With some degree of caution, the group decided their best option was to enter the room to the west through the large doors in the feast room. The door opened into a large hallway the led forward into a much larger room. The sounds of a large beast breathing dominated the chamber while Edhas was able to see several kobold creatures navigating the inner room. She sneaked to the edge of the entryway and noted several kobolds around the room, and a large red dragon sleeping in the southwestern part of the chamber. A human sized cage was against the wall in the northeast corner, with a ragged looking humanoid inside. Although the attempt at moving quietly failed, their strategic position in the entryway forced the kobolds to attack them in waves. Conveniently, several of them grouped together filling the room with javalins. Edhas blasted them with symphony of misfortune, destroying most of the creatures, while the dragon awoke with the noise. Drawing the party into the room, the dragon blasted them with fire, tore at them with its talons and chewed through their armor but was unable to drop any of the party. While they kept Mekkalath busy, Dora sneaked through the outer chamber to enter through the southern door and filtered through the horde, locating the missing Chalice of the Dragon. As the party gained confidence, the dragon was pushed back until finally felled by an attack from Edhas. In addition to the horde gathered by Mekkalath, the party opened the cage rescuing a ragged, aged human with a stump for his right arm. Among the horde of treasure was a letter that read,
" Almighty Mekkalath - your preseence in the Abbey makes for a fortunate turn of events. It is long rumored that a lost artifact of infinite power is what brought an end to the foolish Paladins of Gardmore. This artifact, if obtained, could turn the tide of power in my struggle with Vestapalk. He pressured me to build his bastion nearby. I am feeble compared to his power and will not be able to refuse his demands much longer but it will force me to compromise my position in Stonehallow.
"I know you hold no love for your emerald lesser cousins, and Vestapalk is no different from the rest of his kin. I will await word of your decision to assist me - contact me through Elcmair - no other way. Our relationship can't become known.
"In Asmodeus's Name,
K.D."
No comments:
Post a Comment