"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Dapple waves at the pair. "When you're ready, I'll try to distract her so you can get closer." Once he sees Shaniola has the Thraul lit and ready, he gives her a sign and darts back into the mist, harassing the dragon from behind and taunting her with his words. "Back here, you big lizard," he calls. "You're in no position to make demands. Free our friend and submit and we may let you live." Feeling the cold settling into his bones again, he turns and dashes back out of the fog. (Move and Dash action)
As terrified as she pretends not to be, the words of her allies give Shanolia new hope.
'If I die, I'd rather die trying to make a difference.'
With the lit Thraul in hand, Shanolia follows Dapple into the mist, using the Dragon's roars and grunts of irritation at the Tabaxi to guide her to her target. Once in range, the Elf lowers her mask and wafts the smoke in, careful not to breathe as she blows it directly into the large beast's intimidating nostrils - forcing all the breath from her lungs as she has countless times with other drugs, this experience keeping her from getting more than just a little lightheaded.
'Let's hope this bloody plan works...'
DM Inspiration From Singe Bardic Inspiration From Zamar Proficiency From 'Doing A Lot Of Drugs' /r 2d20+1d6+5 = (10+7)+(2)+5 = 17 - Hit
Lera, hearing that the dragon downed some of us, rushes into the fog the ice not impeding her movement. She sees Perrin down and quickly grabs and drags him a little away from the dragon before healing him with her innate aasimar powers. (Perrin regains consciousness with 4HP)
Perrin suddenly regains consciousness of his surroundings. He gives a silent thank you nod to Lera before getting up saying. “I think I found someone worth using this on.” He moves out of the fog and reaches for the Spell Gem he has been saving. I hope this works he says as he begins to channel its power. However, it proves to be too much and Perrin loses the spell.
The dragon roars in rage again, and just as it inhales a breath, Shanolia wafts the thrual right into her mouth. The dragon's first response is to chomp down on the elf and claim another victim for a cold death, but something seems to overcome her. Her eyes roll back as the drug begins to take effect.
Immediately upon the drug taking effect, something changes. A burst of psionic energy flares forth from the dragon and a massive force tears the bands away from her. The force pushes the mist out, dispelling the freezing cold and revealing the dragon in full. Her eyes are now milky white and her head lulls to the side momentarily, like a marionette on strings. Still unconscious from the drugs, she bursts up into the air and backwards to her tunnels, her form twisting like an odd contortionist. A wail, like that of a psionic roar, follows her through the tunnels.
Koll remains, frozen like a statue, his fists curled as if scratching the dragon. (Failed death save 1)
Shanolia leans her head back and lets out a short, relieved laugh. "I'm alive over here. Everyone else?"
“I’ve been better but that drug isn’t going to kill it. We need to get rid of it once and for all. Also I healed Koll.” Perrin responds.
"I don't think the dragon will last long." Singe says.
“What’s that suppose to mean?” Perrin asks.
"It reminds me of the child Woe and I saw at Baldur's Gate." Singe says, "She lost motor control soon after we saw her. The dragon may be infectious at this point. It might be dangerous to get close to her."
“So, it’ll die on its own. And it’s scales aren’t usable are they?” Perrin asks Singe.
Singe shrugs, "I don't know, I didn't have the chance to investigate the disease."
“Man. I had this cool idea that we’d all look like a team if we all wore white dragon scales from a dragon we killed.” Perrin says disappointed.
"Wait. Everyone slow down. First, thank you Perrin for saving me. Second, what happened to the dragon? The thraul worked? What does that have to do with infectious diseases?"
"The thraul took effect, and it appears to be the disease that's sweeping across Baldur's Gate." Singe turns to Perrin, "Perrin, I agree that would be cool, but most dragons do have a hoard; we should go find it."
“Oh. Maybe it sheds scales and keeps them in there.” Perrin says hopeful as he dismisses Frank for the time being sending a quick mental Thank You to him.
"But both Woe and I took it - are we diseased?" Koll asks, "Why was it different for the dragon?"
"That shit causes diseases and I had it in my mouth?" Shanolia coughs violently. "Why wasn't I told this?"
"I believe it may have something to do with the dragon's malice and intent or the Thraul network's combined power." Singe suggests, "It will take some time to learn about it. I'll have to return to Baldur's Gate."
Shanolia begins to collect the pieces of the shattered iron bands after her coughing fit, gathering the ten pounds of material into her pack.
Dapple shakes his head, amazed by the effect the drug had on the dragon. "I've never seen anything like that in my life," he comments. "And you two used it yourselves?" He watches Koll and Woe carefully, as if they'll somehow change before his eyes.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Not seeing any immediate danger, Dapple decides they must be safe from this disease for now. After the dragon had fled, he had felt a surge of energy, revitalizing him after the group's success and survival. Reinvigorated, he taps once more into his reserves of arcane power, healing himself of some of the damage caused by the freezing fog. Next he approached Koll, and healed him a bit as well. (9 hp to each)
“I got a little bit of healing too if anyone needs it.” Perrin says healing himself a little. “You said something about the dragons hoard right Singe. Why don’t we all go looking for it? I imagine it can’t be too far we’re explored like the entire cave so far. You’re good at finding stuff aren’t you Singe?”
"I'm good at finding things when I know where I'm looking. I can't exactly find a cave. It's probably best accessed through the dragon's tunnels." Singe says
"If we do decide to go through the tunnels," Shanolia pipes up, "There might be a rather large wolf who is probably pissed that I took it's friend's head."
"I still have enough arcane power to deal real damage to it," Singe says, "And the drugged dragon may cause more problems for it than we will."
"Since I brought up wolves... Anyone have any idea what I could do with this bloody head once we get back?" *She gestures to the head on her pack.* "I can try to get whoever suggests something a coat once I go get the pelt from its corpse." Shanolia says
"If it's properly skinned, I know a tailor in Baldur's Gate." Singe says, "They're always up to a challenge."
"Well, with that sorted out..." She looks up, remembering where the corpse is. "Wait, shit! It's above us!" Shanolia says
Perrin thinks for a minute before saying “What about you Dapple? Are you good at finding shiny things. I have an idea where they might be. The dragon keep guarding her secret tunnel. Maybe it’s in there. I mean. I would keep all my treasure in a place that nobody else is allowed to go to without me knowing.”
Once the group has finished all the healing andany other magical preparztions, Dapple leads them into the tunnels created by this dragon. Time passes as the tabaxi, more used to the jungle terrain of his homeland tries to read the signs and find his way. Twisting and winding... is that the same tunnel you went down previously? After what seems like hours, he is finslly able to lead the group to what appears to be the dragons personal chamber.
The ceiling reaches high with jagged ice that sprouts from the walls in multiple locations. The tunnels themselves look to continue all throughout the sides and around the chamber, giving you the impression that fighting the dragon here would have been a huge mistake. The center of the chamber features a massive mountain of ice, leveled out at the top like a royal perch. Ten feet from this mountain is another, smaller perch. The glint of coin can be seen in this 40-foot mountain, along with more items of value than you thought possible. It looks as though the dragon spent decades building its wealth and freezing it into its massive throne.
At the far end of the cavern is the mouth of the chamber. Once blocked out by ice, it now looks like a wall that has been shattered and left open. The cold breeze of the mountains flows in from here, along with the occasional flurry of snow.
Singe, having fire magic, begins to use it to melt the ice around the items before he begins digging through the findings. (Investigation: 13) Within the pile Singe finds 700 cp, 12000 sp, 2300 gp, 80 pp, Bolt of Fine Cloth (25 gp), Small Silver Mirror (25 gp), Small Vial of Perfume (25 gp), Ceramic Dice (pair) (25 gp), Iron Hairpin (25 gp), Copper Cloth Gloves (25 gp), Leather Hunter's Cap (25 gp), Pewter Necklace (25 gp), Circlet of Blasting, Deck of Illusions, Bag of Tricks, Mystery Key, Winged Boots, Pipes of Haunting. The group then begins dividing up the loot.
Everyone receives 80 CP, 1500 SP, 200 GP, and 10 PP with the group fund getting 60 CP and 700 GP. Perrin takes the Ceramic Dice and the Copper Cloth Gloves. Dapple takes the Leather Hunter's Cap and the Winged Boots. Koll takes the Deck of Illusions. Shanolia takes the Tan Bag of Tricks and Pewter Necklace. Woe takes the Circlet of Blasting, the pipes of Haunting, and the Iron Hairpin. Zamar takes the Mystery Key. There is some sort of deal being made out between Singe and Lera about the Perfume. And Singe takes the rest of the items nobody wants: the small silver mirror and the bolt of fine cloth. Now the group needs to find a way out and back towards the rebel base.
As the group is preparing to enter the tunnels to search for the dragon's hoard, a glint of light from the shattered Bands of Bilarro catch her eye. She notices that the metal is too dark to be iron. Years in her previous line of work have her trained to recognize this material; Adamantine. Even raw... it could make some amazing items or sell for a pretty penny. She swiftly gathers the pieces up - about ten pounds of the material - and stores them in her pack before following along.
After doling out their spoils, the group decides it's time to return to the rebel village. Together they make their way back to the cavern where they fought the dragon, opting to use the tunnel Zamar, Dapple, and Shanolia came through to return. It takes some doing, but the group manages to get up into the tunnel and begin heading back, stopping shortly after starting when Shanolia remembers the fallen wolf she still needs to skin. In a flash, she jumps back through the broken ice wall and begins her task. Luckily, she knows exactly how to skin the beast, maximizing the amount of fur and minimizing the actual cuts. She is able to take the entire thing in one big piece, knowing it could make a very nice cloak for someone in the future after her glove is fashioned. She's also done a good enough job that she's able to salvage a considerable nine pounds of meat from the creature.
With that squared away, Dapple begins leading the group up through the tunnel and out of the cave. There is a multitude of other tunnels that offshoot from the main path, but Dapple can feel a breeze down one of them and he can smell fresh air. After what seems like hours, they're all finally outside, on the top of the mountain. Once outside, Dapple and Perrin are able to navigate the group down what they deem to be the safest path. It's slow going because of the cold and wind, not to mention a misstep would send one off the side of the mountain to sure death. After about an hour of travelling this path, the duo stops suddenly, as they realize their folly. The group is now facing a sheer, 100-foot drop before them...
Looking at the 100 foot cliff they have to descend and that fact that it’s getting close to midnight Perrin turns to the others in the group saying “Maybe we should find a cave or something to rest in. As much as I would have loved to be back to the base by now I don’t see it happening. This’ll give us an opportunity to look more closely at all the cool stuff we found at least. What do you guys think?”
"All the fighting against the dragon and the kobolds has left me again with only one thing - to protect everyone. You're my friends and my family! Please, let me help you recover from the fighting." Woe walks from one bloodied friend to the next, extends her hands and tends their wounds. Then she turns back to Perrin. "I think, there is something else I might be able to do to protect us all. I feel I might be able to produce a shelter. A small space that keeps out creatures and things and that keeps us warm and dry." Woe looks around and motions to the group to step away from the cliff. She chooses an area where the ground looks level and the frost making a solid connection to the soil. She stretches her hands towards the star-light sky and moves them quickly in circles. An opaque looking dome appears above the group, who need to huddle together tightly to fit under it. When the dome is placed after 11 minutes of enchanting, it clears and the group has a fantastic view on the night sky."This will keep us protected until morning."
“Wow! This is fantastic Woe. You’ve outdone yourself here. Are we free to come and go within here? If so I’d like to ask Shanolia if we can borrow some of the meat she got so I can make us something nice to eat.” Perrin asks, then starting to wonder. "Maybe not the best of ideas, we wouldn't want to draw any attention to ourselves."
"You can leave and come back as often as you want. Anyone and anything that is under the dome at the time of casting, can leave and return. Nothing foreign can come in though, so you couldn't bring anything inside that you found outside, a stone for example." Woe explains her newfound spell.
The group spends the entire night resting in the hut and eating some rations to get by. We thought about cooking the wolf meat but decided to save it for when we returned to the rebel base. We, out of habit, almost set up a watch as well but Woe told us it wasn't needed within the hut. Thankfully she was right as we awoke the next morning without any incident. As the group went about their morning rituals they also discussed how to go forward. Singe, having seen Zamar cast Fly from his lute a couple times now, has now figured out how the spell works and suggested that we fly down with the strongest, Perrin, flying down carrying the others. Dapple revealed that with his new boots he too can now fly without the need of the spell. And of course, Zamar can cast it on Koll. So, the group, well rested and the day anew now have a plan for getting down this cliff face. Perrin, Koll, and Dapple will all fly the rest of them down potentially in two trips if they need to. Perrin hopes they can reach the rebel base soon and deliver the good news to his Pa.
The group is able to make they're way down the mountain and after a few hours, finds themselves back in the tunnel system. Singe and Zamar lead the group back to the elevator quickly, remembering what Sheema taught them yesterday.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Following the carvings on the cave walls, the group is able to make its way back to the cavern where they found the elevator. Slowly descending into the darkness below, they finally came into view of a familiar sight; the darkened cavern filled with hot springs. A figure moves in the shadows, and as the elevator finally touches the ground, it moves forward, revealing Brod. "I'll admit, I didn't expect to see you again!"
Shanolia chuckles softly. "Well, we're back. And we brought food." She pulls the rolled wolf fur from her pack and unrolls it slightly, revealing a hint of the meat inside.
Brod stares at it, his eyes wide. "I don't even care what kind of meat that is, get it to the kitchen, now!"
She looks around at her group and nods, taking a step forward before faltering. "Ah... where is that, exactly?"
"Through the back of the main chamber is the dining hall." Brod can't peel his eyes from the raw meat. "Kitchen is back there."
"Thank you." She rolls the fur tightly and carries the meat to the kitchen quickly.
Singe releases a deep sigh of relief, he turns to Brod, "Where's Polly right now?"
Brod blinks, as if realizing there were other people near. "The kid that came in with you? I think she's with the other kids in school."
Singe nods, "Good, I'll go let her know we're back?"
Woe nods back at Singe, "See if you can find Grasalfan as well. I need to go wash up - after landing in that sewage pit, I really want to jump into those hot pools!"
Singe nods, "Will do."
“I’ll go see Pa and give him the news.” Perrin says before he goes looking for Sam.
Dapple nods, with a grin as he sees Brod's reaction to the food. "You'll all be safe now. All the children will be. You can hunt and feed everyone too."
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Okay, Perrin goes to the hut where they had their first meeting, and while there are documents scattered on the table, Sam is not there. The next stop is Sam's bed, and the bed doesn't appear to have been slept in. Sam is nowhere to be found.
“This isn’t good. Why couldn’t he have waited until we got back?” Perrin says talking to himself more than Koll. He exits his Pa’s bedroom and goes back looking for Brod.
Brod is entering the main chamber as Perring and Koll leave the sleeping chamber.
Perrin stops him as soon as he sees him “Brod, where’d my Pa go? How long has he been gone?”
Brod stopped in his tracks. "Sam? Oh he went for supplies in town."
“How long has he been gone? When is he expected back?” Perrin asks
Brod scratched his chin, thinking. "He left this morning, should take him a couple days to get there, couple more to get back."
“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting him to be gone and I thought something happened to him.” Perrin says. He then sighs and goes back to his Pa’s office to straighten out his mess. (Investigation: 4)
The majority of the items on the desk consist of logs. Equipment logs, food, finances, all of it pretty dull to you. You do find a letter... from your mom. The paper is yellowed and wilted, and was likely a letter from nearly two decades ago. It's folded and feels extremely delicate in your hands. One other piece of paper stands out. This one a drawing of what looks to be a manor. You recognize the locations of the buildings in the drawing, as it's Lord Embree's manor.
Perrin delicately picks up the letter from his Ma and reads it.
*The letter starts with Verna detailing the moment your mother and father first confessed their love. It was under an old pine tree outside of Nashkel .* You remember that pine, as your parents took you there to play whenever they visited from their wild 'adventures.' *She then goes off to say that she returned to Nashkel , not because she was angry or frustrated with your father, but because she was pregnant.* From the sounds of it, Verna left your father when she found out she was with child. She wasn't sure she could continue the 'adventuring' life after having a child. She sent something with the letter, a bracelet she had won from a giant's lair. She tells Sam to keep doing what he's doing, and that one day, if he decides to return to her, she'll be waiting with little Perrin.
Perrin starts crying. Not because it’s sad but because as he reads it he can hear his Ma’s voice in his head. But he knows that it’s only a memory. And that he’ll never get to see her again.
Koll gives you a comforting pat on the back
“Thanks Koll.” Perrin is then quiet for a second before he says “Can I confide something in you?”
“What would you like to tell me?” He responds
“I don’t think I’m going back to Baldur’s Gate with you guys. I have to stay here and help my Pa clean up the mess I made.” Perrin says
"What? No, we stick together. I know we're all eager to get back, but Fate intervenes. I'm sure everyone else will stay to help you. I will. Even if I never go back to that city. Sure, I have to give Loro his money, but he'll get it when he gets it."
“No. I can’t ask you to do that. You guys have family, lives, goals that rest in that city. My family is here. My mess is here. I have to clean it up and who knows how long that’ll take. I can’t ask you guys to stay here indefinitely.” Perrin says
"And what mess exactly? We took care of the dragon." Koll responds
“Well, Lord Embree to start. He still rules the city and as long as he rules then all these people here I have to stay in hiding. And, even if we get rid of him we have to ensure that nobody else like him comes into power. We can’t just get rid of him and then leave those poor people to figure out what to do next.” Perrin says
"Well, how long would that take? Years? It's fine by me. I'll stick by you, honestly, unless, you really want to part ways here." Koll says
“I.....I don’t know.” Perrin says. “I thought my family was dead and I always planned on returning here but not until much later. I...I just can’t ask you to stay. That wouldn’t be fair of me to ask you put your life on hold for my family drama. I haven’t even told the others.”
Suddenly Grasalfan and some of the others walk in.
Singe is accompanied by Lera and Zamar as they make their way through the cavern, gaining the attention of its denizens. As they enter the dining area, the children are seen gathered around a table, Polly included. Spotting the group, Polly jumps up. "Singe! Lera! You're back," she screeches, running across the room to meet them. A loud crash comes from the kitchen, and moments later, Vera sticks her head out. "Oh! It's true!"
Lera runs over and envelops Polly in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re doing well,” she whispers.
"I'm glad you're not dead," Polly said, returning the hug.
“Me too,” the aasimar says with a squeeze.
"Hello Polly," Singe says, "Feeling better?"
"I'm still pretty tired," Polly says, turning to Singe. After a moment, she jumps at him, enveloping him in a hug as well. "I didn't want to stay in bed, though."
Grasalfan waddles out from the kitchen behind Vera, "Ah!! There ye are! Did you really do it? Did ya kill a dragon!?"
Singe stands, "We should talk about that in private." He glances at the children. The children all sigh and whine when they learn they won't hear the story.
Seeing Vera, Shanolia holds up the rolled fur. "Anybody else famished?"
Vera walks slowly to the group, a look of confusion crossing her face. "We can't eat fur," she says, sadly.
Shanolia chuckles. "Not the fur, silly." She lifts the end to reveal a bit of the meat inside. "There's about nine pounds of fresh meat here."
Vera's jaw drops at the sight of the raw meat. "Wha... how?" The children jumped up, surrounding the group, trying to get a peek. "Doesn't matter," Vera says, at last. "Who wants steak for breakfast?" She takes the pack and begins to head to the kitchen, the children cheering behind her. One of the kids shouts out, "We're eating dragon meat for supper!"
"Ah... I want that fur back when you're done!" Shanolia shouts.
"You'll have it," Vera calls over her shoulder before disappearing into the kitchen.
Singe looks at Grasalfan, "That's not dragon meat."
Grasalfan shrugs, "Let em have their dragon meat. Lets talk in Sam's place." He waves the group to follow him. Shanolia stays and everyone else but Lera follows.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
“Oh,” Lera says, almost running into Shanolia outside the kitchen. “You’re, ummm, waiting for Vera in the kitchen.”
"Yes. She has my fur."
“Riiiight.”
Shanolia cocks her head to the side. "Are you alright?"
“What me?” Lera cleared her throat, beginning to turn a little red. “I am totally fine. I just came here to, ummm, also check on your fur.”
"Right... What's really going on?"
“Nothing, nothing, why would something be going on?”
"Please don't lie to me. If there's something going on then I would like to be of assistance."
“Why would I,” The sorcerer cleared her throat. “Why would I lie to you?”
The Elf exhales deeply and audibly. "Let me guess... you're crushing on the beautiful princess?"
“Me, crushing?” Lera laughed awkwardly. “Psh, no, I have never crushed on... you’re crushing on the cute princess.”
"Not on the cute princess..." She clears her throat awkwardly. "Look, I won't judge you. Heavens know I've had more than my fair share of crushes. And for your own piece of mind; I won't tell anyone."
Lera deflated. “Thank you,” she said softly, digging in the dirt with her toes. “Would you mind giving me some privacy then? I’ll bring you your pelt.”
"Of course. I trust you more than her anyhow. I'll be at the baths."
As Grasalfan and the others walk in, Koll says one last thing to Perrin: "You're not asking. I'm offering. And I'll think you don't like me if you decline."
Perrin bites hit lower lip, unsure of what to say. He finally says “Thank you Koll.”
Grasalfan leads Woe, Perrin, and Singe into Sam's tent. There, they see Perrin drying his eyes as he talks to Koll. Koll says, "You're not asking. I'm offering. And I'll think you don't like me if you decline," just as the group enters the tent.
Grasalfan, not one to wait for the news, says loudly, "So did ye kill it!?"
Grasalfan huffs, "That's not good. Sam took a small group and went out this morning in hopes that you succeeded, or at least distracted it enough for them to make it to town..." It seems he just noticed Perrin and follows up, "I'm sure he'll be fine... we can go back out right now if we have to!"
"The dragon won't be a problem." Singe says, not taking his eyes off of Perrin.
“No. I don’t think the dragon is surviving that drug does. I wasn’t crying over that.” Perrin says. Singe gestures for him to continue.
“It’s silly really. But I found this note from my Ma that she wrote to my Pa a long time ago. And reading it I could just hear her voice and then I just started crying.” Perrin explains sniffling a little.
"I understand," Singe says, softening.
Looking around Perrin let’s out a sigh and says “So, how’s everyone else doing? Is Polly feeling better.”
Singe nods, "Yes."
Just then a little head pops in. "I'm here," Polly proclaims as she bounces into the hut.
Singe looks down, his face contorts, then regains his composure quickly, "Hello Polly."
"Hello," Polly says, taking Singe by the hand.
Seeing Polly Perrin runs over to her to give her a big old hug. “Look at you. I was so scared.” He says while squeezing her.
Grasalfan clears his throat before inquiring, "I never heard of a dragon that died to poison. What'd ye use on the creature?"
Polly giggles. "I'm okay! I wanna hear about the dragon!"
"We didn't kill it." Singe explains to Polly, "A bizarre drug we came in contact with in Chult sends people's souls or consciousness, it's not clear, to a plane of collective consciousness."
“The moral of the story is that drugs are bad and can leave you practically dead so don’t take any ever Polly.” Perrin says as he lets go of her.
"We figured that by delivering the drug to the dragon we could send the dragon into a deep sleep where she would either be susceptible to our attacks or get psychically pummeled." Singe continues.
Grasalfan still seems skeptical, "What's the name of this drug?"
Polly nods her head vigorously.
“Good.” Perrin says with a smile.
"The thraul. It did neither of those things, instead it appears that the collective consciousness took control of the body." Singe explains, "The immediate symptoms were similar to the disease in that girl I told you about."
Grasalfan's curiosity intensifies, "What's this Thraul look like?"
Perrin, who thinks Polly shouldn’t be hearing these kinds of details says “Hey Polly. I have something I want to show you. It’s in my Pa’s room. Come with me so I can show you.”
"Okay!" Polly takes Perrin by the hand, and quickly leads him out of the hut.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Once in the room Perrin looks for some parchment and says to Polly “Okay. I have very new and special spell that only I can do. But, I need your help to do it. I want you to write down what your ideal dog would be.” Perrin says handing Polly the parchment and some ink to write with.
"Dog?" Polly thought a moment, then her face lit up. "Am I getting a puppy? Are you getting me a puppy?"
“Kind of.” Perrin says “It’s going to be a very special puppy. Kind of like Singes bird. I’m making it with my magic so it’ll listen to me. But I’m also going to make it so it listens to you. And I’m going to have it look after you and play with you and let you take care of it.” Perrin says with a smile
Polly squealed with excitement. "So I need to write down what I want in a puppy?"
“Yes. And then I work the magic and poof. Instant puppy.” Perrin responds
Polly squealed again, and plopped down on the hard floor. She thought out loud as she started drawing. "Cute nose. And it needs to have a cute face. Curly tail? Curly tail." She nodded to herself and as she finished she proclaimed, "The perfect puppy!" She handed the picture to Perrin, and it was clear to see that her perfect version of a puppy was... Mr. Piggles.
“Wow Polly. This is a tough order. Especially that tail. I hope I can do it justice.” Perrin says as he takes the list and sets it on the floor. He then knees in front of the paper and begins the proper pray, laced with some magic, in order to cast Find Steed. It takes 10 minutes to cast but at the end of it a mastiff does appear though it’s not exactly how Polly described it. (It’s a tri Color pembroke welsh corgi)
Polly scrutinizes the mastiff closely. "I think you need glasses, Perrin. I'm not sure you know what a puppy looks like."
“Maybe.” Perrin says with a laugh while his one hand is behind his head. “But come check it out. His name is Cade and he understands common and I’ve told him that he is to listen to and protect you.”
"Hello there, Cade," Polly said, holding her hand out for the dog to sniff.
Cade gives Polly’s hand a gentle sniff. And then he licks it with his slobbery tongue.
Polly giggles. "Well, you aren't the perfect puppy, but you'll do." She gives the mastiff a huge hug around the neck.
Cade snuggles back into Polly. Perrin smiles before saying “Why don’t you go show him off to the others? I’ll catch up to you.”
"Come on, Cade!" Polly said, jumping up. "I'll introduce you to the other kids!"
Now that Perrin is alone in his Pa’s room. He’s curious what other mementoes he might have gotten from the house. Or maybe he’s kept a journal from his time here so far. Perrin isn’t sure but he wants to do a search just in case. (Investigation: 8)
More various documents of the boring sort, but nothing of interest.
Perrin thinks *Good. He didn’t leave anything here. That means he’s planning on coming back. And that he still has his wedding ring on. I can track him.*
Satisfied with that knowledge Perrin will begin making his way back to the others.
"It's a white powder but is taken as a vapor." Singe explains the powder to Grasalfan.
"White powder was found in the girl's room," Grasalfan comments. "We checked it against poisons and molds but none of it checked out... the closest thing was dried brain matter." Grasalfan leans against the table, thinking aloud. "Collective consciousness... taking control of the body... what would cause that?"
"I have no idea. That's bad though." Singe answers. "I might be able to learn more when we return to Baldur's Gate."
"Yes," Grasalfan says, snapping himself out of his own thoughts. "That we shall." He looks about and asks, "Do we leave in the morning?"
"Perrin is staying," announces Koll. "He has unfinished business with Lord Embree. I am staying with him. As I'm sure the rest of you will do too. I know you're all eager to get back to Baldur's Gate, but the city can wait."
Singe sags.
"Um... uh... we need everyone before we continue."
Woe straightens her spine, steps a little forward into the middle of the room. "Again, guys, the thing is, we're hired to do a job here. We are the founding members of a new guild! We are paid to protect Grasalfan and bring him back to Baldur's Gate. There'll have to be a vote and some orderly proceedings, not just your own decisions to do as you please!" Woe furrows her brow and sends a stern look to Koll. "We'll have to discuss this with Perrin and the group."
Then Woe's face softens. "Of course I want to help Perrin and his father to straighten things out. To allow all of these people to live their lives in peace. But this cannot be done on our terms. We have to convene with Lord Viscardi."
Grasalfan coughs, "Well, yes... I mean... we have to go through Nashkel if we want to avoid climbing through these mountains. My travelling legs aren't what they used to be. I might need to spend a lil time to rest at the inn."
Singe runs forward and shouts to Shanolia, "You can do this! Remember Eilistraee is with you!"
Singe gives Shanolia his DM's inspiration.
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Dapple waves at the pair. "When you're ready, I'll try to distract her so you can get closer." Once he sees Shaniola has the Thraul lit and ready, he gives her a sign and darts back into the mist, harassing the dragon from behind and taunting her with his words. "Back here, you big lizard," he calls. "You're in no position to make demands. Free our friend and submit and we may let you live." Feeling the cold settling into his bones again, he turns and dashes back out of the fog. (Move and Dash action)
As terrified as she pretends not to be, the words of her allies give Shanolia new hope.
'If I die, I'd rather die trying to make a difference.'
With the lit Thraul in hand, Shanolia follows Dapple into the mist, using the Dragon's roars and grunts of irritation at the Tabaxi to guide her to her target. Once in range, the Elf lowers her mask and wafts the smoke in, careful not to breathe as she blows it directly into the large beast's intimidating nostrils - forcing all the breath from her lungs as she has countless times with other drugs, this experience keeping her from getting more than just a little lightheaded.
'Let's hope this bloody plan works...'
DM Inspiration From Singe
Bardic Inspiration From Zamar
Proficiency From 'Doing A Lot Of Drugs'
/r 2d20+1d6+5 = (10+
7)+(2)+5 = 17 - HitDungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Lera, hearing that the dragon downed some of us, rushes into the fog the ice not impeding her movement. She sees Perrin down and quickly grabs and drags him a little away from the dragon before healing him with her innate aasimar powers. (Perrin regains consciousness with 4HP)
Perrin suddenly regains consciousness of his surroundings. He gives a silent thank you nod to Lera before getting up saying. “I think I found someone worth using this on.” He moves out of the fog and reaches for the Spell Gem he has been saving. I hope this works he says as he begins to channel its power. However, it proves to be too much and Perrin loses the spell.
The dragon roars in rage again, and just as it inhales a breath, Shanolia wafts the thrual right into her mouth. The dragon's first response is to chomp down on the elf and claim another victim for a cold death, but something seems to overcome her. Her eyes roll back as the drug begins to take effect.
Immediately upon the drug taking effect, something changes. A burst of psionic energy flares forth from the dragon and a massive force tears the bands away from her. The force pushes the mist out, dispelling the freezing cold and revealing the dragon in full. Her eyes are now milky white and her head lulls to the side momentarily, like a marionette on strings. Still unconscious from the drugs, she bursts up into the air and backwards to her tunnels, her form twisting like an odd contortionist. A wail, like that of a psionic roar, follows her through the tunnels.
Koll remains, frozen like a statue, his fists curled as if scratching the dragon. (Failed death save 1)
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Singe walks forward, "Are we all ok?"
Shanolia leans her head back and lets out a short, relieved laugh. "I'm alive over here. Everyone else?"
“I’ve been better but that drug isn’t going to kill it. We need to get rid of it once and for all. Also I healed Koll.” Perrin responds.
"I don't think the dragon will last long." Singe says.
“What’s that suppose to mean?” Perrin asks.
"It reminds me of the child Woe and I saw at Baldur's Gate." Singe says, "She lost motor control soon after we saw her. The dragon may be infectious at this point. It might be dangerous to get close to her."
“So, it’ll die on its own. And it’s scales aren’t usable are they?” Perrin asks Singe.
Singe shrugs, "I don't know, I didn't have the chance to investigate the disease."
“Man. I had this cool idea that we’d all look like a team if we all wore white dragon scales from a dragon we killed.” Perrin says disappointed.
"Wait. Everyone slow down. First, thank you Perrin for saving me. Second, what happened to the dragon? The thraul worked? What does that have to do with infectious diseases?"
"The thraul took effect, and it appears to be the disease that's sweeping across Baldur's Gate." Singe turns to Perrin, "Perrin, I agree that would be cool, but most dragons do have a hoard; we should go find it."
“Oh. Maybe it sheds scales and keeps them in there.” Perrin says hopeful as he dismisses Frank for the time being sending a quick mental Thank You to him.
"But both Woe and I took it - are we diseased?" Koll asks, "Why was it different for the dragon?"
"That shit causes diseases and I had it in my mouth?" Shanolia coughs violently. "Why wasn't I told this?"
"I believe it may have something to do with the dragon's malice and intent or the Thraul network's combined power." Singe suggests, "It will take some time to learn about it. I'll have to return to Baldur's Gate."
Shanolia begins to collect the pieces of the shattered iron bands after her coughing fit, gathering the ten pounds of material into her pack.
Dapple shakes his head, amazed by the effect the drug had on the dragon. "I've never seen anything like that in my life," he comments. "And you two used it yourselves?" He watches Koll and Woe carefully, as if they'll somehow change before his eyes.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Not seeing any immediate danger, Dapple decides they must be safe from this disease for now. After the dragon had fled, he had felt a surge of energy, revitalizing him after the group's success and survival. Reinvigorated, he taps once more into his reserves of arcane power, healing himself of some of the damage caused by the freezing fog. Next he approached Koll, and healed him a bit as well. (9 hp to each)
“I got a little bit of healing too if anyone needs it.” Perrin says healing himself a little. “You said something about the dragons hoard right Singe. Why don’t we all go looking for it? I imagine it can’t be too far we’re explored like the entire cave so far. You’re good at finding stuff aren’t you Singe?”
"I'm good at finding things when I know where I'm looking. I can't exactly find a cave. It's probably best accessed through the dragon's tunnels." Singe says
"If we do decide to go through the tunnels," Shanolia pipes up, "There might be a rather large wolf who is probably pissed that I took it's friend's head."
"I still have enough arcane power to deal real damage to it," Singe says, "And the drugged dragon may cause more problems for it than we will."
"Since I brought up wolves... Anyone have any idea what I could do with this bloody head once we get back?" *She gestures to the head on her pack.* "I can try to get whoever suggests something a coat once I go get the pelt from its corpse." Shanolia says
"If it's properly skinned, I know a tailor in Baldur's Gate." Singe says, "They're always up to a challenge."
"Well, with that sorted out..." She looks up, remembering where the corpse is. "Wait, shit! It's above us!" Shanolia says
Perrin thinks for a minute before saying “What about you Dapple? Are you good at finding shiny things. I have an idea where they might be. The dragon keep guarding her secret tunnel. Maybe it’s in there. I mean. I would keep all my treasure in a place that nobody else is allowed to go to without me knowing.”
Once the group has finished all the healing andany other magical preparztions, Dapple leads them into the tunnels created by this dragon. Time passes as the tabaxi, more used to the jungle terrain of his homeland tries to read the signs and find his way. Twisting and winding... is that the same tunnel you went down previously? After what seems like hours, he is finslly able to lead the group to what appears to be the dragons personal chamber.
The ceiling reaches high with jagged ice that sprouts from the walls in multiple locations. The tunnels themselves look to continue all throughout the sides and around the chamber, giving you the impression that fighting the dragon here would have been a huge mistake. The center of the chamber features a massive mountain of ice, leveled out at the top like a royal perch. Ten feet from this mountain is another, smaller perch. The glint of coin can be seen in this 40-foot mountain, along with more items of value than you thought possible. It looks as though the dragon spent decades building its wealth and freezing it into its massive throne.
At the far end of the cavern is the mouth of the chamber. Once blocked out by ice, it now looks like a wall that has been shattered and left open. The cold breeze of the mountains flows in from here, along with the occasional flurry of snow.
Singe, having fire magic, begins to use it to melt the ice around the items before he begins digging through the findings. (Investigation: 13) Within the pile Singe finds 700 cp, 12000 sp, 2300 gp, 80 pp, Bolt of Fine Cloth (25 gp), Small Silver Mirror (25 gp), Small Vial of Perfume (25 gp), Ceramic Dice (pair) (25 gp), Iron Hairpin (25 gp), Copper Cloth Gloves (25 gp), Leather Hunter's Cap (25 gp), Pewter Necklace (25 gp), Circlet of Blasting, Deck of Illusions, Bag of Tricks, Mystery Key, Winged Boots, Pipes of Haunting. The group then begins dividing up the loot.
Everyone receives 80 CP, 1500 SP, 200 GP, and 10 PP with the group fund getting 60 CP and 700 GP. Perrin takes the Ceramic Dice and the Copper Cloth Gloves. Dapple takes the Leather Hunter's Cap and the Winged Boots. Koll takes the Deck of Illusions. Shanolia takes the Tan Bag of Tricks and Pewter Necklace. Woe takes the Circlet of Blasting, the pipes of Haunting, and the Iron Hairpin. Zamar takes the Mystery Key. There is some sort of deal being made out between Singe and Lera about the Perfume. And Singe takes the rest of the items nobody wants: the small silver mirror and the bolt of fine cloth. Now the group needs to find a way out and back towards the rebel base.
As the group is preparing to enter the tunnels to search for the dragon's hoard, a glint of light from the shattered Bands of Bilarro catch her eye. She notices that the metal is too dark to be iron. Years in her previous line of work have her trained to recognize this material; Adamantine. Even raw... it could make some amazing items or sell for a pretty penny. She swiftly gathers the pieces up - about ten pounds of the material - and stores them in her pack before following along.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
After doling out their spoils, the group decides it's time to return to the rebel village. Together they make their way back to the cavern where they fought the dragon, opting to use the tunnel Zamar, Dapple, and Shanolia came through to return. It takes some doing, but the group manages to get up into the tunnel and begin heading back, stopping shortly after starting when Shanolia remembers the fallen wolf she still needs to skin. In a flash, she jumps back through the broken ice wall and begins her task. Luckily, she knows exactly how to skin the beast, maximizing the amount of fur and minimizing the actual cuts. She is able to take the entire thing in one big piece, knowing it could make a very nice cloak for someone in the future after her glove is fashioned. She's also done a good enough job that she's able to salvage a considerable nine pounds of meat from the creature.
With that squared away, Dapple begins leading the group up through the tunnel and out of the cave. There is a multitude of other tunnels that offshoot from the main path, but Dapple can feel a breeze down one of them and he can smell fresh air. After what seems like hours, they're all finally outside, on the top of the mountain. Once outside, Dapple and Perrin are able to navigate the group down what they deem to be the safest path. It's slow going because of the cold and wind, not to mention a misstep would send one off the side of the mountain to sure death. After about an hour of travelling this path, the duo stops suddenly, as they realize their folly. The group is now facing a sheer, 100-foot drop before them...
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Looking at the 100 foot cliff they have to descend and that fact that it’s getting close to midnight Perrin turns to the others in the group saying “Maybe we should find a cave or something to rest in. As much as I would have loved to be back to the base by now I don’t see it happening. This’ll give us an opportunity to look more closely at all the cool stuff we found at least. What do you guys think?”
"All the fighting against the dragon and the kobolds has left me again with only one thing - to protect everyone. You're my friends and my family! Please, let me help you recover from the fighting." Woe walks from one bloodied friend to the next, extends her hands and tends their wounds. Then she turns back to Perrin. "I think, there is something else I might be able to do to protect us all. I feel I might be able to produce a shelter. A small space that keeps out creatures and things and that keeps us warm and dry." Woe looks around and motions to the group to step away from the cliff. She chooses an area where the ground looks level and the frost making a solid connection to the soil. She stretches her hands towards the star-light sky and moves them quickly in circles. An opaque looking dome appears above the group, who need to huddle together tightly to fit under it. When the dome is placed after 11 minutes of enchanting, it clears and the group has a fantastic view on the night sky. "This will keep us protected until morning."
“Wow! This is fantastic Woe. You’ve outdone yourself here. Are we free to come and go within here? If so I’d like to ask Shanolia if we can borrow some of the meat she got so I can make us something nice to eat.” Perrin asks, then starting to wonder. "Maybe not the best of ideas, we wouldn't want to draw any attention to ourselves."
"You can leave and come back as often as you want. Anyone and anything that is under the dome at the time of casting, can leave and return. Nothing foreign can come in though, so you couldn't bring anything inside that you found outside, a stone for example." Woe explains her newfound spell.
//healing the party Dapple 1d8+4 = (4)+4 = 8 // Singe 1d8+4 = (6)+4 = 10 // Shanolia 1d8+4 = (7)+4 = 11 // Perrin 2d8+4 = (7+6)+4 = 17 // Koll 2d8+4 = (4+6)+4 = 14 // Zamar 1d8+4 = (8)+4 = 12
//casting tiny hut as a ritual
The group spends the entire night resting in the hut and eating some rations to get by. We thought about cooking the wolf meat but decided to save it for when we returned to the rebel base. We, out of habit, almost set up a watch as well but Woe told us it wasn't needed within the hut. Thankfully she was right as we awoke the next morning without any incident. As the group went about their morning rituals they also discussed how to go forward. Singe, having seen Zamar cast Fly from his lute a couple times now, has now figured out how the spell works and suggested that we fly down with the strongest, Perrin, flying down carrying the others. Dapple revealed that with his new boots he too can now fly without the need of the spell. And of course, Zamar can cast it on Koll. So, the group, well rested and the day anew now have a plan for getting down this cliff face. Perrin, Koll, and Dapple will all fly the rest of them down potentially in two trips if they need to. Perrin hopes they can reach the rebel base soon and deliver the good news to his Pa.
The group is able to make they're way down the mountain and after a few hours, finds themselves back in the tunnel system. Singe and Zamar lead the group back to the elevator quickly, remembering what Sheema taught them yesterday.
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Following the carvings on the cave walls, the group is able to make its way back to the cavern where they found the elevator. Slowly descending into the darkness below, they finally came into view of a familiar sight; the darkened cavern filled with hot springs. A figure moves in the shadows, and as the elevator finally touches the ground, it moves forward, revealing Brod. "I'll admit, I didn't expect to see you again!"
Shanolia chuckles softly. "Well, we're back. And we brought food." She pulls the rolled wolf fur from her pack and unrolls it slightly, revealing a hint of the meat inside.
Brod stares at it, his eyes wide. "I don't even care what kind of meat that is, get it to the kitchen, now!"
She looks around at her group and nods, taking a step forward before faltering. "Ah... where is that, exactly?"
"Through the back of the main chamber is the dining hall." Brod can't peel his eyes from the raw meat. "Kitchen is back there."
"Thank you." She rolls the fur tightly and carries the meat to the kitchen quickly.
Singe releases a deep sigh of relief, he turns to Brod, "Where's Polly right now?"
Brod blinks, as if realizing there were other people near. "The kid that came in with you? I think she's with the other kids in school."
Singe nods, "Good, I'll go let her know we're back?"
Woe nods back at Singe, "See if you can find Grasalfan as well. I need to go wash up - after landing in that sewage pit, I really want to jump into those hot pools!"
Singe nods, "Will do."
“I’ll go see Pa and give him the news.” Perrin says before he goes looking for Sam.
Dapple nods, with a grin as he sees Brod's reaction to the food. "You'll all be safe now. All the children will be. You can hunt and feed everyone too."
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Okay, Perrin goes to the hut where they had their first meeting, and while there are documents scattered on the table, Sam is not there. The next stop is Sam's bed, and the bed doesn't appear to have been slept in. Sam is nowhere to be found.
“This isn’t good. Why couldn’t he have waited until we got back?” Perrin says talking to himself more than Koll. He exits his Pa’s bedroom and goes back looking for Brod.
Brod is entering the main chamber as Perring and Koll leave the sleeping chamber.
Perrin stops him as soon as he sees him “Brod, where’d my Pa go? How long has he been gone?”
Brod stopped in his tracks. "Sam? Oh he went for supplies in town."
“How long has he been gone? When is he expected back?” Perrin asks
Brod scratched his chin, thinking. "He left this morning, should take him a couple days to get there, couple more to get back."
“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting him to be gone and I thought something happened to him.” Perrin says. He then sighs and goes back to his Pa’s office to straighten out his mess. (Investigation: 4)
The majority of the items on the desk consist of logs. Equipment logs, food, finances, all of it pretty dull to you. You do find a letter... from your mom. The paper is yellowed and wilted, and was likely a letter from nearly two decades ago. It's folded and feels extremely delicate in your hands. One other piece of paper stands out. This one a drawing of what looks to be a manor. You recognize the locations of the buildings in the drawing, as it's Lord Embree's manor.
Perrin delicately picks up the letter from his Ma and reads it.
*The letter starts with Verna detailing the moment your mother and father first confessed their love. It was under an old pine tree outside of Nashkel .* You remember that pine, as your parents took you there to play whenever they visited from their wild 'adventures.' *She then goes off to say that she returned to Nashkel , not because she was angry or frustrated with your father, but because she was pregnant.* From the sounds of it, Verna left your father when she found out she was with child. She wasn't sure she could continue the 'adventuring' life after having a child. She sent something with the letter, a bracelet she had won from a giant's lair. She tells Sam to keep doing what he's doing, and that one day, if he decides to return to her, she'll be waiting with little Perrin.
Perrin starts crying. Not because it’s sad but because as he reads it he can hear his Ma’s voice in his head. But he knows that it’s only a memory. And that he’ll never get to see her again.
Koll gives you a comforting pat on the back
“Thanks Koll.” Perrin is then quiet for a second before he says “Can I confide something in you?”
“What would you like to tell me?” He responds
“I don’t think I’m going back to Baldur’s Gate with you guys. I have to stay here and help my Pa clean up the mess I made.” Perrin says
"What? No, we stick together. I know we're all eager to get back, but Fate intervenes. I'm sure everyone else will stay to help you. I will. Even if I never go back to that city. Sure, I have to give Loro his money, but he'll get it when he gets it."
“No. I can’t ask you to do that. You guys have family, lives, goals that rest in that city. My family is here. My mess is here. I have to clean it up and who knows how long that’ll take. I can’t ask you guys to stay here indefinitely.” Perrin says
"And what mess exactly? We took care of the dragon." Koll responds
“Well, Lord Embree to start. He still rules the city and as long as he rules then all these people here I have to stay in hiding. And, even if we get rid of him we have to ensure that nobody else like him comes into power. We can’t just get rid of him and then leave those poor people to figure out what to do next.” Perrin says
"Well, how long would that take? Years? It's fine by me. I'll stick by you, honestly, unless, you really want to part ways here." Koll says
“I.....I don’t know.” Perrin says. “I thought my family was dead and I always planned on returning here but not until much later. I...I just can’t ask you to stay. That wouldn’t be fair of me to ask you put your life on hold for my family drama. I haven’t even told the others.”
Suddenly Grasalfan and some of the others walk in.
Singe is accompanied by Lera and Zamar as they make their way through the cavern, gaining the attention of its denizens. As they enter the dining area, the children are seen gathered around a table, Polly included. Spotting the group, Polly jumps up. "Singe! Lera! You're back," she screeches, running across the room to meet them. A loud crash comes from the kitchen, and moments later, Vera sticks her head out. "Oh! It's true!"
Lera runs over and envelops Polly in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re doing well,” she whispers.
"I'm glad you're not dead," Polly said, returning the hug.
“Me too,” the aasimar says with a squeeze.
"Hello Polly," Singe says, "Feeling better?"
"I'm still pretty tired," Polly says, turning to Singe. After a moment, she jumps at him, enveloping him in a hug as well. "I didn't want to stay in bed, though."
Singe laughs, "Bed gets pretty boring fairly quickly."
Grasalfan waddles out from the kitchen behind Vera, "Ah!! There ye are! Did you really do it? Did ya kill a dragon!?"
Singe stands, "We should talk about that in private." He glances at the children. The children all sigh and whine when they learn they won't hear the story.
Seeing Vera, Shanolia holds up the rolled fur. "Anybody else famished?"
Vera walks slowly to the group, a look of confusion crossing her face. "We can't eat fur," she says, sadly.
Shanolia chuckles. "Not the fur, silly." She lifts the end to reveal a bit of the meat inside. "There's about nine pounds of fresh meat here."
Vera's jaw drops at the sight of the raw meat. "Wha... how?" The children jumped up, surrounding the group, trying to get a peek. "Doesn't matter," Vera says, at last. "Who wants steak for breakfast?" She takes the pack and begins to head to the kitchen, the children cheering behind her. One of the kids shouts out, "We're eating dragon meat for supper!"
"Ah... I want that fur back when you're done!" Shanolia shouts.
"You'll have it," Vera calls over her shoulder before disappearing into the kitchen.
Singe looks at Grasalfan, "That's not dragon meat."
Grasalfan shrugs, "Let em have their dragon meat. Lets talk in Sam's place." He waves the group to follow him. Shanolia stays and everyone else but Lera follows.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
“Oh,” Lera says, almost running into Shanolia outside the kitchen. “You’re, ummm, waiting for Vera in the kitchen.”
"Yes. She has my fur."
“Riiiight.”
Shanolia cocks her head to the side. "Are you alright?"
“What me?” Lera cleared her throat, beginning to turn a little red. “I am totally fine. I just came here to, ummm, also check on your fur.”
"Right... What's really going on?"
“Nothing, nothing, why would something be going on?”
"Please don't lie to me. If there's something going on then I would like to be of assistance."
“Why would I,” The sorcerer cleared her throat. “Why would I lie to you?”
The Elf exhales deeply and audibly. "Let me guess... you're crushing on the beautiful princess?"
“Me, crushing?” Lera laughed awkwardly. “Psh, no, I have never crushed on... you’re crushing on the cute princess.”
"Not on the cute princess..." She clears her throat awkwardly. "Look, I won't judge you. Heavens know I've had more than my fair share of crushes. And for your own piece of mind; I won't tell anyone."
Lera deflated. “Thank you,” she said softly, digging in the dirt with her toes. “Would you mind giving me some privacy then? I’ll bring you your pelt.”
"Of course. I trust you more than her anyhow. I'll be at the baths."
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
As Grasalfan and the others walk in, Koll says one last thing to Perrin: "You're not asking. I'm offering. And I'll think you don't like me if you decline."
Perrin bites hit lower lip, unsure of what to say. He finally says “Thank you Koll.”
Grasalfan leads Woe, Perrin, and Singe into Sam's tent. There, they see Perrin drying his eyes as he talks to Koll. Koll says, "You're not asking. I'm offering. And I'll think you don't like me if you decline," just as the group enters the tent.
Grasalfan, not one to wait for the news, says loudly, "So did ye kill it!?"
"We didn't." Singe says, distractedly, "Is everything ok?"
Grasalfan huffs, "That's not good. Sam took a small group and went out this morning in hopes that you succeeded, or at least distracted it enough for them to make it to town..." It seems he just noticed Perrin and follows up, "I'm sure he'll be fine... we can go back out right now if we have to!"
"The dragon won't be a problem." Singe says, not taking his eyes off of Perrin.
“No. I don’t think the dragon is surviving that drug does. I wasn’t crying over that.” Perrin says. Singe gestures for him to continue.
“It’s silly really. But I found this note from my Ma that she wrote to my Pa a long time ago. And reading it I could just hear her voice and then I just started crying.” Perrin explains sniffling a little.
"I understand," Singe says, softening.
Looking around Perrin let’s out a sigh and says “So, how’s everyone else doing? Is Polly feeling better.”
Singe nods, "Yes."
Just then a little head pops in. "I'm here," Polly proclaims as she bounces into the hut.
Singe looks down, his face contorts, then regains his composure quickly, "Hello Polly."
"Hello," Polly says, taking Singe by the hand.
Seeing Polly Perrin runs over to her to give her a big old hug. “Look at you. I was so scared.” He says while squeezing her.
Grasalfan clears his throat before inquiring, "I never heard of a dragon that died to poison. What'd ye use on the creature?"
Polly giggles. "I'm okay! I wanna hear about the dragon!"
"We didn't kill it." Singe explains to Polly, "A bizarre drug we came in contact with in Chult sends people's souls or consciousness, it's not clear, to a plane of collective consciousness."
“The moral of the story is that drugs are bad and can leave you practically dead so don’t take any ever Polly.” Perrin says as he lets go of her.
"We figured that by delivering the drug to the dragon we could send the dragon into a deep sleep where she would either be susceptible to our attacks or get psychically pummeled." Singe continues.
Grasalfan still seems skeptical, "What's the name of this drug?"
Polly nods her head vigorously.
“Good.” Perrin says with a smile.
"The thraul. It did neither of those things, instead it appears that the collective consciousness took control of the body." Singe explains, "The immediate symptoms were similar to the disease in that girl I told you about."
Grasalfan's curiosity intensifies, "What's this Thraul look like?"
Perrin, who thinks Polly shouldn’t be hearing these kinds of details says “Hey Polly. I have something I want to show you. It’s in my Pa’s room. Come with me so I can show you.”
"Okay!" Polly takes Perrin by the hand, and quickly leads him out of the hut.
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Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Once in the room Perrin looks for some parchment and says to Polly “Okay. I have very new and special spell that only I can do. But, I need your help to do it. I want you to write down what your ideal dog would be.” Perrin says handing Polly the parchment and some ink to write with.
"Dog?" Polly thought a moment, then her face lit up. "Am I getting a puppy? Are you getting me a puppy?"
“Kind of.” Perrin says “It’s going to be a very special puppy. Kind of like Singes bird. I’m making it with my magic so it’ll listen to me. But I’m also going to make it so it listens to you. And I’m going to have it look after you and play with you and let you take care of it.” Perrin says with a smile
Polly squealed with excitement. "So I need to write down what I want in a puppy?"
“Yes. And then I work the magic and poof. Instant puppy.” Perrin responds
Polly squealed again, and plopped down on the hard floor. She thought out loud as she started drawing. "Cute nose. And it needs to have a cute face. Curly tail? Curly tail." She nodded to herself and as she finished she proclaimed, "The perfect puppy!" She handed the picture to Perrin, and it was clear to see that her perfect version of a puppy was... Mr. Piggles.
“Wow Polly. This is a tough order. Especially that tail. I hope I can do it justice.” Perrin says as he takes the list and sets it on the floor. He then knees in front of the paper and begins the proper pray, laced with some magic, in order to cast Find Steed. It takes 10 minutes to cast but at the end of it a mastiff does appear though it’s not exactly how Polly described it. (It’s a tri Color pembroke welsh corgi)
Polly scrutinizes the mastiff closely. "I think you need glasses, Perrin. I'm not sure you know what a puppy looks like."
“Maybe.” Perrin says with a laugh while his one hand is behind his head. “But come check it out. His name is Cade and he understands common and I’ve told him that he is to listen to and protect you.”
"Hello there, Cade," Polly said, holding her hand out for the dog to sniff.
Cade gives Polly’s hand a gentle sniff. And then he licks it with his slobbery tongue.
Polly giggles. "Well, you aren't the perfect puppy, but you'll do." She gives the mastiff a huge hug around the neck.
Cade snuggles back into Polly. Perrin smiles before saying “Why don’t you go show him off to the others? I’ll catch up to you.”
"Come on, Cade!" Polly said, jumping up. "I'll introduce you to the other kids!"
Now that Perrin is alone in his Pa’s room. He’s curious what other mementoes he might have gotten from the house. Or maybe he’s kept a journal from his time here so far. Perrin isn’t sure but he wants to do a search just in case. (Investigation: 8)
More various documents of the boring sort, but nothing of interest.
Perrin thinks *Good. He didn’t leave anything here. That means he’s planning on coming back. And that he still has his wedding ring on. I can track him.*
Satisfied with that knowledge Perrin will begin making his way back to the others.
"It's a white powder but is taken as a vapor." Singe explains the powder to Grasalfan.
"White powder was found in the girl's room," Grasalfan comments. "We checked it against poisons and molds but none of it checked out... the closest thing was dried brain matter." Grasalfan leans against the table, thinking aloud. "Collective consciousness... taking control of the body... what would cause that?"
"I have no idea. That's bad though." Singe answers. "I might be able to learn more when we return to Baldur's Gate."
"Yes," Grasalfan says, snapping himself out of his own thoughts. "That we shall." He looks about and asks, "Do we leave in the morning?"
"Perrin is staying," announces Koll. "He has unfinished business with Lord Embree. I am staying with him. As I'm sure the rest of you will do too. I know you're all eager to get back to Baldur's Gate, but the city can wait."
Singe sags.
"Um... uh... we need everyone before we continue."
Woe straightens her spine, steps a little forward into the middle of the room. "Again, guys, the thing is, we're hired to do a job here. We are the founding members of a new guild! We are paid to protect Grasalfan and bring him back to Baldur's Gate. There'll have to be a vote and some orderly proceedings, not just your own decisions to do as you please!" Woe furrows her brow and sends a stern look to Koll. "We'll have to discuss this with Perrin and the group."
Then Woe's face softens. "Of course I want to help Perrin and his father to straighten things out. To allow all of these people to live their lives in peace. But this cannot be done on our terms. We have to convene with Lord Viscardi."
Grasalfan coughs, "Well, yes... I mean... we have to go through Nashkel if we want to avoid climbing through these mountains. My travelling legs aren't what they used to be. I might need to spend a lil time to rest at the inn."