Rats, Foiled Again!

From the Tales of Ser Killian

Spoiler Alert - The following adventure is based on the D&D adventure Dragon of Icespire Peak. You may not want to read this if you plan to play that adventure.

Return to the Mine

As Killian promised, the party cleared the orcs from the abandoned shrine. After their victory, they return to Mountain's Toe Gold Mine without incident.

They stop at the miners' camp. Gavril offers to accompany them to meet the toughs, but Killian says that they should not need him.

Abandoned!

The go to the toughs' guard room and announce that they completed the mission. One of the guards offers to escort them to their boss.

They follow the guard. Suddenly, he turns into a giant rat and scampers into the darkness!

"A wererat!" cries out Gruff.

"We've been betrayed!" exclaims Haiden.

"Nevertheless," declares Killian, "we shall venture forth and exact justice!"

Killian Smells a Rat

As our heroes delve a little further into the mine, two rat-headed humanoids confront them.

Killian demands that they surrender and leave the mine. The two wererats sneer and attack.

Gruff holds off one while Killian and Haiden gang up on the second. It does not last long. Seeing the fate of his comrade, the first one runs.

Another Creepy Crawly

The party ventures on. They come to a room that is covered in webs.

"Careful," whispers Gruff, "somethin' may be a lurkin'"

Sure enough, a giant spider flings a web at Haiden. 

He barely dodges.

Gruff looses an arrow. It catches the spider in a critical spot, killing it instantly.

Among the spider webs they find a healing potion. They use it to heal one of Haiden's wounds from the prior adventure.

The Rat Boss

Our heroes make it to the wererat boss's lair. The boss is there with another henchman.

Henchman are stronger than standard minions.

Killian demands that the boss and his followers leave the mine.

"We ain't leaving," it says. "And neither will you!" it snarls as it draws a sword.

A melee breaks out. Killian and Gruff wound the boss. Haiden parries an attack from the henchman. His riposte guts the enemy.

The boss turns on Haiden. With a series of blows, scratches, and bites, it severely wounds Haiden and forces him backward.

Haiden's comrades rush to his aid. They strike simultaneously, both their blades bite deep into the boss's flesh. It collapses to the ground.

Haiden's Fate

Killian checks on Haiden, who is slumped on the ground. He uses his healing power to stabilize his squire.

"He needs additional medical attention. Let's take him to the miners' camp."

Gruff nods, and picks up the young warrior. They return to the camp without incident. There, they perform first aid. They let Haiden rest and recover while they check out the rest of the mine. The wererats are dead or gone. They inform Raskin, who rewards them for their efforts.

Killian is pleased. More funds for the church at Phandalin.