11/07/2023
After receiving their reward from Commander Renn Krayte, the Gaping Maw of Sound made their way into Unguis Jungle in order to find a suitable resting spot for the body of Jackal
During their trip, they ran into a grove of Nightmare Blooms, orange citrusy flowers that caused Neya to manifest a nightmare of losing her dog to a monster when she was a child
Obie managed to burn the grove to rid the party of this very real threat, and Neya lamented the added trauma of reliving that experience alongside the recent loss of Jackal
The group eventually found their way to a pond they'd heard about, a beautiful location fit for putting Jackal to rest
They parted the waters and dug a grave at the bottom of the pond, but noticed a skeletal figure at the bottom.
Additionally, there were several statues around the pond depicting worshippers of the multiverse god Tyr
Obie gave a eulogy as Jackal was put to rest, and everyone said a few words
A whisper through the skies alerted the group to another presence in the pond, however -- a voice speaking directly to Neya and a newcomer in their midst, Sir Balen, another aspect of Mr. Smith's personas.
The voice offered help in their end goal of killing Thrax, claiming it could help them with the monumental task of killing a god
As the voice spoke, the statues moved, as if to put a stop to the voice, by pointing their stone weapons at the center of the pond
The Gaping Maw of Sound destroyed the statues, releasing a being from the pond known as Neverending, who claimed to be an avatar or demigod of Bane, the multiverse god of hatred
It asked for the group's commitment to putting an end to Thrax, which they offered, and said it would be seeking the resting place of its master while the group sought the Sword of Tyr, a weapon capable of killing Thrax
The group agreed and were teleported instantly to Caim in Highcroft