This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As they finally took leave of Ibben, heading North to Cloverdown, the Dragonborn began to relax. The sun high overhead and the clear road before them did wonders for his spirit, and left him with a feeling that he had not realized he would miss. The salt heavy breeze was only slightly less pleasant, reminding him of his harrowing trip across the Sea of Tears from Lysia. His peace was otherwise marred only by the awkwardness that still seemed to hang about him, since his most recently botched attempt at making amends with Fizzbang back in Eyani's shop. So Aracynth kept to himself as they traveled.
He grew restless as he walked though, not used to travelling in such a group, and decided to check over his weapons and equipment to distract himself. He made sure to clean and sharpen the greatsword first, the lance following that, and his quiver of javelins third. Finally, was the longsword he had received from the Duke's armory, and this took the most of his focus. The other weapons he had carried long and knew well, so their maintenance and practice were second nature to him. The new longsword though, he had to learn. He tested its weight with practice, moving through his training steps (both one-handed and two) with discipline until the weapon felt natural in his hands. He examined the folded steel for imperfections as he sharpened and polished its edges. The make was good, and it's quality nearly the equal of any standard issue Lysian blade. However, it hadn't seen use in some time, and so was slightly dulled when he started with it. After a few hours though, he had it shining brightly as if it were newly forged, and sharp enough that he could easily slice through the softer hide on the inside of his palm. He healed his own scratch with some minor concentration when he was finished. The whole process took him most of the trip North, but at least it kept his mind occupied for a bit.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tharin was a little disappointed there was no thread to keep his hands busy as they made their way North, but he was gladdened the shopkeep would have needle and thread (probably from a travelling merchant or tailor im town, he was sure) by the time they returned. He affixed his mask and followed the rest of the band out of town. He was glad to be walking, but soon grew restless with the monotony. Tharin found a small stone and started to play a game he had learned as a young elf, where his friends would hide a small object and then, without magic, would produce it from a random place. He tossed the stone into the air, where it disappeared, but it reappeared in Kynortas's pack. The stone made its way around through the party, Fizzbang's ear, Aracynth's nose, Tharin's boot until Cloverdown came into view.
When the sun was high in the sky Kynortas noticed a winged shape soaring lightly above you.
Upon your noticing it the shape takes a dive and flutters lightly to a very large rock about 40 feet from you up ahead on the road, just to one side. What had looked like some sort of eagle at first glance, was only true from a distance. The creature now sitting on its hind legs ahead of you has the head of a man, the wings of an eagle, and the body of a lion. It regards you silently from its perch, laying down like a giant house cat as you near, its face impassive.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“What in the name of Glittergols’s gleaming genitals is that?!?”
Fizzbang wracked his brain for an answer. Surely he must have come across something about such a creature before? It looked like something a drunken transmutor designed after a night of too much drowberry mead.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aracynth looked up from longsword he was oiling at Fizzbang's remark. The bizarre creature on the road before them was unlike anything he could recall. Still, he stored away his maintenance kit, but kept the longsword loosely in his grip. The Dragonborn focused on the strange creature as they slowed their approach, trying to discern what he could from its bearing.
You recall that this is, indeed, an androsphinx! They are lawful neutral creatures that prefer to pass information as riddles rather than direct conversation. Hey are generally offputting, but actually have noble hearts and would not outright attack someone unless provoked. They generally work as a guardian for a specific deity, and see it as their right to judge those who attempt their trials. They have a particularly terrifying and potent roar that can damage, deafen, and intimidate.
Aracynth:
Its face is a mask and you cannot read its intentions.
“You are awful feisty for someone so small,” the creature says, slightly cocking it’s head. “Stow your blades that I may speak with you. What, pray tell, is your purpose for strutting about the road?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Aracynth sheathed his longsword, confident it was always within reach.. "We have business to attend to in Cloverdown, and time is of the essence." He spoke plainly, offering introductions. "I am Aracynth, the marksman is Tharin, Kynortas is the soldier who saw you on wing, and the Gnome is called Fizzbang. You say you wish to speak with us; how shall we address you? And over what matters should we parley?"
That was it! Fizzbang knew what it was! “It’s an Androspinx!” He shouted. Fizzbang gestured at Tharin, “would you calm down? Not only could it devour us all like a Tarasque at noon-tea, but they’re noble creatures! Heralds of a deity if I’m not mistaken!”
Fizzbang looked at the Sphinx, perhaps for the first time realizing just how big it was...and just how small he was. He gulped.
Kynortas watched the situation develop. With nothing to add to the conversation thus far he simply waited with his hand on his spear, point to the sky and his shield held at his side. Kynortas patiently waited to see what would be needed of him.
"Courtesy begets courtesy," the great beast states flatly, slightly declining its head to Aracynth. It floats off the large rock effortlessly and walks around you in circles, almost prowling as a large, predatory cat would. "I am called Ma'al, and I observe, learn, and then educate where necessary," the sphinx rumbles above you.
His great, muscled shoulder is a head taller still than Aracynth, making Fizzbang no more larger than a paw. His hide seems to shift colors slightly as he walks, from a straw color you would expect of a lion to the aquamarine hue of shallow water, then to the deep red of a wine. His wings, however, remain a pearlescent feathered white, reflecting light even when it seems impossible. He walks around you all, making eye contact briefly, but you notice the scenery around you shifting... the hills and grasslands fading into rocky outcrops, mountains on fire... a wave of heat washes over you all as a gust of wind carries some of the steam from the rocks into your faces. Then it changes to a starry night sky, planets shifting above and below you as you glide through space on an asteroid, completely devoid of sound.
"Heralds, couriers, enforcers, embodiments... each role is tied to a being. To whom are you indebted? A God? (He looks at Aracynth) A King? (Looking down his nose at Tharin) The people? (As he walks past Fizzbang) Or," stopping at Kynortas, "Simply honor and duty? We each have our roles, yes." Ma'al sits down on his hind legs and folds his wings in, standing nearest Kynortas, looking up at the sky, which is now back to normal. "…Hmm… Intrepid adventurers, four abreast, do heed a Duke to fulfill his quest. The lady waits, though she knows not. For within the Gray, alone she is not. Her heart is empty, yet her needs are few; and what she seeks, will not be you.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kynortas stares at the Sphinx and follows its movements around him. As it sits near him and begins to speak in riddles Kynortas begins to analyze the actual Sphinx trying to size it up or discern anything he can about Ma'al.
Perception: 13
While he looks at the intelligent creature he begins to turn over its words in his mind and ponder their meaning. The Gray? How does the girl not realize she is waiting? Is his last "you" collective or singular? These questions and more Kynortas asks himself.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aracynth, reeling slightly from the vertigo of.. whatever it was he just experienced, turned to face the wondrous and vibrant Androsphinx. "Ma'al," the Dragonborn bowed as he knelt, both in respect and to help ground himself once more, "is this riddle meant to warn us of a folly inherent in our task? Would you perchance be willing to share with us of your vast knowledge of what the Lady does seek? Or can you tell us more of her few needs? Surely, a Great Being such as yourself comes to us not idly, but out of some necessity?"
The first and foremost feature of the sphinx is its size. They are 'large' creatures, meaning it's certainly a size up from you and appears incrediblystrong. You definitely would not be able to even scratch it in your current state. It appears impassive, aloof almost, and yet you get the sense it knows A LOT more than it lets on.
I hate to do this to you, but sphinxes are also incredibly difficult to get a read on. So much so that even your trained eye has disadvantage on your insight roll... (just roll another one and we'll take the lower between the two.) Make a new post if you'd like so it doesn't yell at you for 'manipulated dice'.
Ok, the 15: he seems completely truthful, but you can't tell his intentions.
Ma'al rears up onto his hind legs, his wings beating the air around you, and his coat flashing colors rapidly, yet his face is still plain, "The task is set, the knowledge given." He gently sets his front paws back on the ground and the breeze that swept over you all dissipates.
"The road leads on and adventure may change approach; the Lady in Waiting is eternally patient, yet the dawn does encroach. If knowledge is what you seek, first look to the wise; the nature of a heart still beats behind intellectual eyes." Ma'al states and then spreads his wings wide, rising quickly with every beat. He circles once overhead and flies off to the west rapidly.
"Holy shit" mutters Tharin. The... sphinx? Ma'al didn't seem so big at the side of the road. Tharin knew when he should keep his mouth shut. This riddle was for others to think about. He was focused on getting the Duke's daughter back to Ibben.
The rest of the road to Cloverdown is occupied by your thoughts of the upcoming task, Ma'al's words, and a heavy downpour that soaks you to the bone. Fires were impossible to make, and the torrent deafens some of the sounds of travel as the grey-green clouds rumble overhead. By the time night begins to fall, or what you presume is night because it's now even darker, the rain has settled to a drizzle and a large wooden archway can be seen stretching over the road.
Upon further inspection it is two rampant steeds, their front hooves touching in the center, leading into a series of log houses and other wooden buildings. Several commoners seem to be out in the light rain picking up stacks of chopped wood to bring them into sheds and one large man is leading a small herd of horses from one pasture to the next, his head bent against the weather. The road culminates in a single story, but exceptionally large, longhouse at the back of the village. No one seems to take much notice of your entrance, but the longhall doors are open a crack.
Since you all have traveled, fought, and roleplayed well I would like to congratulate you! This is your first milestone and you are all now level 2! (*muted cheering*) After altering your sheets just let me know if anything big changed (i.e. multiclassing) and then we'll continue into Cloverdown!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Aracynth approached the town gate in the darkening gloom. He had seen ruddy lights escaping the windows of the log buildings some way off, fighting back the darkness and clearly marking their destination. The rain had softened considerably, but he was still glad for his cloak. The sudden downpour had caught them unawares as they had travelled, preoccupied from their encounter with the Androsphinx.
As they reached the gates of Cloverdown, he was suddenly overcome by a feeling of empowerment. There was a rightness in his steps that had lead him here, compounded with the competency he felt from his two-handed practice drills that morning. Was this a boon from the sphinx to aid them?
No.. This felt far more alike to when he had long ago floundered and stumbled into the light of Bahamut's Grace. He would need to pray on these feelings tonight, to understand and comprehend truly how he had been blessed.
As they finally took leave of Ibben, heading North to Cloverdown, the Dragonborn began to relax. The sun high overhead and the clear road before them did wonders for his spirit, and left him with a feeling that he had not realized he would miss. The salt heavy breeze was only slightly less pleasant, reminding him of his harrowing trip across the Sea of Tears from Lysia. His peace was otherwise marred only by the awkwardness that still seemed to hang about him, since his most recently botched attempt at making amends with Fizzbang back in Eyani's shop. So Aracynth kept to himself as they traveled.
He grew restless as he walked though, not used to travelling in such a group, and decided to check over his weapons and equipment to distract himself. He made sure to clean and sharpen the greatsword first, the lance following that, and his quiver of javelins third. Finally, was the longsword he had received from the Duke's armory, and this took the most of his focus. The other weapons he had carried long and knew well, so their maintenance and practice were second nature to him. The new longsword though, he had to learn. He tested its weight with practice, moving through his training steps (both one-handed and two) with discipline until the weapon felt natural in his hands. He examined the folded steel for imperfections as he sharpened and polished its edges. The make was good, and it's quality nearly the equal of any standard issue Lysian blade. However, it hadn't seen use in some time, and so was slightly dulled when he started with it. After a few hours though, he had it shining brightly as if it were newly forged, and sharp enough that he could easily slice through the softer hide on the inside of his palm. He healed his own scratch with some minor concentration when he was finished. The whole process took him most of the trip North, but at least it kept his mind occupied for a bit.
Athletics : 18 23 21 24
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Tharin was a little disappointed there was no thread to keep his hands busy as they made their way North, but he was gladdened the shopkeep would have needle and thread (probably from a travelling merchant or tailor im town, he was sure) by the time they returned. He affixed his mask and followed the rest of the band out of town. He was glad to be walking, but soon grew restless with the monotony. Tharin found a small stone and started to play a game he had learned as a young elf, where his friends would hide a small object and then, without magic, would produce it from a random place. He tossed the stone into the air, where it disappeared, but it reappeared in Kynortas's pack. The stone made its way around through the party, Fizzbang's ear, Aracynth's nose, Tharin's boot until Cloverdown came into view.
Sleight of hand: 24 22 20 24
When the sun was high in the sky Kynortas noticed a winged shape soaring lightly above you.
Upon your noticing it the shape takes a dive and flutters lightly to a very large rock about 40 feet from you up ahead on the road, just to one side. What had looked like some sort of eagle at first glance, was only true from a distance. The creature now sitting on its hind legs ahead of you has the head of a man, the wings of an eagle, and the body of a lion. It regards you silently from its perch, laying down like a giant house cat as you near, its face impassive.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
“What in the name of Glittergols’s gleaming genitals is that?!?”
Fizzbang wracked his brain for an answer. Surely he must have come across something about such a creature before? It looked like something a drunken transmutor designed after a night of too much drowberry mead.
Arcana: 24
Tharin cautiously takes out his bow, but does not draw an arrow.
"Are they friendly?" he asks nobody in particular.
Aracynth looked up from longsword he was oiling at Fizzbang's remark. The bizarre creature on the road before them was unlike anything he could recall. Still, he stored away his maintenance kit, but kept the longsword loosely in his grip. The Dragonborn focused on the strange creature as they slowed their approach, trying to discern what he could from its bearing.
Insight : 10
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Fizzbang:
You recall that this is, indeed, an androsphinx! They are lawful neutral creatures that prefer to pass information as riddles rather than direct conversation. Hey are generally offputting, but actually have noble hearts and would not outright attack someone unless provoked. They generally work as a guardian for a specific deity, and see it as their right to judge those who attempt their trials. They have a particularly terrifying and potent roar that can damage, deafen, and intimidate.
Aracynth:
Its face is a mask and you cannot read its intentions.
“You are awful feisty for someone so small,” the creature says, slightly cocking it’s head. “Stow your blades that I may speak with you. What, pray tell, is your purpose for strutting about the road?”
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
"We are travelling. Such an observation would be evident to someone as clever as yourself."
Tharin keeps his bow at his side, but holds on to it like a walking stick.
Aracynth sheathed his longsword, confident it was always within reach.. "We have business to attend to in Cloverdown, and time is of the essence." He spoke plainly, offering introductions. "I am Aracynth, the marksman is Tharin, Kynortas is the soldier who saw you on wing, and the Gnome is called Fizzbang. You say you wish to speak with us; how shall we address you? And over what matters should we parley?"
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
That was it! Fizzbang knew what it was! “It’s an Androspinx!” He shouted. Fizzbang gestured at Tharin, “would you calm down? Not only could it devour us all like a Tarasque at noon-tea, but they’re noble creatures! Heralds of a deity if I’m not mistaken!”
Fizzbang looked at the Sphinx, perhaps for the first time realizing just how big it was...and just how small he was. He gulped.
”Isn’t that...isn’t that right?”
"Fine, but if they start coughing up feathery hairballs, I'm done."
Tharin puts his bow away.
"What do you want with us?"
Kynortas watched the situation develop. With nothing to add to the conversation thus far he simply waited with his hand on his spear, point to the sky and his shield held at his side. Kynortas patiently waited to see what would be needed of him.
"Courtesy begets courtesy," the great beast states flatly, slightly declining its head to Aracynth. It floats off the large rock effortlessly and walks around you in circles, almost prowling as a large, predatory cat would. "I am called Ma'al, and I observe, learn, and then educate where necessary," the sphinx rumbles above you.
His great, muscled shoulder is a head taller still than Aracynth, making Fizzbang no more larger than a paw. His hide seems to shift colors slightly as he walks, from a straw color you would expect of a lion to the aquamarine hue of shallow water, then to the deep red of a wine. His wings, however, remain a pearlescent feathered white, reflecting light even when it seems impossible. He walks around you all, making eye contact briefly, but you notice the scenery around you shifting... the hills and grasslands fading into rocky outcrops, mountains on fire... a wave of heat washes over you all as a gust of wind carries some of the steam from the rocks into your faces. Then it changes to a starry night sky, planets shifting above and below you as you glide through space on an asteroid, completely devoid of sound.
"Heralds, couriers, enforcers, embodiments... each role is tied to a being. To whom are you indebted? A God? (He looks at Aracynth) A King? (Looking down his nose at Tharin) The people? (As he walks past Fizzbang) Or," stopping at Kynortas, "Simply honor and duty? We each have our roles, yes." Ma'al sits down on his hind legs and folds his wings in, standing nearest Kynortas, looking up at the sky, which is now back to normal. "…Hmm… Intrepid adventurers, four abreast, do heed a Duke to fulfill his quest. The lady waits, though she knows not. For within the Gray, alone she is not. Her heart is empty, yet her needs are few; and what she seeks, will not be you.”
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Kynortas stares at the Sphinx and follows its movements around him. As it sits near him and begins to speak in riddles Kynortas begins to analyze the actual Sphinx trying to size it up or discern anything he can about Ma'al.
Perception: 13
While he looks at the intelligent creature he begins to turn over its words in his mind and ponder their meaning. The Gray? How does the girl not realize she is waiting? Is his last "you" collective or singular? These questions and more Kynortas asks himself.
Insight: 7 14
Aracynth, reeling slightly from the vertigo of.. whatever it was he just experienced, turned to face the wondrous and vibrant Androsphinx. "Ma'al," the Dragonborn bowed as he knelt, both in respect and to help ground himself once more, "is this riddle meant to warn us of a folly inherent in our task? Would you perchance be willing to share with us of your vast knowledge of what the Lady does seek? Or can you tell us more of her few needs? Surely, a Great Being such as yourself comes to us not idly, but out of some necessity?"
Persuasion : 7
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Kynortas:
The first and foremost feature of the sphinx is its size. They are 'large' creatures, meaning it's certainly a size up from you and appears incredibly strong. You definitely would not be able to even scratch it in your current state. It appears impassive, aloof almost, and yet you get the sense it knows A LOT more than it lets on.
I hate to do this to you, but sphinxes are also incredibly difficult to get a read on. So much so that even your trained eye has disadvantage on your insight roll... (just roll another one and we'll take the lower between the two.) Make a new post if you'd like so it doesn't yell at you for 'manipulated dice'.
Ok, the 15: he seems completely truthful, but you can't tell his intentions.
Ma'al rears up onto his hind legs, his wings beating the air around you, and his coat flashing colors rapidly, yet his face is still plain, "The task is set, the knowledge given." He gently sets his front paws back on the ground and the breeze that swept over you all dissipates.
"The road leads on and adventure may change approach; the Lady in Waiting is eternally patient, yet the dawn does encroach. If knowledge is what you seek, first look to the wise; the nature of a heart still beats behind intellectual eyes." Ma'al states and then spreads his wings wide, rising quickly with every beat. He circles once overhead and flies off to the west rapidly.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
"Holy shit" mutters Tharin. The... sphinx? Ma'al didn't seem so big at the side of the road. Tharin knew when he should keep his mouth shut. This riddle was for others to think about. He was focused on getting the Duke's daughter back to Ibben.
The rest of the road to Cloverdown is occupied by your thoughts of the upcoming task, Ma'al's words, and a heavy downpour that soaks you to the bone. Fires were impossible to make, and the torrent deafens some of the sounds of travel as the grey-green clouds rumble overhead. By the time night begins to fall, or what you presume is night because it's now even darker, the rain has settled to a drizzle and a large wooden archway can be seen stretching over the road.
Upon further inspection it is two rampant steeds, their front hooves touching in the center, leading into a series of log houses and other wooden buildings. Several commoners seem to be out in the light rain picking up stacks of chopped wood to bring them into sheds and one large man is leading a small herd of horses from one pasture to the next, his head bent against the weather. The road culminates in a single story, but exceptionally large, longhouse at the back of the village. No one seems to take much notice of your entrance, but the longhall doors are open a crack.
Since you all have traveled, fought, and roleplayed well I would like to congratulate you! This is your first milestone and you are all now level 2! (*muted cheering*) After altering your sheets just let me know if anything big changed (i.e. multiclassing) and then we'll continue into Cloverdown!
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
HP Roll: 6
Aracynth approached the town gate in the darkening gloom. He had seen ruddy lights escaping the windows of the log buildings some way off, fighting back the darkness and clearly marking their destination. The rain had softened considerably, but he was still glad for his cloak. The sudden downpour had caught them unawares as they had travelled, preoccupied from their encounter with the Androsphinx.
As they reached the gates of Cloverdown, he was suddenly overcome by a feeling of empowerment. There was a rightness in his steps that had lead him here, compounded with the competency he felt from his two-handed practice drills that morning. Was this a boon from the sphinx to aid them?
No.. This felt far more alike to when he had long ago floundered and stumbled into the light of Bahamut's Grace. He would need to pray on these feelings tonight, to understand and comprehend truly how he had been blessed.
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen