After meeting in the town of Longfelt, the party followed the trail through the Ganfal Swamp in search of the dwarven stronghold of Gunderholfen. They were Cheery Littlebottom the veteran (D), Taylor Slow the acolyte (H), Lembas the rogue (E), and Ridcully the prestidigitator (H).
As the trail ascended from the swamp to the hills before them, it entered a verdant valley. The party decided to first scout the area by climbing a hill nearby. From their vantage point, they spied ruins in the swamp to the NW and a great chasm stretching far to the north to SE a few miles away. Across the chasm to the east, they could also see a forest.
After their reconnaissance, the party entered the valley. The path led past moss-covered ruins to a great stone snake head at the head of the valley. Was this the lair of the snake-worshiping cultists they had heard about in Longfelt? The decided to venture inside. They listened intently at the first door they encountered but could hear nothing. Then, they entered, encountering three kobold guards. Cheery spoke to them in their own tongue, attempting to negotiate. Initially, the kobolds were receptive, suggesting that the party attack the goblins for them. The party deliberated and dithered, while one kobold was sent deeper into the lair. The kobolds began to sour on dealing with these intruders who didn't seem enthusiastic about helping the kobold cause. Three kobolds entered the room, bolstering their forces, and they threatened and drove away our adventurers.
The party wasn't sure whether this was the entrance to the fortress and mine of Gunderholfen. They decided to look around for another entrance, and maybe kill some goblins. Searching around the hills, they found the entrance to a cavern. They peering into it, but made noise and alerted the guards there. Lembas tested his maneuverability by climbing on the rock face above the cavern entrance, while Cheery hid just outside the cavern entrance. Lembas could tell they were hobgoblins who despite hearing something had not suspected intruders yet. The party decided to pounce on their foes. The hobgoblin guards were well prepared for their duty. They retreated behind a portcullis gate they dropped and got backup. Cheery fired her bow and Ridcully threw a dagger, but neither made it through the portcullis to injure the guards. Eventually, the party withdrew and retreated into the hills.
They rested for the night and decided to assault the kobolds the next day. In the morning, they were very concerned by how few rations they retained. It is decided that Ridcully and Taylor will hunt and forage for food, while Cheery and Lembas sneak and attack the kobolds. Unfortunately, the kobolds are on higher alert and are patrolling the valley; they spot the dwarf and elf. One retreats toward the entrance, while the other throws a javelin. It misses and he is slain by Lembas's sword. The other escapes. Our two compatriots pursue and open the front door again. This time, there are five kobolds waiting for them, formed in ranks with three wielding spears in the back row. Lembas and Cheery fight in the doorway to prevent being surrounded. Lembas is wounded and falls back; he runs to find the other party members. Cheery valiantly fights on, seeing retreat as more dangerous than standing her ground. The kobolds wear her down, and our dwarf is eventually skewered like some poor pig and lies bleeding on the ground.
Several minutes later, Lembas reaches his fellows and finds them empty-handed. Will they have enough time to run back and save the dwarf?
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