Episode 1: A Helping Hand

It is difficult to tell who they are, but the humans are dressed very simply. They do not look malnourished or as though they've been imprisoned for very long.

The male shifts under the restraints, and a small groan escapes his lips. All three humans appear to be breathing, but still unconscious.

The three creatures are momentarily stunned into silence, tentacles frozen in place. Even the grimlocks appear shocked at the sudden outburst.

Finally, Tenor turns to face Haesh and the group. These servants of the Dragon will provide their life essence to our lord and give strength. When we have wiped their presence from the surface, we will be strong enough to move on to the next location. Our power will grow exponentially!

For the moment, the creatures and the grimlocks are locked in place, reeling from the venom in your oratory follow-up to Haesh's command.

How... how dare you?! sputters Alto's voice in your heads, and you can all sense a tiny twinge of fear.

Tenor then speaks, its tone also betraying a feeling of uncertainty and panic, And what would you have us do? Watch as our master withers away?

There is a shrill, piercing scream in your minds as the arrow sinks into the eye of the still creature on the throne, and were your heads made of crystal, you'd imagine them to shatter. The being spasms into motion, arching its back in pain while its claws clutch at the air. All six tentacles twitch and jerk like broken puppets.

The psychic scream slams throughout the room like a tsunami, and you see Alto, Bass, and Tenor clutch at their heads, each falling to one knee.

The nine grimlocks behind you are thrown backwards, some hitting the cavern wall while others tumble across the ground. All remain still where they fall, blood leaking from their ears.

The screaming continues as the throne erupts into flame, engulfing the seated creature entirely.

The handaxe hurtles through the air, but misses the fist-sized gemstone and smacks into the cavern wall.

Bass is not in a position to defend itself, and Rhodrick's blades sink deep into its flesh. A gurgling sound emits and Bass's tentacles twitch in pain, though it still seems very much alive.

Tordek springs forward with Rhodrick, slapping his warhammer into Bass's flesh. He looks over to Naozar and cries, "Fine speech, lad! Split their skulls like a thunderbolt!" as he sends divine energy through his words to heal the sorcerer.Tordek's hammer blow knocks Bass prone, then he also clutches his head and succumbs the psychic blast, staggering on his heels.