We wandered back to the Ratmen’s lair with our allies in tow: 14 Neanderthals and Derriwinky III – as some human once said, victory goes to the big battalions (whatever a battalion is). We clambered out of the water and wary of any swarms, moved south towards the lava flow. A strong odour of fermented fish filled the air, almost alcoholic in nature – who would drink (on the other hand, who would eat roasted ogre… so…). As the party continued south, Mandras and Greth, who were rear-guard popped into the Rat’s larder to ensure no one was lurking there – the smell was even stronger here!
As we arrived at the lava flow, a horn sounded and a wall of flame erupted on the further side of the lava. Derriwinky and his retainers rushed forward and a barrage of spears flew at them through the flames, killing three. Enraged, the rest charged through the burning fish oil and engaged the enemy, wiping out their first rank but losing another 3 Neanderthals. Our party had held back as we were wary enough to want to see what was happening on the other side of the flames. Eventually Madras, Alf and Hats joined Konrad on the other side of the dying flames and together with our allies battled the horde of Ratmen. But a startled yell came from behind us as a secret passage opened, revealing more Ratmen who rushed at our less strong colleagues. Party members other than Konrad rushed back to save them, killing 6 of the ambushers, but not before Allza slipped and fell to a burning death while dodging a javelin.
We pursued the 2 survivors down the secret passage into a large room which turned out to be their den. The last two Ivory Tooth members were slaughtered and we looped below to joint Derrinwinkie’s party, celebrating victory by getting drunk on the fermented fish liquid.
We caught our breath briefly and followed the passage down and in a north easterly manner. Many offshoots appeared. Eventually, we encountered a corridor which no light could penetrate. Koko threw a light spell as Konrad rushed in. Konrad bounced off a wall and fortuitiously fell on a dried skeleton, whose backpack overflowed with scrolls and potions. We settled in to examine the spoils.