Finally, as the group nears Ataaz Yklwazi, a relentless wind begins scouring the valley, belching ash and dirt into the air. The howling makes it hard to hear and to trudge forward, but the group continues. As Rainblade scours the area herself for food and water, the party spots a heavy patrol of firenewts descending into the valley from the gorge.
After a brief discussion, the group moves to avoid the mounted firenewts, but the zealous amphibians have other ideas. They approach and encircle the party. The firenewts motion to the group’s packs, and it becomes apparent this is a simple highway robbery. Lord Marchmain fades from sight, and the group prepares for a fight!
Surrounded by firenewts on their firebreathing mounts, how will our heroes survive? Tune in next week to Tomb of Annihilation!
The Firenewts close in on the group. Rainblade and Doz are quick to respond and do their best to head off the firenewts. The group rallies and works to cut down the giant striders, but the firenewts prove to be determined, and launch a fiery counterattack. Within moments, both Rainblade and Anton fall, and the situation begins to look grim. Doz focuses his divine energy to smite the firenewts’ leader, and his new companions make their foes fight for every inch.
Finally, the group overcomes the firenewts and they pause to recover. Malcolm sends the single surviving firenewt off in the direction of Hrakhamar, and the group gathers themselves to trudge onward to the east. Finally, the wind dies down, and soon after, the group makes camp and sets up their watch rotation for the evening. Tomorrow, the group creeps ever closer to Omu, The Forgotten City.