Hamish listens to Fae and KD intently. "Don't worry about me. I know exactly how to cure myself. I just can't do it yet. It's a pretty high level spell and I'll also need some diamond powder. We may need to find someone else that is already powerful enough to cast it. I'm more concerned about this dragon you are speaking of and his guardian. I don't know much by why would a dragon need a guardian? Is it really that weak or is the guardian that strong? If we have to defeat this dragon to protect people, maybe it would make sense not to cure me. Maybe I could instead work on trying to control it or, as a last resort, you can unleash me on the dragon after I've turned."
Taking a seat against a pillar with KD, Fae reaches up to tug at Hamish's sleeve. She was proud of his clarity and confidence in his response. With his attention, she would pat the ground on her other side for him to join them while Onu grabs the coffer for KD as per her confirmation that all is safe. When Onu returns, she encourages him to take a seat with them if he'd like.
As everyone gets settled, the opening the coffer reveals heap of coins. Amongst the gold is a key with a question mark is worked into the head of it.
"Onu, Hamish, good questions. KD great assessment." Fae hasn't looked up from their notebooks, until now. "If I may," She asks if she may make notes on KD's documents, and copy some to hers, as she goes. KD, and Hamish, were free to review and copy from the wizards notes she was agreeing to share as well.
Nova anticipates that all these questions will lead into a large 'info dump', and if she knows Fae, which she does, it absolutely will. Therefore Nova bends over to invite Hal onto her back so they can go run off to inspect the belfry and roam the grounds while the brains launch into further discussions. Armed with KD's loyal companion, Nova bobs then stands at attention to solute the artificer and crew. "Okay, hang on Hal!" She chimes then starts to hum a nursery rhyme to herself before kicking into a spinning hop. "It'sy bitsy spi-" And with a little pouf the young woman transforms into a Giant Wolf Spider. With a little 'tada' she proceeds to spin and scurry off up the wall towards the bell first.
Without skipping a beat Fae looks to Onu first. "My personal opinion aligns with what KD said. To summarize, arm ourselves with as much knowledge and to be as prepared as possible." She gestures with a book. "Share, explore and consolidate information, as we are, to make an informed decision for our best course of actions." Then, she takes a breath and prepares for just that, some sharing.
"The dragon that besets us is not the first, nor only, to threaten this region. Between here and Neverwinter lies the barrow mound of a warrior whose magical dragon-slaying weapon helped fell a green dragon terrorizing the High Road a century ago. I believe the Dragon Slayer is buried there too." The wizard flips through some pages.
"I have some research... For a previous group... My intention was to seek a weapon for my- our... guardian, so he could be fitted with the Demon Slayer with enhancement assistance by our talented artificer... But, our group never got the opportunity to seek it out..." Fae's eyes look distant and sad, however she'd continue.
"It lead me to the story of Lady Tanamere Alagondar who was a royal scion of Neverwinter more than a century ago. Along with two parties of adventurers, she fought and killed Azdraka, a green dragon that had long terrorized the High Road. Lady Alagondar died in the battle and was laid to rest beneath a barrow near where the dragon fell. The remains of her fallen compatriots and the corpse of Azdraka were sealed in the barrow with her, in accordance with Lady Alagondar’s dying wishes. Dragon's Burrow." She makes notes on KD's map of it's location.
"The dragon KD describes, and that has been recently sighted, is a young dragon. It is yet fully grown. While it is young, that does not mean it is weak." Fae cautions. "I would not under estimate Cryovain." She divulges his name to specify the dragon they speak of. "According to KD's vision, it appears the young white dragon has been temporarily weakened." She emphasizes the differentiation. "However, he is fortified in his Fortress. And while he heals through the coming days, he's been assigned... a guardian." The divination wizard closes her eyes to exhale a breath before opening them again to meet Hamish's eyes. "A strong guardian." She says assuredly, pausing before adding. "One I've had the pleasure to have had at my side during a group encounter with a dragon."
"As for the future of embracing, or curing your curse, that ultimately is yours to decide." Fae's expression softens. "My only hopes are that what ever decision you make, you are being true to yourself." She offers a small smile and a gentle squeeze of his arm.
While everyone continues discussions, research and updates during their rest, Fae continues her additions. She includes Hamish's earlier share to KD's notes only feeling the need to add in small details here or there. He was quite thorough earlier with his knowledge share (religion roll 'way' back). She'd include anything new he'd like to add.
Fae's Summary:
Questions
A dragon? - There was one slain more than a century ago: Azdraka (Green) - Dragon Barrow (Quest) - There are more than one roaming these local lands now: Cryovain(White) - Cryovain has been sighted multiple times - Cryovain has been weakened, for the time being
How are we supposed to confront a dragon? - Seek appropriate weapons, attire and knowledge - Quest: Dragon Barrow - Additional Quests: Phandalin Job Board - Plan what you can
Why would a dragon need a guardian? - He's been assigned one: Ezekial - 'The Thrice-Cursed'
Is it really that weak? - The white dragon is a young one, who's been weakened.
Or is the guardian that strong? - Fae knows him to be strong protector
Weaponize his curse? - His choice
Vulnerabilities? - Nature check (Anyone)
Fortress lair? - History check (Anyone)
KD's to do list:
- Search the coffer
- The coffer contains 57 gp and a key (mystery key when identified).
- Check out belfry to find out what's really up there and search the grounds (including the bodies of the orcs and ogres and any stashes of items they may have hidden away, and any sign of what they were doing here)
Hal and Nova's report summary: - Close examination of the belfry bell reveals that it’s thin sides are solid goldcovered with peeling copper paint. It can be detached. Details included in report. - Orc's and ogre's had nothing on them but their clubs and the javelins they tossed at you. There's smashed furniture and cookware. Details in the report. (Dead body loot reminder - Post #1093 Monies found:26g 65c) - An old heavy ass rusty iron bell out back. Details in the report.
Hal/Nova Full Report:
S2. Courtyard
The orcs and ogres camp in this grassy courtyard, which is littered with bones, broken weapons, and shattered armor from past battles. The courtyard has four quadrants. The ogres claimed the southeast quadrant, while the orcs claimed the remaining quadrants.
The courtyard’s northwest and northeast quadrants contain rotted wooden troughs and posts that were once used to feed, water, and tether horses.
S3. Northwest Tower
This tower is open to the sky and strewn with rubble.
S4. Southwest Tower
This roofless tower has a rubble-filled break in its southeast wall.
S5. Southeast Tower
Little remains of this tower. Lying amid the debris is a rusty iron bell that weighs 500 pounds.
S6. Northeast Tower
This tower is the only one of the shrine’s four towers that has not fallen. An iron ladder inside the tower climbs to a stone trapdoor in the ceiling, through which characters can reach the tower’s battlemented rooftop. The orc that spotted the group was watching the surrounding countryside from atop this tower. The same tower the group then later took the ladder up too and further destroyed by the battle with the ogres.
S7. Main Hall and Belfry
Rows of crumbling pillars support the 40-foot-high vaulted ceiling of this hall. Humanoid bones litter the dusty floor, and a 10-foot-square hole in the ceiling leads to the belfry. No rope hangs from the bell, which appears to be made of untarnished copper. The belfry can be reached from outside by climbing the outer walls and rooftop. Nova spider climbed up with Hal to investigate it.
Close examination of the bell reveals that it’s thin sides are solid gold covered with peeling copper paint. The bell, which is 3 feet wide and weighs 50 pounds, hangs from an iron fixture bolted to a wooden crossbeam. A character with carpenter’s tools or smith’s tools can use them to detach the bell from the beam in about 1 minute.
S8. Visitors’ Sanctuary
Guests of the shrine were housed here. Later, the wererats used this area as a lair. The room contains six beds with moldy mattresses, the shattered remains of a wooden table and six chairs, and a soot-stained fireplace containing a rusty cracked cauldron hanging from a spit.A narrow break in the north wall provides an alternative exit.
S9. Priest-Seers’ Sanctuary
The priest-seers of Savras slept and cooked their meals here. All the furnishings in this area have been destroyed, and part of the south wall has collapsed.
- Rest
- Spending time reviewing notes, discussing strategy, theory crafting, commenced researching and can/will be eating, you will all successfully complete at least a short rest. - Any requests for long rest? Will allow for further research for example.
- Eat
- Short Rest: Enjoy some rations - Long Rest: Nova will be able to supply a fresh meal provided by the land (Berries, water and/or small game).
- Learn more about the altar and shrine, and anything Fae might know. (Hamishes notes included)
- (F) The Altar of Fate offers one vision to lucky/destined few
- (H) The eye on the altar is He of the Third Eye.
- (H) The Shrine of Savras is a temple dedicated to Savras, god of fate and divination. Savras, the deity of wizards, divination, fate, and truth. Also known as the Lord of Divination lost his place as the god of spellcasters to Azuth and swore an oath of fealty to him, becoming the specific deity of his school of magic. While some believed He of the Third Eye guided the forces of destiny, others thought he knew all history but was unable to affect it, his emotionless demeanor a mask to hide his deep concern for Faerun's fate despite his relative inability to change it.
- (F) Many years ago, the shrine’s priest-seers foresaw a barbarian attack on Conyberry, giving the townsfolk time to escape. Not all the townsfolk chose to flee, but those who did went to the shrine and brought much of the town’s gold with them.
The barbarians eventually tracked the townsfolk to the shrine, besieged it, and slaughtered everyone inside. In the days leading up to this final battle, the priest-seers helped the townsfolk hide their gold in plain sight. They melted down the coins and recast them into a bell, which they painted and hung in the shrine’s belfry (replacing the old iron bell). The gold bell hangs there to this day.
Over the years, many other creatures have occupied the shrine. Most recently, a gang of wererats laired here until they were driven out by orcs displaced by the white dragon. Recently, ogres wandered by the shrine, saw the orcs, and decided to join them.
- Learn about what Hamish needs to get better
- As discussed back at the Mine when it happened, it's a curse that would require to be cured - Hamish provided assurance - Hamish can/intends to learn the spell required and/or someone can be sought out - Material for spell to be acquired
- Try to piece together the bits and bobs they've learned about this dragon (Fae seems to know a lot. They've had little crumbs here and there as they've taken on jobs in the area, and some of them relate to the dragon.)
- Research the Fortress (History Check) - Research white dragons/vulnerabilities (Nature Check) - Seek out the weapon Fae speaks of (Quest:Dragon Barrow)
- Learn more about her craft, to be able to protect herself and her people more
Now that she's had some rest and done some investigation, maybe she'll be inspired to advance some ideas.
Check it!
History Check: Anyone Nature Check: Anyone
Roll Call: Anyone!
Rest Time! Which means... (Long or Short?)
Experience time! (Must be applied yourselves)
Experience Per Player: 610 XP (I believe this should mean that level up!)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
KD would love a long rest! Yay XP!
History: 14
She asks Fae if this guardian is someone who she fought alongside, as a former ally. She’s very curious about them. If it’s not too painful to discuss. (More posting later.)
Onu listens intently as Fae talks, describing the Dragon, the guardian and the buried dragonslayer. This is all a far cry from running scams on local nobles to keep the coin coming. He glances at KD, trying to get a read on his companion's reaction to the vision and the promise of ....facing a dragon?
He's having a very hard time imagining how he would even.... what would that even......
Finally after a long period of silence, the dapper monk speaks up 'Well, good stories are always better with a spot of tea and a bite to eat. I'll get a fire going and a kettle up while the rest of you smart types think about the wheres and whats and hows.'
He stands, brushing the dirt off his trousers and makes himself busy setting up camp, checking the perimeter for threats and generally getting the party set up for a nice long rest.
As the group prepares for a long rest, KD spends some time working on Hal. Pieces come on and come off as the monkey takes a well-deserved rest. Metal claws and teeth come off, and parts of his hide get attention. KD pulls out from her bulging knapsack some manticore teeth, claws, and hide. The work alternates between intricately gentle and brute force, but in the end, the metal monkey man is a little larger, with manticore teeth and manticore claws, and slightly more mass to his hide.
"I'm not sure you'll be able to use those claws and teeth to their fullest capability but give it some time. I used some of what they replaced, plus this bit of manticore armor to bulk you up a bit. You should be able to take a solid hit with no trouble, Such a good boy!"
She also works a small fez-like hat onto his head, with a trapdoor top that operates with a hinge. She uses her magical tinkering ability to make the hat underneath the trapdoor glow steadily with light. Hal practices opening and closing the fez light. "That could help us illuminate dark areas if we need to."
In the morning she works on the bolt thrower in her gauntlet and infuses it with a repeating shot capability.
Repeating Shot
Item: A simple or martial weapon with the ammunition property (requires attunement)
This magic weapon grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with it when it’s used to make a ranged attack, and it ignores the loading property if it has it.
If you load no ammunition in the weapon, it produces its own, automatically creating one piece of magic ammunition when you make a ranged attack with it. The ammunition created by the weapon vanishes the instant after it hits or misses a target.
Thinking on it, KD recalls some information she heard from some evil mercenaries that called themselves the Stone-Cold Reavers. They boasted about their desire to infiltrate the gatehouse with the assumption that the dragon has amassed a hoard and hidden it in this fortress. Hearing about this, she did her own research of it's history.
Icespire Hold is a stone fortress perched on the icy northeast spur of Icespire Peak. A warlord named Delsendra Amzarr built the stronghold, and dwelled there for many years while she and her soldiers kept the orcs of the Sword Mountains in check. When supply lines were cut off by heavy snow and blizzards during a brutal winter, Delsendra and her followers starved to death. Orcs later took over the fortress, which was damaged by an earthquake ten years ago and never repaired.
When Cryovain decided to make Icespire Hold its lair, it stormed the fortress through the crumbled southwest section and ate several orcs before settling on the roof. With a terrible roar, the gorged dragon drove the remaining orcs out of Icespire Hold.
"A fire and tea would be lovely." Fae breaks her silent concentration to look up and smile at Onu.
Thanks to the monk's prompt, Nova would eagerly assist with gathering kindling and wood for the fire. Once one was lit under Onu's supervision, he'd be able to start the tea. Gathering around the fire as a team, research and discussion continued while KD would tinker with Hal.
She asks Fae if this guardian is someone who she fought alongside, as a former ally. She’s very curious about them. If it’s not too painful to discuss. (More posting later.)
"Ezekial, 'Thrice cursed'." Fae would start to share from KD's prompt. "Zeke loved tea." She say softly while staring into her cup. "The last one we shared was a blueberry tea." A smile would play at her lips. "That morning we set out to investigate some clues." The wizard would continue the story. "Our team set out walking trails and climbing through tough terrain, in the rain for most of the day." She recalls, turning over to a sketch in her book. "We eventually found a cave and set up camp for the night." Fae remembers the warmth he shared stretching his wing around her by the fire. She must have fell asleep soon after, as that's the last she remembers. Inhaling a breath, she then adds. "I don't remember leaving the next morning, and that was the last time I saw him... all of them..." Until now. Her eyes reflected sadness with the same pained expression.
As for the information KD would share on the Icespire Peak Fortress, Fae would say, "Should the time come that we go there, we should prepare for the extreme weather, and I would imagine that we can come to expect to run into these Stone-Cold Reaver's you speak of, if Zeke doesn't dispose of all of them first..."
Fae would share her excerpt about some common knowledge amongst scholars about white dragons. She would recommend they go inspect the burrow and prepare to ascend to the peak, before rushing to the Fortress immediately.
Young White Dragon
The smallest, least intelligent, and most animalistic of the chromatic dragons, white dragons dwell in frigid climes, favoring arctic areas or icy mountains. They are vicious, cruel reptiles driven by hunger and greed.
A white dragon has feral eyes, a sleek profile, and a spined crest. The scales of a wyrmling white dragon glisten pure white. As the dragon ages, its sheen disappears and some of its scales begin to darken, so that by the time it is old, it is mottled by patches of pale blue and light gray. This patterning helps the dragon blend into the realms of ice and stone in which it hunts, and to fade from view when it soars across a cloud-filled sky.
Primal and Vengeful. White dragons lack the cunning and tactics of most other dragons. However, their bestial nature makes them the best hunters among all dragonkind, singularly focused on surviving and slaughtering their enemies. A white dragon consumes only food that has been frozen, devouring creatures killed by its breath weapon while they are still stiff and frigid. It encases other kills in ice or buries them in snow near its lair, and finding such a larder is a good indication that a white dragon dwells nearby.
A white dragon also keeps the bodies of its greatest enemies as trophies, freezing corpses where it can look upon them and gloat. The remains of giants, remorhazes, and other dragons are often positioned prominently within a white dragon’s lair as warnings to intruders.
Though only moderately intelligent, white dragons have extraordinary memories. They recall every slight and defeat, and have been known to conduct malicious vendettas against creatures that have offended them. This often includes silver dragons, which lair in the same territories as whites. White dragons can speak as all dragons can, but they rarely talk unless moved to do so.
Lone Masters. White dragons avoid all other dragons except whites of the opposite sex. Even then, when white dragons seek each other out as mates, they stay together only long enough to conceive offspring before fleeing into isolation again.
White dragons can’t abide rivals near their lairs. As a result, a white dragon attacks other creatures without provocation, viewing such creatures as either too weak or too powerful to live.
'Thrice-Cursed you say? Well, sounds like his luck continues to run against him.' he looks around at his companions 'I know nothing of dragons, nor do I have any idea how we would prepare ourselves to face one, but I do know that we can handle a single oversized tiefling warrior.' He locks eyes with KD and makes a decisive nod, confident that they could handle a single warrior between the two of them. Maybe. He hopes....
Fae had fallen silent for quite some time at Onu's words. "I'd rather not hurt him..." However, she couldn't promise he wouldn't hurt them. "Something isn't right though." The wizard confesses. "Zeke..." She pauses a moment, her eyes saddening. "The Zeke I know, wouldn't do this..." Her brows knit in deep concern. "He wouldn't willingly take orders to defend a dragon wreaking havoc upon innocent civilians..." Violet eyes shifted as if sifting through numerous thoughts. "Why would he take orders from her?" She felt heat build up in her cheeks and her fists start to clench.
"From what you're saying, Zeke may be under some sort of control. It may be a curse. Now that I know how to remove mine, I could prolly remove his as well."Hammy thinks for a moment "When I say I know how do remove curses, I don't mean I can do it now. I can't do it yet, I still have a lot to learn but I know how to do it. Just like I know how a sword is made but I can't do it. I'll learn though."
“I was going to suggest something similar, perhaps a compulsion. From… her? Perhaps we will learn more at the Burrow,” KD says, settling in and preparing to sleep very hard. The day started long ago and she was happy to be alive. Hal takes up a perch high up and keeps watch all night.
“I believe he may be as well…” However Fae had been worried that it could have been more blind hope than based on evidence… The wizard nods to KD.
Long Rest (Should no one wish to do anything else, please feel free to complete that long rest and move on to the next morning preparations! I’ll have more time over the weekend to do up any detailed posts/descriptions)
Shadows dance about the space as the fire crackles and burns through out the night, providing a soft glow and warmth. At some point long ago the conversations come to a standstill, eventually replaced by the sound of soft snoring. Adventurer’s sleep while Hal keeps watch throughout the night. The moon eventually fades to the rising morning sun and birds outside the shrine chirp, indicating a new day.
KD is up early, helping Nova find food if possible, and tinkering with Hal a bit more. She tried to orienteer herself with the map and what Fae knows about where the burrow is.
Onu busies himself at the fire in the morning, preparing tea and toasting their last bits of bread for a bit of breakfast.
'We're going to need to find a bakery soon, I'm a bit partial to biscuits with my tea in the morning.'
Shaking out the last of his tea on the ground, he tidies up his mug and stores it carefully in his pack. It's a clever collapsable design - one of KD's earliest - and he's rather fond of it.
'Where too next? Straight to the dragon? Back to town for biscuits?'
“Fae seemed to make the point that we need to move on the burrow and dragon sooner than later but if we don’t I’m sure there’s an option that includes going to town,” KD says.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nova's up, bright eyed and bushy tailed. She's practically vibrating with fresh morning energy and just gushes with enthusiasm when KD wakes up first, willing to go berry picking to boot! Before she could change her mind, Nova hooks her elbow in hers and leads the way. Skipping and humming with her sniffer in the air, she leads them right to a fresh berry patch. If KD was counting, she'd without a doubt be able to tell that Nova probably ate more berries than she picked. She wasn't worried though because between the both of them, and Hal, they were able to find more than enough fresh fruit to bring back to the others for breakfast. However, there was a point where Nova pounced off a bit in the distance. She had her nose to the ground and bum in the air. But she eventually came back.
"For you!" Nova bounces, presenting KD with a daisy chain flower crown. "I found tea leafs fer Onu an' Fae, an' herbs to top off my healy kit!" Then she leans down and tucks a flower in Hal's cap. "For you my brave sir! Shall we?" Nova offers her elbows to KD and Hal before leading them with her usual buoyant skip back to the shrine.
Bursting through the doors with the sunshine itself, Nova calls out "Honey we're home!" She trots in, breaks into a bit of a run, hops and as she lands, she slides along the floor. Having slept in, this was when Fae would begin to stir awake.
Coming to a stop in front of Onu, Nova bows. Mismatched eyes peek up, then she lifts her head with a full wide smile. "How 'bout some berries for breakfast!? Moosh 'em on the toast fer some jam! Oh! An' more fresh tea leafs fer yer collection!" The young woman presents him with her gathered gifts. "Mmmhmm! Mmhmm!" When he'd take them from her hands she'd then pluck a flower out of her hair. "May I?" And proceeds to tuck it into his breast pocket. "Pshhaww. You so dapper!" She coos. Then with one last cheeky smile she side steps elsewhere.
Fae sits up 'just in time'. She knew how Nova could be like, and was thankful this morning that she had multiple people to spread her energy amongst. It wasn't often the wizard wakes up late, or this groggy, but she struggled to get a good nights rest. Bags beneath her eyes were evident of this. The vision she had kept playing over and over in Fae's mind. It made it difficult to calm her thoughts from racing. Nova spent enough time around Fae and had keen intuition, she knew when to be tender with her friend. She plants a good morning kiss against Fae's forehead, handing her her berries and her water before skipping on.
Nova then bends forward, leaning down real close, like super close. Like almost pressing her forehead against the log's snoring before her. "Pssst. PSSST." She tries being 'appropriate' first. However, it wasn't long before Nova would smile mischievously. She'd begin with placing flowers in Hammish's hair, rest pebbles on his eyes, and then stick a berry in each of nostrils before finishing with wetting a finger and sticking it in his ear. "Morning sunshine!"
While Nova does her thing waking everyone up and making sure they have a healthy breakfast, Fae pulls out her spellbook to work on her daily preparations. She'd also take a moment to finalize the updates to KD's map. Reviewing it, Phandalin would be a small detour, however it is approximately a halfway point between their destination and arguably could be the safest place to spend a night. Honestly though, it was the groups call, not Fae's, on whether they should go straight to the Dragon's Burrow or not.
KD brightens up a bit on the walk to pick berries, and takes to it with gusto. She eats a few but gathers a lot, teaching Hal to gently pluck the berries, noting that his more powerful hands need some calibrating for finer detail work.
She's got a bit of a smile on her face as they return, berry, laden, though it fades when Nova darts off without warning. Hal sets down his berry cache and adopts a ready stance and KD's bolt-thrower powers up. All relax when the druid returns. The stunned artificer stares up wide-eyed at the flower crown. She's clearly never worn one. She gives Nova a quiet, one-armed hug, and compliments Hal's addition.
They return and she is helpful with breakfast, but she moves back to the map. "Yes, I'd vote for a stop in Phandalin before heading to the burrow. We could use a chance to restock, to settle accounts, perhaps use coin to buy resources, and gather information about the burrow and the things we've learned. Quick stop before heading to the burrow to find, hopefully, something to use to fight a dragon and its minders, and perhaps free Fae's old friend from whatever's got him. Do I have that right?"
(That big store of gold, up in the belfry, is that at all obtainable and moveable? Or is that the kind of thing that KD would judge needs block and tackle, pulley, heavy rope, and then a sturdy cart and strong horses to get back to a place where it could become fungible?)
Onu smiles as Nova hands him a blossom, practiced fingers tucking it nearly into the buttonhole on his lapel. He gratefully takes the tea leafs and smiles in delight as the fragrant leaves hit his nose 'These are lovely! I'll dry them and keep them ready for a special occasion - thank you my friend'
As KD plots out their next steps Onu nods along 'Yes a quick stop in Phandalin to refit, restock and ... well do whatever we can to prepare seems wise'
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Hamish listens to Fae and KD intently. "Don't worry about me. I know exactly how to cure myself. I just can't do it yet. It's a pretty high level spell and I'll also need some diamond powder. We may need to find someone else that is already powerful enough to cast it. I'm more concerned about this dragon you are speaking of and his guardian. I don't know much by why would a dragon need a guardian? Is it really that weak or is the guardian that strong? If we have to defeat this dragon to protect people, maybe it would make sense not to cure me. Maybe I could instead work on trying to control it or, as a last resort, you can unleash me on the dragon after I've turned."
(Apologies in advance. Incoming wall...)
Taking a seat against a pillar with KD, Fae reaches up to tug at Hamish's sleeve. She was proud of his clarity and confidence in his response. With his attention, she would pat the ground on her other side for him to join them while Onu grabs the coffer for KD as per her confirmation that all is safe. When Onu returns, she encourages him to take a seat with them if he'd like.
As everyone gets settled, the opening the coffer reveals heap of coins. Amongst the gold is a key with a question mark is worked into the head of it.
"Onu, Hamish, good questions. KD great assessment." Fae hasn't looked up from their notebooks, until now. "If I may," She asks if she may make notes on KD's documents, and copy some to hers, as she goes. KD, and Hamish, were free to review and copy from the wizards notes she was agreeing to share as well.
Nova anticipates that all these questions will lead into a large 'info dump', and if she knows Fae, which she does, it absolutely will. Therefore Nova bends over to invite Hal onto her back so they can go run off to inspect the belfry and roam the grounds while the brains launch into further discussions. Armed with KD's loyal companion, Nova bobs then stands at attention to solute the artificer and crew. "Okay, hang on Hal!" She chimes then starts to hum a nursery rhyme to herself before kicking into a spinning hop. "It'sy bitsy spi-" And with a little pouf the young woman transforms into a Giant Wolf Spider. With a little 'tada' she proceeds to spin and scurry off up the wall towards the bell first.
Without skipping a beat Fae looks to Onu first. "My personal opinion aligns with what KD said. To summarize, arm ourselves with as much knowledge and to be as prepared as possible." She gestures with a book. "Share, explore and consolidate information, as we are, to make an informed decision for our best course of actions." Then, she takes a breath and prepares for just that, some sharing.
"The dragon that besets us is not the first, nor only, to threaten this region. Between here and Neverwinter lies the barrow mound of a warrior whose magical dragon-slaying weapon helped fell a green dragon terrorizing the High Road a century ago. I believe the Dragon Slayer is buried there too." The wizard flips through some pages.
"I have some research... For a previous group... My intention was to seek a weapon for my- our... guardian, so he could be fitted with the Demon Slayer with enhancement assistance by our talented artificer... But, our group never got the opportunity to seek it out..." Fae's eyes look distant and sad, however she'd continue.
"It lead me to the story of Lady Tanamere Alagondar who was a royal scion of Neverwinter more than a century ago. Along with two parties of adventurers, she fought and killed Azdraka, a green dragon that had long terrorized the High Road. Lady Alagondar died in the battle and was laid to rest beneath a barrow near where the dragon fell. The remains of her fallen compatriots and the corpse of Azdraka were sealed in the barrow with her, in accordance with Lady Alagondar’s dying wishes. Dragon's Burrow." She makes notes on KD's map of it's location.
"The dragon KD describes, and that has been recently sighted, is a young dragon. It is yet fully grown. While it is young, that does not mean it is weak." Fae cautions. "I would not under estimate Cryovain." She divulges his name to specify the dragon they speak of. "According to KD's vision, it appears the young white dragon has been temporarily weakened." She emphasizes the differentiation. "However, he is fortified in his Fortress. And while he heals through the coming days, he's been assigned... a guardian." The divination wizard closes her eyes to exhale a breath before opening them again to meet Hamish's eyes. "A strong guardian." She says assuredly, pausing before adding. "One I've had the pleasure to have had at my side during a group encounter with a dragon."
"As for the future of embracing, or curing your curse, that ultimately is yours to decide." Fae's expression softens. "My only hopes are that what ever decision you make, you are being true to yourself." She offers a small smile and a gentle squeeze of his arm.
While everyone continues discussions, research and updates during their rest, Fae continues her additions. She includes Hamish's earlier share to KD's notes only feeling the need to add in small details here or there. He was quite thorough earlier with his knowledge share (religion roll 'way' back). She'd include anything new he'd like to add.
Fae's Summary:
Questions
A dragon?
- There was one slain more than a century ago: Azdraka (Green)
- Dragon Barrow (Quest)
- There are more than one roaming these local lands now: Cryovain(White)
- Cryovain has been sighted multiple times
- Cryovain has been weakened, for the time being
How are we supposed to confront a dragon?
- Seek appropriate weapons, attire and knowledge
- Quest: Dragon Barrow
- Additional Quests: Phandalin Job Board
- Plan what you can
Why would a dragon need a guardian?
- He's been assigned one: Ezekial - 'The Thrice-Cursed'
Is it really that weak?
- The white dragon is a young one, who's been weakened.
Or is the guardian that strong?
- Fae knows him to be strong protector
Weaponize his curse?
- His choice
Vulnerabilities?
- Nature check (Anyone)
Fortress lair?
- History check (Anyone)
KD's to do list:
- Search the coffer
- The coffer contains 57 gp and a key (mystery key when identified).
- Check out belfry to find out what's really up there and search the grounds (including the bodies of the orcs and ogres and any stashes of items they may have hidden away, and any sign of what they were doing here)
Hal and Nova's report summary:
- Close examination of the belfry bell reveals that it’s thin sides are solid gold covered with peeling copper paint. It can be detached. Details included in report.
- Orc's and ogre's had nothing on them but their clubs and the javelins they tossed at you. There's smashed furniture and cookware. Details in the report.
(Dead body loot reminder - Post #1093 Monies found: 26g 65c)
- An old heavy ass rusty iron bell out back. Details in the report.
Hal/Nova Full Report:
S2. Courtyard
The orcs and ogres camp in this grassy courtyard, which is littered with bones, broken weapons, and shattered armor from past battles. The courtyard has four quadrants. The ogres claimed the southeast quadrant, while the orcs claimed the remaining quadrants.
The courtyard’s northwest and northeast quadrants contain rotted wooden troughs and posts that were once used to feed, water, and tether horses.
S3. Northwest Tower
This tower is open to the sky and strewn with rubble.
S4. Southwest Tower
This roofless tower has a rubble-filled break in its southeast wall.
S5. Southeast Tower
Little remains of this tower. Lying amid the debris is a rusty iron bell that weighs 500 pounds.
S6. Northeast Tower
This tower is the only one of the shrine’s four towers that has not fallen. An iron ladder inside the tower climbs to a stone trapdoor in the ceiling, through which characters can reach the tower’s battlemented rooftop. The orc that spotted the group was watching the surrounding countryside from atop this tower. The same tower the group then later took the ladder up too and further destroyed by the battle with the ogres.
S7. Main Hall and Belfry
Rows of crumbling pillars support the 40-foot-high vaulted ceiling of this hall. Humanoid bones litter the dusty floor, and a 10-foot-square hole in the ceiling leads to the belfry. No rope hangs from the bell, which appears to be made of untarnished copper. The belfry can be reached from outside by climbing the outer walls and rooftop. Nova spider climbed up with Hal to investigate it.
Close examination of the bell reveals that it’s thin sides are solid gold covered with peeling copper paint. The bell, which is 3 feet wide and weighs 50 pounds, hangs from an iron fixture bolted to a wooden crossbeam. A character with carpenter’s tools or smith’s tools can use them to detach the bell from the beam in about 1 minute.
S8. Visitors’ Sanctuary
Guests of the shrine were housed here. Later, the wererats used this area as a lair. The room contains six beds with moldy mattresses, the shattered remains of a wooden table and six chairs, and a soot-stained fireplace containing a rusty cracked cauldron hanging from a spit. A narrow break in the north wall provides an alternative exit.
S9. Priest-Seers’ Sanctuary
The priest-seers of Savras slept and cooked their meals here. All the furnishings in this area have been destroyed, and part of the south wall has collapsed.
- Rest
- Spending time reviewing notes, discussing strategy, theory crafting, commenced researching and can/will be eating, you will all successfully complete at least a short rest.
- Any requests for long rest? Will allow for further research for example.
- Eat
- Short Rest: Enjoy some rations
- Long Rest: Nova will be able to supply a fresh meal provided by the land (Berries, water and/or small game).
- Learn more about the altar and shrine, and anything Fae might know. (Hamishes notes included)
- (F) The Altar of Fate offers one vision to lucky/destined few
- (H) The eye on the altar is He of the Third Eye.
- (H) The Shrine of Savras is a temple dedicated to Savras, god of fate and divination. Savras, the deity of wizards, divination, fate, and truth. Also known as the Lord of Divination lost his place as the god of spellcasters to Azuth and swore an oath of fealty to him, becoming the specific deity of his school of magic. While some believed He of the Third Eye guided the forces of destiny, others thought he knew all history but was unable to affect it, his emotionless demeanor a mask to hide his deep concern for Faerun's fate despite his relative inability to change it.
- (F) Many years ago, the shrine’s priest-seers foresaw a barbarian attack on Conyberry, giving the townsfolk time to escape. Not all the townsfolk chose to flee, but those who did went to the shrine and brought much of the town’s gold with them.
The barbarians eventually tracked the townsfolk to the shrine, besieged it, and slaughtered everyone inside. In the days leading up to this final battle, the priest-seers helped the townsfolk hide their gold in plain sight. They melted down the coins and recast them into a bell, which they painted and hung in the shrine’s belfry (replacing the old iron bell). The gold bell hangs there to this day.
Over the years, many other creatures have occupied the shrine. Most recently, a gang of wererats laired here until they were driven out by orcs displaced by the white dragon. Recently, ogres wandered by the shrine, saw the orcs, and decided to join them.
- Learn about what Hamish needs to get better
- As discussed back at the Mine when it happened, it's a curse that would require to be cured
- Hamish provided assurance
- Hamish can/intends to learn the spell required and/or someone can be sought out
- Material for spell to be acquired
- Try to piece together the bits and bobs they've learned about this dragon (Fae seems to know a lot. They've had little crumbs here and there as they've taken on jobs in the area, and some of them relate to the dragon.)
- Research the Fortress (History Check)
- Research white dragons/vulnerabilities (Nature Check)
- Seek out the weapon Fae speaks of (Quest:Dragon Barrow)
- Learn more about her craft, to be able to protect herself and her people more
Now that she's had some rest and done some investigation, maybe she'll be inspired to advance some ideas.
Check it!
History Check: Anyone
Nature Check: Anyone
Roll Call: Anyone!
Rest Time! Which means...
(Long or Short?)
Experience time!
(Must be applied yourselves)
Experience Per Player: 610 XP
(I believe this should mean that level up!)
Roll Call: Everyone!
just an unstable unicorn.
KD would love a long rest! Yay XP!
History: 14
She asks Fae if this guardian is someone who she fought alongside, as a former ally. She’s very curious about them. If it’s not too painful to discuss. (More posting later.)
( long rest and XP woo-hoo)
Onu listens intently as Fae talks, describing the Dragon, the guardian and the buried dragonslayer. This is all a far cry from running scams on local nobles to keep the coin coming. He glances at KD, trying to get a read on his companion's reaction to the vision and the promise of ....facing a dragon?
He's having a very hard time imagining how he would even.... what would that even......
Finally after a long period of silence, the dapper monk speaks up 'Well, good stories are always better with a spot of tea and a bite to eat. I'll get a fire going and a kettle up while the rest of you smart types think about the wheres and whats and hows.'
He stands, brushing the dirt off his trousers and makes himself busy setting up camp, checking the perimeter for threats and generally getting the party set up for a nice long rest.
As the group prepares for a long rest, KD spends some time working on Hal. Pieces come on and come off as the monkey takes a well-deserved rest. Metal claws and teeth come off, and parts of his hide get attention. KD pulls out from her bulging knapsack some manticore teeth, claws, and hide. The work alternates between intricately gentle and brute force, but in the end, the metal monkey man is a little larger, with manticore teeth and manticore claws, and slightly more mass to his hide.
"I'm not sure you'll be able to use those claws and teeth to their fullest capability but give it some time. I used some of what they replaced, plus this bit of manticore armor to bulk you up a bit. You should be able to take a solid hit with no trouble, Such a good boy!"
She also works a small fez-like hat onto his head, with a trapdoor top that operates with a hinge. She uses her magical tinkering ability to make the hat underneath the trapdoor glow steadily with light. Hal practices opening and closing the fez light. "That could help us illuminate dark areas if we need to."
In the morning she works on the bolt thrower in her gauntlet and infuses it with a repeating shot capability.
Repeating Shot
Item: A simple or martial weapon with the ammunition property (requires attunement)
This magic weapon grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with it when it’s used to make a ranged attack, and it ignores the loading property if it has it.
If you load no ammunition in the weapon, it produces its own, automatically creating one piece of magic ammunition when you make a ranged attack with it. The ammunition created by the weapon vanishes the instant after it hits or misses a target.
KD (History Check results)
Thinking on it, KD recalls some information she heard from some evil mercenaries that called themselves the Stone-Cold Reavers. They boasted about their desire to infiltrate the gatehouse with the assumption that the dragon has amassed a hoard and hidden it in this fortress. Hearing about this, she did her own research of it's history.
Icespire Hold is a stone fortress perched on the icy northeast spur of Icespire Peak. A warlord named Delsendra Amzarr built the stronghold, and dwelled there for many years while she and her soldiers kept the orcs of the Sword Mountains in check. When supply lines were cut off by heavy snow and blizzards during a brutal winter, Delsendra and her followers starved to death. Orcs later took over the fortress, which was damaged by an earthquake ten years ago and never repaired.
When Cryovain decided to make Icespire Hold its lair, it stormed the fortress through the crumbled southwest section and ate several orcs before settling on the roof. With a terrible roar, the gorged dragon drove the remaining orcs out of Icespire Hold.
just an unstable unicorn.
KD passes all of this along to the others, but mostly Fae.
"A fire and tea would be lovely." Fae breaks her silent concentration to look up and smile at Onu.
Thanks to the monk's prompt, Nova would eagerly assist with gathering kindling and wood for the fire. Once one was lit under Onu's supervision, he'd be able to start the tea. Gathering around the fire as a team, research and discussion continued while KD would tinker with Hal.
"Ezekial, 'Thrice cursed'." Fae would start to share from KD's prompt. "Zeke loved tea." She say softly while staring into her cup. "The last one we shared was a blueberry tea." A smile would play at her lips. "That morning we set out to investigate some clues." The wizard would continue the story. "Our team set out walking trails and climbing through tough terrain, in the rain for most of the day." She recalls, turning over to a sketch in her book. "We eventually found a cave and set up camp for the night." Fae remembers the warmth he shared stretching his wing around her by the fire. She must have fell asleep soon after, as that's the last she remembers. Inhaling a breath, she then adds. "I don't remember leaving the next morning, and that was the last time I saw him... all of them..." Until now. Her eyes reflected sadness with the same pained expression.
As for the information KD would share on the Icespire Peak Fortress, Fae would say, "Should the time come that we go there, we should prepare for the extreme weather, and I would imagine that we can come to expect to run into these Stone-Cold Reaver's you speak of, if Zeke doesn't dispose of all of them first..."
Fae would share her excerpt about some common knowledge amongst scholars about white dragons. She would recommend they go inspect the burrow and prepare to ascend to the peak, before rushing to the Fortress immediately.
Young White Dragon
The smallest, least intelligent, and most animalistic of the chromatic dragons, white dragons dwell in frigid climes, favoring arctic areas or icy mountains. They are vicious, cruel reptiles driven by hunger and greed.
A white dragon has feral eyes, a sleek profile, and a spined crest. The scales of a wyrmling white dragon glisten pure white. As the dragon ages, its sheen disappears and some of its scales begin to darken, so that by the time it is old, it is mottled by patches of pale blue and light gray. This patterning helps the dragon blend into the realms of ice and stone in which it hunts, and to fade from view when it soars across a cloud-filled sky.
Primal and Vengeful. White dragons lack the cunning and tactics of most other dragons. However, their bestial nature makes them the best hunters among all dragonkind, singularly focused on surviving and slaughtering their enemies. A white dragon consumes only food that has been frozen, devouring creatures killed by its breath weapon while they are still stiff and frigid. It encases other kills in ice or buries them in snow near its lair, and finding such a larder is a good indication that a white dragon dwells nearby.
A white dragon also keeps the bodies of its greatest enemies as trophies, freezing corpses where it can look upon them and gloat. The remains of giants, remorhazes, and other dragons are often positioned prominently within a white dragon’s lair as warnings to intruders.
Though only moderately intelligent, white dragons have extraordinary memories. They recall every slight and defeat, and have been known to conduct malicious vendettas against creatures that have offended them. This often includes silver dragons, which lair in the same territories as whites. White dragons can speak as all dragons can, but they rarely talk unless moved to do so.
Lone Masters. White dragons avoid all other dragons except whites of the opposite sex. Even then, when white dragons seek each other out as mates, they stay together only long enough to conceive offspring before fleeing into isolation again.
White dragons can’t abide rivals near their lairs. As a result, a white dragon attacks other creatures without provocation, viewing such creatures as either too weak or too powerful to live.
just an unstable unicorn.
'Thrice-Cursed you say? Well, sounds like his luck continues to run against him.' he looks around at his companions 'I know nothing of dragons, nor do I have any idea how we would prepare ourselves to face one, but I do know that we can handle a single oversized tiefling warrior.' He locks eyes with KD and makes a decisive nod, confident that they could handle a single warrior between the two of them. Maybe. He hopes....
Fae had fallen silent for quite some time at Onu's words. "I'd rather not hurt him..." However, she couldn't promise he wouldn't hurt them. "Something isn't right though." The wizard confesses. "Zeke..." She pauses a moment, her eyes saddening. "The Zeke I know, wouldn't do this..." Her brows knit in deep concern. "He wouldn't willingly take orders to defend a dragon wreaking havoc upon innocent civilians..." Violet eyes shifted as if sifting through numerous thoughts. "Why would he take orders from her?" She felt heat build up in her cheeks and her fists start to clench.
just an unstable unicorn.
"From what you're saying, Zeke may be under some sort of control. It may be a curse. Now that I know how to remove mine, I could prolly remove his as well." Hammy thinks for a moment "When I say I know how do remove curses, I don't mean I can do it now. I can't do it yet, I still have a lot to learn but I know how to do it. Just like I know how a sword is made but I can't do it. I'll learn though."
“I was going to suggest something similar, perhaps a compulsion. From… her? Perhaps we will learn more at the Burrow,” KD says, settling in and preparing to sleep very hard. The day started long ago and she was happy to be alive. Hal takes up a perch high up and keeps watch all night.
“I believe he may be as well…” However Fae had been worried that it could have been more blind hope than based on evidence… The wizard nods to KD.
Long Rest
(Should no one wish to do anything else, please feel free to complete that long rest and move on to the next morning preparations! I’ll have more time over the weekend to do up any detailed posts/descriptions)
just an unstable unicorn.
Shadows dance about the space as the fire crackles and burns through out the night, providing a soft glow and warmth. At some point long ago the conversations come to a standstill, eventually replaced by the sound of soft snoring. Adventurer’s sleep while Hal keeps watch throughout the night. The moon eventually fades to the rising morning sun and birds outside the shrine chirp, indicating a new day.
just an unstable unicorn.
KD is up early, helping Nova find food if possible, and tinkering with Hal a bit more. She tried to orienteer herself with the map and what Fae knows about where the burrow is.
Onu busies himself at the fire in the morning, preparing tea and toasting their last bits of bread for a bit of breakfast.
'We're going to need to find a bakery soon, I'm a bit partial to biscuits with my tea in the morning.'
Shaking out the last of his tea on the ground, he tidies up his mug and stores it carefully in his pack. It's a clever collapsable design - one of KD's earliest - and he's rather fond of it.
'Where too next? Straight to the dragon? Back to town for biscuits?'
“Fae seemed to make the point that we need to move on the burrow and dragon sooner than later but if we don’t I’m sure there’s an option that includes going to town,” KD says.
Nova's up, bright eyed and bushy tailed. She's practically vibrating with fresh morning energy and just gushes with enthusiasm when KD wakes up first, willing to go berry picking to boot! Before she could change her mind, Nova hooks her elbow in hers and leads the way. Skipping and humming with her sniffer in the air, she leads them right to a fresh berry patch. If KD was counting, she'd without a doubt be able to tell that Nova probably ate more berries than she picked. She wasn't worried though because between the both of them, and Hal, they were able to find more than enough fresh fruit to bring back to the others for breakfast. However, there was a point where Nova pounced off a bit in the distance. She had her nose to the ground and bum in the air. But she eventually came back.
"For you!" Nova bounces, presenting KD with a daisy chain flower crown. "I found tea leafs fer Onu an' Fae, an' herbs to top off my healy kit!" Then she leans down and tucks a flower in Hal's cap. "For you my brave sir! Shall we?" Nova offers her elbows to KD and Hal before leading them with her usual buoyant skip back to the shrine.
Bursting through the doors with the sunshine itself, Nova calls out "Honey we're home!" She trots in, breaks into a bit of a run, hops and as she lands, she slides along the floor. Having slept in, this was when Fae would begin to stir awake.
Coming to a stop in front of Onu, Nova bows. Mismatched eyes peek up, then she lifts her head with a full wide smile. "How 'bout some berries for breakfast!? Moosh 'em on the toast fer some jam! Oh! An' more fresh tea leafs fer yer collection!" The young woman presents him with her gathered gifts. "Mmmhmm! Mmhmm!" When he'd take them from her hands she'd then pluck a flower out of her hair. "May I?" And proceeds to tuck it into his breast pocket. "Pshhaww. You so dapper!" She coos. Then with one last cheeky smile she side steps elsewhere.
Fae sits up 'just in time'. She knew how Nova could be like, and was thankful this morning that she had multiple people to spread her energy amongst. It wasn't often the wizard wakes up late, or this groggy, but she struggled to get a good nights rest. Bags beneath her eyes were evident of this. The vision she had kept playing over and over in Fae's mind. It made it difficult to calm her thoughts from racing. Nova spent enough time around Fae and had keen intuition, she knew when to be tender with her friend. She plants a good morning kiss against Fae's forehead, handing her her berries and her water before skipping on.
Nova then bends forward, leaning down real close, like super close. Like almost pressing her forehead against the log's snoring before her. "Pssst. PSSST." She tries being 'appropriate' first. However, it wasn't long before Nova would smile mischievously. She'd begin with placing flowers in Hammish's hair, rest pebbles on his eyes, and then stick a berry in each of nostrils before finishing with wetting a finger and sticking it in his ear. "Morning sunshine!"
While Nova does her thing waking everyone up and making sure they have a healthy breakfast, Fae pulls out her spellbook to work on her daily preparations. She'd also take a moment to finalize the updates to KD's map. Reviewing it, Phandalin would be a small detour, however it is approximately a halfway point between their destination and arguably could be the safest place to spend a night. Honestly though, it was the groups call, not Fae's, on whether they should go straight to the Dragon's Burrow or not.
Map
DM 1: 18
DM 2: 10
Fae's Portents: 9 | 13
just an unstable unicorn.
KD brightens up a bit on the walk to pick berries, and takes to it with gusto. She eats a few but gathers a lot, teaching Hal to gently pluck the berries, noting that his more powerful hands need some calibrating for finer detail work.
She's got a bit of a smile on her face as they return, berry, laden, though it fades when Nova darts off without warning. Hal sets down his berry cache and adopts a ready stance and KD's bolt-thrower powers up. All relax when the druid returns. The stunned artificer stares up wide-eyed at the flower crown. She's clearly never worn one. She gives Nova a quiet, one-armed hug, and compliments Hal's addition.
They return and she is helpful with breakfast, but she moves back to the map. "Yes, I'd vote for a stop in Phandalin before heading to the burrow. We could use a chance to restock, to settle accounts, perhaps use coin to buy resources, and gather information about the burrow and the things we've learned. Quick stop before heading to the burrow to find, hopefully, something to use to fight a dragon and its minders, and perhaps free Fae's old friend from whatever's got him. Do I have that right?"
(That big store of gold, up in the belfry, is that at all obtainable and moveable? Or is that the kind of thing that KD would judge needs block and tackle, pulley, heavy rope, and then a sturdy cart and strong horses to get back to a place where it could become fungible?)
Onu smiles as Nova hands him a blossom, practiced fingers tucking it nearly into the buttonhole on his lapel. He gratefully takes the tea leafs and smiles in delight as the fragrant leaves hit his nose 'These are lovely! I'll dry them and keep them ready for a special occasion - thank you my friend'
As KD plots out their next steps Onu nods along 'Yes a quick stop in Phandalin to refit, restock and ... well do whatever we can to prepare seems wise'