"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
"I told you there was something up the side tunnels," hisses Dapple. "We should have dealt with that first!" He moves towards Lera and Zamar. "I'm ready, I think, but you're still trying to get him to take the drug willingly first, aren't you?"
Another howl rings throughout the tunnels, so close that the group can smell the blood from the wolf's mouth. A rumble builds in the cavern and the dragon roars as it drops on top of the group. As she descends, a wall of ice forms ten feet above the Scarlet Dawn's heads. "Gretak vloref sa nargit na!? Ist argen nargit na!" She bellows as she lands atop the ice wall. She stares down at the group like a kid in a cinnamon roll store, and everyone gets the impression that she is smiling. The rumble grows louder in the tunnel and she says, "Run." With a mighty blast she roars into the ice and the ceiling behind the group begins to shake. Parts of it shatter instantly and others begin to fall. Soon, the whole tunnel is going to be under ice.
The rumbling is now deafening and the group looks ahead. A massive boulder of hard-packed ice rolls at an unbelievable speed towards the group, and they're left scrambling to react.
Everyone's first instinct is to turn and run, but Shanolia, Zamar, and Dapple are quick to react, ducking into the tunnel right next to them before the entrance is completely cut off from the rest of the group by a cascade of ice. (No Damage)
Singe starts his retreat, but a large chunk of ice knocks him to the ground. Seeing Woe next to him, he pulls her into the smaller tunnel before the massive boulder rolls past them. (11 Bludgeoning Damage)
Koll, Lera, and Perrin fare much worse. As the boulder runs them down, they're pelted with chunks of ice as the ceiling collapses on top of them. They barely make it to the final tunnel before the boulder comes to a rest at the entrance to the cave section. (22 Damage)
The whole main tunnel is completely collapsed, separating the group into various sections of the Dragon's lair.
The cracking of the ice all around Woe and Singe continues for a few moments. Those moments are overcome by the cackling of multiple kobolds. They yip, some with their spears drawn, and close in on both sides of the chamber, waiting.
"Excuse me everyone," Singe says looking at the kobolds, "There appears to be a misunderstanding."
An arrow flies by Singe's head as one of the kobolds lets loose. "Down!" Another says, gesturing to the cracked and unstable ice in front of Singe.
"I hate to state the obvious, but the ice looks unstable." Singe remarks, "I don't want to fall through." He pauses. "I also don't want to hurt you."
"Go!" It barks at Singe again. He gets the distinct feeling they're not accepting no for an answer.
Singe frowns at the kobold, "First tell me why, and then I will happily go."
It seems to have lost its patience, it barks an order out to the other kobolds and they pull their bowstrings back in anticipation. Singe taps the ice in front of him with the end of his staff. he figures any more weight and the ice will break.
Singe sighs and looks to Woe, "I can't see the right area completely, I could get there and see how we can get out. But first, I need help clearing it out."
"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
Having been injured and split up Perrin's first reaction when he stands up is to get his bearings and see if anyone is not moving. Everyone moving Perrin decides to listen to see if they are alone in this side-tunnel. (Perception: 14). Perrin hears what seems to be high pitched bickering further down the tunnel. There be kobolds in these here caves.
“Whatever you’re going to do make it quick; we have company,” Perrin whispers to Lera before proceeding to use Lay on Hands to give himself 5HP and then giving 5HP to Koll and Lera. (15/20 Lay on Hands Point Used).
Lera looks at the ice boulder blockage and attempts to use Shape Water to carve a hole in it. As she concentrates on her cantrip, the ice begins to drip. Slowly it appears as if it's converting to water, but just as it does it begins to freeze again. The magic in this cave seems to be much more powerful than her cantrip. If given enough time... an hour or so, she feels she could make some real progress.
Knowing that we don't have that much time the three of us decide to sneak forward. (Perrin: Stealth 4).
As Perrin leads the approach, the chatter hushes. It's so dark in the cave, though, that he's got to hold on to the wall as he speaks, and this causes much more noise than he intended.
Lera and Koll, now realizing that it is almost impossible for Perrin to be sneaky in his armor, decide that they will just walk forward and Lera casts Light so Perrin and Koll can see within this cave.
Before they proceed any further Lera decides to try and communicate with her father, Zamar. She's not sure if it will reach him through the ice, but she tries anyway.
Every one is still good over here. The ice is magical, so I can’t melt it and get back. Looks like the only way out is through. Stay safe, love you, she messages. There is no response.
Perrin, Koll, and Lera round the corner of the tunnel, and the twang of a bowstring is heard, An arrow flies past the group. Ahead is a twenty foot cliff. Two kobolds are quickly trying to raise a rope ladder as three more prepare their bows with arrows.
“Lera stay behind me!" Perrin says. "Aim for those raising the bridge.” Perrin takes out his shield and gets into a defensive stance around his friends.
Lera lets fly a firbolt at one of the kobolds trying to raise the ladder. (attack 16+3=19, Dmg 5). The fire bolt connects, searing the flesh from the kobold's face. It falls to the ground screaming. The rope-ladder dips slightly as his companion screams in pain, and the lone kobold handling it calls out for help.
Koll notices Lera smiling as the Kobold writhes around in pain. It looks like she's trying to stop herself from giggling at the spectacle. She's a sadist Koll thinks to himself. But he has little time to dwell on it. There are angry little dragon-men to deal with. Koll runs and leaps towards the ladder. He gets a good grip on it and his body weight makes the Kobold let go. The ladder is now descended and he begins to climb.
A gate stands before you, slightly ajar and made of wrought iron melded into the ice. The cold here is nearly unbearable, but looking deeper in you can see why. Two massive wolves stand in front of you, teeth bared. Behind them, an assortment of Kobolds yip in your direction and gesture with their weapons. "Food!" One of the Kobolds yips to the wolves. "Eat... feed your babies!" He cackles as he waves his staff around.
There is a hesitation as the two sides look at each other, as if wondering who will react first. The stalemate is broken by Dapple, who snarls and then roars a challenge as he leaps for the wolf on the right in a furious burst of speed. Calling upon his arcane abilities as he charges, marking the beast as his prey (casting Hunter's Mark). He stabs out with his rapier, but the wolf is fast, twisting away from the blow (Natural 1 on attack roll.) With a feral grin, he reverses his blow, the wolf playing right into his deception. The blade plunges deep into the wolf's exposed side, laying open bone and muscle alike (Natural 20 on attack roll, 28 damage.)
When Dapple runs out, Shanolia is right behind him, stopping after only ten feet and raising the magical dagger in her left hand to the wolf that the Tabaxi engaged with. Her eyes glow red as she speaks in Abyssal.
“Kneel before me, or perish!”
The loud sound of a bell echoes throughout the small cave, but doesn't seem to have any effect on the target (DC: 12 Save: 13). With a muttered curse, she turns around and runs back to Zamar for cover.
Zamar steps out from cover and fires his crossbow at the wounder wolf. (Attack roll: 7) It flies wide and clatters off the stone. He immediately darts back behind the doors, hoping for some cover.
The Kobolds with arrows all let out a barrage aiming for Lera and Perrin. One arrow sticks into the ice next to Lera, the other two bounce harmlessly off of Perrin's shield. The other wait for Koll to ascend the ladder hoping to strike him with their spears.
Lera launches another [Tooltip Not Found] at one but it misses. (Hit: 12) Meanwhile, Koll climbs up and weaves past them all grabbing one hoping to pull it and Kobold off the cliff. Struggling to pull the kobold off the cliff, Koll eventually has to let go. It pulls the spear back sharply and snarls at him. (Koll Athletics: 7 Kobold Athletics: 17)
"Lera. Do you have any rope?" Perrin asks in a hurry.
“No, but apparently I’ve had a short bow this entire time but no arrows,” Lera responds and then continues with “I also have these donuts I’ve been carrying around for like a month so they’re super hard and stale.”
Perrin just grabs a donut and chucks it at the head of one of the kobolds firing down at him. The donut flies true, slamming into the Kobold's face. (Hit: 13 Damage:4) They're surprisingly hard after spending so much time in this cold. The donut leaves a huge welt on its face and blood starts pouring from its nose, but it's still standing.
Perrin is surprised at how effective that is and stays near Lera to protect her. Lera drops down prone again and continues to use Perrin as a human shield with her box of donuts in front of her.
The kobolds then let loose another volley of attacks. None of the arrows finding their marks or spears able to lay a scratch on Koll.
Lera continues to blast fire at them this time aiming for the one she notices that is dressed a little differently than the others. She hits this time landing a solid mark but doesn't seem to do as much as we'd hope. (Hit: 22 for Damage: 7) And hands Perrin another donut. He aims for the same Kobold and hits again. (Hit: 13 for Damage:4) this time taking him out. Meanwhile, Koll lets out a series of martial arts strikes that takes out two of the Kobolds. (To hit: 17 and 21 for Damage: 10 and then 5).
Seeing that they are not getting out of this without a fight, Singe sends two magic missiles at the Kobold on C6 (4 dmg) and one at D6 (3 dmg).Singe's bolts fly loose, soaring through the tunnel at their intended targets. The kobolds are quick though, and the bolts fail to connect with any major impact. They scream in rage and prepare to charge forward.
"Smash the ice!" Singe says as he moves away from the cracked ice.
Hearing this, Woe steps forward and starts stabbing at the ice with her rapier. It makes contact, but not with enough force to cause the ice to break apart. Then she steps back, hoping for some cover from the alcove.
Singe swears in Primordial
Two kobolds, one from each side, close in with their spears and start stabbing at the Bard. While they do, a round of arrows flies at her. Woe easily parries the tips of the spears. Four arrows fly at the bard, one of them flying past her cover and connecting into her shoulder (6 dmg). As th espear wielders stab at her, the ice cracks under the Kobolds' combined weight, but does not break.
Singe steps forward and uses reach into the blaze and casts burning hands. The raging fire of his burning hands burns both to a crisp and causes the ground beneath them to give way as well. Both Kobolds scream in agony at the fire, their screams echoing as they slide down a long tunnel.
Woe shouts at one of the wounded Kobolds. "You dog faced idiots are dumber than a pile of rocks!" The comment stings but does not kill. (1 dmg)
“You will pay for that!” One of them hisses. They all draw again and send arrows into your small space. Arrows clatter past you both, one tumbling down into the ice slide. An arrow seems to soar directly for Singe and slams into his stomach, causing him to double over in pain.
Woe shouts again, "You shoot like you smell. Terrible!" The kobold roars in anger at Woe's insult, but drops its bow and clutches its head before falling over in pain (2 dmg)
Singe takes that opportunity to cast misty step, appearing behind the kobold and hitting it with his glass staff in an arcing, two-handed, overhead smash (4 dmg). It turns towards you, snarling, not noticing that its head had just been cracked open. As the blood pours down its face, it falls. Here, Singe sees the remains of a small fire as well as a strange little hovel of a shack. It looks to be made of sticks gathered from outside and reeks of kobold. A giant pillar of ice raises up towards the ceiling of the tunnel. Other than that, nothing.
At the death of their comrades. the remaining two kobolds rush forward and leap into the ice slide head-first.
"Nothing over here!" Singe calls to Woe, "Should we follow the kobolds?"
"Doesn't seem like we have much choice," she smiles. "Though I would prefer a controlled descent. Do you need any healing? Or should I conserve my magics? We could take a short rest..."
Singe asks Woe for some rope to tie to the pillar of ice, but she has none. Seeing no other way out, the pair decide to slide down the ice slide. Woe, being slightly more protected, offers to go first.
One of the Wolves remains engaged with Dapple, teeth snarling, as the other barrels past him. Thinking quickly, Dapple slices out with his weapon, cutting into the beast's flank just before the other Wolf snaps it's jaw at him, managing to bite into the poor Tabaxi. He manages to pull free, but in the process falls to the cold stone floor and hits his head, the effects of his Hunter's Mark fading away.
When the other Wolf reaches the two Adventurer's that remain by the entrance it's mouth opens and a roar of icy cold spews forth. Shanolia manages to avoid the brunt of the blast, only catching the edge as she attempts to dodge away. The Elf stumbles and leans on the wall, breathing heavily with her eyes closed. Zamar, on the other hand, is a bit too slow to avoid the cold, bits of frost appearing on his clothes as he reels back from the force of the attack.
Dapple is the first to recover, swiftly returning to his feet and in one swift motion slicing up into the Wolf once more, hurting it but not doing too much. A split-second later and Zamar darts past Shanolia's recoveringform and gets behind the Wolf that has nearly frozen him, plucking the strings of his lyre and singing a short tune.
"All of you will die in the wind. Diiiiie in the wind~"
The wall of wind materializes instantly within the small cavern; The little house in the corner of the room is ripped to shreds sending shrapnel and ice barreling through the kobolds. As the wind continues to rage, not a single kobold remains standing. A roar is heard behind the ice on the back wall and a flash of white scales is seen sprinting through tunnels about twenty feet up. It looks to be the Dragon's personal transportation network... and she appears to be in a hurry to get somewhere.
"Who's laughing now?" Zamar taunts smugly.
As the winds rage and everyone is distracted Shanolia's eyes snap open, their red glow much harsher than ever before. The obsidian dagger in hand feels much warmer as she adjusts her grip. She lets out a guttural shout, pushing off the wall to slash at the Wolf with both daggers in her hands, first using the obsidian dagger in her right hand and cutting deep into her neck before slicing up into her flank with her arcane dagger, burying it to the hilt and roughly ripping it through the creature's flesh.
After staggering for a moment, the Wolf attempts to bite at Shanolia in retribution, but the Elf bops it's snout with the hilt of her weapon and rolls aside to dodgeit's mouth full of razors. The other Wolf similarly attempts to lash out at Dapple, but is unable to connect. It seems that the whining of the caged puppies is distracting the mothers enough for the Adventurers to find an opening.
****** /r 1d20+4 #Zamar Dex Save = (3)+4=7 - Fail (24 Dmg) /r 1d20+5 #Shano Dex Save = (13)+5=18 - Success (12 Dmg) /r 1d20-1 #Shano Wis Save = (1)-1=0 - Enraged (Barbarian Rage) /r 1d20+4 #Dapple Str Save = (7)+4=11 - Fail (Knocked Prone) /r 1d20+1 #Dapple Con Save = (8)+1=9 - Fail (Hunter's Mark Fades) /r 1d20+5 #Dapple To-Hit 1 = (19)+5=24 - Hit /r 1d8+5 #Dapple Dmg 1 = (2)+5=7 Dmg /r 1d20 #Dapple To-Hit 2 = (18)+5=23 - Hit /r 1d8+5 #Dapple Dmg 2 = (2)+5=7 Dmg /r 3d8 #Zamar Wind Wall Dmg = (8+7+7)=22 Dmg /r 1d20+6 #Shanolia To-Hit 1 = (13)+6=19 - Hit /r 1d4+2d6+2 #Shanolia Dmg 1 = (1)+(3+2)+2=8 Dmg /r 2d20kl1 #Shanolia To-Hit 2 = (15+15)+6=21 - Hit /r 1d4+4+2 #Shanolia Dmg 2 = (4)+4+2=10 Dmg Adventurers Get Advantage During Next Round
Lera's firebolt slams into the headdress wearing kobold's shield just as Koll lands a massive punch in his face. Long slash marks begin to bleed out as the Kobold gathers himself and parries Koll's second attack. Perrin launches another rock-hard donut and hits the archer so hard that he falls forward, slamming into the ground next to the halfling.
Lera attack 5+6=11 miss
Koll attack 20+6=26, dmg1+3+6=10, second attack 8+6=14 miss
Koll takes another punch at the headdressed Kobold landing a hit before going into a defensive stance. (To Hit: 23 for Damage: 9 then spending 1 Ki point for the Dodge Action).
Perrin takes the short bow and an arrow, both feeling familiar like he knows the maker, and attempts to shoot at the Kobolds but misses (To Hit: 11).
Lera launches another Firebolt hitting a Kobold (To Hit: 18 for Damage: 3).
"Grot reken!" He calls to the other kobold. It nods and takes a wide path around Koll before crawling into a small hole in the rock formation nearby. He then centers himself and attempts to shield-rush Koll off the side of the cliff. (Kobold Athletics: 11. Koll Acrobatics: 9) The kobold slams forward with his shield, sending Koll off the side of the small cliff. The air seems to thicken around him; however, and he's able to land softly on his feet. Headdress stands his ground in front of the ladder, growling.
Koll then proceeds to throw a shuriken at the Shield Bearing Kobold. The Kobold lifts his shield to block the throwing star, but Koll was expecting that and the star slams into its crotch. It howls in pain and calls out, "Grottn!" (To Hit: 19 for Damage: 8).
Perrin attempts to hit the headdressed one with an arrow but misses. (To Hit: 7).
Lera decides to roll out the big guns and casts Chaos Bolt at the headdressed Kobold, taping into her wild magic for extra reassurances that she hits. (To Hit: 24 for Damage: 9) and her Bolt leaps off the first Kobold and onto the second one. Headdress remains but takes a knee as the ice damage nearly drops him. There's a scream that comes from nearby as the other kobold dies. Her wild magic speeds her up and she launches a Firebolt at the remaining Kobold killing him. (To Hit: 24 for Damage: 4).
Dapple darts and weaves, stalking around the wolf in a deadly game of tag. Seeing an opening, he darts in thrusting out with the rapier like a striking viper. He growls low in his throat, a sound of pleasure as he connects. (To hit: 19, Damage: 9) in response the great beast rears back, jaws agape, and unleashes a deadly blast of breath, cold as hoarfrost. Dapple dances back, trusting his familiar feline grace to protect him but is betrayed by the slick, icy floor underfoot. He takes a step to one side but at that crucial instant loses his footing and slips to one knee, catching the full brunt of the blast.
Gasping for breath, the very air in his lungs seeming to freeze, Dapple struggles against the cold, fighting his way back to his feet and raising his blade before himself in defiance. Drawing from somewhere deep inside himself, a wave of energy floods his leaden limbs (casts Zephyr Strike). In a burst of unnatural speed, he leaps forward, stabbing in a last ditch effort to finish the wolf, but despite his magically-enhanced attempt the strike is off target. (To hit: 9)
Feeling the effects of his wounds, Dapple finally evades the wolf and falls back next to Zamar. (Move to E12)
Shanolia takes advantage of the wolf's distraction to bury her obsidian dagger deep into its neck, twisting as she pulls it back out and taking pleasure in the whimper of pain she draws from her. She just barely manages to slice into one of her legs before she notices the telltale sign of another blast of cold from her mouth and narrowly avoids the brunt of the blast, only slightly chilling. She readjusts her grip as she looks for another opening, determined to slaughter the beast no matter how bruised she is.
Shanolia sees Dapple pulling away but it hardly registers as she leaps in for another flurry of slicing and dicing, only to be disappointed when neither swing can connect, her wounds finally impairing the force of her attacks. Zamar stabs out towards the wolf as well, but the creatures manoeuvre to dodge Shanolia's attack leaves him no opening to take advantage of. With a sigh, he sends magic-laced words in Dapple's direction, swiftly healing some of his wounds.
After easily sidestepping another bite attempt from the wolf, she manages to slice deep into the creature's throat, severing an artery and watching with a triumphant glare as it collapses to the stone ground, writhing and drowning in a pool of its own blood. A small smirk graces her lips as her gaze turns to the other wolf, letting out an inhuman howl to intimidate her next target and causing her to whimper and skitter away, leaping atop the cages of her pups and shattering through the thin ice wall into the dragon's personal travel network, quickly disappearing from sight.
Woe and Singe slide down the ice-slide. Just as Woe suspected, the slide is extremely slick. Without crampons or some other device to slow them down, the pair is left to the whims of the slide. Eventually it shoots both of them out into a small pool of freezing cold water. The pool is dark in color and reeks of refuse. Two kobolds on the other side of the pool rush to climb a rope-ladder as another dozen yip their surprise at the pair's appearance. The call is heard, and a roar sounds throughout the chamber. Above, nearly 40 feet, the white dragon launches itself out of a side-tunnel and lands upon the surface. It turns slowly, looking at its army. The kobolds bow in praise before it turns its attention to the two dirty snacks in the refuse pit. "Grolock frelen tra dal?" It asks.
Singe looks at his suit jacket, "This will take more than a prestidigitation," he mutters. He bows deeply to the dragon, "Your... excellency, we are unfamiliar with the draconic tongue. Please do forgive our ignorance."
The dragon rears back, seemingly offended that you can't even speak its tongue. Singe bows deeper and takes a small step back.
"We would not deign to sully your beautiful language with our vile human tongues. We are common things and so will only speak the common tongue as a show of respect." Woe adds.
The dragon stretches its head towards Woe, looking intently at the woman for a few moments. "Trisk vlanka gru dos tra," it responds. The kobolds around the dragon start to whoop and laugh.
Singe straightens and casts comprehend languages, "We can not speak your tongue but now I understand yours, perhaps we can make this work."
She quickly flaps her wings, rising on her hind legs and snarls at Singe, "I did not give you permission to cast spells in my domain. Your head will be frozen for eternity so that I may cherish the look of anguish that will be frozen on your face."
"We have brought you a gift, mighty wyrm. Kill us and we will not be able to explain it to you." Woe says, seeing the angry posture of the dragon. She ignores Woe, walking along the side of the pit with her eyes on Singe.
Singe bows even deeper, "Forgive my ignorance your Majesty."
"He's but a mageling, my queen. A simple spell. Nothing to worry ab..." The dragon sends a glare at the kobold that spoke, her tail whipping out towards the minion. It stops short and the kobold falls to the ground, grovelling. "Forgive me... forgive me..." it repeats. The dragon turns her attention back on Woe. "Show me what you have brought."
Singe motions to Woe, "Show her."
"I am but the messenger," Woe says. "We were separated from the mule."
Singe stares at Woe, "Oh no."
"Well?" The dragon asks impatiently.
Singe looks at the floor, "A cave-in struck moments before we arrived here. The person who was carrying the gift was separated from us. We have no idea where they are."
"What is it?" She responds. Both get the feeling she's starting to believe there's no offering. Singe translates, looking desperately at Woe.
"It is a magical herb that allows you to enter a spirit realm. It is a place where you can see and dominate the minds of others, even those far away. I have been there and can show you how it works. But I need my servants back to do so. I promise you an experience and power unlike any you have had before." Woe responds.
The white dragon gives Woe a skeptical look. Its massive brows raise in speculation and Singe and Woe can almost feel the wheels turning. Though these dragons are known to be the least intelligent of the true dragons, this one has shown a cunning that far exceeds expectations. Due to that, it comes as a surprise to the pair when she responds, "Watch them..." And lumbers her way towards the Southern section of the cave. She's quick, darting through the kobolds as they bow their heads in worship. The sounds of stone and ice blasting out at ear-piercing levels is heard in the distance.
Singe translates and Woe gives a skeptical look to Singe, then shrugs her shoulders. Singe shakes his head, "We're going to be lucky to get out of here alive."
"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
This small cavern looks as though it was primarily used to 'care' for the animals here. Two cages line the north wall, both with small Winter Wolf puppies trapped within. Around a bend, there's a massive gate set into the ice. The gate is closed, but something large and white is moving within. There used to be a small den here as well, but it's been thoroughly destroyed by Zamar's wind wall.
Once the wolf that attacked Shanolia falls and the other scampers away, her eyes dull and the dagger in her hand's warmth fades. With a pained sigh, she falls to her knees and lets her arcane dagger clatter to the floor.
Dapple takes a moment to catch his breath after the wolf flees. Knowing he needs to be in better shape for what may lie ahead, he summons the last if his magical reserves and channels it into healing himself a bit more (Cure Wounds for 4 hp). He then checks out the rest of the cavern, moving to check the cages first. One of the puppies spews forth a small turret of cold at him as he approach, but it shies away and begins to whine.
Clutching his rapier, Dapple's grip tightens as the puppy tests it's breath, but when it shies back and begins to whine, his shoulders slump and the blade drops. Killing them may be the smart thing to do, but the tabaxi can't bring himself to do it. Instead, he turns his attention to the gate he now sees off to his right. "Look," he calls back to the others in a low voice. "Another gate." He approaches cautiously, examining the lock and hinges, and trying to see what lies in the darkness beyond. (Stop at J6 for now)
The creature behind the cage moves forward. A pure white Polar Owlbear grunts at the sight of you before swiping at the ground with one of its massive claws. The creature looks like it's molting and spatters of fur are completely missing, replaced with multiple scars. Dapple steps back instinctively at the sign of the great owlbear, but as he catches sight of the abuse it's suffered, he can't help but feel pity. Stepping back to the gate, he catches it's eyes through the bars. "If we survive this, I will find a way to free you," he vows, even though he knows it can't understand it's words.
Exhausted and bloodied after the battle, Zamar gathers his friends around him, expending most of his remaining magic. As he chants, their wounds begin to close. He and Dapple are fully revived and Shanolia nearly so. "I hope this was the right call," he says, "but we need our strength to face the dragon." He begins eyeing the space where the wolf fled.
Singe snuffs out his flames and looks to the Zahuvs, "Lera, Zamar! Make Dapple invisible and get him into the air! Now!"
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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
"I told you there was something up the side tunnels," hisses Dapple. "We should have dealt with that first!" He moves towards Lera and Zamar. "I'm ready, I think, but you're still trying to get him to take the drug willingly first, aren't you?"
Another howl rings throughout the tunnels, so close that the group can smell the blood from the wolf's mouth. A rumble builds in the cavern and the dragon roars as it drops on top of the group. As she descends, a wall of ice forms ten feet above the Scarlet Dawn's heads. "Gretak vloref sa nargit na!? Ist argen nargit na!" She bellows as she lands atop the ice wall. She stares down at the group like a kid in a cinnamon roll store, and everyone gets the impression that she is smiling. The rumble grows louder in the tunnel and she says, "Run." With a mighty blast she roars into the ice and the ceiling behind the group begins to shake. Parts of it shatter instantly and others begin to fall. Soon, the whole tunnel is going to be under ice.
The rumbling is now deafening and the group looks ahead. A massive boulder of hard-packed ice rolls at an unbelievable speed towards the group, and they're left scrambling to react.
Everyone's first instinct is to turn and run, but Shanolia, Zamar, and Dapple are quick to react, ducking into the tunnel right next to them before the entrance is completely cut off from the rest of the group by a cascade of ice. (No Damage)
Singe starts his retreat, but a large chunk of ice knocks him to the ground. Seeing Woe next to him, he pulls her into the smaller tunnel before the massive boulder rolls past them. (11 Bludgeoning Damage)
Koll, Lera, and Perrin fare much worse. As the boulder runs them down, they're pelted with chunks of ice as the ceiling collapses on top of them. They barely make it to the final tunnel before the boulder comes to a rest at the entrance to the cave section. (22 Damage)
The whole main tunnel is completely collapsed, separating the group into various sections of the Dragon's lair.
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The cracking of the ice all around Woe and Singe continues for a few moments. Those moments are overcome by the cackling of multiple kobolds. They yip, some with their spears drawn, and close in on both sides of the chamber, waiting.
"Excuse me everyone," Singe says looking at the kobolds, "There appears to be a misunderstanding."
An arrow flies by Singe's head as one of the kobolds lets loose. "Down!" Another says, gesturing to the cracked and unstable ice in front of Singe.
"I hate to state the obvious, but the ice looks unstable." Singe remarks, "I don't want to fall through." He pauses. "I also don't want to hurt you."
"Go!" It barks at Singe again. He gets the distinct feeling they're not accepting no for an answer.
Singe frowns at the kobold, "First tell me why, and then I will happily go."
It seems to have lost its patience, it barks an order out to the other kobolds and they pull their bowstrings back in anticipation. Singe taps the ice in front of him with the end of his staff. he figures any more weight and the ice will break.
Singe sighs and looks to Woe, "I can't see the right area completely, I could get there and see how we can get out. But first, I need help clearing it out."
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
Team So Many Spells
Having been injured and split up Perrin's first reaction when he stands up is to get his bearings and see if anyone is not moving. Everyone moving Perrin decides to listen to see if they are alone in this side-tunnel. (Perception: 14). Perrin hears what seems to be high pitched bickering further down the tunnel. There be kobolds in these here caves.
“Whatever you’re going to do make it quick; we have company,” Perrin whispers to Lera before proceeding to use Lay on Hands to give himself 5HP and then giving 5HP to Koll and Lera. (15/20 Lay on Hands Point Used).
Lera looks at the ice boulder blockage and attempts to use Shape Water to carve a hole in it. As she concentrates on her cantrip, the ice begins to drip. Slowly it appears as if it's converting to water, but just as it does it begins to freeze again. The magic in this cave seems to be much more powerful than her cantrip. If given enough time... an hour or so, she feels she could make some real progress.
Knowing that we don't have that much time the three of us decide to sneak forward. (Perrin: Stealth 4).
As Perrin leads the approach, the chatter hushes. It's so dark in the cave, though, that he's got to hold on to the wall as he speaks, and this causes much more noise than he intended.
Lera and Koll, now realizing that it is almost impossible for Perrin to be sneaky in his armor, decide that they will just walk forward and Lera casts Light so Perrin and Koll can see within this cave.
Before they proceed any further Lera decides to try and communicate with her father, Zamar. She's not sure if it will reach him through the ice, but she tries anyway.
Every one is still good over here. The ice is magical, so I can’t melt it and get back. Looks like the only way out is through. Stay safe, love you, she messages. There is no response.
Perrin, Koll, and Lera round the corner of the tunnel, and the twang of a bowstring is heard, An arrow flies past the group. Ahead is a twenty foot cliff. Two kobolds are quickly trying to raise a rope ladder as three more prepare their bows with arrows.
“Lera stay behind me!" Perrin says. "Aim for those raising the bridge.” Perrin takes out his shield and gets into a defensive stance around his friends.
Lera lets fly a firbolt at one of the kobolds trying to raise the ladder. (attack 16+3=19, Dmg 5). The fire bolt connects, searing the flesh from the kobold's face. It falls to the ground screaming. The rope-ladder dips slightly as his companion screams in pain, and the lone kobold handling it calls out for help.
Koll notices Lera smiling as the Kobold writhes around in pain. It looks like she's trying to stop herself from giggling at the spectacle. She's a sadist Koll thinks to himself. But he has little time to dwell on it. There are angry little dragon-men to deal with. Koll runs and leaps towards the ladder. He gets a good grip on it and his body weight makes the Kobold let go. The ladder is now descended and he begins to climb.
Team Cold Reception
A gate stands before you, slightly ajar and made of wrought iron melded into the ice. The cold here is nearly unbearable, but looking deeper in you can see why. Two massive wolves stand in front of you, teeth bared. Behind them, an assortment of Kobolds yip in your direction and gesture with their weapons. "Food!" One of the Kobolds yips to the wolves. "Eat... feed your babies!" He cackles as he waves his staff around.
There is a hesitation as the two sides look at each other, as if wondering who will react first. The stalemate is broken by Dapple, who snarls and then roars a challenge as he leaps for the wolf on the right in a furious burst of speed. Calling upon his arcane abilities as he charges, marking the beast as his prey (casting Hunter's Mark). He stabs out with his rapier, but the wolf is fast, twisting away from the blow (Natural 1 on attack roll.) With a feral grin, he reverses his blow, the wolf playing right into his deception. The blade plunges deep into the wolf's exposed side, laying open bone and muscle alike (Natural 20 on attack roll, 28 damage.)
When Dapple runs out, Shanolia is right behind him, stopping after only ten feet and raising the magical dagger in her left hand to the wolf that the Tabaxi engaged with. Her eyes glow red as she speaks in Abyssal.
“Kneel before me, or perish!”
The loud sound of a bell echoes throughout the small cave, but doesn't seem to have any effect on the target (DC: 12 Save: 13). With a muttered curse, she turns around and runs back to Zamar for cover.
(Movement: B13 - C13)
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
Team Cold Reception
Zamar steps out from cover and fires his crossbow at the wounder wolf. (Attack roll: 7) It flies wide and clatters off the stone. He immediately darts back behind the doors, hoping for some cover.
(Movement A13 - C13 - back to B13)
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)
Team So Many Smells
The Kobolds with arrows all let out a barrage aiming for Lera and Perrin. One arrow sticks into the ice next to Lera, the other two bounce harmlessly off of Perrin's shield. The other wait for Koll to ascend the ladder hoping to strike him with their spears.
Lera launches another [Tooltip Not Found] at one but it misses. (Hit: 12) Meanwhile, Koll climbs up and weaves past them all grabbing one hoping to pull it and Kobold off the cliff. Struggling to pull the kobold off the cliff, Koll eventually has to let go. It pulls the spear back sharply and snarls at him. (Koll Athletics: 7 Kobold Athletics: 17)
"Lera. Do you have any rope?" Perrin asks in a hurry.
“No, but apparently I’ve had a short bow this entire time but no arrows,” Lera responds and then continues with “I also have these donuts I’ve been carrying around for like a month so they’re super hard and stale.”
Perrin just grabs a donut and chucks it at the head of one of the kobolds firing down at him. The donut flies true, slamming into the Kobold's face. (Hit: 13 Damage:4) They're surprisingly hard after spending so much time in this cold. The donut leaves a huge welt on its face and blood starts pouring from its nose, but it's still standing.
Perrin is surprised at how effective that is and stays near Lera to protect her. Lera drops down prone again and continues to use Perrin as a human shield with her box of donuts in front of her.
The kobolds then let loose another volley of attacks. None of the arrows finding their marks or spears able to lay a scratch on Koll.
Lera continues to blast fire at them this time aiming for the one she notices that is dressed a little differently than the others. She hits this time landing a solid mark but doesn't seem to do as much as we'd hope. (Hit: 22 for Damage: 7) And hands Perrin another donut. He aims for the same Kobold and hits again. (Hit: 13 for Damage:4) this time taking him out. Meanwhile, Koll lets out a series of martial arts strikes that takes out two of the Kobolds. (To hit: 17 and 21 for Damage: 10 and then 5).
Team Welcome Home
Seeing that they are not getting out of this without a fight, Singe sends two magic missiles at the Kobold on C6 (4 dmg) and one at D6 (3 dmg).Singe's bolts fly loose, soaring through the tunnel at their intended targets. The kobolds are quick though, and the bolts fail to connect with any major impact. They scream in rage and prepare to charge forward.
"Smash the ice!" Singe says as he moves away from the cracked ice.
Hearing this, Woe steps forward and starts stabbing at the ice with her rapier. It makes contact, but not with enough force to cause the ice to break apart. Then she steps back, hoping for some cover from the alcove.
Singe swears in Primordial
Two kobolds, one from each side, close in with their spears and start stabbing at the Bard. While they do, a round of arrows flies at her. Woe easily parries the tips of the spears. Four arrows fly at the bard, one of them flying past her cover and connecting into her shoulder (6 dmg). As th espear wielders stab at her, the ice cracks under the Kobolds' combined weight, but does not break.
Singe steps forward and uses reach into the blaze and casts burning hands. The raging fire of his burning hands burns both to a crisp and causes the ground beneath them to give way as well. Both Kobolds scream in agony at the fire, their screams echoing as they slide down a long tunnel.
Woe shouts at one of the wounded Kobolds. "You dog faced idiots are dumber than a pile of rocks!" The comment stings but does not kill. (1 dmg)
“You will pay for that!” One of them hisses. They all draw again and send arrows into your small space. Arrows clatter past you both, one tumbling down into the ice slide. An arrow seems to soar directly for Singe and slams into his stomach, causing him to double over in pain.
Woe shouts again, "You shoot like you smell. Terrible!" The kobold roars in anger at Woe's insult, but drops its bow and clutches its head before falling over in pain (2 dmg)
Singe takes that opportunity to cast misty step, appearing behind the kobold and hitting it with his glass staff in an arcing, two-handed, overhead smash (4 dmg). It turns towards you, snarling, not noticing that its head had just been cracked open. As the blood pours down its face, it falls. Here, Singe sees the remains of a small fire as well as a strange little hovel of a shack. It looks to be made of sticks gathered from outside and reeks of kobold. A giant pillar of ice raises up towards the ceiling of the tunnel. Other than that, nothing.
At the death of their comrades. the remaining two kobolds rush forward and leap into the ice slide head-first.
"Nothing over here!" Singe calls to Woe, "Should we follow the kobolds?"
"Doesn't seem like we have much choice," she smiles. "Though I would prefer a controlled descent. Do you need any healing? Or should I conserve my magics? We could take a short rest..."
Singe asks Woe for some rope to tie to the pillar of ice, but she has none. Seeing no other way out, the pair decide to slide down the ice slide. Woe, being slightly more protected, offers to go first.
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)
Cold Reception
One of the Wolves remains engaged with Dapple, teeth snarling, as the other barrels past him. Thinking quickly, Dapple slices out with his weapon, cutting into the beast's flank just before the other Wolf snaps it's jaw at him, managing to bite into the poor Tabaxi. He manages to pull free, but in the process falls to the cold stone floor and hits his head, the effects of his Hunter's Mark fading away.
When the other Wolf reaches the two Adventurer's that remain by the entrance it's mouth opens and a roar of icy cold spews forth. Shanolia manages to avoid the brunt of the blast, only catching the edge as she attempts to dodge away. The Elf stumbles and leans on the wall, breathing heavily with her eyes closed. Zamar, on the other hand, is a bit too slow to avoid the cold, bits of frost appearing on his clothes as he reels back from the force of the attack.
Dapple is the first to recover, swiftly returning to his feet and in one swift motion slicing up into the Wolf once more, hurting it but not doing too much. A split-second later and Zamar darts past Shanolia's recovering form and gets behind the Wolf that has nearly frozen him, plucking the strings of his lyre and singing a short tune.
"All of you will die in the wind. Diiiiie in the wind~"
The wall of wind materializes instantly within the small cavern; The little house in the corner of the room is ripped to shreds sending shrapnel and ice barreling through the kobolds. As the wind continues to rage, not a single kobold remains standing. A roar is heard behind the ice on the back wall and a flash of white scales is seen sprinting through tunnels about twenty feet up. It looks to be the Dragon's personal transportation network... and she appears to be in a hurry to get somewhere.
"Who's laughing now?" Zamar taunts smugly.
As the winds rage and everyone is distracted Shanolia's eyes snap open, their red glow much harsher than ever before. The obsidian dagger in hand feels much warmer as she adjusts her grip. She lets out a guttural shout, pushing off the wall to slash at the Wolf with both daggers in her hands, first using the obsidian dagger in her right hand and cutting deep into her neck before slicing up into her flank with her arcane dagger, burying it to the hilt and roughly ripping it through the creature's flesh.
After staggering for a moment, the Wolf attempts to bite at Shanolia in retribution, but the Elf bops it's snout with the hilt of her weapon and rolls aside to dodge it's mouth full of razors. The other Wolf similarly attempts to lash out at Dapple, but is unable to connect. It seems that the whining of the caged puppies is distracting the mothers enough for the Adventurers to find an opening.
******
/r 1d20+4 #Zamar Dex Save = (3)+4=7 - Fail (24 Dmg)
/r 1d20+5 #Shano Dex Save = (13)+5=18 - Success (12 Dmg)
/r 1d20-1 #Shano Wis Save = (1)-1=0 - Enraged (Barbarian Rage)
/r 1d20+4 #Dapple Str Save = (7)+4=11 - Fail (Knocked Prone)
/r 1d20+1 #Dapple Con Save = (8)+1=9 - Fail (Hunter's Mark Fades)
/r 1d20+5 #Dapple To-Hit 1 = (19)+5=24 - Hit
/r 1d8+5 #Dapple Dmg 1 = (2)+5=7 Dmg
/r 1d20 #Dapple To-Hit 2 = (18)+5=23 - Hit
/r 1d8+5 #Dapple Dmg 2 = (2)+5=7 Dmg
/r 3d8 #Zamar Wind Wall Dmg = (8+7+7)=22 Dmg
/r 1d20+6 #Shanolia To-Hit 1 = (13)+6=19 - Hit
/r 1d4+2d6+2 #Shanolia Dmg 1 = (1)+(3+2)+2=8 Dmg
/r 2d20kl1 #Shanolia To-Hit 2 = (15
+15)+6=21 - Hit/r 1d4+4+2 #Shanolia Dmg 2 = (4)+4+2=10 Dmg
Adventurers Get Advantage During Next Round
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
Team So Many Smells
Lera's firebolt slams into the headdress wearing kobold's shield just as Koll lands a massive punch in his face. Long slash marks begin to bleed out as the Kobold gathers himself and parries Koll's second attack. Perrin launches another rock-hard donut and hits the archer so hard that he falls forward, slamming into the ground next to the halfling.
Lera attack 5+6=11 miss
Koll attack 20+6=26, dmg1+3+6=10, second attack 8+6=14 miss
Perrin attack 18+3=21, dmg 2+3=5
Koll takes another punch at the headdressed Kobold landing a hit before going into a defensive stance. (To Hit: 23 for Damage: 9 then spending 1 Ki point for the Dodge Action).
Perrin takes the short bow and an arrow, both feeling familiar like he knows the maker, and attempts to shoot at the Kobolds but misses (To Hit: 11).
Lera launches another Firebolt hitting a Kobold (To Hit: 18 for Damage: 3).
"Grot reken!" He calls to the other kobold. It nods and takes a wide path around Koll before crawling into a small hole in the rock formation nearby. He then centers himself and attempts to shield-rush Koll off the side of the cliff. (Kobold Athletics: 11. Koll Acrobatics: 9) The kobold slams forward with his shield, sending Koll off the side of the small cliff. The air seems to thicken around him; however, and he's able to land softly on his feet. Headdress stands his ground in front of the ladder, growling.
Koll then proceeds to throw a shuriken at the Shield Bearing Kobold. The Kobold lifts his shield to block the throwing star, but Koll was expecting that and the star slams into its crotch. It howls in pain and calls out, "Grottn!" (To Hit: 19 for Damage: 8).
Perrin attempts to hit the headdressed one with an arrow but misses. (To Hit: 7).
Lera decides to roll out the big guns and casts Chaos Bolt at the headdressed Kobold, taping into her wild magic for extra reassurances that she hits. (To Hit: 24 for Damage: 9) and her Bolt leaps off the first Kobold and onto the second one. Headdress remains but takes a knee as the ice damage nearly drops him. There's a scream that comes from nearby as the other kobold dies. Her wild magic speeds her up and she launches a Firebolt at the remaining Kobold killing him. (To Hit: 24 for Damage: 4).
Dapple darts and weaves, stalking around the wolf in a deadly game of tag. Seeing an opening, he darts in thrusting out with the rapier like a striking viper. He growls low in his throat, a sound of pleasure as he connects. (To hit: 19, Damage: 9) in response the great beast rears back, jaws agape, and unleashes a deadly blast of breath, cold as hoarfrost. Dapple dances back, trusting his familiar feline grace to protect him but is betrayed by the slick, icy floor underfoot. He takes a step to one side but at that crucial instant loses his footing and slips to one knee, catching the full brunt of the blast.
Gasping for breath, the very air in his lungs seeming to freeze, Dapple struggles against the cold, fighting his way back to his feet and raising his blade before himself in defiance. Drawing from somewhere deep inside himself, a wave of energy floods his leaden limbs (casts Zephyr Strike). In a burst of unnatural speed, he leaps forward, stabbing in a last ditch effort to finish the wolf, but despite his magically-enhanced attempt the strike is off target. (To hit: 9)
Feeling the effects of his wounds, Dapple finally evades the wolf and falls back next to Zamar. (Move to E12)
Shanolia takes advantage of the wolf's distraction to bury her obsidian dagger deep into its neck, twisting as she pulls it back out and taking pleasure in the whimper of pain she draws from her. She just barely manages to slice into one of her legs before she notices the telltale sign of another blast of cold from her mouth and narrowly avoids the brunt of the blast, only slightly chilling. She readjusts her grip as she looks for another opening, determined to slaughter the beast no matter how bruised she is.
#####
/r 2d20kh1+6 # Obsidian To-Hit = (
5+20)+6=26 - Critical Hit!/r 2d4+4d6+2 #Obsidian Dmg = (1+1)+(4+2+4+6)+2=20 Dmg
/r 1d20+6 #Other To-Hit = (7)+6=13 - Hit
/r 1d4+4 #Other Dmg = (1)+4=5 Dmg
/r 1d20+5 #Dex Save = (12)+5=17 - 7 Cold Dmg
Shanolia HP = 8/27
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 sees Dapple pulling away but it hardly registers as she leaps in for another flurry of slicing and dicing, only to be disappointed when neither swing can connect, her wounds finally impairing the force of her attacks. Zamar stabs out towards the wolf as well, but the creatures manoeuvre to dodge Shanolia's attack leaves him no opening to take advantage of. With a sigh, he sends magic-laced words in Dapple's direction, swiftly healing some of his wounds.
After easily sidestepping another bite attempt from the wolf, she manages to slice deep into the creature's throat, severing an artery and watching with a triumphant glare as it collapses to the stone ground, writhing and drowning in a pool of its own blood. A small smirk graces her lips as her gaze turns to the other wolf, letting out an inhuman howl to intimidate her next target and causing her to whimper and skitter away, leaping atop the cages of her pups and shattering through the thin ice wall into the dragon's personal travel network, quickly disappearing from sight.
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
Team Welcome Home
Woe and Singe slide down the ice-slide. Just as Woe suspected, the slide is extremely slick. Without crampons or some other device to slow them down, the pair is left to the whims of the slide. Eventually it shoots both of them out into a small pool of freezing cold water. The pool is dark in color and reeks of refuse. Two kobolds on the other side of the pool rush to climb a rope-ladder as another dozen yip their surprise at the pair's appearance. The call is heard, and a roar sounds throughout the chamber. Above, nearly 40 feet, the white dragon launches itself out of a side-tunnel and lands upon the surface. It turns slowly, looking at its army. The kobolds bow in praise before it turns its attention to the two dirty snacks in the refuse pit. "Grolock frelen tra dal?" It asks.
Singe looks at his suit jacket, "This will take more than a prestidigitation," he mutters. He bows deeply to the dragon, "Your... excellency, we are unfamiliar with the draconic tongue. Please do forgive our ignorance."
The dragon rears back, seemingly offended that you can't even speak its tongue. Singe bows deeper and takes a small step back.
"We would not deign to sully your beautiful language with our vile human tongues. We are common things and so will only speak the common tongue as a show of respect." Woe adds.
The dragon stretches its head towards Woe, looking intently at the woman for a few moments. "Trisk vlanka gru dos tra," it responds. The kobolds around the dragon start to whoop and laugh.
Singe straightens and casts comprehend languages, "We can not speak your tongue but now I understand yours, perhaps we can make this work."
She quickly flaps her wings, rising on her hind legs and snarls at Singe, "I did not give you permission to cast spells in my domain. Your head will be frozen for eternity so that I may cherish the look of anguish that will be frozen on your face."
"We have brought you a gift, mighty wyrm. Kill us and we will not be able to explain it to you." Woe says, seeing the angry posture of the dragon. She ignores Woe, walking along the side of the pit with her eyes on Singe.
Singe bows even deeper, "Forgive my ignorance your Majesty."
"He's but a mageling, my queen. A simple spell. Nothing to worry ab..." The dragon sends a glare at the kobold that spoke, her tail whipping out towards the minion. It stops short and the kobold falls to the ground, grovelling. "Forgive me... forgive me..." it repeats. The dragon turns her attention back on Woe. "Show me what you have brought."
Singe motions to Woe, "Show her."
"I am but the messenger," Woe says. "We were separated from the mule."
Singe stares at Woe, "Oh no."
"Well?" The dragon asks impatiently.
Singe looks at the floor, "A cave-in struck moments before we arrived here. The person who was carrying the gift was separated from us. We have no idea where they are."
"What is it?" She responds. Both get the feeling she's starting to believe there's no offering. Singe translates, looking desperately at Woe.
"It is a magical herb that allows you to enter a spirit realm. It is a place where you can see and dominate the minds of others, even those far away. I have been there and can show you how it works. But I need my servants back to do so. I promise you an experience and power unlike any you have had before." Woe responds.
The white dragon gives Woe a skeptical look. Its massive brows raise in speculation and Singe and Woe can almost feel the wheels turning. Though these dragons are known to be the least intelligent of the true dragons, this one has shown a cunning that far exceeds expectations. Due to that, it comes as a surprise to the pair when she responds, "Watch them..." And lumbers her way towards the Southern section of the cave. She's quick, darting through the kobolds as they bow their heads in worship. The sounds of stone and ice blasting out at ear-piercing levels is heard in the distance.
Singe translates and Woe gives a skeptical look to Singe, then shrugs her shoulders. Singe shakes his head, "We're going to be lucky to get out of here alive."
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
This small cavern looks as though it was primarily used to 'care' for the animals here. Two cages line the north wall, both with small Winter Wolf puppies trapped within. Around a bend, there's a massive gate set into the ice. The gate is closed, but something large and white is moving within. There used to be a small den here as well, but it's been thoroughly destroyed by Zamar's wind wall.
Once the wolf that attacked Shanolia falls and the other scampers away, her eyes dull and the dagger in her hand's warmth fades. With a pained sigh, she falls to her knees and lets her arcane dagger clatter to the floor.
Dapple takes a moment to catch his breath after the wolf flees. Knowing he needs to be in better shape for what may lie ahead, he summons the last if his magical reserves and channels it into healing himself a bit more (Cure Wounds for 4 hp). He then checks out the rest of the cavern, moving to check the cages first. One of the puppies spews forth a small turret of cold at him as he approach, but it shies away and begins to whine.
Clutching his rapier, Dapple's grip tightens as the puppy tests it's breath, but when it shies back and begins to whine, his shoulders slump and the blade drops. Killing them may be the smart thing to do, but the tabaxi can't bring himself to do it. Instead, he turns his attention to the gate he now sees off to his right. "Look," he calls back to the others in a low voice. "Another gate." He approaches cautiously, examining the lock and hinges, and trying to see what lies in the darkness beyond. (Stop at J6 for now)
The creature behind the cage moves forward. A pure white Polar Owlbear grunts at the sight of you before swiping at the ground with one of its massive claws. The creature looks like it's molting and spatters of fur are completely missing, replaced with multiple scars. Dapple steps back instinctively at the sign of the great owlbear, but as he catches sight of the abuse it's suffered, he can't help but feel pity. Stepping back to the gate, he catches it's eyes through the bars. "If we survive this, I will find a way to free you," he vows, even though he knows it can't understand it's words.
Exhausted and bloodied after the battle, Zamar gathers his friends around him, expending most of his remaining magic. As he chants, their wounds begin to close. He and Dapple are fully revived and Shanolia nearly so. "I hope this was the right call," he says, "but we need our strength to face the dragon." He begins eyeing the space where the wolf fled.
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)