The first thing we noticed on the other side of the weapons testing chambers was it was suddenly cold. Not just a little chilly, but absolutely skin-burning frigid.
We quickly discovered this was due to the coolant boxes that were scattered throughout the rooms. Destroying these, along with the enemy, helped to regulate the temperatures as we continued deeper into the facility.
That’s where we found them… the rest of the prisoners.
None of them looked to be in very good condition, but Rox was wise to advise us to take it slowly and be aware of danger. We crept through the make-shift prison, freeing each prisoner we found and doing the best to instill them with confidence needed to find the strength to follow us.
Only, the further we led them, the deeper we delved until we found ourselves at the heart of the facility.
It was a terrible mechanization… even Rox and Braham were leery of approaching any further.
Not knowing what lay ahead, we stepped out into the vast circular reaches of the facility. That’s when we were accosted by huge creatures, far more dangerous than anything we fought before.
One was a monstrous, transformed charr with fists encased in deadly, thundering metal.
The other was a rather more whimsical dredge, suited in armor with a propulsion pack on his back. We quickly dubbed this one “Jetpack.”
The battle was not an easy one. I won’t exaggerate to say that our team found ourselves on the brink of defeat several times. As we damaged one creature, the other became strengthened in fits of rage that sent flame and shockwaves. The circular platform suddenly didn’t seem quite big enough anymore, and over the edge was a gaping pit of flame and death.
Holding fast to determination, we were finally able to defeat Jetpack.
However, upon his defeat, his charr companion drew in a new furious power and became even stronger than before!
Boosted by the fall of Jetpack, we rallied against the transformed beast and forced him to the final defeat!
However, we all knew that we couldn’t leave the facility standing to be re-inhabited by our foes again. Rox was the first one who took note of the explosives.
We worked quickly to set the charges and ignite the blast. It was a frantic run back towards the exit, especially while still ensuring the well-being of the prisoners we promised safety. Somehow, we managed to blow the facility, escape the blast and reemerge on the surface in one piece.
Ask me if I will ever… EVER venture down into a dredge hole again. Do I even need to answer?
Our team parted ways, each with our own matters to attend to. I just wanted a good dose of R&R after all that… Still, a letter from Braham reminded me there were some loose ends that I wanted to see tied up.
It’s off to Hoelbrak and the Black Citadel to see what becomes of my companions!
