"Whooo! That was fun!" Joe says despite the fact he's bleeding from several wounds and not really caring. "But you know what I'm thinkin' fellas? Maybe next time I'd better not rush in. Three on one usually ain't good odds." He says as a matter of fact while rubbing his chin. "Oh well, let's see what we can find in here!"
Looting the three trogs gets you 32sp and three javelins. Just after picking through the last of their pockets the southeast door bursts open. Another creature reveals itself. This trog is still lanky but much taller, nearly full grown, and wearing an ill fitting suit of studded leather. He bares his claws and gets ready to attack.
Colburne
Crael
Gustin
troglodyte
(16) Crael
(13) Colburne
(13) Joe
(8) troglodyte
His presence is quickly followed by a terrible stench, far worse than what was smelled before.
Colburne
Crael
-Arrux
Gustin
After only just barely getting over the previous smell this new one causes Joe, Colburne, and Gustin to grow nauseas. Their eyes grow bleary with tears and limbs quake weakly.
Crael mumbles strange words under his breath, throwing his hand at the creature. Beneath it's feet a thick black grease forms on the ground. Arrux stamps his feet, angered that he is unable to charge into the fight he instead moves around the group and in front of the creature to engage it.
"DANGIT!" Joe manages as the sick feeling these creatures give off returns. "This one stinks worse than the others...AND HE'S BIGGER!" As Joe swaps out his hammer for his scythe, he prepares himself in case the Trog gets past Arrux. At the same time, fighting off the urge to vomit everywhere.
Chocking back a mouthful of bile, Colburne moves to Arrux's side, grippng his axe in anticipation. "That's it Arrux, show this lizard who's king crab!
Gustin retreats behind Arrux, attempting to keep from spewing liquid. unable to speak he touches Arrux on his shoulder channeling the possitive energy that his deity grants him into Arrux.
Round 1, troglodyte
(22) Gustin retreats behind Arrux, attempting to keep from spewing liquid. unable to speak he touches Arrux on his shoulder channeling the possitive energy that his deity grants him into Arrux.
(16) Crael mumbles strange words under his breath, throwing his hand at the creature. Beneath it's feet a thick black grease forms on the ground.
Arrux stamps his feet, angered that he is unable to charge into the fight he instead moves around the group and in front of the creature to engage it. Slamming his heavy pincer down on the fallen troglodyte. It grunts in pain.
(13) Chocking back a mouthful of bile, Colburne moves to Arrux's side, grippng his axe in anticipation. "That's it Arrux, show this lizard who's king crab!"
(13) "DANGIT!" Joe manages as the sick feeling these creatures give off returns. "This one stinks worse than the others....urp...AND HE'S BIGGER!" As Joe swaps out his hammer for his scythe, he prepares himself in case the Trog gets past Arrux. At the same time, fighting off the urge to vomit everywhere.
(8) After being struck my Arrux the creature tries to stand.
It slips on the ground comically landing on it's face. While it flails about Arrux takes the opportunity to strike again.
This time the eidolon snaps his pincer along the trog's neck breaking it nearly in half. It shudders and dies.
"Way to show us how it's done guys! Scratch another one for Crael and his dutiful crustacean, that was impressive to say the least. Why don't you just cast us a message when your bodyguard finishes slaying all the foes, and we can come back and clean the place out?" Colburne shoots Crael a sarcastic grin. "Just kidding... But all jokes aside lets see what this beast and his lair has to offer."
A brazier of glowing coals sits in the center of this room, its acrid smoke mixing with the ever-present troglodyte stench. A few knives, pokers, and other metal implements lie atop a rusty iron box nearby. The troglodyte carries no weapons, but is wearing a suit of masterwork studded leather. A single iron key is on a large loop through it's belt.
"Good one Col'!" As Joe breaks out in laughter. "Col's right though, that crab buddy o' yours is a heck of a fighter, Crael. Heck, between him and you, Col', I may learn a thing or two!" Joe checking the trog for possessions, "Hey fellas, this things got some better armor on it, at least better 'an what I got, and a key. If no one minds, I could use this. Mine is gettin' a little worn. And here is the key that's was on him. One of y'all can have it, see where it might go." Handing the key to whoever wants it.
A muffled cry can be heard from the second door in the room.
"Yes, Arrux has been extremely helpful." Crael turns to the door when he hears the sound from the other room. "We should look into that."
As Crael opens the door the sounds grow louder. Behind the door is a small room, barely more than a closet. A man in torn and bloody clothing crouches manacled to the wall. He is currently gagged by a dirty rag. He twists and struggles until he realizes the trogs haven't come for another beating.
Colburne curiously approaches the closet, "What do you say we ungag this fella and see what he's got to say before we go removing any manacles?" holding his axe in one hand, Colburne carefully removes the prisoners gag. "Well what's your story stranger? How did you end up a prisoner of these filthy lizardmen?"
"Thank you! Augh, that thing tastes terrible. My name is Balenar Forsend, I am a Pathfinder if you please. Was returning to town this morning when I saw the tower shatter from the quake. While I was investigating a group of those dirty troglodytes swarmed up the stairs and got the better of me. They've spent all day playing 'Beat the Bard.'" he quickly explains, clearly relieved to be rescued. His long black hair flops about his face as he talks sticking on the blood from open cuts.
Listening to what he has to say and observing the man Colburne has a pretty good hunch he's telling the truth. The Pathfinder also seems to be concerned and keeps looking at the ceiling.
"What do you think, Col'? He seems pretty sincere to me." Joe says and then turns to the prisoner, "They sure did beat you good, didn't they stranger." Turning back to Colburne he says in a lowered voice, "If you trust 'm Col', maybe we ought to bandage him up or have Gustin heal 'm. I hate to leave 'm like this. Just ain't right." Noticing the prisoner continuing to look at the ceiling, "What's up there stranger, that's got you all in a fix?" He asks while looking up at the ceiling.
"The fifth floor is where their leader, a corrupt druid, has made his lair. He was planning on sacrificing me to their dark god in order to draw a swarm of evil-minded animals to serve him." He looks back and forth at them eagerly, "If you're hear that means you killed the big lug, did he have a key on him? It opens my restraints and the chest were they kept my stuff."
"He looks like he might be able to heal himself if he is let free. I say we let him free. He might be able to help us."
"Sounds good to me, Gustin." Turning to the prisoner, "He sure did." Retrieving the key from his pocket, "I've got it right here." Inserting the key in the manacles and unlocking them. "There. That should do it, pardner." After helping the man to his feet he continues, "Don't s'pose you know what might be on the rest of this floor do ya? Or how big an' nasty that leader of theirs is?"
The Pathfinder rubs his freed wrists and heads for the iron chest, "The trogs talked about a pet in the north wing. Some sort of giant frog their leader called. I've only seen the druid a couple times, he always carries a massive bone scythe, so I imagine he can use it. Listen, I don't really want to get killed here, but I'll help you. Can't have these scalebacks kidnapping people in the area. I'll vouch for you back at the Pathfinder's Lodge as well."
Using the key he opens the chest and takes out a masterwork buckler, a masterwork rapier, a shortbow and quiver, a pair of scrolls, a compass, and a climber’s kit. "It looks like the big one is wearing my armor, do you mind if I take it back?" While he stows his equipment on his person he begins a sing-song chant, a blue orb of cool light appears in his hands. He runs it over his wounds and they begin to close.
"I got it right here." He retrieves the armor and hands it to him. "Here you go buddy." He slaps him on the shoulder and then turns to the party. "Well fellas, y'all wanna take out the big frog first, or do we head straight for the next floor and get rid of the leader of these smelly lizards?"
"I say we go after the frog, if the boss has a way of calling it then we certainly want to make sure it is taken care of. I would hate to fight both at once." Crael sniffs the air. "Now let's just hope the boss takes hygeine as a higher priority than the rest of them."
"I am a purveyor of bardic magic, not much for the front lines. Also, that crab thing is terrifying, I hope it's on our side," comments Balenar while putting on his armor. He draws his rapier and casts light on the blade with another lilting rhyme. "Lead on, gentlemen."
"The frog it is! Follow me, I'm gonna make sure the door's not trapped." Stepping carefully around the corpses of the dead troglodytes, Colburne makes his way to the northern portal.
The door is clear of traps or locks. A steady dripping noise is occasionally punctuated by a deep croak.
"Alright fellas, let's open 'er up and see what we can see! Whooo!" He says with his usual excitement. "But let's not rush in there this time. After getting myself tore up by that trio of lizards last time, I think we better see if we can get this thing to come to us."
Axe in hand, Colburne opens the door.
"Is it in there Col'?" He asks as he peeks around the corner, with his scythe gripped tightly, trying to see as much as he can in the dark room. "Here froggy, froggy. Come out, come out wherever you are."
Cracks in the walls and ceiling of this chamber have allowed rainwater to collect here, flooding the room and giving rise to a profusion of mold and fungus along the walls and ceiling. Puddles of ankle deep water fill the majority of the room. Sitting in the middle is a frog with moist, mottled, blackish-green skin, but grown to truly monstrous size. It's bulbous eyes turn toward the open door and the creature opens a razor-tooth filled maw.
Colburne
Crael
Gustin
giant frog
(11) Colburne
(8) Joe
(8) giant frog
(7) Crael
Fourth Floor, giant frog (map)
"Yea..... I see it.... It's huge and its got a mean set of chompers! See if you can coax it out Joe. When it comes through the door WHAM!!, froglegs for dinner!" Colburne stands to one side of the door, patiently waiting for the beastial amphibian to approach.
Gustin Jumps into action an launches an arrow at the giant frog hoping to catch its attention
____________________________________________
"You got it Col'." As Joe steps in front of the door and says, "Here froggy, frog. Come on and visit your ol' buddy Joe." He then waves the frog to come to him as he steps back to his original postion.
Crael launches an orb of acid at the frog, while arrux waits for his chance to strike.
Round 1, giant frog
(18) Gustin Jumps into action an launches an arrow at the giant frog hoping to catch its attention. The arrow wobbles and slaps into the wall. The bow string has snapped along Gustins inner arm causing him to drop the weapon.
(11) "Yea..... I see it.... It's huge and its got a mean set of chompers! See if you can coax it out Joe. When it comes through the door WHAM!!, froglegs for dinner!" Colburne stands to one side of the door, patiently waiting for the bestial amphibian to approach.
(8) "You got it Col." As Joe steps in front of the door and says, "Here froggy, frog. Come on and visit your ol' buddy Joe." He then waves the frog to come to him as he steps back to his original position.
(8) The frog follows the taunts into the room where it is ambushed by Joe and Colburne. Colburne's axe lands deep in it's side puncturing a lung. Joe drives the blade of his scythe straight through the neck of the frog and jerks it, severing the creatures spine.
(7) Arrux appears slightly disappointed.
"Well done, lads!" Balenar cheers on, "That was quick work there."
"Well we try to not let Arrux have all the fun, huh Arrux?" He slaps him on the shoulder. "Whooo! That's just fun right there, I don't care what anybody says!" He then turns to Colburne, "By the way, I'm holdin' you to those froglegs Col'." He says with a wink and a big ol' Joe smile. "Alright fellas, let's check this room out and see what we find."
A small jade statue of an angelic being lies among the rubbish under a broken table. There is also an open door leading out to the ruined eastern wing.
"Looky here, fellas. Look what I found." He shows the statue to the others. "Can any o' y'all make out what this must be worth?" Waiting for an answer and then remembering the door, "Oh, and there's that door over there too. I'm gonna guess we want to check that room out too, before we take on King smelly lizard, right?" He says with a grin.
"Here let me take a look." Colbure studies the jade statue.
After appraising the idol, Colburne examines the remaining door.
The last secton of this floor is collapsed, but the bottom of the floor overhead is intact. Though creaking ominiously.
"Well, I guess we don't have to worry about that room." Then hearing the steps from above, "Sounds like that big bad lizard's just waiting for us. I say let's not disappoint the stinker!" As he grabs a bite of rations and takes a big swig of his water. "You fellas ready? How's everybody doing? I'm still fairly cut up by those three lizards from earlier. At least the bleeding has stopped! Whooo!" He gives a big thumbs up and a wink. "But let's make sure we're all alright. According to this fella here," he motions at Balenar, "this king lizard guy seems mighty nasty. We best be prepared."
The Pathfinder moves over to Joe and inspects his wounds. He begins to hum and chant like before and healing energy washes from his hands, knitting flesh and muscle.
"I am ready to go up once everyone else is" Crael is looking at the body of the giant frog, while Arrux scrapes some grime off his shell.
"Hey thanks, buddy!" He pats Balenar on the shoulder. "I 'preciate that." Turning to the rest of the party, "Okay fellas, let's get 'er done. Let's pay a visit to our ol' buddy on the next floor." Turning and heading for the stairs he speaks his thoughts out loud, "I just knew this was gonna be funner 'an scratchin' dirt! Whooo!"
The central stairwell leads up to the a large double trapdoor. Opening this will lead straight into to the fifth floor and what awaits.
"Okay fellas, this is it. Col', I'll wait to you say it's safe 'fore we go through. We've had our share o' trouble with doors. Hopefully this 'n won't be trapped." He says as he wipes the sweat from his face and then tightens his grip on his scythe.
"Good thinking Joe, let me have a look see!" Colburne exclaims as he examines the trapdoor.
If no traps are found, Colburne grips his axe tightly, mentally preparing himself for the deadly combat ahead. "Looks clear ol' buddy. Let's do this!"
"That's what I was hopin' you'd say. Alright fellas. Like Col' said, let's do this. No time like now." A thought crosses his mind just before they move enter, "Hey Col', one other thing. Let's do like we did with that frog. I'll move to one side and you take the other. That's a nice little plan you had there. Boy, that frog didn't know what hit him! I just hope lizard guy ain't got no friends with 'im, otherwise, we could be in a heap of trouble."
The door itself is not trapped or locked and while heavy is easy to open. The four wings of the tower are completely open on this level, forming one great, cross-shaped chamber with arched ceilings. The decayed remnants of a carpet run from the doorways at the end of each wing, meeting in the center, where a spiral staircase drops out of sight below. A large, throne-like chair stands in the middle of the eastern wing next to a big chest.
Standing at the eastern archway, gazing longingly at the city in the distance is a full grown troglodyte wearing crocodile hide armor. As the trap door opens up a small albino crocodile lifts it head from beside the throne and begins a rumbling hiss. The troglodyte speaks from the balcony in Draconic, "Tulok, I told you I would come down when it was time to sacrifice the prisoner. What are you doing to disturb Snapjaw anyways?"
He walks around the chair to see the stairs. In his hands is a massive scythe made from the skull of some underground creature. His yellow and black eyes focus on Joe. he bellows in common.