You step through the waterfall to find a cave entrance behind the current. The water here is waist deep, making it difficult to walk through.
More than a dozen kobolds scurry in and out of sight throughout the cave. Screams, shouts, and cries of alarm reverberate throughout the torchlit hollow.
Upon hearing the sounds of the kobold alarm, Wilam panics, turns 180 degrees and rushes back out of the lair. "Yes! Yes, this is it! Get your weapons ready!"
Francis wades into the water, practically swimming, and enters the lair along the same path that Wilam came in to K1. At least my hair will be somewhat dry.
Ehud comes in through the waterfall, "What? Kobolds in the kobold lair? Time for Killin'."
"COME ON, Bring it on!", Varro yells, hoping this distraction gives everyone a chance to get inside and set up
Seeing Wilam dart out of the cave Belimir just shakes his head. Coward. He is determined to fight though. He raises his staff and hits the ground, turning the kobolds attention to him. There`s a savage, mad look in his eyes. "I want your shinies dragon scum!"
Nuit slips around his companions and moves to F4, and swears an oath of enmity against before attacking with an overwhelming strike.
As the party moves into the cavern through the waterfall, their eyes adjust to the gloom.
There are kobolds everywhere! At least a dozen are scurrying around the cave, yelping and howling, trying to form some sort of defense.
Varro, one to not hesitate to shed some blood, charges directly into the cave without regard for safety.
Kobolds all around him as he charges one of the beasts against the wall, they strike out at him with the opportunity Varro left for them. Painful wounds form along the Dwarf's sides as he lashes out at the Minions with his axe, retaliating with fury against their javelins.
Continuing his charge, Varro swings his axe down at the kobold, cleaving deep into the beast's side.
Varro taunts the kobolds in the cave, daring them to attack him.
Belimir's staff hits the ground, creating a small splash when it connects with the water.
The determined elf cries out to the kobolds, and chants in a strange tongue.
The water around his feet bubbles with life, and soars out towards the kobolds south in the corridor.
The wave crashes down upon the dragon-kin, drowning them and slamming them into the stone.
Only one stands back up unscathed.
The water remains pooled up around the kobolds feet. It is too afraid to move anywhere.
Nuit slips behind his allies and makes his way around a cave wall. There he finds a minion waiting with spear in hand.
Wasting no time, Nuit unleashes an overwhelming strike, cutting down the kobold in one swift motion.
Brann makes his way into the cave, holy symbol held aloft, lighting his way through the darkness.
He grumbles about his wet boots as he makes a stand in front of the party, ready to heal anyone who needs his divine guidance.
The Skirmisher shows no signs of retreating, but instead attacks Varro furiously with it's Spear.
Left, right, left it jabs out with the jagged tip, clipping Varro on his thigh with a deft thrust.
Two kobolds close in on Nuit, after their companion collapsed to the ground.
With rusty spears raised they both attack the Avenger.
The Skirmisher, more experienced in combat, is the only one to score a hit, dealing a sizeable cut to the Elf's upper arm.
More Kobolds come into view as they make their way around the puddle of living water that has they ally so cowering.
Continuing his assault Varro shifts to his left and swings his axe in a deadly arc.
Once again, Belimir hits the ground with his staff, sending another torrent of water toward the Kobolds.
Brann sees Nuit attacking the Kobold Skirmisher and winces as he sees the hit he takes. He focuses on his wounded companion as he shoots stabbing rays of light at the Shaman.
Hearing the cries of a larger combat, he moves into the main chamber to assist his companions. He sees Varro bleeding from his torso and thigh and mutters a swift prayer to Moradin to heal him.
Finding himself outside the lair and alone, Wilam decides it's probably safe to make his way back into the cave. He wades through the water again and under the archway of splashing water. Sliding between Francis and Ehud, he slides into the corner. A wash of fear and the instinct of self-preservation overtakes him and he summons a storm of energy to stand between the kobolds and himself. The crackling pillar arcs from the ground in front of Wilam. *Draconic* "Stay back, fiends! Stay back!"
Ehud looks around in the confusion, unsure of who to attack. Without moving, he casts radiant vengeance at KM10. "Who next?" he says to Wilam.
"Errr..." Wilam isn't sure how to respond. Why are you asking me?! I'm no tactician! "You're doing a fine job, son. Clear out the weaker ones first and we'll help each other with the bigger ones." He swallows hard and hopes everything
Taking a step to his left, Varro swings out with his axe, hitting the kobold, but not making it through the creature's armor.
The druid once again summons the power of the water around them to do his bidding. The puddle rears up towards the cave ceiling, and crashes down upon the minions who dared to come out into the open.
The waves pummel the kobolds, only the skirmisher is able to hold his ground in the torrent.
Brann, the ever-vigilant cleric, feels the pain as keenly as Nuit does when he takes the hit. With burning piety, Brann lets the Skirmisher feel the retribution of his God as light sears the creature, protecting Nuit from further damage in the process.
The dwarf then moves on into the cavern, calling out words of healing as he goes, removing some of the wounds Varro has taken.
Wilam, finally entering the fray inside the cave, takes a position just inside the entrance. Fear guiding his actions, the wizard creates a field of electricity, a storm of some power that reaches out to strike those who come to close.
Wilam curses at the kobolds in their tongue as the storm shoots out and strikes the Kobold who was too close when it appeared.
Francis challenges the Skirmisher in front of him then closes the distance, warhammer held high.
He swings with divine might, striking the kobold. The warhammer connects squarely with the kobold's shield, bursting in radiance, brightening the cave momentarily, bathing the entrance in light.
Ehud, a bit confused at the sudden chaos in the cave, takes a moment to study the surroundings. After carefully choosing his target, he lefts fly a radiant bolt of energy at a minion near the edge of the entrance.
The bolt strikes the kobold, dropping it with a splash into the puddle.
Turning to Wilam, Ehud asks for direction.
Nuit, knees shaking, is unable to act this round, and crouches low in defense.
Splashing through the water around its knees, the Skirmisher attacks Francis with it's spear, but the attack is deflected wide with a quick parry.
The bloodied Skimisher near Varro, decides to fight tooth and claw against this stout warrior. It attacks several times, but the dwarf's armor keeps it's meager attempts to damage him at bay.
Seeing the Elf cower in fear, the pair of kobolds surrounding Nuit take full advantage of their positions. They flank the Avenger, readying their weapons, waiting to go for the kill.
They both take the elf by surprise, shifting to his sides and attacking one after the other.
Nuit is unable to block either attack as he knows not where to focus his defenses. Vicious wounds peirce his thin armor and find deep places in his body.
The druid watches carefully how the combat unfolds and shapeshifts into a white bear. The bear roars and moves ialong the battlefield, roaring again as thousands of spiders descend on two kobold skirmishers.
Wilam hears Nuit's cry of pain from across the room. He imagines the elf being overwhelmed by kobolds and winces. He'll be lucky to be alive and certainly dead if we don't act quickly!
Seeing a single kobold in that section of the cave, he focus a bolt of frost infront of himself and releases it towards the kobold. He hopes for the best.
Hearing the cries of his companion, Brann moves back to the northern chamber to assist.
A Polar Bear suddenly appears inside the cave, roars, and stomps through the battlefield.
Roaring a command to the tiny inhabitants of the cave, thousands of spiders descend onto the two skirmishers.
The kobolds dance around, swatting at the arachnids, definately annoyed but not harmed.
Wilam, fearing for Nuit's life, assaults the kobold remaining in the cave.
He wills a bolt of frost into existance and lets it fly towards the creature.
The bolt hits the kobold in the side, almost crashing into the corner of the cave wall, the kobold is behind.
Ehud moves as quickly and quietly as he can, and dashes to a point farther into the cavern.
Francis blesses his Warhammer with the grace of Oghma, striking the kobold, weakening it.
The halfling turns and runs to Nuit's side, as he steps away from the Skirmisher, he takes a bite in the back of the leg.
Francis kneels down at the elf, places his warhammer on the ground, and raises his hands to his chest. They begin glowing with divine light, a heavenly hum can be heard over the sound of battle.
The light washes over Nuit, warming his ever-colder body.
Francis touches his hands to the elf's body, waves of healing escaping from the Halfling into his friend.
Nuit takes a sudden breath in, life returning to his lifeless form. He opens his eyes slowly, weary, but alive.
Francis, eyeing the kobold next to them, grabs his Warhammer, daring the Kobold to strike at his friend again.
Brann, in aid of his fallen friend, moves back towards the upper section of the cave.
Standing behind the armored Paladin, the cleric releases a holy flame at the Kobold, unable to harm him, but blessing the fallen Avenger in the process.
Varro takes one last swing at the Skimisher that has been giving him so much trouble.
He takes off running circles around the cave, holding his head, screaming at the top of his lungs.
"Dun you start talkin't'me ya Demon Helm! Quit yer jabberin'! Lemme alone Wicked Devil-thing!"
He seems to be having some trouble with his helmet...
The skirmisher, seeing Nuit's allies come to his rescue, stabs out at the Elf one last time. It feels guilty for not attacking the halfling who challenged it, seeming to be slightly disheartened at that fact, his attack misses the Avenger. The pain claws at this heart.
The kobold in the cloud of spiders, steps out of the mass of eight-legged critters. Noticing that the dwarf is beyond distracted, the excitable kobold gives chase to the crazed dwarf.
The two run circle after circle around the entrance to the cave, the dwarf yelling and cursing at his helmet, beating his head again and again, while the kobold hoots and hollars, yips and yaps, while chasing close behind the dwarf. The dwarf always one step ahead of the kobold, leads the creature on a wild goose chase over and over again.
Each time the kobold passes by Wilam's Storm Pillar, a small spark of electricity shocks the kobold in the rear, causing it to yelp and jump, holding onto it's rump.
Nuit is barely able to stand after the exertion of combat, and having fell to the brink of death. He remains covered while laying prone, protecting himself as best he can.
As Ehud passes through deeper into the cave a gong sounds. The banging resounds throughout the cavern, and torches light up all throughout the back of the caves.
Irontooth has arrived!
Nuit stands up from laying prone after awakening.
Nuit then swears an oath of enmity against the kobold in front of him and swings with an overwhelming strike, shifting and pulling the kobold into himself.
Wilam's mind is racing. Before him lie the bodies of a dozen slain kobolds, but still a half dozen more have just been drawn to attention. He finds all his senses being assaulted... the sights of battle, a ringing gong and clashing metal, the smell of fresh blood, the mist of water working it's way through his clothes, their weight pulling him to the ground. What is this that you have gotten yourself into, Wilam. The rush of doubt is overwhelming and as he's about to lose himself, a peculiar sense of resolve fills him. A feeling of calm that is unlike anything he's felt before. Is this you, Ioun? Come to rescue me in such a time as this?
Hope fills his mind and he feels almost as if he's transcended his mortal body. We need time... I must give them... my friends, more time. All at once, Wilam sees his opportunity. He raises his tome before him and speaks with authority, "Earth, I call you you to aid me. Winds of the Arcane, lend yourself to my will and bring forth Earth for my bidding, I summon you!" Winds howl through the lair and begin swirling violently near the back room, forming into a small cyclone of dust and debris.
Ehud calls upon the avenging shackles of Hoar to slow the witchdoctor.
Varro continues to spout off comments to his helm "Shut da hell up ya blasted devil helm, can't ya be seein Is got a fight ta be fightin? I be dealin wit ya later, Not now ya blasted ting. Nows leave me be and stop ya dagnabbit gibberish."
Varro turns on the Skirmisher and swings his axe in a wicked arc.
Seeing Ehud slip around a far corner in the southern part of the cave Varro takes up his assault into that area. Not waiting for the Skirmisher to hit the ground, Varro Moves to support Ehud.
Growling at the sight of the Shaman, Varro continues to complain to his helm
"ya damn ting, da lich put ya up ta dis didn't he, I am going ta be havin a word wit dat damn lich about dis, ya damn giberish be soundin like lich speak. GRRRAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWW!"
Seeing another bunch of kobolds appear, Belimir changes back to his human form, then rushes to help his allies. Once he comes to a halt, he starts cursing in a different language. Another rush of water comes from the waterfall, splashing some of the creatures.
Francis tries to end the life of the Skirmisher who so easily dispatched Nuit. With a strike guided by his god, the paladin crushes the kobold. The creature is now a bloody mess, but still standing.
Nuit struggles to his feet, blood seeping from a vicious wound. He swears an oath against the Skirmisher, vowing to return the pain it caused two-fold.
He raises his heavy flail and brings it down onto the kobold striking him with an overwhelming blow.
Smashing the creature into the hard stone floor, its body twitching slightly as it's lifeblood pours out onto the ground.
The bodies of kobolds seemingly everywhere draws Wilam's attention. His inexperienced sensibilities are being tried severely in this encounter.
A wave of calm and serenity washes over him, as if the hand of his goddess softly caressed his shoulder, guiding his thoughts into action.
Wilam, bent on creating a diversion, allowing his friends to regroup against this new wave of enemies, holds his tome aloft, speaking with authority.
The winds in the back of the cave pick up, swirling ever-faster, carrying dust and small debris with it.
The form of a Dust Devil emerges from within the cloud.
With a steady command, Wilam orders the Devil to attack all around it!
The dust swirling around the devil stops it's constant cycling, pauses midair, then soars outward in all directions, blasting all who are too close to the Devil with rocks and debris.
The lone minion nearest the Devil takes the brunt of the attack, falling to the ground, all-but incinerated from the damage.
The Dust Devil swirls forward, unerringly stalking it's next victim.
Ehud moves in closer towards his Oath-Target. He calls upon Hoar to slow his prey as he closes the distance.
Hoar obliges and wracks the kobold with pain, as it's movement slows to a crawl.
Varro, continuing to argue with his helmet, finally realizes he is being persued by a Minion.
He stops dead in his tracks, the kobold can not stop in time, and runs right into Varro's chest.
It falls backwards, only to have the dwarf's axe following close behind.
The axe cuts deep into the kobold, causing incredible pain for the Skirmisher.
Varro moves to join Ehud in the southern portion of the cave.
Gritting his teeth, Varro eyes the Wyrmpriest, cursing at his helmet about a Lich's humor.
Reforming back into a Human, Belimir rushes towards his allies, whom he wishes to help.
He skids to a halt, and begins cursing in a language unknown to the others.
Another body of water rushes up towards the kobolds from the waterfall.
The yelps and howls from the kobolds make it clear that they saw what this Water-Beast could do from earlier.
Coins and other items fly into the air as the water crashes on top of the kobolds in the far corner of the cave. The two lesser kobolds are swallowed within the onslaught of waves, but Irontooth holds his resolve and stands firm against such a meager attack.
Brann readies his holy symbol, and marches forward, allowing himself a clear view of all his allies.
The dragonshields confront the approaching fighters, ready to protect their priest at whatever the cost.
One moves in towards Varro, slashing at him with its shortsword, but unable to pass through his armor.
The second dragonshield rushes around the corner to find Ehud standing there, ready to defend himself.
The dragonshield pauses, then runs forward swinging his shortsword madly.
The attack connects, drawing a thin line of blood on the Avenger.
The wyrmpriest, undaunted by the enemies before it, takes a step forward, circling it's hands in front of it, letting loose an orb of energy at Varro.
The orb strikes the dwarf in the shoulder, pain numbing his arm.
The wyrmpriest howls loudly and raises a crude totem, inciting it's faith into the Dragonshields guarding it.
The dragonshields now look a bit tougher than they were before, and shift into better positions.
Irontooth calls out orders in a gutteral tongue and the kobolds grit their teeth at the crashing water around them and charge forward towards the heroes.
Irontooth himself approaches the Dust Devil, and with one swing of its battleaxe, destroys the Dust Devil, sending it back to the Hell it was born from.
The minions hollar and hoot around the adventurers, striking out with spear and sword at the Druid.
The kobolds understanding the danger of the druid, attack with passion. Spear tip and sword blade all collapsing on the elf.
Luckily only the skilled Dragonshield is able to land a hit, dealing minor damage to the Druid.
Brann has his hands full with a minion that is attacking him from around the corner.
The minion's spear lunges at the Cleric, but the dwarf easily parries the blow.
A harsh bleeting horn heralds the approach of the burly, battle-scarred goblin, Irontooth. Around him, kobolds scurry as if afraid to get too close. A great tattoo depicting a skeletal ram's head marks this goblin's face. He wears a wolf fur cloak and a chain shirt, and he weilds a battleaxe in both hands.
Kobolds are working with goblins now??? No wonder they`re scared of him.
"GOD HE`S UGLY!" Belimir doesn`t let all the noise (or the ugly goblin) distract him. He changes back into a white bear and steps back, roaring and once again summoning the swarm of spiders commanding them to attack the kobolds.
Varro still arguing with the helm, focuses the best he can, and shifts past the DragonShield to swing his axe down on the nasty fetish covered kobold that he recognizes as the shaman.
"Ya buggerin melon bucket, I promise ta be polishin ya every bloody day an' be havin plenty ov chinwags wit ya if ya jus shutdahellup while I be fightin. NOW YA FEEL ME BLADE, YA FINGER-WAGGIN BEARDLESS GNOME! Blast it all da hell helm shutdahellup, would ya."
Wilam is somewhat disheartened at the speed by which his summoned creature fell. He realizes it was a necessary sacrifice and continues to focus on hindering the oversized goblin. He calls to the goblin, "The might of your strength will be your weakness." With even steps, he moves towards the center of the first chamber, keeping his gaze focused on Irontooth, even as he steps over the dead kobolds littering his path. "The smallest creature may overwhelm a titan...Wasp of the Astral Sea, you are released."
Belimir, making an exclimation at how ugly the Goblin is, quickly summons his tiny companions to swarm the kobolds in front of the group.
He shifts back into a white bear and takes a step back to admire his success.
Swarms of spiders cover two of the kobolds, dripping minor irritating poisons from their tiny fangs.
Varro, still arguing insessantly with his helmet, does his best to make an efficient attack on the wyrmpriest.
The babbling helm is too much for the dwarf and his attack whiffs past the kobold.
Wilam, a bit exhausted from summoning the Dust Devil, moves steadily forward into the cave. His eyes burning into Irontooth as he advances.
He begins casting a spell, summoning a creature from the Astral Sea to do his bidding.
A wasp, transparent and glowing with energy, materializes out of thin air, buzzing and diving in circles around Irontooth, stinging him several times before retreating back a step, guarding the Goblin's movements.
Ehud shifts into position to the left of the Dragonshield, attacks with his greatspear, but has his thrust blocked by the kobold's shield!
Francis, the vigilant paladin, challenges the Dragonshield threatening the party.
He begins to move towards the Dragonshield he challenged, but is blocked by the minion standing between them.
Francis, determined to reach his quarry, swings out with a holy strike towards the minion, connecting and ending the minion's pitiful life instantly.
Nuit, still bloodied and afraid, readies to defend himself once again.
Brann carefully watches the scene of battle, waiting to heal the wounded if need be, but focuses on defending himself if he has to.
Varro, now with kobolds on two sides, is pressed on his heels with attacks.
The dragonshield attacks with a steady swing with it's shortsword, but misses the dwarf completely.
The wyrmpriest shifts a step backwards, sucks in it's breath, holds it for a second, an evil look coming over its reptilian eyes, then it lets out a roar larger than it's body, acid filling the lower section of the cave, burning and eatting away at everything it touches, friend and foe alike.
The dragonshield next to Ehud slaps at the acid sticking to it's scaly skin. It clenches its jaw through the pain and lashes out at Ehud with its sword, coming close to the Avenger, but not hitting him.
The bloody kobold near the rest of the group moves through the spiders with trepidation, shifting closer to Nuit, it raises it's short sword, attacking with all it's might.
Connecting again with the elf, the kobold spits onto the already bloody and ailing fighter.
The last minion in the cave, nimbly hops back a foot and dashes towards the approaching wizard, javelin at the ready.
He gets close enough for a swing and stabs the wizard in the leg!
irontooth laughs at the puny wasp buzzing around his head. He swats at it half-heartedly and advances towards the party.
The wasp stings him twice as he moves away from the insect.
The goblin steps up to the paladin, ready to face a real warrior, and attacks with his huge axe.
Irontooth takes a big lumbering swing, but the halfling is quicker than the goblin, ducking under the attack and bringing his warhammer to bear directly into the Goblin's belly, knocking some wind out of him.
The bear raises his paw, targeting the Kobold dragonshield, determined to end the creatures life.
Wilam winces at the pain from the javelin, but holds in the yelp that wanted to escape. He staggers back and collects himself, backing slowly away, ready to dodge any additional attacks.
He then begins chanting to gather a cold cloud to assault the kobold before him, "Cold and mist, water and air, cold and mist, water and air..." The cloud forms and, with the final words to the spell, freezes around the small scaled creature.
"Blood and bloody ashes!"
Ehud attacks a kobold with radiant vengeance.
Still arguing with His Helm "SANDSTONE!!! Ya Blasted buggerin brainpan, now ya be tryin ta get me killed. If ya just shutdahellup fer tree seconds while I be killin den we can be havin a chinwag later."
Blaming his Luck on the helm "SANDSTONE AGAIN!!!!"
Seeing that Belimir has the dragonshield taken care of, Francis directs his attention to Irontooth.
Belimir rends the dragonshield, determination in his eyes.
His bear claws rake over the kobold.
Wilam summons his familiar cloud of winter's chill, the icy cold clinging to the minion, freezing its bone where it stands.
The kobold turns into a popsicle!
Cursing at the acid coating his body, Ehud attacks the Dragonshield closest to him with a vengeance, but the acid stings his eyes, causing him to miss.
Determined to cause the same amount of pain into the kobolds as the acid is causing, Ehud charges the Wyrmpriest, whirling his spear expertly as he goes.
The dragonshield he left behind scores a blow on the Avenger's backside as he begins charging.
The blow cuts deep into Ehud's hamstring, the pain doubling him over. As he hits the ground he lays very still, the embrace of death not far away.
Varro, arguing with his helm still, slides in towards the Priest, cleaving through with a heavy blow, scoring a glancing blow on the dragonshield foolish enough to stand too close.
Varro, content with the damage he just did, takes a second wind, he gathers himself, plants his feet, and gains a steady resolve for the upcoming assault. He eyes the Dragonshield dangerously.
Francis, glad to see the druid has the Dragonshield under control, confronts the Goblin master of this kobold tribe.
He issues another challenge towards the green-skinned monster and shouts a prayer aloud, taunting Irontooth with justice on pain of death.
The Goblin stares Francis dead in the eye and begins to laugh at the idle threat.
The goblin seems barely shaken by the Halfling.
Nuit takes a step back from the combat and takes a moment to catch his breath, gaining a second wind.
Brann hears the cry of Ehud as he falls to the ground. The dwarf, as fast as his stubby legs can carry him, rushes to the middle of the cave, holding his holy symbol high as he does. He falls deep into prayer, asking for a grand divine favor from Moradin to heal his fallen comrade!
Holy light fills the cavern as the dwarf continues to pray, whole-heartedly.
Life-giving energy fills the space, warm, healing power flows through Varro and Ehud.
As Ehud, groans, still bloodied on the floor, another wave of healing energy flows through him.
The light fades as Brann stands there, exhausted.
The dragonshield, not pleased that the healer arrived just in time to save Ehud, strikes out again at the Avenger, striking him again harshly on the side.
The wyrmpriest shifts back a step, gaining some distance between itself and the dragonshield near it, it leans back and throws an orb of energy at Varro, hitting the dwarf with extreme accuracy, dealing incredible damage!
The dragonshield next to the dwarf, sees his chance to hurt the battlerager even more and attacks quickly with it's sword, but the dwarf parries the blow with the middle of his greataxe.
The dragonshield threatened by Francis scowls at the paladin, and strikes out with it's sword.
The attack connects dealing a sizeable amount of damage.
Irontooth takes a step out of the swarming spiders, grinning evily as he stalks the ailing Avenger.
The goblin takes the attacks it draws from the heroes with stride, it's prey all it can focus on.
Irontooth takes a great swing at Nuit, blood-thirst in his eyes.
The axe digs deep into the elf's shoulder.
The goblin laughs at the fraility of the Avenger.
Nuit, trusting his comrades to protect him should he fall, and the Raven Queen to welcome him should they fail, swears an oath of enmity against Irontooth and shifts around him
He then swings at Irontooth will all the force he can muster.
The bear doesn`t like being in a tight space. He goes into a frenzy, slashing left and right with his claws.
Using the momentary confusion, he darts away from the kobold and Irontooth. Once away, the bear stands up on his back legs, roars and changes back to his human shape. Belimir, rage burning in his eyes lifts his staff, raising his voice so that it echoes throughout the cave. He calls forth a lightning to strike his enemies.
Undeterred by his miss, Francis strikes Irontooth again with the power of Oghma.
He then turns to Nuit
Francis lays on hands with his prone comrade, spending a healing surge so that Nuit may regain hit points as if he himself had spent a healing surge.
Varro jarred badly from the shaman's orb, steadies himself and stares the WyrmPriest down.
With a growl of determination, Varro breaks his stare and rips into the DragonShield (KD2) with renewed vigor and strength.
He strikes at his marked target, trying to block out the voice in his head. He fakes with a high swinging arc but changes his grip and swings the axe down at the last moment, looking for a weakness in the kobolds defences.
Wilam steps over the frozen kobold and into the area between the two skirmishes. He arrives as Belimir shifts back into his human form.
He's able to see the seemingly giant form of Irontooth in much better light now and it startles him. The druid speaks some ancient words and Wilam finds himself trying to discover their meaning. Lightning arcs from the druid's quarterstaff and Wilam decides he should investigate the words the druid uses... another time, of course. Wilam almost cracks a smile at the humor of inquiring about such things in the middle of a battle.
He focuses his will again and continues to manipulate the cold energies he's been conjuring. The misty cloud collects into a ball of frost that Wilam hurls at the nearest kobold.
Nuit, dragging along and bloodied shows his steady resolve as a courageous Avenger, swearing an Oath against Irontooth, he shifts a step to the right, swinging with all the force his weak arms can muster.
The attack connects solidly with the goblin, causing immense damage to Irontooth.
With a mix of rage, desperation, and fear, Nuit swings quickly again at the deadly Goblin, crushing the monster under his heavy flail.
The great white bear shows its fury at being cornered, slashing and clawing with its massive paws, darting back and forth between the Dragonshield and Irontooth.
Shaping back into his humanoid body, Belimir shouts towards the heavens, echoes flooding the cave. From somewhere unknown, thunder booms in the cave, the sound bouncing off the walls, shaking the whole of the complex.
Lightning crashes, striking down towards his enemies.
The little kobold dives to the ground as a bolt of electricity soars through the cave at it. The kobold is unable to escape and explodes in a shower of sparks and gore.
Irontooth is not lucky and takes the bright blue and white bolt to the chest.
Francis attacks the goblin again, yet misses the green-skinned monster.
Turning to Nuit, the paladin puts his healing skills to use once more. The warm light flowing from his hands into Nuit's form, healing his wounds even further.
Varro shakes off the stunning blow of the Energy orb from the Wyrmpriest. He plants his feet again, staring daggers at the kobold.
The priest, having seen so many of his kin destroyed in this battle, becomes immediately intimidated, takes off running towards Irontooth, certain to find protection from it's leader.
With grace normally only found in veteran warriors, Varro draws a feint while moving in for the kill against the Dragonshield.
His axe moves high, feints a wide arc, bringing the axe crashing down half-way through the rotation, perfectly executing the attack and the Dragonsheild, splitting the dragonic creature in half.
Wilam steps up behind the bear-turned-human, enthralled by his strange words, and sudden appearance of lightning.
Wilam, the skillful wizard that he is, focuses again on the battle, begins summoning his icy rays, he looks up only to see his initial target in tiny peices all over the cavern, changes targets quickly, choosing Irontooth.
The wizard releases the ray of frost towards the massive goblin, the ground freezes as the ray covers the distance quickly, and with deadly accuracy.
Irontooth hears the crackling ice, and it is too late, the ray crashes into the goblin, sending it flying backwards, freezing solid as it comes back to the ground. The body of Irontooth collapses to the ground, motionless and defeated.
Brann, as the Wyrmpriest runs screaming past it, takes an easy swing at the kobold.
He then defies the evil in the Kobold, turning a gaze on him that purges the evil in it's soul. The body of the priest begins smoking and falls to the floor, cleansed.
Ehud, closes his eyes and glorious glowing wings sprout from his back.
With a sudden movement, he leaps into the air, turning full circle, the wings flap once and he brings his holy wrath down upon the last remaining Dragonshield. Calling out a battleprayer to Hoar, he assaults the kobold with his Greatspear, skewering the creature and ending the battle for good.
Wilam, finds his heart beating wildly and tries to calm himself. The cave has gone silent and the sounds of war have turned into to the excited voices of his companions. Wilam can scarcely believe the battle was over, but he was happy about it. Straightening himself, he walks over to the stiff, cold corpse of Irontooth and looks down on it in pity. He was a fierce and strong warrior, if his pride wasn't so great, he may even have been able to bargain for his life. No matter, it is finished.
Wilam waits while the others search for loot and clues. He's not about to get himself soiled with the blood and filth of these cretins.
Varro searches the bodies of the DragonShield and the Shaman, and then drags their bodies to the north, to where the sounds of battle so recently died down.
"Brudder Ya holler if ya be needin any help ... get Ehud an met wit de udders up ere."
Belimir, seeing that the battle is over, goes straight to where the treasure is (where his swarming tide splashed on shiny coins), and searches for shinies (gems, he`ll let Varro take the coins. They`re not interesting to him.)
Varro once reaching the site of the northern battle throws the bodies down and searches the bodies of the goblin and the other kobolds.
"So dis be wut all de ruckus be up ere. So dis be wut an Irontooth be. not be lookin like much ta me, I be bettin he might be lookin ta be more before ya be killin him and spoilin all me fun."
Continues to search the bodies and pile them near the northern cave entrance
On the bodies of the kobolds, Varro finds their broken, useless weapons, and a total of 12gp 48sp.
Irontooth carries a Chain Shirt and a War axe
He also a small pouch.
"Ooooo oi ... Wut do we be ave ere." Varro admires the waraxe he finds. and places it in his belt.
"Hmmmm wut ya be hidin in ere." Varro opens the pouch and peeks inside.
"key, hmmm, der mustin be someting around ere dat dis opens." He shouts "BELIMIR, ME BE FINDIN A KEY!"
"Hey Wilam, der be anudder scrap of paper in ere ... take a look." Hands the note to Wilam
Since the pouch is now empty, Varro places all the coins he has collected in the well crafted pouch
Inside the pouch is a small silver key and a letter, addressed to Irontooth from someone named Kalarel.
It reads:
"My spy in Winterhaven suggests we keep an eye out for visitors to the area. It probably does not matter, in just a few more days, I'll completely open the rift. Then Winterhaven's people will serve as food for all those Lord Orcus sends to do my bidding."
Wilam takes the piece of paper and unfolds it, trying to make sense of the script.
He quickly makes sense of the note and is visibly disturbed at it's message. This is dire. We must put a stop to this at once.
Inside the treasure chamber of the cavern lies a few scattered possessions of the villagers from the area, nothing of much value, and a large chest near the back of this section of the caves.
Belimir tries to open the chest. Hopefully, there`ll be something of value to him in there.
The chest's lock as not as complex as the outside made it seem. The lock clicks open with minor effort, and inside Belimir finds 420gp and an exquisite suit of chainmail, obviously dwarven made.
Belimir turns the chest inside out, and tosses it after finding nothing. He rushes toward Varro, anger obvious on his face. "You said there`d be shinies! Stupid lying dwarf! There`s no shinies in here. NO SHINIES!”
"Ya be simmerin down der lad. I be findin a key. Der has ta be some shinies around ere. I be reckin dis key might be holdin a clue er two."
Still angry, Belimir continues. "I`ll tell you where that key fits. It opens your a**! Or maybe it can close your mouth!?”
*Belly Laugh* “Ya sure ya not be bein a bit ov dwarf. Ya startin ta sound a bit dwarf"
Belimir changes shape again appearing as a white panther. The panther roars as loud as he can, snorts at the dwarf and rushes outside the cave, hoping that nature (and a good hunt) will relax him.
Varro goes to the area that Belimir was searching. Varro tries the key in the chest to see if this is what the key goes to. He then notices the exquisite suit of Dwarven Chain and nearly forgets himself. He carefully collects the chain armor and gently cleans it of all debris while admiring its workmanship. After several moments of admiring the armor he carefully places it to the side.Collecting the other treasure and placing it in his bag, he then searches the area for anything Belimir might have missed.
"Ya, blasted helm, if ya be havin someting ta say den jus be sayin it, I ain't gots no time fer ya gibberish" Damn good day, a new axe, well crafted armor, If I jus be gettin dis damn helm ta shutdahell up den I be a happy dwarf... hmm ...Dwarf ..ya
In Dwarven: "Ya be listenin ta me, if ya be hearin wut I be sayin, den stop yer gibberish and jus be sayin wut it is ya be wantin ta be sayin."
As Varro slides the key into the lock on the chest, a secret compartment pops open from the lid, containing several semi-precious gemstones, the dwarf easily identifies them as holding a value of around fifty gold total.
Silly Druid "Shinies.. *Belly Laugh*"
Wilam recovers from the implications behind the note and decides the group should know about it as soon as possible.
"Stop your bickering!" Wilam is almost shouting to be heard over the top of everyone else, "There are matters at hand that are far more important than your shinies and gold. This note speaks of horrors that are knocking on Winterhaven's doorstep. What's more, there is a spy in Winterhaven that could very well be aware of our presence." Wilam looks down to the note and reads, "'My spy in Winterhaven suggests we keep an eye out for visitors to the area.' If we are to return to Winterhaven, we must be very careful about our words and who is watching us. The note continues to explain a portal is soon to be opened in the keep we've all set out to investigate that will connect us to the plane of... of the Prince of Demons himself."
Francis nods calmly. "I believe this is the same keep you all were heading to in the first place. When we return to Winterhaven, we mustn't even talk about any of this lest we incur unwanted attention from this spy."
Being careful not to miss any of the treasure, Varro packs everything up neatly and securely. Slipping his own armor off and trying on the found Dwarven armor on. He secures the Waraxe and gold. Varro then sits in a quiet corner of the cave and tries to have a nice chinwag with his helm that so recently has found a voice.
For being so talkative during the combat, the helm seems oddly quiet now.
Nuit suddenly seems very distracted and sits down, the black energy wrapping around him again.
After a short while the energy recedes and he stands. He goes over and addresses the group.
"While I have grown fonder of this group than I originally expected, I must take my leave. I am being called to another purpose by My Lady the Raven Queen. Perhaps by her will I shall cross paths with you again. In case I do not, I hope you send many others to my Lady's embrace before you go yourself, and give any actual lich", he spares the group a rare smile, "a good kick for me."
"I be hatin ta see ya go lad, but I be understandin that ya feel ya have a higher callin. Be der anyting dat ya found on any ov da bodies dat ya might not be needin fer ya further quests wit ya Lady?"
Indeed, thank you for reminding me. On the wrympriest I found this totem.
Nuit hands the totem over.
"aye, I be thankin ya fer dat ... I wish ya well."
“Be careful moving forward, the etching on the bottom depicts the demon lord of the undead, Orcus. Were it not for My Lady's calling, I would happily go with you, for if you have attracted the attention of someone connected with Orcus, I wish I could be here to wipe them off this plane for the insult they show my Lady with his perversions.”
"always me friend, we be givin em what be coming to em... May da lady dat you serve protect you."
Varro examines the piece carefully to determine its value and significance.
"Wilam, ya might be wantin ta take a lookin at dis too." Hands the necklace to Wilam
Wilam examines the totem and tries to recall something significant about it.
Wilam also recognizes the symbol of Orcus and shudders. He wraps his fingers tightly around the necklace and projects freezing Arcane energy into it. He then throws it to the floor and it shatters into millions of tiny pieces. "Call me superstitious, but I don't believe carrying the holy symbol of a demon prince is 'good luck'."
Other than the symbol of Orcus etched into the bottom, there is nothing else remarkable about this necklace.
Belimir (in his panther form) was enjoying the hunt. Once he was out (and frustrated) No shinies...... He started searching for tracks. What he needed right now was a good hunt, a challenging hunt. He spotted some doe tracks and started following them. After a while, he came to a spring where the creature was drinking water. He wanted to attack it, but an image of his mentor appeared, from when he met him, back in the Macodian forests. He was helping an animal. Belimir wasn`t hungry, and killing a creature just because he didn`t find the gems he was so obsessed with was wrong. He knew it and he realized it. Belimir went back to the cave. These were his friends, they proved it in combat, and they`ll find shinies. He just has to be patient. So Belimir changed back to his human form, went back in and joined the others in their conversation.
Varro continues his rest and with no avail tries to get his helm to talk to him in a language he can understand.
Upon Belimir's return, Varro rises to his feet and tosses Belimir a pouch.
"Der be sumting dat ya be missin in ya search, friend."
Belimir looks suspiciously at the dwarf. If there`s coins in that pouch, he`s gonna toss them in the water.
"Der be your shinies"
Belimir`s eyes were as large as saucers when he oppened the pouch. He immediately put all of the gems in his hand and started sorting them. "OH! THE COLOURS! They`re beautifull!............But not this one." He tosses one away. "Or this one. I don`t like him either." He tosses another one. Soon, there was only two of them in his palm. A small aquamarine and garnet stones. With big smile on his face, he puts them in his own pouch, and then goes to the dwarf, his face glowing with happiness. He hugs the dwarf and lifts him from the ground. "Sorry dwarf. You weren`t lying. These are shinies!"
Varro watches in amusement as the Druid sorts thru the gems like a spoiled child sorts through a bag of jelly beans.
"I be glad you like dem"
He then goes around collecting the discarded gems.
Wilam heads out of the Lair through the northern exit and attempts to gauge the time of day. He is trying to decide whether or not they'll be able to head directly to the keep.
Night is falling fast as Wilam exits the cave. The journey to the keep would take a solid day's walk from their location.
Wondering where the day had gone, Wilam ducks back into the lair and says to the others, "Night is nearly upon us. If we intend to sleep on real beds tonight, we should return to Winterhaven as soon as possible." He grabs a torch from a nearby wall and heads back out of the cave. to wait for the group to assemble.
