The Kobolds stand their ground, some of them taking insult to the idea that a few men could simply sweep them aside.
"You humans and elves always think you're better than us." One of them sneers. "How about you pay a little fine for trespassing, then maybe we can talk about how you can serve us."
Diplomacy failed, but you might get another chance at it if you bribe them.
The lead kobold steps forward, snatches the silver from Adamus, then steps back to her group, quickly counting it. It then gestures to itself and says, "I am Tarka. Until recently, I was leader of our people. Now the tribe is divided, with some praying at the feet of a pretend god that calls itself the Fire Speaker. I do not wish to fight my people, but if you can defeat this creature, then they will know it to be false. It lurks in the chamber beyond, keeping to the shadows like a thief. Go and kill it, and I will let you "explore" all you want."
The Kobolds stare back at the group, then slowly move aside. The leader gestures onwards. "Try to spare my kin. I need a few to do the labor around here."
This large room was once two, but the wall between them has been partially torn down, and the broken door now serves as a makeshift altar. The candles and strange statues that decorate it all face the dark alcove beyond the broken wall. Four kobolds kneel before the broken door altar, facing the dark alcove, as the red glow of fire flashes quickly in the darkness. As your party enters a voice whispers draconic words from the darkness in Draconic, and the kobolds rise and draw their weapons.
Falyf:
The whisper is in Draconic. It says “defend the flame”.
Curraine draws his sword and readies an action. Curraine will attack anything that comes at him or will move when Taurus moves (please adjust my initiative to follow Taurus').
remember Bros, we have a bargain not kill them all.
The Kobolds charge. One is sent flying back across the room, sliding to a stop at the altar knocked completely unconscious by the hilt of Adamus' weapon. Another is wounded by Curraine's sword. A third nearly wets itself when it sees Taurus. They jab their spears pitifully at those in the front ranks, and are just becoming aware of how overmatched they are when a bright flash of colored light blasts from Falyf and washes over them. When it fades all lay unconscious on the ground. Of the "Fire Speaker" not a word is heard in the silence after.
The map is accurate. The broken door is what the Kobolds were using as an altar. The area beyond is out of range of your torch light until you move forward.
One of the kobold's feet kick in a spasm as Falyf subdues him with the hilt of his sword. There are two left
Taurus, Haris, and Adamus approach the dark doorway and shed some light within revealing a large humanoid statue with a dragon's head. Right as Taurus is about to step around the sculpture a faint draconic word is heard from the shadow behind it, and suddenly a gout of fire bursts from the mouth at the barbarian, but his quick reflexes reduces the burns to minor singes 2 HP damage. Then, as he's patting out the flames, a grey creature steps out from behind the statue and gestures with arcane words much like Falyf's and another cascade of brilliant colors fills the area, knocking both Taurus and Haris unconscious.
ROLLS:
Taurus Reflex Save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Success
Fire Damage 1d4 ⇒ 4 Half Damage
Taurus Will Save 1d20 ⇒ 9 Fail
Unconscious 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5
Then blinded and stunned 1d4 ⇒ 2
Then stunned one more round
Haris Will Save 1d20 ⇒ 11 Fail
Unconscious 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Then blinded and stunned 1d4 ⇒ 1
Then stunned one more round
Adamus Will Save 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 Success
The blow from Adamus sends the creature reeling, and as he turns to flee towards another well revealed in the alcove behind the statue Falyf's sword stabs him in the side. Dropping a sheathed katana he was holding in his hand, he stumbles to the floor just shy of the well, where he cringes and begins begging for his life.
Male Shoanti Barbarian 10 HP: 102/102 l AC: 12 /T: 12/FF: 10 l Fort: +13, Ref: +6, W: +9 l Init: +2 l Per: +5 l Movement: 40
"Suddenly feeling bad for it? We agreed to kill the creature. Aren't your types big on keeping your word?", Taurus chides the squeamish paladin. "Next time you plan on going back on your word, let me know ahead of time."
male Human Sorcerer 1 Wizard 1| AC 12 T 11 FF 11 | HP 15/15 | F +2 R +1 W +1 | Init +5 Perc +5; Darkvision
Falyf kicks the head aside and shakes his head. "Let's get this business over with. Enough bloodshed." He will then have a look at the katana, if it is the jade katana they were looking for.
Searching the creature you find a dagger,a spellbook (contains all 0-level spells, plus disguise self, magic missileburning hands, magic aura, silent image, and ventriloquism), and the jade katana you’ve been tasked to recover.
Meanwhile, the kobolds previously bargained with have entered the chamber and begun seeing to their defeated kin. The leader approaches and nods in respect. “Our thanks for revealing the false god as what it was.” It spits on the corpse, then offers a bundle to Adamus. “Here is a token of our gratitude.That well leads to darkness and endless caves not part of this place. We plan on sealing it with debris and mortar. I suggest you be on your way and leave us to our realm.”
Inside the bundle are four flasks of alchemist’s fire.
Leaving the area, you discover that, with the exception of a store room the kobolds claim as theirs, it seems all the accessible areas of Asad’s Keep have been explored. Though you cannot read the documents you’ve recovered, the amount is likely sufficient to satisfy your patrons.
Male Shoanti Barbarian 10 HP: 102/102 l AC: 12 /T: 12/FF: 10 l Fort: +13, Ref: +6, W: +9 l Init: +2 l Per: +5 l Movement: 40
Taurus sneers at the kobolds but doesn't raise a weapon against them.
After checking the foreign trade agreements one last time, he looks to the party, "Well boys, it looks like we're done here. Ready to head back to the lodge?"
