Sir Beauregard continues to look out over the sea, attempting to look concerned but serene at the same time. Eventually he coughs and breaks in. “We won’t be drowning anyone, but I would like to meet the other half of this demonic couple.” Absent anything more from Varnoth, Sir Beauregard drops by the kitchen and finds some food. He then establishes himself in the temple, taking a long rest in front of the offering so Aleitha will have to step over him if she comes to get it back. “Stay close and stay ready. Expect visitors.”
Augustus chuckles at Vinn's suggestion, "I appreciate the vote of confidence, lad, but my only love's the sea. I'm not sure I'm ready for a commitment as big as that, especially with the undead. I was only mostly dead, there's a big difference between full dead, and mostly dead. As for the husband, I agree with Sir Beauregard. Let's start with bringing the talisman to him, and if that doesn't work, and he'd still like to join his wife, perhaps we can help to shepherd him to his rest at her side." Turning to Varnoth he asks directly, "Have you heard of one named 'Brastos' that may have lived or died here?"
Varnoth shakes her head in response to Augustus's question.
"I don't know the name, and I know everyone in this cloister... But my time here hasn't been long... and that wreck? From what I understand it's been here for nearly a decade."
Her eyes lift to a small dirt path that leads northwest, away from the temple.
"If this star crossed lover never left the island... It's possible you may find him laid to rest in a small cemetery out that way."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
"A decade?" Vinn looks at Ziegler, Augustus, and Morlock. "Whoever your contact is, was really late to send you all on this mission."
When the conversation is done, Vinn will heed Sir Beauregard's warnings, and will tell Frub amd the other kobolds to be careful of any demonic or undead disturbances that may come. His only advice to them is to run to Sir Beauregard for safety, as that's his own backup plan.
"One of life's great journeys is hand-in-hand with true love. It would only be fitting if we deliver this token of love to it's partner, " Z says with a look to the others.
Replying to Vinn, Augustus will say, "Aye, the captain that ferried us this way said it was a while ago and that this was the first chance she'd had to ask someone to follow up on 'er missing friend." Turning to the group, "It seems the best place to start our search is that cemetery! Perhaps it's better to go sooner rather than later, in case the presence of this talisman begins disturbing those beneath the earth as well as the sea, now that we've brought it ashore." To Varnoth, "would you mind if we take the talisman with us? I don't mean to disturb your offering, but it seems that it's fated for another's tribute."
Varnoth removes the talisman and hands it to Augustus. "You chose this task, I trust you all to see it through as you see fit. If you'd like, I can accompany you to the cemetery, in case your greatest concerns are warranted."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Sir Beauregard looks somewhat disappointed that a meal and rest is not in the offing. “Right then, to the cemetery! Since we know where we may find him, better to see what we can learn there before the army of the dead strike!”
Varnoth retrieves a small lantern to light your way up the narrow dirt path. You arrive in a small clearing overlooking the ocean beyond.
It's too dark to see for certain, but you believe this place of eternal rest might even overlook the distant archipelago that serves as the final port for The Compass Rose. You can almost hear the infernal screech of the possibly undead harpies echoing over the waves in the distance. No time to wait and find out.
Varnoth passes the beam of light from the bullseye lantern over the grave markers. The graves in the little clifftop cemetery are covered in white wildflowers and marked with simple slabs of stone and wood. Some are old enough that the etching has eroded entirely... But finally she finds it... Two simple words: "Brastos. Devoted."
An unnatural flurry seems to pick up the moment you spot the grave. On the wind you hear an aching, distant amorphous voice that seems unable to form words...
Varnoth looks to Augustus.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Augustus will solemnly retrieve the braided hair, and hold it in his palm, secured with a thumb as the flurry whips around them.
"To be parted from your deepest love is oft said to be a fate worse than death. Something I'm sure you know much too well. With this talisman, your fates are entwined. I hope with its return to you, that you can both finally know the rest you've sought for so long. Together."
Augustus will kneel down before the grave, and use his hand to dig a small depression in the dirt. He'll place the talisman within it, sprinkling a bit of salted earth over it from his pouch.
"As the tide comes and goes, so must we. And as the waves create the sea, together we are part of something greater than we could ever hope to understand. To find one who will sail at your side is a gift greater than any other. May you both find peace and rest together on the Shores Beyond."
To the grave, Z says with a bowed head, "Because death is the only thing that could have ever kept both of you from each other. A part of you is reunited."
As you whisper your words, the sound of the undead harpies becomes slightly clearer... However, the moment the talisman touches the ground, they sound disappears entirely. The air seems to sigh... The flurried breeze grows calm, and the chill in the air fades away.
The clouds above part, allowing moonlight to shine on the grave marking. The white wildflowers even bloom briefly in its illumination.
You make your way back to the cloister in reverent silence. As you walk, you look off toward the northern coast and notice a heavy fog descending where the archipelago would be. What it means, you can't quite tell. With your duties completed, you all return to your quarters and bed down for the night....
You wake in the morning to a commotion. As each of you emerge, you hear the news. The reef of shipwrecks is gone! Apparently an unnatural fog covered that corner of the island late at night. By dawn the fog had cleared, along with graveyard of ships that had long cursed its shores.
There's a sense of celebration in the air. Everyone seems to take this as a good omen and has assembled at the temple to catch a glimpse of the apparent miracle. You find Varnoth there, who gives you all an approving, respectful nod.
The only person who seems out of sorts is the kobold scavenger, Myla. You catch sight of her for only a moment looking glum and forlorn as she turns away and heads back down toward the living quarters. Before you have a chance to pursue, you are surrounded by kobolds peppering you with eager questions about your adventure.
It's due to be a day of celebration... but an exhausting one to be sure.
Despite removing the curse of the Compass Rose, the past ten days have been marked with a notable cloud of unspoken tension and uncertainty among the cloister's inhabitants.
Mistress Runara hasn't been seen since she sent you on your last quest. There's members of the kobold population you haven't seen for a while either. You've brought up your observations with Tarak, Varnoth, Agga and even Frubnotsosmart... but all your inquiries are met with deflection,
The weather, of late, reflects the distress among the residents. Persistent storm clouds churn overhead, releasing brilliant streaks of lightning in intricate patterns and vibrant colors. In truth, it would be a welcome spectacle if it didn't seem like a dark omen of things to come.
Sir Beauregard's visits to the kobold Myla's quarters are, at first, met with a familiar reticence to talk... She dismisses the concerns about her mood. Insists that there are plenty of shipwrecks left to keep her in good supply of useful salvage. She quickly rebuffs any effort to delve deeper into her well-being...
...and yet, over time, Sir Beauregard's earnest charms begin to work their magic on the kobold. She opens up slightly, showing him some of her favorite finds and speaking more candidly about her day to day stresses and frustrations. Eventually she finally mentions the source of her woe.... Family.
Myla's twin brothers, Mek and Minn, were residents here until fairly recently. They left about two weeks ago without a word. Before that, they'd started disappearing on "outings" for longer and longer without inviting her. They began talking to some of the other kobolds about their "complaints" regarding Mistress Runara's leadership. Then one day... the same day you all set the cursed crew to rest... the twins came back to Myla, asking her to come with them, saying Runara's time is over. She asked what they meant by that, but they wouldn't say. After they left, all that remained was an uncanny sense that she'd never see them again. Myla actually weeps at this story. Sir Beauregard is, as always, a wonderful comfort...
As they part, Myla asks Sir Beauregard not to repeat the story she told. She doesn't want to start a panic, and she doesn't want to tarnish her siblings names any further than they have themselves. Will Sir Beauregard comply?
The morning air is gorgeous... the reprieve from the lighting makes up for the slight drizzle of the now ever-present rain.
Your mood is further buoyed when you each receive the most welcome sound imaginable... the knock of Agga informing you that "Mistress Runara" requesting a private audience at the temple of Bahamut.
You say your thanks and follow the kobold up to the temple. There, standing in front of the altar is the High Elder of Dragon's Rest, Runara herself.
She bows to you slightly and says... "I'm afraid I have something to show you that might come as a bit of a shock. So please, take a moment and tell me when you are ready..."
When you're ready...
There’s a flash like a silent stroke of lightning, and the human woman is gone. In her place is an enormous dragon with bronze-colored scales.
“Now you see me as I truly am,” she says, tilting her head with an expression that might be a smile on her scaled face. Her voice rings out with a distinct metallic reverberation. Her breath smells of sea spray and bronze. "I apologize for the ruse... However, for my safety and your own, I thought it would be prudent to avoid revealing my true form before you'd proved yourselves. Now, indeed, you have... and if you're ready, I'll explain how our cloister needs your aid one last time."
Morlock looks surprised at the transformation, but quickly realizes the tingle in the back of his brain telling him something magical was a foot. He look of surprise changes to one of caring and interest. "How can we be of service to you and the cloister?"
Sir Beauregard places a hand on Myla’s shoulder. “I will not betray your confidence Myla if that is what you wish. But as one who has carried a burden all my life, I can tell you it would be best to share your sadness with the others. There is something larger happening here, something beyond the two of them, that causes the Mistress to disappear and nobody will talk of it. A group of happy innocents is turned secretive and fearful. Joy and beauty take root in camaraderie more easily than in sullen silence.” He sits sadly for a moment.
Then the knight cheers up a bit. “But do not lose hope. This island is not so very big. Perhaps I can find them and learn what is wrong. This talk of Mistress Runara’s "time” is no reason for a family to sunder! Do you have any idea where they might be? No matter! Sune will guide me!”
Sir Beauregard laughs. “Dragon’s Rest indeed!” He kneels and looks up at the dragon. “I do not doubt your wisdom but am surprised you are so sure you will never need aid again. The Knights of the Ruby Rose will answer this call and any other.” He rises.
“But I worry, Mistress, for secrecy, shame, and fear still plague this place. I hope the task you set us will strike to the heart of what ails this sanctum.”
Vinn jumps, nearly wildshaping from instinct to self preserve. The genasi then steps back, and goes from fear to complete wonder at the mistress's magnitude. He is dazzled by how brightly her metallic scales shine.
"Your breath smells nice," Vinn barely manages to say.
Vinn looks to the others for their reaction, and tries to relax, but his heart still races. "You're nothing like the dragons I've read about. Maybe even better. How could you need our help? You're... you're a dragon! You're supposed to be awesome!"
Vinn looks at Sir Beauregard and pictures dragons trying to dance ballroom style (an elegant dance to match their magnificence). Vinn imagines them with their arms outstretched, in an attempt to embrace one another, but their limbs always fell short. He sees the dragons eventually using their wings to look beautiful in their form-- knocking trees down and crumbling mountain sides as they twirled.
The world would shuddder whenever dragons tried to dance, Vinn concludes and agrees. "Got it..."
Sir Beauregard continues to look out over the sea, attempting to look concerned but serene at the same time. Eventually he coughs and breaks in. “We won’t be drowning anyone, but I would like to meet the other half of this demonic couple.” Absent anything more from Varnoth, Sir Beauregard drops by the kitchen and finds some food. He then establishes himself in the temple, taking a long rest in front of the offering so Aleitha will have to step over him if she comes to get it back. “Stay close and stay ready. Expect visitors.”
Augustus chuckles at Vinn's suggestion, "I appreciate the vote of confidence, lad, but my only love's the sea. I'm not sure I'm ready for a commitment as big as that, especially with the undead. I was only mostly dead, there's a big difference between full dead, and mostly dead. As for the husband, I agree with Sir Beauregard. Let's start with bringing the talisman to him, and if that doesn't work, and he'd still like to join his wife, perhaps we can help to shepherd him to his rest at her side." Turning to Varnoth he asks directly, "Have you heard of one named 'Brastos' that may have lived or died here?"
Varnoth shakes her head in response to Augustus's question.
"I don't know the name, and I know everyone in this cloister... But my time here hasn't been long... and that wreck? From what I understand it's been here for nearly a decade."
Her eyes lift to a small dirt path that leads northwest, away from the temple.
"If this star crossed lover never left the island... It's possible you may find him laid to rest in a small cemetery out that way."
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
"A decade?" Vinn looks at Ziegler, Augustus, and Morlock. "Whoever your contact is, was really late to send you all on this mission."
When the conversation is done, Vinn will heed Sir Beauregard's warnings, and will tell Frub amd the other kobolds to be careful of any demonic or undead disturbances that may come. His only advice to them is to run to Sir Beauregard for safety, as that's his own backup plan.
"One of life's great journeys is hand-in-hand with true love. It would only be fitting if we deliver this token of love to it's partner, " Z says with a look to the others.
Replying to Vinn, Augustus will say, "Aye, the captain that ferried us this way said it was a while ago and that this was the first chance she'd had to ask someone to follow up on 'er missing friend." Turning to the group, "It seems the best place to start our search is that cemetery! Perhaps it's better to go sooner rather than later, in case the presence of this talisman begins disturbing those beneath the earth as well as the sea, now that we've brought it ashore." To Varnoth, "would you mind if we take the talisman with us? I don't mean to disturb your offering, but it seems that it's fated for another's tribute."
Varnoth removes the talisman and hands it to Augustus. "You chose this task, I trust you all to see it through as you see fit. If you'd like, I can accompany you to the cemetery, in case your greatest concerns are warranted."
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Sir Beauregard looks somewhat disappointed that a meal and rest is not in the offing. “Right then, to the cemetery! Since we know where we may find him, better to see what we can learn there before the army of the dead strike!”
Varnoth retrieves a small lantern to light your way up the narrow dirt path. You arrive in a small clearing overlooking the ocean beyond.
It's too dark to see for certain, but you believe this place of eternal rest might even overlook the distant archipelago that serves as the final port for The Compass Rose. You can almost hear the infernal screech of the possibly undead harpies echoing over the waves in the distance. No time to wait and find out.
Varnoth passes the beam of light from the bullseye lantern over the grave markers. The graves in the little clifftop cemetery are covered in white wildflowers and marked with simple slabs of stone and wood. Some are old enough that the etching has eroded entirely... But finally she finds it... Two simple words: "Brastos. Devoted."
An unnatural flurry seems to pick up the moment you spot the grave. On the wind you hear an aching, distant amorphous voice that seems unable to form words...
Varnoth looks to Augustus.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Augustus will solemnly retrieve the braided hair, and hold it in his palm, secured with a thumb as the flurry whips around them.
"To be parted from your deepest love is oft said to be a fate worse than death. Something I'm sure you know much too well. With this talisman, your fates are entwined. I hope with its return to you, that you can both finally know the rest you've sought for so long. Together."
Augustus will kneel down before the grave, and use his hand to dig a small depression in the dirt. He'll place the talisman within it, sprinkling a bit of salted earth over it from his pouch.
"As the tide comes and goes, so must we. And as the waves create the sea, together we are part of something greater than we could ever hope to understand. To find one who will sail at your side is a gift greater than any other. May you both find peace and rest together on the Shores Beyond."
Sir Beauregard says a silent prayer to Sune that she will grant these lovers peace despite their foolish invocation of darker powers.
To the grave, Z says with a bowed head, "Because death is the only thing that could have ever kept both of you from each other. A part of you is reunited."
As you whisper your words, the sound of the undead harpies becomes slightly clearer... However, the moment the talisman touches the ground, they sound disappears entirely. The air seems to sigh... The flurried breeze grows calm, and the chill in the air fades away.
The clouds above part, allowing moonlight to shine on the grave marking. The white wildflowers even bloom briefly in its illumination.
You make your way back to the cloister in reverent silence. As you walk, you look off toward the northern coast and notice a heavy fog descending where the archipelago would be. What it means, you can't quite tell. With your duties completed, you all return to your quarters and bed down for the night....
Dragon's Rest
22nd Day of Leaffall, 1491 DR
Morning
You wake in the morning to a commotion. As each of you emerge, you hear the news. The reef of shipwrecks is gone! Apparently an unnatural fog covered that corner of the island late at night. By dawn the fog had cleared, along with graveyard of ships that had long cursed its shores.
There's a sense of celebration in the air. Everyone seems to take this as a good omen and has assembled at the temple to catch a glimpse of the apparent miracle. You find Varnoth there, who gives you all an approving, respectful nod.
The only person who seems out of sorts is the kobold scavenger, Myla. You catch sight of her for only a moment looking glum and forlorn as she turns away and heads back down toward the living quarters. Before you have a chance to pursue, you are surrounded by kobolds peppering you with eager questions about your adventure.
It's due to be a day of celebration... but an exhausting one to be sure.
Congratulations!
You have completed the chapter!
You've earned a level up + 10 downtime days!
We'll discuss next steps and other Adventurer's League reward details via Discord.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Dragon's Rest
Despite removing the curse of the Compass Rose, the past ten days have been marked with a notable cloud of unspoken tension and uncertainty among the cloister's inhabitants.
Mistress Runara hasn't been seen since she sent you on your last quest. There's members of the kobold population you haven't seen for a while either. You've brought up your observations with Tarak, Varnoth, Agga and even Frubnotsosmart... but all your inquiries are met with deflection,
The weather, of late, reflects the distress among the residents. Persistent storm clouds churn overhead, releasing brilliant streaks of lightning in intricate patterns and vibrant colors. In truth, it would be a welcome spectacle if it didn't seem like a dark omen of things to come.
Sir Beauregard's visits to the kobold Myla's quarters are, at first, met with a familiar reticence to talk... She dismisses the concerns about her mood. Insists that there are plenty of shipwrecks left to keep her in good supply of useful salvage. She quickly rebuffs any effort to delve deeper into her well-being...
...and yet, over time, Sir Beauregard's earnest charms begin to work their magic on the kobold. She opens up slightly, showing him some of her favorite finds and speaking more candidly about her day to day stresses and frustrations. Eventually she finally mentions the source of her woe.... Family.
Myla's twin brothers, Mek and Minn, were residents here until fairly recently. They left about two weeks ago without a word. Before that, they'd started disappearing on "outings" for longer and longer without inviting her. They began talking to some of the other kobolds about their "complaints" regarding Mistress Runara's leadership. Then one day... the same day you all set the cursed crew to rest... the twins came back to Myla, asking her to come with them, saying Runara's time is over. She asked what they meant by that, but they wouldn't say. After they left, all that remained was an uncanny sense that she'd never see them again. Myla actually weeps at this story. Sir Beauregard is, as always, a wonderful comfort...
As they part, Myla asks Sir Beauregard not to repeat the story she told. She doesn't want to start a panic, and she doesn't want to tarnish her siblings names any further than they have themselves. Will Sir Beauregard comply?
1st Day of Uktar, 1491 DR
The morning air is gorgeous... the reprieve from the lighting makes up for the slight drizzle of the now ever-present rain.
Your mood is further buoyed when you each receive the most welcome sound imaginable... the knock of Agga informing you that "Mistress Runara" requesting a private audience at the temple of Bahamut.
You say your thanks and follow the kobold up to the temple. There, standing in front of the altar is the High Elder of Dragon's Rest, Runara herself.
She bows to you slightly and says... "I'm afraid I have something to show you that might come as a bit of a shock. So please, take a moment and tell me when you are ready..."
When you're ready...
There’s a flash like a silent stroke of lightning, and the human woman is gone. In her place is an enormous dragon with bronze-colored scales.
“Now you see me as I truly am,” she says, tilting her head with an expression that might be a smile on her scaled face. Her voice rings out with a distinct metallic reverberation. Her breath smells of sea spray and bronze. "I apologize for the ruse... However, for my safety and your own, I thought it would be prudent to avoid revealing my true form before you'd proved yourselves. Now, indeed, you have... and if you're ready, I'll explain how our cloister needs your aid one last time."
What would you like to do?
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Morlock looks surprised at the transformation, but quickly realizes the tingle in the back of his brain telling him something magical was a foot. He look of surprise changes to one of caring and interest. "How can we be of service to you and the cloister?"
D&D since 1984
Sir Beauregard places a hand on Myla’s shoulder. “I will not betray your confidence Myla if that is what you wish. But as one who has carried a burden all my life, I can tell you it would be best to share your sadness with the others. There is something larger happening here, something beyond the two of them, that causes the Mistress to disappear and nobody will talk of it. A group of happy innocents is turned secretive and fearful. Joy and beauty take root in camaraderie more easily than in sullen silence.” He sits sadly for a moment.
Then the knight cheers up a bit. “But do not lose hope. This island is not so very big. Perhaps I can find them and learn what is wrong. This talk of Mistress Runara’s "time” is no reason for a family to sunder! Do you have any idea where they might be? No matter! Sune will guide me!”
Sir Beauregard laughs. “Dragon’s Rest indeed!” He kneels and looks up at the dragon. “I do not doubt your wisdom but am surprised you are so sure you will never need aid again. The Knights of the Ruby Rose will answer this call and any other.” He rises.
“But I worry, Mistress, for secrecy, shame, and fear still plague this place. I hope the task you set us will strike to the heart of what ails this sanctum.”
Vinn jumps, nearly wildshaping from instinct to self preserve. The genasi then steps back, and goes from fear to complete wonder at the mistress's magnitude. He is dazzled by how brightly her metallic scales shine.
"Your breath smells nice," Vinn barely manages to say.
Vinn looks to the others for their reaction, and tries to relax, but his heart still races. "You're nothing like the dragons I've read about. Maybe even better. How could you need our help? You're... you're a dragon! You're supposed to be awesome!"
Sir Beauregard whispers to Vinn, “When dragons dance, the world shudders. Perhaps that is why we are needed.”
Vinn looks at Sir Beauregard and pictures dragons trying to dance ballroom style (an elegant dance to match their magnificence). Vinn imagines them with their arms outstretched, in an attempt to embrace one another, but their limbs always fell short. He sees the dragons eventually using their wings to look beautiful in their form-- knocking trees down and crumbling mountain sides as they twirled.
The world would shuddder whenever dragons tried to dance, Vinn concludes and agrees. "Got it..."