2nd of Uktar, 1371 DR (just past midnight)
We were camped dear the road to Waterdeep with Storn on watch, when who should pay us a visit, but our old friend, Balbadar Smenk. Of course now he’s bloated and full of green worms! Even though the Smenk Zombie dropped a couple of worm swarms, we were ready for ‘em. Of course, we did burn down a large oak tree in the process, but no one seemed ta mind.
Moments after the last of Smenk’s worms were flash-fired, some farmer come a runnin’ and a screamin’ down the road chased by almost of dozen more Zombies! The new guy, Aedrinar, dropped a Fireball so hot it was almost white on the mass of Undead flesh and worms and obliterated all but two of ‘em! By the gods, there’s a useful spell!
The farmer’s comin’ to Waterdeep with us, now.
Later in the day, we met up with a travelin’ merchant (George Benton) who was headin’ right inta Zombie territory. We tried to warn ‘im and his response was ta try an sell us his overpriced wares. Not wantin’ him to become another worm infested Zombie that might go on to kill dozens more, I used a couple Blast of Force spells to bust up his wheels, forcin’ him to head back to the nearest town with us. Not sure if it’ll save his life, but it’ll at least give ‘im a chance to rethink his destination.
2nd of Uktar, 1371 DR
We arrived in Amphail today. As Agents of the Alliance, I felt it our duty to report the authorities in town and explain what was goin’ on. They are undermanned, but it’s not like we can stay and defend every town, village, and thorp between Diamond Lake and Waterdeep.
3rd of Uktar, 1371 DR
We arrived in Resslantar today. As Agents of the Alliance, I felt it our duty to report the authorities in town and explain what was goin’ on. They at least have a few knights and a small Keep nearby, so they may weather the Zombie storm now that we’ve warned ‘em.
After havin’ supper with the local garrison/nobility, we complete out journey to Waterdeep. We met up with Dolgun at the Crooked House, settled in, and gathered some information and planned our next day or two of errands and shoppin’
4th of Uktar, 1371 DR
Did a lot of shoppin’ and errands today. I picked myself up a bunch of magic trinkets – nuthin’ too powerful, but they should help give me an edge.
While we were runnin’ around town, we happened upon a circus parade or some such. They had a Chimera in an iron and glass cage, and the beast was furious. We stopped to watch, and thank the gods we did, because the beast broke loose from its cage!
We killed the beastie in short order and managed to catch a thief in the process. Four people were injured and only one person was killed – and that happened just as the monster broke loose…nuthin’ we could’ve done about that. Durin’ the fight, Storn saved the lives of three or four children by takin’ the full brunt of the Chimera’s lightnin’ breath.
That gives me an interestin’ idea. Maybe I should put together a rankin’ and commendation system for the Three Hills Adventurin’ Company. That sounds like a good idea. Need to put some thought inta that.
Session 22 - Diamond Lake Has Gone All Squirmy
29th of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
It was good to sleep in my own bed again. I got better rest last night than I have in a tenday. After a fabulous breakfast, we had a chance to talk to Jasper’s friend. The man seems to have discovered a way to use the powers of the green worms against ‘em. He brews potions out of ‘em and seems to be immune to their burrowin’. In fact, it’s as if the worms don’t recognize him as food.
Very strange. Makes me wonder how we can use his skills to combat the worm threat.
Then we headed off to the garrison to another town council meetin’. Along the way, we discovered that Seargent Voss and Sparrow had both become worm zombies or, as the townsfolk call them, “squirmers.” We had destroy they both. It was a horrifiyin’ thing to do, but I just keep remindin’ myself that they weren’t Voss and Sparrow anymore…just a pair of brain-hungry zombies infested with the harbingers of some evil overgod.
The council meetin’ went about as expected. We got a reward (much smaller than expected) for dealing with Nergul. Sheriff Cubin and that little thief of a lieutenant tried to make us look like criminals again, but once again, I was able to point out, not only the flaws in their arguments, but also shined a light dangerously close to their lies and incompetence. They backed down.
The council made us Agents of the Alliance – a post that comes with an oath and a monthly stipend. They made Kullen and his cronies peace officers. Can you believe that? Kullen is now an authority figure! The albino tried to pick a fight with us after the meetin’, but I diffused the situation by supportin’ Kullen and his new position. I figure, even in a position of authority, there’s only so much bad Kullen can do. With Smenk now a mindless squirmer, Kullen doesn’t have the brains, creativity, or personality to be as harmful to the town as Smenk was.
I managed to get a short but blissful moment with Marcella. She’s doin’ well, and I was glad to see she hadn’t been hurt in all this turmoil. I’ll have to do somethin’ special for her before we leave for Waterdeep. Gods knows when the next time I see her will be.
After getting’ fitted for our new tabards, we met with Allustan. He wants us to go to Waterdeep to talk to Eligose the Sage in the Sea Ward. Apparently, he believes he can shine some light on what our next course of action should be. I also told Allustan about Jasper’s new friend and the fact that I think they should compare notes. Allustan agreed to pay him a visit.
We had to get rid of Storn’s Owlbear. Storn ain’t gonna be around to tame it and it’s growin’ like a weed. So we sold it to Zalimandra. While doin’ that, we got to see exactly how bad Diamond Lake had become. Buildins had burned, there were huge pyres for bodies…all in all…it was depressin’. I wanted to stay and help sort things out here, but Allustan was insistant – and with good reason. If an outbreak of worms can do all this to Diamond Lake in just a few short days, imagine what chaos would erupt if the same thing happened in a city the size of Waterdeep where people are living all on top of each other.
On the way back to the guild hall, we dispatched a family of squirmers and rescued a child. Last night, the Dire Wolf got into the compound and savaged a horse, but we saved it. On our first day out of Diamond Lake headed for Waterdeep, that damned Black Dragon strafed us! It swooped down and breathed acid all over Adrinar and Storn. And then just flew away.
What he hell was that?
It seems I forgot to mention Adrinar. He’s an Elf mage of some kind. Seems to have the bearing of one of those Cormyryn Warmages. The council basically assigned him to our guild, completely ignoring our charter (which they themselves approved). He’s a good guy though. He came up to us and apologized for the way he had been forced upon the group and agreed to adhere to our probationary acceptance. I think he’s gonna work out fine.
30th of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
We arrived at the Bargewright Inn today. Stayin’ here the night and getting’ an early start for Waterdeep in the mornin’.
It was good to sleep in my own bed again. I got better rest last night than I have in a tenday. After a fabulous breakfast, we had a chance to talk to Jasper’s friend. The man seems to have discovered a way to use the powers of the green worms against ‘em. He brews potions out of ‘em and seems to be immune to their burrowin’. In fact, it’s as if the worms don’t recognize him as food.
Very strange. Makes me wonder how we can use his skills to combat the worm threat.
Then we headed off to the garrison to another town council meetin’. Along the way, we discovered that Seargent Voss and Sparrow had both become worm zombies or, as the townsfolk call them, “squirmers.” We had destroy they both. It was a horrifiyin’ thing to do, but I just keep remindin’ myself that they weren’t Voss and Sparrow anymore…just a pair of brain-hungry zombies infested with the harbingers of some evil overgod.
The council meetin’ went about as expected. We got a reward (much smaller than expected) for dealing with Nergul. Sheriff Cubin and that little thief of a lieutenant tried to make us look like criminals again, but once again, I was able to point out, not only the flaws in their arguments, but also shined a light dangerously close to their lies and incompetence. They backed down.
The council made us Agents of the Alliance – a post that comes with an oath and a monthly stipend. They made Kullen and his cronies peace officers. Can you believe that? Kullen is now an authority figure! The albino tried to pick a fight with us after the meetin’, but I diffused the situation by supportin’ Kullen and his new position. I figure, even in a position of authority, there’s only so much bad Kullen can do. With Smenk now a mindless squirmer, Kullen doesn’t have the brains, creativity, or personality to be as harmful to the town as Smenk was.
I managed to get a short but blissful moment with Marcella. She’s doin’ well, and I was glad to see she hadn’t been hurt in all this turmoil. I’ll have to do somethin’ special for her before we leave for Waterdeep. Gods knows when the next time I see her will be.
After getting’ fitted for our new tabards, we met with Allustan. He wants us to go to Waterdeep to talk to Eligose the Sage in the Sea Ward. Apparently, he believes he can shine some light on what our next course of action should be. I also told Allustan about Jasper’s new friend and the fact that I think they should compare notes. Allustan agreed to pay him a visit.
We had to get rid of Storn’s Owlbear. Storn ain’t gonna be around to tame it and it’s growin’ like a weed. So we sold it to Zalimandra. While doin’ that, we got to see exactly how bad Diamond Lake had become. Buildins had burned, there were huge pyres for bodies…all in all…it was depressin’. I wanted to stay and help sort things out here, but Allustan was insistant – and with good reason. If an outbreak of worms can do all this to Diamond Lake in just a few short days, imagine what chaos would erupt if the same thing happened in a city the size of Waterdeep where people are living all on top of each other.
On the way back to the guild hall, we dispatched a family of squirmers and rescued a child. Last night, the Dire Wolf got into the compound and savaged a horse, but we saved it. On our first day out of Diamond Lake headed for Waterdeep, that damned Black Dragon strafed us! It swooped down and breathed acid all over Adrinar and Storn. And then just flew away.
What he hell was that?
It seems I forgot to mention Adrinar. He’s an Elf mage of some kind. Seems to have the bearing of one of those Cormyryn Warmages. The council basically assigned him to our guild, completely ignoring our charter (which they themselves approved). He’s a good guy though. He came up to us and apologized for the way he had been forced upon the group and agreed to adhere to our probationary acceptance. I think he’s gonna work out fine.
30th of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
We arrived at the Bargewright Inn today. Stayin’ here the night and getting’ an early start for Waterdeep in the mornin’.
Session 21 - One Villain Down, a Dozen or so to Go
28th of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
We headed to Diamond Lake today, tyrin’ to get there quick because Allustan’s note sounded pretty bad. After a brief stop at some tiny tradin’ post, we started passin’ Diamond Lake refugees – people fleein’ the town for greener pastures – on the road. Everythin’ they told us confirmed what Allustan had sent.
We all grew more anxious. I would imagine all of us had different pictures of calamity and disaster in our minds. The first two things that popped into my head – I suppose the two things I care most about – was the Three Hills Guildhall in flames with Jasper either dead or missin’ and the thought of Marcella killed (or worse yet) transformed into a worm-ridden Zombie!
Not pleasant images at all. So, I was in quite a hurry to get back.
Just about half way to Diamond Lake, we came upon a refugee wagon belongin’ to someone who waited to long to leave. They’d been attacked by Zombies, and the foul creatures were still there pickin’ over the remains! I think Tyree was over confident. We’d dealt with several of these worm Zombies, but usually in singles or maybe a pair. Tyree didn’t really stop to consider that this time there were six of ‘em we could see and he charged right into all of ‘em!
I tried to help by knockin’ one down with a Blast of Force, but that didn’t stop the others from maulin’ Tyree. Next thing we know, Tyree’s covered in little green worms all preparin’ to burrow into his flesh! Thanks to her connection to Kelemvor, Egwaine was able to send most of the Zombies fleein’ down the road so we could kill ‘em at our leisure, but that didn’t prevent one of the worms from getting’ inside Tyree. It took me, Tyree, and Egwaine (all diggin’ into poor Tyree) with silver knives to get the worm as it tunneled its way towards Tyree’s brain. Egwaine got it just as it reached his neck!
That was really close. The last thing we wanted was one of our own turnin’ into a worm Zombie.
We did manage to destroy and burn all the zombies and the bodies nearby to make sure they wouldn’t be a threat to anyone else.
We were nearly to Diamond Lake when we came upon an old man leading a stubborn donkey up the road. He didn’t have all his worldly possessions strapped to the beast, which made him stand out from the other refugees. As it turns out, he was going to trade his meager livestock for the lives of his wife and child, both of whom had been kidnapped by none other than Nerjul the Black! The old man said that Nerjul himself (along with his bandits) was waitin’ to make the trade at the Maglar ruins nearby.
Most of us had just about had it with Nerjul’s continued attempts on our lives. And now, when Diamond Lake was in the grip of an Undead plague, he chose to prey upon the weak, poor, and helpless. We’d had it with this so called “bandit king” and told the old man we’d get his family back if we could.
What happened next is perhaps the proudest moment of the Three Hills Adventurin’ Company. It’s certainly my proudest moment. We really came together as a team. We used my Invisibility magic and Egwaine’s Fly spell to allow her to scout out Nerjul’s base on the hill top. Then we came up with a plan (quickly, I might add) and put it into motion.
I think what pleases me most about the plan, which I was primarily responsible for, is that it was able to adopt so well to changes during the fight – for example, when a pair of Smenk’s albino Dire Apes turned out to be on loan to Nerjul!
I used up a large portion of my energy to make all of us Invisible, but this allowed us to sneak right into the midst of Nerjul’s camp. Within seconds, Nerjul and his cadre of mages were all dead. I wish I could have made a paintin’ of Nerjul’s face when Alabron appeared next to him swingin’ that falchion!
Just after we had annihilated the command element, and a huge number of angry bandits were turnin’ their attention to us, Egwaine touched the amulet she had recovered from the Lizardfolk to one of the Maglar standin’ stones. She must have thought she’d be able to use it to call down lightnin’ like the Lizarfolk shaman did. Instead, the entire hilltop exploded in an expandin’ ring of fire!
The fire wiped out huge numbers of Nerjul’s bandits. Those not killed outright were soon finished off by us or fled for the lives into the hills. We were only able to survive the blast ourselves by taking shelter behind Nerjul’s men! Unfortunately, the blast also killed the old woman Nerjul had kidnapped, but the farmer’s daughter survived long enough for Egwaine to heal her.
Now that I write it down, I don’t feel as proud. I mean, that old woman lost her life. I don’t think anyone could have done better, though. We succeeded against overwhelmin’ odds (at least 11 to 1) and saved the little girl. In addition, we dealt with a threat (Nerjul) that had been troublin’ the region for a long time. Nerjul would never again kidnap and murder anyone. His bandits would not rob or kill any longer.
And we even have more evidence that Smenk is a bad, bad man. We are brinin’ back the body of his Dire Ape to show the garrison. Although the garrison’s not allowed to intervene in town matters (like what was goin’ on in the mine), they sure as hell will want to get involved now. Nerjul was a garrison matter and once we demonstrate that Smenk was assistin’ the most wanted outlaw in the region, I’m sure they’ll have a few questions for ol’ Balabar.
I hope I get to be there when the drag his sorry ass to the stockade.
We’re back in the guildhall now. I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed and get some good rest. A friend of Jasper’s is stayin’ here, too. Sounds like a merchant of some kind. Maybe he’ll have some things we can use for sale. That’s gonna have to wait til mornin’, though. I’m goin’ to sleep now.
We headed to Diamond Lake today, tyrin’ to get there quick because Allustan’s note sounded pretty bad. After a brief stop at some tiny tradin’ post, we started passin’ Diamond Lake refugees – people fleein’ the town for greener pastures – on the road. Everythin’ they told us confirmed what Allustan had sent.
We all grew more anxious. I would imagine all of us had different pictures of calamity and disaster in our minds. The first two things that popped into my head – I suppose the two things I care most about – was the Three Hills Guildhall in flames with Jasper either dead or missin’ and the thought of Marcella killed (or worse yet) transformed into a worm-ridden Zombie!
Not pleasant images at all. So, I was in quite a hurry to get back.
Just about half way to Diamond Lake, we came upon a refugee wagon belongin’ to someone who waited to long to leave. They’d been attacked by Zombies, and the foul creatures were still there pickin’ over the remains! I think Tyree was over confident. We’d dealt with several of these worm Zombies, but usually in singles or maybe a pair. Tyree didn’t really stop to consider that this time there were six of ‘em we could see and he charged right into all of ‘em!
I tried to help by knockin’ one down with a Blast of Force, but that didn’t stop the others from maulin’ Tyree. Next thing we know, Tyree’s covered in little green worms all preparin’ to burrow into his flesh! Thanks to her connection to Kelemvor, Egwaine was able to send most of the Zombies fleein’ down the road so we could kill ‘em at our leisure, but that didn’t prevent one of the worms from getting’ inside Tyree. It took me, Tyree, and Egwaine (all diggin’ into poor Tyree) with silver knives to get the worm as it tunneled its way towards Tyree’s brain. Egwaine got it just as it reached his neck!
That was really close. The last thing we wanted was one of our own turnin’ into a worm Zombie.
We did manage to destroy and burn all the zombies and the bodies nearby to make sure they wouldn’t be a threat to anyone else.
We were nearly to Diamond Lake when we came upon an old man leading a stubborn donkey up the road. He didn’t have all his worldly possessions strapped to the beast, which made him stand out from the other refugees. As it turns out, he was going to trade his meager livestock for the lives of his wife and child, both of whom had been kidnapped by none other than Nerjul the Black! The old man said that Nerjul himself (along with his bandits) was waitin’ to make the trade at the Maglar ruins nearby.
Most of us had just about had it with Nerjul’s continued attempts on our lives. And now, when Diamond Lake was in the grip of an Undead plague, he chose to prey upon the weak, poor, and helpless. We’d had it with this so called “bandit king” and told the old man we’d get his family back if we could.
What happened next is perhaps the proudest moment of the Three Hills Adventurin’ Company. It’s certainly my proudest moment. We really came together as a team. We used my Invisibility magic and Egwaine’s Fly spell to allow her to scout out Nerjul’s base on the hill top. Then we came up with a plan (quickly, I might add) and put it into motion.
I think what pleases me most about the plan, which I was primarily responsible for, is that it was able to adopt so well to changes during the fight – for example, when a pair of Smenk’s albino Dire Apes turned out to be on loan to Nerjul!
I used up a large portion of my energy to make all of us Invisible, but this allowed us to sneak right into the midst of Nerjul’s camp. Within seconds, Nerjul and his cadre of mages were all dead. I wish I could have made a paintin’ of Nerjul’s face when Alabron appeared next to him swingin’ that falchion!
Just after we had annihilated the command element, and a huge number of angry bandits were turnin’ their attention to us, Egwaine touched the amulet she had recovered from the Lizardfolk to one of the Maglar standin’ stones. She must have thought she’d be able to use it to call down lightnin’ like the Lizarfolk shaman did. Instead, the entire hilltop exploded in an expandin’ ring of fire!
The fire wiped out huge numbers of Nerjul’s bandits. Those not killed outright were soon finished off by us or fled for the lives into the hills. We were only able to survive the blast ourselves by taking shelter behind Nerjul’s men! Unfortunately, the blast also killed the old woman Nerjul had kidnapped, but the farmer’s daughter survived long enough for Egwaine to heal her.
Now that I write it down, I don’t feel as proud. I mean, that old woman lost her life. I don’t think anyone could have done better, though. We succeeded against overwhelmin’ odds (at least 11 to 1) and saved the little girl. In addition, we dealt with a threat (Nerjul) that had been troublin’ the region for a long time. Nerjul would never again kidnap and murder anyone. His bandits would not rob or kill any longer.
And we even have more evidence that Smenk is a bad, bad man. We are brinin’ back the body of his Dire Ape to show the garrison. Although the garrison’s not allowed to intervene in town matters (like what was goin’ on in the mine), they sure as hell will want to get involved now. Nerjul was a garrison matter and once we demonstrate that Smenk was assistin’ the most wanted outlaw in the region, I’m sure they’ll have a few questions for ol’ Balabar.
I hope I get to be there when the drag his sorry ass to the stockade.
We’re back in the guildhall now. I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed and get some good rest. A friend of Jasper’s is stayin’ here, too. Sounds like a merchant of some kind. Maybe he’ll have some things we can use for sale. That’s gonna have to wait til mornin’, though. I’m goin’ to sleep now.
Session 20 - Cleaning up After Corporal Green
27th of Marpenoth, 1371 DR 
Exhausted, we headed down to the basement of Blackwall Keep. Corporal Green had been makin’ us more anxious with each passin’ minute, tellin’ us how this creature had been down there for more than two years! Tyree didn’t make matters any better, hollerin’ at the basement door as if the Zombie would understand anything he had to say. And people call me a comedian.
We cast some spells, but really, we had very few left. Before we could start to tear down the boards securin’ the basement door, however, two clawed hands covered in dull withered scales punched straight through the wooden boards. As if that weren’t bad enough, the fists opened up and dropped swarms of those green worms all over the floor in front of us!
I pulled out a flask of alchemist’s fire and doused one pile of worms. Tyree tried to smash the worms with his sword, but his weapon had no visible effect on the swarm as a whole (although there was one worm that would cause us no trouble again). Valcrist fired his crossbow through the whole in the door and was rewarded with a low moan from his hit. The burnin’ worms started crawlin’ toward Valcrist while the other group started crawlin’ up Alabron’s legs! Egwaine immediately ran up and used her silver holy symbol (as the worms are vulnerable to silver for some reason even though they aren’t Undead themselves) to burn off one of the worms crawlin’ on Alabron. Alabron managed to pluck off the other worm, but barely avoided the things spiral teeth!
I hit the initial pile of worms with more alchemist’s fire and they finally died and disbursed. Valcrist managed to fire another absurdly precise shot through the hole in the door and hit the Zombie on the other side. That’s when the worms got on Egwaine and started crawlin’ up her legs! Storn, who was momentarily stunned by the appearance of all the worms, bolted towards the exit as fast as his stumpy legs would carry him. Egwaine retreated out of the worm swarm, but wasn’t able to kill any of the three worms that were on her. That’s when Alabron did somethin’ crazy! He doused Egwaine in alchemist’s fire! At first, I thought the Half-Orc had lost his mind, but then I saw that he had killed all the worms – of course, Egwaine was on fire. Suddenly, the door exploded into the room and a trio of worm infested, Lizardfolk Zombies started to come in the room. Tyree charged into the lead Zombie and hit it hard with his Bastard Sword, bottling the rest in the short hallway. One of the Zombies did get by him (despite a vicious slash deliver by his sword) and slammed into Valcrist, depositin’ a tiny green worm on his neck!
I was still tossin’ alchemist’s fire at worm swarms as Tyree finished off the Zombie he was fightin’ and then slashed into a second one. Valcrist ginergy flicked away the worm on his neck and moved away from the flamin’, clawlin’ worm swarm. Egwaine started rollin’ on the ground to extinguish the flames that were just startin’ consume her clothes and Alabron charged past her to kill a Zombie and cleave into another one with his follow through. The remainin’ Zombie hammered Tyree to one knee with a solid blow and dropped a worm on his arm.
More worm swarms started showing up, but we used a combination of torches (wielded by my Unseen Servant) and lines of silver coins to control the worms and kill them. It took some time, but using this method, no one was even in any danger of being turned into an Undead abomination.
After takin’ up a collection from the soldiers in the keep, we set off down the stairs armed with more torches and a bag full of silver coins. More worms were dealt with and then we entered the basement proper. It once served as a barracks, but now it was inhabited by a trio of worm Zombies Alabron and Tyree killed two Zombies (includin’ the man who was the origin of the infestation) while Valcrist, Storn, and I killed the third one.
A sweep of the area revealed no further threats. We did find, however, a crude tunnel that led to the outside. We informed the soldiers of all this as well as made sure to tell them about the tiny Lizardfolk Zombies in the mangaroo swamp. I went so far as to advice addin’ a silver inlay in the floor of each doorway to help protect against further worm problems.
Then we went to sleep. We had to rest up for our trip back to Diamond Lake. Hopefully the town will still be there when we return.
28th Marpenoth, 1371
Exhausted, we headed down to the basement of Blackwall Keep. Corporal Green had been makin’ us more anxious with each passin’ minute, tellin’ us how this creature had been down there for more than two years! Tyree didn’t make matters any better, hollerin’ at the basement door as if the Zombie would understand anything he had to say. And people call me a comedian.
We cast some spells, but really, we had very few left. Before we could start to tear down the boards securin’ the basement door, however, two clawed hands covered in dull withered scales punched straight through the wooden boards. As if that weren’t bad enough, the fists opened up and dropped swarms of those green worms all over the floor in front of us!
I pulled out a flask of alchemist’s fire and doused one pile of worms. Tyree tried to smash the worms with his sword, but his weapon had no visible effect on the swarm as a whole (although there was one worm that would cause us no trouble again). Valcrist fired his crossbow through the whole in the door and was rewarded with a low moan from his hit. The burnin’ worms started crawlin’ toward Valcrist while the other group started crawlin’ up Alabron’s legs! Egwaine immediately ran up and used her silver holy symbol (as the worms are vulnerable to silver for some reason even though they aren’t Undead themselves) to burn off one of the worms crawlin’ on Alabron. Alabron managed to pluck off the other worm, but barely avoided the things spiral teeth!
I hit the initial pile of worms with more alchemist’s fire and they finally died and disbursed. Valcrist managed to fire another absurdly precise shot through the hole in the door and hit the Zombie on the other side. That’s when the worms got on Egwaine and started crawlin’ up her legs! Storn, who was momentarily stunned by the appearance of all the worms, bolted towards the exit as fast as his stumpy legs would carry him. Egwaine retreated out of the worm swarm, but wasn’t able to kill any of the three worms that were on her. That’s when Alabron did somethin’ crazy! He doused Egwaine in alchemist’s fire! At first, I thought the Half-Orc had lost his mind, but then I saw that he had killed all the worms – of course, Egwaine was on fire. Suddenly, the door exploded into the room and a trio of worm infested, Lizardfolk Zombies started to come in the room. Tyree charged into the lead Zombie and hit it hard with his Bastard Sword, bottling the rest in the short hallway. One of the Zombies did get by him (despite a vicious slash deliver by his sword) and slammed into Valcrist, depositin’ a tiny green worm on his neck!
I was still tossin’ alchemist’s fire at worm swarms as Tyree finished off the Zombie he was fightin’ and then slashed into a second one. Valcrist ginergy flicked away the worm on his neck and moved away from the flamin’, clawlin’ worm swarm. Egwaine started rollin’ on the ground to extinguish the flames that were just startin’ consume her clothes and Alabron charged past her to kill a Zombie and cleave into another one with his follow through. The remainin’ Zombie hammered Tyree to one knee with a solid blow and dropped a worm on his arm.
More worm swarms started showing up, but we used a combination of torches (wielded by my Unseen Servant) and lines of silver coins to control the worms and kill them. It took some time, but using this method, no one was even in any danger of being turned into an Undead abomination.
After takin’ up a collection from the soldiers in the keep, we set off down the stairs armed with more torches and a bag full of silver coins. More worms were dealt with and then we entered the basement proper. It once served as a barracks, but now it was inhabited by a trio of worm Zombies Alabron and Tyree killed two Zombies (includin’ the man who was the origin of the infestation) while Valcrist, Storn, and I killed the third one.
A sweep of the area revealed no further threats. We did find, however, a crude tunnel that led to the outside. We informed the soldiers of all this as well as made sure to tell them about the tiny Lizardfolk Zombies in the mangaroo swamp. I went so far as to advice addin’ a silver inlay in the floor of each doorway to help protect against further worm problems.
Then we went to sleep. We had to rest up for our trip back to Diamond Lake. Hopefully the town will still be there when we return.
28th Marpenoth, 1371
Session 18 & 19 - Pruning the Twisted Branch
26th and 27th of Marpenoth, 1371 DR
We prepared to rescue the mage and the other captives – plannin’ heavily on what to do if that Black Dragon is workin’ with the Lizardfolk. We also talked to Corporal Green (the highest ranking soldier remaining at the Keep) and learned that there used to be a truce with the Lizardfolk until some new leader showed up. This dangerous Lizardman was the champion of the Waterdeep arena until he escaped to the Stump Bog.
We also discovered, although the Corporal wouldn’t admit it, that they have a worm Zombie penned up somewhere in the keep. I warned him as directly as possible about the dangerous nature of the creature and that a wooden door may not prevent infection by the worms. With that, we headed into the bog.
The going was slow, but thanks to the guides that came with us from the keep we were able to stay on track and make good progress. At one point we were attacked by a gigantic crocodile, but Alobron and Tyree kept it away from the rest of us and Valcrist finished it off with a crossbow bolt to the brain.
A bit later we set upon by a band of Ghouls led by a meaty Ghast. Eqwaine channeled the power of Kelemvor and obliterated the Ghouls and caused the Ghast to flee into the swamp. Alabron and Tryee gave chase, intending to kill the thing so it couldn’t come at us again and I finished it off with a Blast of Force.
Finally we came to a gigantic mound of earth and mangaroo roots. The Rangers told us that this was the lair of the Twisted Branch tribe as evidenced by the numerous patrols of Lizarfolk skulkin’ around the area. We were able to deal with each patrol one at a time. Alabron and Tyree would lie in wait and as soon as a patrol drew near, they spring from hidin’ and cut the Liazradfolk down with hardly a sound. Only one group required assistance from the rest of us as we launched a missile attack on the hill they were occupyin’ killin’ all of them before Alabron and Tyree could even climb the slope.
The Lizardfolk had a Harpy as a sentry at the entrance to their lair. I knocked it out of the sky with a Blast of Force and Alabron finished it off before it could sound an alarm.
Once inside the lair, we proceeded to lay waste to the Lizardfolk soldiers. We were upon them before they were fully awake and managed to clear our way through two barracks without sufferin’ and significant damage. We even ran into the Lizardman called Skaarl (the one we negotiated with in Diamond Lake) and I got my old hat back!
Durin’ the initial stages of the assault, Alabron was amazin’. Everywhere he went, Lizardfolk died in droves. I put his kill total at 11 (not counting the patrols) just in the tight confines of the lair. Storn killed 6 as well as one of the big monitor lizards. Tyree killed 3 of them. Valcrist and Egwaine provided support with crossbow fire and a Spiritual Weapon respectively. I killed 5 (using the last charge in my Wand of Lightnin’ Bolt), but I assisted several kills with my Persistent Blade. Even the Rangers chalked up a couple of kills including the second monitor lizard.
Unfortunately, the alarm had been sounded and things were about to get interestin’. That’s when the worms came.
Several of the dead Lizardfolk burst apart and hundreds of tiny, green, Undead worms began to wriggle toward us! We were able to keep them at bay and destroy them with a combination of Egwaine’s divine presence and a lot of alchemist’s fire. And that’s when we decided to fight on three fronts at once.
Tyree ventured down the eastern tunnel while Alabron positioned himself in the northern tunnel to cut off the stream of Lizardfolk headed our way from that direction while the two Rangers and Valcrist held off an attack by Lizardfolk hurlers from our rear. Egwaine and I stood in the middle of the chamber hoping we could get where we were needed most in short order.
I can’t attest to what happened in the east, but Tyree and Valcrist claim there were two Otayughs in a refuse pit. I didn’t see anythin’ myself, but those festerin’ wounds on Tyree didn’t get there by themselves. I can attest to what happened north and south because I was involved in most of that.
Basically, Alabron went down one branch of a “Y” intersection, slaying Lizardfolk as he went, while a horde of Lizardfolk came down the other branch tryin’ to surround him. I was able to prevent this by thinkin’ quickly and usin’ my Wand of Unseen Servant to pick up a hunk of worm-encrusted Lizardman and carry it down the hall. This stalled the Lizardfolk advance long enough for Storn to get there and lay waste to them. I assisted them with a Fel Drain Persistent Blade (energizin’ this spell with the dark energy I’ve been able to harness turned an annoying spell into a formidable weapon). When it looked like Alabron was about to be overwhelmed by a quartet of Lizardfolk Barbarians, I sent a volley of Fel Drain Magic Missiles into them, killin’ one and weakenin’ the others. This kept him alive long enough for Egwaine to show up and heal him.
All told, Alabron killed five (includin’ two very tough Barbarians). Storn was a juggernaught. He barreled into a room literally filled with Lizardfolk and killed almost all of them in his own (he slew nearly a dozen of them) with barely a scratch on him when all was said and done. Tyree killed two Ogtayughs as well as several hurlers at the rear. The Rangers really held their own durin’ this fight. They killed five of the Lizardfolk and delayed the advance until Valcrist and Tyree could arrive to finish the job. Bron was almost killed, but Egwaine was able to heal him before his life gave out. Egwaine, Valcrist, and I were mostly in support roles as the narrow corridors limited our ability to maneuver around the large clumps of angry Lizardfolk.
Finally, the Lizardfolk shaman (named Hiishaak) came forward to negotiate peace. We were able to convince him that we (and all “fleshlings”) did not bring the horrible green worms upon his tribe. For his part, he was able to explain that the new chief (Shuukaar) was the one stirrin’ up all the anger at the people in Blackwall Keep and suggested that if the chief were killed, Hiishaak could convince the rest of the tribe to cease hostilities. So, we assisted in the Lizardfolk coup.
Prepared with the few defensive spells we had left, we entered the “throne room” with mayhem on our minds. As if expectin’ betrayal, Shuukaar started the battle by hurlin’ a trident across the room and almost impalin’ Alabron. Then the thing vanished an appeared back in Shuukaar’s clawed hand! Alabron started to cut a path to the Lizardfolk chief, killing two of his followers that were in the way. Tyree charged one of the monitor lizards and nearly killed it in one blow. The Lizardfolk swarmed Alabron, Storn, and Tyree, but our protective wards prevented any blows from landin’. Now, Shuukaar’s second in command was the same Ogre-sized Lizardman that led the attack on Blackwall Keep. This beast walked over and nearly crippled Alabron with a mighty overhand swing of his greatclub while monitor lizards missed Storn and Tyree. A group of hurlers in the back tried to pin Alabron down with javelins, but again our protective magic was too powerful for them to defeat. Viewing Kuushaak (the Ogre-sized Lizardman) as the greates threat, I blasted him with a volley of Magic Missiles just as our two brave Rangers killed a Lizardman in a concentrated barrage of arrow fire.
Shuukaar threw his magic trident at Alabron again, but Alabron was too difficult a target surrounded by Lizardfolk and the gigantic bulk of Kuushaak. In response, Alabron killed two more Lizardfolk as he cut a path towards Kuushaak. Tyree finished off the monitor lizard and took the head of a Lizardman. In all the confusion, one of the Lizardfolk struck a lucky blow against Alabron, but it was just a scratch compared to the wound he’d suffered from Kuushaak’s greatclub. Egwaine used her unique powers to heal Alabron from across the room just in time to prevent Kuushaak’s second blow from killin’ the sturdy Half-Orc. Storn killed a Lizradman and a monitor lizard with two strokes of his huge falchion, a stray javelin nicked Alabron, and I blasted Kuushaak with another, even more devastating volley of Magic Missiles.
Alabron mocked Shuukaar and in response, the chief donned his Waterdeep Champion’s belt and stabbed Alabron with his trident. Alabron sliced into Kuushaak with a pair of brutal cuts and Valcrist used the opportunity to put a crossbow bolt through the meat of his left arm. Tyree killed another Lizardfolk and while they were all jockeyin’ for position, Alabron managed to cut clean through one and bury his blade in Kuushaak again! Egwain poured more healin’ energy into Alabron, lamenting the loss of spells she was savin’ to for the fight with the Dragon. And Kuushaak, weakened from all the wounds he’d suffered, missed Alabron with two clumsy swings of his saggin’ club. With the Lizardfolk commoners out of the way, Storn charged into Kuushaak and although the large Lizardman was able to hit Storn with his club, it was not enough to stop the might Dwarf from gettin’ killed by the stornium great falchion. The hurlers in the back managed to kill one of their own with a javelin and I shot one of them with my crossbow.
Alabron and Shuukaar started to duel and exchanged blows with the experienced Lizardfolk getting the best of the initial clash. Tyree charged into the fray as well, but Shuukaar batted aside his powerful attack. With Kuushaak dead, Egwaine moved in and started healin’ Storn (who had suffered numerous minor wounds during the exchange) with her healin’ wand. Refreshed, Storn charged Shuukaar as well, dealing at least a minor wound to the warrior. Hurlers miss everyone, but I kept wounding one of them with my crossbow and the Rangers focused fire to kill another Lizardman.
Either Alabron is ready to claim the title of Champion of Waterdeep, or life in the bog has made Shuukaar soft, because Alabron was able to dodge several of the Lizardman chief’s attacks, flank him, kill on of the hurlers and strike Shuukaar with the follow through of the same blow! Tyree, the guy flanking with Alabron, landed a devastatin’ blow of his own as I finally managed to kill a hurler with my crossbow. I could have killed several more, but I was conservin’ my spells for the inevitable showdown with the Dragon.
Somewhat dazed by Tyree’s powerful attack, Shuukaar focused his attention on our raging companion, but failed to connect with anything. I yelled out my doubt over how he became champion of anything with combat skills like that. This comment got me a magical trident in the chest. Alabron killed him immediately after that (as well as killin’ two more Lizardfolk). The few remainin’ Lizardfolk surrendered at that point and Hiishaak explained his agreement with us.
We recovered two captives (includin’ Allustan’s friend) and headed down to the Dragon’s chamber to recover the other two soldiers. We only found parts of them in a largely empty chamber. There were hundreds of Lizardfolk eggs as well as an enormous Dragon egg, but no Dragon.
We started scourin’ the room, expectin’ the Dragon to appear out of nowhere and attack at any moment. When that didn’t happen, Tyree hacked the Dragon egg in half! What spilled out was not a partially developed Dragon, but thousands and thousands of the green, Undead worms! The worms immediately started headin’ for the Lizardfolk eggs and we did our best to save them. Egwaine used her ability to Turn Undead and a copious amount of holy water to keep large numbers of the woms at bay while the rest of us physically carried the eggs from the chamber. My Unseen Servant actually came in quite handy.
In the end, we only lost about 50 eggs (out of 800 or so). But what happened to those eggs was horrifying. Each egg touched by a worm, quickly hatched, revealin’ a tiny little Lizardman already infested with worms. These worm-tainted Lizardfolk babies scuttled off beneath the mangaroo roots before we could dispatch them, unfortunately.
Hiishaak was beside himself with grief and he told us how he and his tribe had been duped. Apparently, two years ago, almost an entire clutch of eggs had been infected in a similar fashion, except the creatures that emerged quickly died. That’s when the Great Father (the Black Dragon) came to them and informed them that the fleshlings (the Humans at Blackwall Keep) had done this to them to try to drive them out of the bog. The Dragon became their guardian and when Shuukaar arrived, he had no trouble convincin’ them to storm Blackwall Keep.
Now, seeing the Great Father’s own egg was simply a time bomb planted here to infect another clutch of Lizardfolk eggs, it has become apparent that it was the Dragon who most likely infected the first clutch of eggs. Then the Dragon set out to have the Lizardfolk get killed by the Humans of Blackwall Keep while the Dragon infected all the eggs with the vile worms!
This Dragon has a lot to answer for – not even countin’ the deaths of Morgan and the others.
We went back to the Keep with Hiishaak’s blessin’ to negotiate a peace treaty with the soldiers. The key portion of the agreement will be findin’ a suitable new home for the Twisted Branch tribe, since their current mangaroo mound is now infested with tiny, Undead horrors.
That will have to wait though. Upon returnin’ to the Keep, Cpl. Green finally came clean and admitted they had a worm-zombies captive in the cellar and he was hopin’ we could deal with it and his two new victims.
We prepared to rescue the mage and the other captives – plannin’ heavily on what to do if that Black Dragon is workin’ with the Lizardfolk. We also talked to Corporal Green (the highest ranking soldier remaining at the Keep) and learned that there used to be a truce with the Lizardfolk until some new leader showed up. This dangerous Lizardman was the champion of the Waterdeep arena until he escaped to the Stump Bog.
We also discovered, although the Corporal wouldn’t admit it, that they have a worm Zombie penned up somewhere in the keep. I warned him as directly as possible about the dangerous nature of the creature and that a wooden door may not prevent infection by the worms. With that, we headed into the bog.
The going was slow, but thanks to the guides that came with us from the keep we were able to stay on track and make good progress. At one point we were attacked by a gigantic crocodile, but Alobron and Tyree kept it away from the rest of us and Valcrist finished it off with a crossbow bolt to the brain.
A bit later we set upon by a band of Ghouls led by a meaty Ghast. Eqwaine channeled the power of Kelemvor and obliterated the Ghouls and caused the Ghast to flee into the swamp. Alabron and Tryee gave chase, intending to kill the thing so it couldn’t come at us again and I finished it off with a Blast of Force.
Finally we came to a gigantic mound of earth and mangaroo roots. The Rangers told us that this was the lair of the Twisted Branch tribe as evidenced by the numerous patrols of Lizarfolk skulkin’ around the area. We were able to deal with each patrol one at a time. Alabron and Tyree would lie in wait and as soon as a patrol drew near, they spring from hidin’ and cut the Liazradfolk down with hardly a sound. Only one group required assistance from the rest of us as we launched a missile attack on the hill they were occupyin’ killin’ all of them before Alabron and Tyree could even climb the slope.
The Lizardfolk had a Harpy as a sentry at the entrance to their lair. I knocked it out of the sky with a Blast of Force and Alabron finished it off before it could sound an alarm.
Once inside the lair, we proceeded to lay waste to the Lizardfolk soldiers. We were upon them before they were fully awake and managed to clear our way through two barracks without sufferin’ and significant damage. We even ran into the Lizardman called Skaarl (the one we negotiated with in Diamond Lake) and I got my old hat back!
Durin’ the initial stages of the assault, Alabron was amazin’. Everywhere he went, Lizardfolk died in droves. I put his kill total at 11 (not counting the patrols) just in the tight confines of the lair. Storn killed 6 as well as one of the big monitor lizards. Tyree killed 3 of them. Valcrist and Egwaine provided support with crossbow fire and a Spiritual Weapon respectively. I killed 5 (using the last charge in my Wand of Lightnin’ Bolt), but I assisted several kills with my Persistent Blade. Even the Rangers chalked up a couple of kills including the second monitor lizard.
Unfortunately, the alarm had been sounded and things were about to get interestin’. That’s when the worms came.
Several of the dead Lizardfolk burst apart and hundreds of tiny, green, Undead worms began to wriggle toward us! We were able to keep them at bay and destroy them with a combination of Egwaine’s divine presence and a lot of alchemist’s fire. And that’s when we decided to fight on three fronts at once.
Tyree ventured down the eastern tunnel while Alabron positioned himself in the northern tunnel to cut off the stream of Lizardfolk headed our way from that direction while the two Rangers and Valcrist held off an attack by Lizardfolk hurlers from our rear. Egwaine and I stood in the middle of the chamber hoping we could get where we were needed most in short order.
I can’t attest to what happened in the east, but Tyree and Valcrist claim there were two Otayughs in a refuse pit. I didn’t see anythin’ myself, but those festerin’ wounds on Tyree didn’t get there by themselves. I can attest to what happened north and south because I was involved in most of that.
Basically, Alabron went down one branch of a “Y” intersection, slaying Lizardfolk as he went, while a horde of Lizardfolk came down the other branch tryin’ to surround him. I was able to prevent this by thinkin’ quickly and usin’ my Wand of Unseen Servant to pick up a hunk of worm-encrusted Lizardman and carry it down the hall. This stalled the Lizardfolk advance long enough for Storn to get there and lay waste to them. I assisted them with a Fel Drain Persistent Blade (energizin’ this spell with the dark energy I’ve been able to harness turned an annoying spell into a formidable weapon). When it looked like Alabron was about to be overwhelmed by a quartet of Lizardfolk Barbarians, I sent a volley of Fel Drain Magic Missiles into them, killin’ one and weakenin’ the others. This kept him alive long enough for Egwaine to show up and heal him.
All told, Alabron killed five (includin’ two very tough Barbarians). Storn was a juggernaught. He barreled into a room literally filled with Lizardfolk and killed almost all of them in his own (he slew nearly a dozen of them) with barely a scratch on him when all was said and done. Tyree killed two Ogtayughs as well as several hurlers at the rear. The Rangers really held their own durin’ this fight. They killed five of the Lizardfolk and delayed the advance until Valcrist and Tyree could arrive to finish the job. Bron was almost killed, but Egwaine was able to heal him before his life gave out. Egwaine, Valcrist, and I were mostly in support roles as the narrow corridors limited our ability to maneuver around the large clumps of angry Lizardfolk.
Finally, the Lizardfolk shaman (named Hiishaak) came forward to negotiate peace. We were able to convince him that we (and all “fleshlings”) did not bring the horrible green worms upon his tribe. For his part, he was able to explain that the new chief (Shuukaar) was the one stirrin’ up all the anger at the people in Blackwall Keep and suggested that if the chief were killed, Hiishaak could convince the rest of the tribe to cease hostilities. So, we assisted in the Lizardfolk coup.
Prepared with the few defensive spells we had left, we entered the “throne room” with mayhem on our minds. As if expectin’ betrayal, Shuukaar started the battle by hurlin’ a trident across the room and almost impalin’ Alabron. Then the thing vanished an appeared back in Shuukaar’s clawed hand! Alabron started to cut a path to the Lizardfolk chief, killing two of his followers that were in the way. Tyree charged one of the monitor lizards and nearly killed it in one blow. The Lizardfolk swarmed Alabron, Storn, and Tyree, but our protective wards prevented any blows from landin’. Now, Shuukaar’s second in command was the same Ogre-sized Lizardman that led the attack on Blackwall Keep. This beast walked over and nearly crippled Alabron with a mighty overhand swing of his greatclub while monitor lizards missed Storn and Tyree. A group of hurlers in the back tried to pin Alabron down with javelins, but again our protective magic was too powerful for them to defeat. Viewing Kuushaak (the Ogre-sized Lizardman) as the greates threat, I blasted him with a volley of Magic Missiles just as our two brave Rangers killed a Lizardman in a concentrated barrage of arrow fire.
Shuukaar threw his magic trident at Alabron again, but Alabron was too difficult a target surrounded by Lizardfolk and the gigantic bulk of Kuushaak. In response, Alabron killed two more Lizardfolk as he cut a path towards Kuushaak. Tyree finished off the monitor lizard and took the head of a Lizardman. In all the confusion, one of the Lizardfolk struck a lucky blow against Alabron, but it was just a scratch compared to the wound he’d suffered from Kuushaak’s greatclub. Egwaine used her unique powers to heal Alabron from across the room just in time to prevent Kuushaak’s second blow from killin’ the sturdy Half-Orc. Storn killed a Lizradman and a monitor lizard with two strokes of his huge falchion, a stray javelin nicked Alabron, and I blasted Kuushaak with another, even more devastating volley of Magic Missiles.
Alabron mocked Shuukaar and in response, the chief donned his Waterdeep Champion’s belt and stabbed Alabron with his trident. Alabron sliced into Kuushaak with a pair of brutal cuts and Valcrist used the opportunity to put a crossbow bolt through the meat of his left arm. Tyree killed another Lizardfolk and while they were all jockeyin’ for position, Alabron managed to cut clean through one and bury his blade in Kuushaak again! Egwain poured more healin’ energy into Alabron, lamenting the loss of spells she was savin’ to for the fight with the Dragon. And Kuushaak, weakened from all the wounds he’d suffered, missed Alabron with two clumsy swings of his saggin’ club. With the Lizardfolk commoners out of the way, Storn charged into Kuushaak and although the large Lizardman was able to hit Storn with his club, it was not enough to stop the might Dwarf from gettin’ killed by the stornium great falchion. The hurlers in the back managed to kill one of their own with a javelin and I shot one of them with my crossbow.
Alabron and Shuukaar started to duel and exchanged blows with the experienced Lizardfolk getting the best of the initial clash. Tyree charged into the fray as well, but Shuukaar batted aside his powerful attack. With Kuushaak dead, Egwaine moved in and started healin’ Storn (who had suffered numerous minor wounds during the exchange) with her healin’ wand. Refreshed, Storn charged Shuukaar as well, dealing at least a minor wound to the warrior. Hurlers miss everyone, but I kept wounding one of them with my crossbow and the Rangers focused fire to kill another Lizardman.
Either Alabron is ready to claim the title of Champion of Waterdeep, or life in the bog has made Shuukaar soft, because Alabron was able to dodge several of the Lizardman chief’s attacks, flank him, kill on of the hurlers and strike Shuukaar with the follow through of the same blow! Tyree, the guy flanking with Alabron, landed a devastatin’ blow of his own as I finally managed to kill a hurler with my crossbow. I could have killed several more, but I was conservin’ my spells for the inevitable showdown with the Dragon.
Somewhat dazed by Tyree’s powerful attack, Shuukaar focused his attention on our raging companion, but failed to connect with anything. I yelled out my doubt over how he became champion of anything with combat skills like that. This comment got me a magical trident in the chest. Alabron killed him immediately after that (as well as killin’ two more Lizardfolk). The few remainin’ Lizardfolk surrendered at that point and Hiishaak explained his agreement with us.
We recovered two captives (includin’ Allustan’s friend) and headed down to the Dragon’s chamber to recover the other two soldiers. We only found parts of them in a largely empty chamber. There were hundreds of Lizardfolk eggs as well as an enormous Dragon egg, but no Dragon.
We started scourin’ the room, expectin’ the Dragon to appear out of nowhere and attack at any moment. When that didn’t happen, Tyree hacked the Dragon egg in half! What spilled out was not a partially developed Dragon, but thousands and thousands of the green, Undead worms! The worms immediately started headin’ for the Lizardfolk eggs and we did our best to save them. Egwaine used her ability to Turn Undead and a copious amount of holy water to keep large numbers of the woms at bay while the rest of us physically carried the eggs from the chamber. My Unseen Servant actually came in quite handy.
In the end, we only lost about 50 eggs (out of 800 or so). But what happened to those eggs was horrifying. Each egg touched by a worm, quickly hatched, revealin’ a tiny little Lizardman already infested with worms. These worm-tainted Lizardfolk babies scuttled off beneath the mangaroo roots before we could dispatch them, unfortunately.
Hiishaak was beside himself with grief and he told us how he and his tribe had been duped. Apparently, two years ago, almost an entire clutch of eggs had been infected in a similar fashion, except the creatures that emerged quickly died. That’s when the Great Father (the Black Dragon) came to them and informed them that the fleshlings (the Humans at Blackwall Keep) had done this to them to try to drive them out of the bog. The Dragon became their guardian and when Shuukaar arrived, he had no trouble convincin’ them to storm Blackwall Keep.
Now, seeing the Great Father’s own egg was simply a time bomb planted here to infect another clutch of Lizardfolk eggs, it has become apparent that it was the Dragon who most likely infected the first clutch of eggs. Then the Dragon set out to have the Lizardfolk get killed by the Humans of Blackwall Keep while the Dragon infected all the eggs with the vile worms!
This Dragon has a lot to answer for – not even countin’ the deaths of Morgan and the others.
We went back to the Keep with Hiishaak’s blessin’ to negotiate a peace treaty with the soldiers. The key portion of the agreement will be findin’ a suitable new home for the Twisted Branch tribe, since their current mangaroo mound is now infested with tiny, Undead horrors.
That will have to wait though. Upon returnin’ to the Keep, Cpl. Green finally came clean and admitted they had a worm-zombies captive in the cellar and he was hopin’ we could deal with it and his two new victims.
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