The only way onwards was through the iron doors at the end of corridor. Stepping through the party emerged on a huge chamber on two levels. Running down each side of the room were massive iron pipes, each fitted with large valves, also a bloody corpse marked the entrance. Of more immediate concern were the group of orcs which were milling around the place, but soon sprang in to action when the party entered the room. Scuttling around on the lower floor a group of fire beetles began moving menacing toward the heroes. The party split in to two groups Garig and Kalad headed off the fire beatles whilst the others tackled the orcs. Ben quickly put down several of the orcs in bursts of flame, whilst Grogar, Nalklyr and Melech tore in to a nearby Scout. Things appeared to be going well until a short humanoid wreathed in shadow seemed to materialise out of nowhere plunging a dagger into Nalklyr's flank. On the other side of the room the two remaining beetles sprayed fire on Kalad and Garig badly incinerating the warriors. However, this turned out to be a minor setback, Kalad tore in to the beetles with renewed gusto smashing the pairs to smouldering pieces whilst, Nalklyr and Melech struck telling blows on the dark one. Sensing it's predicament it tried to bolt for the doors, however one of Bens freezing rays soon stopped it in it's tracks and Melech quickly put the creature out of it's misery. The warriors soon mopped up the orc archers and the party paused to search the room. Kalad made straight for the valves explaining that it was necessary to open the valves in closing the nexus, this would allow scalding hot water through the pipes. The corpse on the floor was barely recognisable as Jen, a half elf warlock and member of the Farstriders. Clasped in her lifeless fingers was what Ben identified to be a sending stone - a specially enchanted item which would allow it's user to send a message to a similarly enchanted paired stone. Attuning himself to the stones magic Ben was able to sense the last message sent "Find Modra". The name didn't mean anything to anyone, although Ben thought it must be important as it was likely these words were Jen's last.
The only exit was a door which lead to a crossroads. The party decided to explore the corridor heading south. What greeted them was a scene of utter carnage. Dominating the room was a
huge cave troll, covered in blood and gore. At it's feet was what remained of the Farstriders which the troll's orcish handlers were taking wicked delight in feeding to the foul beast. A large mural on the floor and alter at the far end of the room indicated this has once served as a place of worship to Moradin. Outraged Kalad sprung in to battle heading straight for the cave troll hacking any orcs down who were foolish enough to stand in his way. Melech also moved up to assist the enraged dwarf. The troll thundered toward the courageous duo and snatched Melech up off the ground in one of it's massive hands. Meanwhile Ben threw a fireburst at two of the orcs and in a flash charred remains lay on the stone floor. However, at the back of the room a pair of orc bombardiers launched cinderbombs at the heroes. The blasts were fierce and let Ban, Nalklyr and Grogar blackened but still on their feet. Grogar and Nalklyr decided to engage the incendiary throwing orcs before they had chance to launch any further bombs. Meanwhile the orc lifted Melech above his head - it was clear the beast intended to use Melech as an improvised weapon! In a moment of sheer desperation Melech launched a boot into the troll's ugly snout and with every ounce of strength managed to wriggle free of it's grasp.
Ben sensed an opportunity, he knew troll's had incredible powers of regeneration but fire or acid would negate this power. He decided to cast a powerful spell which summoned a globe of magical fire which he positioned behind the monster. Flames licked and sizzled the brutes putrid flesh and it howled in terror. Kalad and Melech seized the opportunity afforded by it's panic to land a series of devastating blows. Meanwhile, Grogar and Nalkylr put down the bombardiers.
Wracked with pain from the magical flames the troll flailed wildly but was easily dodged, and it was fitting that the fatal blow was struck by Kalad, severing the beast's head from its shoulders - Moradin's will perhaps?
With the battle ended the heroes went to inspect the remains of the Farstriders. Searching through their gear revealed a suit of magical chain armour and a enchanted belt. "Even though we did not see eye to eye, I feel the Farstriders would approve of us using their gear to avenge their deaths" remarked Garig.
"Quickly", yelled Kalad, "there is not much time, we must seal the Nexus".
The party headed to the far end of the corridor where they found some long abandoned sleeping quarters. Searching the areas were a couple of orc scouts. Fired up from the deaths of the farstriders the band charged in to battle quickly cutting down the orcs. Several, orcs presently appeared from the adjoining rooms but they too were cut down in righteous fury. Thinking the
battle over the battle stowed their weapons ready to search the bodies, however such thoughts were pushed aside when they heard a faint groaning behind them. They turned to see Ben suspended in mid air. Above him attached to the ceiling clung some kind of chameleon type humanoid with one tentacled arm wrapped around the wizards neck. Unable to reach with his axe Garig pulled out a javelin and flung it at the strange creature. The missile aimed straight and true, however at the last moment the tentacled monstrosity pulled Ben in front of him using him as a human shield. Ben grunted as the javelin thudded in to him. Sensing the futility of attacking the creature whilst it had Ben in its tentacled grasp the party rushed toward the ensnared wizard and began attempting to tug the distressed mage free. With a great heave the group pulled Ben from the chokers grasp, however by the time they looked up again the creature had scurried off in to the darkness in search of easier prey.
The only exit was a door which lead to a crossroads. The party decided to explore the corridor heading south. What greeted them was a scene of utter carnage. Dominating the room was a
huge cave troll, covered in blood and gore. At it's feet was what remained of the Farstriders which the troll's orcish handlers were taking wicked delight in feeding to the foul beast. A large mural on the floor and alter at the far end of the room indicated this has once served as a place of worship to Moradin. Outraged Kalad sprung in to battle heading straight for the cave troll hacking any orcs down who were foolish enough to stand in his way. Melech also moved up to assist the enraged dwarf. The troll thundered toward the courageous duo and snatched Melech up off the ground in one of it's massive hands. Meanwhile Ben threw a fireburst at two of the orcs and in a flash charred remains lay on the stone floor. However, at the back of the room a pair of orc bombardiers launched cinderbombs at the heroes. The blasts were fierce and let Ban, Nalklyr and Grogar blackened but still on their feet. Grogar and Nalklyr decided to engage the incendiary throwing orcs before they had chance to launch any further bombs. Meanwhile the orc lifted Melech above his head - it was clear the beast intended to use Melech as an improvised weapon! In a moment of sheer desperation Melech launched a boot into the troll's ugly snout and with every ounce of strength managed to wriggle free of it's grasp.Ben sensed an opportunity, he knew troll's had incredible powers of regeneration but fire or acid would negate this power. He decided to cast a powerful spell which summoned a globe of magical fire which he positioned behind the monster. Flames licked and sizzled the brutes putrid flesh and it howled in terror. Kalad and Melech seized the opportunity afforded by it's panic to land a series of devastating blows. Meanwhile, Grogar and Nalkylr put down the bombardiers.
Wracked with pain from the magical flames the troll flailed wildly but was easily dodged, and it was fitting that the fatal blow was struck by Kalad, severing the beast's head from its shoulders - Moradin's will perhaps?
With the battle ended the heroes went to inspect the remains of the Farstriders. Searching through their gear revealed a suit of magical chain armour and a enchanted belt. "Even though we did not see eye to eye, I feel the Farstriders would approve of us using their gear to avenge their deaths" remarked Garig.
"Quickly", yelled Kalad, "there is not much time, we must seal the Nexus".
The party headed to the far end of the corridor where they found some long abandoned sleeping quarters. Searching the areas were a couple of orc scouts. Fired up from the deaths of the farstriders the band charged in to battle quickly cutting down the orcs. Several, orcs presently appeared from the adjoining rooms but they too were cut down in righteous fury. Thinking the
battle over the battle stowed their weapons ready to search the bodies, however such thoughts were pushed aside when they heard a faint groaning behind them. They turned to see Ben suspended in mid air. Above him attached to the ceiling clung some kind of chameleon type humanoid with one tentacled arm wrapped around the wizards neck. Unable to reach with his axe Garig pulled out a javelin and flung it at the strange creature. The missile aimed straight and true, however at the last moment the tentacled monstrosity pulled Ben in front of him using him as a human shield. Ben grunted as the javelin thudded in to him. Sensing the futility of attacking the creature whilst it had Ben in its tentacled grasp the party rushed toward the ensnared wizard and began attempting to tug the distressed mage free. With a great heave the group pulled Ben from the chokers grasp, however by the time they looked up again the creature had scurried off in to the darkness in search of easier prey.
You write us much better than we play us!
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