Chapter 2: Killing Some Stinky Trogs

The Sabre-wielder reels under Frick's attacks.

Round Two

1. Ygne the Wicked
2. Jarveena the Maimed Archer
3. Broodguard w/ Broadsword (AC: 14, 45/45) *
4. Broodguard w/ Battleaxe (AC: 14, HP: 22/45) *
5. Broodguard w/ Khopesh
6. Ryte Colkter
7. Elspa
8. Broodguard w/ Sabre (AC: 14, HP: 28/45)
9. Frick

* until start of their turn, adv / disadv on melee attacks against this creature cancelled out, ranged attacks at disadv.
** melee attacks against this creature have advantage until the start of its turn

Battlefield Features

Thick stalagmites & stalactites
Strange crystals
Suspended corpses
Buckets of blood

Between Jarveena and Ygne's attacks, the troglodyte staggers back, but its inhuman head snaps back, flames of hate in its eyes. Its singular purpose does not waver even as it faces probable death.

On the left flank, broadswords and battleaxes flash as the Broodguards fight for their lives. They level everything they have against the big woman with the axe.

The remaining troglodytes are cut down in short order, their stolen bronze weapons clattering to the floor one after another. Elspa impales the final creature on a stalagmite unceremoniously.

The snake-shaped doorway remains at the far end of the cavern, bright orange firelight spilling from the maw. It dawns on you that it is strange for Trogs to use torches down here since they can see in the dark. The headless corpses continue to sway in the orange light, and you see a red scarf dangling from the waist of one, most certainly belonging to Captain Leatha "Fishwife" Gabranth. The strange crystals continue to reflect the light in the cavern, although they seem to flicker with a life of their own. And there is of course, the exit toward the way you came in.

It is just past 7 and night is falling. What next, brave adventurers?

Ygne

Ygne's search is a disgusting one, but fruitful. Aside from their weapons, the Troglodytes have adorned themselves with metal fetishes, much of which is silver and gold. Much of this is coins strung together with sinew (50 gp), but you also find a silver dagger tucked behind a leathery skin fold in one of the creature's tail. Its handle and crosspiece is worked to look like intertwined snakes.

Ygne also notices that one of the Trogs has had some recent surgery. Stiches patch up a wound on the side of one's head, the work of a competent surgeon.

Ryte

Ryte begins cutting down the bodies. They are pale and stiff, much of their mass drained into the pots on the ground. You are pretty certain the cords tying the bodies are intestines.

Elspa & Frick

Elspa and Frick follow a short hall down the gullet of the snakehead entrance that leads to a well-lit square antechamber. The room has been wall-to-wall smeared in blood. Dozens of oil lamps, candles, and other sources of light sit on the floor around the perimeter of the room.

The north-facing wall of the antechamber is dominated by a massive carving which depicts dozens of humanoid creatures with snake heads looking up to a human male on an massive elevated throne. Majestic beams of light leap forth from the throne and the mysterious seated figure. The scene overlooks a massive pit with giant, bizarre monsters writhing about, emanating from a dark, swirling hole. Fountains pour liquid into the pit, and naked human bodies are being tossed in as well for good measure. All of this is far too elaborate to have ever been created by a Troglodyte.

Exits lead east and west from the antechamber. The eastern one is a downward spiralling stair carved into the rock. The west is slightly obscured doorway with a crude curtain fashioned from a sail. The light that spills into the room beyond illuminates some kind of statues hanging from the walls, as well as a good deal of debris on the ground, some of which glints brilliantly in the candlelight like metal.