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Peering down into the crack shows the twisting fissure leads directly to the Outer Rifts. Dorgath is able to face down the Vrolikai Demon still clawing its way agonizingly slowly toward the surface.
Armed with this knowledge, he makes short work of cleansing the taint from the Forked Key, with Dennis and Slipp offering a few suggestions from behind.
"Great." Eando breathes heavy. "Now we must activate its power and hope that it can reseal the rift."
"Before that demon-king arrives, please." Calisro adds.
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Perhaps unnoticed, the figure of the shark-suited nephilim pirate appears silhouetted in the front entrance - but are xey returning out of a sense of curiosity, or shame, or greed?
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The group gathers around as Salissa and Slipp try to connect the Key back in tune with the island it had protected for ages. Ra'uf and Dennis hoist the Key back into place upon the altar.
Within moments the still-damp ground under your feet quivers. But this time - the rift begins to fill in, the seams start to close, and the demonic rumblings crest to a shriek until...
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Dennis continues his valiant and noble work of holding the key in place while Dorgath does his thing. For fun, the youngster activates his Lifting Belt so he can more easily handle this very important assignment. "Golly, this key isn't even heavy."
The seal snaps back into place deep underwater. The water recedes just as quickly as it came, washing away the remaining demons as it drains. On the altar, the lighting rod-shaped Forked Key reverberates with power as it absorbs the amber light spilling from the seal. After a minute of it draining the light slowly, the Forked Key lies still with the barrier restored.
Eando Kline sighs deeply, before he turns to Calisro and says, “Next time, let’s avoid releasing ancient demons. We can stick to sea monsters.”
Calisro gives a hearty laugh before looking at the remains of the battle. “I think we’ve all earned some grog and shore leave. Let’s get back on Snappy and to Port Peril.”
Eando places a hand on Calisro’s shoulder to quiet her. “One final loose end.”
The sharkskin-wearing nephilim slinking through the temple stops.
“Don’t be too scared,” he says. “Well, maybe a little. You nearly unleashed horrors onto this plane that should’ve been sealed. If you’re willing to make amends, I’ll take you aboard. There’s room for all types here. I know Callie could always use a good captain, provided you stop unsealing ancient artifacts meant to be forgotten forever.”
Sharkskin pauses for a second, then steps forward and shakes Eando’s hand, saying, “Seems like a fair deal. Don’t plot to kill me and I’ll call it even.”