In the Kobold Lair
On the return journey, Ambiorix heard the story of the kobold’s war with the mites, and it was dull. Towards sundown, they arrived at the hill containing the kobold lair. Outside the entrance was a mite imprisoned in a cage and. A sign bearing “Oak Top Silver Mine”. As they watched, a guard emerged from the lair and taunted the mite. The kobold escort spoke with the guard. Stormbolt overheard that Sootscale was the ruler of the kobolds.
Stormbolt asked to be taken to the bearer of the ring. He was advised that they would be taken to Sootscale first, and then their shaman, Tartuk. He watched the guard open an iron door in a side passage and pull some levers. He heard a clicking noise and saw the outline of pit traps that had been covered over. Ambiorix and Froing cast light spells. Then Stormbolt, Reppa, Ambiorix and Froing went with the kobolds. Piotr, Ilya and Wulfgar stayed outside with the horses.
The going was tight for everyone except Stormbolt, who could pass through the narrow passages unimpaired. Eventually they came to a larger chamber with two pedestals that was a temple of sorts. The kobolds argued whether to leave the recovered idol there or take it with them. While they debated, Froing decided to continue down a side passage until he was herded back by their kobold escort. He did not recognize the deity that was represented in the chamber.
Eventually the kobolds decided to bring it with them and continued down the tunnel into a much larger chamber that was warm and close with a smell of dragon and meat. Stormbolt got hungry. The floor was covered with furs. At one end was a mound of furs surrounded by sticks bearing animal skulls. There were a number of kobolds present, including the obvious leader.
After the kobolds related their tale to Sootscale, Stormbolt advanced and demanded they hand over the ring. Sootscale looked at him when he spoke, but did not react. In the mean time the others entered the chamber. Ambiorix started casting Summon Musical Instrument, but then Sootscale threw the idol to the ground and shattered it. Then he shouted that they were free from the curse and must kill the usurper.
Sootscale ran off down a side passage followed by the mass of kobolds. Stormbolt followed. The party’s escort prompted them to come with them, and ran after the others. Then ran through a maze of passages. Froing, Reppa and Ambiorix fell behind in the narrow tunnels
Eventually they came to a large chamber where the walls were covered with banners of primitive symbols. There was a cauldron boiling in the center of the room tended by the shaman Tartuk, who was purple and had a raven perched on his shoulder. In his hands were a wand and a sickle.
Sootscale charged Tartuk but his club bounced off some kind of force barrier. Stormbolt cast Sword Shock. Tartuk was hit, but did not drop his wand or sickle. Ambiorix advanced and drew his morning star. Reppa advanced but could not see into the chamber. Tartuk shot a magic missile from his wand and hit Ambiorix. The raven then attacked Sootscale. Froing joined Reppa.
Sootscale hit the raven with his club and then charged Tartuk. Stormbolt cast Energy Missile, but missed. Then he ran into the chamber. Ambiorix advanced and attacked Tartuk. Reppa drew her weapon. Froing advanced.
Sootscale attacked. Ambiroix healed himself. Stormbolt hit Tartuk with an Energy Missile. Reppa advanced and healed Ambiorix. Tartuk hit Stormbolt with a magic missile and retreated. The kobolds attacked. Froing charged and attacked Tartuk but missed.
Sootscale could not close and cursed madly. Stormbolt hit Tartuk with Sword Shock and the shaman dropped his wand and sickle. Ambiorix readied his crossbow. Reppa cast a Flare in front of Tartuk to no effect. Tartuk cast a spell and was hit by a kobold in the process. Froing was hit by the spell to no effect. The kobolds hit Tartuk. Froing attacked and stepped back.
Sootscale closed on Tartuk but missed. Stormbolt cast Jolt to no effect. Ambiorix shot his crossbow, but missed. Reppa cast another Flare and dazzled Tartuk. The shaman cast a spell Cause Fear on Sootscale and the chief ran away. The kobolds continued to attack and downed Tartuk. Froing picked up the wand.
The raven pecked Froing. Stormbolt hit it with a Jolt. Ambiroix missed it with his crossbow. Reppa cast Flare on the raven. Tartuk attempted to hit Froing but missed. The kobolds missed. Froing missed.
Stormbolt hit Tartuk with a Jolt and he stopped moving.