Valda hefts her gleaming blade, ready to find glory in battle!
Hakata casts runic weapon on his bow and magic dances along it.
As the party moves cautiously toward the lair, the forest's stillness is abruptly broken. Five tatzlwyrms, previously hidden by their natural camouflage, suddenly emerge from the underbrush with with predatory intent.
Two of the tatzlwyrms, faster than the rest, surge past the party, one darting to the left and the other to the right, attempting to encircle the group. Commander Montgrim shout, "We'll handle these two! You take the three guarding the lair!"
The remaining three tatzlwyrms launch themselves at the party from three different sides, closing in on Valda, Kadosh, and Veshka. Each wyrm strikes with its claws first, then their claws.
Valda was ready and easily sidesteps both the snapping claws and evades the gnashing jaws with a deft move. Kadosh was focused and easily parries the claws with his weapon and ducks under the vicious bite. However, Veshka isn't as fortunate. She attempts to dodge, but the wyrm's claws rake across her side, and its powerful jaws clamp down on her shoulder, drawing blood.
Va
Ve
Ka
Veshka reels, howling Catamoch's name until blood trickles down her chin.
Catamoch toys with Veshka however, spurring her on to greater heights of rage by doing nothing more than glancing against the wyrm clawing at her.
"Veshka!" Kadosh cries, but he's too busy fending off his own draconic attacker to help her.
He quickly sizes up the beast and drives his ax -- hard -- into it!
Tanngrisnir is seen moving cautiously toward the lair.
Strongjaw and the White Rabbit are seen arguing about who gets to wear the new tatzlwyrm coat, hat, boots, gloves, leggings (the White Rabbit), pantaloons (Strongjaw), cape and belt.
At the abrupt interruption being rudely perpetrated by said tatzlwyrms, all three decide that close enough is exactly where they are currently standing!
The Songsinger begins to sing a Goblin Song quite Loudly!
Strongjaw then begins to recite a litany of primal words that seem to have many different words for Fire!
The White Rabbit smacks the Witch on the head, furiously pointing at their friends in the area of affect.
Tanngrisnir seems indifferent.
Strongjaw sighs (the goblin only has these particular friends), before changing his primal uttering to words of Fear!
Tanngrisnir does decide to Stride them 30' away....
Hakata calls on the spirits of battle and fires at the wyrm attacking Veshka.
for
for
Valda slices twice at the wyrm attacking her, carving it up! As it falls, she moves to engage one of the other foes, her wreath of flowers blooming brilliantly.
The goblin's performance is particularly successful, annoying the wyrm terribly.
Hakata successfully embeds an arrow into Veshka's warm just as the other two wyrms drop, both Kadosh and Valda beheading their creatures with a critical strike. Afterward, both attempt to help Veshka with her foe since Catamoch seems uninterested in assisting.
The last wyrm attacking Veshka doesn't seem like it intends to flee and continues to try and bring down the summoner. Before doing so however, it belches a disgusting plume of poisonous vapor in her face. Poison
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is sickened 1.
Failure The target takes 2d6 poison damage and is enfeebled 1 for 1 round.
Critical Failure The target takes 4d6 poison damage and is enfeebled 1 for 1 minute.
Afterwards, it continues to bite her and alleviate Veshka of some of her precious life-blood. Kadosh rings his bell distratedly and takes the edge off of the bite, but it still manages to tear a chunk of Veshka's forearm away.
for
for
Hakata launches a few more arrows at the remaining wyrm.
"Pfaugh!" Veshka recoils from the sheer stench of the tatzylwyrm, though the poison itself does not seem to have weakened her. Her blood drips down to the ground, grass straining and visibly growing to drink from her vitae.
"Catamoch, tear its guts out for garters!"
Catamoch chortles in delight at Veshka's resurgent bloodlust, and quickly goes about granting his acolyte's prayers of carnage.
Kadosh gets ready to rush over to help ... before realizing Catamoch has made it a moot point. He looks around to make sure the crusaders are doing OK with the other wyrms.
Catamoch obliterates the wyrm that had been harassing Veshka, and his fury is evidenced by the amount of wyrm guts surrounding him.
Behind them, the Crusaders are wrapping up their battle with their wyrms as well, seemingly having it in hand.
With the initial tatzlwyrms defeated, the party proceeds to the lair atop the 20-foot-tall rise. The climb is challenging, but they manage to scale the outcroppings, reaching the cave's entrance. The dimly lit cave features a 5-foot-deep pool of red, faintly glowing water.
After the climb, Kadosh studies the waters and declares that he believes this area used to be a holy site for The Warrior and that these waters were blessed by them.
Suddenly, the ground trembles, and from the depths of the cave emerge two colossal figures of immense size, towering over the party. Their scales glisten like dark red and blue gems in the dim light, and their eyes burn with intelligence and malice.
The first to appear has a massive body rippling with muscles, her claws sharp as razors. She lets out a thunderous roar, revealing rows of jagged teeth. Her wings, though folded, seem ready to snap open at a moment’s notice, casting an even larger shadow on the cave walls.
A second creature follows, equally imposing. His crimson-colored scales shimmer with a darker hue, almost black in the dim light, making him seem like a living shadow. His eyes are a piercing yellow, filled with cunning and ferocity. As he moves, the ground shakes with each step, and his tail lashes out behind him, knocking loose rocks from the cave walls.
The two are much larger and more menacing than the wyrms encountered earlier, and they exude an aura of raw power and dominance. They exchange a glance before turning their attention to the party, their lips curling back in a snarl.
With voices like rolling thunder, they roar in Draconic, The command echoes through the cave, sending chills down your spines.
From behind you, four more wyrms erupt below and begin to engage the crusaders. Montgrim and his soldiers shout to the party, urging them to take down the "cursed dragon spawn" while they hold off the new wave of tatzlwyrms.
Veshka quickly tends to her wounds while Catamoch bathes in the water. It's sacred to a god of battle. This shouldn't count as befouling it.
When the towering Tatzlwyrms appear, Veshka moves up next to Valda, urging Catamoch forward as she seeks to overwhelm the wyrms' minds with dread power.
Catamoch gleefully bounds into battle with the abandon of one who knows that his acolyte will bear the wounds of his folly.
Catamoch lands his attack, drawing first blood!
The blue-scaled creature spits a sticky glob of its venom across the pit, exploding all over the party! Afterwards, it lifts off and flaps its wings furiously as it closes the distance on the party he just gooped.
Maximum Duration 6 rounds;
Stage 1 1d6 poison damage and enfeebled 1 (1 round)
Stage 2 1d6 poison damage and enfeebled 2 (1 round)
The other large wyrm launches a frenzied series of attacks with its fangs and stinger, injuring the boar god three times (once critically) and wrapping it up tightly in its jaws.
Knowing there are dragons about, Kadosh quickly washes himself with the blessed water. He knows they will need every edge they can get.
HP 62/63
AC 22
Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +9
Hero points: 2
Effects: +1 bonus to strength-related attacks and skill checks, stage 1 poison: 1d6 poison damage and enfeebled 1
As the poison slightly stings, Kadosh rushes to put himself between the blue dragon and his companions. If anyone has to die, he'd rather it be himself than his fellow Broken Tusks!
Poison running through his veins, Hakata drops into the dance of spirits and sends vital energy flowing toward Veshka and her demon.
Veshka howls in pain as the tatzylwyrm tears at Catamoch's flank, but the wyrms' venom scarcely makes an impact on the pair's tainted blood. The Fear she had spread falls away, but Catamoch's wrath remains.
Catamoch drives his tusks up into the great wyrm's throat, his strength renewed by Hakata's healing and Veshka's rage!
Valda hisses as the venom begins to weaken her. She hustles to aid Catamoch, slashing with her gleaming blade.
Strongjaw just stares at all the commotion happening before the slow goblin realizes he should probably do something!
Saving Throw Fortitude DC 24;
Maximum Duration 6 rounds;
Stage 1 1d6 poison damage and enfeebled 1 (1 round)
Stage 2 1d6 poison damage and enfeebled 2 (1 round)
Absently licking the offered treats, the Witch thinks...
While the Witch thinks, Tanngrisnir Strides next to Veshka. The White Rabbit nods.
.....thinking, thinking, thinking, playing with kitties....
Strongjaw snaps out of his contemplation. The Witch decides to Life Boost Hex Catamoch!
The Witch then casts Protector tree (2) HP 20/20 next to the Demonic Sarkorin Boar God!
As Kadosh moves closer to the giant creature, it lashes out with its tail, attempting to stop him. The drake’s stinger strikes out, aimed precisely at Kadosh.
However, just as the stinger is about to make contact, Kadosh rings his bell, the sound sinking into the creature's mind and throwing off its movements.
Kadosh's victory is short-lived as the stinger slams home in his left bicep.
Kadosh swings his battleaxe with precision, landing a solid strike on the bluish creature to the north. This causes it to roar in pain and firmly solidifies its focus on him.
Valda dashes towards Catamoch. With a warrior’s grace, she swings her blade twice at the monstrous creature. Her first strike lands true, drawing blood, while the second swing misses its mark.
Hakata casts a healing spell, the rejuvenating energy flowing into Catamoch, who, feeling the surge of power and spurred on by Veshka’s rage, drives his tusks deep into the wyrm's throat. The critical blow rips open a huge section of flesh and sends a spray of blood all over him. The large creature staggers a few steps, severely wounded. Vesha tries to capitalize on this moment and intimidate the creature, but fails to do so.
Strongjaw bestows additional healing on Catamoch, ensuring the boar god remains in the fight. He then summons a protector tree beside him to aid in his defense.
Kadosh's opponent slams its fangs down into him, piercing his skin with its sharp fangs. It tries to lock him up in its jaws but fails to do so. It slashes at him with its tail but can't seem to find a way through his defenses.
In the battle between the boar god and the bloody crimson creature, the large scaly beast swings its tail towards Catamoch with tremendous force. Stronjaw's tree swings in front of the strike and takes the brunt of the blow, but the creature has such strength that the trunk rips off and flies across the cavern. The stringer still manages to clip Catamoch, but most of the damage was taken by the tree.
Frustrated by the tree's intervention, the creature attempts to roar but instead unleashes a bloody gurgle thanks to the holes in its throat. It slams its tail down on Catamoch again, this time unimpeded.
Finally, catching the board recovering from its last attack, it slams down upon him with its fangs in devastating fashion.
B15 E1
R66
Valda's belly mark glows brightly as she intervenes to protect Catamoch.
She attacks the drake once.
"I am the foe you wish to face!" she shouts to the drake, the mark growing even brighter as she tries to captivate the wyrm. Some of the glow flows to Catamoch, healing his wounds.
Hakata takes pours the last of his healing energy into Catamoch, then takes a shot at the wounded drake.
for and
HP 37/63
AC 22
Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +9
Hero points: 2
Effects: +1 bonus to strength-related attacks and skill checks, stage 2 poison: 1d6 poison damage and enfeebled 2, marshall stance (10 ft., allies a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and saves against mental effects)
Kadosh continues his fight against the creature in front of him, knowing if he fails, it could quickly kill Hakata before anyone can return to help. Adjusting his feet, he raises his axe to help inspire himself and anyone nearby watching, then swings furiously against the creature.
Veshka sways in the center of a torrent of energy, her comrade's aid rushing through her to Catamoch, buffeting her where she stands between the poles of life and death. Where she cannot bring life, she brings her rage, lashing both of the wyrms with wrathful lightning!
Catamoch meanwhile continues to exult, drenching himself in the wyrm's entrails with a fearsome glee.
The Witch decides to Life Boost Hex Kadosh!
Pointing his Staff of Healing at the 1/2 Orc, Strongjaw speaks the Command word!
Veshka's electrical blast singes both scaly creatures, leaving a burnt-scaled smell lingering through the cavern. Catamoch's tusks tear through the giant creature in front of him, goring her so severely that she doesn't take another breath. The ground shudders as it collapses to the ground all around him.
Strongjaw ensures that his party stays on its feet, delivering healing to Catamoch and Kadosh.
Valda turns away from the fallen foe and quickly dashes north towards the one engaged with Kadosh. Along the way, she cuts through The Warrior's holy waters and feels herself blessed with his foresight.
As she closes the distance to the striking range, the wyrm whips its tail around at her. Kadosh rings his bell, once again proving to be effective. It distracts the creature just enough to cause it to miss critically striking Valda.
Hakata heals Catamoch and shoots at the large wyrm but misses it.
Kadosh misses his first attack but lands another blow with his second swing.
Either from seeing its partner brutally killed or from frustrations in dealing with Kadosh, the large wyrm chomps down on Kadosh with tremendous force. The fangs pierce his body and the wyrm keeps its mouth closed around the thaumaturge, grabbing him and preventing his escape.
The creature tries to sting Kadosh, but thanks to his earlier disrupting harmony, they both miss.
40
Smiling as his Hexes do their work, the Witch considers doing something offensive...and everyone knows if a Goblin is considering doing something offensive it could mean anything....
Frowning at the giant dragons engulfment of Kadosh, the Witch decides to get the 1/2 Orc wet behind the ears!
Gits on da fires!
Rousing Splash
Tanngrisnir decides to Stride to within 30' so the Witch can Clinging Ice Hex the Dragon!
Clinging Ice Hex
HP 27/63
AC 22
Fort +12, Ref +11, Will +9
Hero points: 2
Effects: +1 bonus to strength-related attacks and skill checks, stage 2 poison: 1d6 poison damage and enfeebled 2, marshall stance (10 ft., allies a +1 status bonus to attack rolls and saves against mental effects), fast healing 8 3/4 rounds remaining
"Thank you, Strongjaw! Thank you spirits!" Kadosh says, grateful for his fortune -- right up until the dragon clamps its jaws on him, causing him to scream in agony!
Not sure he'd be able to escape even if he tried, he chops in a frenzy at the attacker!
Veshka beckons Catamoch on!
And the boar god gleefully dives into the fray! Once more his tusks drive deep into the wyrm's guts, pinning it fast for the other warriors!
Hakata snaps his fingers and flames spring up around the dragon, them he takes one shot at it with his bow.
for
Valda's sword gleams again as she slices the drake! She then recovers from the drake's venom.
The party continues to rip the second wyrm to shreds, with Kadosh, Valda and Catamoch all delivering brutal strikes again and again.
Blood pumps from numerous wounds on the large creature and it falls to ground, prone. Tremebling, coughing up blood it gasps "Pa-par-parley."
Strongjaw confidently Strides right up to the dying doormat. The smirking goblin purrs
Wees wons! Dat means Youses tells us all da stuffs and wees decides if youses really croak fer new belts, boots, and beautiful vests or wees ken adopt you. Talks now.
The White Rabbit is seen wearing a court reporting outfit.
Tanngrisnir is chewing on some victory grass.
Veshka clenches a fist, keeping Catamoch from the wyrm's throat. "Make it good. And quick."
The large tatzlwyrm looks up at the party, its eyes filled with pain and desperation. Wheezing and coughing up blood, it struggles to speak. "I will order our kin to stand down. And leave the people in the forest unharmed. For as long. As the Mendevians maintain peace." it pleads, its voice wavering.
Blood seeps from numerous wounds, and the creature trembles as it fights against the grip of death. "Slay me, and they will continue to attack," it gasps, each word a struggle. "And there will be unnecessary death. On both sides."
Hakata raises an eyebrow at his kin. "A worthwhile trade? I see no reason to destroy these predators if they will ensure the safety of the Mendevans and our following."
"Yes, we don't need to fight anymore. But can you tell us anything about the dragon that lives in the valley? Venexus!"
The tatzlwyrm wheezes painfully, each breath a struggle as blood continues to pool around it. "Venexus... is a terror," it gasps, its voice raspy and strained. "She... controls the valley... with an iron grip. We... hate her... but we cannot... leave the forest... for fear of her wrath."
Its body trembles, and it struggles to continue speaking. "She is powerful... ancient. Her breath... brings deathly cold. She watches over... all that happens... and has minions... everywhere. If you... oppose her... you must be... prepared."
"She is worshipped by Ashen Swale’s cult... they see her as a god... a dragon god who wields both fire and ice. She protects this valley... from the ravages of winter. But her protection... comes at a terrible cost."
The tatzlwyrm's body shudders violently, clearly on the brink of collapse, but still holding on. "Venexus... lives in a glacial palace... near Lyuba, a Sutaki village... at the east end of Lost Mammoth Valley."
The White Rabbit is seen copying this information down. He is seen using a strange mechanical contraption complete with levers, numbers and letters keys, and Tanngrisnir providing an ink source....
"Gods are great, but they too can fall."
Hakata frowns. "Protects the valley? He's merely interrupting the cycle of seasons. It is no wonder the residents of this place, spirit and mortal, are so unbalanced."
"If you hate her ... would you help us rid the Valley of her? You can't prey on people, but it's big enough for everyone to live here together. ... Once Venexus and Ashen Swale are gone!"