Before pursuing the cowardly kobold into its den, we were able to subdue one of its kin at the end of the skirmish. With equal parts intimidation and bluffing, we were able to surmise that a fairly large group of kobolds were holed up in the cave, under the command of someone named Irontooth, who was presumably not of their race. We also learned that Irontooth was not the top of the food chain and that he took orders from another known only as "the big man."
We convinced the kobold (whose name was Squeeg) that we were emissaries of "the big man" and that he was no longer pleased with Irontooth's progress in the Winterhaven area. We were sent to replace him with a "chosen one" and that Squeeg, who was the only survivor of our "test", was now to lead the kobold forces. Squeeg, ecstatic to be alive, was more than happy to play along. We bestowed upon him some of the armor of his fallen comrades, as well as the obsidian talisman we had looted earlier. Squeeg found this to be more than pleasing, and eagerly beckoned us to follow him into the cave.
No sooner had we entered the dank cavern, we were confronted by kobold sentries who obviously were waiting for us. Squeeg, feeling very confident, informed them of our business there, although they did not seem overly convinced. The sentries discussed among themselves and then demanded proof. Gweener, who had concealed himself in shadow, used his fey ability to conjure up the symbol of Orcus in flickering light to appear on Squeeg's armor as indication that he was the "chosen one." The other kobolds became increasingly alarmed and one ran off deeper into the cave to fetch help.
He returned shortly with a demand from Irontooth for a password. Without any other help from Squeeg, we tried the only option we could think of and gave the password of Orcus. Shortly after the kobold left to deliver our message, a roar from the back of the cave echoed forth and a yell of "Kill them all!" signaled that our ruse was flushed out. It was time for action!
Gweener, still hidden from sight, again called on his innate abilities and caused a torch on a nearby wall to float towards one of the cave paths and flare up into a brilliant flame that hindered any enemies coming from that direction. It also seared several of the kobolds already coming that way. We all leaped into action after watching the brilliant spectacle of light. After several of the kobold foes were quickly downed, through the harsh torch fireball we caught sight of a very ugly, brutish goblin who could only be Irontooth. Angered by the flames, Irontooth grabbed one of his own allies and flung him through the fire, burning and killing him as he flew, and his still flaming corpse smashed into Squeeg and killed him. I still feel slightly guilty about that, but only slightly...
As Gweener kept that cave opening steadily burning, we all slipped down another passage to meet the kobold forces. They came on furiously and we were hard pressed to beat them back before Irontooth joined the fray. Every ounce of our strength was needed to face him, our toughest opponent yet. His double axes cut deep against both mine and Luthor's defenses. Only by the beard of Moradin and the might of Bahamut were we able to stave off the brunt of his attacks. When all looked like we may be facing a foe too formidable, a stroke of luck graced us and three successive brutal attacks by Gweener, myself, and Luthor finally brought Irontooth down in a bloody heap.
The few remaining kobolds that still stood saw the fall of their thuggish leader and immediately tucked tail and ran. We stood there, panting after the exhausting battle, thankful for a rest and eager to search out the cave for clues to this new mystery of "the big man"...
Region: Nentir Vale
XP Gained: ??? XP Total: ???
GP Gained: ??? GP Total: ???
