Duncan retreats away from the kobolds, to stand next to Lokeemon.
Saktar tries to befuddle the kobold in front of Tsin, but the creature seems to shrug off the magical effects again.
Tsin presses on the assault but again misses the mark - his kobold opponent strikes back with its spear, but the attack goes wide.
From behind the first one, a second kobold risks an attack with a long reaching chain, trying to hit the elusive ninja, but it misses also
--
From the northern tunnel comes a stronger more guttural voice, as a larger kobold steps into sight barking orders - for a kobold, this one has an impressive frame, standing straight instead of hunched as the others around him. His one good eye peers fiercely at you, smoldering with rage.
His snout is pierced with a large gold nose-ring and his well groomed ears are also adorned with gold studs. He wears a jeweled skull over his left eye.
What shocks you the most however, is the fact he suddenly falls into an incantation, and a missile of magical energy darts forth from his fingers to hit Lokeemon squarely and unerringly in the chest!!
Behind and slightly to the side of this impressive kobold, you spot another distinctive one - looking like a veritable walking corpse, with withered white scales stretched tightly over his bones. His puny skeletal snout seems to contain no more than a loose tooth, and a constant dribble of drool. However, this one's milky eyes seem clearly focused on the two holy warriors, and he also seems to be carrying out some sort of incantation.
--
Bolstered by this renewed attack, but restrained by the orders they have received, the rest of the kobolds do not engage in melee, instead taking only a few steps forward, and throwing spears at Lokeemon and Duncan, hitting the dwarf and scraping his arm.
--
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By Torag's beard I'm more foolish then a baby human.
I say to the message spell F*** I wanted to say SE. I'll try to delay the ones on the N. Come Tsin, we'll be traped there.
I cast "soften earth and stone"on the ceiling on top of the kobolds on the N (on top of the one that attacked Lokee or if to far away as close of him as I can) to cause a moderate collapse. Then I want to move to the front of Lokee
Saktar joins up with Duncan and Lokeemon, and lobs an empowered splash of magical acid at the first kobold in sight - even hindered by the presence of the dwarf, the Arcanist is able to land a solid hit, and the creature's skin sizzles and crackles.
Falling into its special bond with the Earth and Stone all around them, Duncan casts a spell which transforms a block of the stone ceiling into soft clay.
Some of it drips in chunks over the confused kobolds, and other portions start oozing down the stone walls.
The creatures are apparently not damaged by the clay pouring around them, but there is a clear onset of some confusion in their ranks.
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I back away to the tunnel entrance but I don't want to enter the main room just yet. I stay just South of Saktar.
It seems these kobolds are holding off their attack at their master's command, but if they change their minds I don't want them to be able to storm the room and surround us.
So I back away, keeping an eye on them. If they don't follow I draw my bow and shoot at the corpse-like kobold, hoping to disrupt whatever spell he's casting:
I also cast a glance at the SE tunnel, is it still empty?
The mudslide seems to throw the kobold ranks into somewhat of a disarray - the front ones receive spears from the second line, but without specific orders they simply do not follow through and do not throw them at the dwarf in front of them.
The emaciated looking kobold is hit squarely in the face by a huge blob of mud which interrupts his spellcasting, while the reddish larger kobold simply shrugs the unexpected mud cave in away, to bark orders at those around him.
"You will be the first to sacrifice!" - he roars at Duncan - "For da Truescalezzzz!" - the threat seems to bring glee to the other kobolds, who snicker in unison.
---
From the southern tunnel, the kobolds continue inching toward Tsin Tao, and again that nasty chain-like weapon tries to strike at the elusive ninja. To no avail.
---
---
Saktar veritably melts one of the kobold's head completely, turning it into a disgusting paste as the others look on horrified.
Duncan retreats closer to his companions.
Even with Duncan somewhat in his way, Lokeemon manages a sure shot which pierces another kobold through the head, dropping it dead.
Tsin retreats to find the SE tunnel apparently devoid of any opposition.
----
From the side tunnel pour the adversaries Tsin was keeping in check - they focus their barbed chain attacks on Duncan and Saktar, the Arcanist being hit painfully.
----
From the northern entrance you can hear again barked orders - the smaller kobolds in the front are veritably pushed inside the cave, as a larger one you have seen before (spindly little chicken legs that contrast bizarrely with his tremendously muscled upper body) comes barreling in to attack Duncan with its heavy pick, missing by a mile.
One of the 'lesser' kobolds ventures forward to stab at Lokeemon, managing the smallest of hits while the other wanders around aimlessly.
----
Behind these come two other kobolds you had not seen before - clad in gilded armor, and carrying shortspears. They take up position behind the first line.
Then the leaders of the tribe walk into sight - "Surrender now! Or all diezzzzz!" - the red scaled one yaps in a guttural voice, then casts another magical missile. This one streaks without error toward Duncan!
With an horrifying shriek, the emaciated one points at Lokeemon, casting an insidious spell which grasps at the warpriest's resolve.
----
Duncan retreats and casts a defensive spell.
Saktar launches an acid orb at the closest foe, burning him horribly, then steps back close to Tsin.
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Tsin says to the message spell:
I'm going to scout ahead to the next room and then make it to the elevator room.
Unless you hear from me, you guys keep coming. The rock room might be a place where we could hold them if we must.
Tsin runs to the rock room . If he spots any foes along the way, he wants to quickly hide behind cover of one of the rocks and hide. Otherwise, he hides as far into the room as he can.
With only Duncan facing them, the kobolds snicker in anticipation.
"Ydarch! Mekrin te nripon" - the muscular one steps forward, with a look of murder in his eyes, and immediately slips on the marbles, falling down flat.
------
The next line of kobolds prepares to lob spears at the brave dwarf, but suddenly seem to lose their resolve, their weapons poised to attack but...
------
From the side, the chain wielding kobolds wade in next, but they all seem to lose their purpose just before attacking.
------
Their leader however, is not affected by such puny magic, and utters another incantation aimed at the dwarf!
He then moves across the room to the entrance of the SE tunnel. The dreadful emaciated kobold follows suit, rubbing its puny hands in satisfaction.
The heroes perform an admirable tactical retreat.
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Since there is no immediate danger, Tsin goes ahead with his plan and keeps moving to the elevator room.
Double move should be enough to get me to the entrance.
Once I get there, I hide and check the room for enemies. I also want to assess the state of the elevator to think about how to get back up there.
If I see any foes before I get to the room I hide behind a rock and want to change my action.
There seems to be some commotion coming from the tunnel and room they just fled from, but the chase seems not to be on for now. Duncan spies one of the kobolds peeking around the corner though...
---
Tsin you arrive in the elevator room - it seems deserted. Taking a look at the elevator, and even not understanding anything about Engineering or such contraptions, you are convinced this elevator will not go up the shaft again after the tremendous tumble it took. Not unless some serious repairs are carried out...
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I continue running to gather next to rest of the party.
I say to the message spell:
we need to stay in a place were they can't come all at once. Probably where Lokee is might be just that.
If I can get to just South of Lokee and the kobolds are not on top of us I want to heal Lokee
make it count Lok it's my last spell
Duncan continues following after the others.
Saktar arrives in the room to find the dead body of Keebo lying broken on the ground, the crashed elevator, and a rope indeed hanging from somewhere up top.
Both the Arcanist and the Ninja can hear approaching sounds coming from the northern tunnel - footsteps and yapping.
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Tsin bravely moves to the entrance of the North tunnel, wielding his short sword.
Go up Saktar, I'll do my best to hold them off here.
Once you're up there cast some more ropes down so we can all climb in a hurry.
Also, if you have any magic left that could help... I don't like our odds much right now.
Ready action to attack any kobolds that come through the tunnel.
As Tsin reaches the entrance to the northern tunnel, he comes upon a familiar sight - the kobold leader and his desiccated shaman advisor bearing down on him!
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Tsin speaks to the message spell The big bosses are coming to the elevator room through the North tunnel. Will need help fast guys!
He does this as he sidesteps to the left, to get out of sight, then uses the vanishing trick.
Finally ready action to backstab the first kobold (boss) that comes into view.
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With the tail I pick another marble bag.
I run towards the elevator room, not sure how far I can go with all the rocks in the way.
Normally on a double move, my move is 60 if my bless is still active it's 80 and that should take me just N or NE of Saktar, but with all the rocks I may be a bit off ...
At a barked order from the tunnel, two kobolds come barreling in yapping and hollering - these are larger and better armored than usual kobolds you notice - not seeing any other foes in sight, they wade in on Saktar who immediately launches a prepared spell at one of them.
The creature seems able to shake the effects away however, and it presses onward at the Arcanist.
Behind them comes the kobold chieftain and the wretch who accompanies him - "You will feeelzz the strength of Merlokrep KING!!!" - it cackles, pointing a bony finger at Saktar, and casting a spell!
The kobold screeches as Tsin appears from the shadows to attack him, cutting a nasty gash in one of the creature's arms, and making its spell fizzle into nothingness - milky eyes stare at Tsin filled with hatred - "Pink skinzzzzzzz dieeeeeeeeee!!!!"
The bad news is Merlokrep spins about to focus his full attention on the deceiving ninja - "No death! Sacrifice!" - he growls, drawing a massive battle-axe.
-----
Duncan hears sounds of steps and yapping, coming from the tunnel from which Lokeemon just ran out - the chase is on!
Saktar launches a bolt of acid at one of the kobolds, burning its arm.
"I´m comin' boys!! Hang tight! - Duncan roars, heading toward Saktar and Lokeemon.