Road Trip to the Dragon Isles - Ak-Baral

 19 Newkolt 349 AC

Arthur stares at the device. "Wow, that's handy." Once camp is broken down and breakfast is eaten, Arthur helps Agnes on to her horse as always and than gets on to his. "Alright, let's go."

The group, now numbering five again, makes their way across the rocky desert. Phineas's strange mount is surprisingly fast but none of the horses like being near it and do their best to keep their distance. A few hours into the day, Davaa stands up in his stirrups, and signals a halt.

He points down the trail, to a spot where the path draws close to a small oasis. "That's new," he explains. "Some sort of sinkhole must have opened up ahead. This whole end of the valley is littered with abandoned mine shafts and tunnels. We can water the horses but watch your footing down there."

Arthur slowly makes his way down the trail to the water source and dismounts so the horse can take a small break but he keeps an eye out for danger. "This place is kind of eerie."

"I'm more worried about another sinkhole opening up under our feet. It could swallow horse and rider faster than any of us could react," Davaa replies.

Agnes slowly approaches the water, concern creasing her brow. "No, Davaa, Arthur is correct. Something is off about this place. Let us be gone from here. It can't be much further to Ak-Baral. The horses can drink all that they want there."

Arthur nods slowly and then notices ripples moving atop the water in a direction opposite the wind.

Arthur points at the water as he backs away, hand on the hilt of Lawbringer, "Let's move! Now!"

As the paladin gives the order, a rock wall materializes out of thin air behind the group, blocking the path out of the oasis. Weird, twisted fish-men rise from the water, each clutching a long, two-handed spear.

ROUND ONE

Altan springs into action, his bow appearing in his hand as he nocks an arrow and fires at the lead fish-man. His shot his the... thing in the shoulder and gooey, black blood sprays from the wound.

The water erupts in a spray seconds later as four twenty-foot long, tentacled creatures with three horizontal eyes resembling some sort of cross between catfish and octopus drag themselves out of the water. Two of those tentacles reach out and grab rocks and tree roots to pull themselves forward while three of the monsters lash out with their other two tentacles to grab at the party and their horses.

Arthur and Agnes are easily able to avoid being grabbed and Phineas is barely able to scramble out of the way of his attacker's grappling strike.

The last of the creatures waggles its remaining tentacles while voicing some eldritch gurgle even the All-Speak can't translate and its trio of eyes begin to glow. "The Solamnic's armor and sword are enchanted. Be wary of him," it says in a guttural rasp.

Phineas hoists his Shock 'n' Awe-Atron and twists a knob. Steam begins to hiss from the weapon's seams almost immediately as he points it toward one of the approaching spearmen. He slams one of the levers forward and a bolt of lightning leaps from the barrel with a blinding flash and roar of thunder. The blast obliterates one of the fish guys, leaving nothing behind but a pair of smoldering legs that topple over as the echo of the shockwave  reverberates across the rocky plain.

Davaa unsheathes the two-handed sword given to him by Arthur and strikes, beheading a fish-man in a single swipe.

Lawbringer flares brilliantly as soon as the octo-catfish emerge from the water. Arthur's entire body glows as holy power suffuses his entire being.

Agnes yells, "Everyone fall back! Don’t let those things grab you!" Her body morphs into its draconic form. She doesn't even bother with the fake spellcasting as the abominations drag their way toward the group. She positions herself between the slithering beasts and the horses, protecting the mounts from attack.

The remaining fish-men pause when Agnes assumes her dragon shape but they lower their spears and charge toward her. None are able to pierce her armored scales and as they attempt to reset for a second attack, Agnes reaches out and snaps her jaws closed on the one Altan shot with an arrow. Its body crumples, crushed between her sharp teeth and falls to the ground.

ROUND TWO

Altan fires an arrow at one of the tentacled beasts. The shaft punches through its rubbery hide with ease, sinking in to the fletching although the creature is so large it is hard to tell if it even noticed.

The octo-catfish continue to drag themselves forward. The first swings at Agnes with its tentacles. She rears up, avoiding three of the flexible tendrils but the last one hits her wrist, spreading clear slime all over her right arm. She snarls and shakes her arm, flicking the slime off.

The second and third spread out, trying to flank Arthur but their massive bulk limits their mobility. Four tentacles come whipping in from both sides but the paladin's armor and shield are enough to protect him.

A voice penetrates his mind. "Submit. Surrender to me. There is no need to fight." Arthur's vision becomes blurry and he weaves unsteadily for a second but he focuses his will and screams his defiance.

"NO! I'M YOUR ENEMY. MAY MALAZZARR'S HOLY LIGHT BE RID OF YOU!"

Phineas pulls back on his lightning caster and twists the dial again. The high-pitched whine starts up again and steam billows from every seam as the Shock 'n' Awe-atron begins to shudder in his hands. He slams the lever forward again and lightning erupts, striking the monster that attacked Agnes broadside. Charred meat is blasted off the side of the beast. Whatever the thing is, it thrashes about, trying to extinguish its burning wound.

Davaa hefts his blade and slashes the next fish-man in line. His piscean foe staggers but doesn't fall.

Arthur turns his will toward his helmet and vanishes from the battlefield, reappearing in mid-air above the tentacled monster with the glowing eyes and drops onto its back, driving Lawbringer into the beast. The blessed blade sizzles as it sinks into the monster. A horrendous screech tears through the minds of everyone nearby.

Agnes exhales a blast of frigid air at the tentacled horror that grabbed her. Ice forms over its lightning-blasted body, slowing its movements as it thrashes on the ground.

The remaining fish-men attempt to turn their spears against the dragon but none of them succeed in penetrating her armored scales.

ROUND THREE

Altan fires another arrow. The Khur's shot strikes the horror just frozen by Agnes, adding to its now numerous wounds.

That beast begins hauling itself back toward the water with its tentacles, dragging its immense bulk along the ground as fast as it can and reaches the edge of the pool.

The second of the huge monsters lunges forward, flailing with its own tentacles and strikes Ag'nesallynn twice with the second wrapping around her throat. More of that viscous slime sticks to her and runs down her neck, seeping in between her scales.

The next in line turns its focus on Phineas. Waves of mental energy crash into the gnome, "You are mine to command. Turn your weapon upon the dragon." The inventor, completely focused on adjusting his device, doesn't even notice the mental influence.

Finally, Arthur's foe waves it tendrils in a complicated pattern that ends with all four tentacles pointed directly at the knight. A bolt of lightning engulfs Arthur, knocking him off of its back and sends him crashing to the ground.

With the barrel of his Shock 'N' Awe-atron glowing red from repeated shots, Phineas lays it gently on the ground and pulls a smaller device from the back of his mechanical "horse". This one is covered with brass gears and sports a wheel that looks like it belongs on a miniature water wheel. The gnome yanks on a pull cord and the wheel spins. Four glowing darts streak through the air and strike the fleeing monster. The wounded beast shudders to a stop and seems to deflate, slumping at the water's edge. Phineas jumps up and down, "Score one for the Gat-inizer! WOO-HOO!"

Davaa brings his sword around, this time chopping one of the arms off of his enemy. The creature drops his spear, blood spraying from the wound as it collapses to the ground.

Arthur wrenches Lawbringer from side to side cutting deeper. "I will not bow to the likes of you," actively forcing up a mental wall to stop the mind games.

The paladin's holy blade rips through rubbery flesh, splitting skin and muscle along the beast's back. Its mental screams are punctuated with physical ones. Arthur drops his full weight upon the handle, driving the silver sword deep into the monster.

Ag'nesallynn looses a strangled roar. Teeth flash, claws rip and tear, and her wings batter the fleshy body of her attacker. Blood flows freely from copious wounds but the monster holds on, trying to choke the dragon.

Perceiving a more immediate threat, the fish-men turn their spears on Davaa. Two of them find their mark, driving their sharpened stakes into the guide.

ROUND FOUR

Altan circles left, angling for a shot against one of the spearmen who struck Davaa. His arrows flies straight and true, striking it in the back of its calf. The shock of pain causes the creature to drop its spear and clutch at the wound foe a moment.

The monster holding on to Ag'nesallynn continues to slap at her with its tentacles, despite the battering it has taken. Most of these fail to do anything but the one wrapped around her neck continues to squeeze ever tighter.

That creature is joined by its companion, the one that failed to usurp control over Phineas's will. The monster whips its tentacles at the stricken silver dragon, battering her sides and wings but, despite still being held by the neck, she manages to twist aside enough to avoid injury.

The creature Arthur is astride calls to its minions, summoning them to his aid.  It then waves its tentacles while gurgling. A vivid cone of clashing colors springs forth from the end of one and blasts him in the face. The blaze of color staggers the knight, leaving him stunned to the point where Lawbringer nearly slips from his fingers.

Phineas turns his Gat-inizer toward the slavering octo-catfish strangling Agnes and spins its wheel with another yank of the cord. Four more glowing pulses of energy streak through the air and blast tiny holes into the monster's flank.

Davaa takes a single step back and thrusts with his magical greatsword, driving it through the guts of his fishy foe, spilling its entrails into the ground.

Arthur tries to scream, "AGNES, NO," but it comes more like "Aggggnnnnesshhhh, nooooooo..." He rubs the back of his wrist against his eyes, trying to clear the lights flashing in them.

Agnes grabs the tentacle wrapped around her neck and pulls, stretching it taut and clamps down with her mighty jaws. Her razor teeth slice through muscular flesh and rubbery skin with brutal efficiency. Blood gushes from the wound and that monster perishes in the sand, allowing her to turn her attention upon her last attacker.

The fish-men respond to their master's summons and charge at Arthur with spears leveled like lances. The First Paladin of Malazzar slashes both of them with Lawbringer. One of them does manage to slip the barbed point of his weapon into the knight's thigh.

ROUND FIVE

Altan continues to circle around the edge of the battle. He looses another arrow. This one drills into the ribs of one of the two remaining fish-men and it collapses, bleeding out on the rocky soil.

With only itself, it spellcasting leader, and one minion remaining, the octo-catfish-thing turns tail and starts dragging itself back toward the safety of the water. Agnes takes a swipe at it with one of her claws, raking its flank as it flees.

Its wizardly companion attempts to take advantage of Arthur's momentary incapacitation to strike, lashing at him with all four of its tentacles. One of the flexible limbs hits and gains a hold. Slime oozes around the seams of his armor, sticking to his flesh.

Phineas lowers his Gat-inizer, allowing it to hang from a strap slung over his shoulder and picks up the Shock 'N' Awe-atron once more. The high-pitched whine returns as he fiddles with dials on the side of the machine. He pulls back on the lever and slams it forward once again as lightning erupts from the barrel and slams into the face of the wizard.

The illusory rock wall vanishes as the creature’s concentration collapses under the assault.

Davaa raises his blade once more as he closes in on the last fish-man. The cut lands just above Altan's arrow and shatters ribs and slices deeply into the chest cavity splits of the already wounded warrior and it falls at his feet.

Arthur bites the inside of his cheek hard enough to taste the metallic tang of his own blood. The pain gives him something to focus on, shaking him from his stupor. Lawbringer rises and falls rapidly, digging two huge gouges in the monster's back. Holy fire sears corrupt flesh and the tentacle releases its hold.

Agnes pounces on the fleeing beast. She bites, slashes with her claws, and pummels its body with her wings. Every attack extracts a cost in blood that pours out onto the rocks.

ROUND SIX

Altan takes careful aim with his bow, moving in closer to ensure a clean hit and fires again. This arrow strikes in between the top two horizontal eyes of the bizarre tentacled catfish wizard.

Meanwhile, the one Agnes is tearing to shreds focuses through the pain of her assault and locks its mind on Davaa. Waves of mental energy wash over the Khur, commanding him to "Strike the dragon, protect your master."

Davaa's eyes become vacant and he turns, walking toward the octo-catfish and Agnes with his sword held at the ready.

Phineas continues twisting knobs on the side of his weapon. The whine has built to a screech as he takes aim once more. This bolt crashes into the flank of the monster Agnes battles, blowing it apart in a shower of gore. Fiery bits of whatever that thing was rain down all over the beach. The gnome lets out a hoot and raises the barrel to his lips and blows across it, dissipating some of the smoke trickling from the barrel.

Davaa's mind clears with his "master's" death. He looks around. The wizard is too far for him to get to with the blade so he drops it, pulling instead his bow and firing. A feathered shaft suddenly sprouts in the wizard fish's tail.

Arthur drives Lawbringer harder and deeper into the creature. "Just die, dammit!" A flurry of stabs and cuts follows and with a final slash, he slays the beast.

He glances to Agnes and with a quick shout asks, "Are you okay?"

The dragon nods in confirmation as she looks around, taking stock of everyone else's injuries and, seeing nothing life-threatening, resumes her elven form.

Arthur runs over to Agnes, sheathing Lawbringer and picks her up, carrying her over to her horse and whispers so only so she can hear. "I'm sorry, because of my carelessness you got hurt. Please heal yourself, my love." He starts trying to help her into the saddle.

"Arthur. Stop. Despite appearances, I am no waif of a girl who needs to be coddled." She lowers her voice, "I am a dragon. I can hold my own and make my own decisions. I will be treated with respect or you can turn around and walk back to Silvanost while I inform my people that our eggs have been stolen and transformed into horrific dragonmen who serve Takhisis. Do you understand?"

He sets her down "Yes, sorry this is all new to me... I'll step back."

"What the hell were those things?" He commits the creatures to memory. "Are you all okay?" He notes Davaa's minor wound as looks over his party.

Phineas makes his way over to the nearest creature and pokes the corpse with a stick. "Hmmm...not a clue. Nasty buggers though."

Davaa and Altan concur. Even Agnes claims not to know what these creatures were.

Arthur makes his way over to his horse and mounts. "Let's hurry"

The group remounts and hits the trail again, wending their way up the road toward Ak-Baral. As the sun sinks behind the Khalkist Mountains, the five travelers ride into the Khur city.

"Let's find an inn for the night and rest." Arthur nudges his horse along. "Any suggestions Davva, Altan?"

Davaa strokes his beard, "The Hachakee Clan run this city. Fierce fighters, all told, but I haven't been here before. There are some who say the city runs down into the stone it is built upon, though."

Agnes shakes her head, "Anywhere will do, as long as I can get a bath and something warm to eat."

Phineas snorts, "A bath? I prefer a protective layer of earth on my skin, thank you very much."

Altan sniffs the air, "Let us let our noses lead the way to dinner, then. The first place we find with an acceptable smelling meal will be where we stay for the night. In the morning, we'll see about finding you another guide."

The group meanders through the streets. The city is dwarfed by the number of people living in Khuri-Khan but is still the largest Arthur or Agnes have seen since leaving Pashin. Many markets have closed for the evening with only a few vendors hawking tinware, "fresh" meat, and clothing still open. Of the Green Dragonarmy, there is no sign. No patrols prowling the streets, no green wyrms basking atop the flat roofs of buildings, no banners proclaiming an occupation by an outside force.

After about thirty minutes, the aroma of frying mutton draws the group into an establishment called, rather uncreatively, the Ak-Baral Inn. It is a three-story building with a first floor made of stone, the upper two floors being wooden, and a roof of shale tiles. A young teen boy comes out of the first floor and says, "Free stabling, if you get a room for the night, milords, milady."

Arthur hops down from his horse. "We will stay, your three best rooms please, and if one of them has a private bath that would be great. Just point me in the direction I need to go." He looks at the group, "My treat."

This brings a smile to the faces of Davaa and Altan and a quizzical look to Phineas's, "I just told your lady that I prefer a nice coating of dirt. I don't need a private bath."

"The bath is for me, Master Inventor," Agnes replies.

Phineas finally smiles,  "Ahhh... in that case, lead the way, my boy!"