Monster Slaying

Monster Slaying is the eleventh encounter in Grand Games: The Ascent
==Enemies==
* Arete Hydra (975 Gold, 120 XP, 75 Energy, 5 HP)
==Transcript==
===Introduction===
"Help! Help!" the gnome exclaims. "Somebody help!"
The nymphs and satyrs dart aside, giving her a wide berth when she runs through their ranks. Wide enough for the chimera that's bounding after her.
"Help!"
She glances over her shoulder, eyes bulging. Four heads glower back at her. All of them look hungry.
The chimera pounces. A leonine paw slams down on her back, smashing her to the ground and pinning her under the beast's bulk. The goat head darts in for the first bite. But the others aren't far behind. Even the snake head on its tail comes round to snatch at their prey. In moments each bestial visage is chewing away on a chunk of gnome.
"%name%! You're next!"
You stare at the brutal feast and grimace.
"You monster will be..." The nymph reaches into the urn, rummages around, and pulls out a token. "...a hydra!"
On cue, serpentine hissings fills the air. One of the monster cages opens. Sinuous, scaly coils slither out from its depths. Forked tongs undulate between piercing fangs. A dozen cold, glistening, malevolent eyes gaze around in search of their victim. A helpful nymph points in your direction, and they fasten on you.
At least it's a small hydra...
"You'll need these," a satyr says. He passes you a sword and a flaming torch.
===Conclusion===
[New Brawl boss unlocked!]
A serpentine face lunges. Its jaws open into an immense, gaping chasm of pink flesh and deep blackness, behind dripping fangs.
Your sword flashes. The sundered head convulses on the ground, thrashing and snapping, until you plant your boot on it. You thrust your torch at the stump of its twitching, blood-spurting neck. Cauterized flesh hisses in place of the monster's missing tongues. Smoke and the delicious scent of seared meat drift away from the sealed wound.
The serpentine body collapses in a heap of writhing coils. You move away, letting it beat the ground amidst its severed heads.
"Well slain!" A nymph takes your wrist in a soft, dainty hand and raises your arm.
"Monster slaying runs in my family," you reply.
Your heart beats fast, blood surging with the thrill of near death and glorious victory. That was exhilarating. Even more intoxicating than besting fellow athletes. Perhaps when your career at the games is over, you'll spend your autumn years killing ferocious beasts instead. Yes... Something about that notion feels right. Adventuring and monster hunting.
You wonder what your masters will say. But you doubt they'll complain, so long as you place a pile of laurel wreaths before them -- and prove that their training took you to glory atop Mount Arete.
Category:Grand Games: The Ascent