Entry XV

[This entry is a recap of the 15th gaming session, which took place on April 3rd, 2011. The characters were just about to enter The Twisting Halls, an adventure contained in the new Red Box starter kit.]

Me and my boys playing

The next morning, well rested, we made our way to the back of the cave, and entered the tunnel which was on the right side of the cave. After some time, we reached a set of double doors.



The whole party, except for Trax the Dragonborn

Trax the Dragonborn

We opened them and entered.



Two ornate braziers were casting a faint red glow around the large chamber. Thickly scented smoke clouded the air before disappearing through small ventilation holes in the stone ceiling. We could just make out a pool of water deep inside of the room. Tethered to an iron ring set into the far wall near the pool was a black horse. We could see a number of doors, covered in beaten brass, leading from this chamber.

Two goblins [Goblin Cutthroats], clutching short spears, were glaring at us with bloodshot eyes.

"You're not welcome here," the nearest one snarled.

"Intruders!" the other screeched.

Immediately, we sprang into action, wanting to dispatch the two goblins before they could rouse whoever else was behind the doors.

But it was too late; soon, reinforcements arrived. Firstly, in the form of a guard drake coming from the right-hand door.

Guard Drake

 It sprung at Trax and tried to bite him with a ferocious rage. Secondly, a goblin spellcaster of some kind [Goblin Hex Hurler] opened the door on the left side of the chamber, and started throwing various hexes at us.

Goblin Hexer

Trax got into the thick of it, as usual, and so did Immarel, while Gilthos ― who was quickly blinded by one of the hexer's curses ― sent his bear to fight for him. I, meanwhile, sent my Magic Missiles every which way. As for Aleena, she fought by Trax and Immarel's side, healing them when needed.

Having killed all three goblins and the drake, we rested a little bit, and then inspected the room.

Of interest was the elaborate glyph carved on the floor of the left room. I could easily tell it was magic, but right there and then, I couldn't tell what its precise function was. In the same room was also a different type of brazier, glowing with bright, hot flame, but not making any smoke, and having no visible source of combustion.

We also examined the pool. The water was cloudy with dirt, and once again I could feel some kind of magic, but no evident way to use or channel it.

We freed the horse, gathered the goblins' weapons and armors, and also found a pouch containing 300 silver pieces behind the magical brazier, and then moved on to the next room.

This wide room looked like some kind of antechamber. Two doors on the opposite wall led off to the left and the right, but between us and the doors was the largest rat we'd ever seen, easily the size of a small dog!



Dire Rat

At once, we teamed up on the beast, seeing as it evidently was intent on taking us head on. Soon enough, unsurprisingly, a door opened and then the other, with four goblins [Goblin Snipers] and another giant rat [Dire Rat] coming to the first one's aid.

The fight was easy, and we got rid of them relatively fast.

Upon inspection, the rooms revealed a trap covered by a soiled and ruined carpet, as well as a big stone statue depicting a minotaur in armor carrying a greatsword.

Besides that, we didn't find anything else. We then gathered to discuss our next move.