Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

As soon as we're about a day or two out... that is to say, once we're no longer in easy screaming distance of the the Defenders, Akkron decides that it's time to start putting fear into certain people (read: an arrogant soldier who's convinced he's immortal). The wizard casts mind blank right before every long rest (which are only 4 hours long for a Reborn, leaving 20 hours of protection from all divination spells and being charmed, so he should be relatively safe from immediate detection when he does this).

"You know Reggie, I like you, you're a pretty okay guy," Akkron tells him when they are out in the wilderness, and have seen neither civilization nor passing travelers for quite a while. "But I do think that you should probably know exactly what happened that day which saved us from the orcs... I'm not just any common mage."

As soon as he gets Reggie's attention, he points to the largest boulder that he can see (that is to say, one that can be targeted with true polymorph and to transform it into a young amethyst dragon.

"My friend, I think it's time for you to know the truth... I am quite possibly the most powerful being on this planet, far more powerful than any of the Defenders... possibly all of them. And I think that I have been called to a greater purpose than any being who has ever before walked this world... now, I know this may be rather hard for you to believe without proof, so I want to show you a sign that what I say is the truth and I'm not just pulling your leg... look at that boulder over there. I am going to transform it into a dragon before your eyes... watch closely."

Reggie rolls Perception Check 11
Reggie rolls Insight Check 21
Reggie rolls Investigation Check 14

Quote from NathanAscher >>

Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

As soon as we're about a day or two out... that is to say, once we're no longer in easy screaming distance of the the Defenders, Akkron decides that it's time to start putting fear into certain people (read: an arrogant soldier who's convinced he's immortal). The wizard casts mind blank right before every long rest (which are only 4 hours long for a Reborn, leaving 20 hours of protection from all divination spells and being charmed, so he should be relatively safe from immediate detection when he does this).

"You know Reggie, I like you, you're a pretty okay guy," Akkron tells him when they are out in the wilderness, and have seen neither civilization nor passing travelers for quite a while. "But I do think that you should probably know exactly what happened that day which saved us from the orcs... I'm not just any common mage."

As soon as he gets Reggie's attention, he points to the largest boulder that he can see (that is to say, one that can be targeted with true polymorph and to transform it into a young amethyst dragon.

"My friend, I think it's time for you to know the truth... I am quite possibly the most powerful being on this planet, far more powerful than any of the Defenders... possibly all of them. And I think that I have been called to a greater purpose than any being who has ever before walked this world... now, I know this may be rather hard for you to believe without proof, so I want to show you a sign that what I say is the truth and I'm not just pulling your leg... look at that boulder over there. I am going to transform it into a dragon before your eyes... watch closely."

Reggie rolls Perception Check 21
Reggie rolls Insight Check 14
Reggie rolls Investigation Check 9

 He sees your spellcasting and senses your power and Dex Save 17 nearly falls off his horse

"I see your skin in the light. You're not human at all. What are you? This can't be."

Reggie begins to hyperventilate and panic. "What are you going to do to me?"

"Calm yourself," Akkron says, as he casually casts misty step to disappear in a cloud of mists and re-appear in front of the newly-created dragon, reaching out a hand to stroke the creature's snout. "The dragon will not harm you... it will only even exist for an hour before it reverts to its true form... unless of course I will it to stay as it is. No, Reggie, if I wanted any harm to come to you, I wouldn't have saved you and the others from those orcs. I was honestly hoping that I could live a simple life as a soldier; that I could be an ordinary man and earn a place in this world by accomplishing great heroics... but fate forced my hand; I couldn't allow all my comrades to die a pointless death at the hands of a bunch of brutes. Now it seems that, after I revealed my true power, they feel threatened for whatever reason. I honestly hope that I can win them over without resorting to violence... but I suspect that at least some of them do not wish to share this world with any being stronger than they are."

He turns to look at Reggie, his illusory face looking sullen, regretful.

"My friend, I fear that, whether I will it or not, there may be a battle coming, a battle between myself and the Defenders. And if that does happen, I want good men by my side... brave men with strong hearts. Men just like you."

Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

"Calm yourself," Akkron says, as he casually casts misty step to disappear in a cloud of mists and re-appear in front of the newly-created dragon, reaching out a hand to stroke the creature's snout. "The dragon will not harm you... it will only even exist for an hour before it reverts to its true form... unless of course I will it to stay as it is. No, Reggie, if I wanted any harm to come to you, I wouldn't have saved you and the others from those orcs. I was honestly hoping that I could live a simple life as a soldier; that I could be an ordinary man and earn a place in this world by accomplishing great heroics... but fate forced my hand; I couldn't allow all my comrades to die a pointless death at the hands of a bunch of brutes. Now it seems that, after I revealed my true power, they feel threatened for whatever reason. I honestly hope that I can win them over without resorting to violence... but I suspect that at least some of them do not wish to share this world with any being stronger than they are."

He turns to look at Reggie, his illusory face looking sullen, regretful.

"My friend, I fear that, whether I will it or not, there may be a battle coming, a battle between myself and the Defenders. And if that does happen, I want good men by my side... brave men with strong hearts. Men just like you."

"Maybe I can talk to them, convince them that you are one of the good guys? Can I ride your dragon? Let's keep it. We could use him to kill all the Orcs, right? That's why Mystra sent you here, to save our kingdom from the Orcs. We just need to prove it to the Circle, so they don't mess up this whole thing.

"Well... we can certainly ride her for a time," Akkron says, his illusory face smiling. "Though if I keep it as is for more than an hour, it could become erratic. You see, after an hour it will have become a true being rather than merely a magical construct bound to my will. But... that does still give us nearly an hour, and she may be willing to continue working with us after that happens, but just as a precaution I would rather not be in the air at that moment. Now then, let's see how the world looks from above."

Akkron will go ahead and have the dragon lower its head so that he and Reggie can board the Dragon Express... is the dragon strong enough to also carry two horses and the two mules?

Reggie says atop the Amethyst Dragon, "This is a magical ride."

As the Dragon Flies 80 feet per round, Huge and gripping one Large Horse in each claw, leaving the pack Mules behind, it can carry two medium creatures on it's back and two large in it's claws. You get a lay of the land, before setting back down, turning into a boulder and heading on your way.

For no better system, I've given Reggie 100 loyalty points. 50 points for his own interested, 30 points for Mystra, and 20 points for the Throne. Right now, all 100 points are loyal to you, because his own interests, his belief in Mystra, and your promise to aid the Throne, are all aligned. I'll give you hints if his loyalties are wavering. Conflict, damage, betrayal, will take away from these loyalty points and when they reach 0, he will stop following you.

* You can continue to Old Big Tree with your "follower"
* Continue to RP on the way
* Make unscheduled stops
* Do something else, think outside the box

Once the dragon touches down and turns back into a rock, Akkron smiles with satisfaction.

"It's a shame we had to leave the mules behind," he says. "Hopefully some traveler finds them... but in any case, I'm sure that people saw the dragon; we can claim that we were forced to abandon the mules when the dragon passed over us. Now then, let's continue our journey... we probably shaved a good amount of time off our journey with the dragon's aid. Now, I think it's important to set our expectations. I doubt that a single person vouching for my integrity will be enough to convince the Defenders that I am here for a noble purpose. We're going to need to win over the hearts of the people."

Day 8 (Travel Day 1)
Day 9 (Travel Day 2), Amethyst Dragon Ride cuts one day off your six day journey
Day 10 (Travel Day 3)
Day 11 (Travel Day 4)
Day 12 (Travel Day 5), Sunset, Arrive at the outpost located at Old Big Tree

Learning from his experiences on the road has given Reggie enough experience to gain a level

Inquisitor Reginald "Reggie" Tams
Human, Fighter 3, Eldritch Knight (16,11,16,10,14,10)
AC 18 (chain mail, +2 shield), HP 31, Init +0, Speed 30 feet
Senses: Investigation 10, Perception 14, Saves: Strength +5, Constitution +5
Soldier: Animal Handling +4, Athletics +5, Intimidation +2, Perception +4
Fighting Style: Protection, Second Wind (1d10+2), Action Surge
Spells Known: Magic Blade Ward, Message, False Life, Magic Missile, Shield
Spellslots: 1st (2)
Longsword +5 (1d8+3), Common, Goblin 

Taking a Long Rest each evening.

Memory rolls:
6
10
3
10

Combat Scenario, Skill Challenge Day 13-14
Arriving to the town of Old Big Tree, you notice a lot of activity and action. Soldiers are running from one tent to another. squads are gathering in groups. People are yelling and bells are ringing.

You stop a Soldier passing by to ask about the commotion, he simply replies, "Get ready for war."

Walking into camp more, you hear talk of a large invasion force, 100 strong, consisting of Orcs, Orogs, and a Hill Giant or two.

Use the following skills to gain successes for this skill challenge
up to x4, Investigation Checks, DC 14
up to x4, Perception Checks, DC 14
up to x2, Deception, Intimidate, or Persuasion Checks, DC 14
Any preparations, plans, or spellcasting, can also mean a success

Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

Taking a Long Rest each evening.

Memory rolls:
1
10
6
8

 I like to think that rolling #8, you remember your favorite color

Akkron looks around at the commotion... and decides that this is the perfect opportunity to win some followers.

"Bring us to the commander, as quickly as you can," Akkron says to the soldier. "I believe that I have a way to solve this problem before it starts, but I want the commander to know what is going to happen so that there isn't panic in our own ranks."

"An Inquisitor. I don't think we have time to discuss any investigations. We are preparing for war."

After some convincing, you and your follower, are lead to the command tent and a very impatient commander barks at you to get out, "What is the meaning of this. We have no time for Inquisitors at this juncture. Please, respectfully, get our of our way."

"Well, that's a rather rude way to greet a guest," Akkron says. "But I understand that you're under a lot of pressure. Now, I have an offer for you that I think will save us all a lot of trouble if you're willing to hear me out... what would you say if I told you that, with the blessing of Mystra, I have a way to wipe out the entire invading army?"

Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

"Well, that's a rather rude way to greet a guest," Akkron says. "But I understand that you're under a lot of pressure. Now, I have an offer for you that I think will save us all a lot of trouble if you're willing to hear me out... what would you say if I told you that, with the blessing of Mystra, I have a way to wipe out the entire invading army?"

 "I would think this is Poppycock. No force in this realm can do what you suggest. And you just want me to take your word on the Faith of Mystra? She's not even my patron."

He begins pacing around a battle map. "Here is where our forces spotted the army yesterday. They number no fewer than 100 strong. They seem to be waiting and we should assume the assault could come at any time. If we had a secret weapon, or a sneak attack, that we could deploy, moments before the attack, that might be enough to give us the advantage. It would be even better if we could administer this attack from deep in the Darkwoods, to push them out and into the open. Some will surely flee, while others will break ranks and become disorganized."

He slams his hands on the table and looks up at you, seemingly without hope, "Such a thing like this is exactly what we need to win. Give me some sign of assurance, otherwise, step out of the way."

Akkron considers for a moment... then he has an idea.

"Sir... bring me your strongest warrior. And I mean someone with truly inhuman prowess," the wizard says. "If the man is strong enough... I can transform him into a dragon before your eyes to fight on our side. After the battle I will need to make some preparations, but I will be able to return him to his true form... unless of course he would rather remain a dragon, which I honestly wouldn't blame him for."

(to do this, Akkron will need a volunteer who is at absolute minimum level 5... an ideal candidate would be around level 9 though. The main reason Akkron would rather use a person than an object for this is because the dragon would retain its personality and presumably its loyalty after the change becomes permanent, and Akkron doesn't know yet how long it will be before the horde arrives).

The Commander is a Level 9 Fighter Battle Master and there are five Lieutenants who are all level 5 Fighter Champions. All six of these Soldiers are in the Tent with you now and both the Commander and one of his Lieutenants volunteer for the transformation,

Akkron considers for a moment, then nods.

"Commander... you're about to experience a new world. I suggest we all step outside so that we don't destroy the tent. The rest of you... I'm probably going to need you all to control the crowd and explain what's happening."

When we step outside into the field, Akkron mutters his incantation... and transforms the commander into a young silver dragon