Combat 1: First Contact (Level 8)

A straight narrow stone path, 8 squares long and 3 squares wide, hugging the interior wall of a volcanic cavern. The top edge is a solid rough basalt cliff wall. The bottom edge is an open drop into a vast volcanic shaft with no railing — just a crumbling rock lip. Deep orange glow rises from far below the open edge. The path surface is dark cracked heat-scorched stone. Faint embers drift upward from the drop. Completely bare and exposed — no cover, no obstacles, no furniture. Entry on the left, exit continuing to the right. Use deep orange wash along the open drop edge to convey the heat below.

2 Possessed Fire Giants — Medium. Teaching fight.

The path switchbacks around the interior wall. Giants stand motionless in the middle.

Tactical notes:

• Path is wide enough for the party to flank but the drop is real
• Pushing a giant off the edge is possible (Str contest vs +11 Athletics)
• No cover on the path — it’s open and exposed
• Giants have 10ft reach, so they threaten 2 squares from their space
• If a giant dies → Vecna’s Grip Check #1 (DC 12) for Lux

Environment: The levels below aren’t visible — just describe the drop verbally.