Nym felt heartened (if not entirely reassured) by the rest of the Pie Pal's echoing of agreement to help the elves. Lumen had a point and she was glad he addressed it and that Aelar had an answer. Seven days was quite a trek though... "Were your warriors truly able to injure the dragon enough that it wouldn't be recuperated by the time we make it there?" And that was if they didn't get lost or held up in some manner on their apparently dangerous navigation to said fortress. Perhaps this Moonpetal would truly give them an edge if it was able to deal such a blow to such a powerful creature. She hadn't yet seen her companions in true combat but knew that Kessdarra wielded scimitars and Lumen had a longsword like her and wondered who would be best to wield the weapon. 

The cleric did her best to try and remember all of the information that the auburn haired man was unloading as it all seemed very useful. However something struck her, "Did this Duskbringer introduce herself when she attacked? Or did you discover this information from another source?" Though she had certainly heard tales of black dragons, Nym wasn't familiar with their mannerisms. 

Brow furrowing in immense concern as the one armed female attempts to rise, demanding to join the dragon hunt, Nym joins Aelar in trying to calm her and have her at least sit back down. "Neh ebrath, revar, sal beg ath va."

Though she quieted at their argument, glancing momentarily at Kessdarra in awkward silence. She couldn't imagine the agony Lia was going through. Not just physically but emotionally. Losing her husband, home and possibly children in the span of a ten-day. "We will do everything we can to save your children." That at least, she could say with confidence. Whether they all would survive doing that however....well. 

Nym meets Duaric's eyes as he speaks, nodding in thanks and acknowledgement as the dragonborn explains that he would provide provisions and information. Considering his question, the drow inhales for a moment before letting out a long thoughtful sigh, staring off into nothing in particular as she considered. "More allies? The more to possibly fight this Duskbringer, the better our chances are. What this dragon's strengths or weaknesses might be? ...Potions." She then glanced around at the others to see if they had any other suggestions before something occurred to her. "Do you know of any shorter way to get to Ravensglade? Or be able to convince to any animals to help carry us there faster than we would by our feet alone?" 

At the mention of potions, Chrys starts.  Digging through her pack, she pulls out the strange potion Braida gave her.  

"I know y'all are kinda busy at the moment with other concerns, but I got this here potion from a swamp hag askin' for a favor.  'Parrently, as evil as they might be, this one wanted them Red Claws gone from the forest, too, an' gave me this ta get me ta do it.  Said it'd make me as strong as a giant.  Not sure I'm trustin' the word o' a hag, though, so if one o' ya could tell me what it does... maybe it'll help against a dragon, right?"

She holds the potion out, hoping that Duaric or Aelar will be able to identify the concoction.

Dauric answers Nym’s concerns. “If this dragon is badly injured, then it would indeed take more than a few days for her to fully recover. Dragons are ancient and powerful creatures, but their metabolisms are different from ours. It takes them longer to heal. From what Aelar has said, even after a ten-day, she would likely still not have returned to full strength. And unfortunately, I do not know of other allies who I could send with you. As you know, friend Nym, I live a secluded life here in the forest, and although I do communicate with many of its inhabitants, I cannot raise an army, except for one of squirrels and deer.”

”Regarding mounts, I am well familiar with the topography of this part of the forest. It is difficult terrain to travel through, often tight, hilly and wet, and mounts Woolf offer you no extra speed. However, I can indeed offer you a few potions. I have two for healing, one of which has greater effects than usual, and two that will offer additional protection from the dragon’s acid breath. As it happens, I know a thing or two about acid. (A Potion of Healing, a Potion of Healing (Greater), and two Potion of Resistance against Acid)

Aelar chimes in. “We are well versed with our swift elk mounts, and even they had trouble. We pushed to their limits during our  You are better off going by foot, and the fastest way is steady movement and careful navigation.”

”I confess, I do not know if this dragon is known by other names to different enemies, but Duskbringer is what we called her. It seemed fitting, since she brought such a swift end to the long day of our metaphorical summer of paradise at our home.

To Chrys, Dauric answers, after offering to investigate the vial of liquid she presented. ”You have had dealings with a hag? He asks, with concern. “Friend Nym, were you with them during this time? Is that what you found in the swamp I sent you to investigate? If so, then it makes sense, and it heightens my forebodings of danger for this area of the wood. Hags are hateful creatures, but if left alone, their area of influence can be rather small. The trouble starts when they begin making alliances and trading favors with other creatures who are swayed by their lies and charm. A single hag is bothersome. A coven of hags is much more dangerous, when when you add other powerful creatures into heir circle of influence, now that’s something to be gravely concerned about. For that reason, I suddenly have even more dire thoughts about rampaging orcs and and brand new dragon in this area.”

“So, you say a hag gave this to you to help you kill some orcs? It sounds suspicious, but there is often some semblance of truth to the things that might come from a hag’s mouth, even if that truth is twisted towards her favor. Still, if you entered into a bargain with this hag, then it’s likely to believe that what she gave you is what she said it was, especially if it helps to further her ends.”

After scrutinizing the liquid, he determines it to be a Potion of Hill Giant Strength. 

"Oh aye, definitely more than one hag," Chrys explains.  "I think there were originally three o' them, livin' 'round the lake.  Sisters, this one claimed they were.  'Cept they started infightin', an' one o' them got killed.  Now the other two are in some kinda war.  We thought them hags were the ones makin' the forest rot, which is why we were talkin' to them in the first place.  But it looks like it ain't just that.  Dragons, orcs, more than one hag... it's like there's some kinda magnet in here drawin' all the evil to this forest.  Why?"

Nodding with an exhalation of breath that seems to relax her frame, Nym was grateful for Duaric's explanation on draconic physiology. They had a chance then, even with the long journey ahead of them. Mouth quirking into a slanted smile at his not serious offer to raise an army of squirrels and deer, the drow replied, "Far be it from me to underestimate the flora and fauna of the surface." Glancing between the dragonborn and Aelar as they both confirmed that mounts wouldn't be viable due to the terrain, she grimaces before trying to focus on the positive, the druid's donation of potions. "Thank you friend Duaric." Having taken after mimicking him after spending time with him prior. 

However when Chrysoberyl pulled out the potion Braida had given her and Duaric began to question her about the hag, Nym's eyes were suddenly keen on the floor, the fingers of her right hand rubbing at her left. The bruises weren't there anymore but she still all too sharply remembered the rope she had been bound with. Inhaling a large breath of air, the woman then looked up at her friend as she answered his several questions, "Yes. I was exploring further in towards the lake and was...caught unaware and attacked by one of the hag's dogs and captured. It was only for a few days though and they saved me." Glancing to the Pie Pals with a small grateful smile. "She was very keen on turning over a new leaf and trading my life for hers then. I still don't trust her but she does seem to support us driving out the Red Claws. And adamant that the rot isn't her doing. At least the potion is helpful." 

At the dwarf's excellent point, Nym glances at Duaric and then the elves to see if they had any ideas. "It is all very...coincidental. If it was just one of any of them then it would make sense...but all at once?" The ebony skinned elf shook her head with pursed lips. "I just worry that we're fighting the symptoms of whatever ails the forest rather than whatever disease plagues it. Ah, also your friend Phelannie the dryad says hello." Then thinking a moment and reflecting she corrects, "Or at least I think she does. She spoke well of you at least? She is also very concerned about...all this."

Lumen is very interested in Duaric's answer to Chrys' question about the hags. He still thinks they let Oolga get away with some lies. But if the hag sent them to kill the Red Claws, it seems unlikely they're all working together. 

He asks the elves, "do you know how you hurt it with any sort of detail? A wing maimed? A throat injury which might affect acid breath? Anything that might give us hope of facing it down without being dissolved within seconds?"

He's curious about what Moonpetal does, but he's happy to have Kess or Nym use it regardless.

Addressing the question about what might be the source of the evil, Dauric grumbles, "This I do not know. It could just be a convergence of forces all descending on this part of the forest. Such a thing is not unheard of, but it does seem a rather inconvenient mystery. If there is some sort of deeper evil that's causing all of this, then I would see it stamped out, by my own foot, if that's possible. For now, the best course of action is to help these elves here, and hopefully knock a few dents in the evils that seem to be encroaching right now."

Answering Nym, the Dragonborn says, "You met Phelannie? Yea, I've known her awhile. Dryads don't usually concern themselves with good and evil, they're like the trees. They just are. 'Course, they don't take so kindly to things that destroy the forest, so stamping out evil benefits her just as well. Maybe I'll pay her a visit after you head off."

To Lumen, Aelar, says, "Moonpetal is an enchanted blade, but it's also very light. You don't have to be strong to wield it well, in fact, it's a very keen blade if you're quick. As for Duskbringer, I don't know if we crippled any specific part of her, we mostly wore her down with our tenacity. We spilled a lot of her blood, just as she spilled ours. Regarding her breath, it sounds like Dauric here has a couple of potions that might help. Other than that... my advice is to move fast and don't get caught flat footed. And do what your sturdy dwarf friend says... spread out. Don't give her easy targets."

"Her breath isn't the only thing to fear. Her claws and teeth as as sharp as daggers. Stay away from those if you can."

((Moonpetal is a +1 Longsword with Finesse properties.))

"Naturally," Kess would nod in agreement with Aelar's assessment. "We are talking about a dragon, after all. And a black one, at that. They aren't exactly known for their kindness and generosity. Essentially, our best chances are to stay on her flanks and her blind spots, and never directly assaulting her unless we've some way of assuring that the beast's breath does not come in play. If we can... we should bait her into a trap. This is a reach, but if you have anything such as ballistae in Ravensglade, do you mind if we were to use it in our plans?"

"As for all of this... I confess that I don't know terribly much of the history of the High Forest," Kess would then say as she turned to answer Dauric, "but you are right to say that such a convergence throughout the North is certainly not unheard of; things have certainly been eventful here in the last decade, what with all that has happened. Now that you mention Phellanie, we were brought here on an errand from a wizard friend of hers by the name of Dundragon, as a matter of fact. Too much ill events have happened simultaneously for me to personally think it all unconnected. Hm... it's as if we're all on a single road being set out for us by a great outside force; perhaps the gods, perhaps not. Hard for me to say."

Glancing at Moonpetal, Kess could not help but admire the exquisite working of the blade. Just from a cursory glance, she could immediately tell that the sword had almost certainly been forged by a master; it was far too fine and well-worked to be a normally-hewn blade. Not to mention, if the luster wasn't an indicator, Aelar's word certainly gave Kess reason to believe it was enchanted as he claimed it to be.

I wonder how he ever gained possession of such a weapon?

Answering Kess, Aelar says, "Alas, we dot not have a ballista at Ravenglade Keep. We have never had need for such a weapon. We are a peaceful people and our keep is remote enough that we do not have regular enemies who besiege us, and even if we did, the unique nature of our keep would make it relatively easy to defend... except from dragons, as we learned. Wes send regular scouting parties out to survey the surrounding wood. If we feel the need, we deal with such foes away from the keep, as we did with the red claw orcs."

Dauric replies as well. "The name Dundragon doesn't rustle any leaves in my mind, but then again, I rarely venture outside the borders of the forest anymore. I agree, it's hard to say, what forces could be at play here. Your friend indicated that one or both of the hags you encountered might have killed their sister, or cousin, or whatever she may have been. That alone could have chaotic ramifications. Hard to say. Cankers on the natural world, they are, full of wickedness and weird fey magic. From what I've heard, hags don't like each other, but they usually follow a code. If one of them broke it, then who knows what mighta happened."

"Unless you have more questions, I will step away now to go prepare your provisions. I could do it with a spell, but I gotta say, that stuff's rather bland. I'd rather send you off with some better tasting food. I assume you want to begin your journey to the elves' keep promptly. I should only take an hour."

With that, Dauric exits the cabin and leaves you to prepare yourselves for the journey ahead. Aelar pulls out some brushes and a piece of parchment from his pack and begins painting a rough map for you to follow. He indicates that from here, you will return to the stone bridges, and follow the trail east for two hours, until you reach a large clearing. That's where you will leave the rail and begin your navigation.

He indicates that it should take you about four days to reach Vehlarr if you decide to go that way. From there, it's another 4 days to the Keep. If you go directly to Ravensglade, it should take you 7 days, providing you don't get lost. He also says that traveling by the river is faster, but there are often more creatures that frequent the riverways.

((You can see his map on our Campaign Home Page. You will begin at the X. Ravensglade Keep is the larger symbol at the center, where the two rivers meet. The Ruins of Vehlarr is represented by the smaller symbol along the river to the north.))

"One thing at a time then." Nym sighed at Duaric's advice before concentrating on Aelar's. It sounded like every inch and a good radius around this dragon was very deadly, which fit what she heard from tales growing up. Kessdarra seemed to be comfortable discussing tactics with the other elves. The sword they offer seems best in her hands, especially the way she was eyeing it. "It seems to be calling to you." The lack of heavy weaponry at the fortress was a shame, but she supposed if they had such a thing, they probably wouldn't need their help now. 

While Duaric prepares the food and Aelar paints their map, Nym approaches Fivin to inquire as to any secret or at least more hidden entries to Ravensglade so that they might keep out of Duskbringer's gaze. Thinking as the chronicler that he might know the blueprints or secrets of the fortress better than most. "I'm sure you all agree that the priority should be getting the children out safely. And if we can do that without this dragon being any the wiser we can deal with her another day. Preferably with more help." 

"Hm... this is true," Kess would nod in agreement with Nym. She was right; they didn't necessarily have to confront the dragon head-on, or even at all. The problem, of course, laid in the notion of getting past Duskbringer's keen senses and swift wings. And if the children happened to be in tow and the beast found them all... Kess shook her head, not wanting to think about the sight. By elven reckoning, she was considered a child herself, though life in the North and her own curiosity had forced her hand. "Even so... if the chance is there, we should take it if we can feasibly do so. Duskbringer is only going to become more dangerous and bold of a scourge if she is allowed to fly freely through the forest, and she will surely be the cause of far more heartache if allowed free reign. If she is as youthful as her scale indicates, this may well be one of the few chances any may ever have at confronting the beast without chasing it into a gods-forsaken cavern or fortress or whatever haunt she would roost in. Time is only a dragon's ally, after all.

Turning to Aelar and glancing at Moonpetal, then the briefly back at the others and then towards Aelar again, Kess glances at him as if asking for permission to hold the blade.

Chrys simply scratches her head.  " 'Warriors o' the Sehanine' , but a peaceful folk?  Ah well, I ain't one to judge," she murmurs to Lumen.  Looking back at the others, she approaches Aelar and studies the map as he creates it, asking pointed questions here and there about the terrain as he works.

Hearing Kess and Nym discussing behind her, she turns away from the mapmaking process to consult with them.  "Listen.  I got a high opinion o' myself, but e'en I know we ain't real well equipped to take down a black dragon by ourselves, e'en if it's injured or not.  Our first priority should be gettin' them kids out safely from the Keep.  That's the main reason we're doin' this.  After that, we have ta take it as it comes.  If gettin' the kids out means battlin' the dragon so it's distracted, well, that's a thing, though then I'd fear 'bout them gettin' through the swamp safely on their own, without us ta guide 'em.

More likely it's gonna mean bein' all sneaky-like, an' then runnin' like the devil afterwards ta get away.  I'm fine with this.  I don't like it, but I really gotta think, we need the help o' that fox spirit, an' whatever we can rustle up in them ruins, 'fore we fight the dragon head-on.  'Course, the best laid plans always go awry when ya get down to the dirty work, so I guess we'll just haveta see.  Just as likely we may end up havin' ta fight an angry healed black dragon in our underwear with toothpicks.  Well, 'long as ya get your mission done, ya just find ways ta do what it takes, right?"

"We are peaceful people and only fight to protect the forest and its inhabitants." Aelar says. "We would never pick up our swords if there were none who threatened and destroy the sanctity and beauty of the wood."

Answering Kess's concerns, Aelar responds. "You speak the truth Tel’Quessir. A young dragon is a formidable enemy who can cause a horrible amount of destruction and death, a we have seen for ourselves, but that pales in comparison to what it could become if it were allowed to live and fester unharmed through the ages. There is no better time to ride the world of future dangers that Duskbringer could wreak upon all who live in or near this forest, or wherever she decides to make up her home in the future. I fear that if she is not killed now, she will only return later and seek retaliation. We would be free of her, with your help."

Pulling forth his sword from its ornately decorated scabbard, Aelar than hands Kess the blade known as Moonpetal. She can immediately discern the fine quality of both the metalwork and the simple, but elegant adornments on both the hit and on the base of the blade. Compared to many swords of this length, Moonpetal is surprisingly light. Judging by its workmanship and style, Kess is fairly certain that this blade is quite old.

"It was made by the smiths of Askavar, an elven city that was abandoned in the 5th century DR. Long before we arrived, Askavar served as a refuge for the forging of alliances and treaties between the elves. After the Dark Disaster, the elves abandoned the keep. Over time, the keep was called home by many foul creatures, until we claimed the land for ourselves and built Ravensglade Keep atop the ruins of Askavar."

"Alas, I do not know the full history of the sword. It is indeed an artifact of older times, but like many ancient items, it has lost its significance an authority. It is still a worthy item, though, and it is obvious that you appreciate the craftsmanship of this weapon, Tel’Quessir. I am glad to lend it to you so that you may rise to the occasion and help us in our dire need. May it serve you well, and if you do meet Duskbringer, may she quickly fear it as other foul creatures have in the past."

Answering Nym, Fivin says, "The only way into Ravensglade is the obvious route, a stone stairway that leads up the keep. However, there is an underwater cavern beneath the loch at the base of the keep. It does not lead anywhere, but if the dragon discovered this hidden grotto, it would offer her a safe place to recuperate from her injuries."

After an hour, Dauric returns with a handful of wrapped parcels. Each one is full of enough provisions to last for about ten days; a variety of nuts and seeds, dried meats, fruit and berries, and pressed cakes of nuts and fruits

"These should suffice, or at least supplement you on your journey." Aelar indicates that if you do make it to the keep, you will find enough food there to outfit yourselves on your return journey.

"I imagine you want to get moving. That dragon's getting healthier by the hour. If there's nothing else, I'll see you out."

Nym gazes at the expertly crafted blade with a slight touch of envy as Kessdarra looked it over. It truly looked like it was a blade that blossomed from moonlight. And if it was able to injure a dragon, it was as deadly as it looked. Focusing back on Fivin, the drow nodded in understanding. Not a viable safe haven for them, but something to keep a lookout for the dragon to be hiding. Which might be advantageous for them if they were attempting to avoid conflict. The fact that there was only one point of entry or exit for the keep was troubling for them. If one was defending it she was sure it was very helpful, but for those trying to sneak in...less so. 

While Duaric makes up their provisions, Nym makes sure that the trio of elves are truly stable and offers what little tips she can to help the healing process for them in the days to come, especially for the now one armed Lia and one eyed Aelar. (Medicine: 7)  When her draconic friend returns, she stands and grabs her pack from the floor, grimacing at her now bloodstained robes. That river couldn't come soon enough. Accepting one parcel for herself and smiling at his little touches before placing it safely with her belongings, Nym nods at his ushering, beginning to walk out of the cabin, finger touching one of the druidic runes along the outside before she waited for everyone to file out. "Be on a lookout for those orcs." She cautioned Duaric before continuing, "And more spiders or ettercaps. They didn't seem to be straying this far from the swamp but...well just be careful." The woman fiddled with her fingers for a moment before dashing in for a brief side hug and using the touch to cast a quick Guidance on her friend, springing back with a smile as she says, "Wish us luck." 

"Ugh, more water," Chrys says, making a face at the prospect of swimming to find a dragon.  "Well, whatever it takes," she grumbles, resting and preparing herself for the journey.

"We should think 'bout travelin' a bit faster than we normally do to give this dragon less time to recuperate.  Or just give us time ta get in the Keep somehow," she suggests.  "Though I guess we'll need somebody good at navigatin' ta help us through.  It's gonna be harder without Krackle listenin' to the earth for us," she admits, squinting at the map.

When Duaric returns with the provisions, she thanks him profusely as she accepts them.  "We 'preciate yer kindness, and'll make the most outta these that we can.  An' hopefully, we'll be back to return it," she adds.

With a nod and a look to the others to see if they're ready, Chrys collects her things and makes to set out.

With your provisions secured and Aelar's map in hand, you leave Dauric's cabin and get ready to depart. "May the gods grant you speed, strength and the resolve to see this task done. We shall pray to the Lunar Lady to watch over you. Thank you once again for your aid. We shall rest here for a few more days and then when Lia is feeling better, we will follow and make our way for Ravensglade Keep. Hopefully we will find you there with her children alive and safe, and Duskbringer slain. Good luck to you."

After a final farewell from Dauric as well, you turn and leave his small clearing. Retracing your steps back up the dry creek bed, where earlier this morning, you followed the blood trail with such urgency, you pass by the drying splotches of dark red armed with a new mission in mind; one that will surely test your skills and resolve during the next few days. After a quick half hour, you arrive at the stone bridge, where you hop back on the trail and continue walking east along the path. 

The rest of the morning is relatively uneventful, with the most notable events being the large numbers of songbirds that you pass, fluttering in and out of their nests, which seem to be plentiful in this part of the forest. As you walk, you notice a bright blue swallow who follows you for the better part of an hour, serenading you with his characteristic, whistling, chirping warble, before eventually flying away. 

After two hours, you reach a large, open clearing, where two streams come together and form a small lake at the edge of a field. Walking out into the open, you can feel the warm sun on your faces, and you realize that this is the landmark where you are to leave the trail and begin traveling in a more southeast heading. Aelar's directions indicated that you are to pass by the lake and follow the right hand stream into the deeper forest.

Watching a family of ducks playing in the lake, you find it to be pretty straightforward to follow the small stream towards the edge of the clearing. In a few minutes, you re-enter the woods, this time following no trail and navigating mostly by dead reckoning as you try to hold your direction steady through the woods. The trees are fairly tight in here, but at least ground is dry. 

((Ok, you should decide who will be your primary navigator. Also, decide your general walking pace for each day. Going faster increases your chance of getting lost and decreases your perception. Going slower will decrease your chance of getting lost, but you will be more alert. With a normal pace, you have regular perception checks and a pretty reliable chance for staying on course.))

Lumen will grant inspiration before anyone does a particularly hard bit of navigating. "I don't want to get lost -- giving the dragon any more time to prepare than we have to wouldn't be great."

The bard's been quiet again, trying to wrestle with how they might have a snowball's chance in the Nine Hells of surviving this task. If prodded, he'll speak up, a grim tone coating a brief response. "I think we have to aim to rescuing the people there, and only engage the dragon right now if we have no other choice. I've seen entire tribes get wiped out by dragons. Well, I've seen the aftermath. It's not pretty. We're pretty capable, but really, nothing can stand in the way of their awful breath. Even with the potions for half of us. Unless I'm missing something?"

"No, I think you got the right o' it," Chrys agrees.  "'Course, you know what they say 'bout the best laid plans.  Hope for the best an' expect the worst."

Nym is quiet for a while as they traversed away from Duaric's home, unknowingly leading the way as she returned to the path, occasionally looking up at the blue bird that she couldn't tell if it was the same bird or another of it's kind. Perhaps it was one of the druid's friends. A nice thought, but unfounded. Aelor's parting words kept replaying in her head until Lumen's voice broke the loop. Glancing back at him, she nodded. "Best not to go too fast and get lost or let her know we're coming. I know a little bit of this part of the forest up to a point, though I've never been to Ravensglade. Duaric's been teaching me to be a bit more surface savvy so I think I can help navigate us." 

Lips pursed as she listened to the bard and Chrysoberyl discuss, Nym interjected, "I think the worst would be finding the children dead and then getting eaten by the dragon ourselves. I'd rather not expect that. But I understand your point. Should this Duskbringer be ready and waiting to fight us and there's no hope of sneaking in and out...." The woman dragged her fingers upwards through her hair, letting her nails scrape her scalp with her eyes closed in frustration. "Could some of us stand a chance at being a distraction while whoever is fastest or quietest retrieves the children? We have seven days to think up as many plans as well can manage." 

Just before they re-enter the woods, Nym makes sure to check the sun's placement and which way they're heading before continuing to lead the group further in. 

"That's sorta what I do," Chrys answers with a hearty laugh.  "I ain't the quiet type, after all.  I stand out there an' give folks somethin' ta think about with my hammer while the rest o' you do your work.  Don't see why it should be any different here, really.  I'd rather not be the one puts them kids in danger with my two left feet anyhow."