Koll enjoys the evening's festivities and takes to bed soon after. He wakes early in the morning, and finds a secluded spot to meditate, exercise and prepare. In his exercises he once again tests his limits of pain, whipping himself with a knotted length of rope, feeling the energy of his pain being absorbed by his cloak and stored to become healing power. Then he takes up his new quarterstaff and practices with it. Spinning it with speed and precision, he wields it with confidence, using the same martial principles of circular motion that Eeneko had taught him.
He says a short prayer to Ilmater, asking for the strength to help bring these people out of their darkness. He then goes to find the others. Hopefully, they can agree on a strategy to face the dragon.
Singe walks into the dining hall, Lera, who already has a cup of coffee in hand, is already there. "Singe!" She pulls him aside, giving him a quick hug. "Thanks for reading my mind. Now never do it again!"
"Yes, of course." Singe says, still a little sleepy. He sips his coffee, he frowns, "The tea is better. How did last night go?"
“Good,” Lera blushes. "Fine. It went fine."
"Just fine?" Singe raises an eyebrow.
"Shut up" Lera punches him in the arm lightly.
"Better than fine then." Singe sips his coffee, "Did she kiss you?"
"I'm not going to answer you," Lera tries to stifle a smile.
Singe sighs a sigh of relief, "Thank Sune! I'm happy you had a wonderful evening."
"You and Perrin are not allowed to help anymore," Lera whispers crossly.
Singe holds up his hands defensively, "Only moving things along."
"You made me more scared!"
Singe smiles, "Please, you were going to be fine. And it worked out, didn't it?"
"Maybe," Lera is suddenly very occupied with her coffee.
Singe smiles, "I would like a fuller story." He picks up a piece of toast, "But that'll work. Meet us at the meeting place when you're ready." Singe walks towards the door.
"Wait a second and I'll just come with you," Lera pushes her coffee cup into Singe's hands before darting back to Vera. "Hey," she leans against a counter, trying to appear nonchalant. "Thanks... for everything. I'm going to go to the planning meeting, but I promise I’ll see you again before we leave."
Vera gives Lera a smile. "Alright, you'd better. I..." she says, pausing, lightly touching Lera's hand. "I'm going to be a wreck as it is."
"There's no need to worry, we'll be fine," Lera laughs nervously. She bites her lip before leaning forward and kissing Vera. "I'll be back soon."
When Lera turns back, Singe is nodding and smiling slightly as he finishes off his toast. Singe hands Lera's coffee back to her, and nods, "Well done."
"Not a word of this to anyone," she takes a sip, looking over her shoulder as they leave the kitchen. "Especially my father."
"Not a word." Singe walks briskly, "Why not your father, would he not approve, or is it the usual teenage-parent relationship?"
"I just think he'll be pissed if he finds out I’ve been kissing someone from anyone other than me," Lera fidgets with the rings on her fingers. "That's all."
Singe nods, "Do it sooner rather than later. The truth gets harder and meaner the long it sits."
"I know," Lera rolls her eyes. "It's just a little hard to bring up what with the giant ice dragon looming over us. What do I say? 'Hey, pops, I think we should try to start a cave in, and also I have a girlfriend now'."
"Yeah, save for after the fight." Singe sips his coffee, "And if you die, I'll let him know."
“Nobody is going to die, you gloomy grouch,” Lera frowns.
"May Tymora be in our favor." Singe says as he approaches 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
The Scarlet Dawn gathers in the hut where they had met earlier with Sam.
Zamar wanders into the meeting point looking rested, but solemn. There is something missing from his usual jaunty demeanor. He enters the hut and greets his friends. "Morning, all! Who is ready to kill a dragon?" he says with forced cheer.
Shanolia looks over at him for a brief moment before returning to her nervous pacing.
Now that everyone has arrived Koll speaks. "Friends," he says, also seeming somewhat grim, "we must agree on a plan of action. I have already shared my ideas with Singe and Woe, but I will present them to you now. We should at first see if we can negotiate with the dragon. I have a diamond that I grabbed from the modron's ship which is worth at least 2000gp. We can use that as an offering to gain an audience with the dragon. We should flatter its ego and make it seem as if we wish to serve its best interests. We find out what we can from it about its arrangement with Lord Embree and so on, and if we can reach a diplomatic solution, then why not? Perhaps with the right incentive it will turn on Embree? That may be optimistic, however. I then suggest that we convince the dragon to use the drug, Thraul. We have three doses left from Port Nyanzaru. We convince it that it will be the first among dragonkind to have access to this realm, where it may discover untold power and influence. If that works, then the dragon will be at our mercy. A few minutes in the dream world equals hours of real time. What we do in that time is up for debate. I don't think we should use it to slay the beast while it lays helpless. That does not feel right to me. But perhaps we could chain up the dragon, or find some other way gaining an upper hand once it wakes up. What do you all think?"
"The only upper hand we need is the Thraul." Shanolia continues pacing, not once looking at the group. "Why risk it breaking its binds and slaughtering us all when we can end it right there?"
“And if the thraul doesn’t work?" Lera asks. "I’d rather try to sneak in than risk our lives trying to reason with a wild dragon,. Lera frowns. “None of us even speak draconic, and while most of us are talkers and not fighters, this plan relies on too much to go right. My dad and I can both cast invisibility once, so at least two people can sneak in completely unseen. We also need to figure out a way to separate the dragon from her army of kobolds, perhaps by causing a cave in?"
"I would never consent to harming an innocent," Zamar says, "or even someone who falls within the gray, but chromatic dragons are cruel and evil. I do not feel the need to best it in a fair fight. If we incapacitate it, I say we finish it. As to the Thraul, if we can find a way to communicate with it, then I am all for that plan. I am leery of negotiating with a beast who does not appear to understand us."
"I can understand the dragon," Singe pipes up, "I also have a way of binding it." Singe produces the iron bands of Bilarro.
“I’m leaning to Zamar," says Perrin. "If you cannot change an evil creature then it is for the greater good that we destroy it.” He looks straight at Zamar to continue saying, “And I just want to say again, if you guys are having second thoughts then you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to do this just because my family is involved.”
"That scaled bastard very nearly killed us all," Shanolia says. "I'd say its days are at an end."
"I think a cave in would only work if there was one entrance to the cave," says Singe, considering all options. "If I was a flying creature, I would plan multiple escapes." He looks at Perrin, "This is more than just your family now. I'm terrified, but I don't want these people to starve to death in a small cave."
"I would not be alive if not for these folk," responds Zamar. "Beyond that, we are their best hope. I will succeed or die trying."
Perrin continues staring at Zamar and says, “And you’re okay with that? Because I don’t want anything forced on you.”
"I am more than okay," says Zamar. "The life I live now is borrowed. I should be dead. If I pay back that loan in the service of my saviors, so be it. This is a choice I would make whether you were here or not. And, to be honest, I would make it whether they had saved me or not. I am just...facing my own mortality with much more frequency of late. It is a feeling I dislike."
“I think we’re all facing it with much more frequency than normal," says Perrin. "It’s the life of an adventurer. A life we signed up for.”
Zamar nods. "I am a more reluctant convert to the life of adventuring, but am trying to warm to it."
“Oh we are definitely killing this dragon,” Lera says with some enthusiasm. “Singe, understanding the dragon and being able to speak back to it are two different things. But those iron bands, those would be useful.”
"I understand the difference. I am laying all the cards on the table." Singe also produces two vials of brackish liquid, "I also have these, a potion of strength and a potion of growth."
"If we’re doing that then I still have the spell gem to use if we need to," Perrin says. "If I strike it when it’s considerably low then it’ll be banished for a bit and we’ll be able to get a quick couple minute breather in. And who knows, maybe Frank will come back to help. "
"No." Singe says. "We are not getting the help of your zealous sword."
“It’ll be better this time," promises Perrin. "I think I could tap into its power without the full possession thing.”
Just then, the flap of the hut pulled back, and Vera entered, carrying a platter of toast and a kettle of coffee. "Sorry for interrupting. I didn't see some of you, so I thought I'd bring you breakfast. I apologize for how little there is." She glanced over at Lera, smiled, and quickly looked away. Glancing around, she said, "Oh, I don't see Sam. I bet he's sleeping in. I'll go wake him." She gave another warm smile to the group, then headed back outside.
Perrin rolls his eyes at the mention of his dad sleeping in. “If it wasn’t for me and Ma I doubt any of the morning chores would have been done on the farm.”
“We, umm, we need to focus on how we’re going to get to the dragon," Lera says, " and how we plan to keep the kobolds at bay, and what to do when we face her.” Lera stutters a little as she tries to get back on track after seeing Vera. “The first two problems are the most important and should be addressed first.”
"Everything all right?" Zamar asks his daughter.
Koll saw something odd in Lera's manner when Vera came in, and he raises an eyebrow as he looks at her. She has feelings for the other girl, perhaps? That it is really none of his business, so he carries on, trying one more time to sell his plan. "I'm not going to argue - you are all very intelligent and influential people and I am but a humble monk. I will follow your lead. But I will say that my plan does address those things. If you are concerned about too many things having to go right, then I ask you to present a plan that doesn't have many chances for things to go wrong."
“I think trying to get it take thraul is a plan," says Perrin. "We do need to keep the kobolds away. A cave in could work if we had a way of getting out ourselves. I was also think Zamar could do his flame wall.”
"And if my dad is knocked unconscious," says Lera, "the flame wall goes down. The cave in is a more permanent solution."
“But can we get out if we cave ourselves in?” Perrin asks.
"Probably," she says.
"I can use my Lyre to shape the stone," says Zamar, "and get us an exit if the cave-in is not too deep."
"And if the rock is loose enough," Lera adds, "I can definitely excavate."
“I don’t see why that wouldn’t work,” Perrin says to the plan.
Woe has been quiet so far. Listening to the to and fro of the conversation. Then she chimes in: "I think Koll has a strong idea to make the dragon take the Thraul. I would like to offer another way of administering it. Maybe we can sneak in someone invisible and make them blow the smoke up her nostrils? Otherwise, communication might work with Singe understanding draconic and I am sure the dragon understood common when I spoke to it. So a communication might be possible. I am worried about the cave-in. It might keep some of the kobolds out, but it might lock us in with the dragon. The first thing we need to find out is the layout of the lair. Maybe Sam or Sheema and Brod can help us. How far from here, how many entrances, how many forks in the cave system, we don't want to get lost either. And also, how many of Sam's men and women can support our fight..." She looks expectantly for the flap to open again.
“A cave in where?” Singe asks pointedly
“We don’t know yet,” Lera replied to Singe. “The goal with any cave ins would be to keep her in and the kobolds out. Like Woe said, we need a map to know.”
“How do you cause a cave in?” Singe mutters.
"I was planning on loosening the rock and earth in a select few, architecturally important places," Lera replied. "That, or my old man casts shatter a couple of times."
A few more minutes pass, and the flap to the hut opens again. Sam rushes in. "Sorry! I must have slept in. Don't know what I'd do without Vera, the dear girl." He quickly sat, pouring himself some coffee, and shoving some toast in his mouth. "So," he said, after swallowing. "What's your plan?"
“Well...we have some strong ideas on how to lock down the dragon but we’re also worried about kobold reinforcements. We were considering the possibility of a strategic cave-in that blocks them off but without knowledge of the layout of her lair we can’t necessarily pull that off.” Perrin says
Dapple sits, picking at some of the food as the others discuss the merits of their proposed ideas. "If we can incapacitate the creature with your drug, that seems smartest to me. And I agree with those who would kill it while we can. I don't have experience with these icy ones, but my clan told tales of trying to treat with a swamp dragon once. It did not go well and they were betrayed by it. Not again. If we can eliminate the threat to these people, then we should." He looks from face to face, considering. "If it comes to a fight, the cave-in makes sense, to divide our enemies, but it can't happen too soon or we just warn them we are coming, and of our capabilities too." "Sam, any maps you can provide are crucial to our planning. What about the kobolds? Do you know their way numbers? You said they've gotten more plentiful since thus Embree got involved?" His face scrunches as the feline ranger seems to recall a memory. "The kobolds. I've never seen one but I do remember the elders mentioning them at some point too. I... *think* They do speak common, some anyway. And something about being made for the darkness, I think? Maybe they'd be at a disadvantage if we can lure them out of the caves and into the light." (Nature: 12)
“The kobolds. Maybe if it’s just them we could lure them out. I was talking to Zamar and he could potentially imitate Vera or maybe Pa. Someone that could lure out just the kobolds without the dragon.” Perrin says
"I still say we do some hunting ourselves to pick them off beforehand. Harry them, as they have your father's people." Dapple says
“That sounds like a multi-day effort. I think the rest of us are hoping for a single day attack. At least right now. I’m sure after the dragon is taken care of then a kobold will take position as there leader. But that sounds like a problem for a different day.” Perrin comments
Woe nods in agreement with Dapple. "I was thinking we don't have to finish this today. If we can start to decimate the kobolds in two or three different attacks, it would be helpful. But it would also alert the dragon that we are starting to fight back. Would let it in on our tactics and our weapons. So the dragon would be much more prepared."
"The problem is time. There isn't enough food to drag this out, right?" Dapple looks to Sam for confirmation.
Sam nods, solemnly.
“I vote we strike the dragon first while we have the element of surprise and food,” Lera replied solemnly. “The kobolds will become a more manageable problem as soon as we get rid of her.”
"Agreed." Singe says, flipping through his spellbook.
“Another worry that comes from attacking the Kobolds first is that the dragon may counterattack here. I agree that our best bet is to to sneak into where the dragon is. Attempt to immobilize it and potentially cut off the kobolds. And then get out.” Perrin says
"Then we need to trust your drug will work, I guess." Dapple says
"The drug seems highly effective. All we need to do is convince the dragon to accept it." Singe says, not looking up, "We should try to sell it under the pretense that it allows for domination over others."
“In case that doesn’t work we do have other ways that can temporarily bind the dragon. Singe has that ball thing and I have some magic that can temporarily prevent movement.” Perrin adds
"Of a creature of that size?" Singe asks pointedly.
“Yes. Though it is only a couple seconds but that should be enough for everyone to bum rush and get out. Let’s just hope it understands Common because if it doesn’t then it won’t have an effect.” Perrin says
“I suspect I am the most convincing of us. Should we fan out on entry and then I try to convince it? Or perhaps Woe and I together as we did in the tavern?” Zamar says
"I could act as an interrupter if needed." Singe suggests, "Frankly, I'm not great at anything other that."
“Whoever tries to reason with them needs to be prepared to face the brunt of her anger at first,” Lera frowned. “Dad, I’m not sure if either you or Woe are best to be the initial target for an icy blast. This whole ‘reasoning’ idea has me nervous.”
“If the Thraul is our best bet, then we need to put someone there who can convince the dragon to take it. Anyone know a good trick for ice resistance?” Zamar says
“Unfortunately no. But I can be pretty Persuasive when I need to be. Especially with my goddesses help. And I’m a little bit more prepared to take a hit than the rest of you.” Perrin says
“Would persuading invisibly be an option? Keep moving around so the dragon can’t tell exactly where you are.” Zamar asks
“Even if I was invisible the dragon will probably know where I am. I make way too much noise in this armor to be unnoticed.” Perrin responds
"I can try to talk to the dragon and take the drug with her, pretending to show her around. If I feel she cannot do any damage in the dream world, I could just drop out and help you. If there is danger in the other world, then I will have to stay with the dragon and try to lead or manage her through the world. So I would suggest Zamar and I talk to her, a little bit apart so she cannot hit us with one attack, and maybe have Singe as interpreter if she is talking back at us in draconic..." Then Woe turns to Sam. "Sam, can you please tell us everything that you know about the dragon lair. How far is it from here. Do you know how many tunnels lead to it, how many kobolds have you seen around?"
Sam shakes his head. "We don't map the caves. But if you talk to Sheema, she can teach you how to navigate. She's also the most likely to know the information you seek. I've had few run-ins with the dragon or the kobolds."
"Then I guess we all need to go find Sheema. Or could we ask her to come here? That might be easier." Zamar offers
Sam nods. "Allow me to find her." He left the hut. About five minutes later, he returns, Sheema following behind him. She warily eyes Perrin, then glances at the rest of the Scarlet Dawn, still not trusting after the threats of the previous day. Shanolia idly paces, not noticing Sam or Sheema's entry.
"Hey Sheema! Do you happen to have a super convenient map of the dragon’s caves?” Lera asks cheerfully. “We’re trying to figure out how to best separate the dragon from the kobolds, and we need all the help we can get."
Sheema looks at Lera, eyebrow raised. "No, there are no maps. We mark the tunnels as needed so we don't wander into a section that is dangerous."
"That's sensible. What can you tell us that might help us get to the dragon safely so we can dispose of it? Once the dragon is dead, we can figure out how to get rid of the kobolds." Zamar asks.
Sheema frowns. "I... don't know where the dragon actually is." She shifts uncomfortably. "Every attempt to navigate deeper into the caves has been met with resistance. It seems the kobolds are kept at the outer caves to protect the dragon and her lair. We've been too afraid to press too far in, for fear of more retaliation." She sends a glance at Sam, then continues. "We've also witnessed the kobolds using winter wolves in battle. It's unusual behavior from the wolves, and I'm afraid it means the dragon has scared them into submission."
"Perhaps we could lure her out and offer ourselves up as tribute?" Lera suggests. "We say that she can take us as prisoners, and then when we get to her lair, we strike."
"That's not how prisoners work. They don't just lead us to their boss weapons in hand. They take our weapons away and probably lead us to some prison to wait or kill us right there on the spot." Perrin tells Lera.
"What if we turned our best tracker invisible and sent them to try to find the lair?" Zamar suggests.
"Invisibility only lasts for so long," Singe says, "He could be discovered and alone."
"How long would I have?" Dapple asks. He sounds eager.
"An hour," Lera replies. "Or until I lost concentration."
"You'd be safe here though, so no risk of that. It seems smart to learn what we can before going in blind." Dapple reassures the group.
"And what if you get caught? We'll have no way of knowing if you're dead or not," Lera crosses her arms.
Dapple just looks at Lera as if she's a bit slow. "Well... that's the fun part, isn't it? The not getting caught? I'll just do that!," he adds with a toothy grin.
Singe sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. He looks at Sam, "How many days can you hold out?"
Sam shrugs. "We'll be fine. Don't worry about us."
"You’re all out of fresh food," Lera counters. "We need to act like we have days, not weeks or months."
Sam purses his lips together, and remains silent.
"Pa. Don't lie to me. How long can you hold out? It’s important for our planning. I’m thinking maybe a multi-day operation may be the only way to do this." Perrin says.
"We can't properly help if you aren't honest with us," Dapple adds.
Sam places a hand on Perrin's shoulder, giving him a solemn look. "Days at best. But I have a plan. With the dragon and kobolds distracted by your advances, we can send hunters out for meat, and I'll meet with my contacts in the city for supplies."
"That’s still dangerous Pa. You still have to worry about Lord Embree and I don’t know how long we’ll have her attention." Perrin says.
"It has to be done," Sam says, squeezing Perrin's shoulder. "We used the last of our fresh food. I won't let my people starve to death under the claw of that dragon."
"Well, then I guess we have a timetable. Do we at least have a general idea of where we need to go? Or are we to run around on the plateau shouting 'Hey! Look at this clever distraction!' while we draw the enemies away?" Zamar says with a playful smirk on his face. The absurdity of their task has hit him and, at the moment, humor is his only weapon.
Sheema speaks up again. "I will take you as far as we've explored. I won't go further. I hope you understand."
"I wouldn't expect you to. You have already done much." Zamar smiles, with more warmth this time. "This is just...well...We have done some crazy things in our short time together. We usually have more of a plan though."
"I dunno, there is such thing as over-planning," Lera shrugs. "I feel like whatever we try and plan for will just fall to shit no matter what."
"True, but I think details like where our quarry is ought to be a baseline." Zamar quips.
"Does the dragon know the exact location of this base?" Perrin asks.
Sheema shrugs. Perrin lets out a sigh “The more I think about this the more I think this should be a two day operation. We don’t know the layout well enough to get to just her. Also, I doubt we would all be able to just sneak in there towards her. I doubt the dragon will be like the Modron where they are all in just one big area that we can hit. I’m just worried about a retaliation here if we can’t do it all in one day. Especially if you’ll have your hunters and warriors gone. Then everyone here is a sitting duck.”
"I feel like if we take two days, then the only thing we’ll gain are empty stomachs." Lera remarks.
"Let's plan for two days, but make sure there is a big enough distraction on day one to get the hunters freed. And if we see an opening, we take it. Do we think Vera's voice will be useful? Or anyone else here for that matter?" Zamar sighs. "Now I wish I'd paid more attention to Embree on the rare occasions I put up with his presence."
Singe closes his book, "Here's what we know. There is a white dragon with a group of kobolds. The kobolds seem infinite and the white dragon appears to have formed an alliance with Lord Embree. The white dragon has a residence somewhere in these caves. White dragons are dumb, compared to other dragons and most dragons are incredibly smart." Singe stands up, "Here's what we could do right now. Explore the cave system and learn where the dragon is or go to the dragon and not risk too much more rationing here."
"I like the idea of just trying to get to the dragon!" Lera pipes up.
Singe points to Lera, acknowledging her point, as he begins to pace, "No matter what we do now, the fact doesn't change that there is inherently a dragon sized amount of uncertainty in anything we do. And we can not act with too much caution, or we will remain here forever. Killing a leader can have one of two effects, the followers unite to fight back or the followers begin to vie for leadership. Killing a dragon shows prowess, power, it can give the killer a 'you would be better off dead than messing with me' presence. Killing the dragon now, would decrease the kobold attacks dramatically. A dragon could kill us in a fair fight. But we don't need to fight fair, we have a drug that sends one's mind to another realm."
"Honestly, of all of the people in this group, I did not expect you to agree with me," Lera gives Singe a hug.
"But we need to get the drug to the dragon. How can we do that?" Singe asks rhetorically, giving Lera a half hug, not paying attention to her, "We give it to her, telling her that with this drug, she can have power over others, a power no other dragon has ever had. But! This is not a power to mess with, it is dangerous and one of our party members can guide her through how to use it." Singe gestures at Woe.
"I cast invisibility on Dapple, pops cast fly, Dapple flies up and does his thing," Lera says simply. "Boom. Easy."
Singe appears to weigh the options, "No. That seems like a good way for him to get separated from the group."
"We’d all be in the same room," Lera explains. "Zamar and Woe would talk and distract the dragon while Dapple was an invisible flying cat."
"Whatever we do carries risk. Lera is right. At least this way we are working as a group, and not really separating." Dapple says, till clearly excited about being invisible.
Singe pauses, "But if she notices him..."
"I’d suggest he doesn’t hover right in front of her mouth." Lera quips.
"The drug needs to be inhaled right? Where else are the nostrils?" Singe retorts.
"He could fly over her and aim down." Shanolia suggests.
"See? Easy." Lera says.
"We'll need to be quick, right up into it's face and hit her with the drug. I'm fastest." Dapple adds.
"Wait. I thought we were going to talk her into taking it willingly. Are we distracting and tricking her into taking it? Do we know how much she needs to ingest?" Zamar asks, "Woe had to do it purposefully. Blowing a cloud in the dragon's face seems risky. I can see her not getting enough."
"Or the cat falls victim with an untimely inhale..." Shanolia ventures.
"Koll? Did you take the drug willing the first time?" Singe asks.
"If the willing inhale doesn’t work, than we have Dapple being all invisible." Lera responds.
"So, let me make sure I get this straight. We’re going to the dragons lair. We’re going to attempt to find the dragon as quickly as possible avoiding contact with the Kobolds as much as possible. Once there we attempt to convince the dragon to willingly take the drug which will put her mind into another realm but leave her body here. If that doesn’t work we’re attempting to force her to take it via smoke inhalation courtesy of an invisible flying Dapple. Once the beast is inside we attack. If the beast isn’t inside we attack but at a disadvantage. During the attack if Kobolds come we cause a cave in to prevent them." Perrin takes a deep breath once he finishes.
At seeing the iron bands Perrin says, "And those bands are our backup if the drug doesn’t work."
"Honestly, this seems like a solid plan." Lera adds.
Sheema sighs. "You all are crazy." She turns to leave, then stops. "Who am I teaching to read our code? That's the only way you'll be able to navigate the caves?"
"I'd say Singe has the best chance of retaining that kind of code, but I'm willing to learn as well as a backup." Zamar offers, Singe nods.
"I want to see this code, too," says Dapple. "The more who try, the better."
"If it's the code that was scratched into the walls, I feel I'll have an easy enough time learning it. I'll definitely pop in." Shanolia says.
"Meet me in an hour at the elevator, and I'll teach all who are willing." With that, Sheema leaves the hut.
"Question. What if we do run into some kobolds before the dragon? Are we going to attempt to convince them to take us to her under the drug idea? Bribe them with gems and such? Or just attack?" Perrin asks.
"We tell them we've come to bargain with the dragon, but bribing them is also a possibility." Singe answers Perrin's question.
"Seems like as good of a plan as we’re going to get. As you all learn the code I’ll check in on Polly. Make sure she’s okay and offer some reassurance to her." Perrin says.
"To answer your earlier question, Singe," Koll says, "I took the drug but tried not to inhale it - I blew it out quickly. That didn't prevent it from working - it went straight through my head to my brain. Blowing it into the dragon's face might work, but I think convincing her to take it willingly is the best option. If we are all together, in force, I think the dragon would feel threatened and distrust our motives, so we would have to put on a good show. But that seems to be one of our greatest strengths."
Singe claps his hands together, "Good! Let's make sure everything's in order before we go. Everyone but Perrin will not need armor, I've got something better. Someone should tell Grasalfan where we're off to and someone should check in on Polly and not tell her where we're going." Singe makes eye contact with Lera before looking at Perrin, "If anyone has last minute goodbyes to say, now is the perfect time."
"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
Shanolia eyes the Wizard with a hint of scepticism."Will not need armour? What could possibly be better?"
Singe waves his hands"Magic!"
She rolls her eyes."What, a magic force field around all of us? Armour made out of fire?"
Singe nods,"Yes, like I cast on myself."
Shanolia pulls her two cloaks off, the cloak of Elvenkind shimmering slightly as she sets it down to remove her leather armour. Her snow-white hair sticks out a bit as she pulls the chestplate over her head, which she quickly combs back to fix. Next, she pulls her gauntlets from her arms, revealing a tattoo on her right forearm. Once her armour is removed, she pulls her cloaks back over her shoulders and hastily tries to hide the tattoo. (SoH To Hide Tattoo: 7)
"You don't need to do it now, I don't know how long we'll be out."Singe says, walking out of the hut,"I'm going to go wait for Sheema."
"Damn..."Shanolia mutters in Abyssal, before switching back to Common. "Too late now. Where can I store these that I know they will be safe?"She directs her question to Sam, pulling her hoods back over her head.
Sam motions to a bench along the back wall of the hut. "Your things will be safe here," he tells Shanolia. "There are no thieves here." She nods and puts the pieces of her armour on the bench before leaving to join Singe and wait for Sheema.
"Not sure how far I trust magic armour. Can I leave mine on and have the spell on top of it? I mean, what if it fails somehow?"Dapple asks as Shanolia departs.
Shanolia sits patiently as Sheema explains the code and shows a few different patterns. At several points she feels she's starting to understand it, only to have that belief crumble when Sheema shows the next pattern. Not one to admit defeat, Shanolia keeps trying her hardest to understand and learn the code, though her efforts are in vain.
/r 1d20+2 #Int For Code = (1)+2=3 Nat 1 because of course it's a Nat 1
Dapple joins Shanolia, as well as Singe and Zamar, as Sheema goes over the basics of the system of markings. He's almost surprised at how easily he's able to pick up the gist of the code and quickly it makes sense. "I have no idea how it would be so similar, but I've actually seen something amazingly similar to this before. The scouts of my clan would use it to mark game trails, dangers to the village and the like. We'd carve it into trees mostly. Where did you learn it? I can't believe there is much interaction between here and the jungles of Chult." Even as he asks this, he does not mention the 200 year time difference as well. "In any case, I think I'll be fine finding my way through the tunnels now. Thank you for taking the time to show us."
Once everyone has left the room Perrin will turn to his Pa and say, "You know Pa. I might not return from this and the last time I left I didn't get a chance to say good-bye. I'm not letting that chance pass me again. I need to tell you I love you. And that I don't think I would be the man I am todays without you always there for me. Always supporting me in everything I did. Thank you Pa. And I promise that once I return I'll help you guys as best as I can here." Perrin says and then goes and gives his Pa a big, hard, long hug.
Sam stands still a moment, frozen. Then, he slowly embraced Perrin, squeezing him tight. "I'm so proud of you, boy. You'd better come back to me. I've already lost you once, I'm not prepared to lose you again."
"I'll try. I'll try my hardest. For you Pa. I'll come back." Perrin says just squeezing him tightly scared that if he lets go he'll never see him again.
"Your Ma would be proud of you, as well," Sam said, not releasing the hug. "Keep that in mind. We both are proud of you, and love you very much. You'll do us proud."
After a couple minutes of hugging his Pa, Perrin let’s go and says “I really need to get ready to leave. Bye Pa.” He then turns and quickly leave, knowing if he didn’t now he might not later, and heads to the infirmary to find Polly.
As Perrin enters the hut, he can see Polly sitting up in her bed, drinking something from a cup, Kaia sitting in a chair next to her, reading from a book. Polly perked up, yelling, "Perrin!"
“Polly!” Perrin says as he runs up to her and gives her a hug that’s maybe a little too tight. Letting go once he realizes how tight it is.
"What's going on? Are you going to fight the dragon? Kaia has been reading me stories this morning about great adventurers fighting dragons and righting wrongs! You're going to be just like the heroes in the stories!" (Perception to notice Polly’s condition: 17)
Polly's energy isn't what it normally is. She seems pretty lethargic, though she's trying to be her normal self.
“Yes. Yes we are. We’re hoping to get rid of the dragon and make this place a little better for all who live here. And I couldn’t go and do that without checking on you first. How are you feeling Polly?” Perrin asks
"I'm okay," Polly said, giving Perrin a weak looking smile. "I like it here. Kaia is nice."
“I’m glad you like it here. And that your recovering. Once your fully recovered I’m sure you can go to school here. Just because we taught you a couple adventuring secrets doesn’t mean you don’t need to know math, or improve on your reading and writing.” Perrin says with a smile
Polly rolled her eyes. "I go to school back home! Do I *have* to go to school here?"
“For at least while we’re gone. The school teacher there is named Vera. Here family is also noble so I’m sure you two can talk about that. And I’ll even let you in on a little secret” as Perrin says this he leans in close to whisper into Polly’s ear“Lera really like Vera and we want you to figure out what she likes. Then Lera can give her that as a present.”
Polly beamed. "I can do that!" Then the smile fell from her face. "How long will you be gone?"
“At least a day but no more than five. If we’re gone longer than that you have permission to yell at us.” Perrin tells her
Polly sipped at the liquid in her mug, thinking. Then she looked up at Perrin, fear in her eyes. "You promise you'll come back? What... what if you don't? Then... then what do I do?"
“I promise you we’ll come back. If you get scared or worried that we won’t. Ask for Sam or Vera. Sam’s my Pa. He’ll know what to do and he can tell you all kinds of stories about me when I was your age. And Vera is very nice and in a similar situation to you. They’ll tell you what to do.” Perrin says
"How... how would I get home?" Polly's eyes started filling with tears.
“They’ll know what do. They’ll get you home. Also, Grasalfan as well. He’s here and he also wants to return home.” Perrin says trying to calm her down.
"Okay," Polly said softly, still looking sad.
“I know it’s sad to see us leave. But I promise we’ll be back. And hopefully we can get you home safely soon.” Perrin says with a smile.
Polly smiled. "Kick its ass."
Perrin just laughs at Polly’s language. “We’ll talk about when you should and shouldn’t say that but until then, yes I’ll kick it’s ass.” Perrin says and gives Polly one last hug before he leaves to join the others.
"Kick its ass," Perrin hears Polly yell after him, followed by Kaia's laughter.
Before she went to fight the dragon, Lera had to say a quick goodbye. First, she checked the kitchen, but there was no sign of Vera. As she walked into the dining hall, she saw Vera seated at a table, surrounded by children. She looks up when the sorcerer entered and smile. Standing, she says something to the older of the children, then walked over to Lera, leaving the children at the table watching and giggling.
“Hey, I have two small favors to ask,” Lera greeted Vera.
A puzzled look crosses Vera's face. "Okay? What do you need? I'll do my best to provide."
“First, do you have any extra winter clothes that my team and I could use?” She asked. “I don’t want anyone getting frostbitten.”
Vera thinks a moment. "We don't really have any extra clothing, but I could gather up some leathers if you'd like?"
“Would that keep us warm?” Lera asked.
"They're as good as blankets," Vera said, grinning. "I've seen some of the hunters take them along when leaving the caves, so I would think they'd be okay for keeping you from getting frostbitten."
“If you can spare them, we would greatly appreciate it,” Lera smiled.
"I'll get a bunch gathered up, then," Vera said. "So, what's the other thing you need?"
“I, ummm,” Lera blushed. “Was hoping for a kiss for good luck?”
Vera blushed in response, stepping near Lera. She took the sorcerers hand, and whispered, "Please, come back safe," before putting a soft kiss on Lera's lips. She held it a moment, before an eruption of giggles broke out behind her.
“I promise,” Lera whispered, before turning and heading back to the group. She got a few steps away before she turned around blushing. “Ummm, where should I go to get those leathers?”
"I'll have them waiting for you at the elevator by the time you're ready to go," Vera said, not moving. She kept her eyes on Lera for as long as she could.
“Ok,” Lera brushed her hair behind her ear nervously. “I’ll see you soon.”
"Okay," Vera said, then began to bite her lip.
Lera ran back, pecked another quick kiss to the other girl’s cheek, and then ran back to join the rest of the group. More giggles followed her out of the dining hall as she left.
As the lesson is about to start, Zamar turns to Singe, wanting to make sure his mind is sharp as much depends on this task. He recites a haiku and laces it with magical energy:
Studying patterns Decoding lines and scratches Singe will find our way
Sure, now, that his friend has the boost he needs, Zamar focuses on Sheema's teachings. As she begins demonstrating patterns, he realizes that this code is not that different than sheet music. The lines and marks all have meanings that play together in different combinations, revealing information about where they are and where they can go. He feels a bit silly for worrying, but is relieved that he will be able to help.
(INT check - 19, First inspiration (out of 4) for the day - 1 d6 to Singe)
A few hours of prep work, the group finally gathered at the elevator. Vera, Sheema, Brod, and Sam were waiting, a large stack of leathers waiting on the ground next to them. Wringing his hands together nervously, Sam greeted the group. "Wonderful, wonderful. Sheema has agreed to take you to the cave entrances where we know the kobolds have been spotted. From there, you'll be on your own." He looked like he wanted to say more, but instead, quickly stepped forward, embracing Perrin tightly, then walking back into the cavern at a quick pace. Vera watched him leave, worry crossing her face. "These should help keep you warm," she said, gesturing to the leathers. "Come... come back safe." She shot Lera a glance, then hurried off after Sam. Meanwhile, Brod gave Sheema a passionate kiss. Afterward, staring into her eyes, he said, "You will come back to me." Sheema nodded and stepped onto the elevator. "Hurry," she said to the group, while Brod moved aside.
Once the Scarlet Dawn were on the elevator, they traveled up, into the cave system above. Sheema lead the group through winding tunnels, pointing out the scratches on the walls to those whom she had taught only a few hours previously. Finally she stopped. "This is as far as I feel comfortable going. There were others who went deeper in, but... they never returned to us. You should be able to navigate your way using the code." Her eyes wandered over the groups faces, as if taking in all their details. "Thank you for this," she said quietly, then rushed off in the opposite direction. Before the group was a fork, three different cave tunnels leading away from them. The code on the wall indicates that all three paths lead to the same place.
Singe turns to the group, "Before we go any farther, I need to do something." Singe clutches his staff close as bluish armor appears before fading into him. Singe touches Lera and the same blue armor briefly surrounds her. Singe does the same with Shanolia, Zamar, and Woe before stopping at Dapple. "I told you to leave your armor at the camp."
"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 frowns, wavering in his conviction a bit. "I know. I'm just... not used to trusting in magic like that. You're sure it's reliable enough?" With a sigh, he begins to pull off the armor and stash it in his pack, unwilling to leave it completely behind, just in case. "Fine, if the others trust you, I suppose. Let's just get this over with."
Once the castings are complete, he points to the tunnel mouths and their codes. "All lead to the same place it seems. Left, right or center? I vote... left."
As Dapple scouts ahead, the rest of the party stays close behind, but at a short distance to allow him to move silently. Perrin, Koll, Singe, Zamar, Lera, Woe, and finally Shanolia round out the line. Zamar keeps a wary eye out glancing to the sides and above as they walk, trusting in Dapple's navigation. Woe does the same, giving extra focus to their rear security. As they pass the marks, Zamar gives them a glance, just to give himself reassurance.
As the group moves down the tunnel, the see that, indeed, all three paths converged on the same spot, leading down a single hallway. As the group pauses, they see additional exits off the section they are in, and there seems to be no further scratches. The code seems to have stopped.
Dapple paused, letting the others catch up to him, and pointed out the apparent end of the coded scratches. "It seems this is as far as anyone came, or at least marked their path as they went," he says in a low voice. "Sheema said some had gone further, and not come back, so from here on we should take care. Wait here - let me scout ahead a bit further. Stay quiet."
The tabaxi turned and moved away from the group, seeming to vanish into the darkness as if he'd never been there. The minutes slip by, seeming far longer than they really were, as the group waited in the dark. Suddenly he reappeared before the group, a finger to his lips. "No noise down the first branch to the right. On the left, a voice, though I couldn't make out the words, further up on the right again, noise back down that tunnel, but it stopped quickly. I wouldn't trust that the first tunnel is empty either. Better safe than sorry." He looks from face to face. "Go in after them? Draw them out? I'm not used to being down in tunnels like this - easier to stalk through the jungles up above."
Singe lights his hands, shedding flickering light around him, "We should go down the main tunnel, a dragon couldn't fit in any of the other tunnels." The group moves down the central hallway.
"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
The Scarlet Dawn slowly makes their way down the central tunnel, eyes darting at every shadow that flickers off of Singe's small light. The first little branch on the right is small, barely three feet in height, but it continues as far as anyone's darkvision can go. As they pass the second branch, this one on the left, it goes inward to a small "T" intersection, the tunnel big enough for a large human to fit through. Ahead, the central tunnel begins to open up a bit, the ceiling vaulting further than anyone's eyes can see. The cold darkness above gives everyone the feel of unease. As if on cue, a wind picks up in the tunnel.
It's not the kind of wind one would normally feel in a tunnel where a possible exit has just been revealed, but more of a supernatural force that whips through the tunnel and carries with it a bone-chilling cold. A crinkling is heard from each of the party members as the liquid in their waterskins solidifies. Each of you feel your body stiffen as its natural warmth fights against this cold. If the Scarlet Dawn wasn't sure they were on the right path to the Dragon's Lair... they were now.
(Stealth Check - Perrin = 5)
As the group makes it closer to the third small branch of the tunnel, Perrin slips on a patch of newly formed ice and takes a knee. As his knee connects, his newly made Splint Mail clangs loudly enough to bring alarm. In the upcoming tunnel on the right, a small drone is heard. It slowly raises in pitch until it forms a howl that echoes throughout the cave. Shortly after, the roar of the dragon is heard from the darkness above.
Koll enjoys the evening's festivities and takes to bed soon after. He wakes early in the morning, and finds a secluded spot to meditate, exercise and prepare. In his exercises he once again tests his limits of pain, whipping himself with a knotted length of rope, feeling the energy of his pain being absorbed by his cloak and stored to become healing power. Then he takes up his new quarterstaff and practices with it. Spinning it with speed and precision, he wields it with confidence, using the same martial principles of circular motion that Eeneko had taught him.
He says a short prayer to Ilmater, asking for the strength to help bring these people out of their darkness. He then goes to find the others. Hopefully, they can agree on a strategy to face the dragon.
Singe walks into the dining hall, Lera, who already has a cup of coffee in hand, is already there. "Singe!" She pulls him aside, giving him a quick hug. "Thanks for reading my mind. Now never do it again!"
"Yes, of course." Singe says, still a little sleepy. He sips his coffee, he frowns, "The tea is better. How did last night go?"
“Good,” Lera blushes. "Fine. It went fine."
"Just fine?" Singe raises an eyebrow.
"Shut up" Lera punches him in the arm lightly.
"Better than fine then." Singe sips his coffee, "Did she kiss you?"
"I'm not going to answer you," Lera tries to stifle a smile.
Singe sighs a sigh of relief, "Thank Sune! I'm happy you had a wonderful evening."
"You and Perrin are not allowed to help anymore," Lera whispers crossly.
Singe holds up his hands defensively, "Only moving things along."
"You made me more scared!"
Singe smiles, "Please, you were going to be fine. And it worked out, didn't it?"
"Maybe," Lera is suddenly very occupied with her coffee.
Singe smiles, "I would like a fuller story." He picks up a piece of toast, "But that'll work. Meet us at the meeting place when you're ready." Singe walks towards the door.
"Wait a second and I'll just come with you," Lera pushes her coffee cup into Singe's hands before darting back to Vera. "Hey," she leans against a counter, trying to appear nonchalant. "Thanks... for everything. I'm going to go to the planning meeting, but I promise I’ll see you again before we leave."
Vera gives Lera a smile. "Alright, you'd better. I..." she says, pausing, lightly touching Lera's hand. "I'm going to be a wreck as it is."
"There's no need to worry, we'll be fine," Lera laughs nervously. She bites her lip before leaning forward and kissing Vera. "I'll be back soon."
When Lera turns back, Singe is nodding and smiling slightly as he finishes off his toast. Singe hands Lera's coffee back to her, and nods, "Well done."
"Not a word of this to anyone," she takes a sip, looking over her shoulder as they leave the kitchen. "Especially my father."
"Not a word." Singe walks briskly, "Why not your father, would he not approve, or is it the usual teenage-parent relationship?"
"I just think he'll be pissed if he finds out I’ve been kissing someone from anyone other than me," Lera fidgets with the rings on her fingers. "That's all."
Singe nods, "Do it sooner rather than later. The truth gets harder and meaner the long it sits."
"I know," Lera rolls her eyes. "It's just a little hard to bring up what with the giant ice dragon looming over us. What do I say? 'Hey, pops, I think we should try to start a cave in, and also I have a girlfriend now'."
"Yeah, save for after the fight." Singe sips his coffee, "And if you die, I'll let him know."
“Nobody is going to die, you gloomy grouch,” Lera frowns.
"May Tymora be in our favor." Singe says as he approaches the hut.
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
The Scarlet Dawn gathers in the hut where they had met earlier with Sam.
Zamar wanders into the meeting point looking rested, but solemn. There is something missing from his usual jaunty demeanor. He enters the hut and greets his friends. "Morning, all! Who is ready to kill a dragon?" he says with forced cheer.
Shanolia looks over at him for a brief moment before returning to her nervous pacing.
Now that everyone has arrived Koll speaks. "Friends," he says, also seeming somewhat grim, "we must agree on a plan of action. I have already shared my ideas with Singe and Woe, but I will present them to you now. We should at first see if we can negotiate with the dragon. I have a diamond that I grabbed from the modron's ship which is worth at least 2000gp. We can use that as an offering to gain an audience with the dragon. We should flatter its ego and make it seem as if we wish to serve its best interests. We find out what we can from it about its arrangement with Lord Embree and so on, and if we can reach a diplomatic solution, then why not? Perhaps with the right incentive it will turn on Embree? That may be optimistic, however. I then suggest that we convince the dragon to use the drug, Thraul. We have three doses left from Port Nyanzaru. We convince it that it will be the first among dragonkind to have access to this realm, where it may discover untold power and influence. If that works, then the dragon will be at our mercy. A few minutes in the dream world equals hours of real time. What we do in that time is up for debate. I don't think we should use it to slay the beast while it lays helpless. That does not feel right to me. But perhaps we could chain up the dragon, or find some other way gaining an upper hand once it wakes up. What do you all think?"
"The only upper hand we need is the Thraul." Shanolia continues pacing, not once looking at the group. "Why risk it breaking its binds and slaughtering us all when we can end it right there?"
“And if the thraul doesn’t work?" Lera asks. "I’d rather try to sneak in than risk our lives trying to reason with a wild dragon,. Lera frowns. “None of us even speak draconic, and while most of us are talkers and not fighters, this plan relies on too much to go right. My dad and I can both cast invisibility once, so at least two people can sneak in completely unseen. We also need to figure out a way to separate the dragon from her army of kobolds, perhaps by causing a cave in?"
"I would never consent to harming an innocent," Zamar says, "or even someone who falls within the gray, but chromatic dragons are cruel and evil. I do not feel the need to best it in a fair fight. If we incapacitate it, I say we finish it. As to the Thraul, if we can find a way to communicate with it, then I am all for that plan. I am leery of negotiating with a beast who does not appear to understand us."
"I can understand the dragon," Singe pipes up, "I also have a way of binding it." Singe produces the iron bands of Bilarro.
“I’m leaning to Zamar," says Perrin. "If you cannot change an evil creature then it is for the greater good that we destroy it.” He looks straight at Zamar to continue saying, “And I just want to say again, if you guys are having second thoughts then you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to do this just because my family is involved.”
"That scaled bastard very nearly killed us all," Shanolia says. "I'd say its days are at an end."
"I think a cave in would only work if there was one entrance to the cave," says Singe, considering all options. "If I was a flying creature, I would plan multiple escapes." He looks at Perrin, "This is more than just your family now. I'm terrified, but I don't want these people to starve to death in a small cave."
"I would not be alive if not for these folk," responds Zamar. "Beyond that, we are their best hope. I will succeed or die trying."
Perrin continues staring at Zamar and says, “And you’re okay with that? Because I don’t want anything forced on you.”
"I am more than okay," says Zamar. "The life I live now is borrowed. I should be dead. If I pay back that loan in the service of my saviors, so be it. This is a choice I would make whether you were here or not. And, to be honest, I would make it whether they had saved me or not. I am just...facing my own mortality with much more frequency of late. It is a feeling I dislike."
“I think we’re all facing it with much more frequency than normal," says Perrin. "It’s the life of an adventurer. A life we signed up for.”
Zamar nods. "I am a more reluctant convert to the life of adventuring, but am trying to warm to it."
“Oh we are definitely killing this dragon,” Lera says with some enthusiasm. “Singe, understanding the dragon and being able to speak back to it are two different things. But those iron bands, those would be useful.”
"I understand the difference. I am laying all the cards on the table." Singe also produces two vials of brackish liquid, "I also have these, a potion of strength and a potion of growth."
"If we’re doing that then I still have the spell gem to use if we need to," Perrin says. "If I strike it when it’s considerably low then it’ll be banished for a bit and we’ll be able to get a quick couple minute breather in. And who knows, maybe Frank will come back to help. "
"No." Singe says. "We are not getting the help of your zealous sword."
“It’ll be better this time," promises Perrin. "I think I could tap into its power without the full possession thing.”
Just then, the flap of the hut pulled back, and Vera entered, carrying a platter of toast and a kettle of coffee. "Sorry for interrupting. I didn't see some of you, so I thought I'd bring you breakfast. I apologize for how little there is." She glanced over at Lera, smiled, and quickly looked away. Glancing around, she said, "Oh, I don't see Sam. I bet he's sleeping in. I'll go wake him." She gave another warm smile to the group, then headed back outside.
Perrin rolls his eyes at the mention of his dad sleeping in. “If it wasn’t for me and Ma I doubt any of the morning chores would have been done on the farm.”
“We, umm, we need to focus on how we’re going to get to the dragon," Lera says, " and how we plan to keep the kobolds at bay, and what to do when we face her.” Lera stutters a little as she tries to get back on track after seeing Vera. “The first two problems are the most important and should be addressed first.”
"Everything all right?" Zamar asks his daughter.
Koll saw something odd in Lera's manner when Vera came in, and he raises an eyebrow as he looks at her. She has feelings for the other girl, perhaps? That it is really none of his business, so he carries on, trying one more time to sell his plan. "I'm not going to argue - you are all very intelligent and influential people and I am but a humble monk. I will follow your lead. But I will say that my plan does address those things. If you are concerned about too many things having to go right, then I ask you to present a plan that doesn't have many chances for things to go wrong."
“I think trying to get it take thraul is a plan," says Perrin. "We do need to keep the kobolds away. A cave in could work if we had a way of getting out ourselves. I was also think Zamar could do his flame wall.”
"And if my dad is knocked unconscious," says Lera, "the flame wall goes down. The cave in is a more permanent solution."
“But can we get out if we cave ourselves in?” Perrin asks.
"Probably," she says.
"I can use my Lyre to shape the stone," says Zamar, "and get us an exit if the cave-in is not too deep."
"And if the rock is loose enough," Lera adds, "I can definitely excavate."
“I don’t see why that wouldn’t work,” Perrin says to the plan.
Woe has been quiet so far. Listening to the to and fro of the conversation. Then she chimes in: "I think Koll has a strong idea to make the dragon take the Thraul. I would like to offer another way of administering it. Maybe we can sneak in someone invisible and make them blow the smoke up her nostrils? Otherwise, communication might work with Singe understanding draconic and I am sure the dragon understood common when I spoke to it. So a communication might be possible. I am worried about the cave-in. It might keep some of the kobolds out, but it might lock us in with the dragon. The first thing we need to find out is the layout of the lair. Maybe Sam or Sheema and Brod can help us. How far from here, how many entrances, how many forks in the cave system, we don't want to get lost either. And also, how many of Sam's men and women can support our fight..." She looks expectantly for the flap to open again.
“A cave in where?” Singe asks pointedly
“We don’t know yet,” Lera replied to Singe. “The goal with any cave ins would be to keep her in and the kobolds out. Like Woe said, we need a map to know.”
“How do you cause a cave in?” Singe mutters.
"I was planning on loosening the rock and earth in a select few, architecturally important places," Lera replied. "That, or my old man casts shatter a couple of times."
A few more minutes pass, and the flap to the hut opens again. Sam rushes in. "Sorry! I must have slept in. Don't know what I'd do without Vera, the dear girl." He quickly sat, pouring himself some coffee, and shoving some toast in his mouth. "So," he said, after swallowing. "What's your plan?"
“Well...we have some strong ideas on how to lock down the dragon but we’re also worried about kobold reinforcements. We were considering the possibility of a strategic cave-in that blocks them off but without knowledge of the layout of her lair we can’t necessarily pull that off.” Perrin says
Dapple sits, picking at some of the food as the others discuss the merits of their proposed ideas. "If we can incapacitate the creature with your drug, that seems smartest to me. And I agree with those who would kill it while we can. I don't have experience with these icy ones, but my clan told tales of trying to treat with a swamp dragon once. It did not go well and they were betrayed by it. Not again. If we can eliminate the threat to these people, then we should." He looks from face to face, considering. "If it comes to a fight, the cave-in makes sense, to divide our enemies, but it can't happen too soon or we just warn them we are coming, and of our capabilities too."
"Sam, any maps you can provide are crucial to our planning. What about the kobolds? Do you know their way numbers? You said they've gotten more plentiful since thus Embree got involved?" His face scrunches as the feline ranger seems to recall a memory. "The kobolds. I've never seen one but I do remember the elders mentioning them at some point too. I... *think* They do speak common, some anyway. And something about being made for the darkness, I think? Maybe they'd be at a disadvantage if we can lure them out of the caves and into the light." (Nature: 12)
“The kobolds. Maybe if it’s just them we could lure them out. I was talking to Zamar and he could potentially imitate Vera or maybe Pa. Someone that could lure out just the kobolds without the dragon.” Perrin says
"I still say we do some hunting ourselves to pick them off beforehand. Harry them, as they have your father's people." Dapple says
“That sounds like a multi-day effort. I think the rest of us are hoping for a single day attack. At least right now. I’m sure after the dragon is taken care of then a kobold will take position as there leader. But that sounds like a problem for a different day.” Perrin comments
Woe nods in agreement with Dapple. "I was thinking we don't have to finish this today. If we can start to decimate the kobolds in two or three different attacks, it would be helpful. But it would also alert the dragon that we are starting to fight back. Would let it in on our tactics and our weapons. So the dragon would be much more prepared."
"The problem is time. There isn't enough food to drag this out, right?" Dapple looks to Sam for confirmation.
Sam nods, solemnly.
“I vote we strike the dragon first while we have the element of surprise and food,” Lera replied solemnly. “The kobolds will become a more manageable problem as soon as we get rid of her.”
"Agreed." Singe says, flipping through his spellbook.
“Another worry that comes from attacking the Kobolds first is that the dragon may counterattack here. I agree that our best bet is to to sneak into where the dragon is. Attempt to immobilize it and potentially cut off the kobolds. And then get out.” Perrin says
"Then we need to trust your drug will work, I guess." Dapple says
"The drug seems highly effective. All we need to do is convince the dragon to accept it." Singe says, not looking up, "We should try to sell it under the pretense that it allows for domination over others."
“In case that doesn’t work we do have other ways that can temporarily bind the dragon. Singe has that ball thing and I have some magic that can temporarily prevent movement.” Perrin adds
"Of a creature of that size?" Singe asks pointedly.
“Yes. Though it is only a couple seconds but that should be enough for everyone to bum rush and get out. Let’s just hope it understands Common because if it doesn’t then it won’t have an effect.” Perrin says
“I suspect I am the most convincing of us. Should we fan out on entry and then I try to convince it? Or perhaps Woe and I together as we did in the tavern?” Zamar says
"I could act as an interrupter if needed." Singe suggests, "Frankly, I'm not great at anything other that."
“Whoever tries to reason with them needs to be prepared to face the brunt of her anger at first,” Lera frowned. “Dad, I’m not sure if either you or Woe are best to be the initial target for an icy blast. This whole ‘reasoning’ idea has me nervous.”
“If the Thraul is our best bet, then we need to put someone there who can convince the dragon to take it. Anyone know a good trick for ice resistance?” Zamar says
“Unfortunately no. But I can be pretty Persuasive when I need to be. Especially with my goddesses help. And I’m a little bit more prepared to take a hit than the rest of you.” Perrin says
“Would persuading invisibly be an option? Keep moving around so the dragon can’t tell exactly where you are.” Zamar asks
“Even if I was invisible the dragon will probably know where I am. I make way too much noise in this armor to be unnoticed.” Perrin responds
"I can try to talk to the dragon and take the drug with her, pretending to show her around. If I feel she cannot do any damage in the dream world, I could just drop out and help you. If there is danger in the other world, then I will have to stay with the dragon and try to lead or manage her through the world. So I would suggest Zamar and I talk to her, a little bit apart so she cannot hit us with one attack, and maybe have Singe as interpreter if she is talking back at us in draconic..." Then Woe turns to Sam. "Sam, can you please tell us everything that you know about the dragon lair. How far is it from here. Do you know how many tunnels lead to it, how many kobolds have you seen around?"
Sam shakes his head. "We don't map the caves. But if you talk to Sheema, she can teach you how to navigate. She's also the most likely to know the information you seek. I've had few run-ins with the dragon or the kobolds."
"Then I guess we all need to go find Sheema. Or could we ask her to come here? That might be easier." Zamar offers
Sam nods. "Allow me to find her." He left the hut. About five minutes later, he returns, Sheema following behind him. She warily eyes Perrin, then glances at the rest of the Scarlet Dawn, still not trusting after the threats of the previous day. Shanolia idly paces, not noticing Sam or Sheema's entry.
"Hey Sheema! Do you happen to have a super convenient map of the dragon’s caves?” Lera asks cheerfully. “We’re trying to figure out how to best separate the dragon from the kobolds, and we need all the help we can get."
Sheema looks at Lera, eyebrow raised. "No, there are no maps. We mark the tunnels as needed so we don't wander into a section that is dangerous."
"That's sensible. What can you tell us that might help us get to the dragon safely so we can dispose of it? Once the dragon is dead, we can figure out how to get rid of the kobolds." Zamar asks.
Sheema frowns. "I... don't know where the dragon actually is." She shifts uncomfortably. "Every attempt to navigate deeper into the caves has been met with resistance. It seems the kobolds are kept at the outer caves to protect the dragon and her lair. We've been too afraid to press too far in, for fear of more retaliation." She sends a glance at Sam, then continues. "We've also witnessed the kobolds using winter wolves in battle. It's unusual behavior from the wolves, and I'm afraid it means the dragon has scared them into submission."
"Perhaps we could lure her out and offer ourselves up as tribute?" Lera suggests. "We say that she can take us as prisoners, and then when we get to her lair, we strike."
"That's not how prisoners work. They don't just lead us to their boss weapons in hand. They take our weapons away and probably lead us to some prison to wait or kill us right there on the spot." Perrin tells Lera.
"What if we turned our best tracker invisible and sent them to try to find the lair?" Zamar suggests.
"Invisibility only lasts for so long," Singe says, "He could be discovered and alone."
"How long would I have?" Dapple asks. He sounds eager.
"An hour," Lera replies. "Or until I lost concentration."
"You'd be safe here though, so no risk of that. It seems smart to learn what we can before going in blind." Dapple reassures the group.
"And what if you get caught? We'll have no way of knowing if you're dead or not," Lera crosses her arms.
Dapple just looks at Lera as if she's a bit slow. "Well... that's the fun part, isn't it? The not getting caught? I'll just do that!," he adds with a toothy grin.
Singe sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. He looks at Sam, "How many days can you hold out?"
Sam shrugs. "We'll be fine. Don't worry about us."
"You’re all out of fresh food," Lera counters. "We need to act like we have days, not weeks or months."
Sam purses his lips together, and remains silent.
"Pa. Don't lie to me. How long can you hold out? It’s important for our planning. I’m thinking maybe a multi-day operation may be the only way to do this." Perrin says.
"We can't properly help if you aren't honest with us," Dapple adds.
Sam places a hand on Perrin's shoulder, giving him a solemn look. "Days at best. But I have a plan. With the dragon and kobolds distracted by your advances, we can send hunters out for meat, and I'll meet with my contacts in the city for supplies."
"That’s still dangerous Pa. You still have to worry about Lord Embree and I don’t know how long we’ll have her attention." Perrin says.
"It has to be done," Sam says, squeezing Perrin's shoulder. "We used the last of our fresh food. I won't let my people starve to death under the claw of that dragon."
"Well, then I guess we have a timetable. Do we at least have a general idea of where we need to go? Or are we to run around on the plateau shouting 'Hey! Look at this clever distraction!' while we draw the enemies away?" Zamar says with a playful smirk on his face. The absurdity of their task has hit him and, at the moment, humor is his only weapon.
Sheema speaks up again. "I will take you as far as we've explored. I won't go further. I hope you understand."
"I wouldn't expect you to. You have already done much." Zamar smiles, with more warmth this time. "This is just...well...We have done some crazy things in our short time together. We usually have more of a plan though."
"I dunno, there is such thing as over-planning," Lera shrugs. "I feel like whatever we try and plan for will just fall to shit no matter what."
"True, but I think details like where our quarry is ought to be a baseline." Zamar quips.
"Does the dragon know the exact location of this base?" Perrin asks.
Sheema shrugs. Perrin lets out a sigh “The more I think about this the more I think this should be a two day operation. We don’t know the layout well enough to get to just her. Also, I doubt we would all be able to just sneak in there towards her. I doubt the dragon will be like the Modron where they are all in just one big area that we can hit. I’m just worried about a retaliation here if we can’t do it all in one day. Especially if you’ll have your hunters and warriors gone. Then everyone here is a sitting duck.”
"I feel like if we take two days, then the only thing we’ll gain are empty stomachs." Lera remarks.
"Let's plan for two days, but make sure there is a big enough distraction on day one to get the hunters freed. And if we see an opening, we take it. Do we think Vera's voice will be useful? Or anyone else here for that matter?" Zamar sighs. "Now I wish I'd paid more attention to Embree on the rare occasions I put up with his presence."
Singe closes his book, "Here's what we know. There is a white dragon with a group of kobolds. The kobolds seem infinite and the white dragon appears to have formed an alliance with Lord Embree. The white dragon has a residence somewhere in these caves. White dragons are dumb, compared to other dragons and most dragons are incredibly smart."
Singe stands up, "Here's what we could do right now. Explore the cave system and learn where the dragon is or go to the dragon and not risk too much more rationing here."
"I like the idea of just trying to get to the dragon!" Lera pipes up.
Singe points to Lera, acknowledging her point, as he begins to pace, "No matter what we do now, the fact doesn't change that there is inherently a dragon sized amount of uncertainty in anything we do. And we can not act with too much caution, or we will remain here forever. Killing a leader can have one of two effects, the followers unite to fight back or the followers begin to vie for leadership. Killing a dragon shows prowess, power, it can give the killer a 'you would be better off dead than messing with me' presence. Killing the dragon now, would decrease the kobold attacks dramatically. A dragon could kill us in a fair fight. But we don't need to fight fair, we have a drug that sends one's mind to another realm."
"Honestly, of all of the people in this group, I did not expect you to agree with me," Lera gives Singe a hug.
"But we need to get the drug to the dragon. How can we do that?" Singe asks rhetorically, giving Lera a half hug, not paying attention to her, "We give it to her, telling her that with this drug, she can have power over others, a power no other dragon has ever had. But! This is not a power to mess with, it is dangerous and one of our party members can guide her through how to use it." Singe gestures at Woe.
"I cast invisibility on Dapple, pops cast fly, Dapple flies up and does his thing," Lera says simply. "Boom. Easy."
Singe appears to weigh the options, "No. That seems like a good way for him to get separated from the group."
"We’d all be in the same room," Lera explains. "Zamar and Woe would talk and distract the dragon while Dapple was an invisible flying cat."
"Whatever we do carries risk. Lera is right. At least this way we are working as a group, and not really separating." Dapple says, till clearly excited about being invisible.
Singe pauses, "But if she notices him..."
"I’d suggest he doesn’t hover right in front of her mouth." Lera quips.
"The drug needs to be inhaled right? Where else are the nostrils?" Singe retorts.
"He could fly over her and aim down." Shanolia suggests.
"See? Easy." Lera says.
"We'll need to be quick, right up into it's face and hit her with the drug. I'm fastest." Dapple adds.
"Wait. I thought we were going to talk her into taking it willingly. Are we distracting and tricking her into taking it? Do we know how much she needs to ingest?" Zamar asks, "Woe had to do it purposefully. Blowing a cloud in the dragon's face seems risky. I can see her not getting enough."
"Or the cat falls victim with an untimely inhale..." Shanolia ventures.
"Koll? Did you take the drug willing the first time?" Singe asks.
"If the willing inhale doesn’t work, than we have Dapple being all invisible." Lera responds.
"So, let me make sure I get this straight. We’re going to the dragons lair. We’re going to attempt to find the dragon as quickly as possible avoiding contact with the Kobolds as much as possible. Once there we attempt to convince the dragon to willingly take the drug which will put her mind into another realm but leave her body here. If that doesn’t work we’re attempting to force her to take it via smoke inhalation courtesy of an invisible flying Dapple. Once the beast is inside we attack. If the beast isn’t inside we attack but at a disadvantage. During the attack if Kobolds come we cause a cave in to prevent them." Perrin takes a deep breath once he finishes.
Singe produces the Iron Bands of Bilarro, "Not exactly."
At seeing the iron bands Perrin says, "And those bands are our backup if the drug doesn’t work."
"Honestly, this seems like a solid plan." Lera adds.
Sheema sighs. "You all are crazy." She turns to leave, then stops. "Who am I teaching to read our code? That's the only way you'll be able to navigate the caves?"
"I'd say Singe has the best chance of retaining that kind of code, but I'm willing to learn as well as a backup." Zamar offers, Singe nods.
"I want to see this code, too," says Dapple. "The more who try, the better."
"If it's the code that was scratched into the walls, I feel I'll have an easy enough time learning it. I'll definitely pop in." Shanolia says.
"Meet me in an hour at the elevator, and I'll teach all who are willing." With that, Sheema leaves the hut.
"Question. What if we do run into some kobolds before the dragon? Are we going to attempt to convince them to take us to her under the drug idea? Bribe them with gems and such? Or just attack?" Perrin asks.
"We tell them we've come to bargain with the dragon, but bribing them is also a possibility." Singe answers Perrin's question.
"Seems like as good of a plan as we’re going to get. As you all learn the code I’ll check in on Polly. Make sure she’s okay and offer some reassurance to her." Perrin says.
"To answer your earlier question, Singe," Koll says, "I took the drug but tried not to inhale it - I blew it out quickly. That didn't prevent it from working - it went straight through my head to my brain. Blowing it into the dragon's face might work, but I think convincing her to take it willingly is the best option. If we are all together, in force, I think the dragon would feel threatened and distrust our motives, so we would have to put on a good show. But that seems to be one of our greatest strengths."
Singe claps his hands together, "Good! Let's make sure everything's in order before we go. Everyone but Perrin will not need armor, I've got something better. Someone should tell Grasalfan where we're off to and someone should check in on Polly and not tell her where we're going." Singe makes eye contact with Lera before looking at Perrin, "If anyone has last minute goodbyes to say, now is the perfect time."
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
Shanolia eyes the Wizard with a hint of scepticism. "Will not need armour? What could possibly be better?"
Singe waves his hands "Magic!"
She rolls her eyes. "What, a magic force field around all of us? Armour made out of fire?"
Singe nods, "Yes, like I cast on myself."
Shanolia pulls her two cloaks off, the cloak of Elvenkind shimmering slightly as she sets it down to remove her leather armour. Her snow-white hair sticks out a bit as she pulls the chestplate over her head, which she quickly combs back to fix. Next, she pulls her gauntlets from her arms, revealing a tattoo on her right forearm. Once her armour is removed, she pulls her cloaks back over her shoulders and hastily tries to hide the tattoo. (SoH To Hide Tattoo: 7)
"You don't need to do it now, I don't know how long we'll be out." Singe says, walking out of the hut, "I'm going to go wait for Sheema."
"Damn..." Shanolia mutters in Abyssal, before switching back to Common. "Too late now. Where can I store these that I know they will be safe?" She directs her question to Sam, pulling her hoods back over her head.
Sam motions to a bench along the back wall of the hut. "Your things will be safe here," he tells Shanolia. "There are no thieves here." She nods and puts the pieces of her armour on the bench before leaving to join Singe and wait for Sheema.
"Not sure how far I trust magic armour. Can I leave mine on and have the spell on top of it? I mean, what if it fails somehow?" Dapple asks as Shanolia departs.
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
Shanolia sits patiently as Sheema explains the code and shows a few different patterns. At several points she feels she's starting to understand it, only to have that belief crumble when Sheema shows the next pattern. Not one to admit defeat, Shanolia keeps trying her hardest to understand and learn the code, though her efforts are in vain.
/r 1d20+2 #Int For Code = (1)+2=3
Nat 1 because of course it's a Nat 1
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
Dapple joins Shanolia, as well as Singe and Zamar, as Sheema goes over the basics of the system of markings. He's almost surprised at how easily he's able to pick up the gist of the code and quickly it makes sense. "I have no idea how it would be so similar, but I've actually seen something amazingly similar to this before. The scouts of my clan would use it to mark game trails, dangers to the village and the like. We'd carve it into trees mostly. Where did you learn it? I can't believe there is much interaction between here and the jungles of Chult." Even as he asks this, he does not mention the 200 year time difference as well. "In any case, I think I'll be fine finding my way through the tunnels now. Thank you for taking the time to show us."
Once everyone has left the room Perrin will turn to his Pa and say, "You know Pa. I might not return from this and the last time I left I didn't get a chance to say good-bye. I'm not letting that chance pass me again. I need to tell you I love you. And that I don't think I would be the man I am todays without you always there for me. Always supporting me in everything I did. Thank you Pa. And I promise that once I return I'll help you guys as best as I can here." Perrin says and then goes and gives his Pa a big, hard, long hug.
Sam stands still a moment, frozen. Then, he slowly embraced Perrin, squeezing him tight. "I'm so proud of you, boy. You'd better come back to me. I've already lost you once, I'm not prepared to lose you again."
"I'll try. I'll try my hardest. For you Pa. I'll come back." Perrin says just squeezing him tightly scared that if he lets go he'll never see him again.
"Your Ma would be proud of you, as well," Sam said, not releasing the hug. "Keep that in mind. We both are proud of you, and love you very much. You'll do us proud."
After a couple minutes of hugging his Pa, Perrin let’s go and says “I really need to get ready to leave. Bye Pa.” He then turns and quickly leave, knowing if he didn’t now he might not later, and heads to the infirmary to find Polly.
As Perrin enters the hut, he can see Polly sitting up in her bed, drinking something from a cup, Kaia sitting in a chair next to her, reading from a book. Polly perked up, yelling, "Perrin!"
“Polly!” Perrin says as he runs up to her and gives her a hug that’s maybe a little too tight. Letting go once he realizes how tight it is.
"What's going on? Are you going to fight the dragon? Kaia has been reading me stories this morning about great adventurers fighting dragons and righting wrongs! You're going to be just like the heroes in the stories!" (Perception to notice Polly’s condition: 17)
Polly's energy isn't what it normally is. She seems pretty lethargic, though she's trying to be her normal self.
“Yes. Yes we are. We’re hoping to get rid of the dragon and make this place a little better for all who live here. And I couldn’t go and do that without checking on you first. How are you feeling Polly?” Perrin asks
"I'm okay," Polly said, giving Perrin a weak looking smile. "I like it here. Kaia is nice."
“I’m glad you like it here. And that your recovering. Once your fully recovered I’m sure you can go to school here. Just because we taught you a couple adventuring secrets doesn’t mean you don’t need to know math, or improve on your reading and writing.” Perrin says with a smile
Polly rolled her eyes. "I go to school back home! Do I *have* to go to school here?"
“For at least while we’re gone. The school teacher there is named Vera. Here family is also noble so I’m sure you two can talk about that. And I’ll even let you in on a little secret” as Perrin says this he leans in close to whisper into Polly’s ear“Lera really like Vera and we want you to figure out what she likes. Then Lera can give her that as a present.”
Polly beamed. "I can do that!" Then the smile fell from her face. "How long will you be gone?"
“At least a day but no more than five. If we’re gone longer than that you have permission to yell at us.” Perrin tells her
Polly sipped at the liquid in her mug, thinking. Then she looked up at Perrin, fear in her eyes. "You promise you'll come back? What... what if you don't? Then... then what do I do?"
“I promise you we’ll come back. If you get scared or worried that we won’t. Ask for Sam or Vera. Sam’s my Pa. He’ll know what to do and he can tell you all kinds of stories about me when I was your age. And Vera is very nice and in a similar situation to you. They’ll tell you what to do.” Perrin says
"How... how would I get home?" Polly's eyes started filling with tears.
“They’ll know what do. They’ll get you home. Also, Grasalfan as well. He’s here and he also wants to return home.” Perrin says trying to calm her down.
"Okay," Polly said softly, still looking sad.
“I know it’s sad to see us leave. But I promise we’ll be back. And hopefully we can get you home safely soon.” Perrin says with a smile.
Polly smiled. "Kick its ass."
Perrin just laughs at Polly’s language. “We’ll talk about when you should and shouldn’t say that but until then, yes I’ll kick it’s ass.” Perrin says and gives Polly one last hug before he leaves to join the others.
"Kick its ass," Perrin hears Polly yell after him, followed by Kaia's laughter.
Before she went to fight the dragon, Lera had to say a quick goodbye. First, she checked the kitchen, but there was no sign of Vera. As she walked into the dining hall, she saw Vera seated at a table, surrounded by children. She looks up when the sorcerer entered and smile. Standing, she says something to the older of the children, then walked over to Lera, leaving the children at the table watching and giggling.
“Hey, I have two small favors to ask,” Lera greeted Vera.
A puzzled look crosses Vera's face. "Okay? What do you need? I'll do my best to provide."
“First, do you have any extra winter clothes that my team and I could use?” She asked. “I don’t want anyone getting frostbitten.”
Vera thinks a moment. "We don't really have any extra clothing, but I could gather up some leathers if you'd like?"
“Would that keep us warm?” Lera asked.
"They're as good as blankets," Vera said, grinning. "I've seen some of the hunters take them along when leaving the caves, so I would think they'd be okay for keeping you from getting frostbitten."
“If you can spare them, we would greatly appreciate it,” Lera smiled.
"I'll get a bunch gathered up, then," Vera said. "So, what's the other thing you need?"
“I, ummm,” Lera blushed. “Was hoping for a kiss for good luck?”
Vera blushed in response, stepping near Lera. She took the sorcerers hand, and whispered, "Please, come back safe," before putting a soft kiss on Lera's lips. She held it a moment, before an eruption of giggles broke out behind her.
“I promise,” Lera whispered, before turning and heading back to the group. She got a few steps away before she turned around blushing. “Ummm, where should I go to get those leathers?”
"I'll have them waiting for you at the elevator by the time you're ready to go," Vera said, not moving. She kept her eyes on Lera for as long as she could.
“Ok,” Lera brushed her hair behind her ear nervously. “I’ll see you soon.”
"Okay," Vera said, then began to bite her lip.
Lera ran back, pecked another quick kiss to the other girl’s cheek, and then ran back to join the rest of the group. More giggles followed her out of the dining hall as she left.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
As the lesson is about to start, Zamar turns to Singe, wanting to make sure his mind is sharp as much depends on this task. He recites a haiku and laces it with magical energy:
Studying patterns
Decoding lines and scratches
Singe will find our way
Sure, now, that his friend has the boost he needs, Zamar focuses on Sheema's teachings. As she begins demonstrating patterns, he realizes that this code is not that different than sheet music. The lines and marks all have meanings that play together in different combinations, revealing information about where they are and where they can go. He feels a bit silly for worrying, but is relieved that he will be able to help.
(INT check - 19, First inspiration (out of 4) for the day - 1 d6 to Singe)
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
Jerrok Flametongue - Level 6 Human Barbarian in Zendikar - Whispers of the Aeons
R'thr Ka'ri - Level 5 Paladin in The Adventures of Bubbles (every other Wednesday)
Johnathan Moonspeaker - Level 6 Druid in Web of Lies (every other Friday)
DM of Something Wicked This Way Comes - D&D Modernverse (every other Tuesday)
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InsidersA few hours of prep work, the group finally gathered at the elevator. Vera, Sheema, Brod, and Sam were waiting, a large stack of leathers waiting on the ground next to them. Wringing his hands together nervously, Sam greeted the group. "Wonderful, wonderful. Sheema has agreed to take you to the cave entrances where we know the kobolds have been spotted. From there, you'll be on your own." He looked like he wanted to say more, but instead, quickly stepped forward, embracing Perrin tightly, then walking back into the cavern at a quick pace. Vera watched him leave, worry crossing her face. "These should help keep you warm," she said, gesturing to the leathers. "Come... come back safe." She shot Lera a glance, then hurried off after Sam. Meanwhile, Brod gave Sheema a passionate kiss. Afterward, staring into her eyes, he said, "You will come back to me." Sheema nodded and stepped onto the elevator. "Hurry," she said to the group, while Brod moved aside.
Once the Scarlet Dawn were on the elevator, they traveled up, into the cave system above. Sheema lead the group through winding tunnels, pointing out the scratches on the walls to those whom she had taught only a few hours previously. Finally she stopped. "This is as far as I feel comfortable going. There were others who went deeper in, but... they never returned to us. You should be able to navigate your way using the code." Her eyes wandered over the groups faces, as if taking in all their details. "Thank you for this," she said quietly, then rushed off in the opposite direction. Before the group was a fork, three different cave tunnels leading away from them. The code on the wall indicates that all three paths lead to the same place.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Singe turns to the group, "Before we go any farther, I need to do something." Singe clutches his staff close as bluish armor appears before fading into him. Singe touches Lera and the same blue armor briefly surrounds her. Singe does the same with Shanolia, Zamar, and Woe before stopping at Dapple. "I told you to leave your armor at the camp."
Singe casts mage armor from his staff of defense five times.
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
Dapple frowns, wavering in his conviction a bit. "I know. I'm just... not used to trusting in magic like that. You're sure it's reliable enough?" With a sigh, he begins to pull off the armor and stash it in his pack, unwilling to leave it completely behind, just in case. "Fine, if the others trust you, I suppose. Let's just get this over with."
Once the castings are complete, he points to the tunnel mouths and their codes. "All lead to the same place it seems. Left, right or center? I vote... left."
"Then left it is," says Koll. "We don't need to vote on everything, do we? Lead on, Dapple."
As Dapple scouts ahead, the rest of the party stays close behind, but at a short distance to allow him to move silently. Perrin, Koll, Singe, Zamar, Lera, Woe, and finally Shanolia round out the line. Zamar keeps a wary eye out glancing to the sides and above as they walk, trusting in Dapple's navigation. Woe does the same, giving extra focus to their rear security. As they pass the marks, Zamar gives them a glance, just to give himself reassurance.
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
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InsidersAs the group moves down the tunnel, the see that, indeed, all three paths converged on the same spot, leading down a single hallway. As the group pauses, they see additional exits off the section they are in, and there seems to be no further scratches. The code seems to have stopped.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
Dapple paused, letting the others catch up to him, and pointed out the apparent end of the coded scratches. "It seems this is as far as anyone came, or at least marked their path as they went," he says in a low voice. "Sheema said some had gone further, and not come back, so from here on we should take care. Wait here - let me scout ahead a bit further. Stay quiet."
The tabaxi turned and moved away from the group, seeming to vanish into the darkness as if he'd never been there. The minutes slip by, seeming far longer than they really were, as the group waited in the dark. Suddenly he reappeared before the group, a finger to his lips. "No noise down the first branch to the right. On the left, a voice, though I couldn't make out the words, further up on the right again, noise back down that tunnel, but it stopped quickly. I wouldn't trust that the first tunnel is empty either. Better safe than sorry." He looks from face to face. "Go in after them? Draw them out? I'm not used to being down in tunnels like this - easier to stalk through the jungles up above."
Singe lights his hands, shedding flickering light around him, "We should go down the main tunnel, a dragon couldn't fit in any of the other tunnels." The group moves down the central hallway.
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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
The Scarlet Dawn slowly makes their way down the central tunnel, eyes darting at every shadow that flickers off of Singe's small light. The first little branch on the right is small, barely three feet in height, but it continues as far as anyone's darkvision can go. As they pass the second branch, this one on the left, it goes inward to a small "T" intersection, the tunnel big enough for a large human to fit through. Ahead, the central tunnel begins to open up a bit, the ceiling vaulting further than anyone's eyes can see. The cold darkness above gives everyone the feel of unease. As if on cue, a wind picks up in the tunnel.
It's not the kind of wind one would normally feel in a tunnel where a possible exit has just been revealed, but more of a supernatural force that whips through the tunnel and carries with it a bone-chilling cold. A crinkling is heard from each of the party members as the liquid in their waterskins solidifies. Each of you feel your body stiffen as its natural warmth fights against this cold. If the Scarlet Dawn wasn't sure they were on the right path to the Dragon's Lair... they were now.
(Stealth Check - Perrin = 5)
As the group makes it closer to the third small branch of the tunnel, Perrin slips on a patch of newly formed ice and takes a knee. As his knee connects, his newly made Splint Mail clangs loudly enough to bring alarm. In the upcoming tunnel on the right, a small drone is heard. It slowly raises in pitch until it forms a howl that echoes throughout the cave. Shortly after, the roar of the dragon is heard from the darkness above.
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