after a looking glass of sorts that could locate or produce magic items, Nameless tells the party that they will find what they desire if they can pass her tests. 

The first test was a giant purple worm that needed to be defeated. The party utilized their airship and combat prowess while Gallgok drew the brunt of the monster's attention. Victory followed and access was granted. A doorframe appeared in the remains of the purple worm. It was a gateway to the second tower, miles to the southwest near the southern coast of the island. Since The Devourer couldn't very well find through the doorframe, Gallogk stayed behind with Tirithiel and the half-ogres to guard the ship and its prisoners-- Ariessa and Ignatius. 

Lucky, Bjorn, Chip and Fearne continued on and walked through to the next tower. Emerging from the doorway, they heard a strange song on the winds from the east. They were permitted entrance to the second tower where shifting sands and a crystal dragon proved to be their next test. Victory again followed. 

Walking through the next doorway, they found themselves emerging miles to the west atop a large mesa. The same strange song drifted on the winds-- this time from the east. As they headed to the third tower, an ominous beating of leathery wings gave way to an ancient red dragon whose gaze they barely dodge by diving into the entrance of the third tower. The beast continued on its way eastward towards Quaymire. 

The third tower was a test of reflections. Nameless as the party to chose two of their members. Lucky and Bjorn volunteered. Their dark reflections were recreated and they party of four had to fight a raging barbarian and a swashbuckling rogue. Victory followed. 

Nameless appeared to them in the center of the third Dark Tower and congratulated the party. Her dark hair and dress billowed with energy. Bjorn had the idea to hold up his shard of The Seelie and Unseelie Mirror to get a better look at Nameless. Peering into the shard, he saw reflected back at him the image of himself and Queen Gabriella. Seeing her true reflection, she burst into countless shards of black obsidian and reformed into the Dark Mirror-- a powerful magical item for locating and producing items of great power. (Details available under "Special Items".) 

At the conclusion of the episode, the party regrouped at The Devourer.