Yep you all would have had time to make a Short Rest. Xanrym would know that this is a very young dragon, but that doesn't make it a pushover. The Firebolt glances off the dragon's wing. Stealth check for Avery: 20. He also is able to hide.
Liarin is still up. The Black Dragon is coming straight for you.
Before he does so the dragon attacks Liarin using it's Claw attack, and in addition, because it moves at least 15ft this turn it get's to force a STR Saving throw on a hit.
Claw against Liarin Attack: 10 Damage: 8 and Liarin makes a DC 13 STR Save: 20 or is knocked Prone.
From his hiding place, Xanrym loads one of the poisoned bolts into his crossbow. Then he calls out to the dragon and fires his crossbow. He uses Unsettling Words to hopefully affect the dragon: "We threw down the naga's cult, and we're more than a match for a dragon as small as you!"
After firing his crossbow, Xanrym tries to duck behind a tree or rock. He may no longer be hidden, but he'd like half-cover in case the dragon decides to turn its attention to him.
Movement: up to 30-ft to a tree or rock that provides half-cover Bonus Action: Use Unsettling Words The black dragon must subtract 4 from the next saving throw it makes before the start of Xanrym's next turn. Action: Cast a spell True Strike to attack the black dragon with Crossbow, Light (80/320): 25, Damage: 11 (radiant) Rolled with advantage because Xanrym was hidden. If the attack hits, the dragon must make a DC 13 CON saving throw or have the poisoned because of the poisoned bolt. Free Action: Loading crossbow with one of his remaining poisoned bolts.
Inspiration: Liarin has bardic inspiration. Shen can roll 1d6 once (in the next 10 mins) and add the number to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
Avery and Xanrym's assault surprises the Black Dragon. And just when it seems the beast is about to fly off, Avery's sword comes down and decapitates the beast. Green black spills on the ground as the dragon crumples and dies. Mayor Ormond comes out of hiding and whispers "Sweet Merikka! I've never seen anyone tangle with a dragon and come out unscathed, even a wyrmling." If he wasn't impressed before, he definitely is now.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Theldrin steps out from behind the tree and moves up next to the mayor. Not feeling like he was of much help against the dragon, he nods at the others, "Nice work," he says with an encouraging smile, then scans the skies for any signs of other dragons or other danger.
Avery and Xanrym's assault surprises the Black Dragon. And just when it seems the beast is about to fly off, Avery's sword comes down and decapitates the beast. Green black spills on the ground as the dragon crumples and dies. Mayor Ormond comes out of hiding and whispers "Sweet Merikka! I've never seen anyone tangle with a dragon and come out unscathed, even a wyrmling." If he wasn't impressed before, he definitely is now.
Xanrym knows that they got lucky here. If the dragon had started with its breath weapon or had surprised them while everyone was still asleep, they would certainly not have fared so well. On the other hand, he knows the value of cultivating a reputation for the party. They have accomplished some great deeds together, and they'll gain more influence and support if he can spin the stories of those feats of heroism.
Xanrym bows to Mayor Ormond and says, "We are happy to be able to defend the good people of Orlane!" He muses a bit as he checks Heckle and makes sure that the horse is OK: "Perhaps Merikka was looking out for your town and set our paths to intersect at the Inn of the Grey Chain couple of weeks ago? It certainly seems that we were just the heroes that Orlane needed! To uncover the dark forces that had fallen over your town. To find and capture the people who had clearly been ensorcelled. To stand up to the cultists and fight back against their leaders. 'Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered,' we fought our way to the naga's lair to rescue you and to end the threat of this naga's cult. Now, we promise to escort you safely back to Orlane."
Then Xanrym smiles and winks at the mayor as he says, "Besides! If we don't get you back to Orlane safely, how will we collect the reward you promised us?"
After the fight, it takes Xanrym a little while to settle back down to sleep. Since Avery has already decapitated the dragon, Xanrym uses a couple of their empty potion bottles to carefully collect a couple of vials of the dragon's blood. He also works for a bit at the dragon's body to remove a couple of its fangs and to scrape loose some scales. Like with the harpy's feathers, he hopes that they may be able to sell these items to a powerful sage or wizard in the future. Or to exchange them for a favor or for information.
As Avery ends the fight emphatically, Xanrym lets out a quiet cheer: "Huzzah! Another terror struck down. May your sword ever be sharp and your arms never grow tired, Avery!"
(OOC: After a quick fight, the party is probably eager to finish their Long Rest, hopefully without any more excitement! The next morning, we can continue north toward the Dim Forest and hopefully get out of The Rushmoors before we make camp again the next night.
After the encounter with the dragon, Xanrym realizes that the danger is far from over, and we should be ready to use our new-found treasures to help get us home, if needed.
@drumdigby - you'll have to let us know what we learned about the magic items from the cult's treasure hoard. Theldrin has probably already had time to Identify one or two of them, and we probably were able to study some of the others during our last Short Rest. Xanrym is particularly interested in the boots. Before heading out the next morning, we could also test the 4 unknown potions to see what we've got.)
Avery nods to the praise as he takes the dragon's head as a trophy, then wipes the blade clean and sheaths it. "Do any of you magic users need this blood for anything, I have heard dragoon's blood can be used in rituals, or perhaps we can sell it for some coin?"
Avery nods to the praise as he takes the dragon's head as a trophy, then wipes the blade clean and sheaths it. "Do any of you magic users need this blood for anything, I have heard dragoon's blood can be used in rituals, or perhaps we can sell it for some coin?"
Since Avery has already decapitated the dragon, Xanrym uses a couple of their empty potion bottles to carefully collect a couple of vials of the dragon's blood. He also works for a bit at the dragon's body to remove a couple of its fangs and to scrape loose some scales. Like with the harpy's feathers, he hopes that they may be able to sell these items to a powerful sage or wizard in the future. Or to exchange them for a favor or for information.
(OOC: I'm not sure how much this comes up in 5e, but I remember that exotic ingredients were important in crafting potions and magic items in 1e / 2e. That's probably outside of Xanrym's skill set, but he has mentioned some association with members of the Citadel of Eight during this adventure. He knows that some of these ingredients could be valuable commodities if the party ever needs a favor from an arch-mage.
If Avery wants to keep the head as a trophy, he may have to argue with Xanrym about whether the bard can remove some of the dragon's fangs. Perhaps Xanrym will be content with the dragon's claws?
Avery may also need to think about how he's going to preserve the dragon's head in a good state on the multi-day journey back to Orlane. Since Toska was killed, we don't have anyone who can cast Gentle Repose.)
Yep you all would have had time to make a Short Rest. Xanrym would know that this is a very young dragon, but that doesn't make it a pushover. The Firebolt glances off the dragon's wing. Stealth check for Avery: 20. He also is able to hide.
Liarin is still up. The Black Dragon is coming straight for you.
Liarin morphs onto a Brown Bear and takes a couple swipes at the dragon:
Bite Attack: 21 Damage: 12 Piercing
Claw Attack: 25 Damage: 10 Slashing
Avery waits to see if the Dragon lands, then will attack a vulnerable part (rear preferred)
Before he does so the dragon attacks Liarin using it's Claw attack, and in addition, because it moves at least 15ft this turn it get's to force a STR Saving throw on a hit.
Claw against Liarin Attack: 10 Damage: 8 and Liarin makes a DC 13 STR Save: 20 or is knocked Prone.
But misses, so makes another regular bite attack against Liarin.
Bite Attack: 8 Damage: 8 Piercing
You all are up, the black dragon is in melee with Liarin. But quickly looks around at you all and growls loudly.
Round 2: Xanrym
From his hiding place, Xanrym loads one of the poisoned bolts into his crossbow. Then he calls out to the dragon and fires his crossbow. He uses Unsettling Words to hopefully affect the dragon: "We threw down the naga's cult, and we're more than a match for a dragon as small as you!"
After firing his crossbow, Xanrym tries to duck behind a tree or rock. He may no longer be hidden, but he'd like half-cover in case the dragon decides to turn its attention to him.
Movement: up to 30-ft to a tree or rock that provides half-cover
Bonus Action: Use Unsettling Words
The black dragon must subtract 4 from the next saving throw it makes before the start of Xanrym's next turn.
Action: Cast a spell True Strike to attack the black dragon with
Crossbow, Light (80/320): 25, Damage: 11 (radiant)
Rolled with advantage because Xanrym was hidden.
If the attack hits, the dragon must make a DC 13 CON saving throw or have the poisoned because of the poisoned bolt.
Free Action: Loading crossbow with one of his remaining poisoned bolts.
Inspiration: Liarin has bardic inspiration. Shen can roll 1d6 once (in the next 10 mins) and add the number to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
(OOC: That should basically mean that the dragon must make a DC 17 CON save vs. the poison.)
Theldrin aims another Fire Bolt at the dragon, then moves to different tree and attempts to hide.
Attack: 14 Damage: 3
Stealth: 22
Attack: 11 Damage: 2
Stealth: 18
Avery will burst into action and attack: Attack 26 (Crit), damage 13
(OOC: technically Theldrin wouldn't be able to use the Hide action so just takes as much cover as possible)
Avery and Xanrym's assault surprises the Black Dragon. And just when it seems the beast is about to fly off, Avery's sword comes down and decapitates the beast. Green black spills on the ground as the dragon crumples and dies. Mayor Ormond comes out of hiding and whispers "Sweet Merikka! I've never seen anyone tangle with a dragon and come out unscathed, even a wyrmling." If he wasn't impressed before, he definitely is now.
Theldrin steps out from behind the tree and moves up next to the mayor. Not feeling like he was of much help against the dragon, he nods at the others, "Nice work," he says with an encouraging smile, then scans the skies for any signs of other dragons or other danger.
Perception: 24
Xanrym knows that they got lucky here. If the dragon had started with its breath weapon or had surprised them while everyone was still asleep, they would certainly not have fared so well. On the other hand, he knows the value of cultivating a reputation for the party. They have accomplished some great deeds together, and they'll gain more influence and support if he can spin the stories of those feats of heroism.
Xanrym bows to Mayor Ormond and says, "We are happy to be able to defend the good people of Orlane!" He muses a bit as he checks Heckle and makes sure that the horse is OK: "Perhaps Merikka was looking out for your town and set our paths to intersect at the Inn of the Grey Chain couple of weeks ago? It certainly seems that we were just the heroes that Orlane needed! To uncover the dark forces that had fallen over your town. To find and capture the people who had clearly been ensorcelled. To stand up to the cultists and fight back against their leaders. 'Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered,' we fought our way to the naga's lair to rescue you and to end the threat of this naga's cult. Now, we promise to escort you safely back to Orlane."
Then Xanrym smiles and winks at the mayor as he says, "Besides! If we don't get you back to Orlane safely, how will we collect the reward you promised us?"
After the fight, it takes Xanrym a little while to settle back down to sleep. Since Avery has already decapitated the dragon, Xanrym uses a couple of their empty potion bottles to carefully collect a couple of vials of the dragon's blood. He also works for a bit at the dragon's body to remove a couple of its fangs and to scrape loose some scales. Like with the harpy's feathers, he hopes that they may be able to sell these items to a powerful sage or wizard in the future. Or to exchange them for a favor or for information.
As Avery ends the fight emphatically, Xanrym lets out a quiet cheer: "Huzzah! Another terror struck down. May your sword ever be sharp and your arms never grow tired, Avery!"
(OOC: After a quick fight, the party is probably eager to finish their Long Rest, hopefully without any more excitement! The next morning, we can continue north toward the Dim Forest and hopefully get out of The Rushmoors before we make camp again the next night.
After the encounter with the dragon, Xanrym realizes that the danger is far from over, and we should be ready to use our new-found treasures to help get us home, if needed.
@drumdigby - you'll have to let us know what we learned about the magic items from the cult's treasure hoard. Theldrin has probably already had time to Identify one or two of them, and we probably were able to study some of the others during our last Short Rest. Xanrym is particularly interested in the boots. Before heading out the next morning, we could also test the 4 unknown potions to see what we've got.)
Avery nods to the praise as he takes the dragon's head as a trophy, then wipes the blade clean and sheaths it. "Do any of you magic users need this blood for anything, I have heard dragoon's blood can be used in rituals, or perhaps we can sell it for some coin?"
Theldrin ponders what he might have read about or know, as far as uses for dragon blood or body parts.
Arcana: 12
History: 18
Yep!
(OOC: I'm not sure how much this comes up in 5e, but I remember that exotic ingredients were important in crafting potions and magic items in 1e / 2e. That's probably outside of Xanrym's skill set, but he has mentioned some association with members of the Citadel of Eight during this adventure. He knows that some of these ingredients could be valuable commodities if the party ever needs a favor from an arch-mage.
If Avery wants to keep the head as a trophy, he may have to argue with Xanrym about whether the bard can remove some of the dragon's fangs. Perhaps Xanrym will be content with the dragon's claws?
Avery may also need to think about how he's going to preserve the dragon's head in a good state on the multi-day journey back to Orlane. Since Toska was killed, we don't have anyone who can cast Gentle Repose.)
Avery will salt and preserve the head like any fresh killed game animal-Survival: 15