Tabaqui, who has been keeping a close eye on the hobgoblin commander during this exchange, averts his eyes for a moment and chucks a pebble at Angus, hitting his helmet and making it ring like a bell. He then returns to suspiciously regarding the enemy captain.
The hobgiblin captain stews as he contemplates the imminent destruction of his foe with a well placed strike, but knows the odds are stscked impossibly against him. He intend to withdraw with the remaining warlock to the bivouac the others have set up to the north of rhe overgrown battlefield, not waits until the dragon dismisses him. There could at least be some valuable intelligence to gather here.
"Ahhh. Yes, very interesting." The dragon muses. "The chime, if you please." She asks, extending a hand ro relieve the object. She reds on her hand legs to hold rhe object and with the other strikes the chime with a claw. At the unearthly spi d produced, the dragon's expression loses any shadow of the mirth it held the prior moment. "This object has the power to destroy, or rather the potential of such power. You ask for a chime, so either you know or someone instructing you does, that the tool you seek can destroy magical items, even the most powerful items of legend could be destroyed. And in the other hand, you have a stone, which we can surmise is imbued with the power of creation. Do you not think it folly to keep such a treasure so close at hand when the other bears the very means of its unmaking? Perhaps it would be best if you left it in the care of a suitable guardian. I believe it is within my ability ro transmute your chime, attuned as it is, already, int0 a dimple tuning fork. It should take me no more than an hour. It is the creation of a magical item, after all - even for a creature born of magic, it is a bit of a chore." she says, studying the bell.
Turning an eye once again to the fallen war chanter, she opines "Alas, that you never heard this ethereal sound in life, perhaps it fills the air where you now find yourself." turning to the horse, she muses: "at least the rhythm of sorrell's canter will still resound o'er the moor."
(I am overly proud of that verse. I almost made it a riddle - lucky for you I decided against it)
<so, are you going to try for Hammer Hall for the night, towards your destination to the north, or hike through the hills for about an hour, maybe less, to the dragon's lair, or any other option you can think of>
Returning her attention to the gathered adventurers, she continues, "Well, if you are in a hurry to meet this mage of the lake, I suppose you could start off to the north, and I can meet you along the way. Unless you'd rather lair with me for the evening. I leave it to you to decide. In any case, you shall have your fork by morning.
"I don't think they'll be giving you any more difficulty. The moors are a restless place, though .. plenty of other nasties scurrying about in the dark." Carynnallerastis notes as she leads the way through the hills to her lair.
You pass some illuminates rocks and two more carvings if the dragin herself in the surface of the Serpent Hills. Through a narrow canyon there lies an unassuming mound, strewn with rubble and overgrown with straggly vegetation. With practiced ease, the copper dragon wi ds her way through the difficult terrain right into the side kf the hill. In fact, she passes through a hole significantly wider than the dragon's body, but easy to miss among the shadows and weeds, particularly at night. Knowing the way, you csn enter easily. Within the cave, you find the tunnels wind in uncertain paths. To your left you pass a small trove of valuable items, but Carynnallerastis leads on. She bears right at the next fork and again. The walls look mostly natural, carved by the forces of nature, but some areas are distinctly fluid, as if some fluid has washed over the walls, removing the stone dynamically as it flowed throw the narrow passage, leaving a space just wide enough for the dragon to pass through. At last she stops. Though it's hard to see the wall beyond the dragon with her taking up most of the corridor, you are aware of an unassuming part of the wall opening up to a previously sealed area. Here there are some comforts, fine art objects and fancy services g items. In all a proper rest and at least a pleasant tea service if not a proper meal can be had with the items at hand, and in fine style at least, if lacking in substance.
"Please, make yourselves at home. Me casa ws so casa." (Actually a relatively equivalent halfing expression - more a transliteration than a translation) "Get some rest. I'll see you out in the morning. Most local creatures are wise enough to steer clear of my home in the north, especially when I'm in residence, but you have already attracted some attention, so I'd recommend allowing me to take a look at first light before you depart once more on your grand adventure."
With that, she retires to another section of the caves, presumably to rest as well, and perhaps in her own way grieve for the loss of the bard who was perhaps not a friend, but at keast a source of amusement in these harsh and lonely climes.
<You're free to wander about if you like. She has not forbidden it. If you do choose to, I'll post the areas you see as you arrive. Or you can just rest. Up to you.>
Tauzan looks about at everything as they enter the place. He studies it all with acute interest. "This is truly amazing, put up in a dragon's lair for the evening? This seems... strange. But if we have free reign of the place, I'm going to look about. Anyone with me?"
The blue path shows how you got to where you are now. The circle is the passage the dragon opens in the solid rock wall and the X is where she left you to rest.
The way it's cropped, you can't tell, but PCs would be aware that the chamber they're in extends farther east around a central column, with only the west half of this chamber visible on the map at this time.
(Sorry, couldn't post until now, If I may retcon a bit...)
Angus says cautiously, "Wise Carynnallerastis, I have a request... we may need that tuning fork and chime intact in order to destroy the Cobalt Mage's stone else he use it against us. I would prefer they remain as they are until the threat of the would-be tyrant is extinguished. We overcame great peril and spilt blood to obtain them. Please, I must insist, in all humility.If you think it unsafe, please devise some sort of carrying case for us, but we must have them at hand for our confrontation."
Marlyth marks the location of the dragon's lair on her personal map, also she takes note of the locations of plant growth. She seems concerned about the fact that Carynnallerastis may ask for costly payment or favor in exchange for her service, and the party might not be able to satisfy her reckoned amount.
"I think we should have talked with the partner of the gorgon regarding the use of the tuning fork. I can cast 'demiplane' to create a link between the conjured plane and the dragon's lair."
The chime serves no real function in the narrative and none at all as far as I know. It's possible there is some other canon use for it that I'm unaware of, but as far as I know, it is the raw material to construct a spell component, namely the tuning fork.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Marlyth finds the tune of Calner's song quite appealing and she keeps humming the song inadvertently. Curiosity is contagious and the indomitable influence of the fact compels her to follow the monk companion. At first, she rubs the palms of her hands on the surface of the cave to dip her skin into the fluid, then draws her hands backwards to determine the type of the fluid.
"I can't help meeting the elders of my tribe and my mentors. They're going to be surprised if I tell them about the visit to a dragon's lair. Perhaps, they'll even let Malivar go unharmed when I introduce him as the love of my life."
If she fails to determine the nature of the liquid, she will attempt to cast Shape Water on it to see if the fluid is affected by the spell. Meanwhile, Fivepoint croaks angrily because of frustration. He wants to assume the form of a dragon next time as a compensation.
Tauzan explores the chamber they are in first. And then provided the passage through the rock remained open, he wanders the tunnels a bit. He takes care not to disturb anything. He starts by backtracking the way they came, going down each side passage that they passed coming in. If he makes to the entrance he does not go out but comes back and proceeds past the opening to the chamber to look that way.
He's not really look for anything. Just a rare opportunity to explore a dragon's domain.
Once done he will return, offering to help with preparing tea or other amenities others may want while they rest.
The tea set is fi ely made. Decorated with the image if a hummingbird in flight. When filled with hot tea, the bird, previously still, begins to flap its wings, bobbing as it traces a path around the cup. The serving tray has a recessed area perfectly matching the footprint of the silvery teapot, around which are arranged an riot of colorful blobs. When set upon the proper place. The teapot reflects the colorful spots distorted by rhe curve of the vessel, to reveal the image of fuchsia flowers.
The chamber contains a few soft comfortably large pillows, perhaps more like mattresses. The material is soft and luxurious, the colors bold and vivid: rich mustards, deep purple and stunning azure. The dragon's lair seems fast amenable to guests.
Throughout the chamber, which is easily wide enough to accommodate a humanoid, but in some places just wide enough to allow the dragon to pass freely, you find a variety of fine art objects. In every room theree is an ornate rug, woven in a style unique to that room, but all fitting the same aesthetician style. A number of sculptures stand in alcoves as you pass through the winding halls, depicting subjects both familiar and exotic. Amomg these: an alabaster bust of Baldur, a monolith of black marble carved in the form of Manshoon and a red jade sculpture of a creature that looks to be a dragon at first glance. Closer inspection reveals it to actually has the body and limbs of a lion, while the head, wings and truly are those of a red dragon. It wears an ornate crown of blue and gold, with matching bracers on its forelimbs and barding or armor over its shoulders about its neck.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Marlyth observes the movement of the hummingbird with uncanny fascination. It's the same type of expression she displays whenever she gets a glimpse of her amulet made of metal and gemstone. She's not used to the idea of living a luxurious life. She drinks tea from earthen tea-cups, sleeps on the solid floor of tribal pack-house and wears jewelry made of barks, flowers and shells.
Still, she appreciates the taste and choice of their host and examines everything that's been adorning the lair. The lair is definitely more well-furnished and equipped than the shanty of the medusa-like woman.
<I had agreat opportunity to demo this earlier, if i had just said you see Morwena destroy the one in the cellar of The Hidden Page, but I missed that opportunity. The fact is that it can, though in-univetse, the characters just have that statement from the dragon I guess.>
Tauzan comes forward taking out the metal chimes and tuning fork. "We would appreciate any aid with these. To help us against the Cobalt Mage."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Tabaqui, who has been keeping a close eye on the hobgoblin commander during this exchange, averts his eyes for a moment and chucks a pebble at Angus, hitting his helmet and making it ring like a bell. He then returns to suspiciously regarding the enemy captain.
The hobgiblin captain stews as he contemplates the imminent destruction of his foe with a well placed strike, but knows the odds are stscked impossibly against him. He intend to withdraw with the remaining warlock to the bivouac the others have set up to the north of rhe overgrown battlefield, not waits until the dragon dismisses him. There could at least be some valuable intelligence to gather here.
"Ahhh. Yes, very interesting." The dragon muses. "The chime, if you please." She asks, extending a hand ro relieve the object. She reds on her hand legs to hold rhe object and with the other strikes the chime with a claw. At the unearthly spi d produced, the dragon's expression loses any shadow of the mirth it held the prior moment. "This object has the power to destroy, or rather the potential of such power. You ask for a chime, so either you know or someone instructing you does, that the tool you seek can destroy magical items, even the most powerful items of legend could be destroyed. And in the other hand, you have a stone, which we can surmise is imbued with the power of creation. Do you not think it folly to keep such a treasure so close at hand when the other bears the very means of its unmaking? Perhaps it would be best if you left it in the care of a suitable guardian. I believe it is within my ability ro transmute your chime, attuned as it is, already, int0 a dimple tuning fork. It should take me no more than an hour. It is the creation of a magical item, after all - even for a creature born of magic, it is a bit of a chore." she says, studying the bell.
Turning an eye once again to the fallen war chanter, she opines "Alas, that you never heard this ethereal sound in life, perhaps it fills the air where you now find yourself." turning to the horse, she muses: "at least the rhythm of sorrell's canter will still resound o'er the moor."
(I am overly proud of that verse. I almost made it a riddle - lucky for you I decided against it)
<so, are you going to try for Hammer Hall for the night, towards your destination to the north, or hike through the hills for about an hour, maybe less, to the dragon's lair, or any other option you can think of>
Returning her attention to the gathered adventurers, she continues, "Well, if you are in a hurry to meet this mage of the lake, I suppose you could start off to the north, and I can meet you along the way. Unless you'd rather lair with me for the evening. I leave it to you to decide. In any case, you shall have your fork by morning.
"I don't think they'll be giving you any more difficulty. The moors are a restless place, though .. plenty of other nasties scurrying about in the dark." Carynnallerastis notes as she leads the way through the hills to her lair.
You pass some illuminates rocks and two more carvings if the dragin herself in the surface of the Serpent Hills. Through a narrow canyon there lies an unassuming mound, strewn with rubble and overgrown with straggly vegetation. With practiced ease, the copper dragon wi ds her way through the difficult terrain right into the side kf the hill. In fact, she passes through a hole significantly wider than the dragon's body, but easy to miss among the shadows and weeds, particularly at night. Knowing the way, you csn enter easily. Within the cave, you find the tunnels wind in uncertain paths. To your left you pass a small trove of valuable items, but Carynnallerastis leads on. She bears right at the next fork and again. The walls look mostly natural, carved by the forces of nature, but some areas are distinctly fluid, as if some fluid has washed over the walls, removing the stone dynamically as it flowed throw the narrow passage, leaving a space just wide enough for the dragon to pass through. At last she stops. Though it's hard to see the wall beyond the dragon with her taking up most of the corridor, you are aware of an unassuming part of the wall opening up to a previously sealed area. Here there are some comforts, fine art objects and fancy services g items. In all a proper rest and at least a pleasant tea service if not a proper meal can be had with the items at hand, and in fine style at least, if lacking in substance.
"Please, make yourselves at home. Me casa ws so casa." (Actually a relatively equivalent halfing expression - more a transliteration than a translation) "Get some rest. I'll see you out in the morning. Most local creatures are wise enough to steer clear of my home in the north, especially when I'm in residence, but you have already attracted some attention, so I'd recommend allowing me to take a look at first light before you depart once more on your grand adventure."
With that, she retires to another section of the caves, presumably to rest as well, and perhaps in her own way grieve for the loss of the bard who was perhaps not a friend, but at keast a source of amusement in these harsh and lonely climes.
<You're free to wander about if you like. She has not forbidden it. If you do choose to, I'll post the areas you see as you arrive. Or you can just rest. Up to you.>
Tauzan looks about at everything as they enter the place. He studies it all with acute interest. "This is truly amazing, put up in a dragon's lair for the evening? This seems... strange. But if we have free reign of the place, I'm going to look about. Anyone with me?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The blue path shows how you got to where you are now. The circle is the passage the dragon opens in the solid rock wall and the X is where she left you to rest.
The way it's cropped, you can't tell, but PCs would be aware that the chamber they're in extends farther east around a central column, with only the west half of this chamber visible on the map at this time.
(Sorry, couldn't post until now, If I may retcon a bit...)
Angus says cautiously, "Wise Carynnallerastis, I have a request... we may need that tuning fork and chime intact in order to destroy the Cobalt Mage's stone else he use it against us. I would prefer they remain as they are until the threat of the would-be tyrant is extinguished. We overcame great peril and spilt blood to obtain them. Please, I must insist, in all humility. If you think it unsafe, please devise some sort of carrying case for us, but we must have them at hand for our confrontation."
Marlyth marks the location of the dragon's lair on her personal map, also she takes note of the locations of plant growth. She seems concerned about the fact that Carynnallerastis may ask for costly payment or favor in exchange for her service, and the party might not be able to satisfy her reckoned amount.
"I think we should have talked with the partner of the gorgon regarding the use of the tuning fork. I can cast 'demiplane' to create a link between the conjured plane and the dragon's lair."
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Meta knowledge -
The chime serves no real function in the narrative and none at all as far as I know. It's possible there is some other canon use for it that I'm unaware of, but as far as I know, it is the raw material to construct a spell component, namely the tuning fork.
Marlyth finds the tune of Calner's song quite appealing and she keeps humming the song inadvertently. Curiosity is contagious and the indomitable influence of the fact compels her to follow the monk companion. At first, she rubs the palms of her hands on the surface of the cave to dip her skin into the fluid, then draws her hands backwards to determine the type of the fluid.
Investigation 13
"I can't help meeting the elders of my tribe and my mentors. They're going to be surprised if I tell them about the visit to a dragon's lair. Perhaps, they'll even let Malivar go unharmed when I introduce him as the love of my life."
If she fails to determine the nature of the liquid, she will attempt to cast Shape Water on it to see if the fluid is affected by the spell. Meanwhile, Fivepoint croaks angrily because of frustration. He wants to assume the form of a dragon next time as a compensation.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Walks is impressed with the furnishings and atmosphere. She usually lives a spartan life style so appreciates the bits of luxury.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Tauzan explores the chamber they are in first. And then provided the passage through the rock remained open, he wanders the tunnels a bit. He takes care not to disturb anything. He starts by backtracking the way they came, going down each side passage that they passed coming in. If he makes to the entrance he does not go out but comes back and proceeds past the opening to the chamber to look that way.
He's not really look for anything. Just a rare opportunity to explore a dragon's domain.
Once done he will return, offering to help with preparing tea or other amenities others may want while they rest.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The tea set is fi ely made. Decorated with the image if a hummingbird in flight. When filled with hot tea, the bird, previously still, begins to flap its wings, bobbing as it traces a path around the cup. The serving tray has a recessed area perfectly matching the footprint of the silvery teapot, around which are arranged an riot of colorful blobs. When set upon the proper place. The teapot reflects the colorful spots distorted by rhe curve of the vessel, to reveal the image of fuchsia flowers.
The chamber contains a few soft comfortably large pillows, perhaps more like mattresses. The material is soft and luxurious, the colors bold and vivid: rich mustards, deep purple and stunning azure. The dragon's lair seems fast amenable to guests.
Throughout the chamber, which is easily wide enough to accommodate a humanoid, but in some places just wide enough to allow the dragon to pass freely, you find a variety of fine art objects. In every room theree is an ornate rug, woven in a style unique to that room, but all fitting the same aesthetician style. A number of sculptures stand in alcoves as you pass through the winding halls, depicting subjects both familiar and exotic. Amomg these: an alabaster bust of Baldur, a monolith of black marble carved in the form of Manshoon and a red jade sculpture of a creature that looks to be a dragon at first glance. Closer inspection reveals it to actually has the body and limbs of a lion, while the head, wings and truly are those of a red dragon. It wears an ornate crown of blue and gold, with matching bracers on its forelimbs and barding or armor over its shoulders about its neck.
Marlyth observes the movement of the hummingbird with uncanny fascination. It's the same type of expression she displays whenever she gets a glimpse of her amulet made of metal and gemstone. She's not used to the idea of living a luxurious life. She drinks tea from earthen tea-cups, sleeps on the solid floor of tribal pack-house and wears jewelry made of barks, flowers and shells.
Still, she appreciates the taste and choice of their host and examines everything that's been adorning the lair. The lair is definitely more well-furnished and equipped than the shanty of the medusa-like woman.
Does she recognize the creature of the figurine?
History 9
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
<no, she doesn't.
So, did you want her to make the tuning fork, then? I'm narrating it soon so if we don't like it, I'll just undo it.>
(Sorry, did we ever determine if the tuning fork could actually destroy the creation stone, or was that just something the dragon said?)
<I had agreat opportunity to demo this earlier, if i had just said you see Morwena destroy the one in the cellar of The Hidden Page, but I missed that opportunity. The fact is that it can, though in-univetse, the characters just have that statement from the dragon I guess.>