Heading West from the docks, Krynn's Vanguard entered a forest much similar to the ones they're used to on Krynn. Traveling through they found a trail off to the side and they trecked over to follow it. It was fairly well traveled as the ground cover had been crushed and died. The path was also recessed compared to the rest of the ground. While not well-planned, the path was wide enough for horses, carriages, and merchants to carry their wares through. Although it was fairly quiet as there were no other travelers in sight.
Breaking out of the forest into an open field was a city in a valley. Finally a source of civilization, hopefully it would provide some reprieve from the elements of The Abyss.
Upon reaching the city, the party met a greeter known as Overseer Anelith. Overseer Anelith tried to dissuade the party from seeking out The Gaping Maw. After all, they're in Bastagaal, 'The Greatest City in The Abyss'...why leave? Besides, Overseer Anelith said "We are safe now."
Exploring the city a bit, Krynn's Vanguard saw all sorts of people among the citizens of The Abyss. From humans to teiflings, tieflings to gungs, grungs to kobolds, and everything in between. The General Store was a point of interest as it only had half-walls and no attendants. One of the merchants showed the party that the store had some sort of magic around it where you picked up what you wanted, and once you left, it took the proper amount of gold from you. And if you returned the item in the condition it left the store as, you got your gold back. It was pretty cool. The conversation ended with the merchant saying "We are safe now."
One vendor in the city was a fashion designer who took a comission from Bob for a shirt that they would need a few days to make. Answering some questions, the party found that they had sold a fancy dress not that long ago of all sorts of colors designed like scales to a lady in black armor. Obviously Takhisis. So Takhisis was here for real, and seemingly beating the party to their destination. This merchant repeated the same phrase "We are safe now."
Exploring the library, The party found Illithid working in the library. The Illithid mentioned that they had no desire to comsume anyone's brains because, as the librarian said, "We are safe now."
Investigating further, Armantaro was pulled into a room by some sort of hand when he investigated a corner that seemed to have some odd magic about it. Here, he met an Illithid who seemed to be immune to 'The Will.' Some sort of cult leader that the party had heard about from other citizens of Bastagaal. This Illithid, known only as 'The Whisperer' mentioned that they had some of their commrades held captive by 'The Will', who was revealed to be Malgorzeth, The Lord of Chains. Seeking the party's help, he led them to a passage leading to The Obedience Engine. He also fixed Orion's bent Warhammer that was effective against fiends.
Venturing into The Obedience Engine, at least they thought. In a wide open room, they found floating platforms, connected by chains that had lighthing running throughout them. Once they got on a platform. Seven of creatures jumped out, ambushing them. Combat ensued and was giving Krynn's Vanguard a run for their money. How will they get out of this one?