With Nick back, Coltaine suddenly realizes that the Drogans already have the password for the keep's second level and don't need Balgron after all.

Rekoj decides to keep Balgron around anyway, and the party follows the goblin down the steps and down a corridor heading north.

Balgron walks over a rune inscribed on the floor, but as Rekoj walks over it, the rune releases a ghostly scream. Autumn and Coltaine take damage as the ghastly wail pervades their soul, and, stricken by terror, flee southward--toward the room of zombies.

The zombies are still just standing in the room, minding their own business. So naturally, Autumn stabs her katar into a zombie's skull.

Surprisingly, the zombies decide to defend themselves at that point.

Balgron scurries into a corner and assumes the fetal position.

More zombies shamble out of the darkness to the west and north, turning an initial 7 zombies into 14.

Throughout the combat, John has consistently abysmal rolls, but Zook nonetheless ties Autumn for most kills with 4. Rekoj and Coltaine are also tied, with 3 kills each.

With combat over, Rekoj checks on balgron, but does not see him cowering in the corner anymore. less