Varam the Whipped

by Tristan el'Mer

Qotl, through Chitikas had charged me with clearing all of the Yuan-ti and their evil from this place, and as we ventured forth into the hidden cave system behind and below Diderus’ tomb, it became apparent this would be no simple task as I’d initially thought.

Upon entering the cave system we were immediately set upon by lizardfolk, who were apparently serving the Yuan-ti. Nuri tried reasoning with them, as she had at castle Naertyr. Virgil even attempted to restrain one of them to give her more time to help the poor creature see sense. They even tried again with a second group we encountered, and I applaud their efforts, but it was to no avail. In the end it was clear that the lizard folk here had no intention of doing anything but trying to kill us for their masters.

It was rough going as we methodically began clearing the cave. After the second fight, which included some of the Yuan-ti, we came upon a room with statues to their gods. Cleverly crafted traps brought mundane suits of armor to life somehow empowered by snakes. These magical armors were much like the ones we’d fought in the Hunting Lodge, but even stronger, and there were more of them. The fight took quite a bit out of us. After it was over and we took stock of ourselves I decided to test the new powers that Qotl had granted to me and I cast a powerful spell of restoration over my comrade Rhumor, who had up to that point, still been looking very weakened indeed following the severe beating the clay golem had given him earlier. Providing healing to another in this way felt… right. It is my hope that this sense of pleasure and justice as it relates to my patron continues. Such a stark contrast to how I felt about Her.

We continued slowly moving through the tunnels of the cave, clearing each room, some containing traps, until we finally came upon a group of Yuan-ti that were all guarding a tunnel but were facing the opposite direction. We did surprise them, but in turn were surprised to find out they were but a pittance of the forces nearby. Just off this tunnel was the central main room where their leader, his lieutenant, and all of his stronger warriors were -as well as a very, very beaten looking Varam the White.

This fight was a desperate and prolonged battle. Early on Conrad began acting strange, and was of little aid in the fight – likely having succumbed to the charms of one of the Yuan-ti as we’d seem them try before. Nuri managed to control the movements of the three strongest fighters to the back end of this main chamber. Virgil ran straight in to began battling those warriors, and I stayed back in the tunnel entrance trying to fighter off the many many minions that were attempting to take on Nuri and break the spell causing the storm at the back of the room. Rhumor picked his targets helping both Virgil and I as was most needed, and Crella attempted to aid in the tunnel as well, warning us of yet another wave of enemies approaching. Enemies that would knock her out completely before the battle’s end.

We did defeat them all, and I brought back Crella to consciousness using one of my last blessings Qotl has granted me of limited healing. I have expended nearly all of my resources, and I suspect that Virgil and Nuri are in a similar situation. We will need to take stock of ourselves again, and possibly attempt to rest here in this main chamber where there is but one entrance and exit. There is still an unknown amount of territory to cover in this cave system. We still have to decide whether to attempt to revive the recently deceased Varam (who died in the storm sphere). At least taking the mask from him should be easy now, assuming he found it. And… I wonder if Conrad still wishes to attempt to find and return the lost books from the library in the tomb to the ghostly librarian – which would require us to pass by the bearded devils again… would they let us pass a second time with Varam in tow should we decide to take him? We may not even have a choice on that front as we have yet to discover another exit from this place. I tend to think that will turn to violence.

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