Zeg and Navi's questions are answered by a hissed half-whisper in Common:
Shh! Keep your voices down! There are two flying serpents asleep in the brambles, just outside the tower door. If you awaken them, they might put the squeeze on you, or worse, devour me.
As the two approach, it becomes clear that the voice is coming from the creature in the cage, which is in fact not a bird but a small violet-coloured dragon, a faerie dragon! The creature on the floor is a well-dressed frog-like humanoid, a bullywug, and appears to be unconscious or dead. Maintaining a subdued tone, the faerie dragon continues speaking to the approaching flying pair. It doesn't appear to be in distress, but answers their questions in short hurried sentences.
My name is Mercion. Our balloon crashed here. I think Wigglewog there didn't make it. It doesn't look like anyone lives in the tower. Get me out of this basket and somewhere safe. Please.
Flynn/Faelan
Flynn looks up at the basket, high above. The tower leans over him like a giant finger protruding from the swamp, poised to press him into the marshy ground, but with the basket, ropes and multi-coloured fabric dangling off the tip, as though the giant finger reached out and popped the balloon as it passed. It's a strange sight that stirs strange creative feelings, but still these can't quite break through to the surface into actual poetic ideas.
Faelan watches Luz dance around the tower's peak, then move near the basket as the others approach, but then descend alone toward the base of the tower near the door. The fun on the harengon's ears prickles as the little mote then moves back toward Faelan, with the flickering of her light indicating some kind of warning...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
It's a bit difficult from this distance, because they are motionless, but Zeg can just make out the large snakes' heads poking out from the brambles at the base of the tower. It's also difficult to get a read on the faerie dragon, but Zeg somehow gets the distinct impression that it is speaking honestly, albeit impatiently. The creature calms down slightly, perhaps recognising that the immediate danger is reduced, and comfortable taking a few moments to elaborate.
My companions and I came to this realm hunting an evil witch. We were ambushed by our enemies, and a hag turned me into this creature and locked me in this cage. I've been her prisoner for some time, and only recently escaped with the help of this bullywug, who stole this balloon. The hag sent her servants in pursuit, and we crashed into this tower. I wish to find and rescue my companions, but first I must be free of this cage. Will you help me?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Faelan checks the outside of the door at the base of the tower. "Hey girl. What's going on? Somethin' ain't right?" He then looks up to see if he can see anything.
Investigation+0/Perception+5: 20
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Faelan gets within 40' of the tower base before he sees two giant constrictor snakes half-curled and sleeping in the brambles, with their heads protruding from the brush. The light from Luz isn't sufficient to awaken them, but any extra noise or vibration could.
(If Faelan approaches closer and wishes to avoid waking the snakes, please make a Stealth check).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Faelan freezes where he stands when he sees the giant snakes. He motions for Luz to get closer, and whispers to her. "Hey Luz, go to Zeg and get him to come down here. Ah think he should see this ASAP." Then he tries to silently motion to Flynn, and once gets the Elf's attention, he points to the danger.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Navi has to clamp her hands over her mouth to muffle an excited glee when she comes to realize it's a little fairy dragon. She flutters excitedly, albeit as quietly as she can. Even the flying serpents sounded kind of cute and she wondered if they were hiding any goodies with them. But that curiosity may just never be answered, for her attention goes back to the adorable little fairy dragon and their 'sleeping' companion. The fairy's eyes would then wander over the cage to see if there was a lock, see what it might be made out of and if there were any weak spots.
Medicine on Wigglewog/Mercion: 24 Investigation of Cage: 16
Zeg considers for a moment and then nods his head. "Yeah, we will help as we can." He flies closer to the cage and takes a look to see if he can see a lock or other way to open the cage.
The owlin and the fairy fly up to the edge of the basket, close enough to stand or perch on the edge or inside if desired. To the little fairy's dismay, a closer inspection confirms that Wigglewog is indeed deceased. The body is not moving, the bulging eyes are open and a long tongue hangs limply from the bullywug's wide mouth. The faerie dragon appears moderately bruised and a little in shock. Both Zeg and Navi can see that the cage is finely crafted, ornate and gilded, with no accessories inside, but with a large gate that take up about one quarter of the circumference, and with a large and curiously-shaped latch and keyhole.
In response to Zeg's agreement to help, Mercion says impatiently: Then grab this cage and fly me out of this basket. Find some ground that's high and dry but away from this tower and those serpents of Bavlorna, and we can plan our next move.
Luz begins flying back up toward the peak of the tower again...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Yeah, OK." Zeg casts Mage Hand and tests the weight of the cage to see if it is light enough to carry. If it is, he lifts it with the hand and carries it away, past the tower.
If its too heavy for the hand he'll grasp the top of the cage with his claws and try and lift and fly it out, using the mage hand to help if he can.
The cage doesn't budge with the Mage Hand, and Zeg's attempt to lift it with his claws also produces no results, until with the additional light from the recently-returned Luz, Navi notices and moves some of the sandbags that shifted in the crash and wedged against the cage, after which Zeg can easily lift and fly with the surprisingly-light cage.
Beyond the tower, the ground is difficult to see with the mist. There are no hills or other structures rising from the mist within view, but there are certainly a few relatively dry patches of ground within a couple of hundred feet of the tower, which should be far enough to be out of danger of the sleeping snakes...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Zeg turns to Navi, "Have the others follow this way, and be quiet about it. We don't want to wake up those snakes." He then looks for what looks to be a safe enough place to land.
He then starts taking a loser look at the cage to see if he can open it. As he does he speaks with the faerie dragon. "What is your name? I am Zeg. We have been told that Zybilna was the Queen of Prismeer but she is no longer. Something happened to her. We are trying to help. But we also have business with Balvorna and some other hags who have been taking things from people in our Plane of existence."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Faelan sees that Zeg is able to lift a cage and flies away. He signals Flynn to be "vewy vewy quiet", steps backwards, and follows Zeg.
Stealth (if needed): 13
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Navi, nods to Zeg then points out the large and curiously-shaped latch and keyhole. “Assuming the key may be hard to find, is this something we can pick?” She asks before fluttering off to share the quiet message and direction with the others.
It takes a while, even after landing a safe distance from the tower, before the faerie dragon calms down enough to answer Zeg's questions, however it does offer some feedback to both Zeg and Navi about the nature of the keyhole.
It's some kind of magic lock. I think it has an arcane ward of some kind to prevent it from being picked.
Eventually though, the dragon calms down, by which time Faelan and Flynn have also caught up, having safely avoided awakening the snakes. Without any further encouragement, and speaking slowly in the Common tongue, the creature recounts its story...
I am called Mercion, and am a member of a group of righteous crusaders, known as Valor's Call. We are presently hunting a powerful witch that goes by the name of Iggwilv. Our divinations led us to Prismeer, and we travelled to the Palace of Heart's Desire to seek advice from Zybilna, the queen of this realm. However, our enemies arrived before us - the League of Malevolence. I discovered their presence by chance, but before I could warn my companions, I was waylaid by one of the hags, Bavlorna Blightstraw. She transformed me into this creature, locked me in this cage, then brought me to this swamp realm. She resides at the heart of a bullywug village named Downfall. After many days I managed to befriend one of the bullywugs, Wigglewog, and he agreed to aid me. We commandeered the balloon and fled from Downfall. I don't know exactly where Wigglewog intended to go, but he kept speaking the words "Jingle Jangle". I can only assume he was referring to a set of keys. Wigglewog seemed sure that the lock couldn't be picked - I'm still learning to speak their language, so couldn't fully understand him... Poor Wigglewog...
After a brief pause Mercion continues, speaking a little more passionately.
I fear the worst for my companions. I should like to learn their fate at the least, and aid them if they are not beyond my aid. I'm afraid that the spell that transformed me into this - thing - cannot be broken until the hag is defeated, but I am certainly unable to do so on my own. If you have 'business' with her, as you say, then I would willingly help you, though I should very much like to be free of this cage!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Navi 'lays' on her belly, chin in her hands, legs kicking and her wings fluttering to keep her afloat. Mercion's the cutest thing she's seen since the sweet Windsong so she listens with rapt attention. The little fairy nods along feeling as though she's recognizing a good amount of name drops, while also picking up some new ones. Jingle jangle was also pretty fun to say, so part of her couldn't blame Wigglewog for saying it a lot but she did wonder if Mercion was right about what it meant. She was also wondering what Mercion was before he transformed, but maybe that was rude to ask.
"Soooooo... does this mean we're friends!?" Navi breaks the silence with a very important question. "I mean besides saving you from being a snake snack, I'm pretty sure our paths align and we have some similar goals." She chatters along. "Being friends on a mission together, like us," The fairy motions to Zeg, Flynn and Faelan. "Means we have each other's backs and can help each other out!" She looks around."Righ? Right?"
Then Navi flies forth to poke and knock at the cage lock, putting her ear against it as if it were a ticking clock. "Hmm..." She wonders if that description of the jingle jangle as a set of keys would be enough to locate them, but on the other hand... "If the hag locked you in here, then would she have the jingle jangle? Or is there another set somewhere we can access to get you out maybe on our way to Downfall? Or was it Zybilna the queen that we were seeking advice from first?" She blabbers her thoughts out loud to share with the others to prompt some discussion/thoughts and put her back on track in the right direction.
Having caught up with the others. “Heya doc. Name’s Faelan, y’all can call me Cottontail if ya prefer. Do ya think this Queen Zylbina can get ya outta there?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Zeg listens carefully to everything Mercion has to say. "Which way is Downfall then and how far? We can carry you and we'll find the hag. We have business with her as well so you might as well come with us. We'll find the key or a way past the lock. Unless you can point us in the direction you were headed. Maybe Wigglewog was taking you to wherever this Jingle Jangle is and that's where we find the key. That might be the better plan."
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Zeg/Navi
Zeg and Navi's questions are answered by a hissed half-whisper in Common:
Shh! Keep your voices down! There are two flying serpents asleep in the brambles, just outside the tower door. If you awaken them, they might put the squeeze on you, or worse, devour me.
As the two approach, it becomes clear that the voice is coming from the creature in the cage, which is in fact not a bird but a small violet-coloured dragon, a faerie dragon! The creature on the floor is a well-dressed frog-like humanoid, a bullywug, and appears to be unconscious or dead. Maintaining a subdued tone, the faerie dragon continues speaking to the approaching flying pair. It doesn't appear to be in distress, but answers their questions in short hurried sentences.
My name is Mercion. Our balloon crashed here. I think Wigglewog there didn't make it. It doesn't look like anyone lives in the tower. Get me out of this basket and somewhere safe. Please.
Flynn/Faelan
Flynn looks up at the basket, high above. The tower leans over him like a giant finger protruding from the swamp, poised to press him into the marshy ground, but with the basket, ropes and multi-coloured fabric dangling off the tip, as though the giant finger reached out and popped the balloon as it passed. It's a strange sight that stirs strange creative feelings, but still these can't quite break through to the surface into actual poetic ideas.
Faelan watches Luz dance around the tower's peak, then move near the basket as the others approach, but then descend alone toward the base of the tower near the door. The fun on the harengon's ears prickles as the little mote then moves back toward Faelan, with the flickering of her light indicating some kind of warning...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Zeg looks down as the faerie dragon mentions snakes on the ground. (PP 15). He then looks back at the speaker trying to judge his character.
Insight 17
He does however lower his voice and would shush Navi if she spoke too loudly.
"And who put you in here? I think I saw your ship go down."
It's a bit difficult from this distance, because they are motionless, but Zeg can just make out the large snakes' heads poking out from the brambles at the base of the tower. It's also difficult to get a read on the faerie dragon, but Zeg somehow gets the distinct impression that it is speaking honestly, albeit impatiently. The creature calms down slightly, perhaps recognising that the immediate danger is reduced, and comfortable taking a few moments to elaborate.
My companions and I came to this realm hunting an evil witch. We were ambushed by our enemies, and a hag turned me into this creature and locked me in this cage. I've been her prisoner for some time, and only recently escaped with the help of this bullywug, who stole this balloon. The hag sent her servants in pursuit, and we crashed into this tower. I wish to find and rescue my companions, but first I must be free of this cage. Will you help me?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Faelan checks the outside of the door at the base of the tower. "Hey girl. What's going on? Somethin' ain't right?" He then looks up to see if he can see anything.
Investigation+0/Perception+5: 20
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Faelan gets within 40' of the tower base before he sees two giant constrictor snakes half-curled and sleeping in the brambles, with their heads protruding from the brush. The light from Luz isn't sufficient to awaken them, but any extra noise or vibration could.
(If Faelan approaches closer and wishes to avoid waking the snakes, please make a Stealth check).
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Faelan freezes where he stands when he sees the giant snakes. He motions for Luz to get closer, and whispers to her. "Hey Luz, go to Zeg and get him to come down here. Ah think he should see this ASAP." Then he tries to silently motion to Flynn, and once gets the Elf's attention, he points to the danger.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Flynn nods silently slowly pulling out his rapier
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Navi has to clamp her hands over her mouth to muffle an excited glee when she comes to realize it's a little fairy dragon. She flutters excitedly, albeit as quietly as she can. Even the flying serpents sounded kind of cute and she wondered if they were hiding any goodies with them. But that curiosity may just never be answered, for her attention goes back to the adorable little fairy dragon and their 'sleeping' companion. The fairy's eyes would then wander over the cage to see if there was a lock, see what it might be made out of and if there were any weak spots.
Medicine on Wigglewog/Mercion: 24
Investigation of Cage: 16
just an unstable unicorn.
Zeg considers for a moment and then nods his head. "Yeah, we will help as we can." He flies closer to the cage and takes a look to see if he can see a lock or other way to open the cage.
The owlin and the fairy fly up to the edge of the basket, close enough to stand or perch on the edge or inside if desired. To the little fairy's dismay, a closer inspection confirms that Wigglewog is indeed deceased. The body is not moving, the bulging eyes are open and a long tongue hangs limply from the bullywug's wide mouth. The faerie dragon appears moderately bruised and a little in shock. Both Zeg and Navi can see that the cage is finely crafted, ornate and gilded, with no accessories inside, but with a large gate that take up about one quarter of the circumference, and with a large and curiously-shaped latch and keyhole.
In response to Zeg's agreement to help, Mercion says impatiently: Then grab this cage and fly me out of this basket. Find some ground that's high and dry but away from this tower and those serpents of Bavlorna, and we can plan our next move.
Luz begins flying back up toward the peak of the tower again...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Yeah, OK." Zeg casts Mage Hand and tests the weight of the cage to see if it is light enough to carry. If it is, he lifts it with the hand and carries it away, past the tower.
If its too heavy for the hand he'll grasp the top of the cage with his claws and try and lift and fly it out, using the mage hand to help if he can.
Athletics (Str) 19
2nd d20 if help 14
The cage doesn't budge with the Mage Hand, and Zeg's attempt to lift it with his claws also produces no results, until with the additional light from the recently-returned Luz, Navi notices and moves some of the sandbags that shifted in the crash and wedged against the cage, after which Zeg can easily lift and fly with the surprisingly-light cage.
Beyond the tower, the ground is difficult to see with the mist. There are no hills or other structures rising from the mist within view, but there are certainly a few relatively dry patches of ground within a couple of hundred feet of the tower, which should be far enough to be out of danger of the sleeping snakes...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Zeg turns to Navi, "Have the others follow this way, and be quiet about it. We don't want to wake up those snakes." He then looks for what looks to be a safe enough place to land.
He then starts taking a loser look at the cage to see if he can open it. As he does he speaks with the faerie dragon. "What is your name? I am Zeg. We have been told that Zybilna was the Queen of Prismeer but she is no longer. Something happened to her. We are trying to help. But we also have business with Balvorna and some other hags who have been taking things from people in our Plane of existence."
Faelan sees that Zeg is able to lift a cage and flies away. He signals Flynn to be "vewy vewy quiet", steps backwards, and follows Zeg.
Stealth (if needed): 13
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Navi, nods to Zeg then points out the large and curiously-shaped latch and keyhole. “Assuming the key may be hard to find, is this something we can pick?” She asks before fluttering off to share the quiet message and direction with the others.
just an unstable unicorn.
Flynn backs away and follows.Faelan
Stealth if needed::8
Laissez les bons temps rouler
It takes a while, even after landing a safe distance from the tower, before the faerie dragon calms down enough to answer Zeg's questions, however it does offer some feedback to both Zeg and Navi about the nature of the keyhole.
It's some kind of magic lock. I think it has an arcane ward of some kind to prevent it from being picked.
Eventually though, the dragon calms down, by which time Faelan and Flynn have also caught up, having safely avoided awakening the snakes. Without any further encouragement, and speaking slowly in the Common tongue, the creature recounts its story...
I am called Mercion, and am a member of a group of righteous crusaders, known as Valor's Call. We are presently hunting a powerful witch that goes by the name of Iggwilv. Our divinations led us to Prismeer, and we travelled to the Palace of Heart's Desire to seek advice from Zybilna, the queen of this realm. However, our enemies arrived before us - the League of Malevolence. I discovered their presence by chance, but before I could warn my companions, I was waylaid by one of the hags, Bavlorna Blightstraw. She transformed me into this creature, locked me in this cage, then brought me to this swamp realm. She resides at the heart of a bullywug village named Downfall. After many days I managed to befriend one of the bullywugs, Wigglewog, and he agreed to aid me. We commandeered the balloon and fled from Downfall. I don't know exactly where Wigglewog intended to go, but he kept speaking the words "Jingle Jangle". I can only assume he was referring to a set of keys. Wigglewog seemed sure that the lock couldn't be picked - I'm still learning to speak their language, so couldn't fully understand him... Poor Wigglewog...
After a brief pause Mercion continues, speaking a little more passionately.
I fear the worst for my companions. I should like to learn their fate at the least, and aid them if they are not beyond my aid. I'm afraid that the spell that transformed me into this - thing - cannot be broken until the hag is defeated, but I am certainly unable to do so on my own. If you have 'business' with her, as you say, then I would willingly help you, though I should very much like to be free of this cage!
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Navi 'lays' on her belly, chin in her hands, legs kicking and her wings fluttering to keep her afloat. Mercion's the cutest thing she's seen since the sweet Windsong so she listens with rapt attention. The little fairy nods along feeling as though she's recognizing a good amount of name drops, while also picking up some new ones. Jingle jangle was also pretty fun to say, so part of her couldn't blame Wigglewog for saying it a lot but she did wonder if Mercion was right about what it meant. She was also wondering what Mercion was before he transformed, but maybe that was rude to ask.
"Soooooo... does this mean we're friends!?" Navi breaks the silence with a very important question. "I mean besides saving you from being a snake snack, I'm pretty sure our paths align and we have some similar goals." She chatters along. "Being friends on a mission together, like us," The fairy motions to Zeg, Flynn and Faelan. "Means we have each other's backs and can help each other out!" She looks around."Righ? Right?"
Then Navi flies forth to poke and knock at the cage lock, putting her ear against it as if it were a ticking clock. "Hmm..." She wonders if that description of the jingle jangle as a set of keys would be enough to locate them, but on the other hand... "If the hag locked you in here, then would she have the jingle jangle? Or is there another set somewhere we can access to get you out maybe on our way to Downfall? Or was it Zybilna the queen that we were seeking advice from first?" She blabbers her thoughts out loud to share with the others to prompt some discussion/thoughts and put her back on track in the right direction.
just an unstable unicorn.
Having caught up with the others. “Heya doc. Name’s Faelan, y’all can call me Cottontail if ya prefer. Do ya think this Queen Zylbina can get ya outta there?”
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Zeg listens carefully to everything Mercion has to say. "Which way is Downfall then and how far? We can carry you and we'll find the hag. We have business with her as well so you might as well come with us. We'll find the key or a way past the lock. Unless you can point us in the direction you were headed. Maybe Wigglewog was taking you to wherever this Jingle Jangle is and that's where we find the key. That might be the better plan."