Soar would ask if Silverhand has a person to keep an eye on Gwen while they are with the dragons. If not, the kobold inn or the chapterhouse would be good options. How's she doing in this city scene? I assume no more memories have come back to her? She's a bit nervous about bringing someone who's obviously being spied on for no known reason.
Soar would swap out her armor and weapons for the same versions of more Church of Kelemvor-looking armor, vestments, and weapons while visiting Ariana Deraray. She asks her mentor if there is anything she can tell the Council of Dragons that the religious orders could offer for draconic commitment, or if she can at least update them on what they plan for the cult in the coming battle, given their coordination with the Order of the Gauntlet.
To En, Soar says, "I totally understand. You didn't have to join me even this far. Thank you for your assistance. Your aid in helping me to fly during that fight was invaluable, as was your assistance in bringing the diamond to bring back Tangle. Explore the city, let me write down some good options for you to check out, and some things to stay away from. We should be back, hopefully within a few days, a tenday at most. Thank you, my powerful friend, for your assistance. I hope to see you soon."She writes down some interesting places for them to check out (gardens, markets, sights, sounds, towers, piers, spooky houses, etc). She also writes down some places to stay away from (Lasfelfro's prison, Blackstaff tower, too-creepy places that she knows are dangerous from her time here). If they want to spy on people while invisible, she gives some pointers of the type of people to watch out for (meaning dangers to spot, and topics of note to listen for). Would be great to learn more about the cult and their plans.
Has En noticed anyone watching the Inn? (I can't remember if we were ambushed here or another place in the city last time we were here.) Soar's eyes are drawn to alleys and rooftops as well as she waits for the others to assemble.
Lady Silverhand would have been reluctant to take care of Gwen, but is willing to have someone study her. The kobolds are quite happy to look after her, and she does seem to get on well with them. She seems to think they're cute, and they are very friendly towards her.
Ariana knows less of the Council of Dragons than you do, other than that they are followers of Bahamut and would oppose the coming of Tiamat if they believe that to be a real threat. She doesn't really have anything that would be of interest to the Council of Dragons, other than to say that the whole of the Sword Coast is united against them, as they rarely are. She suggests that a follower of Bahamut would likely have most success in persuading them, from what little she knows. She is unwilling to share specific battle plans as you are not currently part of the military preparations, but assures you they will be active in the fighting when it comes.
En seems a little embarrassed. "It's not that I don't want to go with you, but I don't think I'd be very helpful. You're much better at talking than me. And I don't think I like dragons here very much. They're not much fun." They take your notes, but don't seem that interested in spying. They haven't noticed anyone dangerous near the inn.
Titus, Marok's shop is as unwelcoming as you remember it, and just as secure - heavy wooden doors and shutters with impressive locks that would give you no trouble at all, were you so inclined. This is not a place people come when times are good, and many folk have lost much in the current Dragon Cult crisis. Marok is doing very well for himself, and as he opens the door in response to your knock, a grimace comes over his face that might almost be a smile. He lets you in, offers you some ale (good quality) and you spend an hour or so in conversation.
Regarding the questions you mentioned, there are said to be many powerful artifacts in the city but most are owned by those who intend to use them in the upcoming confrontation with the Cult of the Dragon and their allies. Those that are not have been requisitioned by the Council and then distributed among the more powerful warriors of Waterdeep; you may persuade the Council to lend you something, but he doesn't fancy your chances. He has little aid to offer you here. He's heard a little of the bickering between various members of the Council, but doesn't think they're likely to break the thing apart any time soon, not with the danger the city is facing.
He has more to say on the subject of what the Cult of the Dragon has been doing in the city in the last few weeks. That is to say, they did seem to be on the lookout for something or someone. He's heard rumours of masks, and wearers of masks - some say they are hunting for a black mask, but others say it is a blue mask that was stolen from them. Whatever it was, they seem to have found it, not in Waterdeep but elsewhere. Or so he thinks. The Cult has been seen less and less in the city of late.
Marok warns you of what he's heard from his old contacts in the Zhentarim - he is no longer a member, of course not, but it's just that he hears things from time to time. And the Zhentarim are more active of late, and seem interested in the doings of the Council and of the Champions of Waterdeep. You're not sure if he is aware of your direct connection now to that group (you can make an Insight check if you wish), but he knows their attention has been on Waterdeep since they lost a few agents in the last few months - he knows nothing of the details of that.
And finally, Marok warns you to be careful and watch your back - which he knows you always do anyway.
(If you have any other specific questions you would have asked, post them here. Otherwise you talk a little more, make your farewells, then head back to the Grinning Lion).
The following day, those of you who spent your night at the inn gather eventually. Titus had a late night - probably not unusual for him, but with no urgency to rise, perhaps he had a bit of a lazy morning and rose well past sunrise. Bazavur and Jalt, the kobolds would have wanted to spend time with you, hearing more about your adventures and getting your suggestions for how they should spend their time. They are now effectively running the inn, apparently paying a fee to the old innkeeper who has pretty much retired - and seem interested to know what you think about that.
You gather, as agreed, in the late morning at the mansion of Lady Silverhand. 'Elia' is gone, and the great silver dragon Otaaryliakkarnos sits in the expensive-looking gardens, grumbling as several of the manor's guards are attaching some kind of harness to her. It's not a great fit, but though she complains about how they are handling the job she is not resisting. As you get a bit closer, you can see there are smaller rope attached to it - the intention is clearly that you tie yourselves to it so you don't fall off during the flight. "A necessary precaution," the dragon says, sounding resigned. "I have done this before. You folk have such weak grips. We will be flying high, and doubtless I could swoop down and catch you in time should you fall, but I would prefer not to lose the time. We should arrive at our destination late tomorrow, I think."
Lady Silverhand presents Soar with a letter, naming all five of you as the Champions of Waterdeep, representatives of the Council and ambassadors to the Council of Dragons. You can see that it is stamped with the seal of Waterdeep, the seal of the Open Lord, and the personal seal of House Silverhand. "I offer you this, but cannot advise you on when or whether to use it. It may help, but some may notice the lack of other seals on it and question you as to why. There is no deep division in the Council I think, and I could get the seals if we had time, but we do not."
You strap yourselves to the curious leather and wooden harness that Otaaryliakkarnos now wears, and with a great leap she sets off into the air. The presence of a dragon has not gone unnoticed, and there is quite a crowd waiting beyond the walls of the mansion, cheering as you go - though they are left far behind very quickly.
The journey of the first day begins. As she promised, Otaaryliakkarnos flies high - you can see little on the ground beyond the largest of features. She is headed east, and explains that the dragons are meeting in the Nether Mountains, near the great desert of Anauroch.
How do you think your character would react to this experience? I expect it would be new for most of you. Would you say anything to each other, or to the dragon, during the journey? And anyone who wishes to can make a Perception check as you look around at the magnificent view.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tobin:
Perception: 8
Tobin is ecstatic about the journey itself, excited to be riding a dragon and visibly restraining himself from asking a barrage of impertinent questions. Once they reach height, though, he is truly awestruck by the vista. From his securely-strapped-in vantage point he pulls out his journal and fights the wind to use his magic quill to take many notes on the geographical features one can only truly represent correctly on the map when view from high in the air. While he keeps having to close his book several times (the mostly blank journal) and re-summon his magic quill a handful of times as well from the ripping wind, the librarian ends up with copious notes and small sketches planned for later use in improving his collection of maps.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar assures En that they could be very hepful on the trip, but is fine with them staying in the city. Back at the inn, she marvels at how well the kobolds are running the inn, and takes in a hearty breakfast.
She watches the dragon being fitted with a harness with amazement after she realizes they will actually be riding a dragon.
Before leaving she does ask Lady Silverhand if there are red lines around what the Champions can and cannot offer to the dragons to convince them to join the fight against Tiamat.
The departure, to Soar, is almost more amazing than the first day's journey. Seeing her adopted home city from the air, and leaving it on the back of a dragon, well, it's almost more than she can process. Amazing to see the whole city spread out like a map, and the people watching. Soar waves. She cracks an astonished smile for the first time in what seems like forever. Perhaps this could be the turning point, and what a pivot! She raises her arms and exults in the flow of air past her fingertips, and feels each powerful wingbeat of the huge creature below her. Her new favorite thing. She watches the terrain fly past her, and she feels small, but she can't take her eyes off of it.
"We're pretty far from a months-long caravan trek, aren't we, Jalt?"she says over the roaring wind.
Perception: 23 (rolled in game roller)
She tries to sit closer to the front and would love to talk with Otaaryliakkarnos about the silver dragons she represents, the full council, Otaaryliakkarnos' life and exploits, her advice on what to say (and what NOT to say!), anything she can share. She doesn't want to distract or annoy, but if a conversation is possible, she definitely wants to listen and learn. She asks if the group can do anything to make the trek easier. And if Otaaryliakkarnos is interested, she would tell her own life story. Since the silver dragon is going to be their entry point into this new Council, she wants her to know everything about Soar (and the others, if they are able and willing to share), and she wants to know everything she can about the dragon. It's a full day, so this doesn't have to happen in one big spurt, but she'll pepper the conversational tries every now and again, when Otaaryliakkarnos seems bored or could use a good distraction.
Titus bundles himself up, pulling his cloak around him tightly and gripping the edges - his knuckle turning white from the effort. Flying is not new to him. Flying this high. Well....he doesn't care for it. Not at all.
Tobin, the notes you make are impressively detailed and utterly unreadable to anyone but you; it's hard to write in such an environment, but you are certain you can make sense of them, once you have a proper desk and four walls around you.
Soar, Lady Silverhand does not give any response other than to suggest you use your better judgement and remember that the Council wants allies and wants to unite behind you as their Champions - so don't give them a reason to balk at this.
Titus, as so often is the case, remains quiet, ever watchful, even listening.
During the journey, Otaaryliakkarnos will talk from time to time - she is interested in hearing Soar's life story, and will ask questions from time to time, especially about the dragon Soar has encountered - those defeated and those not yet defeated. Soar, with your perception check, you see the occasional flash of white in the very distance, and suspect that a familiar white dragon may be observing your path. It's unclear whether Otaaryliakkarnos has seen it too.
As the sun begins to set, the dragon lands in the middle of a forest, a clearing that she spotted from far off and you think perhaps where she has rested before. As you make camp, she remains in her dragon form, curled up at the side of the clearing, observing you with curiosity. Eventually, she seems interested in more conversation. "Be careful of asking too many questions. I wouldn't want my brethren to think you are spying. But I appreciate there are some things you should know, to help you prepare."
"Very well, let us begin with this. I will tell you of the others on the Council, but only one at a time. You have such small heads - who can say if too much information will make them explode? So, first you must approach Protanther, leader of the Gold dragons, and a former King of Justice. To approach the others before him would be seen as disrespectful. He has little interest in humanoid folk for the most part, but dislikes elves. Do you know of the Dracorage mythal?"
(Soar would have clearly pointed out the flashes of white to Otaaryliakkarnos during the flight. She wonders if dragons can sneak, or if she cares if the chromatic dragons know where the metallic dragons gather, or that they know that the party is meeting them.)
"I think you know that we couldn't be further from spies. Remember I told you about my short undercover career as 'Boar' with dyed black hair? It didn't work. No, we are simply people who want to stop a great evil, and we have been pushed into a desperate circumstance, in desperate times. I only know a bit of history, but from what I've learned, when people our size get into those kinds of situations, even the bigger and more powerful beings should help out, or get out of the way. I'd really hope they help. Thank you for your help."Soar says in response to the first bit.
She listens closely to the description of Protanther.
Soar looks at the rest of the party, but mainly Tobin, when she's asked about the Dracorage mythal. And understands that she'll either be operating at a disadvantage from the outset due to her being a half-elf, or that the party would benefit from someone else taking the lead when talking to Protanther.
Titus smiles to himself as the Dragon mentions the possibility of spying. His specialty is in gathering intelligence and then using it to formulate strategies to accomplish his employers' goals. So would call that espionage. Some would call it adventuring. Some would call it robbery, extortion, theft, and murder.
Depending on your perspective they would all be correct.
(During the flight, the dragon would have indicated to Soar that she was aware of the white dragon's presence, and somewhat surprised that you were perceptive enough to spot it.)
Titus, you have heard the words 'Dracorage mythal' and know it has something to do with a time well over a hundred years ago when many dragons went mad and attacked settlements across Faerun. This is ancient history, and you believe the person who told you the story ended it by saying the thing that caused the 'Dragon Rage', whatever it truly was, was destroyed.
Bazavur, you manage not to throw up on the flight. :)
Titus nods his head at the dragon's question 'I've heard of it - but from the time of legends and myths. It was a magical effect that triggered a rage of some sorts? That about right?'
Having heard the phrase before but not remembering in what context, Tobin is happy to let Titus and Soar guide the conversation as he takes notes in his journal...
"- Otaaryliakkarnos, silver dragon ally of Silverhand
- Dracorage mythal -- Rage?
Draconic Council
- Protanther, leader of the Gold dragons, and a former King of Justice. Approach him first when meeting the council, preferably with a non-elf."
Tobin looks expectantly at the massive dragon, waiting patiently for a response to the others' questions.
Titus, the dragon cocks her head, thinks for a moment, and then answers: "Yes. In ancient times, perhaps twenty thousand years ago. And then again, more recently, until it was stopped by dragons and heroes. The Dracorage mythal was a fey thing, crafted by the elves, abandoned by them and recovered by malevolent forces who used it in a world that had forgotten its power. This weighs on Protanther's mind, I think - the potential for evil from carelessness. I hope that you will demonstrate yourselves reliable, that is all."
Soar, she snorts. "Nothing at all. The draakhorn was created by Tiamat, to aid the dragons in the war against the giants. I heard its sounding, as I know all did. It would be interesting to know where the giants stand on the Cult of the Dragon. They would certainly oppose the return of Tiamat, it is true. I do not suggest you discuss this with the others, though. For obvious reasons." Whether these reasons are obvious to Soar or not, she does not appear to care and does not continue this line of thinking unless pushed.
You head to your bedrolls; Otaaryliakkarnos keeps watch for you, as I imagine will Tobin's scholar. In any case you are not disturbed during the night; if any of you wish to keep watch - for anything in particular - you may do so and roll a Perception check, but this is optional.
Morning comes, and you strap yourselves once again to Otaaryliakkarnos's great harness and the dragon takes flight again, headed east once more. The sky, clear the previous day, is cloudy and after an hour of flight you find yourselves entering a storm. Conversation becomes impossible as you are pelted with rain and forced to cling on to avoid being flung off the dragon's back. Though you are firmly tethered, it would be an uncomfortable experience to be tossed around in this manner, so you hold on with both hands and endure the storm's worst.
You can make a fresh Perception check here, if you wish. With disadvantage due to the storm, unless you have means to counter that.
Soar thinks about the cloud giant who was working with the cult and then persuaded to stop, after Soar and the others intervened. She has no idea what reasons the dragon meant. She would seek a chance to ask about other council members besides the gold dragon, if possible.
Soar rolls a 19 and a 24 (nat 20) on perception, via Avrae
Soar, for the moment the dragon seems very reluctant to talk about the other members of the Council, at least not in depth. She mentions that there are five in total, Protanther of the gold dragons, herself representing the silver dragons, and three others, brass, copper and bronze.
It seems Soar is the only one paying close enough attention, or at least looking in the right place, to see a flash of movement - wings? - in the darkness some way off, and then again, somewhat closer. She has just enough time to warn you all before Otaaryliakkarnos plunges into a sudden dive, twisting and rolling as something blasts past you. "We are attacked!" she calls to you, perhaps unnecessarily.
Everyone please make either a DEX or STR save to avoid being thrown off the dragon's back (you are tethered so you won't fall down to the ground, but you will have some disadvantages if you cannot maintain your grip).
And everyone please roll initiative against whatever is out there.
Soar would ask if Silverhand has a person to keep an eye on Gwen while they are with the dragons. If not, the kobold inn or the chapterhouse would be good options. How's she doing in this city scene? I assume no more memories have come back to her? She's a bit nervous about bringing someone who's obviously being spied on for no known reason.
Soar would swap out her armor and weapons for the same versions of more Church of Kelemvor-looking armor, vestments, and weapons while visiting Ariana Deraray. She asks her mentor if there is anything she can tell the Council of Dragons that the religious orders could offer for draconic commitment, or if she can at least update them on what they plan for the cult in the coming battle, given their coordination with the Order of the Gauntlet.
To En, Soar says, "I totally understand. You didn't have to join me even this far. Thank you for your assistance. Your aid in helping me to fly during that fight was invaluable, as was your assistance in bringing the diamond to bring back Tangle. Explore the city, let me write down some good options for you to check out, and some things to stay away from. We should be back, hopefully within a few days, a tenday at most. Thank you, my powerful friend, for your assistance. I hope to see you soon." She writes down some interesting places for them to check out (gardens, markets, sights, sounds, towers, piers, spooky houses, etc). She also writes down some places to stay away from (Lasfelfro's prison, Blackstaff tower, too-creepy places that she knows are dangerous from her time here). If they want to spy on people while invisible, she gives some pointers of the type of people to watch out for (meaning dangers to spot, and topics of note to listen for). Would be great to learn more about the cult and their plans.
Has En noticed anyone watching the Inn? (I can't remember if we were ambushed here or another place in the city last time we were here.) Soar's eyes are drawn to alleys and rooftops as well as she waits for the others to assemble.
Lady Silverhand would have been reluctant to take care of Gwen, but is willing to have someone study her. The kobolds are quite happy to look after her, and she does seem to get on well with them. She seems to think they're cute, and they are very friendly towards her.
Ariana knows less of the Council of Dragons than you do, other than that they are followers of Bahamut and would oppose the coming of Tiamat if they believe that to be a real threat. She doesn't really have anything that would be of interest to the Council of Dragons, other than to say that the whole of the Sword Coast is united against them, as they rarely are. She suggests that a follower of Bahamut would likely have most success in persuading them, from what little she knows. She is unwilling to share specific battle plans as you are not currently part of the military preparations, but assures you they will be active in the fighting when it comes.
En seems a little embarrassed. "It's not that I don't want to go with you, but I don't think I'd be very helpful. You're much better at talking than me. And I don't think I like dragons here very much. They're not much fun." They take your notes, but don't seem that interested in spying. They haven't noticed anyone dangerous near the inn.
Titus, Marok's shop is as unwelcoming as you remember it, and just as secure - heavy wooden doors and shutters with impressive locks that would give you no trouble at all, were you so inclined. This is not a place people come when times are good, and many folk have lost much in the current Dragon Cult crisis. Marok is doing very well for himself, and as he opens the door in response to your knock, a grimace comes over his face that might almost be a smile. He lets you in, offers you some ale (good quality) and you spend an hour or so in conversation.
Regarding the questions you mentioned, there are said to be many powerful artifacts in the city but most are owned by those who intend to use them in the upcoming confrontation with the Cult of the Dragon and their allies. Those that are not have been requisitioned by the Council and then distributed among the more powerful warriors of Waterdeep; you may persuade the Council to lend you something, but he doesn't fancy your chances. He has little aid to offer you here. He's heard a little of the bickering between various members of the Council, but doesn't think they're likely to break the thing apart any time soon, not with the danger the city is facing.
He has more to say on the subject of what the Cult of the Dragon has been doing in the city in the last few weeks. That is to say, they did seem to be on the lookout for something or someone. He's heard rumours of masks, and wearers of masks - some say they are hunting for a black mask, but others say it is a blue mask that was stolen from them. Whatever it was, they seem to have found it, not in Waterdeep but elsewhere. Or so he thinks. The Cult has been seen less and less in the city of late.
Marok warns you of what he's heard from his old contacts in the Zhentarim - he is no longer a member, of course not, but it's just that he hears things from time to time. And the Zhentarim are more active of late, and seem interested in the doings of the Council and of the Champions of Waterdeep. You're not sure if he is aware of your direct connection now to that group (you can make an Insight check if you wish), but he knows their attention has been on Waterdeep since they lost a few agents in the last few months - he knows nothing of the details of that.
And finally, Marok warns you to be careful and watch your back - which he knows you always do anyway.
(If you have any other specific questions you would have asked, post them here. Otherwise you talk a little more, make your farewells, then head back to the Grinning Lion).
The following day, those of you who spent your night at the inn gather eventually. Titus had a late night - probably not unusual for him, but with no urgency to rise, perhaps he had a bit of a lazy morning and rose well past sunrise. Bazavur and Jalt, the kobolds would have wanted to spend time with you, hearing more about your adventures and getting your suggestions for how they should spend their time. They are now effectively running the inn, apparently paying a fee to the old innkeeper who has pretty much retired - and seem interested to know what you think about that.
You gather, as agreed, in the late morning at the mansion of Lady Silverhand. 'Elia' is gone, and the great silver dragon Otaaryliakkarnos sits in the expensive-looking gardens, grumbling as several of the manor's guards are attaching some kind of harness to her. It's not a great fit, but though she complains about how they are handling the job she is not resisting. As you get a bit closer, you can see there are smaller rope attached to it - the intention is clearly that you tie yourselves to it so you don't fall off during the flight. "A necessary precaution," the dragon says, sounding resigned. "I have done this before. You folk have such weak grips. We will be flying high, and doubtless I could swoop down and catch you in time should you fall, but I would prefer not to lose the time. We should arrive at our destination late tomorrow, I think."
Lady Silverhand presents Soar with a letter, naming all five of you as the Champions of Waterdeep, representatives of the Council and ambassadors to the Council of Dragons. You can see that it is stamped with the seal of Waterdeep, the seal of the Open Lord, and the personal seal of House Silverhand. "I offer you this, but cannot advise you on when or whether to use it. It may help, but some may notice the lack of other seals on it and question you as to why. There is no deep division in the Council I think, and I could get the seals if we had time, but we do not."
You strap yourselves to the curious leather and wooden harness that Otaaryliakkarnos now wears, and with a great leap she sets off into the air. The presence of a dragon has not gone unnoticed, and there is quite a crowd waiting beyond the walls of the mansion, cheering as you go - though they are left far behind very quickly.
The journey of the first day begins. As she promised, Otaaryliakkarnos flies high - you can see little on the ground beyond the largest of features. She is headed east, and explains that the dragons are meeting in the Nether Mountains, near the great desert of Anauroch.
How do you think your character would react to this experience? I expect it would be new for most of you. Would you say anything to each other, or to the dragon, during the journey? And anyone who wishes to can make a Perception check as you look around at the magnificent view.
Tobin:
Perception: 8
Tobin is ecstatic about the journey itself, excited to be riding a dragon and visibly restraining himself from asking a barrage of impertinent questions. Once they reach height, though, he is truly awestruck by the vista. From his securely-strapped-in vantage point he pulls out his journal and fights the wind to use his magic quill to take many notes on the geographical features one can only truly represent correctly on the map when view from high in the air. While he keeps having to close his book several times (the mostly blank journal) and re-summon his magic quill a handful of times as well from the ripping wind, the librarian ends up with copious notes and small sketches planned for later use in improving his collection of maps.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar assures En that they could be very hepful on the trip, but is fine with them staying in the city. Back at the inn, she marvels at how well the kobolds are running the inn, and takes in a hearty breakfast.
She watches the dragon being fitted with a harness with amazement after she realizes they will actually be riding a dragon.
Before leaving she does ask Lady Silverhand if there are red lines around what the Champions can and cannot offer to the dragons to convince them to join the fight against Tiamat.
The departure, to Soar, is almost more amazing than the first day's journey. Seeing her adopted home city from the air, and leaving it on the back of a dragon, well, it's almost more than she can process. Amazing to see the whole city spread out like a map, and the people watching. Soar waves. She cracks an astonished smile for the first time in what seems like forever. Perhaps this could be the turning point, and what a pivot! She raises her arms and exults in the flow of air past her fingertips, and feels each powerful wingbeat of the huge creature below her. Her new favorite thing. She watches the terrain fly past her, and she feels small, but she can't take her eyes off of it.
"We're pretty far from a months-long caravan trek, aren't we, Jalt?" she says over the roaring wind.
Perception: 23 (rolled in game roller)
She tries to sit closer to the front and would love to talk with Otaaryliakkarnos about the silver dragons she represents, the full council, Otaaryliakkarnos' life and exploits, her advice on what to say (and what NOT to say!), anything she can share. She doesn't want to distract or annoy, but if a conversation is possible, she definitely wants to listen and learn. She asks if the group can do anything to make the trek easier. And if Otaaryliakkarnos is interested, she would tell her own life story. Since the silver dragon is going to be their entry point into this new Council, she wants her to know everything about Soar (and the others, if they are able and willing to share), and she wants to know everything she can about the dragon. It's a full day, so this doesn't have to happen in one big spurt, but she'll pepper the conversational tries every now and again, when Otaaryliakkarnos seems bored or could use a good distraction.
Titus bundles himself up, pulling his cloak around him tightly and gripping the edges - his knuckle turning white from the effort. Flying is not new to him. Flying this high. Well....he doesn't care for it. Not at all.
Tobin, the notes you make are impressively detailed and utterly unreadable to anyone but you; it's hard to write in such an environment, but you are certain you can make sense of them, once you have a proper desk and four walls around you.
Soar, Lady Silverhand does not give any response other than to suggest you use your better judgement and remember that the Council wants allies and wants to unite behind you as their Champions - so don't give them a reason to balk at this.
Titus, as so often is the case, remains quiet, ever watchful, even listening.
During the journey, Otaaryliakkarnos will talk from time to time - she is interested in hearing Soar's life story, and will ask questions from time to time, especially about the dragon Soar has encountered - those defeated and those not yet defeated. Soar, with your perception check, you see the occasional flash of white in the very distance, and suspect that a familiar white dragon may be observing your path. It's unclear whether Otaaryliakkarnos has seen it too.
As the sun begins to set, the dragon lands in the middle of a forest, a clearing that she spotted from far off and you think perhaps where she has rested before. As you make camp, she remains in her dragon form, curled up at the side of the clearing, observing you with curiosity. Eventually, she seems interested in more conversation. "Be careful of asking too many questions. I wouldn't want my brethren to think you are spying. But I appreciate there are some things you should know, to help you prepare."
"Very well, let us begin with this. I will tell you of the others on the Council, but only one at a time. You have such small heads - who can say if too much information will make them explode? So, first you must approach Protanther, leader of the Gold dragons, and a former King of Justice. To approach the others before him would be seen as disrespectful. He has little interest in humanoid folk for the most part, but dislikes elves. Do you know of the Dracorage mythal?"
(Soar would have clearly pointed out the flashes of white to Otaaryliakkarnos during the flight. She wonders if dragons can sneak, or if she cares if the chromatic dragons know where the metallic dragons gather, or that they know that the party is meeting them.)
"I think you know that we couldn't be further from spies. Remember I told you about my short undercover career as 'Boar' with dyed black hair? It didn't work. No, we are simply people who want to stop a great evil, and we have been pushed into a desperate circumstance, in desperate times. I only know a bit of history, but from what I've learned, when people our size get into those kinds of situations, even the bigger and more powerful beings should help out, or get out of the way. I'd really hope they help. Thank you for your help." Soar says in response to the first bit.
She listens closely to the description of Protanther.
Soar looks at the rest of the party, but mainly Tobin, when she's asked about the Dracorage mythal. And understands that she'll either be operating at a disadvantage from the outset due to her being a half-elf, or that the party would benefit from someone else taking the lead when talking to Protanther.
(During the dinner, bazavur would have said little unless asked something directly. Fancy gatherings made him uncomfortable.)
When kobolds share what they’ve been doing he congratulates them on their hard work and tells them to keep at it.
During the flight Bazavur acts much like Titus does and tries to avoid seeing anything other than the inside of his clothes.
Titus smiles to himself as the Dragon mentions the possibility of spying. His specialty is in gathering intelligence and then using it to formulate strategies to accomplish his employers' goals. So would call that espionage. Some would call it adventuring. Some would call it robbery, extortion, theft, and murder.
Depending on your perspective they would all be correct.
(During the flight, the dragon would have indicated to Soar that she was aware of the white dragon's presence, and somewhat surprised that you were perceptive enough to spot it.)
Titus, you have heard the words 'Dracorage mythal' and know it has something to do with a time well over a hundred years ago when many dragons went mad and attacked settlements across Faerun. This is ancient history, and you believe the person who told you the story ended it by saying the thing that caused the 'Dragon Rage', whatever it truly was, was destroyed.
Bazavur, you manage not to throw up on the flight. :)
Titus nods his head at the dragon's question 'I've heard of it - but from the time of legends and myths. It was a magical effect that triggered a rage of some sorts? That about right?'
“It doesn’t have anything to do with the draakhorn, does it?” Soar says, clearly out of her depth but listening and trying to learn.
Tobin:
Having heard the phrase before but not remembering in what context, Tobin is happy to let Titus and Soar guide the conversation as he takes notes in his journal...
"- Otaaryliakkarnos, silver dragon ally of Silverhand
- Dracorage mythal -- Rage?
Draconic Council
- Protanther, leader of the Gold dragons, and a former King of Justice. Approach him first when meeting the council, preferably with a non-elf."
Tobin looks expectantly at the massive dragon, waiting patiently for a response to the others' questions.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Titus, the dragon cocks her head, thinks for a moment, and then answers: "Yes. In ancient times, perhaps twenty thousand years ago. And then again, more recently, until it was stopped by dragons and heroes. The Dracorage mythal was a fey thing, crafted by the elves, abandoned by them and recovered by malevolent forces who used it in a world that had forgotten its power. This weighs on Protanther's mind, I think - the potential for evil from carelessness. I hope that you will demonstrate yourselves reliable, that is all."
Soar, she snorts. "Nothing at all. The draakhorn was created by Tiamat, to aid the dragons in the war against the giants. I heard its sounding, as I know all did. It would be interesting to know where the giants stand on the Cult of the Dragon. They would certainly oppose the return of Tiamat, it is true. I do not suggest you discuss this with the others, though. For obvious reasons." Whether these reasons are obvious to Soar or not, she does not appear to care and does not continue this line of thinking unless pushed.
You head to your bedrolls; Otaaryliakkarnos keeps watch for you, as I imagine will Tobin's scholar. In any case you are not disturbed during the night; if any of you wish to keep watch - for anything in particular - you may do so and roll a Perception check, but this is optional.
Morning comes, and you strap yourselves once again to Otaaryliakkarnos's great harness and the dragon takes flight again, headed east once more. The sky, clear the previous day, is cloudy and after an hour of flight you find yourselves entering a storm. Conversation becomes impossible as you are pelted with rain and forced to cling on to avoid being flung off the dragon's back. Though you are firmly tethered, it would be an uncomfortable experience to be tossed around in this manner, so you hold on with both hands and endure the storm's worst.
You can make a fresh Perception check here, if you wish. With disadvantage due to the storm, unless you have means to counter that.
Soar thinks about the cloud giant who was working with the cult and then persuaded to stop, after Soar and the others intervened. She has no idea what reasons the dragon meant. She would seek a chance to ask about other council members besides the gold dragon, if possible.
Soar rolls a 19 and a 24 (nat 20) on perception, via Avrae
Soar, for the moment the dragon seems very reluctant to talk about the other members of the Council, at least not in depth. She mentions that there are five in total, Protanther of the gold dragons, herself representing the silver dragons, and three others, brass, copper and bronze.
It seems Soar is the only one paying close enough attention, or at least looking in the right place, to see a flash of movement - wings? - in the darkness some way off, and then again, somewhat closer. She has just enough time to warn you all before Otaaryliakkarnos plunges into a sudden dive, twisting and rolling as something blasts past you. "We are attacked!" she calls to you, perhaps unnecessarily.
Everyone please make either a DEX or STR save to avoid being thrown off the dragon's back (you are tethered so you won't fall down to the ground, but you will have some disadvantages if you cannot maintain your grip).
And everyone please roll initiative against whatever is out there.
Perception check: 17
Strength save: 8 (nat 1 rolled, guess that’s a 12 with the +4 from Soar)
Initiative: 13
(Assuming bazavur losses his grip)
”This is why I don’t like flying!” (This is yelled of course but I hate typing in all caps)