The group emerges from the jungle and descends into the “Gorge of Blades,” Ataaz Yklwazi. Jagged, razor-sharp blades of basalt pierce the earth like trees. Even lightly brushing up against the columns draws blood. Goomy trades travel duties with Sin, and shortly thereafter spots an abandoned campsite. A thorough search of the area reveals another wooden cache and tracks from something large. Carved Dethek runes score the crate’s surface: “dry goods.” Within the crate, the group finds about 20 days worth of rations of hard tack, dried mushrooms, and edible cave moss.
The dark soil and volcanic rocks of the gorge are littered with charred skeletal remains. Human, dwarven, beast, and unidentifiable skeletal parts, all charred and blackened.
As the day grows late, Goomy spots a mounted patrol along the gorge wall. The patrol descends into the gorge and spreads out, weapons drawn, to block the party’s advance. They motion with scimitars back the way the party came.
The firenewts charge, scimitars held high. As they close, their mounts–giant striders–belch fire at the party. The group counterattacks. To their surprise, the giant striders absorb fire attacks and recover their wounds. Momentum swings back and forth until the group finally overcomes the final firenewt.