Crimson Sands of Time

 “You two” pointing at the brothers you can now see his left eye has no eye seemingly magically plucked “have a lovely family issue where you almost lost your brother, which ironically is the same issue they have” pointing back to the hags

“I still don’t know what your deal is mr” looking at the rabbit 

“So hear what I propose we go and find your sister and kill this dragon and you help us against the red wizards by two options 1 help us out with information, or provided us with safe refuge” persuasion 3

you could see Sam is understanding being quite all that time and smart enough to let T talk but has some but not a lot of patience 

 "What?!" Randy yelps as he suddenly whips up his cannon in dismay. "You guys... you're not with the dragon... or that stupid cult right? Right?!"

"Geez calm down! Didn't you hear that man say they're against the dragon and the red wizards like us?!" Ethan replies, though he suspiciously eyes them just in case since he too got startled by their presence.

Chadderlay reaches for a snickerdoodle and samples the delicious treat.

"Maybe we can rescue your sister without fighting the dragon? I mean if it's currently away. Also, that might give us the chance to set some kind of trap or ambush for when it returns."

After a brief pause to get another snickerdoodle.

"I'll take any advantage I can get against a black dragon."

Alistar just remains quiet as the new group he finds himself with chatters with the woman and the goblin. Inside he just wonders about everything they've said and if this is what needs to be accomplished. His hand just gripping his staff tight in case something does happen causing a fight.

Quote from Legion4 >>

Sam just listen to his companions chatter and somewhat argue 

“I still don’t know what your deal is mr” looking at the rabbit

Oli replies, "I thought I agreed to be your party's scout and lock picker, though I can see you don't need me for that, as you have the cat to scout and can break your way through anything you can't open. I was looking for an adventuring party to team up with when I met your group. I'm up for taking down the undead lord of this land and this black dragon and anything else that comes up. Is there something specific you need of me, or are you feeling that I don't quite match with this group, which, by the way, I can see."  He then moves to stand next to Rurry and continues, "You are a 'swords drawn and swinging through the door' kind of team that doesn't need to sneak around. So what is my deal? I'm just a small, soft rabbit taking on those with evil intent in this world."

Oli doesn't go near the offered cookies.

“well- I consider myself appreciative of all of the talents each member brings to an effective adventuring party.  and im quite happy to work with anyone who is willing to help us take on this dragon, rescue the prisoner, and strive towards our larger objective.

Quite the group of adventurers weve got!  ok-  sisters-  tell us the way to the dragon’s lair.  and if you have any magic thar will protect against acid- that would be a bonus.   We will see what can be done.

he looks at the newcomers.   “uou are wrlcome to join us.   Im Tetrevess Tomescribe, order of scribes wizard and member of the closks of mulmaster.”  

"There's been no trace of a cult save the old ruins, until Velvet moved in, that is.  They havent proven mich if a nuisance as yet. But, if wgat yo7 say is true, then we face a grave threat indeed. A black dragon is hard enough to remove, but a lich dragon, that's an obstacle I hope never to face. The Thayans have left us in relative piece for centuries.  I imagine the only reason a Red Wizard stands in our company now is that he finds himself out if Szazz Tam's favor.  As for the dragon, himself, he went on some short matter to Phlan, no more than a few days expected away, and he's been gone since at least first light yesterday.  If you want to get away before he returns, you'd better hurry." Sister Pusriver explains.

"But, we both think you have it in you to free us of that vile dragon's yoke.   No sooner will we gave our dear sister returned, than Velvet will cime calling again." Sister Rotface adds, "unless, that is, you put an end to him."

The hags are very eager to help and iffee the following information

The kobolds of the Pitted Scale clan, love to capture and torture anyone they come upon, just like Velvet does. They are especially fond of using poison and acid to torture their victims.

• After he kidnapped Sister Deathwillow, the dragon demanded the hags create a ritual for him to summon the souls of the dead. Which they did. They later performed the ritual at the site of the lizardfolk village, creating the will-o-wisps.

• The hags met Larga Bloodhand (a power-hungry orog) and pointed her and her party toward the lair of the dragon. The hags kept one member of Larga's party as ransom, but when Reema did not come back, they ate him.

They also offer either a scroll of protection from energy or a scroll of water walking to assist in the quest.

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

...

"I'll take any advantage I can get against a black dragon."

"Interested in a Trade, Child?"

The sisters have the following items available for trade.

• 4 potions of healing

• 2 flasks of alchemists fire

• 2 flasks of lamp oil

• 4 vials of antitoxin

• 2 vials of poison

The sisters have a number of items of adventuring gear

that they are willing to trade to the adventurers in

exchange for any number of unusual or unsettling things.

<Some examples of things that the hags take in payment are:

• A kiss

• A lock of freshly cut hair

• The adventurer must swallow a stone carved with the symbol of the coven--a tree weeping blood

• A handshake

• Forsaking a loved one

• A single drop of blood

• A single copper piece

• A finger (specifically, the PC's)>

<if Tetrevess' owl familiar is out and about..>

The owl cautions their masters or companions about entering into such a deal.

“the scrolls would be of use to us, i suspect.   i don’t have need for the other items.   we will take the scrolls- and your sister will be saved.  I had heard some of this dragon and it’s plans.   We face a challenge, to be sure.   is everyone ready?”. he looks at the group.   “lets go then!” 

Quote from Wile_E_Coyote >>

"There's been no trace of a cult save the old ruins, until Velvet moved in, that is.  They havent proven mich if a nuisance as yet. But, if wgat yo7 say is true, then we face a grave threat indeed. A black dragon is hard enough to remove, but a lich dragon, that's an obstacle I hope never to face. The Thayans have left us in relative piece for centuries.  I imagine the only reason a Red Wizard stands in our company now is that he finds himself out if Szazz Tam's favor.  As for the dragon, himself, he went on some short matter to Phlan, no more than a few days expected away, and he's been gone since at least first light yesterday.  If you want to get away before he returns, you'd better hurry." Sister Pusriver explains.

"But, we both think you have it in you to free us of that vile dragon's yoke.   No sooner will we gave our dear sister returned, than Velvet will cime calling again." Sister Rotface adds, "unless, that is, you put an end to him."

The hags are very eager to help and iffee the following information

The kobolds of the Pitted Scale clan, love to capture and torture anyone they come upon, just like Velvet does. They are especially fond of using poison and acid to torture their victims.

• After he kidnapped Sister Deathwillow, the dragon demanded the hags create a ritual for him to summon the souls of the dead. Which they did. They later performed the ritual at the site of the lizardfolk village, creating the will-o-wisps.

• The hags met Larga Bloodhand (a power-hungry orog) and pointed her and her party toward the lair of the dragon. The hags kept one member of Larga's party as ransom, but when Reema did not come back, they ate him.

They also offer either a scroll of protection from energy or a scroll of water walking to assist in the quest.

"Well, that's all we need to hear. We accept this offer that you provided us, as long as that stupid dragon overlord and the rest of his awful minions are begone from our sights; I suppose we'll take our leave then. And yes, whatever scrolls you have, we'll gladly hold onto them for the mission. Let's go, Ethan." Randy smirks before it instantly fades as he eyes the group next. 

Quote from Tesservett >>

“well- I consider myself appreciative of all of the talents each member brings to an effective adventuring party.  and im quite happy to work with anyone who is willing to help us take on this dragon, rescue the prisoner, and strive towards our larger objective.

Quite the group of adventurers weve got!  ok-  sisters-  tell us the way to the dragon’s lair.  and if you have any magic thar will protect against acid- that would be a bonus.   We will see what can be done.

he looks at the newcomers.   “uou are wrlcome to join us.   Im Tetrevess Tomescribe, order of scribes wizard and member of the closks of mulmaster.”  

 "We're welcome to join you? How?" Randy impatiently scowls at the others who he thought were following him. "How are you so sure that you can prove to us that you're not some other berserk clan trying to wipe me and our brother out huh?!"

Quote from Wile_E_Coyote >>

 

The hags are very eager to help and iffee the following information

The kobolds of the Pitted Scale clan, love to capture and torture anyone they come upon, just like Velvet does. They are especially fond of using poison and acid to torture their victims.

• After he kidnapped Sister Deathwillow, the dragon demanded the hags create a ritual for him to summon the souls of the dead. Which they did. They later performed the ritual at the site of the lizardfolk village, creating the will-o-wisps.

• The hags met Larga Bloodhand (a power-hungry orog) and pointed her and her party toward the lair of the dragon. The hags kept one member of Larga's party as ransom, but when Reema did not come back, they ate him.

They also offer either a scroll of protection from energy or a scroll of water walking to assist in the quest.

"Right. So, judging by what the dragon has done to your sister, let alone you two, it's becoming clear that we're gonna need more than just our own forces if we need to achieve both objectives. As for the Pitted Scale clan, we'll take care not to get poisoned should we dare to step foot on their territory. The thing is, is there anyway or anywhere we could find antidotes in case the odds are against us whilst we're there? And more importantly, Larga's member whom you ate: Why was that the case? And why the ransom? Actually... I'm a little pushy huh? I'll stop asking. That aside though," He shifts his baseball bat on his right shoulder as he gives a bow of thanks. "Thanks for telling everything that you know. As of this, we'll make sure that this pest is no more than a simple burden to you and all of us."

He turns to Tetrevess as he lightly bonks Randy's head with his bat for his rather aggressive response and after the latter addresses himself to the brothers.

"Again excuse my brother's defiant attitude." He responds politely as he gives his brother a death look. "He nearly got mowed down by some other cult whose names I can't remember, barring the kobold one that was just mentioned a few minutes ago, so he's having a hard time trying to figure out whose on his side and who isn't. I promise if you're not against us then we'd both be thrilled to become your new allies for the time being. I'm Ethan Wolftree by the way. And this is my younger brother, Randy. Pleased to meet you all."

"Can I take a few of these snickerdoodles for the road?"

Chadderlay will take a couple of handfuls and tuck them away in his pockets.

"They're quite the tasty treat."

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

"Can I take a few of these snickerdoodles for the road?"

Chadderlay will take a couple of handfuls and tuck them away in his pockets.

"They're quite the tasty treat."

 Sam breaks an uncharacteristic smile apon hearing that comment “right then so which way to go” 

To Chadderlay, the hags respond, "why certainly, help yourself.  And thank you for saying so."  

As for Ethan's question about the eaten orog, the reply cones simply, "Oh, they looked like they would be tasty."

Evan (#3631): "...The thing is, is there anyway or anywhere we could find antidotes in case the odds are against us whilst we're there?"

DM (#3628): The sisters have the following items available for trade....

• 4 vials of antitoxin...

<we can rewind and do this trade if you wish, but it sounds like the party is ready to move on. >

The hags provide directions to Velvet's lair, a mere 30 minutes away.

Dim light filtered by tall grasses and the ever-present mist of the island will give way to darkness in a little over an hour.

The marshy terrain consists of slow moving current. The water is 3-4' deep in most places. Here and there roots of trees cling to a muddy shore creating difficult terrain. The marsh is eerily quiet.  The smell of the marsh has changed, where once there was the natural smell of earthy decay, now the marsh smells of rot and putrescence

Tetrevess says “nice to meet you,  brothers Wolftree.  We arent cultists, just travelers. i was previously on a mission to gather knowledge, but ive decided using knowledge to solve problems is more.. friendly. so we legitimately want to get rid of this dragon-

as for the antitoxin. he says “trading with hags can be a dangerous business-  they are simply so good at negotiations you usually end with the short end of the deal”. 

As the characters near the cult-complex, you see a shadowy figure in the trees or hidden among the reeds in the marsh watching in the distance. Suddenly, giant crocodile swims across your path, mere feet before you.

<please roll initiative>

<edited. No Map yet. Sorry, the one i was thinking of is for the next area.>

Target initiative:  13

Chadderlay's Initiative: 12