"Fair enough. let me know if you come up with something, though, and I'll help as best as I can."Elspeth replies as she shoots another stone at the dragon, unable to think of anything else to do at the moment.
When Soar's javelin (assumedly) misses again in that last attack, she'll try to kick it in the same follow-through movement from throwing the javelin. Kicking the air totally ineffectually, but, if this were taking place in a parallel universe where people weren't being murdered by a dragon, it would be hilarious. This is what accompanies her "piss off, dragon"exhortation.
This time, Elspeth, Breena and Jalt all find their mark, all hitting the same wing. There's a ragged cheer from the guards, quickly silenced by the governor. But the dragon is clearly having trouble with its wing, and straining to keep in the air. It flies away, and then further away. The ragged cheers resume and grow louder as the dragon flies further and further away, showing no signs of turning back.
You all stand, and the governor comes over to speak to you. We are blessed to have your calibre of warriors on our side tonight. I had suspected, had hoped, that the dragon might be driven off. I was afraid to give voice to my hopes, lest they be dashed. And it may return, of course. But it was never fully committed to the attack, or never seemed so to me. It might have laid waste to the whole town, but was holding back, letting others do the work, and keeping us locked down in the keep. They say dragons are haughty creatures. I would be wary if you encounter this creature again; it may have seen enough to recognise you, and I suspect its pride took a knock tonight. Quiet! This to the guards, who stop cheering and look a little embarrassed. The night's work is far from over.
Soar finishes her futile air-kick, sees the dragon disappear into the sky, turns around to the others, and says, "I knew we could do it!"She looks a little mournfully at her one remaining javelin. "I suppose a bit of practice wouldn't hurt, though. Sorry everyone, nowhere to go but up for me in the javelin target practice department. Talk about the broad side of a barn! Nice shooting everyone."
When the governor comes over to speak to the group, she places her hand on her chest and bows her head. "I only wish I were a higher caliber of warrior, and I might have prevented more bloodshed. I'm so sorry for your losses. It wasn't their time. Your guards were very, very brave, and I hope they know it. Be easy on them with the cheering -- it's a very big thing to survive such horror. That dragon, and whoever it's working with, have a lot to answer for. To that end, do you know, at all, who's running this operation, and why, and what we need to do to stop it? And do you think they're going to stay up all night?"She'd be stifling a yawn if the adrenaline wasn't still pumping through her after the dragon attack.
Jalt exhales deeply The governor is correct. That dragon could have done much more damage. As fortunate as we are, and thanks to the grace of Bahamut, perhaps we persuaded it to believe that this fight was not worth fighting. He turns his attention to his group. It is not easy fighting a dragon. You all continue to impress me. Like Soar says, I wish we were better and could have prevented the loss of life here tonight.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
The governor nods solemnly, and the body of a dead guard is carried past you and down into the ward. The moment of triumph has definitely passed, and the remaining guards are feeling the length of the night now. They back away respectfully from the governor and you, giving you space to talk.
That, my lady, is the great unanswered question. Who are these people? What do they want in attacking us? Do they serve the dragon, or do all serve another master? What is their plan? And above all, how can we be rid of them? He grips his gauntlet-clad hand fiercely, as though imagining gripping the neck of an attacker and squeezing. You have proven yourself tonight, but I am not reluctant to ask more of you. We need a prisoner; not just any grunt, but one of their commanders or most faithful. We have seen that some wear tattered leather armour - mercenaries or bandits, I would wager. Others wear robes, and these are the ones who know what we need, I think. Bring me back one alive to interrogate.
As he is speaking, the red-haired dwarf Escobert walks over to you, and nods in agreement. A prisoner. I can work with that. Nothing too rough, you have my word, my friends. But separated from their friends and confronted with a bleak future, many folk will talk. I hope that will be the case here.
(It's up to you how you want to approach this mission, if you accept it. You've more choices than in previous tasks, and there are many good paths to what you want. You can ask the governor or anyone else questions before you go, or look out into the town for information (though visibility is limited). If you go ahead, let me know your plans.)
"Hmm, this might be hard, but we can give it a shot."Soar says, turning to her friends. "Should we go out into the town and hunt for a suitable conversation partner to bring back here? I'm happy to pick a spot out there and lie in wait, hidden, while the more stealthy people go around to find a small group to bring them back for an ambush. Or the other way around, perhaps I could draw back a small group to an ambush and the sneakier ones of you can stay hidden and jump out and get the jump on them?"
My fear...Jalt interjects.. My fear is that if we do not complete the task quickly, we will start to suffer from exhaustion. He closes his eyes for a second, trying to just breathe it all in. He turns to the governor. Sir, what intel if any have you been able to gather on where the robed ones might be? Could a scout perhaps point us in a direction where we can use the darkness and shadows to our advantage?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Adrenaline fading with the disappearance of the dragon, Breena nods in agreement with Jalt's words. "I'm not opposed to helping, but we cannot go on forever without rest. So, I guess we have to find someone quickly or maybe send a scout to try and follow those that might be retreating with the dragon. Do you have anyone you can spare that might be able to do something like that?"
Elspeth stares at the disappearing dragon until it is out of sight, then turns to her companions. "Ambush sounds like a plan, if we cause a distraction and then lead them to somewhere where we can lie in wait. This seems like the sort of thing where we should have a solid plan before starting. Like you said, we can't last the whole night."
"I'm a little hurt." she answered Soar, wincing sightly as she poked the gash on her forehead, "but it's not too bad, I can keep going for the moment."
I have scouts, the Governor replies, good men and women. They're not fighters, mind you. I doubt they could be of help in facing down these attackers. But they can guide you wherever you wish to go. As for the location of the robed ones, I don't know. Those who've joined us through the night have reported seeing them, and running from them, here and there. But I've no sense of their purpose, and we don't know of any particular command location.
Breena doesn't really see anything; the night is dark and darkvision doesn't really go all that far.
The governor gives a shout, and about a minute later a young gnome with long black hair and what looks like some nice new leather armour comes up the steps and joins you on the parapet. This is Clara, one of my best scouts. Clara, these fine folks may have a mission for you. The woman looks at you with a cautious, considering expression.
Jalt approaches Clara and extends his hand Pleasure Clara, since the governor says you are one of his best scouts, we need someone with your skills. We need to find the best route to navigate the city without bringing too much attention to ourselves. We need to find these robed leaders and we need to bring one back. Your assistance would be paramount in trying to get a sense of what is going on here.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Jalt, Clara nods politely, and perhaps a little nervously, as you approach. As the Governor says, I'm a decent scout, and I can guide you anywhere you want to go in the town. So where is it you want to go?
Jalt ponders for a second. You wouldn't by chance have a map of the town handy would you? Something that just lines up or shows the buildings around here. Maybe by looking at one, we can figure out where some of these leaders may be stationed or congregating.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Clara glances at the governor, who nods. She leads you down the stairs and into the keep.
You enter a musty, dusty room, perhaps twenty feet across, big enough to hold you all but not much more. The stone walls are lined with shelves, and the shelves filled with books and parchments of all sizes, many seemingly of great age. There is a definite smell that those of you who have spent your lives in study would recognise as belonging to ancient books, well-tended and free of mould or other defect, yet strong in their smell and their presence. The dust is thick; this room is not much used. Clara grabs a lantern from outside and leaves her torch there, taking no naked flames into the room. As you look around, she goes to a large central table that is covered with parchments large and small; she moves one her, another there, and eventually pulls out a large, tattered piece of parchment about two feet across, which she places on top of the pile. I've no use for maps, for I grew up here and know every nook and cranny. But, here you go. Take a look.
Carla points in the dim light from the lantern to the large building near the centre; The Keep, and to the building in the south-east: The Temple of Chauntea. She looks up at you. So, where do you want to go?
"Fair enough. let me know if you come up with something, though, and I'll help as best as I can." Elspeth replies as she shoots another stone at the dragon, unable to think of anything else to do at the moment.
Attack: 21 Damage: 6
When Soar's javelin (assumedly) misses again in that last attack, she'll try to kick it in the same follow-through movement from throwing the javelin. Kicking the air totally ineffectually, but, if this were taking place in a parallel universe where people weren't being murdered by a dragon, it would be hilarious. This is what accompanies her "piss off, dragon" exhortation.
Dragon DEX save: 9
This time, Elspeth, Breena and Jalt all find their mark, all hitting the same wing. There's a ragged cheer from the guards, quickly silenced by the governor. But the dragon is clearly having trouble with its wing, and straining to keep in the air. It flies away, and then further away. The ragged cheers resume and grow louder as the dragon flies further and further away, showing no signs of turning back.
You all stand, and the governor comes over to speak to you. We are blessed to have your calibre of warriors on our side tonight. I had suspected, had hoped, that the dragon might be driven off. I was afraid to give voice to my hopes, lest they be dashed. And it may return, of course. But it was never fully committed to the attack, or never seemed so to me. It might have laid waste to the whole town, but was holding back, letting others do the work, and keeping us locked down in the keep. They say dragons are haughty creatures. I would be wary if you encounter this creature again; it may have seen enough to recognise you, and I suspect its pride took a knock tonight. Quiet! This to the guards, who stop cheering and look a little embarrassed. The night's work is far from over.
Soar finishes her futile air-kick, sees the dragon disappear into the sky, turns around to the others, and says, "I knew we could do it!" She looks a little mournfully at her one remaining javelin. "I suppose a bit of practice wouldn't hurt, though. Sorry everyone, nowhere to go but up for me in the javelin target practice department. Talk about the broad side of a barn! Nice shooting everyone."
When the governor comes over to speak to the group, she places her hand on her chest and bows her head. "I only wish I were a higher caliber of warrior, and I might have prevented more bloodshed. I'm so sorry for your losses. It wasn't their time. Your guards were very, very brave, and I hope they know it. Be easy on them with the cheering -- it's a very big thing to survive such horror. That dragon, and whoever it's working with, have a lot to answer for. To that end, do you know, at all, who's running this operation, and why, and what we need to do to stop it? And do you think they're going to stay up all night?" She'd be stifling a yawn if the adrenaline wasn't still pumping through her after the dragon attack.
Jalt exhales deeply The governor is correct. That dragon could have done much more damage. As fortunate as we are, and thanks to the grace of Bahamut, perhaps we persuaded it to believe that this fight was not worth fighting. He turns his attention to his group. It is not easy fighting a dragon. You all continue to impress me. Like Soar says, I wish we were better and could have prevented the loss of life here tonight.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
The governor nods solemnly, and the body of a dead guard is carried past you and down into the ward. The moment of triumph has definitely passed, and the remaining guards are feeling the length of the night now. They back away respectfully from the governor and you, giving you space to talk.
That, my lady, is the great unanswered question. Who are these people? What do they want in attacking us? Do they serve the dragon, or do all serve another master? What is their plan? And above all, how can we be rid of them? He grips his gauntlet-clad hand fiercely, as though imagining gripping the neck of an attacker and squeezing. You have proven yourself tonight, but I am not reluctant to ask more of you. We need a prisoner; not just any grunt, but one of their commanders or most faithful. We have seen that some wear tattered leather armour - mercenaries or bandits, I would wager. Others wear robes, and these are the ones who know what we need, I think. Bring me back one alive to interrogate.
As he is speaking, the red-haired dwarf Escobert walks over to you, and nods in agreement. A prisoner. I can work with that. Nothing too rough, you have my word, my friends. But separated from their friends and confronted with a bleak future, many folk will talk. I hope that will be the case here.
(It's up to you how you want to approach this mission, if you accept it. You've more choices than in previous tasks, and there are many good paths to what you want. You can ask the governor or anyone else questions before you go, or look out into the town for information (though visibility is limited). If you go ahead, let me know your plans.)
"Hmm, this might be hard, but we can give it a shot." Soar says, turning to her friends. "Should we go out into the town and hunt for a suitable conversation partner to bring back here? I'm happy to pick a spot out there and lie in wait, hidden, while the more stealthy people go around to find a small group to bring them back for an ambush. Or the other way around, perhaps I could draw back a small group to an ambush and the sneakier ones of you can stay hidden and jump out and get the jump on them?"
My fear... Jalt interjects.. My fear is that if we do not complete the task quickly, we will start to suffer from exhaustion. He closes his eyes for a second, trying to just breathe it all in. He turns to the governor. Sir, what intel if any have you been able to gather on where the robed ones might be? Could a scout perhaps point us in a direction where we can use the darkness and shadows to our advantage?
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Adrenaline fading with the disappearance of the dragon, Breena nods in agreement with Jalt's words. "I'm not opposed to helping, but we cannot go on forever without rest. So, I guess we have to find someone quickly or maybe send a scout to try and follow those that might be retreating with the dragon. Do you have anyone you can spare that might be able to do something like that?"
Rees Changeling Rogue in Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citadel
Nikya Centaur Blood Hunter in Death House Halloween Oneshot
Soar blinks and looks to her companions. "Does anyone need healing?"
Elspeth stares at the disappearing dragon until it is out of sight, then turns to her companions. "Ambush sounds like a plan, if we cause a distraction and then lead them to somewhere where we can lie in wait. This seems like the sort of thing where we should have a solid plan before starting. Like you said, we can't last the whole night."
"I'm a little hurt." she answered Soar, wincing sightly as she poked the gash on her forehead, "but it's not too bad, I can keep going for the moment."
I have scouts, the Governor replies, good men and women. They're not fighters, mind you. I doubt they could be of help in facing down these attackers. But they can guide you wherever you wish to go. As for the location of the robed ones, I don't know. Those who've joined us through the night have reported seeing them, and running from them, here and there. But I've no sense of their purpose, and we don't know of any particular command location.
Breena, make a Perception check.
(OOC: For healing, don't forget that you have goodberries)
Perception: 16
Editing to see if the dice will work.... (oof, now I wish I'd left it as dice rolls unavailable xD)
Rees Changeling Rogue in Tales From the Yawning Portal: Sunless Citadel
Nikya Centaur Blood Hunter in Death House Halloween Oneshot
Breena doesn't really see anything; the night is dark and darkvision doesn't really go all that far.
The governor gives a shout, and about a minute later a young gnome with long black hair and what looks like some nice new leather armour comes up the steps and joins you on the parapet. This is Clara, one of my best scouts. Clara, these fine folks may have a mission for you. The woman looks at you with a cautious, considering expression.
Jalt approaches Clara and extends his hand Pleasure Clara, since the governor says you are one of his best scouts, we need someone with your skills. We need to find the best route to navigate the city without bringing too much attention to ourselves. We need to find these robed leaders and we need to bring one back. Your assistance would be paramount in trying to get a sense of what is going on here.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Jalt, Clara nods politely, and perhaps a little nervously, as you approach. As the Governor says, I'm a decent scout, and I can guide you anywhere you want to go in the town. So where is it you want to go?
Jalt ponders for a second. You wouldn't by chance have a map of the town handy would you? Something that just lines up or shows the buildings around here. Maybe by looking at one, we can figure out where some of these leaders may be stationed or congregating.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Clara glances at the governor, who nods. She leads you down the stairs and into the keep.
You enter a musty, dusty room, perhaps twenty feet across, big enough to hold you all but not much more. The stone walls are lined with shelves, and the shelves filled with books and parchments of all sizes, many seemingly of great age. There is a definite smell that those of you who have spent your lives in study would recognise as belonging to ancient books, well-tended and free of mould or other defect, yet strong in their smell and their presence. The dust is thick; this room is not much used. Clara grabs a lantern from outside and leaves her torch there, taking no naked flames into the room. As you look around, she goes to a large central table that is covered with parchments large and small; she moves one her, another there, and eventually pulls out a large, tattered piece of parchment about two feet across, which she places on top of the pile. I've no use for maps, for I grew up here and know every nook and cranny. But, here you go. Take a look.
What she shows you is this:
( Are we in the middle of the map? The Cathedral bottom right?)
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
(OOC: That's right)
Carla points in the dim light from the lantern to the large building near the centre; The Keep, and to the building in the south-east: The Temple of Chauntea. She looks up at you. So, where do you want to go?