Travis opts to stay in his chain mail. He looks to Kiari. "Perhaps you should wear this dragon mail," he says. "It is certainly of fine quality." If no one else takes up the fallen warrior's massive greatsword, Travis will carry it at least for the time being.
If time permits, Travis will take a breather before they move on to explore the narrow passageway or depart.
Kirari nods in appreciation to Travis and lifts the Scale admiring it for a moment before shedding her own and gearing up in this one cautiously. She packs her own scale tightly to her pack (unless anyone is interested in scale) and walks around the room to test the new gear. "Fits well. Thank you Travis."
Professor Holis sits down and removes his pack. Seeing the weary looks on the others, he gets an idea and fishes around in his backpack until he finds a small drum. He then sits a moment and looks up and around at the carved dragons everywhere, looking for inspiration. A long lost memory comes to mind and he smiles and places the drum between his knees and begins to tap a slow rhythm as he begins to speak. “Let me tell you the tale… of the battle of Baydon Hill.” Soft thumps are slowly tapped out of the drum as he speaks. Thump… Thump… Bada Thump… It isn’t music… but an accompaniment to his story. As the story begins, the soft thumping blends into the spoken words, hypnotic in the cadence.
“As a boy, I wanted nothing more from life than to be a great adventurer. To travel the lands, putting right to wrong, fighting and battling the forces of evil.”Thump…. Thump… Bada Thump…“You see my father was a soldier… a fighter and adventurer… and I wanted to be like him. But I was a sickly child and not allowed to follow in his footsteps, he wouldn’t have it, so I read every book or story I could find.”Thump… Thump… Bada Thump
”Eventually… that turned into my life’s work. I have studied combat and fighting my whole life. One story I found in an ancient text is brought to mind by these dragons carved around us. Dragons are OLD… and have seen much so I learned their language to learn whatever I could from them should I ever meet one. This ancient text was written in draconic, and told the tale thusly.”
“In a nation long lost to history there lived a mighty warrior. No man or woman could stand before his blade. He lead his nation on the battlefield into victory after victory, conquering all the kingdoms and nations surrounding them. He was said to have the swiftest blade and the strongest arm, his name became one of fear.”Thump… Thump… Bada Thump, the cadence quickens as the professor continues.
”But people are jealous. Though the warrior was loyal, many people began to mutter that he would make a better ruler than the king. The king did not know what to do with the man. He could not punish him for he was the best warrior and had won impossible battles for him. So he called forth his trusted advisor.” The drumming then slows and becomes harder and somehow darker or foreboding Thump…… Thump…… Thump….. as slow as the beating of a dark heart.
”The vile advisor agreed that the king could not openly punish or defy the nations hero… but instead offered another solution. Perhaps… if the warrior were given a task that he could not possibly complete… perhaps his death would serve the king more than his life. If he were to die a hero’s death as a martyr, his name would live on and inspire the nation for generations to come… and he would not be able to challenge the king. And so the king agreed to the plan and summoned the warrior.”
”Far to the East there is an Island,” explained the king. “We have heard disturbing reports that something is happening there. Tales have come to our court of demon worship and a spreading influence as this cult or nation is launching conquests and spreading their vile religion. Please lead our armies and defeat these evil people before they come to our borders and I will give you my daughter’s hand and make you my heir. And so the warrior agreed for he was a loyal and good soldier. But before he left the king also asked for him to take his advisor so that the king would have his own eyes and ears there to report. But of course, this was all part of their plan.” Thump… Thump… Bada thump
“Many weeks the warrior led the army towards the East. At first they could find no word of this cult of demon worshipers. But as they continued heading East, they started to hear rumors of a strange religion and a nation of zealous fanatics but strangely no word of demons. Soon they began getting more specific information as they got closer to the nation island until eventually they stood on the shore with an island location ahead.”
”Working day and night ships were built, bought, taken, or commandeered until the army was ready to set sail. They launched across the sea and landed on the island prepared to do battle. That day they marched towards a distant city until they met an army encamped on a large hill. And this began the battle for Baydon Hill.” At this Point the professor drumming picks up intensity and speed until it sounds like a war drum. Thump Thump Thump Thump bada bump Thump Thump Thump Thump
”Long they battled up the hill against a foe defending their land. Zealous, fearless, and without care for their lives the enemy flung themselves at the army. But the warrior was mighty and slew scores of men and his army was filled with strength and vigor. After hours of fighting the army looked to be gaining victory, and just as they began making the final press the zealots began praying and enacting rituals, calling upon their fell god to aid them. And their prayer was answered!” The drumming stops and all is silent a few moments before Thaddeus continues.
“And the prayers were answered from an unexpected place. Behind the army… where the advisor stood observing the battle, came a loud and deep laughter that echoed over the battlefield. The advisor began changing shape and became a large and dreadful dragon. It laughed as it slew the army. It’s tail lashed out and destroyed groups of men, it’s claws snatched armored men and horses and flung them into the air. From it’s jaws came flame and death. The tired and exhausted army stood no chance and even the mighty warrior could not stand against this foe. In it’s glee the dragon destroyed even it’s own worshipers but their town was saved.”
”In time this city of dragon worshipers spread out and began conquering the nations around and eventually swallowed the warrior kingdom as well.”
The professor then looks at the group. “And what lessons can we learn from this story my students?”
(Song of Rest, anyone who spends HD dice to regain hit points gets an extra 1d6) and (Inspiring Leader feat. Everyone gets 6 temp HP, it doesn’t stack so remove any other temp hp you have then add 6.)
Kirari sits to enjoy Thaddeus' story and listen intently. "I was always a poor student, but seems to me the leader should have not heeded his jealousy and studied the warrior to see what made him so loved rather than plot to remove him....and perhaps be careful whom you choose to advise you."
(thank you for the temp HP)
Kirari casts identify as a ritual on the Scale Mail as she sits to gather more information about it while she sits.
The professor nods to Kirari “A gold star for you Kirari” and he thumps the drum once. A sparkling and shiny star appears above her briefly (minor illusion). “That would have been a wise decision. I find lessons in many of the people in the story. The warrior was surely ignorant of the danger he was in. Loyal and good as he was, he did not understand the danger that jealousy and envy can cause. Perhaps he should have been more careful in whom he trusted?”
”And what of the religious zealots? Is there a lesson in their side of the story? Dragons are fearsome creatures of power and awe,” and he looks up at the carvings around them, “but they make fickle and dangerous gods. That is something that we may find to our advantage as we deal with these cultists.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Travis listens to the story with his eyes closed, somewhere between sleep and waking as the energy gradually returns after the fierce fight with the dragonborn warrior.
He slowly opens his eyes and at the professor's question, he replies simply: "Perhaps the lesson is that as soon as you are aware of a dragon in your midst, you had best kill it quickly, before it grows too strong and attracts too many followers, eh?"
Short Rest using 1 HD (to start) 11 Bonus from Song of Rest 4
Cale listens to Thaddeus's story, trying at first to feign indifference but finding himself rapt up in the story and the performance. By the end, Cale is squatting at the edge of the group, fingers steepled against his chin. He gives a brief quiet applause at the denouement.
Answering the professor's question, Cale says after some thought: "I guess...some bargains are worth the price? The zealots gave their lives to save their town, and the dragon was just a tool for that. The right weapon for the job; isn't that part of the warrior code?"
Escobert the Red strokes his dwarven beard and nods at the others with their answers, "Aye, these stories shall help us in the battle ahead, especially if these cultists we have been fighting are more than what they seem." He takes his axe from the straps on his back and says, "You have all done so much for the town of Greenest, and it has been an honor fighting alongside you all. I do not know where this passageway leads," as he gestures to the passage behind the alter, "but I am ready to get to the bottom of what these cultists want with us, our town, and the Sword Coast."
(everyone can add an inspiration if you don't have one for the great bardic story and roleplaying!)
Kiari's ritual helps her to see what the armor could do as its scales glitter in the torchlight with a blue hue
@Kiari
The mail has been made by the cast off scales of a blue dragon, which gives you protection from lightning breath attacks from dragons. You also feel as if you can even sense where a blue dragon could be if you focus hard enough.
(Here are the stats for you from D&D Beyond)
Dragon scale mail is made of the scales of one kind of dragon. Sometimes dragons collect their cast-off scales and gift them to humanoids. Other times, hunters carefully skin and preserve the hide of a dead dragon. In either case, dragon scale mail is highly valued.
While wearing this armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC, you have advantage on saving throws against the Frightful Presence and breath weapons of dragons, and you have resistance to one damage type that is determined by the kind of a dragon that provided the scales (see the table).
Additionally, you can focus your senses as an action to magically discern the distance and direction to the closest dragon of the type of armor within 30 miles of you. This special action can't be used again until the next dawn.
Thaddeus looks at Cale thoughtfully, “An interesting thought. The text was not clear on whether the zealots knew the price for their salvation. I wonder if they would have paid it had they known. Likely, as many people would be willing to lay down their life to save their home and their families.”
As Kirari senses the abilities of the armor, she concentrates on the location of a Blue Dragon in case one is close. She stands looking somewhat encumbered by her old mail, but hesitant to part with it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cale grins at Thaddeus's reply "Maybe, or it's saying that he more ties you take on, the greater the risk to your personal safety?"
Keen to not offend his friend, he pats the professor on the shoulder and says "I'm sure there's a life lesson if one wants to see it; I appreciate the story, Prof"
The rogue checks his kit and gets ready to enter the tunnel first, scanning for danger as he goes and trying to keep quiet.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
@Kiari
There are not any blue dragons in range of the party at the moment, but you could try again at the dawn of the next day.
Cale once again slips into the shadows and flickers of torchlight. There are wooden stairs lashed together leading into the cavern heading downward
@Cale
From your vantage point, you can see that the chamber that opens at the bottom of the stairs is immense. A wide ledge runs along the left wall and drops away to a pit on the right. Many stalactites descend from the ceiling, and the sound of dripping water echoes continuously.
There are also blood stains on the floor and you see 6 kobolds feeding two guard drakes. The drakes are near what appears to be a nest. In the nest are what to appear to be three large eggs (they are about 3 feet tall). One drake stays near the nest but is eager for the food the kobolds offer up.
Just then, a stalactite near the bottom of the stairs moves! It looks to be a roper, but it is not that interested in the kobolds or the drakes.
Kirari spots the Rogue on the move and moves to follow speaking to the group. "This armor seems to allow me a sense of whether a Blue Dragon is within 30 miles, fortunately there doesn't seem to be or I haven't gotten the knack of it yet."
Renewed and restored by the brief respite, Travis stows the greatsword and spear across his broad back and resumes his usual combat-ready mode with longsword and shield.
He nods at the professor's words to Cale. "And sometimes one must teach a lesson ... more than once,"he says, with a glance down at the fallen dragonborn. With that, he gets ready to move, waiting a bit to let Cale take the lead before remaining a ways back so as not to disturb the stealthy rogue with his clanky chain mail.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Travis opts to stay in his chain mail. He looks to Kiari. "Perhaps you should wear this dragon mail," he says. "It is certainly of fine quality." If no one else takes up the fallen warrior's massive greatsword, Travis will carry it at least for the time being.
If time permits, Travis will take a breather before they move on to explore the narrow passageway or depart.
The party takes a moment to gather themselves and take stock of their items before pressing onward.
(go ahead and process a short rest, everyone!)
Kirari nods in appreciation to Travis and lifts the Scale admiring it for a moment before shedding her own and gearing up in this one cautiously. She packs her own scale tightly to her pack (unless anyone is interested in scale) and walks around the room to test the new gear. "Fits well. Thank you Travis."
Professor Holis sits down and removes his pack. Seeing the weary looks on the others, he gets an idea and fishes around in his backpack until he finds a small drum. He then sits a moment and looks up and around at the carved dragons everywhere, looking for inspiration. A long lost memory comes to mind and he smiles and places the drum between his knees and begins to tap a slow rhythm as he begins to speak. “Let me tell you the tale… of the battle of Baydon Hill.” Soft thumps are slowly tapped out of the drum as he speaks. Thump… Thump… Bada Thump… It isn’t music… but an accompaniment to his story. As the story begins, the soft thumping blends into the spoken words, hypnotic in the cadence.
“As a boy, I wanted nothing more from life than to be a great adventurer. To travel the lands, putting right to wrong, fighting and battling the forces of evil.” Thump…. Thump… Bada Thump… “You see my father was a soldier… a fighter and adventurer… and I wanted to be like him. But I was a sickly child and not allowed to follow in his footsteps, he wouldn’t have it, so I read every book or story I could find.” Thump… Thump… Bada Thump
”Eventually… that turned into my life’s work. I have studied combat and fighting my whole life. One story I found in an ancient text is brought to mind by these dragons carved around us. Dragons are OLD… and have seen much so I learned their language to learn whatever I could from them should I ever meet one. This ancient text was written in draconic, and told the tale thusly.”
“In a nation long lost to history there lived a mighty warrior. No man or woman could stand before his blade. He lead his nation on the battlefield into victory after victory, conquering all the kingdoms and nations surrounding them. He was said to have the swiftest blade and the strongest arm, his name became one of fear.” Thump… Thump… Bada Thump, the cadence quickens as the professor continues.
”But people are jealous. Though the warrior was loyal, many people began to mutter that he would make a better ruler than the king. The king did not know what to do with the man. He could not punish him for he was the best warrior and had won impossible battles for him. So he called forth his trusted advisor.” The drumming then slows and becomes harder and somehow darker or foreboding Thump…… Thump…… Thump….. as slow as the beating of a dark heart.
”The vile advisor agreed that the king could not openly punish or defy the nations hero… but instead offered another solution. Perhaps… if the warrior were given a task that he could not possibly complete… perhaps his death would serve the king more than his life. If he were to die a hero’s death as a martyr, his name would live on and inspire the nation for generations to come… and he would not be able to challenge the king. And so the king agreed to the plan and summoned the warrior.”
”Far to the East there is an Island,” explained the king. “We have heard disturbing reports that something is happening there. Tales have come to our court of demon worship and a spreading influence as this cult or nation is launching conquests and spreading their vile religion. Please lead our armies and defeat these evil people before they come to our borders and I will give you my daughter’s hand and make you my heir. And so the warrior agreed for he was a loyal and good soldier. But before he left the king also asked for him to take his advisor so that the king would have his own eyes and ears there to report. But of course, this was all part of their plan.” Thump… Thump… Bada thump
“Many weeks the warrior led the army towards the East. At first they could find no word of this cult of demon worshipers. But as they continued heading East, they started to hear rumors of a strange religion and a nation of zealous fanatics but strangely no word of demons. Soon they began getting more specific information as they got closer to the nation island until eventually they stood on the shore with an island location ahead.”
”Working day and night ships were built, bought, taken, or commandeered until the army was ready to set sail. They launched across the sea and landed on the island prepared to do battle. That day they marched towards a distant city until they met an army encamped on a large hill. And this began the battle for Baydon Hill.” At this Point the professor drumming picks up intensity and speed until it sounds like a war drum. Thump Thump Thump Thump bada bump Thump Thump Thump Thump
”Long they battled up the hill against a foe defending their land. Zealous, fearless, and without care for their lives the enemy flung themselves at the army. But the warrior was mighty and slew scores of men and his army was filled with strength and vigor. After hours of fighting the army looked to be gaining victory, and just as they began making the final press the zealots began praying and enacting rituals, calling upon their fell god to aid them. And their prayer was answered!” The drumming stops and all is silent a few moments before Thaddeus continues.
“And the prayers were answered from an unexpected place. Behind the army… where the advisor stood observing the battle, came a loud and deep laughter that echoed over the battlefield. The advisor began changing shape and became a large and dreadful dragon. It laughed as it slew the army. It’s tail lashed out and destroyed groups of men, it’s claws snatched armored men and horses and flung them into the air. From it’s jaws came flame and death. The tired and exhausted army stood no chance and even the mighty warrior could not stand against this foe. In it’s glee the dragon destroyed even it’s own worshipers but their town was saved.”
”In time this city of dragon worshipers spread out and began conquering the nations around and eventually swallowed the warrior kingdom as well.”
The professor then looks at the group. “And what lessons can we learn from this story my students?”
(Song of Rest, anyone who spends HD dice to regain hit points gets an extra 1d6) and (Inspiring Leader feat. Everyone gets 6 temp HP, it doesn’t stack so remove any other temp hp you have then add 6.)
Noob
Kirari sits to enjoy Thaddeus' story and listen intently. "I was always a poor student, but seems to me the leader should have not heeded his jealousy and studied the warrior to see what made him so loved rather than plot to remove him....and perhaps be careful whom you choose to advise you."
(thank you for the temp HP)
Kirari casts identify as a ritual on the Scale Mail as she sits to gather more information about it while she sits.
The professor nods to Kirari “A gold star for you Kirari” and he thumps the drum once. A sparkling and shiny star appears above her briefly (minor illusion). “That would have been a wise decision. I find lessons in many of the people in the story. The warrior was surely ignorant of the danger he was in. Loyal and good as he was, he did not understand the danger that jealousy and envy can cause. Perhaps he should have been more careful in whom he trusted?”
”And what of the religious zealots? Is there a lesson in their side of the story? Dragons are fearsome creatures of power and awe,” and he looks up at the carvings around them, “but they make fickle and dangerous gods. That is something that we may find to our advantage as we deal with these cultists.”
Noob
"I see, many lessons indeed." Kirari smiles at the shiny, sparkling star above her.
Travis listens to the story with his eyes closed, somewhere between sleep and waking as the energy gradually returns after the fierce fight with the dragonborn warrior.
He slowly opens his eyes and at the professor's question, he replies simply: "Perhaps the lesson is that as soon as you are aware of a dragon in your midst, you had best kill it quickly, before it grows too strong and attracts too many followers, eh?"
Short Rest using 1 HD (to start) 11
Bonus from Song of Rest 4
Using additional HD 9
The professor nods to Travis. “Assuming of course… that you can defeat said dragon, yes a good idea.”
Noob
Cale listens to Thaddeus's story, trying at first to feign indifference but finding himself rapt up in the story and the performance. By the end, Cale is squatting at the edge of the group, fingers steepled against his chin. He gives a brief quiet applause at the denouement.
Answering the professor's question, Cale says after some thought: "I guess...some bargains are worth the price? The zealots gave their lives to save their town, and the dragon was just a tool for that. The right weapon for the job; isn't that part of the warrior code?"
Escobert the Red strokes his dwarven beard and nods at the others with their answers, "Aye, these stories shall help us in the battle ahead, especially if these cultists we have been fighting are more than what they seem." He takes his axe from the straps on his back and says, "You have all done so much for the town of Greenest, and it has been an honor fighting alongside you all. I do not know where this passageway leads," as he gestures to the passage behind the alter, "but I am ready to get to the bottom of what these cultists want with us, our town, and the Sword Coast."
(everyone can add an inspiration if you don't have one for the great bardic story and roleplaying!)
Kiari's ritual helps her to see what the armor could do as its scales glitter in the torchlight with a blue hue
@Kiari
The mail has been made by the cast off scales of a blue dragon, which gives you protection from lightning breath attacks from dragons. You also feel as if you can even sense where a blue dragon could be if you focus hard enough.
(Here are the stats for you from D&D Beyond)
Thaddeus looks at Cale thoughtfully, “An interesting thought. The text was not clear on whether the zealots knew the price for their salvation. I wonder if they would have paid it had they known. Likely, as many people would be willing to lay down their life to save their home and their families.”
Noob
As Kirari senses the abilities of the armor, she concentrates on the location of a Blue Dragon in case one is close. She stands looking somewhat encumbered by her old mail, but hesitant to part with it.
Cale grins at Thaddeus's reply "Maybe, or it's saying that he more ties you take on, the greater the risk to your personal safety?"
Keen to not offend his friend, he pats the professor on the shoulder and says "I'm sure there's a life lesson if one wants to see it; I appreciate the story, Prof"
The rogue checks his kit and gets ready to enter the tunnel first, scanning for danger as he goes and trying to keep quiet.
Stealth 24
Perception 19
@Kiari
There are not any blue dragons in range of the party at the moment, but you could try again at the dawn of the next day.
Cale once again slips into the shadows and flickers of torchlight. There are wooden stairs lashed together leading into the cavern heading downward
@Cale
From your vantage point, you can see that the chamber that opens at the bottom of the stairs is immense. A wide ledge runs along the left wall and drops away to a pit on the right. Many stalactites descend from the ceiling, and the sound of dripping water echoes continuously.
There are also blood stains on the floor and you see 6 kobolds feeding two guard drakes. The drakes are near what appears to be a nest. In the nest are what to appear to be three large eggs (they are about 3 feet tall). One drake stays near the nest but is eager for the food the kobolds offer up.
Just then, a stalactite near the bottom of the stairs moves! It looks to be a roper, but it is not that interested in the kobolds or the drakes.
Kirari spots the Rogue on the move and moves to follow speaking to the group. "This armor seems to allow me a sense of whether a Blue Dragon is within 30 miles, fortunately there doesn't seem to be or I haven't gotten the knack of it yet."
The professor turns to Cale and nods. “There are lessons in all things for those willing to learn.”
Noob
Renewed and restored by the brief respite, Travis stows the greatsword and spear across his broad back and resumes his usual combat-ready mode with longsword and shield.
He nods at the professor's words to Cale. "And sometimes one must teach a lesson ... more than once," he says, with a glance down at the fallen dragonborn. With that, he gets ready to move, waiting a bit to let Cale take the lead before remaining a ways back so as not to disturb the stealthy rogue with his clanky chain mail.