Exterminating the Fire Newts

After several minutes of deliberation, the party decided to have Thomas sneak out onto the mine car trestle and make the initial attack utilizing his bow and the Hail of Thorns spell to affect as many fire newts as possible before they have a chance to react. As Thomas made his way out to a position where he could fire with accuracy, he discovered that one of the fire newts was sacrificing the others and tossing them into the lava pit with the large fire newt. Thomas decided his plan was still good as killing the fire newts himself preventing them from being ritualistically sacrificed might be beneficial. Thomas was able to slay 3 newts with that initial attack, surprising the newts and slowing their actions. As his companions made their way onto the trestle to launch their own attacks, Thomas directed them to attack the newt with the dagger trying to sacrifice the others but their attacks failed to bring the newt down. Thomas' second attack also used his Hail of Thorns spell to slay another 4 newts. Unfortunately at this point, the party realized that killing the chanting newts had the same effect as if they were sacrificed. Several of the party members now decided to attack the large newt in the lava pit as this creature most likely presented the most danger to the party. As each member made their attacks, they also made their way along the trestle to get closer and hopefully improve their chances of hitting their target. Jade was particularly anxious to get within sword striking distance of her prey. As the newt with the dagger continued to sacrifice the chanting newts, the fire in the lava pit grew stronger. When there were only 4 chanting newts left, the large newt emerged from the lava pit and made its way to the trestle to take on Jade. Thomas' next attack was directed at the newt with the dagger and his arrow flew true, slaying that newt to hopefully stop the ritual. That left the rest of the party free to focus on the large newt now engaged with Jade. As the party landed their blows against this formidable foe, it eventually proved to be too tough for Jade as it struck her unconscious and proceeded to make its way up the trestle towards the other party members, the trestle shaking with each step of the large creature. As the party continued to launch attacks against the creature, it eventually made its way to Morprax where it quickly struck him down, leaving just Thomas and the new adventurer Bob Biggins standing. The duo slowly retreated as they made their attacks hoping to keep out of the newts range, but it wasn't long before Bob was also struck down by this large newt right in front of the doorway exiting this large chamber. Thomas had already taken refuge behind the wall separating the two chambers when he saw Bob fall. Knowing he wouldn't last long himself against this creature and probably not being fast enough to escape at this point, he decided to drop his bow, draw his two swords and advance towards the newt for a final stand. With the aid of his Hunter's Mark, Thomas dealt the creature a mortal wound with his first sword attack, suffering only a minor wound from the creature himself.
 
Thomas quickly sheathed his swords and and applied some rudimentary first aid to stabilize Bob then drug him from the now severely damaged trestle to the safety of the other chamber. Thomas then quaffed a healing potion just in case the trestle were to collapse as he made his way to attend to his other badly injured companions. Sadly, when Thomas arrived at Morprax he discovered he was too late to save his old friend. The wounds dealt by the large creature snuffed all the life from Morprax. By the time Thomas made his way to where Jade lay, she was just regaining consciousness. Always ready to jump into the fray, Jade began inquiring about the location of their enemy before Thomas was able to calm her down and inform her the battle was over. As they made their way back up the trestle, Jade was able to drag the body of Morprax back to the other chamber as Thomas stayed to finish off the final four newts that had never ceased chanting.
 
Bob regained consciousness just as Thomas returned from slaying the remaining newts. The three remaining adventurers decided to use their silver raven figurine to send a message to Dewy, informing him the mission was completed but assistance was required to return the body of Morprax where they could make funeral preparations. It wasn't long before a group of burly dwarves arrived to assist the party members back to the main part of town.