The Life and Times of a Deadman - Episode 42 - A Harrowing Pursuit: The Hunt for Sally on Hook Street

The air in the dreaming version of Sharn hung heavy with the scent of ozone and the metallic tang of fear as London, a determined figure with a keen nose, tracked the elusive hag. The cobblestones beneath their feet seemed to watch with unseen eyes, and a sudden, sharp smell of dogs prickled London's senses. Just as the pursuit intensified, Bosley, ever the free spirit, became momentarily entranced by a majestic elk, while Audrey Rose gasped, remembering a forgotten class, a nightmare vision of missed attendance. It took the collective effort of the group to snap her back to reality. In the distance, a cackle echoed, a chilling confirmation that London was indeed on the right track.

Suddenly, the very cobblestones they trod upon sprang to life, attempting to ensnare their feet like monstrous bear traps. A horrifying howl tore through the air, forcing the group to steel their minds against an unseen terror. At the end of the alley, two canine figures, wreathed in smoke, faded away. But not before a spectral dog lunged at Audrey Rose, biting her leg and trying to trip her, while another savaged Sabrina. Audrey Rose retaliated, throwing a bomb that phased harmlessly through her attacker, only for a second, electrically charged bomb to shock it. London, seizing the moment, unleashed a Searing Light, illuminating the shadowy creature. The battle was on. These were no ordinary foes; the adventurers soon discovered they were pitted against four Nightguants and two Shadow Mastiffs, creatures of pure nightmare. After a brutal struggle, the monstrous canines fell.

Their perilous journey continued, the pursuit of Sally unwavering. Yet, the strange energies of this place began to take their toll. Zita, a usually grounded member of the party, hunched on the ground, seemingly eating imaginary mushrooms and claiming they were calling to her. This place was not right, twisting perception and sowing strange hallucinations.

Finally, their quarry led them to a splendid house on Hook Street. London, ever at the forefront, moved towards the door, the group close behind. Without warning, a deadly vine lashed out, coiling around London. Then, the very grass beneath their feet erupted, trying to ensnare them, but the agile adventurers dodged and tumbled out of the way. Audrey Rose, quick-thinking, sprinted up the stairs and hurled a bomb at the vine constricting London. As one vine tightened its grip on London, another reached out and grappled Audrey Rose. Sabrina, seeing an opening, dashed into the house, followed closely by Zita, who deftly avoided a grasping root. Bosley unleashed a Ray of Frost upon the aggressive flora. Audrey Rose, her eyes scanning the terrifying scene, realized the massive tree was staring at her with malevolent intent. A root burst through the floor, aiming for Sabrina, but she slipped away just in time. Another root lunged for Zita, who dodged it, but a third secured its hold on London. The very trunk of the tree then attempted to bite London, narrowly missing.

Audrey Rose, a scholar of the arcane, recognized the monstrous assailant as a Quickwood, a gargantuan plant immune to electricity and fire, possessing all the inherent traits of its botanical kin. She quickly ingested her mutagen, sharing her knowledge of the formidable tree with her companions. Above, Dol and Tweetie Bear circled, Dol casting Haste upon the group, invigorating their spirits. The desperate battle raged on. Audrey Rose recalled her studies of assassin vines, a realization dawning that her bottled lightning, usually so effective, would be useless against these particular adversaries. At last, after a grueling fight, the adventurers triumphed, destroying the Quickwood and its deadly tendrils. London, ever the healer, tended to the badly injured party members, allowing them a moment to catch their breath before they turned their attention back to the seemingly innocent house on Hook Street.