Confident that they have the fallen on the ropes now, Fung takes careful aim and fires off a final blast at the tattered spirit - dissipating it in a shower of electricity and stardust!
________
Round 4
Dortlin + Clyde
Rallas
Skye
Fung
Vanya
Peribras + Darkpaw
========
Yellow (-8, Portal Closed)
Purple (Portal Closed)
Active Conditions:
Lighting Conditions:
Terrain:
Skye is UP!
Skye moves up to the edge of the circle and pokes his wand into the circle, discharging positive energy into the area. The pulsing of the portal seems to slow for just a moment...but then continues unabated, the charge seemingly not powerful enough to suppress the negative energy.
The two remaining skeletal champions fight on despite now being on the losing side of things, taking swings at Vanya and Rallas respectively...
...and both of them failing to hit their mark. Another wave of negative energy washes over those within the circle...
...mending the damage Vanya had done to the Yellow skeleton and as well as some of Dortlin's wounds, while buffeting Rallas and Clyde with their painful energy.
As if aware that their time may be drawing to an end, the tentacles lash out at everyone living within the circle and wrap around Dortlin, Clyde, and Rallas, binding them tightly!
________
Round 5
Dortlin + Clyde
Rallas
Skye
Fung
Vanya
Peribras + Darkpaw
========
Yellow (Portal Closed)
Purple (Portal Closed)
Active Conditions:
Lighting Conditions:
Terrain:
Everyone is UP!
________
|
As Medda and Anok join your group of Pathfinders around the stone circle, she assists you with the binding ritual. Medda thrusts Ivvora’s hilt into the portal, calling on Vildeis for aid. The shadow rift shrinks and closes, releasing a massive shock wave that knocks the Pathfinders, the Twinhorn warriors, and Medda to the ground. A field of dark, rippling energy remains, suspended above the stone altar. As Medda reaches out to pick up Ivvora’s hilt—the already broken blade now spider-webbed with new cracks—a supernatural silence descends. Only the telepathic rage of some unseen menace cuts through the quiet. “You dare to shut me out?” it rages. “I see you, but I do not see her. Where is the dwarf woman, Ivvora, who fought me so long ago? Has her mortal body failed at last? Has the realm of the living at last lost its protector? Know this: when the long shadows reach out again, I will grasp them and claw my way back into your world to see your flesh devoured by my children.”
Sound returns to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, and Medda cautiously stands. “It seems that Eshimka still lives and has even left this foul scar on our world,” she declares. “If we are to believe its promises, the fiend will attack on the next winter solstice. If we are to survive, we must be ready. Nearly a millennium ago, Ivvora held the key to defeating Eshimka. By following her legends and discovering her fate, we may harness the same holy power that banished this fiend—and together end the beast entirely.
“When we set out, it would be the privilege of this following to have the Pathfinders at our side. But that is a trial for another day. Tonight, at last, we rest.”
|
|
Celebration and preparation have filled the last two days. The Twinhorns are both relieved to have thwarted the villain Eshimka and resolved to help the following’s spiritual leader, Medda, retrace the paladin Ivvora’s millennium-old steps. After hours of considering and retelling ancient stories preserved by oral tradition, Medda gathers the Pathfinders.
“The holy warrior Ivvora came to us in pursuit of Eshimka, whom she vanquished and banished with the Twinhorns’ help. However, she would not rest for long, and she insisted on seeking out other evils in the area. At that time, the most fearsome threat was Grathatonhakis, an immense white dragon that lurked in the Tusk Mountains and would strike our camps. Ivvora learned what she could, left her dagger with us, and departed to slay the dragon. She never returned, and neither did the dragon. Exactly what transpired is unclear from our legends.”
Medda cradles the fragile remnants of Ivvora’s dagger. “This blade kept Eshimka at bay for so many generations, and now it is ready to fall apart. Ivvora held the key to defeating Eshimka, and by learning her fate or communing with her spirit where she fell, we might harness the same power. Then we shall not just reseal the shadow fiend but destroy it once and for all! From our tales we have learned where the wyrm Grathatonhakis laired. Let us set out together to learn what happened—and who might have taken the caves since.”
The trek is long and cold, taking the group first across the tundra and then into shadow of the frigid Tusk Mountains. As the trail winds around a frozen lake, the snap of a snare echoes over the ice, and a Pathfinder is whipped into air by a cleverly laid trap. Medda scowls and announces, “Pathfinders, we have kobolds. Keep within earshot and spread out. They aren’t just a threat; they may also be our best better to finding the dead dragon’s lair.”
|
|
"Well... this Eshimka knows how to hold a grudge at least... but I didn't like the part about feeding us to her children... so gauche! And besides I've heard that threat at least 4 times before, so not even original!"
As their new destination becomes clear and one of her fellow agents falls to a kobold trap she sighs:"Typical: you set out to hunt a dragon, but first you need to deal with its kobold minions..."
After having endured a lengthy, drawn-out battle against the forces guarding Eshimka's portal, the group of you finally managed to put an end to the remaining stragglers and allowed Medda the opportunity to complete the binding ritual and close the portal - for now, anyway. It seemed clear at the time that Eshimka had no plans to give up its desire for vengeance and conquest. But for the moment, all was finally well again within the Twinhorn lands and all of you, Pathfinder and Twinhorn alike, decided to take advantage of the opportunity to rest and recuperate from your adventures...and to celebrate!
Alas, all good things must come to an end however and several days later you find yourself trekking across the tundras and into the shadows of the Tusk Mountains, searching for the lair of fabled white dragon Grathatonhakis. For Medda believes that in finding what became of the dragon you will also find what became of Ivvora - and thus be able to beseech her spirit for aid. And up until a few moments ago, the trip had been blessedly uneventful. But now, it's clear that you've found yourselves in kobold territory and must step carefully.
"Before you go, please be wary - this land isn't just home to kobolds alone," Medda warns. "There may also be dangerous megafauna as well as fey - and the last have often chased away humanoid tribes."
"I wouldn't worry too much Medda," Stardust purrs. "They've tackled many dangerous threats and emerged victorious before. I'm certain that they can do it again," the dweomercat finishes with a friendly wink at the group. "But I do have to ask, if you happen to run across any kobolds, please save me one or two - I could do with a good snack."
"Hah! More and more I like your spirit, noble beast," Anok chuckles, ever-present at Medda's side. "Come, let us see what we can find hidden in the snow." And with that, Medda, Anok, Stardust, and a few other warriors head off, leaving you to continue your own explorations...
________
As the groups of Pathfinders and Twinhorn disperse and spread out over the frozen tundra, the group of you descend a gentle slope towards a frozen lake to the west. The majestic Tusk mountains rise to the north and east, providing quite the breathtaking view as the early-morning sun peeks over them on its ascent into the sky.
You carefully make your way along a small frozen creek that flows towards the lake, mindful of where you step as the ice is particularly slippery. Clyde especially finds difficulty in moving along; the ice creaks and groans dangerously under his feet whenever he steps on it and both he and Dortlin are forced to try and keep on terra firma as much as possible. On the bright side, at least you don't have to worry about the cold temperatures since Medda and her people were thoughtful enough to provide everyone with plenty of cold-weather clothing.
As you approach the lake from the southeast, all of you clearly begin hearing strange sounds...snarling, barking yips occasionally punctuated by a strange, whispery sound that reminds you of breezes blowing through the treetops. Getting a little closer, you're able to begin making out the words of what seems to be a heated argument...
"শৃল, চটকানি, ছিদ্রের কীট! আপনাকে এই জায়গা ছেড়ে যেতে হবে এবং কখনোই ফিরে যেতে হবে না!" comes the whispery voice, sounding clearly put-out with whoever it's addressing.
"Wěiyè! Yúchǔn de shùmù! Xūyào zhìzuò xiàng zhēnzhèng de shù bìng líkāi! Bù... Gèng hǎo de zhǔyì! Kǎn shù de dōngxī dùn! Wěiyè!" replies a shrill voice in a series of yips and growls.
"Shrill, vexing, squeaking pests! You need to leave this place and never return!"
"Yip! Stupid tree-thing! Need to make like real tree and leave! No...better idea! Chop tree-thing up for stew! Yip!"
Hastening forward, you reach a bend in the creek where the treeline is thin enough to catch a glimpse of the lake beyond. Through it, you can see what appear to be a group of three reptilian-looking creatures facing down a short-haired woman whose flesh seems to be made of wood, with vibrant hair that resembles leaves and blossoms. Two of the reptile creatures carry crossbows and rapiers, while the third carries a quarterstaff.
Two of the reptilian creatures are kobold blades.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
The leader of the reptilian creatures is a kobold guilecaster.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
The vibrant-haired woman is actually a fey creature known as a dryad.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
It seems clear that the course of the argument is rapidly deteriorating as the reptilian creatures brandish their weapons threateningly only to be met with a rather rude gesture in return from the strange woman...
________
Just as the three reptile creatures seem intent on attacking the strange woman, one of them happens to glance over towards the treeline and begins yipping as he spots you!
"Zài nà biān! Smoothskins!" it cries, drawing the attention of its fellows as well as that of the woman.
"Yúchǔn de shù wù, dài lái péngyǒu! Méiguānxì, wǒmen shāle nǐmen suǒyǒu rén!" the leader cries.
"Over there! Smoothskins!"
"Stupid tree-thing, bringing friends! Doesn't matter, we kill you all!"
________
Round 1
Rallas
========
Sword Guys
========
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Skye
Fung
Vanya
========
Staff Guy
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Hazards: Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as Difficult Terrain and grant Partial Cover.
Rallas is UP!
________
|
"Farewell, Medda and Anok. We will complete this quest and celebrate our success with the Twinhorn following."
"Stardust, I will be sure to visit the Blakros Museum as soon as I get back to Absalom. I'll tell you how this tale ends. Thank you for your friendship."
When the party is ready to depart, he casts false life .
Hearing the strange voices near the lake, Skye activates his wand of comprehend languages. As the party gets close enough, he sees the tree-woman arguing with the reptilian creatures Rallas says are kobolds. He tells his companions what they're saying.
"The woman wants the pesky kobolds to leave. The kobolds threaten to cut her down. Now, the kobolds have seen us. They think we're the woman's allies and say they're going to kill us all!"
Before Rallas sets off, Skye uses heaven's leap to give him a 30-ft. head start.
Having identified the reptilian creatures as kobolds Rallas moves forward as quickly as he can to engage them, racing along a small path that weaves between the trees.
The two kobolds sporting rapiers turn and start moving towards the party but their progress is slowed considerably as they have to make their way across the slippery ice of the lake and then force their way into the trees and underbrush by the lake's shore.
________
Round 1
Rallas
========
Kobold Blade Blue
Kobold Blade Green
========
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Skye
Fung
Vanya
========
Kobold Guilecaster Purple
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Hazards: Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as Difficult Terrain and grant Partial Cover.
Dortlin + Clyde, Peribras + Darkpaw, Skye, Fung and Vanya are UP!
|
"She's a dryad."
While the ice may be an issue for Clyde the trees are not thanks to Woodland Stride.
Dortlin will urge Clyde on at great speed.
And Clyde will use Chameleon Stride to move twice his speed (40 with longstrider) then move out on the ice next to the kobold identified as a caster.
Dortlin meanwhile will switch to his nodachi.
Swift action animal focus Bull.
In common "Leave the lady alone."
He will then trip the caster using broken wing gambit.
|
|
Skye's eyes go black and the bright winter colors drain around him, as he creates tiny tears in the fabric of time and space and temporarily stitches them together to send Vanya through a limited, one-way wormhole to a position halfway along the snowy path between the trees.
Then he makes his own way across a short span of frozen creek and along the forest path.
|
|
Instead of following along the path, Fung elects to cut straight through the forest, trying to close the distance as much as possible. But weaving around the trees slow him down. As soon as he can see one of the kobolds on the other side, he lifts up his hand and sends a supercharged bolt of electricity at him.
Racing swiftly through the trees Dortlin and Clyde move out onto the ice of the lake; the ice creaks and groans with the weight of the two but thankfully holds up for now. Drawing his nodachi, Dortlin whips it around and yanks the kobold carrying the quarterstaff off of its feet!
Skye uses the power of the stars to grant Vanya a sudden jaunt through a wormhole that safely drops her 30 feet closer to the lake and the angry kobolds. Calling out her thanks, she advances forward even further and then readies herself to attack anything that approaches.
Deciding to take a more direct approach, Fung plunges into the treeline and slowly begins weaving his way through the trees toward his foes. As soon as he spots one he sends a blast of electricity crackling through the air but it connects with a nearby tree instead, leaving it scorched.
________
Round 1
Rallas
========
Kobold Blade Blue
Kobold Blade Green
========
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Skye
Fung
Vanya
========
Kobold Guilecaster Purple
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Hazards: Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as Difficult Terrain and grant Partial Cover.
Peribras + Darkpaw are UP!
Peribras urges Darkpaw to break off from the rest of the group and follow the river, which she does - though the terrain proves difficult even for her to maneuver through and the going is slow. But luckily, the terrain is no match for Peribras' skill with a bow and once Darkpaw reaches a favorable position he takes aim at the kobold caster and fires off two shots. Unfortunately, both arrows miss as it proves harder to hit the prone kobold than Peribras had anticipated!
Though flat on its back, the kobold guilecaster doesn't seem willing to go down quietly. Tucking into a defensive ball, he begins casting...
He's casting Create Pit.
...and a large pit suddenly opens beneath Clyde's feet!
Meanwhile, the dryad flattens herself against the nearby rocks, watching the battle with wide, wary eyes, seemingly reluctant to get involved.
________
Round 2
Rallas
========
Kobold Blade Blue
Kobold Blade Green
========
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Skye
Fung
Vanya
========
Kobold Guilecaster Purple
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Hazards: Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as Difficult Terrain and grant Partial Cover.
Rallas is UP!
Getting a running start Rallas makes an amazingly graceful leap through the trees to land next to the Blue kobold, bringing his sword down on the startled creature as he does! Even then the blade only barely connects but it very nearly cleaves one of the creature's arms from its body, spraying the pristine snow with crimson droplets of blood.
Bleeding profusely, Blue attempts to return the favor and jabs at Rallas with its rapier...
...but misses, the trees hampering his ability to engage the wily elf.
Green, seeing his comrade in trouble, moves swiftly through the treeline to flank with him but doesn't realize the danger posed by moving next to the great ape and takes quite the walloping from Dortlin as a result though Clyde's claw barely misses him - but even that isn't quite enough to drop him. He weakly tries to stab at Rallas with his own rapier...
...and fares no better.
________
Round 2
Rallas
========
Kobold Blade Blue (-23)
Kobold Blade Green (-14)
========
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Skye
Fung
Vanya
========
Kobold Guilecaster Purple
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Hazards: Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as Difficult Terrain and grant Partial Cover.
Dortlin + Clyde, Peribras + Darkpaw, Skye, Fung and Vanya are UP!
|
|
"Hey dryad lady, These creatures can't be good for the local environment. Come join the fight if you want. It could be fun."
Dortlin looks down at the caster. "You look like you might have useful information."
Dortlin attacks the caster using the flat of his blade.
Broken wing gambit and dealing non lethal dmg.
Clyde doesn't get the whole non lethal thing so full attacks including broken wing gambit. Dortlin will stop him if the caster goes unconscious.
If crit then
While Skye hurries to catch up with the others, Fung aims another blast at Green in an attempt to help Rallas out of his jam. Sadly, the brave Tian's aim continues to be fouled by the trees and the blast sails off across the lake into the distance.
Dortlin decides that both asking for help and taking a prisoner might be prudent, appealing to the dryad's sense of adventure even as he gives the prone kobold a good smack upside the head with the flat of his blade. Clyde, on the other hand, doesn't understand such niceties and shreds the kobold with his claws and the loss of blood combined with the smack on the head causes the caster to pass out!
"Hmm...are you sure you need my help?" the dryad laughs, her voice light and airy. "You seem to be doing just fine! But on the other hand..."
She snaps her fingers, causing the nearby vegetation to wind itself around a startled Green who yelps in alarm.
..."you're right. This is fun!"
________
Round 2
Rallas
========
Kobold Blade Blue (-23)
Kobold Blade Green (-14; Entangled)
========
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Skye
Fung
Vanya
========
Kobold Guilecaster Purple
Active Conditions: None
Environmental Hazards: Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as Difficult Terrain and grant Partial Cover.
Peribras + Darkpaw and Vanya are UP!
Vanya dashes forward and slashes viciously at the back of Kobold Blue, sending another spray of blood everywhere and dropping him!
Peribras and Darkpaw continues to follow the river, circling around to the west of the melee. As the she-wolf comes to a stop, the brave hunter fires off two more shots at the remaining kobold...
...and sinks one of them into Green's shoulder! Now severely weakened and far outnumbered, the lone kobold drops his rapier and throws his hands into the air, squeaking and yipping frantically.
"Tóuxiáng! Wǒ tóuxiáng!"
"Surrender! I surrender!"
"I believe he says he's had enough," the dryad drawls with obvious amusement and glee.
________
With the battle now over, the dryad turns to face you as you all regroup and bows in respect. "Enzial is my name, much thanks to you for your help," she addresses the group in Common, the words flowing a bit awkwardly as she seems unused to speaking them. "The mountain dragons recently hatched more of their little ones, so these scaled ones hunt, hunt, hunt, for the meat to feed them."
Enzial frowns, shaking her head worriedly. "Normally we don't especially mind their presence or their hunting but lately it's been too much, too much! They've killed so many animals...it's affecting the balance here. And my people aren't sure of what can be done about it."
The dryad cocks her head curiously at you. "But you...why have you come to these lands? There are more of you than just what I see here, too...I hear it whispered on the wind."
|
|
"Well met, Enzial. My name is Skye, shaman of the Lyrune-Quah. We are Pathfinders, assisting the Twinhorn following seek out the spirit of their ancient heroine, the dwarf Ivorra. The holy warrior pursued the evil Eshimka, whom she vanquished and banished with the Twinhorns’ help."
"Ivorra never returned from her encounter with the ancient white wyrm Grathatonhakis we seek to learn what happened to her."
"We're glad we were able to aid you. Do you think there's more to this recent mountain dragon breeding activity and the aggressive raids of the kobolds?"
Enzial's eyes widen. "You know of Grathatonhakis??? Stories tell that he terrorized this land ages and ages ago, for centuries, before meeting his end nearly a millennium ago," she explains in a hushed whisper. "I have not heard of or met your Ivvora, perhaps her end and the great wyrm's end are entwined? It would make sense, from what you've said..."
The dryad pauses for a moment, lost in thought until she realizes that Skye is waiting on an answer to his question. "Oh! I am not sure, but it's only been within the last, ah...hundred years, I think, that the white wyrms saw fit to return to this place."
"Ah...but you are here seeking your Ivvora and it seems that your path will take you directly into the nesting places of the wyrms. If...if you wish it, I could show you the way," she offers hesitantly. "To repay you for your help. I know of two entrances into their largest lair...one, a large front entrance some distance up the mountains, is the easiest to reach. But there is another, smaller way in that lies much further up. Either path should bring you to where the white wyrms reside."
For a moment, Enzial falls silent and you think that she might be waiting to hear which entrance you wish to be guided to. But then she suddenly blurts out, "But! There is something else, too...I could take you to see the King and Queen. They're the stewards of these lands and hold court over all the feyfolk that call them home."
"They're not the easiest to convince of anything but they might be willing to grant you and your Twinhorn friends their aid...which would be considerable," Enzial explains. "But you would need to convince both of them, not just one or the other."
She holds her hands out, palms facing up. "The choice is yours, brave ones."
________
While the group discusses how to proceed, Rallas quickly sees to stripping all three kobolds of their gear and separating everything out into little piles on the ground. With a few minutes of perusal and taking inventory, you wind up with the following:
Elixir of Fire Breath x2
Cure Moderate Wounds Potion x2
MWk Breastplate x2
MWK Rapier x2
MWK Light Crossbow x2
Bolts x20
Antitoxin
Thunderstone
Quarterstaff
MWK Artisan's Tools
Circlet of Persuasion
15 gp
"Is that what I smell?" Enzial grins, sniffing the air in Skye's general direction. "I knew it wasn't your ape friend but I just couldn't place what it was - but if it's smoking herbs then, well, that explains it!"
The dryad's expression quickly grows serious again and she nods. "Good, I was hoping you would come meet with the King and Queen. I think that if you can convince them to lend their aid, it will go a long way to solving our problems with the kobolds and helping you to find your missing Ivvora. Come, follow me," she beckons.
________
The group follows after Enzial, who leads you into a nearby cluster of birch trees so dense that it seems not even a sparrow could fly between them. As she approaches, the trees seem to leap aside, clearing a short path. Traveling this path causes the scenery to blur around you, as though each step were carrying you many miles at a time. And yet after walking what feels like a only few dozen feet, you arrive in a clearing surrounded by a living palisade of birch trees. At the center stands a lopsided oak tree with green leaves, and two regal fey sit atop the roots while holding court before several dozen other First World beings like dryads, pixies, satyrs, and animals whose eyes sparkle with an unusual intelligence.
"I tell you that we should not interfere!" exclaims one of the two fey sitting atop the roots. Birdlike wings covered with pine needles instead of feathers extend from the back of this regal, elf-like humanoid. He perches on the oak, looking down on the members of the court. "These kobolds, as loathsome as they may be, have shown great cunning and tenacity on their hunts, proving that they have the will and the power to survive." The elf-like creature flaps his wings, kicking up the dust and leaves. "And the highest law of nature is survival of the fittest!"
The other fey that sits with elf-like man sighs deeply. "Be that as it may Vallahk, they have swarmed across the lands of late as a swarm of locusts," she responds, sitting slightly in her seat as the roots of the tree shift and bend to adjust to her movements. This regal, elf-like woman, wearing a dress of pine needles and a crown of geraniums, exhibits the grace and pride of the forest's most ancient trees. "I do not advocate for out-and-out war, but would it not be wisest to seek a way to slow the kobolds and their hunting of these lands? There is plenty enough room for all, but only if we maintain some degree of balance."
"Pfah! You are as soft as ever, dear Quiselle," the one named Vallahk laughs, a hint of derision in his voice. "I-"
Vallahk stops as Enzial enters the court, the rest of you following behind. All eyes turn to regard each of you with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "Well, who have you brought to us, little Enzial?" Vallahk booms, peering down at the group with an intensity that's almost predatory.
"They call themselves Pathfinders, my King," Enzial replies, offering a bow of respect to the monarchs. "I was beset by a trio of kobolds at the river and they aided me. They come seeking the fate of their Ivvora, a child of the mountains that came here long ago to face Grathatonhakis! I...I thought that you might wish to speak to them, for they seek to enter the lair of the white wyrms and so will cross paths with the kobolds again..."
________