Jirel’s facial expression immediately drops, hard as stone. She was no longer laid back or relaxed, and the playful air just moments before was wiped away completely. A low rumbling defensive growl would build from deep within the Goliath’s core. A threat. Instincts kicking in, goosebumps pepper her skin while her hair stands on it’s end and the giants blood coursing through her veins run hot. She removes her heels from the chair and brings herself to her feet. Standing to her full heigh, Jirel rolls her shoulders back and reaches to take hold of her greataxe, wrapping her fingers around for a firm grip. She takes full strides, stepping with intent and purpose towards the door. With a small flourish, Jirel rolls her weapon over her hand and regrips it with confidence of a conditioned warrior, then opens the door. The blonde scans the horizon, preparing to complete a perimeter check of the establishment.
"Thanks," Finn says in response to Tylaerys' complimenting her performance. "Just a little something I been working on..." Finn is putting her butt back in her seat as she says this and tearing her eyes away from the blood Half-Elf's to look for some of those ribs she's been craving...
Only to be heartbroken when the sound of the last rib, stripped of meat, crashing down on a plate draws her attention. Finn watches as Jirel, honeyed eyes full of mischief, thumb wiping the last of the grease from the corner of her lips. The bard crashes down into her seat in despair. At least momentarily. The playful eyes, the smirking lips... Finn had an idea that she may not go hungry for long. Before Finn Ol'Gren could follow that tasty thought up to try to make it a reality, however, she suddenly found herself
tiny
A L O N E
Insignificant.
It was but a moment. A mere hiccup. Not even a heartbeat, really, but it was. Whatever it was, it was. She didn't imagine it. Couldn't have, for even before she shook free of it herself she was noting the reactions of everyone else in the room. Each totally different yet uniquely the same.
"I guess not everyone is a fan," she quips reflexively without ever realizing she had. It was a good thing she had been sitting down already for surely that would've knocker her on her ass. Misses Binklesworth of the Twilight Binklesworths, the calico cat that had been hanging out below Finn's chair, takes an extra moment so as to prove that nothing can truly bother her before letting out a brief "Myeh!" and leaping up into Finn's lap.
"What do you make of that, Binkles?" Finn quietly asks as she instinctively starts petting the cat. If Binkles has an opinion she keeps it to herself. Damned cat, Finn thinks. Never says a thing unless she's positive she's right.
Jararaka claps and whistles along with Finn's song, offkey and thoroughly entertained. She settles a little in the somewhat cozy atmosphere, idly adding to conversations and sharing stories from the road.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changes. Like when a storm closing in on the village even though it was sunny moments ago. She swears she caught a whiff of that sweet pungent smell of lightning strikes. The gentle voice and its ominous message almost echoed in her head as everyone around her also seemed to get a sense of foreboding. Her spines and frills stand up, and she mumbles, "the hell is going on...?" She pats herself down-- no daggers she forgot she had, she truly didn't have anything on her. She curses lowly. Finn's remark catches her attention and she jabs playfully, "hey now, I really doubt this is your little country tune's doing."
Standing up quickly, she follows Jirel and slinks to the front window she was at earlier, mostly trying to get a good view of the caravan and see if now's suddenly a good opportunity to reclaim her few things.
Perception to check out how the caravan's guarded: 21
Jirel strides to the door and steps outside, ready for anything.
She sees the caravan guards, all equally shaken, their attention turned toward Greenest, half a mile to the east. Much of the crowd soon follows outside, driven by curiosity and fear. The sun has set, but the western sky still has a faint glow and it is not yet full dark. The town of Greenest is visible by the light of candles and hearthfires visible through many open windows, and by the torches and braziers that line the main streets. Larger orange glows light up the southern part of town - fires. "Something is burning," says one of the caravan guards. "Lots of somethings," says another. "It looks like several farms are ablaze."
Tylaerys:
Your trained eyes pickup finer details. You spot figures - no more than tiny ants at this distance - in the glow of the fires on the south side of town. But they are not fleeing the blaze, they are pouring into Greenest from the southern fields and forests. It looks like a small army is invading the town. Many of them carry torches and you suspect they are responsible for the arson taking place.
And that isn't all. Your eyes pick up shapes in the sky over the invaders. Large birds? It is impossible to tell from this distance in the dark.
The crowd is quickly murmuring, nervous conjecture run amuck.
What is happening?
Is it a raid?
Who will put out those fires?
Are my wagons in town safe?
Are WE safe out here?
The murmurs are cut short when it appears over the town. Streaking in from the south, a shadow glides over the burning fields and farms, great wings beating furiously. As it soars over town proper, there is a near-blinding flash, and lightning arcs from the thing's mouth, raking a path of destruction through the center of Greenest. Stone chimneys explode, and thatch roofs erupt into towering infernos. In the moment the lightning flashes, you get a brief clear look at a yellow scaled belly, wide wings and an armored neck and back of shiny blue. A huge blue dragon is attacking Greenest! Though you are all well outside the range of its Frightening Presence, you are nevertheless awed at the scale of this creature. You are looking at one of the great monsters of the world; magic and lightning and power made into scaley, physical flesh. Just as the realization sinks in, the crack of thunder reaches you and rumbles past, shaking the ground and causing the crowd to flinch. When darkness returns to the sky, the shadow continues its path northward, rising higher and higher until it is lost against gathering clouds. Thunder begins to rumble from those clouds, as if the weather itself is reacting to the dragon's might.
Jill the barmaid screams, and Janeese grabs her tight. "Its ok! Its ok! Barnard will keep them safe!," she tells her horrified co-worker.
And then the scene erupts into chaos. The patrons begin to panic, with some arguing they should head into town and help, while others want to flee. Some of the caravan masters want to rush into town with their guards to check on the rest of their wagons, while others want to turn the wagons here back around and run while they can. The horses and oxen all prance uneasily, spooked by the dragon. And all the while, down the rise and across the fields, Greenest continues to burn.
Jararaka:
There are four wagons here. There are six guards, with 2 wagons having 2 guards and 2 wagons having 1 guard. The wagon with your gear has 2 guards. But you cannot help but notice that - for the moment - no one is paying much attention to security as the mob panics and a dragon lays waste to the town below.
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
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tylaerys quickly follows Jirel and the others outside the inn, her silvery eyes seeking out Greenest in the distance, still illuminated by a faint glow in the western sky. She tries to comprehend what she sees, and then, the massive form of a blue dragon in the sky. It takes just a brief moment for her training to kick in and her draconic blood to grant her the resolve needed. "We need to help them."She says at first, still looking at Greenest and the tragedy that is about to unfold there. "WE NEED TO HELP THEM!"She turns and says to those around her, her silvery eyes seeking out Finn, Jararaka and of course, Jirel. "I know we can't hope to defeat the dragon, but I saw men streaming into Greenest from the south, like an army following in the dragons wake. We need to help the people of Greenest, even if it is only to evacuate them before the town is overrun by the dragon and this army." She says with a challenging look, then marching off into the inn, coming back out again a moment later her dark green cloak swept around her, carrying her backpack and crossbow, determination in her eyes, quickly looking around for a riding horse that she can borrow to get her to Greenest.
Another perception if needed to find a suitable steed: 8
Finn Ol'Gren bends down, scoops up Misses Binklesworth of the Twilight Binklesworths and then drops them into a pouch on he left hip. "Best to not be underfoot at the moment," Finn advises watching, and then joining, the flood of people towards the exit.
Finn hears Tylaerys' call to arms and hesitates to lend her supports. She was looking for adventure but... well, the right kind of adventure. Dragons? Armies?? That does not sound fun and profitable, Finn thinks. Then again in the confusion and chaos she could likely hang back and pick her spots... To be active or to profit. Or, really, just to observe and gather fuel for future tales. This could be the start of some kind of epic....
Finn looks about, first searching out Jirel of the muscles and the eyes, then to other possible fighters... She'd not interacted with Jararaka much but surely they could fight...
Finn sighs. Ok, ok. Fine. It's better to be remembered for volunteering, right? Can always fade into the shadows later if need be... One moment out of sight and nobody would even recognize her.
"My sword on my friends are riding to aid those in need! Do not just stand here and watch as your not so distant neighbors suffer! Ride with us! Aid us and aid them. Stand up and aid yourself! Come, now while we may still save lives!" Finn calls out loudly using all her skills and training in uplifting oratory and inspiration. She gives a small thought to her lute, stashed back up in the rafters of the inn... But surely it would be safer there than on the road she was about to travel. Finn looks again to Tylaerys and then follows her, also looking for mounts or perhaps a carriage that could be commandeered...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cheddar follows the crowd outside. He does his best to climb to a spot he can get a good vantage spot to see all that is going on. "mmeeeeoooww" he says lowly as he sees the sight unfold before him. Seeing the dragon, hi eyes grow wide. The mingling of awe and fear washes over him. With Tylaerys' cry for helping and Finn's attempt rally everyone around her, Cheddar looks around a a bit dubiously. 'Merchants are not warriors." he says. "Rushing into a battle to confront an army may be noble but it may be providing that army or the dragon more blood for their blades rather than turning the tide of the battle. Organize a group to escort those close by to as safe a place as can be found and scout what we are facing might be the better option."
Cheddar looks around to take a count of how many actual warriors are around them. Investigation: 18 Once he gets a head count he will let the group know the number.
"Obviously we are not an army, but we are here and we should do what we can to help!" Finn replies to the Tabaxi. "I'm not suggesting we rush foolishly into the jaws of the great beast or it's minions... No, but we should head that way and see what we can see... Do what we can do."
"Every body should do all that you can for your fellow person... But nobody is being asked to be a sacrifice!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Well, shit. Everyone look out for themselves, yea...?" She says lowly, before darting out of the building towards the wagon, where she knows her stuff is kept. She heaves herself into the back and gathers her few belongings. In a split second of calm amidst the chaos, she presses her hand on the cool blue-ish steel of a beautifully carved shield, finding and holding onto a sliver of confidence. She affixes the shield to her arm, slips a scimitar into her belt, and slings her bag over a shoulder. In the same hurried motion, she also scoops up a few other items she sees laying around if there are any, fully capitalising on the opportunity. (Sleight of Hand if needed: 17).
Hopping off as quickly as she scrambled in, she runs back to the people she just met in the eatery, not forgetting to yell to the guards on the way: "aren't you the guards of the people or somethin'? You heard the lady, get everyone out of here! And no thanks for holding onto my stuff."
Catching up with the group, she claws at her arm uncomfortably, the nerves settling in knowing there's a dragon right there. Like, oh, you know, the big guys that my entire family worships because they might as well be gods, made of pure magic and love of destruction. Though the tabaxi speaking up is enough to divert her attention. Remembering her deity's words, she wipes a hand down her face and almost laughs a little in resignation, "no way I'm gonna be anywhere near that dragon, but I'm down to get in there and rescue some people. Spread the good word of my Lord." She gives her shield a little knock with her scaled knuckles.
(ooc: are there woods around this place at all? or just like grass on a hill + the main road? any places to hide if we travel towards Greenest?)
Da long! What did these people do to summon you among the mortals? Do they really deserve such kind of lethal punishment?
Jenviel murmurs to herself as if she has been trying to pray to a greater power. She couldn't believe her own eyes when the scene of turmoil unfolded, to her it seemed like a climax of tragedy that had been forcing the time to pass slowly. She has observed the fury of the magnificent blue dragon and the view of a mythical creature terrified her. But, she doesn't let her fear and emotion muddle her mind, and quickly grabs her belongings so that she can move towards the small yet energetic group of adventurers.
"I think I'll wait till the great commotion is dealt with, then I shall search for survivors." She clarifies her position regarding the situation while tucking some stray strands of hair in her bun using the hair-pins.
Jirel had gravitated forward to ensure she got a good vantage point, only to stop in her tracks at the unveiling of the true threat. She held a stance hard as stone, refusing to buckle at the sight. Though, even the strongest of stone cracks under pressure. This was a mythical beast raining down from the heavens with godlike force. The Goliath wasn’t immune. A flash of terror, no more than a dilation of her honey hues, this time. It was at that moment time slowed and all fell away behind her. The innocents…
The fear was a spark, igniting a smouldering flame of anger. Heart quickened, senses heightened, breathing sharp, Jirel clenched her teeth hard as waves of rage builds within her core. Her low grumble had turned into a growl. It took every ounce of self-control she had not to follow up Tylaerys’ cry and Finn’s rallying shouts with a roar of her own before kicking off into a blinding rage filled mindless hunt for blood…
Unclenching a fist, Jirel brings a hand to her lower abdomen and closes her eyes. She swallows back the taste of blood and unclenches her jaw to practice mindful breathing. The Goliath would visibly inhale and exhale practiced breaths. With each one, she’d regain control of her emotions running ramped, before she did. Once she calmed enough, one by one, each individual’s voices began coming back into perception.
Opening her eyes, Jirel scans the crowd gathered outside, picking out the unique individuals met that day and observes their readiness. “Warriors willing to fight, yes.” She’d pause. “But medics an’ the ability to transport wounded is a must.” Her eyes would fall over those who touched on similar suggestions, the orange feline, the lizard folk and the silverhaired woman. She’d nod to them.
Finally taking a step, Jirel moves forward towards Jill. She places a gentle, but firm strong hand on the barmaids shoulder. “I will search for them.” The goliath would lower herself as close to the halfling height as she could. “You have my word.”
After a moment of silence, and hopefully reassurance to Jill, Jirel would stand back up right and stride her way towards where Tylaerys would be searching for a steed. The goliath would hope to assist in finding suitable transport for the group, as well as prepare one (or some) with wagons for additional transport. Her thoughts were that an immediate crew could be dispatched right away, then followed by a supply and support cart.
[A lot to unpack here... remind me if I miss anything you were trying to accomplish....]
Two of the wagons are turning around and leaving back the way they came, away from Greenest. This includes the wagon with whom Jararaka had been a prisoner. The caravan master and his guards wash their hands of her as they flee. "Go be the dragon's problem, thief. We are getting out of here."
Jararaka:
While checking the wagon for your gear, you note it is full of minerals. Geodes, polished stones, sulfur powders, gypsum, etc. Valuable in bulk, but little worth stealing in any amount that could be carried. You do manage to snatch 2 crystals that grab your attention.
That leaves two wagons that remain. One is a large wagon hauling a load of carpets and other textiles. The owners are a married human couple. They are moved by the words of Tylaerys and Finn, and the plight of Greenest, and offer to help. They order their two guards to start unloading the wagon and putting carpets inside Noah's Mill. This will take time, however, and they offer to follow as quickly as they can get the wagon emptied to hold evacuees or wounded. A few of the patrons who haven't fled assist the guards. The couple also has a carriage, which was their personal transportation. It is small, with two seats inside a closed cabin and a bench for the driver. It is pulled by two black horses. They gladly offer the carriage if it will help an advance party get to Greenest faster.
[The Party That Doesn't Realize Its A Party Yet could conceivably all fit, with four crammed inside the carriage, one driving, and one hanging off the back.]
The last wagon is a small one, hauling used furniture for resale. The tall, lanky human in charge had planned to flee with the others, but appears to have been shamed by the virtue of the married couple into sticking around. He also starts unloading his wagon. It will be unloaded faster than the larger wagon, but it will still take some time, perhaps 15 minutes.
There are no loose horses available nearby.
Cheddar's stock of the available fighter's isn't promising. Other than the six of you, there are three caravan guards who remain. They are outfitted with spears and shields, and one has a light crossbow. The young bugbear busboy from the inn has also fetched a carving knife and looks prepared to defend the town. Other than that... most locals in rural communities know how to shoot a bow or swing an axe in a pinch, but none of these people are equipped or trained to fight.
Jill is inconsolable, an emotional wreck. Janeese places her hand on Jirel's. "Thank you. Her daughters are being looked after by their uncle Barnard and his kids. He's clever and brave... I'm sure he will get the girls someplace safe. Maybe to the Temple of Yondalla." She squeezes Jirel's hand. "You be careful out there, you hear me? Don't go getting yourself hurt."
There are a few trees around the tavern, but once down the rise it is nothing but open fields between here and Greenest. Furthermore, much of the autumn harvest has already been brought in so there is very little cover. At the same time, the condition in town appears to be growing more chaotic every moment. It's not clear that anyone there is watching the road at all. And after the first passover, it has been a few minutes without any further sign of the dragon.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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
Cheddar, not too sure what is going on or his place in all this, will do his best to assist in the removal of items from the wagons, as best he can. "Yes, I saw the Dragon." he responds to Cicero, patting his pocket. "No, I won't get near it so don't worry, you won't be eaten." Cheddar will say little else for now. When the party decides to move he will move with them.
Tylaerys is at first briefly dismayed over the apparent lack of conviction with most of the people present, although she fully realizes no one could fault them for not wanting to go any nearer Greenest. After all no one in their right mind would want to face the fearsome dragon that now ruled the skies over the seemingly defenseless town. She is quickly encouraged by Finn's inspiring words followed by Jirel's growl of determination and Jararaka's pledge to save the innocents in the name of his lord.
She thanks the married couple profusely for allowing them to take their carriage and quickly hops up at the drivers bench, taking the reins. "Hurry up you all before there is no town to save anymore." She calls out to the others, waving for Jirel to hop on as she sees her comforting one of the barmaids by the inn. They were not many, and they certainly coudn't take on the dragon, nor the army that poured into Greenest, but with the help of the locals they might just fight the invaders enough to allow the townspeople to evacuate.
This is crazy. This is crazy. This is crazy. The thought just ran through Finn's mind non-stop no matter how much she tried to focus on a different thought or nothing at all. Heading towards a dragon is just verifiably crazy. Finn finds herself on the carriage and anxious to be underway none the less. This is crazy!
The air had a nervous and sweaty weight to it which just makes the bard to be anywhere else. She's trying to reconcile the fact that her choice of destination was towards the fires and the chaos and she just can't. My own self interest is definitely in any direction but, she instructs herself but still finds herself waiting for the rest to get on board so they can be underway. Binkles repositions herself and grumbles a bit from the side pouch she is curled up in and Finn reaches in to give the warm, soft passenger a pet and a scratch, reassuring herself that things would be ok more so than the feline. She has always been good at deception...
"Let's go, people!" she calls out loudly, to everyone in the vicinity. Whatever they where doing, they needed to do it quicker, be it fleeing or preparing to help.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jenviel Tsumara
Does the wagon have bows and a bonnet?
Assuming that the wagon is covered with a bonnet, Jenviel will attempt to examine the bows to determine the durability of the structure. She's just trying to gauge the possibility of the bonnet to support her weight in case she decides to ride on the cover of the wagon.
"Madame Driver, would you please drive the wagon a bit more carefully?"She moves towards the driver's bench to converse with the lady with beautiful silver scales adorning her face and shoulder. "I've heard stories about rescue operations where the team was being careless and the driver was driving recklessly. Guess what? They fell victim to a deadly accident."
She flashes an amicable smile after the brief exchange of information. There's no way to prove whether the story was true or not. But it was a logical story and perhaps the moral of the story is influential enough to promote safe driving practice.
Tylaerys nods to herself as she sees Finn hop into the carriage, and was that a cat with her, then looking up with a bit of surprise as the mysterious silver-haired woman seems to question her ability to drive the carriage. "Do I strike you as a reckless person?" She asks with a curious smile as the others starts to get aboard the carriage. "Well maybe I am. You better hop up beside me and make sure I won't cause any deadly accidents then." She adds with a quick smile, scooting over slightly to make room for the mysterious lady with the draconic accent beside her. "I'm Tylaerys, and thanks for following us into Greenest."
(Perhaps Jenviel can give Tylaerys help action on any animal handling rolls needed?)
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
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Jirel’s facial expression immediately drops, hard as stone. She was no longer laid back or relaxed, and the playful air just moments before was wiped away completely. A low rumbling defensive growl would build from deep within the Goliath’s core. A threat. Instincts kicking in, goosebumps pepper her skin while her hair stands on it’s end and the giants blood coursing through her veins run hot. She removes her heels from the chair and brings herself to her feet. Standing to her full heigh, Jirel rolls her shoulders back and reaches to take hold of her greataxe, wrapping her fingers around for a firm grip. She takes full strides, stepping with intent and purpose towards the door. With a small flourish, Jirel rolls her weapon over her hand and regrips it with confidence of a conditioned warrior, then opens the door. The blonde scans the horizon, preparing to complete a perimeter check of the establishment.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Thanks," Finn says in response to Tylaerys' complimenting her performance. "Just a little something I been working on..." Finn is putting her butt back in her seat as she says this and tearing her eyes away from the blood Half-Elf's to look for some of those ribs she's been craving...
Only to be heartbroken when the sound of the last rib, stripped of meat, crashing down on a plate draws her attention. Finn watches as Jirel, honeyed eyes full of mischief, thumb wiping the last of the grease from the corner of her lips. The bard crashes down into her seat in despair. At least momentarily. The playful eyes, the smirking lips... Finn had an idea that she may not go hungry for long. Before Finn Ol'Gren could follow that tasty thought up to try to make it a reality, however, she suddenly found herself
tiny
A L O N E
Insignificant.
It was but a moment. A mere hiccup. Not even a heartbeat, really, but it was. Whatever it was, it was. She didn't imagine it. Couldn't have, for even before she shook free of it herself she was noting the reactions of everyone else in the room. Each totally different yet uniquely the same.
"I guess not everyone is a fan," she quips reflexively without ever realizing she had. It was a good thing she had been sitting down already for surely that would've knocker her on her ass. Misses Binklesworth of the Twilight Binklesworths, the calico cat that had been hanging out below Finn's chair, takes an extra moment so as to prove that nothing can truly bother her before letting out a brief "Myeh!" and leaping up into Finn's lap.
"What do you make of that, Binkles?" Finn quietly asks as she instinctively starts petting the cat. If Binkles has an opinion she keeps it to herself. Damned cat, Finn thinks. Never says a thing unless she's positive she's right.
Jararaka claps and whistles along with Finn's song, offkey and thoroughly entertained. She settles a little in the somewhat cozy atmosphere, idly adding to conversations and sharing stories from the road.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changes. Like when a storm closing in on the village even though it was sunny moments ago. She swears she caught a whiff of that sweet pungent smell of lightning strikes. The gentle voice and its ominous message almost echoed in her head as everyone around her also seemed to get a sense of foreboding. Her spines and frills stand up, and she mumbles, "the hell is going on...?" She pats herself down-- no daggers she forgot she had, she truly didn't have anything on her. She curses lowly. Finn's remark catches her attention and she jabs playfully, "hey now, I really doubt this is your little country tune's doing."
Standing up quickly, she follows Jirel and slinks to the front window she was at earlier, mostly trying to get a good view of the caravan and see if now's suddenly a good opportunity to reclaim her few things.
Perception to check out how the caravan's guarded: 21
Jirel strides to the door and steps outside, ready for anything.
She sees the caravan guards, all equally shaken, their attention turned toward Greenest, half a mile to the east. Much of the crowd soon follows outside, driven by curiosity and fear. The sun has set, but the western sky still has a faint glow and it is not yet full dark. The town of Greenest is visible by the light of candles and hearthfires visible through many open windows, and by the torches and braziers that line the main streets. Larger orange glows light up the southern part of town - fires. "Something is burning," says one of the caravan guards. "Lots of somethings," says another. "It looks like several farms are ablaze."
Tylaerys:
Your trained eyes pickup finer details. You spot figures - no more than tiny ants at this distance - in the glow of the fires on the south side of town. But they are not fleeing the blaze, they are pouring into Greenest from the southern fields and forests. It looks like a small army is invading the town. Many of them carry torches and you suspect they are responsible for the arson taking place.
And that isn't all. Your eyes pick up shapes in the sky over the invaders. Large birds? It is impossible to tell from this distance in the dark.
The crowd is quickly murmuring, nervous conjecture run amuck.
What is happening?
Is it a raid?
Who will put out those fires?
Are my wagons in town safe?
Are WE safe out here?
The murmurs are cut short when it appears over the town. Streaking in from the south, a shadow glides over the burning fields and farms, great wings beating furiously. As it soars over town proper, there is a near-blinding flash, and lightning arcs from the thing's mouth, raking a path of destruction through the center of Greenest. Stone chimneys explode, and thatch roofs erupt into towering infernos. In the moment the lightning flashes, you get a brief clear look at a yellow scaled belly, wide wings and an armored neck and back of shiny blue. A huge blue dragon is attacking Greenest! Though you are all well outside the range of its Frightening Presence, you are nevertheless awed at the scale of this creature. You are looking at one of the great monsters of the world; magic and lightning and power made into scaley, physical flesh. Just as the realization sinks in, the crack of thunder reaches you and rumbles past, shaking the ground and causing the crowd to flinch. When darkness returns to the sky, the shadow continues its path northward, rising higher and higher until it is lost against gathering clouds. Thunder begins to rumble from those clouds, as if the weather itself is reacting to the dragon's might.
Jill the barmaid screams, and Janeese grabs her tight. "Its ok! Its ok! Barnard will keep them safe!," she tells her horrified co-worker.
And then the scene erupts into chaos. The patrons begin to panic, with some arguing they should head into town and help, while others want to flee. Some of the caravan masters want to rush into town with their guards to check on the rest of their wagons, while others want to turn the wagons here back around and run while they can. The horses and oxen all prance uneasily, spooked by the dragon. And all the while, down the rise and across the fields, Greenest continues to burn.
Jararaka:
There are four wagons here. There are six guards, with 2 wagons having 2 guards and 2 wagons having 1 guard. The wagon with your gear has 2 guards. But you cannot help but notice that - for the moment - no one is paying much attention to security as the mob panics and a dragon lays waste to the town below.
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 quickly follows Jirel and the others outside the inn, her silvery eyes seeking out Greenest in the distance, still illuminated by a faint glow in the western sky. She tries to comprehend what she sees, and then, the massive form of a blue dragon in the sky. It takes just a brief moment for her training to kick in and her draconic blood to grant her the resolve needed. "We need to help them." She says at first, still looking at Greenest and the tragedy that is about to unfold there. "WE NEED TO HELP THEM!" She turns and says to those around her, her silvery eyes seeking out Finn, Jararaka and of course, Jirel. "I know we can't hope to defeat the dragon, but I saw men streaming into Greenest from the south, like an army following in the dragons wake. We need to help the people of Greenest, even if it is only to evacuate them before the town is overrun by the dragon and this army." She says with a challenging look, then marching off into the inn, coming back out again a moment later her dark green cloak swept around her, carrying her backpack and crossbow, determination in her eyes, quickly looking around for a riding horse that she can borrow to get her to Greenest.
Another perception if needed to find a suitable steed: 8
Finn Ol'Gren bends down, scoops up Misses Binklesworth of the Twilight Binklesworths and then drops them into a pouch on he left hip. "Best to not be underfoot at the moment," Finn advises watching, and then joining, the flood of people towards the exit.
Finn hears Tylaerys' call to arms and hesitates to lend her supports. She was looking for adventure but... well, the right kind of adventure. Dragons? Armies?? That does not sound fun and profitable, Finn thinks. Then again in the confusion and chaos she could likely hang back and pick her spots... To be active or to profit. Or, really, just to observe and gather fuel for future tales. This could be the start of some kind of epic....
Finn looks about, first searching out Jirel of the muscles and the eyes, then to other possible fighters... She'd not interacted with Jararaka much but surely they could fight...
Finn sighs. Ok, ok. Fine. It's better to be remembered for volunteering, right? Can always fade into the shadows later if need be... One moment out of sight and nobody would even recognize her.
"My sword on my friends are riding to aid those in need! Do not just stand here and watch as your not so distant neighbors suffer! Ride with us! Aid us and aid them. Stand up and aid yourself! Come, now while we may still save lives!" Finn calls out loudly using all her skills and training in uplifting oratory and inspiration. She gives a small thought to her lute, stashed back up in the rafters of the inn... But surely it would be safer there than on the road she was about to travel. Finn looks again to Tylaerys and then follows her, also looking for mounts or perhaps a carriage that could be commandeered...
Cheddar follows the crowd outside. He does his best to climb to a spot he can get a good vantage spot to see all that is going on.
"mmeeeeoooww" he says lowly as he sees the sight unfold before him.
Seeing the dragon, hi eyes grow wide. The mingling of awe and fear washes over him.
With Tylaerys' cry for helping and Finn's attempt rally everyone around her, Cheddar looks around a a bit dubiously.
'Merchants are not warriors." he says. "Rushing into a battle to confront an army may be noble but it may be providing that army or the dragon more blood for their blades rather than turning the tide of the battle. Organize a group to escort those close by to as safe a place as can be found and scout what we are facing might be the better option."
Cheddar looks around to take a count of how many actual warriors are around them.
Investigation: 18
Once he gets a head count he will let the group know the number.
"Obviously we are not an army, but we are here and we should do what we can to help!" Finn replies to the Tabaxi. "I'm not suggesting we rush foolishly into the jaws of the great beast or it's minions... No, but we should head that way and see what we can see... Do what we can do."
"Every body should do all that you can for your fellow person... But nobody is being asked to be a sacrifice!"
"Well, shit. Everyone look out for themselves, yea...?" She says lowly, before darting out of the building towards the wagon, where she knows her stuff is kept. She heaves herself into the back and gathers her few belongings. In a split second of calm amidst the chaos, she presses her hand on the cool blue-ish steel of a beautifully carved shield, finding and holding onto a sliver of confidence. She affixes the shield to her arm, slips a scimitar into her belt, and slings her bag over a shoulder. In the same hurried motion, she also scoops up a few other items she sees laying around if there are any, fully capitalising on the opportunity. (Sleight of Hand if needed: 17).
Hopping off as quickly as she scrambled in, she runs back to the people she just met in the eatery, not forgetting to yell to the guards on the way: "aren't you the guards of the people or somethin'? You heard the lady, get everyone out of here! And no thanks for holding onto my stuff."
Catching up with the group, she claws at her arm uncomfortably, the nerves settling in knowing there's a dragon right there. Like, oh, you know, the big guys that my entire family worships because they might as well be gods, made of pure magic and love of destruction. Though the tabaxi speaking up is enough to divert her attention. Remembering her deity's words, she wipes a hand down her face and almost laughs a little in resignation, "no way I'm gonna be anywhere near that dragon, but I'm down to get in there and rescue some people. Spread the good word of my Lord." She gives her shield a little knock with her scaled knuckles.
(ooc: are there woods around this place at all? or just like grass on a hill + the main road? any places to hide if we travel towards Greenest?)
Jenviel Tsumara
Da long! What did these people do to summon you among the mortals? Do they really deserve such kind of lethal punishment?
Jenviel murmurs to herself as if she has been trying to pray to a greater power. She couldn't believe her own eyes when the scene of turmoil unfolded, to her it seemed like a climax of tragedy that had been forcing the time to pass slowly. She has observed the fury of the magnificent blue dragon and the view of a mythical creature terrified her. But, she doesn't let her fear and emotion muddle her mind, and quickly grabs her belongings so that she can move towards the small yet energetic group of adventurers.
"I think I'll wait till the great commotion is dealt with, then I shall search for survivors." She clarifies her position regarding the situation while tucking some stray strands of hair in her bun using the hair-pins.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Jirel had gravitated forward to ensure she got a good vantage point, only to stop in her tracks at the unveiling of the true threat. She held a stance hard as stone, refusing to buckle at the sight. Though, even the strongest of stone cracks under pressure. This was a mythical beast raining down from the heavens with godlike force. The Goliath wasn’t immune. A flash of terror, no more than a dilation of her honey hues, this time. It was at that moment time slowed and all fell away behind her. The innocents…
The fear was a spark, igniting a smouldering flame of anger. Heart quickened, senses heightened, breathing sharp, Jirel clenched her teeth hard as waves of rage builds within her core. Her low grumble had turned into a growl. It took every ounce of self-control she had not to follow up Tylaerys’ cry and Finn’s rallying shouts with a roar of her own before kicking off into a blinding rage filled mindless hunt for blood…
Unclenching a fist, Jirel brings a hand to her lower abdomen and closes her eyes. She swallows back the taste of blood and unclenches her jaw to practice mindful breathing. The Goliath would visibly inhale and exhale practiced breaths. With each one, she’d regain control of her emotions running ramped, before she did. Once she calmed enough, one by one, each individual’s voices began coming back into perception.
Opening her eyes, Jirel scans the crowd gathered outside, picking out the unique individuals met that day and observes their readiness. “Warriors willing to fight, yes.” She’d pause. “But medics an’ the ability to transport wounded is a must.” Her eyes would fall over those who touched on similar suggestions, the orange feline, the lizard folk and the silverhaired woman. She’d nod to them.
Finally taking a step, Jirel moves forward towards Jill. She places a gentle, but firm strong hand on the barmaids shoulder. “I will search for them.” The goliath would lower herself as close to the halfling height as she could. “You have my word.”
After a moment of silence, and hopefully reassurance to Jill, Jirel would stand back up right and stride her way towards where Tylaerys would be searching for a steed. The goliath would hope to assist in finding suitable transport for the group, as well as prepare one (or some) with wagons for additional transport. Her thoughts were that an immediate crew could be dispatched right away, then followed by a supply and support cart.
(Animal Handling: 14 perhaps adv w/ help?: 18 )
just an unstable unicorn.
[A lot to unpack here... remind me if I miss anything you were trying to accomplish....]
Two of the wagons are turning around and leaving back the way they came, away from Greenest. This includes the wagon with whom Jararaka had been a prisoner. The caravan master and his guards wash their hands of her as they flee. "Go be the dragon's problem, thief. We are getting out of here."
Jararaka:
While checking the wagon for your gear, you note it is full of minerals. Geodes, polished stones, sulfur powders, gypsum, etc. Valuable in bulk, but little worth stealing in any amount that could be carried. You do manage to snatch 2 crystals that grab your attention.
That leaves two wagons that remain. One is a large wagon hauling a load of carpets and other textiles. The owners are a married human couple. They are moved by the words of Tylaerys and Finn, and the plight of Greenest, and offer to help. They order their two guards to start unloading the wagon and putting carpets inside Noah's Mill. This will take time, however, and they offer to follow as quickly as they can get the wagon emptied to hold evacuees or wounded. A few of the patrons who haven't fled assist the guards. The couple also has a carriage, which was their personal transportation. It is small, with two seats inside a closed cabin and a bench for the driver. It is pulled by two black horses. They gladly offer the carriage if it will help an advance party get to Greenest faster.
[The Party That Doesn't Realize Its A Party Yet could conceivably all fit, with four crammed inside the carriage, one driving, and one hanging off the back.]
The last wagon is a small one, hauling used furniture for resale. The tall, lanky human in charge had planned to flee with the others, but appears to have been shamed by the virtue of the married couple into sticking around. He also starts unloading his wagon. It will be unloaded faster than the larger wagon, but it will still take some time, perhaps 15 minutes.
There are no loose horses available nearby.
Cheddar's stock of the available fighter's isn't promising. Other than the six of you, there are three caravan guards who remain. They are outfitted with spears and shields, and one has a light crossbow. The young bugbear busboy from the inn has also fetched a carving knife and looks prepared to defend the town. Other than that... most locals in rural communities know how to shoot a bow or swing an axe in a pinch, but none of these people are equipped or trained to fight.
Jill is inconsolable, an emotional wreck. Janeese places her hand on Jirel's. "Thank you. Her daughters are being looked after by their uncle Barnard and his kids. He's clever and brave... I'm sure he will get the girls someplace safe. Maybe to the Temple of Yondalla." She squeezes Jirel's hand. "You be careful out there, you hear me? Don't go getting yourself hurt."
There are a few trees around the tavern, but once down the rise it is nothing but open fields between here and Greenest. Furthermore, much of the autumn harvest has already been brought in so there is very little cover. At the same time, the condition in town appears to be growing more chaotic every moment. It's not clear that anyone there is watching the road at all. And after the first passover, it has been a few minutes without any further sign of the dragon.
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
Cheddar, not too sure what is going on or his place in all this, will do his best to assist in the removal of items from the wagons, as best he can.
"Yes, I saw the Dragon." he responds to Cicero, patting his pocket. "No, I won't get near it so don't worry, you won't be eaten."
Cheddar will say little else for now. When the party decides to move he will move with them.
Tylaerys is at first briefly dismayed over the apparent lack of conviction with most of the people present, although she fully realizes no one could fault them for not wanting to go any nearer Greenest. After all no one in their right mind would want to face the fearsome dragon that now ruled the skies over the seemingly defenseless town. She is quickly encouraged by Finn's inspiring words followed by Jirel's growl of determination and Jararaka's pledge to save the innocents in the name of his lord.
She thanks the married couple profusely for allowing them to take their carriage and quickly hops up at the drivers bench, taking the reins. "Hurry up you all before there is no town to save anymore." She calls out to the others, waving for Jirel to hop on as she sees her comforting one of the barmaids by the inn. They were not many, and they certainly coudn't take on the dragon, nor the army that poured into Greenest, but with the help of the locals they might just fight the invaders enough to allow the townspeople to evacuate.
This is crazy. This is crazy. This is crazy. The thought just ran through Finn's mind non-stop no matter how much she tried to focus on a different thought or nothing at all. Heading towards a dragon is just verifiably crazy. Finn finds herself on the carriage and anxious to be underway none the less. This is crazy!
The air had a nervous and sweaty weight to it which just makes the bard to be anywhere else. She's trying to reconcile the fact that her choice of destination was towards the fires and the chaos and she just can't. My own self interest is definitely in any direction but, she instructs herself but still finds herself waiting for the rest to get on board so they can be underway. Binkles repositions herself and grumbles a bit from the side pouch she is curled up in and Finn reaches in to give the warm, soft passenger a pet and a scratch, reassuring herself that things would be ok more so than the feline. She has always been good at deception...
"Let's go, people!" she calls out loudly, to everyone in the vicinity. Whatever they where doing, they needed to do it quicker, be it fleeing or preparing to help.
Jenviel Tsumara
Does the wagon have bows and a bonnet?
Assuming that the wagon is covered with a bonnet, Jenviel will attempt to examine the bows to determine the durability of the structure. She's just trying to gauge the possibility of the bonnet to support her weight in case she decides to ride on the cover of the wagon.
Investigation 17
"Madame Driver, would you please drive the wagon a bit more carefully?" She moves towards the driver's bench to converse with the lady with beautiful silver scales adorning her face and shoulder. "I've heard stories about rescue operations where the team was being careless and the driver was driving recklessly. Guess what? They fell victim to a deadly accident."
She flashes an amicable smile after the brief exchange of information. There's no way to prove whether the story was true or not. But it was a logical story and perhaps the moral of the story is influential enough to promote safe driving practice.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Tylaerys nods to herself as she sees Finn hop into the carriage, and was that a cat with her, then looking up with a bit of surprise as the mysterious silver-haired woman seems to question her ability to drive the carriage. "Do I strike you as a reckless person?" She asks with a curious smile as the others starts to get aboard the carriage. "Well maybe I am. You better hop up beside me and make sure I won't cause any deadly accidents then." She adds with a quick smile, scooting over slightly to make room for the mysterious lady with the draconic accent beside her. "I'm Tylaerys, and thanks for following us into Greenest."
(Perhaps Jenviel can give Tylaerys help action on any animal handling rolls needed?)
Cheddar finds a spot in the back or off to the side of the carriage and hangs on.
Cheddar finds a spot in the back or off to the side of the carriage and hangs on.
[A visual aid for the carriage.]
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