Episode 2: Storm Over Modron

  

Paramswarm's offer hangs in the air for several seconds while the downpour outside escalates into a raging storm.  The grizzled wizard urges the party to set out at once for the kobold lair to recover the crystals, claiming that if the Dragon Lords recover the crystals, there will be nothing to stop them from remaking the world in their image.  Allatar and Pallando, the henchmen of the former archmage Llewellyn, urge restraint, claiming that the weather outside was too severe.

Ultimately the party decides to set out immediately. Paramswarm offers a spell to help cut back the inky darkness and to protect the heroes from the worst of the weather.  He also mentions that the Dragon Lords first appeared in the west, in the lands of the Emperor of Viridistan before they made their lairs in the wilderness.

And so, gathering their equipment and binding their wounds as best they can, the party sets out into the raging tempest.  Even with Paramswarm's enchantments, the going is slow and treacherous. The winds uproot trees, and the howing winds drive the rain directly into the heroes' faces.  But Ponty manages to find the trail that leads to the ruined pyramid used by the kobolds as their lair. 

The pyramid is covered in vines, but a path has been cleared to a tunnel entrance halfway up the side. The halls within are in a state of decay, the patchwork masonry of the kobolds concealing a pit trap which nearly claimed the life of Flux-Hand who was investigating it.  While the party was negotiating the trap, six drowsy kobold  guards heard the noise and raised the alarm before rushing the group, hoping to catch them before the whole group could cross the pit. 

Flux-Hand and Euwin leaped the obstacle and engaged the enemies, taking several wounds in the process. In the pit, Laeknir heaved Ponty up the side, allowing the archer to join the fray.  Alma and Crimsea provided fire support from the rear with their spells, scorching several kobolds and Flux-Hand's backpack.  As the kobolds received reinforcements, Crimsea jumped the chasm and torched several with flames that flew from her fingertips.  The remaining kobolds retreated, but the party is certain the the fight is far from over...