Session 12

Having spied who they assumed to be the high priest of the Lizardfolk deep in meditation atop the northern ziggurat, the Albioners launched a daring dawn raid. After casting various protective enchantments upon themselves, they sneaked across the relatively open ground directly towards the northern ziggurat. With the huge stone pyramid towering over them, they crept around its base until they reached the enclosed central area. Until now they'd seen no enemies. In the central enclosed area between the two ziggurats were what appeared to be two large fenced-in pens, each home to a large monitor lizard. There were also a couple of Lizardfolk. Ermenred and Colby started sneaking past to try and secure the stairway leading to the top of the northern ziggurat, as the plan was to attempt a surgical strike on the high priest. However they weren't quiet enough and the alarm was raised. The monitor lizards were released, Lizardfolk sprang to attack and a huge gong was rung to summon further assistance. Ethulwulf split one of the lizards in half as it charged him. Given that stealth was no longer an option the rest of the Albioners dashed to join their companions. Ethulwulf, Ermenred and Colby began climbing the exceedingly steep and dangerous open stairs while the others formed a rear guard. Zandrill persuaded a monitor lizard that it was not his enemy and it ambled off in search of food. But the Lizardfolk were not so easily persuaded and first launched javelins and then leapt into the fray using their claws and fangs.   Meanwhile Ethulwulf, Ermenred and Colby were making slow but steady progress up the steps. Ahead of them appeared a Lizardfolk guard who began casting javelins at them as they made easy targets. Just as they reached the top, the high priest stepped forth and magically caused Ethulwulf to turn and flee, though he then tumbled on the steep stairs. In desperation, Colby grabbed Ethulwulf and pinned him down, shouting at him in an attempt to break his magical fright.   Ermenred managed to knock out the Lizardfolk guard with a dazzling magical display. Back down at ground level, the entire Lizardfolk force appeared to have been dealt with so Zandrill and Heremod began the slow ascent to join their companions. Then Ethulwulf recovered his senses and joined Ermenred and Colby atop the ziggurat. In the centre was a wooden structure which held a complex piece of machinery. The high priest appeared from where he'd been lurking round the far side and launched an attack. However he was no match in melee for Ethulwulf who obliterated him with a single blow. Just as Heremod and Zandrill finally reached the top, the Lizardfolk stunned by Ermenred came round and leapt into combat once more. Ethulwulf refused to be distracted and instead clambered onto the wooden structure. The complex machinery consisted of many prisms, jewels and lenses all held together by various gold and brass structures. Somehow it was moving of its own accord. It was beginning to glow and the air around it was heating up. Fearful that the machine was about to direct another devastating ray at Hikone, Ethulwulf swung his axe and smashed it to pieces. Slowly the motion ceased, the glow faded and the temperature returned to normal. Ermenred clambered up and was dismayed to find the machine in ruins. He had hoped to study it and learn its workings. He claimed it could have been worth hundreds of thousands of gold pieces, though who would have such money to spend. In any case he retrieved all the parts that might be saved as they alone were worth a sizable sum. The rest of the ziggurat complex was carefully explored and searched. It appeared that no Lizardfolk were left to defend it. On top of the southern were two large obsidian orbs which glowed magically. It was surmised that they could have powered the death ray when the sun wasn't shining. But they didn't appear a danger in of themselves so were left. After their struggles against the Lizardfolk everybody was beaten up and worn out. So the rest of the day and the day after were spent peacefully resting on the southern ziggurat.   The time had come to return to Hikone and report back to Siroo. En route an ankheg emerged from the ground and grabbed Zandrill but was soon dealt with. Ermenred was surprised as he believed Ankhegs to have been created by Calandrill and had no idea they could be found in Honshu as well as the Barren Scrubs.   Today the Albioners reached Hikone. Siroo was most pleased at the outcome of their venture into the jungle. Hopefully the area was now peaceful once more. With Zandrill's quest complete he was eager to return to Akihabara to see if he'd qualified.   After a peaceful trip, the Albioners found themselves back at Akihabara. As before it looked featureless and desolate as they approached. But as soon as they stepped inside the stone circle the place was full of life. Indeed it was full of important druids from all across Rodinia, most of whom looked completely alien compared to those from Albion and Honshu. There followed a ceremony that Ethulwulf, Ermenred, Colby and Heremod were not allowed to attend. At the end of it Zandrill was officially an "Initiate" reporting to Marik. His immediate instructions were to go forth and explore areas of Albion he had not yet visited.