Cleaning house with Lars & Calis.

  While Sally is away investigating the rumors of a wild beast in Seastrand, Lars takes it upon himself to organize a small expedition back to the Spire of Shadankin. He and Calis visit Dose Dode an inquire about hiring the services of a group of ordinary gentlemen for the job.

The Spire

   Returning to the spire is simple enough as it is just a half mile down the beach, and the group makes the walk there well before lunch. Entering the the place itself is also quite easy and Lars can see that no one else has attempted entry since he was last here. The first hurdle to be crossed however was the turtle shell bridge. Two shells are now missing from the ten that spanned the chasm and a safe way to cross had to be set up. The magic is clearly fading.

   Once the chasm was crossed the gentlemen were split into teams to begin cleaning while Lars and Calis descend the stairs to the lagoon scouting out any lingering fish-men or other new occupants that may need to be ushered out. Finding naught but dried fish-men guts and their rotting foodstuffs the companions stepped out into the lagoon to be confronted with a sight neither of them were truly prepared for.

  The grotto where the climactic battle against the giant hammerhead shark had taken place had indeed been claimed by new inhabitants. The lagoon itself was clear as glass and a new living giant clam claimed the central spot of the aquatic garden, schools of multi-colored fish swam through the virtual forest of sea-fans and coral that bewildered the eyes of the dumbfounded adventurers.

"I can scarcely believe it!" exclaimed Lars, " Who or what could have done this in so short a time?"

"Our answer, I believe would lie with them." Calis nodded to the base of the steps which led into the lagoon.

Lars smiled and brushed his hair back as he dropped to one knee, "Greetings Ladies, I am Lars slayer of the hammerhead, and this is my friend Calis."

  "We know your name and the deeds of your fellows, the Sea-King has told us what you did for our ancestor. We all thank you and your friends for that as well as removing the Fish-men from this abode. We have long missed our garden since they came and forced us out." The mermaids giggle and whisper to one another while shooting glances at the men.

  A different mermaid swims forward speaking, "If you look to live above as Shadankin did in his time here we would ask only that you let us keep our garden and we will aid you as we can," slowly pulling herself up on the lowest step and gazing directly at Lars she continues, " and we could perhaps swim together and hear how you defeated Devil the hammerhead...." just as Lars was within a breath of her she dips back into the water as the others laugh.

  "Seems a fair bargain to me." said Calis as he touched Lars on the shoulder, "Perhaps you should not be so close to the water."

"We need to get those jelly-suits back here pronto!" says Lars as he winks at Calis.

[GM]
  The spire has been cleaned and made usable. It is a small place, but could serve well as a retreat for rest and recuperation. No more than four characters could stay there at any given time. Supplies will need to be delivered from the city to keep it livable.

Until the magic turtle shells can be replaced or a bridge built to span the chasm, a block and tackle elevator has been put in place to facilitate movement to the lower level without harm.

Both Lars & Calis have earned 1 xp point for this endeavor.