Saz'ja the Priestess of N'Zoth

Race: Naga (Yuan-Ti lore-wise, closer Lizardfolk mechanically)

Class: Shadow Priestess (Closest D&D equivalent - lvl 7 Madness Domain Cleric)

Strength - 10, Dexterity - 16, Constitution - 12, Intelligence - 8, Wisdom - 17, Charisma - 14

Saving throws: Wisdom, Charisma

Proficiencies: Insight, Intimidation, Stealth, Survival

Some time before the wall of fog appeared

Things became difficult. They shouldn't have been difficult. They hadn't been difficult for a long time. For years I did what the Mistress told me and plowed through any obstacle with the might of my God. This problem, however, couldn't be solved as easily.

Until today, things were going smoothly: kraken sank a ship or two so that we could finish off a few surviving straggles. But this time, a lot more vessels arrived, and one even managed to reach the land.

I needed to report this to the Mistress but I couldn't tell her everything. This was bad news and she never reacted well to it. A solution of some kind needed or otherwise I'll be the one held responsible.

"You seem troubled, milady." It was Molzarra, the Mistress's consort.

"Don't disturb me while I'm occupied," I growled.

He often played the role of an intermediary between me and the Mistress which made things harder when it came to pleasing her. Voices of others are always an issue if you need only your's to be heard. That's why I hated him.

But one thing about him couldn't be denied: he was useful. Mistress always said that men are too stupid for anything other than war but even she listened to what Malzarra had to say. His talent for magic also served as a proof of intelligence.

"If you have to distract me, you might as well do something useful! What do you think about this ship?" I asked begrudgingly.

"It is right in the open. There is not enough cover to attack safely, I'm afraid."

"I can see that already!" I ground in frustration. "Can you tell me anything useful?"

"These rocks near the cliff, however, can provide some protection!"

"It wouldn't be nearly enough to shield us!"

"You're right, milady. On its own, it wouldn't change much. A distraction of some kind can work, perhaps."

"I was planning to use murlocs as cannon fodder one way or the other but they would buy us a few minutes at best."

"Maybe they will survive for longer if we add extra bodies."

Advising me to sacrifice naga warriors so that he could blame the casualties on me later. I can't be fooled that easily.

"I won't throw away our people's lives like that! Charging there would suicide for them!"

"Apologies, milady. I didn't consider that. Maybe our forces can be concealed under the veil of night. Many of the landwalkers have difficulties seeing in the dark."

Waiting till night is not an option, the report to the Mistress was being delayed for too long already.

"No, we can't give them so much time to prepare. They'll surely pull something off."

"Many of our archers can hit targets blindfolded using only the guidance of their memory so concealment of a different kind can work."

That sounded like something useful. When I was a child, my sisters and I threw bags filled with sand and dirt at predators to fend them off. Those clouds worked great as a smokescreen when we were scavenging for food underwater. Then it hit me: we weren't underwater. There is one kind of sight obstruction that emerges only on the land.

"How many of our mages can create fog?" I asked one of the subordinate sorceresses.

"Should be a dozen at least."

"Bring all of them to me!"

"That's a wonderful idea, milady! I'm certain the Mistress would be delighted to hear it, your plan that is." Malzarra gave me a respectful bow. "Shall I provide her with a report?"

"You may go," I answered while finally being content with the situation.

xxx

"You did what!?" Mistress's scream echoed through the cave.

"We had to retreat. One of the softskins sneaked behind us and made a diversion…" I tried to explain while rubbing the handprint on my cheek.

"You are neither blind nor deaf! How could you be defeated by just one saboteur!?"

"Lady Hathru, I…"

"I don't need your excuses! Do you not realize what's at stake? This project may be our only chance to return our Queen's favor, to be among the chosen ones again!"

I didn't dare to look into her eyes. I glared at Malzarra instead. Did he know that this would be the outcome? Did he not take any credit for the plan for this reason?

While his expression was neutral, I knew that deep inside he was laughing at me. Others were not as good at hiding their gloat.

At any other time, they would be fearful of me, of my power. But now those eels waited for the first drop of blood to paint the waters.

"Apologies, Lady Hathru." Malzarra interjected.

"What?" The Mistress barked angrily.

"I may have found a solution to our problem."

That calmed her down somewhat.

"Continue."

"The project is almost finished. If we can stall them till tomorrow afternoon the landwalkers will cease to be a problem."

"Great job, Malzarra! I'll be leading the defense myself. You'll have all the time you need." Then she turned towards the rest of us. "Victory is almost ours! For Queen Azshara!"

"For Her Highness!" We all sang the battle cry.

I was willing to accept defeat if it meant having my head on my shoulders. This worm could celebrate for the time being. He'd better pray for the mercy of all gods when it's my turn to triumph because I swore to not give him any at that very moment.