>>5308144Ohle, one of the bravery of the kobolds, who had earlier sought to mount the half-tamed fire-lizard, is snatched up. He shrieks, a piercing sound, and draws his dagger, but as he stabs repeatedly at the suction-cup-covered tendril, it becomes apparent that he is affecting little permanent damage. You squint into the darkness, willing your Darkvision to extend further, and you see the body behind this unconventional appendage. Your eyes widen, then, for it is no tentacle as of a squid… But a tongue, leading into a gaping, peg-toothed maw. The creature behind it is twice your size, thrice your girth, and bulbous, coated in a greasy yellow sludge which drips over its pinkish rolls. It stares at its meal with beady, black eyes which have no time for the rest of you—only for Ohle.
“HELP! HELP! HEEEELP!” Ohle screams, stabbing away like a reptiloid possessed. His other arm is pinned to his side, his legs kick frantically and fruitlessly.
The other kobolds draw slings and crossbows, firing a volley of bolts and stones… But while sticks and stones may theoretically break bones, they cannot penetrate the beast’s blubber. You, for your part, attempt to extend your Fearsome Presence… But it is equally useless. This thing, whatever it is… It’s no reptile.
“Superior One,” the Translator hastily whispers to you, “he is a kobold. Leave him, and let’s go while the beast is distracted.”
Hapo says nothing, watching you more than his near-doomed clan-comrade. He is not any more fearful than the savage, rural kobolds who attack, just conscious of his one-limbed limitations… And of the fact that the decision you make here may well affect how the kobolds see you.
What do you do?
>Aim your bow and attack at a distance—you’ll do your best to aid Ohle, but not at any great risk to yourself>Draw your swords and charge into the fray, a whirlwind of amputation and aggression>Assume <Improved Dragonshape>; you feel as if your mana reserve has grown somewhat, and it would allow you to both fight better and to project your Fearsome Presence to non-reptiles>Flee deeper—Ohle is, let’s be honest, only a kobold… And a kobold who attacked your retinue only a couple days ago!>Command your forces to attack [specify which ones, and to what end]>Write-in 