Episode 1: A Helping Hand

A slick film of slippery fat and oil slaps into existence with a wet popping sound, covering the ground and the base of a few stalagmites. One of the grimlocks in the middle of that greasy field loses its footing and falls to the floor, as does another that charges into the area. However, the other three grimlocks in the group manage to right themselves and continue onward.

Grimlock4 recovers from the magical missiles just in time to receive a mundane one, as Parallel's arrow finds purchase in its abdomen. It still charges forward with its companions, rapidly closing the distance to the party in their eagerness.

The group of grimlocks in the center, perhaps mindful of the slick surface they are passing through, slow their pace a bit.

The last group of grimlocks from the south rush forward, one ready to launch itself off the cavern wall at Haesh as the others catch up to the party.Map

Grimlock15 nearly spins around as it reels from the impact of the warhammer, and its counter-attack harmlessly flails against the wall.

Grimlock12 cannot stop its momentum and impales itself onto Rhodrick's thin blades, each rapier slipping through to sever the life from its body. It tries to grab onto a stalactite, but its strength fades and it falls to the ground.Map

Already weakened by the arrow, Grimlock4 falls quickly under Parallel's blades.

As Grimlock4 falls, Parallel twists to drive his dagger towards Grimlock2, managing to nick the creature's thigh.

Golwen unleashes a streak of fire into the face of the closest enemy (Gr15) in the hopes of creating enough room to aid the the group's tactical retreat.

Grimlock15 grunts as the fire bolt strikes it in the shoulder, singing its skin.Map

Grimlock3 slaps aside the first thrust of Rhodrick's rapiers, but the second lunge sinks deep into the creature's body.

Then a blast of fire chars a cauterized hole in Grimlock1's chest, leaving an empty space where its heart once was. It falls backwards from the impact, tearing down one of the bodies to the ground.

Having received a blow from Haesh's warhammer before, Grimlock15 seems better prepared for it this time and twists out of the way.

Though whittled down in number, the remaining grimlocks continue their charge and close the distance. You can smell their odor, a mixture of sweat, grime, and blood.

Parallel is the target of one grimlock's attacks, but he manages to duck under the swing. He can see another grimlock sweeping around, threatening his flank.

Haesh finds himself beset by three grimlocks. The difficult terrain actually proves beneficial, forcing the grimlocks to attack in a predictable way, and the warrior is able to block them all with his shield.

Rhodrick also faces an assault from three grimlocks. This time the terrain proves much more restrictive to his movements, and he is unable to dodge and parry the attacks. The spiked clubs find purchase upon his armor and smash through his defenses (16, 22, 17 vs AC; 16 bludgeoning damage, 9 piercing damage = 25 damage).

The remaining grimlocks press in to support their allies. Two in the back pick themselves up from the greasy floor and begin their approach.Map