The creature seems to glare into Salazar as then everyone except for him hears the following in their heads: "For those of you who are not imbeciles, which I assume is everyone except for him. I am a pseudodragon, now please free me!"
Lesley has read about these creatures. They are indeed called Pseudodragons.
The elusive pseudodragon dwells in the quiet places of the world, making its home in the hollows of trees and small caves. With its red-brown scales, horns, and a maw filled with sharp teeth, a pseudodragon resembles a tiny red dragon but its disposition is playful.
Quiet and Defensive. Pseudodragons have little interest in other creatures, and they avoid them whenever possible. If it is attacked, a pseudodragon fights back using the poisonous stinger at the tip of its tail, one jab of which can put a creature into a catatonic state that can last for hours.
Draconic Familiars. Mages often seek out pseudodragons, whose agreeable disposition, telepathic ability, and resistance to magic make them superior familiars. Pseudodragons are selective when it comes to choosing companions, but they can sometimes be won over with gifts of food or treasure. When a pseudodragon finds an agreeable companion, it bonds with that person as long as it is treated fairly. A pseudodragon puts up ill-treatment, and it abandons a manipulative or abusive companion without warning.
"Incredible! I have read of pseudodragons, but I have never had the experience of meeting one!" Lesley moves toward the door, is it locked? Could Lesley open it from inside with Mage Hand?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
“What? Did I say something wrong? Why are you all looking at me sideways and snickering? Did that damned minstrel tell me wrongly?” Salazar sees Paulo turning pink at the ears with his laughter.
“Well, my apologies if I misidentified you, not-bird-thing. say-DOH-dragon, did you name it, Lesley? Well, I meant no offense. Salazar Roaringhorn of Amphail, at your service.”
If a pseudodragon could blush... anyway, the door is indeed locked. Although not anymore as Paulo does magic with his tools. As the door unlocks Paulo moves in and undoes her manacles. As he begins rubbing her scales she does look apprehensive at first, but then seems to... purr? Indeed, it is a very strange sound, but it sounds like a very guttural cat purr. Eventually, Elonast perches itself on Paulo's shoulder. It then looks a Salazar still pointedly, but with a bit less hostility as he alone hears in his head: "Thank you for the apology Salazar Roaringhorn of Amphail. I am a pseudodragon. I hope that clears things up for you." Then she looks around at the lot of you: "Come. Quickly we should move down this passageway -" at that exact moment another great rumble occurs from somewhere above you, the battle is still clearly going on strong. "quickly... Why are you all here anyway?"
Ord remains silent but appears absolutely mortified at the hasty release of the pseudodragon.
Nonetheless, he moves after the others. But he keeps a wary eye on the dragon (hiding his anxiety poorly) and attempts to discern whether it is leading them into a trap.
Lesley wakes himself up from his awed stare, clears his throat, and stands up straight. “Well, Elonast, we have been sent to retrieve the spellbook of the Duchess of Rot, Zaldara Coldress! We believe that she holds the key to ceasing a vile plague that has claimed the souls of many and prevented resurrection...”Lesley lowers himself down a little, “would you be interested in helping us?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The dragon speaks in all of your minds: "Ah... you've been sent to retrieve her phylactery, well I would be happy to help my freers. I know many of the traps that fill this complex, and I shall be able to guide you to safety. Although I am afraid I cannot help out too much in terms of her physical guardians, but in terms of her myriad of traps simply follow my instructions and you shall be safe. Now come, let us go!" As you guys are then walking she questions Lesley individually: "What is this plague that you speak of? Something like that should be impossible..."
Lesley gets a little flustered, “Well, yes, it is. Or at least should be. By the basic laws of equivalent exchange that have been set for eons, this shouldn’t happen. However, the material components are no longer taking. The souls won’t return. I can assure you that it is not a matter of the soul not wanting to return, instead, we cannot even gain a tether of communication. It’s like the soul isn’t available for resurrection. According to Amadeus Beron, researcher of goblinoid culture, this effect is like one seen in the goblinoid bogeymen, Barghests. Where a soul cannot be raised because it is not there anymore. However, nothing could consume that many souls at once. It must be something else.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
"It is as Lesley has said, the dead cannot be risen." Paulo sets a calming hand on Ord's shoulder. He continues, "Someone close to us, a friend and benefactor to us all recently was taken by a wasting sickness that appears to afflict those who have been resurrected previously. It is doubtlessly related. There are some in power who believe that your old mistress may well have some crucial answers to the questions that we are hoping to answer. So, pray tell, noble Elonast, what's the most expedient way to get to her spell book and phylactery?" Paulo starts moving toward the hall.
“First things, first lads. Mistress Elonast, ahem, Salazar again. Still sorry about the bird thing. Erhm. Is there any one else in these cells? Behind this other door? I’d not wish to leave something wholesome to rot in this place, nor something foul to slink up behind us…” and then, as he begins to imagine what things might go bump on this particular night, Salazar audibly gulps and grows quiet.
As you continue walking you pass by several cells, one has the body of a rotting, dead tiefling, another has a plethora of dis-limbed hands and feet, while the other has a plethora of gems and bones inside. Elonast notes to all of you, but Salazar especially: "Watch out, inside each one of these is a terrible trap. Let us continue."
"Paulo, leaving wealth behind just because there might be risk?" Salazar questions. "Well. It seems your time in the east has changed you more than I realized." Salazar looks about, noting gems and valuables wistfully. "If your new friend says move on, then so we shall. Is there anywhere abouts that valuables might be safer to liberate, mistress?"
Lesley nods, “Yes, perhaps in the same area of the spellbook? We are on a limited timeframe. We shall concede to your wisdom in this situation, Elonast.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Lesley studies the creature intensely, Arcana: 5.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
“A talking bird? I’ve heard of these. It’s called a “kinko” or some such! Marvelous!”
The creature seems to glare into Salazar as then everyone except for him hears the following in their heads: "For those of you who are not imbeciles, which I assume is everyone except for him. I am a pseudodragon, now please free me!"
Lesley has read about these creatures. They are indeed called Pseudodragons.
The elusive pseudodragon dwells in the quiet places of the world, making its home in the hollows of trees and small caves. With its red-brown scales, horns, and a maw filled with sharp teeth, a pseudodragon resembles a tiny red dragon but its disposition is playful.
Quiet and Defensive. Pseudodragons have little interest in other creatures, and they avoid them whenever possible. If it is attacked, a pseudodragon fights back using the poisonous stinger at the tip of its tail, one jab of which can put a creature into a catatonic state that can last for hours.
Draconic Familiars. Mages often seek out pseudodragons, whose agreeable disposition, telepathic ability, and resistance to magic make them superior familiars. Pseudodragons are selective when it comes to choosing companions, but they can sometimes be won over with gifts of food or treasure. When a pseudodragon finds an agreeable companion, it bonds with that person as long as it is treated fairly. A pseudodragon puts up ill-treatment, and it abandons a manipulative or abusive companion without warning.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
"Incredible! I have read of pseudodragons, but I have never had the experience of meeting one!" Lesley moves toward the door, is it locked? Could Lesley open it from inside with Mage Hand?
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
“What? Did I say something wrong? Why are you all looking at me sideways and snickering? Did that damned minstrel tell me wrongly?” Salazar sees Paulo turning pink at the ears with his laughter.
“Well, my apologies if I misidentified you, not-bird-thing. say-DOH-dragon, did you name it, Lesley? Well, I meant no offense. Salazar Roaringhorn of Amphail, at your service.”
Day 9, 1809 hours
If a pseudodragon could blush... anyway, the door is indeed locked. Although not anymore as Paulo does magic with his tools. As the door unlocks Paulo moves in and undoes her manacles. As he begins rubbing her scales she does look apprehensive at first, but then seems to... purr? Indeed, it is a very strange sound, but it sounds like a very guttural cat purr. Eventually, Elonast perches itself on Paulo's shoulder. It then looks a Salazar still pointedly, but with a bit less hostility as he alone hears in his head: "Thank you for the apology Salazar Roaringhorn of Amphail. I am a pseudodragon. I hope that clears things up for you." Then she looks around at the lot of you: "Come. Quickly we should move down this passageway -" at that exact moment another great rumble occurs from somewhere above you, the battle is still clearly going on strong. "quickly... Why are you all here anyway?"
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Ord remains silent but appears absolutely mortified at the hasty release of the pseudodragon.
Nonetheless, he moves after the others. But he keeps a wary eye on the dragon (hiding his anxiety poorly) and attempts to discern whether it is leading them into a trap.
Lesley wakes himself up from his awed stare, clears his throat, and stands up straight. “Well, Elonast, we have been sent to retrieve the spellbook of the Duchess of Rot, Zaldara Coldress! We believe that she holds the key to ceasing a vile plague that has claimed the souls of many and prevented resurrection...” Lesley lowers himself down a little, “would you be interested in helping us?”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Ord's eyes widen to dinner plates and his beard quivers. He attempts to subtly pull on Lesley's robe to get him to stop talking.
The dragon speaks in all of your minds: "Ah... you've been sent to retrieve her phylactery, well I would be happy to help my freers. I know many of the traps that fill this complex, and I shall be able to guide you to safety. Although I am afraid I cannot help out too much in terms of her physical guardians, but in terms of her myriad of traps simply follow my instructions and you shall be safe. Now come, let us go!" As you guys are then walking she questions Lesley individually: "What is this plague that you speak of? Something like that should be impossible..."
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Lesley gets a little flustered, “Well, yes, it is. Or at least should be. By the basic laws of equivalent exchange that have been set for eons, this shouldn’t happen. However, the material components are no longer taking. The souls won’t return. I can assure you that it is not a matter of the soul not wanting to return, instead, we cannot even gain a tether of communication. It’s like the soul isn’t available for resurrection. According to Amadeus Beron, researcher of goblinoid culture, this effect is like one seen in the goblinoid bogeymen, Barghests. Where a soul cannot be raised because it is not there anymore. However, nothing could consume that many souls at once. It must be something else.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
"It is as Lesley has said, the dead cannot be risen." Paulo sets a calming hand on Ord's shoulder. He continues, "Someone close to us, a friend and benefactor to us all recently was taken by a wasting sickness that appears to afflict those who have been resurrected previously. It is doubtlessly related. There are some in power who believe that your old mistress may well have some crucial answers to the questions that we are hoping to answer. So, pray tell, noble Elonast, what's the most expedient way to get to her spell book and phylactery?" Paulo starts moving toward the hall.
“First things, first lads. Mistress Elonast, ahem, Salazar again. Still sorry about the bird thing. Erhm. Is there any one else in these cells? Behind this other door? I’d not wish to leave something wholesome to rot in this place, nor something foul to slink up behind us…” and then, as he begins to imagine what things might go bump on this particular night, Salazar audibly gulps and grows quiet.
As you continue walking you pass by several cells, one has the body of a rotting, dead tiefling, another has a plethora of dis-limbed hands and feet, while the other has a plethora of gems and bones inside. Elonast notes to all of you, but Salazar especially: "Watch out, inside each one of these is a terrible trap. Let us continue."
Do you continue?
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Paulo looks to the others and signs a quick gesture indicating he'd like to keep moving at the Pseudodragon's reccommedation.
"Paulo, leaving wealth behind just because there might be risk?" Salazar questions. "Well. It seems your time in the east has changed you more than I realized." Salazar looks about, noting gems and valuables wistfully. "If your new friend says move on, then so we shall. Is there anywhere abouts that valuables might be safer to liberate, mistress?"
Lesley nods, “Yes, perhaps in the same area of the spellbook? We are on a limited timeframe. We shall concede to your wisdom in this situation, Elonast.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Ord gazes into the grim spectacle of the cells and pales. Who hides a trap beneath such carnage? Who would even thing to disturb such things?
As they advance Ord invokes Amaunator and mutters under his breath, Amaunator watches. Amaunator proects.
Ord casts Guidance on Paulo, who now has a small golden disk floating just before his forehead.
Paulo appears not to notice the disk floating above his head as he begins to make his way forward as quietly as possible.