Messalina bows before the five dragons. "Thank you for your understanding and benevolence. I'm sure that the humanoid races of Faerun will repay your willingness to fight alongside them."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
With having reached a satisfactory agreement with the dragons, Otaaryliakkarnos offers to return you all to Waterdeep to let the council know an agreement has been reached. The details and terms — including any concessions promised by you all — can be discussed during the next council session.
SESSION 2: THE SECOND SESSION / NERONVAIN / METALLIC DRAGONS / THE CULT STRIKES BACK
NEW MISSION: NERONVAIN Delaan Winterhound of the Emerald Enclave is involved with investigations into recent dragon attacks in the Misty Forest. King Melandrach waves away Delaan’s concerns, saying that dragon attacks in the area have stopped since his elves increased their patrols and fortified their positions. Set out and discover the truth.
NEW MISSION: METALLIC DRAGONS, ARISE - COMPLETE During the council, you are introduced to the silver dragon Otaaryliakkarnos, in her human guise as Elia. She bears an invitation from the metallic dragons to a council of their own, and the council delegates ask the adventurers to attend. You have swayed the metallic dragons to assist against the Cult
SESSION 2: THE SECOND SESSION / NERONVAIN / METALLIC DRAGONS / THE CULT STRIKES BACK
"No, that's ok." she admitted. "Don't worry about that for now."
SESSION 2: THE SECOND SESSION / NERONVAIN / METALLIC DRAGONS / THE CULT STRIKES BACK
According to scout reports, with the loss of Skyreach Castle at the end of Hoard of the Dragon Queen, the Cult of the Dragon’s efforts to gather Tiamat’s tribute were badly compromised. To compensate, the cultists launched several raids against the elves of the Misty Forest, led by Wyrmspeaker Neronvain and his companion, the green dragon Chuth. Delaan Winterhound, a council member, comes to you all while you are returning to the city after completing the latest episode. He speaks of the draconic incursions in the Misty Forest mentioned at the council, and says that the Emerald Enclave’s agents have been working with the support of Prince Alagarthas to prevent a new round of attacks. With his agents already scattered throughout the Misty Forest, he wants you all to travel to one of the few dragon-raided settlements left standing in the aftermath — a village called Altand. If Delaan’s belief that the mysterious master of the green dragon was one of the cult’s wyrmspeakers is true, the survivors of Altand might know something that will help find him.
THE MISTY FOREST
The mist in the forest is omnipresent. Though it can be ignored inside buildings, all outdoor areas of the forest are lightly obscured.
ALTAND
Altand is primarily a wood elf settlement, blending almost seamlessly into the forest around it. The village exists on two levels, with a few structures built on the ground around an ancient monument to an elven ranger. Residences and the village temple are built into the upper boughs of the forest. The elves string rope bridges between these sites and construct circular walkways around the trees. Like many other settlements raided by the dragon, pulley-operated platforms connect the two levels of the village, and provide an excellent defense against the orcs that occasionally enter the forest as an alternative to raiding human settlements along the Trade Way. However, those defenses proved a deathtrap against the flying green dragon, leaving many elves unable to reach the ground quickly enough to escape.
Of the three hundred residents of the village, more than half survived the raid — a different outcome than at other raided settlements, where the dragon hunted and killed the elves to the last adult and child. Many of the residents of Altand were on the ground when the attack came. Of the elves in the upper level of the village, many died of the dragon’s poisonous breath while waiting to descend, or fell to their deaths as bridges and walkways collapsed under the weight of panic.
As you approach the village, the survivors look at you with faces of fear, lost hope, and curiosity. Most likely, one of them have news or can take you to someone in charge.
You are all directed to a residence in the upper boughs of the village. Stepping into a modest dwelling suspended among iron-strong boughs, you enter a cozy sitting room. A slim elf sits at a desk, standing to greet you with a forced smile as a raven perched in a nearby cage caws hideously. “Welcome to our village,”the elf says. “I am Galin. How can I be of service?”
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Astrid approaches Galin...”Master Galin....apologies. I am Astrid Holmes, a representative of the Harpers. Councilman Delaan Winterbound sent us to investigate the recent dragon attacks on villages across the land. We recently heard about the dastardly incursion into your esteemed village. I’m quite sorry for your loss, Master. Evil is afoot here.....Have you any evidence of who might be behind these attacks? We’ve heard rumors of a particularly evil Wyrmspeaker that might be implicit.”
Galin, who lost his wife during the attack, replies in a somber tone.
"The dragon swooped down and attacked on the ground first. Nearly half of the village’s victims died during that first assault. Humans in the regalia of the Cult of the Dragon followed the dragon, killing all those they found. The village’s priest stepped out to lead others in fighting the dragon, but the beast swallowed him whole. Some survivors claim to have seen a cultist riding atop the dragon. Most of them refer to the dragon rider as human, like the other cultists. However, a few people report that the figure moved with the grace of an elf. With the priest dead, I have become the leader of Altand. Though I was in the thick of the fight, I survived unscathed, and have been a potent force for rallying the survivors. The attack lasted only a short while, then the dragon unexpectedly retreated. The cultists followed, but as they fled, they took nothing of value from the village. This is a stark contrast to the dragon’s other raids, which were focused on capturing treasure. We made covert attempts to follow them, and know where they are hiding out. I will give you the directions."
Li'riya stiffens when the rider is referred to as an elf. She nods at the directions to the cultist's hiding spot. "If the rider is an elf," she whispers to the others. "Leave them to me."
Suffering was nothing new to Bell. When she plopped out of the bag of holding, they were already in Altand and when she saw the destruction the dragon caused this town she forced herself to repress a memory. Just like how a dragon had burned down her village except there were more survivors aside from her, but they were all terrified. Hope for them was lost and the kenku wanted to try to bring some of it back.
While the group had gone off to speak with the leader, Bell opted to stay behind and offer her services; whether it be helping bury and pray for the dead, heal, or feed those who needed to be fed (in which she just dumped the entirety of her corn chip bag), she wanted to bring back something for these people.
When they were ready to depart, Bell remained silent for a long while.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
As you all travel through the forest towards the Cult hideout, you hear the crunch of a large tree breaking, followed by a female voice crying out. Off in the distance, you can see a venerable woman with her leg trapped under a heavy fallen tree. She calls out for help.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Bell is shaken from her thoughts at the sound of the tree crashing and the woman’s screams. Without any hesitation, Bell rushes over in a panic, and using her tiny arms, tries to lift the tree trunk off the woman!
Str (If I nat20 this I deserve an award): 4
Bell looks super cute trying to lift the trunk but she caws for the help of her friends!
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Messalina is too weak to actually move the tree, but she does brace against Bell, giving the smaller (and stronger) Cleric some help in lifting the trunk.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
It takes all your effort to lift the tree, knowing that you put yourselves at risk if it shifts against you. But then even as you are close to freeing the woman, the tree begins to rise on its own. Two other trees standing nearby shift back along the ground as the elf stands and smiles, showing no sign of injury. “Heroes at last!”she says. “How many might fall back in fear at the sight of a stranger in the woods, or think first of their own safety before helping another? I grant you my blessing. May your hearts prove true where others fear to tread.” The woman picks flowers from her hair that you swear were not there a moment ago, then twists her fingers to weave them into garlands as if by magic. She lays a garland around each of your necks, then suddenly transforms into an owl. Her awakened tree servants stomp after her into the forest.
As long as you wear these garlands, you remain invisible to the Ancient Green Dragon Chuth’s animal spies as you approach Neronvain’s stronghold. In addition, the first time you are wearing the garland and are confronted by Chuth, you feel a stirring warmth from the garland and automatically succeed on the saving throw against the dragon’s Frightful Presence.
Neronvain's Stronghold can be seen way in the distance. Even from here, you can sense a dangerous force of evil.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Astrid strolls up, and snide remarks “You three noodles need my help?” Just as she drops her pack and reaches in to help, Camilla-the-Barbarian lifts the tree up. “Whoa nelly, you been secretly hiding those muscles from us the entries time?!”
Astrid casts an inquisitive eye towards the wood elf, trying to decide whether she is truly the good Samaritan she comes across as, or if she just cursed her friends with some sort of bewitching. Ever the skeptic! Investigation: 24
"That was unexpected, but pleasant none the less. There's nothing to be afraid of Astrid. She was merely a woman who gave a reward to her benefactors. Not everyone is trying to kill us."
Tazmikella: Friendly
Nymmurh: Friendly
Otaaryliakkarnos: Friendly
Zelifarna: Friendly
Protanther: Consessioned
Messalina bows before the five dragons. "Thank you for your understanding and benevolence. I'm sure that the humanoid races of Faerun will repay your willingness to fight alongside them."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
With having reached a satisfactory agreement with the dragons, Otaaryliakkarnos offers to return you all to Waterdeep to let the council know an agreement has been reached. The details and terms — including any concessions promised by you all — can be discussed during the next council session.
SESSION 2: THE SECOND SESSION / NERONVAIN / METALLIC DRAGONS / THE CULT STRIKES BACK
NEW MISSION: NERONVAIN
Delaan Winterhound of the Emerald Enclave is involved with investigations into recent dragon attacks in the Misty Forest. King Melandrach waves away Delaan’s concerns, saying that dragon attacks in the area have stopped since his elves increased their patrols and fortified their positions. Set out and discover the truth.
NEW MISSION: METALLIC DRAGONS, ARISE - COMPLETE
During the council, you are introduced to the silver dragon Otaaryliakkarnos, in her human guise as Elia. She bears an invitation from the metallic dragons to a council of their own, and the council delegates ask the adventurers to attend. You have swayed the metallic dragons to assist against the Cult
SESSION 2: THE SECOND SESSION / NERONVAIN / METALLIC DRAGONS / THE CULT STRIKES BACK
"Camilla, do you need me to get another Dagger of Warning before we go to the Forest?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"No, that's ok." she admitted. "Don't worry about that for now."
SESSION 2: THE SECOND SESSION / NERONVAIN / METALLIC DRAGONS / THE CULT STRIKES BACK
According to scout reports, with the loss of Skyreach Castle at the end of Hoard of the Dragon Queen, the Cult of the Dragon’s efforts to gather Tiamat’s tribute were badly compromised. To compensate, the cultists launched several raids against the elves of the Misty Forest, led by Wyrmspeaker Neronvain and his companion, the green dragon Chuth. Delaan Winterhound, a council member, comes to you all while you are returning to the city after completing the latest episode. He speaks of the draconic incursions in the Misty Forest mentioned at the council, and says that the Emerald Enclave’s agents have been working with the support of Prince Alagarthas to prevent a new round of attacks. With his agents already scattered throughout the Misty Forest, he wants you all to travel to one of the few dragon-raided settlements left standing in the aftermath — a village called Altand. If Delaan’s belief that the mysterious master of the green dragon was one of the cult’s wyrmspeakers is true, the survivors of Altand might know something that will help find him.
THE MISTY FOREST
The mist in the forest is omnipresent. Though it can be ignored inside buildings, all outdoor areas of the forest are lightly obscured.
ALTAND
Altand is primarily a wood elf settlement, blending almost seamlessly into the forest around it. The village exists on two levels, with a few structures built on the ground around an ancient monument to an elven ranger. Residences and the village temple are built into the upper boughs of the forest. The elves string rope bridges between these sites and construct circular walkways around the trees. Like many other settlements raided by the dragon, pulley-operated platforms connect the two levels of the village, and provide an excellent defense against the orcs that occasionally enter the forest as an alternative to raiding human settlements along the Trade Way. However, those defenses proved a deathtrap against the flying green dragon, leaving many elves unable to reach the ground quickly enough to escape.
Of the three hundred residents of the village, more than half survived the raid — a different outcome than at other raided settlements, where the dragon hunted and killed the elves to the last adult and child. Many of the residents of Altand were on the ground when the attack came. Of the elves in the upper level of the village, many died of the dragon’s poisonous breath while waiting to descend, or fell to their deaths as bridges and walkways collapsed under the weight of panic.
As you approach the village, the survivors look at you with faces of fear, lost hope, and curiosity. Most likely, one of them have news or can take you to someone in charge.
Li'riya looks around, eyes sad as she takes in the devastation. She moves over to the nearest elf. "Can...can you bring us to someone in charge?"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
GALIN
You are all directed to a residence in the upper boughs of the village. Stepping into a modest dwelling suspended among iron-strong boughs, you enter a cozy sitting room. A slim elf sits at a desk, standing to greet you with a forced smile as a raven perched in a nearby cage caws hideously. “Welcome to our village,” the elf says. “I am Galin. How can I be of service?”
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Astrid approaches Galin...”Master Galin....apologies. I am Astrid Holmes, a representative of the Harpers. Councilman Delaan Winterbound sent us to investigate the recent dragon attacks on villages across the land. We recently heard about the dastardly incursion into your esteemed village. I’m quite sorry for your loss, Master. Evil is afoot here.....Have you any evidence of who might be behind these attacks? We’ve heard rumors of a particularly evil Wyrmspeaker that might be implicit.”
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Galin, who lost his wife during the attack, replies in a somber tone.
"The dragon swooped down and attacked on the ground first. Nearly half of the village’s victims died during that first assault. Humans in the regalia of the Cult of the Dragon followed the dragon, killing all those they found. The village’s priest stepped out to lead others in fighting the dragon, but the beast swallowed him whole. Some survivors claim to have seen a cultist riding atop the dragon. Most of them refer to the dragon rider as human, like the other cultists. However, a few people report that the figure moved with the grace of an elf. With the priest dead, I have become the leader of Altand. Though I was in the thick of the fight, I survived unscathed, and have been a potent force for rallying the survivors. The attack lasted only a short while, then the dragon unexpectedly retreated. The cultists followed, but as they fled, they took nothing of value from the village. This is a stark contrast to the dragon’s other raids, which were focused on capturing treasure. We made covert attempts to follow them, and know where they are hiding out. I will give you the directions."
When you are ready to depart, we can begin.
Li'riya stiffens when the rider is referred to as an elf. She nods at the directions to the cultist's hiding spot. "If the rider is an elf," she whispers to the others. "Leave them to me."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Suffering was nothing new to Bell. When she plopped out of the bag of holding, they were already in Altand and when she saw the destruction the dragon caused this town she forced herself to repress a memory. Just like how a dragon had burned down her village except there were more survivors aside from her, but they were all terrified. Hope for them was lost and the kenku wanted to try to bring some of it back.
While the group had gone off to speak with the leader, Bell opted to stay behind and offer her services; whether it be helping bury and pray for the dead, heal, or feed those who needed to be fed (in which she just dumped the entirety of her corn chip bag), she wanted to bring back something for these people.
When they were ready to depart, Bell remained silent for a long while.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
IN THE FOREST
As you all travel through the forest towards the Cult hideout, you hear the crunch of a large tree breaking, followed by a female voice crying out. Off in the distance, you can see a venerable woman with her leg trapped under a heavy fallen tree. She calls out for help.
Bell is shaken from her thoughts at the sound of the tree crashing and the woman’s screams. Without any hesitation, Bell rushes over in a panic, and using her tiny arms, tries to lift the tree trunk off the woman!
Str (If I nat20 this I deserve an award): 4
Bell looks super cute trying to lift the trunk but she caws for the help of her friends!
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Messalina is too weak to actually move the tree, but she does brace against Bell, giving the smaller (and stronger) Cleric some help in lifting the trunk.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Noodles Camilla will also try and lift the tree just to be helpful and not stand there lol
POWER OF FRIENDSHIP STR ROLL!: 19
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
HEAVE!!!!!!
It takes all your effort to lift the tree, knowing that you put yourselves at risk if it shifts against you. But then even as you are close to freeing the woman, the tree begins to rise on its own. Two other trees standing nearby shift back along the ground as the elf stands and smiles, showing no sign of injury. “Heroes at last!” she says. “How many might fall back in fear at the sight of a stranger in the woods, or think first of their own safety before helping another? I grant you my blessing. May your hearts prove true where others fear to tread.” The woman picks flowers from her hair that you swear were not there a moment ago, then twists her fingers to weave them into garlands as if by magic. She lays a garland around each of your necks, then suddenly transforms into an owl. Her awakened tree servants stomp after her into the forest.
As long as you wear these garlands, you remain invisible to the Ancient Green Dragon Chuth’s animal spies as you approach Neronvain’s stronghold. In addition, the first time you are wearing the garland and are confronted by Chuth, you feel a stirring warmth from the garland and automatically succeed on the saving throw against the dragon’s Frightful Presence.
Neronvain's Stronghold can be seen way in the distance. Even from here, you can sense a dangerous force of evil.
Astrid strolls up, and snide remarks “You three noodles need my help?” Just as she drops her pack and reaches in to help, Camilla-the-Barbarian lifts the tree up. “Whoa nelly, you been secretly hiding those muscles from us the entries time?!”
Astrid casts an inquisitive eye towards the wood elf, trying to decide whether she is truly the good Samaritan she comes across as, or if she just cursed her friends with some sort of bewitching. Ever the skeptic! Investigation: 24
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
"That was unexpected, but pleasant none the less. There's nothing to be afraid of Astrid. She was merely a woman who gave a reward to her benefactors. Not everyone is trying to kill us."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Li'riya smiles faintly as the woman leaves, and murmurs a brief prayer in Elvish under her breath before turning to the others. "Shall we continue?"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!