Summary
In the cold, mountainous valley, the party stirred from an uncomfortable rest in an ancient shrine, their recovery minimal at best. They set westward, following tracks and an old road through a landscape dotted with ruins. They discovered a crude mace and carvings depicting coyote-headed figures among the weathered stones, while ancient stone bridges spanned the gaps between cliffs. The eerie sound of operatic whooping echoed through the valley, reminiscent of a sound that had preceded an undead attack in their past adventures.
Their journey led them to a village at a crossroads, where signs of recent conflict were evident in the disturbed snow and damaged structures. There, they encountered an unusual sight: a group of short, bald humanoids known as Traldar, mounted upon lizards, who desperately sought help against their adversaries – coyote-headed creatures hiding within the village buildings. The situation quickly escalated into a fierce battle, with the party choosing to ally themselves with the Traldar. Together, they fought through multiple buildings, employing creative tactics such as climbing onto roofs and entering through windows.
The combat was intense as they cleared building after building of the Hutaakan forces, with some coyote folk eventually fleeing into the wilderness. After the battle, they were properly introduced to Gol-Dir, a Traldar ‘vocal’ blessed with an impressively powerful voice, who spoke for his people. Gol-Dir expressed profound gratitude for the party’s assistance and extended an invitation to meet their leader, Guri-Ben-Kaal, in Runkon. The party learned of the ongoing conflict between the Traldar and Hutaakan and a darker threat – the presence of undead ‘nightcrawlers’ that plagued the valley. As darkness approached, they decided to make camp, planning to journey to Runkon the following day.
Scenes
Morning Strategy Session
- Party discusses approaching either Hutaakan or Traldar groups
- Debate about finding safe place to rest properly
- Discussion about travel logistics and mission objectives
Tracking Through Ancient Ruins
- Party explores ancient ruins with carved arches and fountains
- Discover crude mace weapon
- Find tracks of both booted humanoids and lizard-like creatures
- Hear mysterious whooping sound in the distance
- Party follows tracks through mountain valley
- Discover converging tracks of booted feet, lizard prints, and claw-like prints
- Spot smoke rising from crossroads village
- Find dead lizards with arrows outside a building
Battle at Crossroads Village
- Group of six Traldar approach on foot and lizard-back
- They request aid against Hutaakan slavers
- Traldar charge toward building with hidden enemies
- Combat begins with archers firing through windows
- Lizard riders climb building walls
- Togg crashes through window to engage multiple enemies
- Tuck drops from roof into building
- Multiple Hutaakan are defeated in close combat
- One Hutaakan escapes through the door
- Mal kills a Hutaakan trying to escape through window
- Tuck blocks doorway and demands surrender
- Party eliminates remaining Hutaakan fighters
Post-Battle Meeting with Traldar
- Traldar celebrate party’s victory
- Discovery of dead Traldar and lizards killed by arrows
- Gol-Dir introduces himself as the vocal of the Traldar
- Gol-Dir explains conflict with Hutaakan
- Gol-Dir gives Togg gold earrings with garnets as reward
- Learn about Runkon, the Traldar settlement
- Discussion about Pflar, the Hutaakan god
- Warning about nightcrawlers and undead
- Decision to camp for the night
- Party has private discussions about situation
NPCs
Hutaakan
Coyote-headed humanoids dressed in linen and fur cloaks, approximately 5.5-6 feet tall and slim. They are craftspeople who worship Pflar and are described as slavers and oppressors of the Traldar. They have been observed using short bows and curved daggers and were seen interrogating and killing a prisoner.
Traldar
Short, squat, bald humanoids, a little over 5 feet tall and broad-chested. One was killed by Hutaakan after refusing to provide information. They are fighting against the Hutaakan, whom they view as slave masters.
Gol-Dir
The vocal (singer/spokesperson) of the Traldar group is characterized by his incredibly powerful voice and chest capacity. Acts as the main liaison between the party and the Traldar.
Guri-Ben-Kaal
Leader of the Traldar and champion of their freedom fight against the Hutaakan, mentioned as someone who can reward the party
Locations
Mountain Valley
A cold, wet valley between mountains with temperatures just above freezing, containing ancient ruins, highland forests, and small rivers. Ancient bridges cross 5-foot wide cold streams.
Ancient Ruins
Series of ruined structures with arches and fountains decorated with carvings of hyena-headed figures, connected by cobblestone paths.
Crossroads Village
Abandoned village with low clay buildings and domed roofs, mostly in disrepair. One building has smoke rising from it. Located at an intersection of multiple trails.
Runkon
Former main village of the Hutaakan, now controlled by the Traldar, located a day’s journey to the west past Byxata near an old temple.
Items
Crude Mace
A makeshift weapon resembling a baseball bat with carpenter’s nails, found in ruins. Rusted and pitted with a cracked handle.
Gold Earrings with Garnets
Pair of gold hoop earrings with large garnet stones the size of a pinky nail, given to Togg as reward by Gol-Dir.
Dubious Heroes 
Leave a comment