Session 11
General Summary
The group got up early and headed out of Hikone towards the jungle. As they travelled, they
caught an occasional glimpse of the mysterious light pulsing on and off every 10 minutes or so. A
small band of 4 oni attempted an ambush but were swiftly dealt with. The jungle loomed ahead, a
thick wall of vegetation with no easy tracks or paths to follow. Zandrill took the lead and began to
carefully cut a trail. Lizard-like humanoids were spotted who then disappeared as soon as they
became aware of the Albioners. They then reappeared and launched an ambush from both sides.
Their sharp teeth and claws dealt out nasty wounds and their thick hides protected them from
harm. But they were no match for human steel. Soon 3 lay dead and the 4th unconcious, bound as
a captive and carried along for later questioning. The Lizardfolk had few possessions, though one
had a spyglass which might come in handy. The night was thundery, rainy and sweaty. The
mosquito nets proved extremely necessary pieces of equipment.
The day was spent trudging through driving rain. The mysterious light was still seen from time to
time. The spyglass was used to examine its source - a complex of two ancient ziggurats and some
buildings which seemed like a temple to a Lizardfolk god.
Today saw yet more trudging through incessant tropical rain, fierce insects and crippling
humidity. Then the sound of rushing water was heard ahead and the Albioners emerged on the
edge of an immense gorge. The Lizardfolk ziggurats lay on the far side. A seriously damaged
bridge was the only way across in sight. From here, the ziggurats could be more closely examined.
A small humanoid figure was perched atop the northernmost one, where a large mechanical device
pulsed brilliant white light with a rythmn akin to breathing. A large gong was seen hanging
nearby. Between the two ziggurats was an enclosed area in which glimpses of movement of
Lizardfolk and giant lizards could be seen. The Albioners cautiously moved to examine the bridge.
This ancient and decrepit structure perilously spanned 60' across the gorge. Despite its appearance,
when Heremod moved to test its strength, it seemed safe to cross, so he did so. He was followed
by Ethulwulf and Colby. Meanwhile Zandrill and Ermenred were concerned about the Lizardfolk
prisoner. He was still unconscious from the fight 2 days previously and Zandrill didn't want to
leave him helpless to be killed by wild animals. Some healing magic was used which brought the
Lizardfolk round and he was questioned.
He described the ziggurats as his home and claimed the Lizardfolk would reclaim their ancient
lands from the humans by use of the magical device atop the ziggurat. So obviously the attacks on
Hikone were indeed deliberate. Apparently a new high priest, K'Thall, was responsible for the
sudden zeal and vigour shown by the Lizardfolk. After questioning and bargaining with the
Lizardfolk, Zandrill and Ermenred agreed to free him so that he might take them to meet his leader.
As soon as the bonds on his legs were freed he ran and leapt into the gorge and swam downstream.
From the far side, Ethulwulf, Colby and Heremod saw this and ran alongside the gorge in pursuit.
When the Lizardfolk emerged from the water they shot arrows and threw rocks at him and killed
him before he could raise the alarm. Then an accident occured - Zandrill fell from the bridge as he
attempted to cross and was swept downstream. Ermenred used his magical powers to shapechange
into a Lizardfolk and dived in to try and save him. Meanwhile the others tried throwing logs in
which Zandrill might grasp and keep afloat on. They were then distracted by 4 Lizardfolk who
suddenly attacked. Luckily Ermenred was able to rescue Zandrill from drowning while the others
killed their assailants. Eventually everybody regrouped on the ziggurat side of the gorge. They
then sneaked off into the jungle to rest, make camp and keep watch on the ziggurats. Overnight it
was observed that torches were lit for the duration of the evening in the area between the
ziggurats. Two globes on the southern ziggurat glowed with an erratic white light. Little
movement was seen.
The first and most important action of the day was Zandrill magically sending a messenger to
Siroo. He told him of the Lizardfolk's deliberate attack on Hikone and their warlike claims to the
human lands. Hopefully Hikone might be evacuated before anybody died and also the Honshu
leaders might despatch troops to help defend the area. Using the spyglass, the ziggurats were
examined in more detail. It appeared each had a set of steps leading from the central area to the
top. Kneeled on top of the northern ziggurat in apparent meditation was a robed figure - perhaps
the new high priest? If he could be swiftly eliminated perhaps the lesser Lizardfolk did not share
his enthusiasm for war with the humans? A daring immediate raid was suggested...
Report Date
10 Apr 2024
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