Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

She smiled a little as she said each of your names carefully, wanting to make sure she wouldn't mispronounce them. Seeing you and Pylia cover your noses though she realizes that you two wouldn't like the smell, and ushers you inside her hut. It was... Fairly small, considering kobolds. It was pretty much just one huge tent with a very small stone at the center with a stew boiling. She tossed a few herbs and oils into it causing a spark of smoke that filled the air with a somewhat more pleasant scent of hemp and butter, just like at the bigger stone house. She spoke quietly to Shortfang, who nods and looks to you. "Ah, mum says she no use to humies. Sorry not have more space. Also smell; she live here herself, away from kobolds, because tanning stinky work. And ah, says thanks again for fight trogs." Skinwalker nods and looks through some piles of junk, taking out box. Inside were more herbs and roots. She explained what these were to Shortfang who translated. "These medicine herb, Pylia! You make medicine with this. This one," Shortfang took out some wad of roots. "We need for Green Eyes. This make Green Eyes sleepy, easy to control if he angry. Make him eat, he goes dizzy, then can walk him back here!"

Pylia examined the root with interest. "I've never seen anything like this! And these ingredients... They're nothing I've seen before. But I'd be very interested in utilizing them, thank you." Pylia says respectfully. Then Skinwalker looked towards you and Buddy, makinjg a scooping motion towards her mouth. "Hungry?" Shortfang looked to you excitedly. "Mom make great ah, meatball soup! She actually already have soup right now, just need meatballs." Skinwalker nods and motions outside for Shortfang, who nods back and steps out. "Gunna get food! Have chat with mom!" After Shortfang leaves, Pylia looks nervously at you while Skinwalker seems a bit stiffer now. Like she was examining you both, as well as Buddy. Slowly, she spoke.

"You... Very strange... Not from here." Taking a paddle made of bone she stirs the soup. "My son... Dreams much. Like father. Always dreams great things. Like father... Leave home, chase dreams. When young, he says ah... Become... Hero. Like Pun-Pun. Unite Kobold, and humans." She smiled softly almost as if she was looking at a child who was saying something silly. "But... Humans, and Kobolds, always fight. No peace." She looks sadly into the fire before looking back at you and Pylia. She seemed serious now. "Shortfang... Stupid. But good heart. So... Don't hurt, my son. Or... I walk, in your skin."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Okay!" Shortfang would lead the group deeper into the shanty town as he chats about the place as if he was a tour guide. The town is formally called Onurethrilark, or in the common tongue, Underhaven. Underhaven refers to the all of the sewers, and not just this particular location. The kobolds live down here for many reasons, mainly due to human's dislike of the kobolds due to the apocalypse dragon from sixty years ago. The one that Shortfang thinks is Kalmeet, though he admits that no one actually gave the dragon a real name, only that it's a black dragon. But once upon a time, they choose to live here, due to kobold's innate sensitivity to sunlight as well as their actual jobs of maintaining the sewers back when they were friends with the humans. Back then the kobolds wouldn't need to fight because they were friends with humans, but supposedly the kobolds betrayed the humans when Kalmeet promised them power. Shortfang insist this isn't true though; Kalmeet never liked the kobolds and it was just selfish humans trying to steal from the kobolds, who have always done well for themselves. This was when he started talking about his mother, Skinwalker, who is the best tanner and clothes maker he knows. She's also quite a hunter and taught him how to use a crossbow.

Soon enough Pylia gagged as she smelled the putrid scent of feces and other disgusting chemicals. "Ugh... Yeah... Smells like a tannery." She put her mask on as Shortfang excitedly heads over to a small hut with many animal hides being cured outside next to a vent. Hides of rats, lizards, and other giant animals you don't recognize. Shortfang said something in draconic which brought out another green kobold, just a little bit bigger than him. She seemed surprised and hugged Shortfang, wrapping her tail around him, as he did the same to her. He brought the kobold over to the group. "This my mom! Molikzhin, or Skinwalker!" The kobold woman smiled as best as she could and tried to speak. "H-Hi! Thank y-you for, take care, my son."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Longstrider nods and points back towards the entrance. "Rest here while you can. Perhaps you may find something of us while you're here. But know that if you try and harm any of our residents, we won't hesitate to end you. Even you, Shortfang." Longstrider gave him a stern glare as he gulped and nodded quickly. Afterwards you were dismissed to do what you must. Pylia took off her mask and took a whiff of the air. "Well, at least this part of the sewers isn't as rank as the other parts. Moldy and stale perhaps... In any case, I'll try and make a few more potions for us. We will certainly need them, as I'm out of my stronger level magics, and I think I'm good for about... Three more castings of spells, not including my orisons." She sighs as Shortfang seems oddly eager. "Let's go find mom! She strong, smart, no let trog kill her. Shortfang know her house by smell. Let's go!"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

After Pylia introduced herself, as well as Buddy, the Grey Scales chuckled hearing your words. "Prophesy? We've never had a missionary of all people come to us... Still, if you are willing to assist us against the troglodytes, I suppose we may humor you. But first and for most, we must rid ourselves of these enemies." Longstrider took a deep breath and blew towards the brazier, causing the smoke to take on shapes and pictures. It showed the troglodytes, and among them a larger, frog-like monster that stood well above them. "The Troglodytes have found a new, more powerful leader. We do not know what it is, but it calls itself The Red Stain. He has conquered the normally warring Troglodyte tribes under his banner, and has had them take over as much of the sewers as possible. Many creatures have been slain to feed his army, including kobolds. Once we had a thousand living here. Now we only have three hundred... Many of them simply workers or children. Even our beloved Sewer Dragons have been brought down to only two, due to the sheer number of trogs."

Longstrider took another breath and blew a new image into the smoke, this one taking the form of a large crocodile. "However, we believe at least one is still alive, but barely. He is younger than the one we have left, but nonetheless with him on our side we may be able to turn the tide of battle. He is the Green Eyes, and many months ago his rider was killed and he went into a violent frenzy, forcing our warriors to flee for their lives. We know he still fights against the trogs to this day, but without anyone to assist him his wounds will kill him sooner rather than later. And if it's already too late... Then at the very least, his skins and bones can be turned into weapons and armor we will need against the troglodytes." Longstrider waved her hand through the smoke to dismiss the image before looking at the group.

"You cannot hope to defeat The Red Stain on your own, nor his army. But we cannot spare the warriors to find Green Eyes and protect what is left of our home. So go, deeper into the sewers, and find Green Eyes. Bring him back, or whatever is left of him, so that we will have the strength to end this war once and for all." Longstrider took another deep breath and sighed, almost as if she's disappointed. "And forgive us for our hostility. Under normal circumstances we would welcome a scalekin. But we are in this terrible position due to treachery. One of our own Grey Scales betrayed us and now we cannot trust anyone, least of all outsiders. Even now I do not trust you. So do this quest for us and we shall give you what aid we can truly provide."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Bah! You humies always have problems! Kobold have problems, and problems is trogs. Kobold can’t help until trogs not problem!” The guard said adamantly. Shortfang growled as stood face-to-face with the guard. “You stupid. We fight trogs too! We know tribe can’t go war trog themselves, not enough warriors. So Shortfang and friends fight! Let us talk to Grey Scales, so we can fight!” As it looked like the a fight was about to start a voice called out from the hunt. It sounded like a whisper, and yet it was loud and clear. “Let them in.”

The guards lowered their weapons and stepped aside, though they still looked on edge. You and the theta would be allowed inside of the hut, which was filled with a haze coming from a bronze brazier at the center of the room. It helped rid of the sewer stench in place of one that smelled strongly of hemp and butter. Here you could see three very old looking kobolds who indeed have grey scales. The youngest of them was a female kobold who still had hints of green on her face.

“You speak to the Grey Scales of the Swamp Dragon Tribe. I am the chief, and in your tongue my name is Longstrider. Who are you, and what is it that you come here for? Humans have never wanted kobold aid, no... Whenever they come here, they come to kill our people, because one or two may have committed some crime against the surface. If that is the case than you should leave. We shall not abandon one of our own for your justice.”

D&D 5e - Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Shame, but understandable. We’ll keep the dream alive while you’re gone!

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

The kobolds whispered among themselves in their dragon language. Shortfang quickly explained the situation while Pylia stood near you whispering a rough translation. “He’s telling them were allies here to help, and we just want to know what’s going on. The kobolds say they don’t have enough warriors to fight the trogs, or humans. Now Shortfang is promising that we’ll help them and he needs to see the grey scales, kobold elders, so we can better aid them.” As the kobolds conversed one of them, the one who nearly died, steps in with a shaky but stern look. “I show them grey scale. Come.” The kobold limped towards the big double door while the rest of the kobolds got back into a defensive position.

The double doors were made of some solid and bronze metal. Though there was a thick later of mold, there was no rust, and the doors themselves were too heavy even for Buddy to move. The kobold shouted something in draconic and soon the doors shifted and were raised up. Inside were at least seven more kobolds armed with shields and stone edged swords, ready to fight. However they made way and would allow you and the others to pass through.

The party would go through what seemed to be some sort of shanty town. Small huts made of discarded wood, stone slabs, and covered or patched up with mud and moss. Aside from the warriors at the entrance most of the other kobolds here appeared to be commoners who hide behind their homes, aside from the curious little children, who were barely larger than a puppy. Eventually you reach a stone building that had a large effigy in the form of sharp teeth on top of crocodile skin in the same of a maw. Guarding this house were two kobolds armed with curious looking weapons; they looked like giant fangs, but the way they hold them looked like blades tonfas.

“You! Humies not welcomed here! Why you here huh?” One of them spoke out aggressively. Shortfang interjected sternly however he wasn’t trying to be hostile. “Humies are friends. They help Shortfang, Son of Longtalon of Shadowrun tribe and Skinwalker of Swamp Dragon. We talk to Grey Scales.” One of the guardians seem to recognize the name Skinwalker, however the other guard was unimpressed. “Humie lies! Kobold war with trogs because humies! Now they send assassin to kill Grey Scales!” Pylia seemed on edge and looked to you and whispered. “I can understand their paranoia, but I’d rather not get into a fight here. What could we say to convince them we will help?”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Your struck hard and fast. The trog could barely get a claw up to defend himself as your staff crushed his skull, and your kick broke his jaw, causing him to spit out the mangled kobold. The beast staggered trying to remain standing before he fell. Elsewhere, the other kobolds and your allies were able to deal with the remaining trogs, though no one was celebrating. The kobolds at the wall were trying their hardest to bring back their fallen ally while the two crocodile riders stayed on watch. Shortfang, Pylia, and Buddy soon came over, somewhat wounded but alive. "Sylvia! Are you okay?" Pylia asked as Shortfang went over to the wounded Kobold and force fed a goodberry into him. Miraculously, the magic of the berries caused him to sputter to life as the kobolds were snapping his bones back into place. The other kobolds seem happier seeing that somehow, no one died, though they still looked at the others warily, even Shortfang.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

You quickly bound over the barricades, past the kobolds, and land right next to one of the trogs who were poisoned to begin attacking the kobolds. Fortunately before the monster could get a chance, you smash your staff into it's skull, causing it to stagger back. It was at that moment the crocodile, despite his movement's being somewhat marred by the muck he had to crawl through, lunged out and chomped the upper portion of the trog in half, leaving a bloody pair of legs where it stood. The crocodile tried to swipe it's tail at the next nearest trog, however the barricade blocked it's strike. Fortunately, it allowed it's rider a chance to run down the tail, leaping off to stab his sword through the chest of the furthest trog away from you. Thanks to the heroism of both you and the kobold warrior, the kobolds found the strength within themselves to try and fight back as well, a flew slinging stones that struck down the wounded trog, others stabbing their crude stone knives right into the monster before them. One even managed to leap up and stab the beast in the eye. However this would prove to be his downfall.

As the kobold hung from his knife blade, the trog tossed the kobold above him and into his awaiting maw, allowing you to witness the horrible sight of these small creatures fit inside the toad-like mouths of these lizard monsters, and for the unfortunate kobold to get mangled and chewed up in the trog's jaw. It then lashed out to claw at the other kobold who had tried to stab it, though perhaps due to his own skill or fear of what just happened, the kobold was able to avoid getting cut down. The trog then turned to you, a wretched and twisted grin on his face as blood and saliva leaked from his full mouth.

Rolls and info

Shortfang (26/26) | Syfr (1/1) = 23
Buddy (31/31 Temp: 5/5) = 18
Kobolds (A: 5/5) (B: 5/5) (C: 5/5) (D: 5/5) (E: 16/44) (F: 22/44) | Giant Crocodile (A: 37/85) (B: 76/85)= 19
Pylia (24/24) = 10
Trogs Group 3 (A: Dead) (B: Dead) (C: 4/13) (D: Dead) = 6
Sylvia (21/21) = 5
Trogs Group 4 (A: Dead) (B: Dead) (C: 3/13) (D: 13/13) = 4
Trogs Group 5 (A: Dead) (B: 13/13) (C: 13/13) (D: Dead) = 3

Crocodile A Bite vs Trog 3B = 13
Bite Damage = 19
Crocodile A Tail vs Trog 3C = 10

Kobold E Sword vs Trog 3D = 18/Nat 20
Crit Sword = 10
Kobold E Sword vs Trog 3D = 9/9

Kobold A Sling vs Trog 3D = 19/12
Sling Damage = 6

Kobold B Con Save vs Trog Stench = 7
Kobold B Sling vs Trog 3C = 6

Kobold C Con Save vs Trog Stench = 19
Kobold C Dagger vs Trog 3C = 6/Nat 20
Crit Dagger = 9

Kobold D Con Save vs Trog Stench = 5
Kobold D Dagger vs Trog 3C = 9

Trog 3C Bite vs Kobold C = 19
Bite Damage = 6
Trog 3C Claw vs Kobold D = Nat 1
Trog 3C Claw vs Kobold D = Nat 1

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

You rapidly cross the swampy muck, fortunately not getting any of it in your boots as your smashed your staff right across the neck of the trog as it was bucked off by the crocodile. The blow snapped it's neck, but you didn't lose any momentum as you hopped out of the way of the falling corpse, kicking the other trog hanging onto the crocodile with a heel kick. But just as you did so, you'd hear the loud cacophony of monstrous screeching hit the hall. More trogs have arrived, which you can barely make out in the dim lantern light. "More trogs! Get ready everyone!" Shortfang shouted out as he lined up a shot on the trog hanging off the crocodile, shooting a bolt right into it's chest and causing it to fall off. As Shortfang dropped his crossbow and drew out his shortsword he shouted something in draconic which was directed to the kobolds. Good thing too, as the crocodile looked like it was about to take a bite out of you before the kobold riding him managed to direct him to the trogs coming from the other hall. The other kobolds began to scramble away from the center as they also heard and went to respond to the trogs coming from the eastern halls.

Meanwhile Buddy walked right past you towards the last trog in this immediate vicinity. The creature, seeing him, lunged out and tried to attack him. However Buddy simply extended his hand and caught the lizardling in midair, and with a quick twist and a crush snapped the neck to the trog before tossing him onto the ground and walking back towards the swampy area, as he could hear trogs coming from behind. Pylia also heard the trogs coming and ran up to stand alongside Shortfang, calling for her sword to come closer. The silver blade flew right past you, avoiding you even, as it began to spin rapidly like some sort of deadly buzz saw. Pylia readied herself as she could hear the trogs coming. "Get ready! They're coming!"

Away from the group and barely legible through the dim glow of your lantern, you could see more trogs arrive, though due to their distance and having a giant crocodile blocking your line of sight, all you could hear where the panicked screams of the kobolds as the treacherous roars of the trogs running through the muck or climbing over the barricades.

Rolls and info

Shortfang (26/26) | Syfr (1/1) = 23
Buddy (31/31 Temp: 5/5) = 18
Kobolds (A: 5/5) (B: 5/5) (C: 5/5) (D: 5/5) (E: 16/44) (F: 22/44) | Giant Crocodile (A: 37/85) (B: 76/85)= 19
Pylia (24/24) = 10
Trogs Group 3 (A: Dead) (B: 13/13) (C: 13/13) (D: 13/13) = 6
Sylvia (21/21) = 5
Trogs Group 4 (A: 13/13) (B: 13/13) (C: 13/13) (D: 13/13) = 4
Trogs Group 5 (A: 13/13) (B: 13/13) (C: 13/13) (D: 13/13) = 3

Shortfang's Crossbow vs Trog 1D = 19/20
Crossbow Damage = 6

Buddy's Unarmed Strike vs Trog 2B = 17
Neck Snap = 5

Pylia calls her Silver Sword of Defiance to come closer and readies an action to attack any trog that gets within melee range of her.

Kobolds's ready an action to sling their stones at the first Trog that comes within their sling's range, killing one in the opening slavo.

Trog Group 3 charges the kobolds, needing to dash to reach them.