All of you have heard of the cult. Like the Arcane Brotherhood or the Church of Cyric, they are among the laundry list of on again, off again 'boogeymen' who have plagued the Sword Coast of Faerun for centuries. As the name suggests, they have something to do with worshipping dragons.
Cheddar and Finn know:
The Cult of the Dragon's historical reputation had to do with worshipping undead dragons.
Finn knows:
More than just worshipping them, the Cult of the Dragon was instrumental in creating dracoliches, putting dragons through the same process of immortality-through-undeath that creates humanoid liches. They were known to aggressively recruit dragons, selling them in advance on the perks of an eternal life as a dracolich. Centuries ago, this process was discovered and perfected by the evil mage Sammaster, and he ruled as something like the high priest of the Cult of the Dragon. It is unknown who leads the Cult now, or if they even have any centralized authority any longer.
You've never heard of the Cult having connections to any 'Dragon Queen' before.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn, Tylaerys, Cheddar and Jararaka make their way to the wall of the keep overlooking the main gate. The giantess Jirel and the castellan dwarf Escobert follow them on their approach, and the clerics Clystus and Rosri are the last to arrive. Reaching the top, they squeeze in alongside the Governor and his guards as they observe the scene below. There are still nearly a hundred cultists gathered below, but much of the earlier noise and frenzy seems to have abated. Boxes and crates are being loaded onto wagons, sacks are being slung over shoulders, and the entire operations looks to be getting ready to pack things in for the night.
Within this mass of foes, a warhorn sounds for a third time. The sea of cultists parts to allow a path forward. From the darkness, a creature strides into the dim light of the dying fires around the keep. Although it is shaped roughly like a human, it is a full 8 feet tall, its skin is covered in blue scales, its fingers bear wicked claws, and its face has the muzzle and reptilian eyes of a dragon. It is wearing intricately detailed half-plate of silver and gold, covered in a hooded cloak of rich purple. In one hand it holds the warhorn which summoned you; in the other it grasps a unique polearm - the head of the weapon is a dragon, with one wing extended to form the curved blade.
The creature stops about eighty yards from the main gate of the keep and scans the walls. A line of sixteen kobolds fans out behind it. With their spears, they prod four prisoners into the dim light. You can make out a human woman, a teenage boy in a blood-soaked tunic, and two halfings. Perhaps two dozen cultists remain behind to watch whatever is about to happen. Then the half-dragon creature hails the keep.
“Defenders of Greenest! Your little town had proven to be quite the bee's nest... you have made us work for our honey. I'm told your warriors have extracted quite a toll on our forces. This leaves me feeling... left out. I have hardly had a chance to get my blood up tonight, and already it is time for us to depart. Perhaps we can help each other, yes?" Frighteningly fast, he turns and levels the blade of his weapon against the neck of the teenage boy. "Do you see these four pitiful, useless prisoners? Our slave wagons already stand full and we have no need for these weak ones, so I will trade them back to you. Here is my proposal: Send out your best warrior to fight me - in single, glorious combat - and you can have these four in exchange.”
"Otherwise, we will water your farm fields with their blood." The monstrous figure then slowly withdraws his blade and stands quietly, looking up at you, apparently content to give the people of Greenest a moment to decide.
One of the guardsmen turns to run downstairs but is restrained by his comrades. From his shouts and their condolences, you gather that the woman and injured boy are his sister and nephew. While making less of a scene, Sister Rosri looks over the edge of the parapet, her eyes glimmering with wrath and her fingers looking like they are trying to rip a piece out of the stone wall. Amid this scene, Governor Nighthill turns to you all.
“My friends, you’ve demonstrated your prowess all through this frightful night. We are already in your debt, and I have no right to ask more of you... but ask I will all the same. Will one of you take up this challenge and be our champion?"
"I realize this is an awful burden to ask you to bear, but any of you has a better chance to defeat that horror than my militia have.” *
*While he technically included all of you in this statement, Cheddar cannot help but notice a sideways glance from the Governor that seems to say 'no, not you.'
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys clenches her teeth as she looks down at the cowardly blue half-dragon. She could not watch this anymore. She looks between Finn, Jirel, Cheddar and Jararaka before stepping forward. "I will go and face him." She says with a firm voice, conviction in her silvery eyes, briefly going silent before continuing. "You are all fine warriors, much finer than me..." She says, her eyes staying with Jirel. "...but I fear none of us can hope to defeat this monster. I am responsible for bringing you into this madness, it is only fair I will face this challenge." She says with pleading eyes. "Besides, I couldn't live with myself if I lost anyone of you." She adds with a weak smile.
“I am Finn Ol’Gren!” Finn calls out in response, her voice booming three times louder than possible and the flames of any torches or such nearby flickering and changing to a greenish color. (Both thanks to thaumaturgy cantrip.) “I wouldn’t mind killing more of the Dragon Queen’s minions myself, so your deal IS tempting… But if we are goi g to have a true Battle of Champions then we should not be so cravenly about the wager…”
“You think you are a great warrior? Yet your offer is what I’d expect from a cowardly Kobold! If you have faith in yourself, do better!” Finn continues, using all her skills of showmanship and persuasion. “At the very least the Battle of Champions should be for the release of all who have been taken prisoner. When we win, your people release ALL the people of Greenest and it’s surroundings… If you manage to win, our people will release all hostages we have taken…”
“To be honest though… I’m more a gambler than a fighter. If I was as confident as you are about your hand I’d go All In. Put up the prisoners AND the plunder to show just how bold and strong and confident you are…,” Finn says in her best teasing manner. “If I was confident. If I was sure…”
“If I was man enough….”
After the crowd dies down, for hopefully they were able to get into the mood and assisted in egging him on and booed and hissed where appropriate, Finn adds: “What do you say, Dragonette? You willing to go All In and have a true Contest of Champions worthy of song and poem? Or you afraid to lose your meager trophies and disappoint Queen Mother??”
After taunting the attackers so and trying to up the stakes, Finn turns to the Governor. “Quickly! Scour every corner of this keep and bring us your best armor, weapons and whatever else that may help…”
Turning to look at Tylaerys Finn adds forcibly “Once we see what is available we will decide…”
Tylaerys listens to Finn as she calls down to the blue half-dragon, soon realizing her game with a quick smile. She simply nods and stays silent as Finn declares they will wait with deciding a champion, grateful the roguish shapeshifter would make the sensible call when she could not.
The sound of the warhorns stir the blood of the warrior. The call for battle. A sound the goliath knew well, down to the depths of her core. Hair raised, muscles tense and hand gripped upon the shaft of her weapon. Jirel held fast as the opposition set the scene, laid out the terms and for the Governor to make his call for the Keep. Prepared. Or so she thought. It’d be Tylaerys who steps forward first, and then Finn who chimes in with a counter. Jirel releases the hold of her weapon. She moves to cross her arms over her chest and her eyes close. With the exception of an exhaled chuff, she falls silent to await the outcome of the proceedings.
Cheddar rolls his eyes at the Governor's not too subtle look.
"Humans" he chides to himself. "They think they are the gift to the megaverse."
Listening to Finn and her taunts, Cheddar remains silent.
Cheddar moves to get to a vantage point to watch this "half dragon." and replays what it shouted out through his mind, trying to find where the deceit lies.
Insight:
((well I was going to roll but I keep getting an out of service message about the site. Once Wizard's took over this site had gone sideways!))
The half-dragon gazes up at the fortifications while Finn makes her speech, though he does turn his head and look off to the north for a little while.
Perception DC 12:
Those looking north see the silhouette of the of the blue dragon Lennithon against the crackling thunderheads. It makes one last, slow pass and then turns away north, seemingly done with its performance for the night.
Once Finn finishes her taunt, it hangs in the air for one... two... three...
"Oh, are you finished? Is it now the part where I flush red with wrath, howl with fury, and offer up all to assuage my wounded pride? Heh." He unclasps his purple cloak and tosses it to a kobold. The little kobold makes as if to catch it on the fly, but is just swallowed up under the massive garment. "I do enjoy the odd game of chance... but alas, the salves and the treasure hoard are not mine to wager. They belong to another, now... and I am not so prideful as to gamble with the Queen's gold."
He then flexes his shoulders and walks back towards the four bound prisoners. "But now that you've got my mind on the subject of speculative bets... I've got one of my own." He swiftly kicks one of the halflings down onto their stomach, and places his massive, clawed foot on the little figure's back. The half-dragon must weigh 400 pounds. You hear a groan as he applies just a portion of his weight onto the poor soul. "I bet; that one of you will come down here before I finish crushing the life out of this little wee man. What say you?" He stares up at you all, his sharp white teeth gleaming in the firelight. Though is looks like a monstrous snarl to most of you, Jararaka - more intimately familiar with reptilian expressions - sees that he is grinning confidently.
The Governor stares back unflinchingly at the monster. The desperate guard continues to wrestle with his comrades, begging them to let him go out and fight. Sister Rosri makes a fist and grasps it with her other hand, head bowed in prayer. Below, the kobolds dance about excitedly while the lingering cultists pass ales, smokes, and seem to be making their own wages with one another about how this will play out.
... And then the half-dragon lifts his foot of the halfling, who gasps and rolls over. The other halfling drops to her knees and does her best to shield the other with her body. The dragon man looks down at the two of them and seems to speak, though too quiet for your ears. Then he looks back to the keep. "But there is no glory in slaughtering sheep. Come then... send out one of your mighty defenders! Give me a fight to remember! If your little town is so proud, send out a champion to FIGHT ME!!"
"You have 5 minutes to get out here. Don't make me kill these helpless people," he adds, almost plaintively.
[You have a few minutes to decide who to send, if anyone, and prepare. A mad scouring of the keep finds the following available:
The priest Clystus also is capable of casting cure wounds one time if the Champion needs healing.]
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"I say they train all weapons on him and try to take him out now," Finn confides to the others. "I don't believe for a second the minions will release the prisoners even if he is killed. Instead they'll swarm the victor and avenge him before running off... It's suicide to accept his so called challenge. Maybe with the long shot gamble if he would have bartered more but I put the odds at 90 to 1 that the prisoners die no matter what."
And lower, so only party members can hear. she adds "And this is the best they have? I was hoping for at least a blade with a real edge on it. How were they not overrun immediately? We have better arms than they do."
"They have better weapons, armor and far superior numbers out there," Finn says to all once more. She looks mostly to Tylaerys and Jirel as she says "Even if we win the rest will slaughter us and kill the prisoners. Nothing will be won, just a brave fighter lost. I'm all for the heroic crap when it makes sense... Accepting this challenge does NOT make sense. Can we trust this piece of crap? They came and pillaged, ransacked and burned... These are not honorable creatures. Going out there is just giving them an unearned victory."
"Do not throw your life away," Finn says looking directly at Tylaerys.
"There is nothing heroic in dying. The real heroes live to fight on," She says to Jirel.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I'm not so sure Finn, I don't think their champion would go through this trouble just to kill the prisoners anyway when he could just leave with them now. They are here for plunder and slaves, not to kill those who don't even resist. I'm prepared to risk it and I don't think it will be to the death necessarily, but to satisfy their champion's lust for what he percieves is honor. I'm clearly not our finest warrior and my offer to face their champion was made in haste, but I won't stand idle while they slaughter those prisoners, even a child among them." She says with conviction, then glancing up at Jirel beside her.
Tylaerys perception: 16 And insight to try to determine if the blue half-dragon would stay true to his word: 11 Knowledge to know blue dragons are lawful: 11 Another roll if Tyalerys could have advantage on that due to her heritage: 5
Jirel inhales the deepest of breaths through her nose as she struggles to suppress her bubbling rage and growing frustrations. Maintaining closed eyes allowed for her to separate herself enough from being goaded by the half-dragon, however it wasn’t without heightening the sickening sounds of the scene before her. The warrior could still picture it all. Her teeth clenched and fists balled, she could not stand idle for much longer. At the plea of those around her, she’s held back this long. She’s been told no enough times. She’s been quiet long enough, allowing others to talk her out of her ways. They speak as if they know the world of the warrior, but truly, do they?
”What do you know of honour?” Fierce honey eyes meet those looking at her. Jirel has literally been training for a battle such as this, and this was an opportunity to test how far she’s come, and how much further she had yet to go…
”A challenge by champion is sacred.” Jirel says as she firmly grabs hold of her greataxe. “It is a respected ritual amongst true warriors of all people an’ clans.” She knew some had their doubts, and that was okay. “Perhaps you may not understand, but it is our way.”
The giantess then looks to Jararaka to exchange a look. Unless the lizardfolk had a personal reason to take on this challenge with the half-dragon, Jirel would give her a nod of respect before taking a step forward for her to accept the challenge. Heaving her axe up onto her shoulder, the blonde glances back. “And should he have no honour, focus your weapons on the woman in purple robes an’ send the guards for the prisoners.” She wasn’t completely dense, but this was an option she more than believed was worth taking. It was also more than fair for Finn to be skeptical of the situation. It is always best to prepare for the worst. She’d nod to Finn, then to Tylaerys. “And a Champion like that, would not grant a Warriors Death.” The giantess adds in agreement to Tylaerys’ speculation about the champion’s lust. “They’d spare their life in humiliation of their opponent in front of an audience this large.” A fate worse than death for a true warrior…
Stepping up, Jirel slams the hilt of her greataxe against the ground to make her announcement. “I, Jirel Nalekekali, rightful heir of the Nalekekali Ursus Clan,” She calls out clearly. “Will accept your Challenge of Champions.” She points to him with the blade of her weapon. “Weapons only.” She declares, raising her chin up as she looks down at her challenger below. The giantess figured if anything, it would be his precious polearm weapon and mastery of it that would set them apart. And she wanted to test it.
Cheddar lets out a sigh, more like a purr with Jirel's acceptance of this challenge.
"Alright" he says. "If glory in battle clouds the giantess' vision, so be it." Cheddar pauses.
"Why not use this to our advantage then?" he asks. "While all eyes are on this duel, we move to a vantage point to try and free those prisoners. Or at least move to a point where we can put a crossbow bolt though the eye of that blowhard while his mind is burning with blood lust?"
I knew it! I just friggen knew it... If I could have at least upped the wager it would have been worth it. Or potentially worth it. I tried for too much, she thinks to herself, scolding herself. I should have just asked for all the prisoners and let them have the gold and goods. I always try for just a bit too much! &#@$! For all the prisoners I would have given the bastard a go myself....
Finn turns to Jirel and starts to... but she stops herself. No. It is right there in her eyes. There is no talking her out of this. "Fine... Fine..." she says, to nobody in particular. Finn eyes everyone around, the guards and such, trying to see if perhaps any are wearing a breastplate or a chain shirt which may fit the statuesque Jirel but she finds nothing promising. She lifts her hands up to the sky, takes in a deep breath, the lets it out in a sigh as she drops her arms. "I give up! I can't think of a thing to do..."
"Except maybe this," Finn says and stands on her tip-toes to stretch up and give Jirel a peck of a kiss on the cheek. "Good luck out there! Do not die!" ((Bardic inspiration to Jirel - (1d6). For 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.))
Finn then reaches out and puts her hand upon the flat of Jirel's axe. ((Light cast upon the blade.)) "It won't do anything special, but a Champion should have a brilliant weapon, no?" Finn then steps back and makes room, hoping others have anything or something to contribute to try and aid Jirel but not having much hope...
Finn also mentally reaches out to Owl and directs it to find a location to perch within striking distance of the likely battlefield...
In a last, desperate move, Finn turns to the Governor. "What are the local rules for such things anyway? Is she allowed a second? Someone to to walk with her and make sure all is on the up and up? The have a zillion kobolds out there! Can we have the fight within the keep instead??"
Your intuition tells you this character has been looking forward to tonight, and is now desperate that the attack will pass without giving him the opportunity for this 'glorious combat' he is seeking. You cannot say for certain that he will honor his word, but you sense he doesn't want to kill these prisoners. Perversely, you also get the impression he will absolutely keep his word and murder them if his challenge is not accepted.
Knowledge of Dragons:
Blue dragons, also known as storm dragons, are among the most vain and prideful of an arrogant race. They take great pleasure in wielding their power, engaging in combat or lording over humanoids and other lesser creatures to prove that they can do so, rather than out of any real desire for results. A blue dragon might forgive insults, but it is driven to respond with force to any claim that it is weak or inferior. Blue dragons are more likely than other varieties of chromatic dragons to battle powerful enemies or even other dragons just to prove their strength.
When other creatures give due respect to blue dragons’ pride and territorial claims, however, blues can be the most reasonable of the chromatic dragons. Blues lack the cruelty of black dragons and the ambition of greens and reds. Some blue dragons live as peaceful neighbors of humanoid communities or even, on occasion, of other dragon varieties. Blues might also employ humanoids to perform tasks for them, because blues enjoy both the opportunity to command others (thus showing their superiority) and the accomplishment of goals without having to exert themselves.
While prideful and valuing wealth, power and humor, they are somewhat unique among their chromatic kin in also holding order, family, and loyalty in high regard.
Half-dragons, meanwhile, are known to take strongly toward their draconic ancestry, often sharing much more in common with the dragon-parent's sensibilities than those of the other parent. While nurture certainly plays a role, the dragon 'nature' of half-dragons is often a major driver of their personalities.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys nods at Jirel's words. It pained her to see the giantess possibly walk to her doom, but she felt if anyone could beat this monster it would certainly be Jirel. With what she knew about the nature of blue dragons she also had faith in the half-dragon staying true to his word if he only had what he craved, a glorious combat against the champion of the enemy.
As Jirel calls out and accepts the challenge, Tylaerys looks at the giantess with her mouth agape, realizing Jirel is no mere warrior but an heir that will one day guide and lead her entire clan. The young half-elven noble is briefly staggered by the thought that she had been fighting alongside someone of such prominence.
"I believe our best course of action is to simply let this play out now. I think we will only risk the prisoners life by trying more trickery." Tylaerys says with a firm voice, looking at Cheddar and Finn, her silvery eyes then widening just slightly as Finn gives Jirel a kiss on the cheek, her own reddening faintly, turning quickly to look down at the enemy below.
"I don't think there are any rules other than those set by the champions themselves." She says plainly, still looking down at the prisoners. "But I really do think this blue half-dragon will honor his word to set the prisoners free if he has his fight."
"You believe the best course of action is to let these two play out some false honor bound duel?" Cheddar asks. "Knowing full well that that blow hard nor his minions will honor any result other than their victory? Well you can stand around and play pretend all you like, I mean to make sure the giantess makes it back alive."
With that Cheddar walks off. "Blasted humans and their notions." he mutters to himself.
Cheddar heads out to find a crossbow and some bolts.
I forgot. In the cellar, after the cultists were driven back through the tunnels, Cheddar was able to relieve one of the fallen guardsmen of his crossbow, light. He had 6 bolts remaining in his case.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Whatever you intend to do, don't interfere with the duel or those prisoners lives will be forfeit. You would also digrace our champion by trying to interfere on her behalf. Trust me, I know about dragons and their ilk, and this blue half-dragon will honor his word." The blonde half-elf turns and says as Cheddar walks off.
I forgot. In the cellar, after the cultists were driven back through the tunnels, Cheddar was able to relieve one of the fallen guardsmen of his crossbow, light. He had 6 bolts remaining in his case.
((Thanks))
Thus armed, Cheddar will find a high perch and survey, trying to find a spot he can get to that would allow him within crossbow range of the half dragon.
"I'm going with her..." Finn says with less confidence than she intended. "If there are no rules stopping it, then I am her second. If they ask, I am there to fulfill her role if she cannot... And to ensure she makes it back safely once she is victorious! I'll be damned if she is overrun by kobolds after killing that pompous ass!"
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Cult of the Dragon:
All of you have heard of the cult. Like the Arcane Brotherhood or the Church of Cyric, they are among the laundry list of on again, off again 'boogeymen' who have plagued the Sword Coast of Faerun for centuries. As the name suggests, they have something to do with worshipping dragons.
Cheddar and Finn know:
The Cult of the Dragon's historical reputation had to do with worshipping undead dragons.
Finn knows:
More than just worshipping them, the Cult of the Dragon was instrumental in creating dracoliches, putting dragons through the same process of immortality-through-undeath that creates humanoid liches. They were known to aggressively recruit dragons, selling them in advance on the perks of an eternal life as a dracolich. Centuries ago, this process was discovered and perfected by the evil mage Sammaster, and he ruled as something like the high priest of the Cult of the Dragon. It is unknown who leads the Cult now, or if they even have any centralized authority any longer.
You've never heard of the Cult having connections to any 'Dragon Queen' before.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn, Tylaerys, Cheddar and Jararaka make their way to the wall of the keep overlooking the main gate. The giantess Jirel and the castellan dwarf Escobert follow them on their approach, and the clerics Clystus and Rosri are the last to arrive. Reaching the top, they squeeze in alongside the Governor and his guards as they observe the scene below. There are still nearly a hundred cultists gathered below, but much of the earlier noise and frenzy seems to have abated. Boxes and crates are being loaded onto wagons, sacks are being slung over shoulders, and the entire operations looks to be getting ready to pack things in for the night.
Within this mass of foes, a warhorn sounds for a third time. The sea of cultists parts to allow a path forward. From the darkness, a creature strides into the dim light of the dying fires around the keep. Although it is shaped roughly like a human, it is a full 8 feet tall, its skin is covered in blue scales, its fingers bear wicked claws, and its face has the muzzle and reptilian eyes of a dragon. It is wearing intricately detailed half-plate of silver and gold, covered in a hooded cloak of rich purple. In one hand it holds the warhorn which summoned you; in the other it grasps a unique polearm - the head of the weapon is a dragon, with one wing extended to form the curved blade.
The creature stops about eighty yards from the main gate of the keep and scans the walls. A line of sixteen kobolds fans out behind it. With their spears, they prod four prisoners into the dim light. You can make out a human woman, a teenage boy in a blood-soaked tunic, and two halfings. Perhaps two dozen cultists remain behind to watch whatever is about to happen. Then the half-dragon creature hails the keep.
“Defenders of Greenest! Your little town had proven to be quite the bee's nest... you have made us work for our honey. I'm told your warriors have extracted quite a toll on our forces. This leaves me feeling... left out. I have hardly had a chance to get my blood up tonight, and already it is time for us to depart. Perhaps we can help each other, yes?" Frighteningly fast, he turns and levels the blade of his weapon against the neck of the teenage boy. "Do you see these four pitiful, useless prisoners? Our slave wagons already stand full and we have no need for these weak ones, so I will trade them back to you. Here is my proposal: Send out your best warrior to fight me - in single, glorious combat - and you can have these four in exchange.”
"Otherwise, we will water your farm fields with their blood." The monstrous figure then slowly withdraws his blade and stands quietly, looking up at you, apparently content to give the people of Greenest a moment to decide.
One of the guardsmen turns to run downstairs but is restrained by his comrades. From his shouts and their condolences, you gather that the woman and injured boy are his sister and nephew. While making less of a scene, Sister Rosri looks over the edge of the parapet, her eyes glimmering with wrath and her fingers looking like they are trying to rip a piece out of the stone wall. Amid this scene, Governor Nighthill turns to you all.
“My friends, you’ve demonstrated your prowess all through this frightful night. We are already in your debt, and I have no right to ask more of you... but ask I will all the same. Will one of you take up this challenge and be our champion?"
"I realize this is an awful burden to ask you to bear, but any of you has a better chance to defeat that horror than my militia have.” *
*While he technically included all of you in this statement, Cheddar cannot help but notice a sideways glance from the Governor that seems to say 'no, not you.'
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys clenches her teeth as she looks down at the cowardly blue half-dragon. She could not watch this anymore. She looks between Finn, Jirel, Cheddar and Jararaka before stepping forward. "I will go and face him." She says with a firm voice, conviction in her silvery eyes, briefly going silent before continuing. "You are all fine warriors, much finer than me..." She says, her eyes staying with Jirel. "...but I fear none of us can hope to defeat this monster. I am responsible for bringing you into this madness, it is only fair I will face this challenge." She says with pleading eyes. "Besides, I couldn't live with myself if I lost anyone of you." She adds with a weak smile.
“I am Finn Ol’Gren!” Finn calls out in response, her voice booming three times louder than possible and the flames of any torches or such nearby flickering and changing to a greenish color. (Both thanks to thaumaturgy cantrip.) “I wouldn’t mind killing more of the Dragon Queen’s minions myself, so your deal IS tempting… But if we are goi g to have a true Battle of Champions then we should not be so cravenly about the wager…”
“You think you are a great warrior? Yet your offer is what I’d expect from a cowardly Kobold! If you have faith in yourself, do better!” Finn continues, using all her skills of showmanship and persuasion. “At the very least the Battle of Champions should be for the release of all who have been taken prisoner. When we win, your people release ALL the people of Greenest and it’s surroundings… If you manage to win, our people will release all hostages we have taken…”
“To be honest though… I’m more a gambler than a fighter. If I was as confident as you are about your hand I’d go All In. Put up the prisoners AND the plunder to show just how bold and strong and confident you are…,” Finn says in her best teasing manner. “If I was confident. If I was sure…”
“If I was man enough….”
After the crowd dies down, for hopefully they were able to get into the mood and assisted in egging him on and booed and hissed where appropriate, Finn adds: “What do you say, Dragonette? You willing to go All In and have a true Contest of Champions worthy of song and poem? Or you afraid to lose your meager trophies and disappoint Queen Mother??”
After taunting the attackers so and trying to up the stakes, Finn turns to the Governor. “Quickly! Scour every corner of this keep and bring us your best armor, weapons and whatever else that may help…”
Turning to look at Tylaerys Finn adds forcibly “Once we see what is available we will decide…”
Tylaerys listens to Finn as she calls down to the blue half-dragon, soon realizing her game with a quick smile.
She simply nods and stays silent as Finn declares they will wait with deciding a champion, grateful the roguish shapeshifter would make the sensible call when she could not.
The sound of the warhorns stir the blood of the warrior. The call for battle. A sound the goliath knew well, down to the depths of her core. Hair raised, muscles tense and hand gripped upon the shaft of her weapon. Jirel held fast as the opposition set the scene, laid out the terms and for the Governor to make his call for the Keep. Prepared. Or so she thought. It’d be Tylaerys who steps forward first, and then Finn who chimes in with a counter. Jirel releases the hold of her weapon. She moves to cross her arms over her chest and her eyes close. With the exception of an exhaled chuff, she falls silent to await the outcome of the proceedings.
just an unstable unicorn.
Cheddar rolls his eyes at the Governor's not too subtle look.
"Humans" he chides to himself. "They think they are the gift to the megaverse."
Listening to Finn and her taunts, Cheddar remains silent.
Cheddar moves to get to a vantage point to watch this "half dragon." and replays what it shouted out through his mind, trying to find where the deceit lies.
Insight:
((well I was going to roll but I keep getting an out of service message about the site. Once Wizard's took over this site had gone sideways!))
The half-dragon gazes up at the fortifications while Finn makes her speech, though he does turn his head and look off to the north for a little while.
Perception DC 12:
Those looking north see the silhouette of the of the blue dragon Lennithon against the crackling thunderheads. It makes one last, slow pass and then turns away north, seemingly done with its performance for the night.
Once Finn finishes her taunt, it hangs in the air for one... two... three...
"Oh, are you finished? Is it now the part where I flush red with wrath, howl with fury, and offer up all to assuage my wounded pride? Heh." He unclasps his purple cloak and tosses it to a kobold. The little kobold makes as if to catch it on the fly, but is just swallowed up under the massive garment. "I do enjoy the odd game of chance... but alas, the salves and the treasure hoard are not mine to wager. They belong to another, now... and I am not so prideful as to gamble with the Queen's gold."
He then flexes his shoulders and walks back towards the four bound prisoners. "But now that you've got my mind on the subject of speculative bets... I've got one of my own." He swiftly kicks one of the halflings down onto their stomach, and places his massive, clawed foot on the little figure's back. The half-dragon must weigh 400 pounds. You hear a groan as he applies just a portion of his weight onto the poor soul. "I bet; that one of you will come down here before I finish crushing the life out of this little wee man. What say you?" He stares up at you all, his sharp white teeth gleaming in the firelight. Though is looks like a monstrous snarl to most of you, Jararaka - more intimately familiar with reptilian expressions - sees that he is grinning confidently.
The Governor stares back unflinchingly at the monster. The desperate guard continues to wrestle with his comrades, begging them to let him go out and fight. Sister Rosri makes a fist and grasps it with her other hand, head bowed in prayer. Below, the kobolds dance about excitedly while the lingering cultists pass ales, smokes, and seem to be making their own wages with one another about how this will play out.
... And then the half-dragon lifts his foot of the halfling, who gasps and rolls over. The other halfling drops to her knees and does her best to shield the other with her body. The dragon man looks down at the two of them and seems to speak, though too quiet for your ears. Then he looks back to the keep. "But there is no glory in slaughtering sheep. Come then... send out one of your mighty defenders! Give me a fight to remember! If your little town is so proud, send out a champion to FIGHT ME!!"
"You have 5 minutes to get out here. Don't make me kill these helpless people," he adds, almost plaintively.
[You have a few minutes to decide who to send, if anyone, and prepare. A mad scouring of the keep finds the following available:
The priest Clystus also is capable of casting cure wounds one time if the Champion needs healing.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"I say they train all weapons on him and try to take him out now," Finn confides to the others. "I don't believe for a second the minions will release the prisoners even if he is killed. Instead they'll swarm the victor and avenge him before running off... It's suicide to accept his so called challenge. Maybe with the long shot gamble if he would have bartered more but I put the odds at 90 to 1 that the prisoners die no matter what."
And lower, so only party members can hear. she adds "And this is the best they have? I was hoping for at least a blade with a real edge on it. How were they not overrun immediately? We have better arms than they do."
"They have better weapons, armor and far superior numbers out there," Finn says to all once more. She looks mostly to Tylaerys and Jirel as she says "Even if we win the rest will slaughter us and kill the prisoners. Nothing will be won, just a brave fighter lost. I'm all for the heroic crap when it makes sense... Accepting this challenge does NOT make sense. Can we trust this piece of crap? They came and pillaged, ransacked and burned... These are not honorable creatures. Going out there is just giving them an unearned victory."
"Do not throw your life away," Finn says looking directly at Tylaerys.
"There is nothing heroic in dying. The real heroes live to fight on," She says to Jirel.
"I'm not so sure Finn, I don't think their champion would go through this trouble just to kill the prisoners anyway when he could just leave with them now. They are here for plunder and slaves, not to kill those who don't even resist. I'm prepared to risk it and I don't think it will be to the death necessarily, but to satisfy their champion's lust for what he percieves is honor. I'm clearly not our finest warrior and my offer to face their champion was made in haste, but I won't stand idle while they slaughter those prisoners, even a child among them." She says with conviction, then glancing up at Jirel beside her.
Tylaerys perception: 16
And insight to try to determine if the blue half-dragon would stay true to his word: 11
Knowledge to know blue dragons are lawful: 11
Another roll if Tyalerys could have advantage on that due to her heritage: 5
Jirel inhales the deepest of breaths through her nose as she struggles to suppress her bubbling rage and growing frustrations. Maintaining closed eyes allowed for her to separate herself enough from being goaded by the half-dragon, however it wasn’t without heightening the sickening sounds of the scene before her. The warrior could still picture it all. Her teeth clenched and fists balled, she could not stand idle for much longer. At the plea of those around her, she’s held back this long. She’s been told no enough times. She’s been quiet long enough, allowing others to talk her out of her ways. They speak as if they know the world of the warrior, but truly, do they?
”What do you know of honour?” Fierce honey eyes meet those looking at her. Jirel has literally been training for a battle such as this, and this was an opportunity to test how far she’s come, and how much further she had yet to go…
”A challenge by champion is sacred.” Jirel says as she firmly grabs hold of her greataxe. “It is a respected ritual amongst true warriors of all people an’ clans.” She knew some had their doubts, and that was okay. “Perhaps you may not understand, but it is our way.”
The giantess then looks to Jararaka to exchange a look. Unless the lizardfolk had a personal reason to take on this challenge with the half-dragon, Jirel would give her a nod of respect before taking a step forward for her to accept the challenge. Heaving her axe up onto her shoulder, the blonde glances back. “And should he have no honour, focus your weapons on the woman in purple robes an’ send the guards for the prisoners.” She wasn’t completely dense, but this was an option she more than believed was worth taking. It was also more than fair for Finn to be skeptical of the situation. It is always best to prepare for the worst. She’d nod to Finn, then to Tylaerys. “And a Champion like that, would not grant a Warriors Death.” The giantess adds in agreement to Tylaerys’ speculation about the champion’s lust. “They’d spare their life in humiliation of their opponent in front of an audience this large.” A fate worse than death for a true warrior…
Stepping up, Jirel slams the hilt of her greataxe against the ground to make her announcement. “I, Jirel Nalekekali, rightful heir of the Nalekekali Ursus Clan,” She calls out clearly. “Will accept your Challenge of Champions.” She points to him with the blade of her weapon. “Weapons only.” She declares, raising her chin up as she looks down at her challenger below. The giantess figured if anything, it would be his precious polearm weapon and mastery of it that would set them apart. And she wanted to test it.
just an unstable unicorn.
Cheddar lets out a sigh, more like a purr with Jirel's acceptance of this challenge.
"Alright" he says. "If glory in battle clouds the giantess' vision, so be it." Cheddar pauses.
"Why not use this to our advantage then?" he asks. "While all eyes are on this duel, we move to a vantage point to try and free those prisoners. Or at least move to a point where we can put a crossbow bolt though the eye of that blowhard while his mind is burning with blood lust?"
Finn sighs...
I knew it! I just friggen knew it... If I could have at least upped the wager it would have been worth it. Or potentially worth it. I tried for too much, she thinks to herself, scolding herself. I should have just asked for all the prisoners and let them have the gold and goods. I always try for just a bit too much! &#@$! For all the prisoners I would have given the bastard a go myself....
Finn turns to Jirel and starts to... but she stops herself. No. It is right there in her eyes. There is no talking her out of this. "Fine... Fine..." she says, to nobody in particular. Finn eyes everyone around, the guards and such, trying to see if perhaps any are wearing a breastplate or a chain shirt which may fit the statuesque Jirel but she finds nothing promising. She lifts her hands up to the sky, takes in a deep breath, the lets it out in a sigh as she drops her arms. "I give up! I can't think of a thing to do..."
"Except maybe this," Finn says and stands on her tip-toes to stretch up and give Jirel a peck of a kiss on the cheek. "Good luck out there! Do not die!" ((Bardic inspiration to Jirel - (1d6). For 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.))
Finn then reaches out and puts her hand upon the flat of Jirel's axe. ((Light cast upon the blade.)) "It won't do anything special, but a Champion should have a brilliant weapon, no?" Finn then steps back and makes room, hoping others have anything or something to contribute to try and aid Jirel but not having much hope...
Finn also mentally reaches out to Owl and directs it to find a location to perch within striking distance of the likely battlefield...
In a last, desperate move, Finn turns to the Governor. "What are the local rules for such things anyway? Is she allowed a second? Someone to to walk with her and make sure all is on the up and up? The have a zillion kobolds out there! Can we have the fight within the keep instead??"
Tylaerys Insight:
Your intuition tells you this character has been looking forward to tonight, and is now desperate that the attack will pass without giving him the opportunity for this 'glorious combat' he is seeking. You cannot say for certain that he will honor his word, but you sense he doesn't want to kill these prisoners. Perversely, you also get the impression he will absolutely keep his word and murder them if his challenge is not accepted.
Knowledge of Dragons:
Blue dragons, also known as storm dragons, are among the most vain and prideful of an arrogant race. They take great pleasure in wielding their power, engaging in combat or lording over humanoids and other lesser creatures to prove that they can do so, rather than out of any real desire for results. A blue dragon might forgive insults, but it is driven to respond with force to any claim that it is weak or inferior. Blue dragons are more likely than other varieties of chromatic dragons to battle powerful enemies or even other dragons just to prove their strength.
When other creatures give due respect to blue dragons’ pride and territorial claims, however, blues can be the most reasonable of the chromatic dragons. Blues lack the cruelty of black dragons and the ambition of greens and reds. Some blue dragons live as peaceful neighbors of humanoid communities or even, on occasion, of other dragon varieties. Blues might also employ humanoids to perform tasks for them, because blues enjoy both the opportunity to command others (thus showing their superiority) and the accomplishment of goals without having to exert themselves.
While prideful and valuing wealth, power and humor, they are somewhat unique among their chromatic kin in also holding order, family, and loyalty in high regard.
Half-dragons, meanwhile, are known to take strongly toward their draconic ancestry, often sharing much more in common with the dragon-parent's sensibilities than those of the other parent. While nurture certainly plays a role, the dragon 'nature' of half-dragons is often a major driver of their personalities.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys nods at Jirel's words. It pained her to see the giantess possibly walk to her doom, but she felt if anyone could beat this monster it would certainly be Jirel. With what she knew about the nature of blue dragons she also had faith in the half-dragon staying true to his word if he only had what he craved, a glorious combat against the champion of the enemy.
As Jirel calls out and accepts the challenge, Tylaerys looks at the giantess with her mouth agape, realizing Jirel is no mere warrior but an heir that will one day guide and lead her entire clan. The young half-elven noble is briefly staggered by the thought that she had been fighting alongside someone of such prominence.
"I believe our best course of action is to simply let this play out now. I think we will only risk the prisoners life by trying more trickery." Tylaerys says with a firm voice, looking at Cheddar and Finn, her silvery eyes then widening just slightly as Finn gives Jirel a kiss on the cheek, her own reddening faintly, turning quickly to look down at the enemy below.
"I don't think there are any rules other than those set by the champions themselves." She says plainly, still looking down at the prisoners. "But I really do think this blue half-dragon will honor his word to set the prisoners free if he has his fight."
"You believe the best course of action is to let these two play out some false honor bound duel?" Cheddar asks. "Knowing full well that that blow hard nor his minions will honor any result other than their victory? Well you can stand around and play pretend all you like, I mean to make sure the giantess makes it back alive."
With that Cheddar walks off.
"Blasted humans and their notions." he mutters to himself.
Cheddar heads out to find a crossbow and some bolts.
!
I forgot. In the cellar, after the cultists were driven back through the tunnels, Cheddar was able to relieve one of the fallen guardsmen of his crossbow, light. He had 6 bolts remaining in his case.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Whatever you intend to do, don't interfere with the duel or those prisoners lives will be forfeit. You would also digrace our champion by trying to interfere on her behalf. Trust me, I know about dragons and their ilk, and this blue half-dragon will honor his word." The blonde half-elf turns and says as Cheddar walks off.
((Thanks))
Thus armed, Cheddar will find a high perch and survey, trying to find a spot he can get to that would allow him within crossbow range of the half dragon.
Investigation: 18
"I'm going with her..." Finn says with less confidence than she intended. "If there are no rules stopping it, then I am her second. If they ask, I am there to fulfill her role if she cannot... And to ensure she makes it back safely once she is victorious! I'll be damned if she is overrun by kobolds after killing that pompous ass!"