The next day
A large semi-natural corridor connected in the back of the elemental room. The adventurers followed the corridor looking for traps as they went along. After a few minutes, Martijn found a rune that looked suspicious. Some investigation learned that the rune was a rune of stunning, and quite some time was spent debating what to do with the rune. When Zull remembered the stunning lasts a minute or so at max, Budrik and Bronco decided to just trigger the rune and see wat happens. It turned out it was an old defensive rune with no active defense mechanisms left. After some waiting the team continued further down the corridor.
That smells like BATTLE!
After decending for another few minutes, the corridor connected to a new room. Martijn cautiously investigated this room, but had difficulty seeing here because of the turmoil in the air from the extreme heat. One thing was clear here, though. There was a sizeable battle being fought here. When we came closer, it became apparent that a group of salamanders was battling a fire giant. Although the fire giant was not in any real immediate danger, we decided to step in and help him, to come on his good side. Just to be sure, Martijn hid and kept a firm lock on the giant with his bow.
The battle that followed was short but fierce, mainly because of the superior grappling skills of the salamanders. The battle was harder in terms of combat mechanics than in challenge rating. When the Salamanders were extinguished, we tried to reason with the fire giant. We learned that he was part of a scouting party although he would not say what they were scouting for. He was uninterested in temporarily joining our ranks to het a mutual benefit. The discussion lasted until Martijn, who remained inactive during the preceding battle, lost his temper and shot the giant. Budrik and Zull tried to persuade the DM that cast pit and wall of stone is an excellent deadly combo, but he was not convinced. So, as an alternative, Budrik casted airwalk on Martijn, who walked over the pit and finished up the giant.
Salamander city, population: 1000
Continuing through the back of the rook, the adventurers soon learned why the fire giant was stuck at this side of the dungeon. behind a small blockade of stones lay an entire village of salamanders. Bad news. Agains better judgement the party decided to try and bargain with the salamanders. They cut off the giants head and Magnum took the honors. This was.... bad. He tried his very best, but the salamanders were not convinced and started to get more aggressive with each succeding argument. Things went horribly bad then Magnum tried to intimidate the captain of the guard, who ended that night's session with the words: "Boys, get him!".
Outstanding questions and actions
- What is this holy symbol of Beorn and why is it so important
- Why does Magnum always have to get caught
- How are we going to free him in a city of salamanders
- How can we get past the salamander village without murdering each and every one of them
- Or could we get away with that?
