After you all make it across, secure this bridge, and retrieve your rope, you continue up the stairs, which are becoming increasingly more damp and mossy from the spray of the falls. At a couple points, the carved stone pathway leads right behind smaller, but still quite prominent secondary waterfalls that cascade past you in loud, misty streams, before dropping a couple hundred feet to the bottom of the butte.
The views from beneath these large wet overhangs are quite beautiful, and the sunlight that passes through the mist creates miniature rainbows within the falls.
As you walk, Fivin answers and tells that he has not seen the dragon since his recent arrival back at the keep.
Not one to be deterred by rainbows and sparkling sunshine, Chrys keeps her eyes out very specifically for dragonsign: "Don't let the beauty o' this place git yer guard down. This be a dragon's den, and the dragon nestin' in it be mad,"she reminds the others, her eyes scrying the skies. Despite her words to the others, Chrys is unable to take her own advice and can't help but pause and think of what a pity it is, that a place as seemingly unspoiled as this one fell victim to Duskbringer's destruction.
After traversing along the wet ledge that passes behind the waterfalls and briefly enjoying the magnificent, surreal view of the landscape as seen behind the glittering mist and sparkling water droplets that cascade down past you, you continue along the stone pathway and climb higher on the stone steps. By now, you've gained a dramatic amount of elevation on the butte and are fully aware that to fall from this height would mean certain death. Fortunately, you find that with even the smallest amount of concentration and attention, you can safely ascend without too much fear of slipping and plunging over the edge.
Aside from a small red finch that flitters around, occasionally perches itself on tiny flakes on the rock wall and hops from one outcrop to another, as if to show off as it seems to follow you up the cliff, you don't see any other creatures, and thankfully there's no sign of the dragon.
Soon you arrive at the third bridge, which is completely out. However, as you discover, it's an easy climb across the lower angle rock face in this location, and you all quickly make it across with no flailing or falling. The forth is a little more challenging, as it requires you to down climb into a twenty-foot deep gully and then back up the other side. The rock is quite textured here, with plenty of hand and footholds, and after you complete the awkward move of lowering yourself down from the edge of the broken bridge, you descend to the bottom of the gully and then climb back up with little trouble.
Continuing to move along the wet stone pathway and steep stairway that leads you even closer towards the top of the cliff face, you finally come to the last gap. The bridge here appears to be mostly intact, but the ropes have been cut on this side, so the planks dangle on the opposite side from where you are. Using the technique that you used at the second gap, you use Vesper's Mage Hand to carry your own rope across the gap and loop it around the last plank on the hanging bridge.
When its secure, you pull on the rope, raise the bridge and then secure it to the posts on your side of the gap. When you're confident that it's tied tightly, you send Kess across with a belay to check it out and make sure it's safe. When she reaches the other side, with no trouble, you all cross over, and with one more fifty foot section of stairs, you finally reach the top of the butte.
Looking ahead, you find yourselves on the edge of a brilliantly green grassy plateau that's set halfway up the enormous cliff face. You now have a full closeup view of the magnificent fortress, and although it does appear to be damaged with a gaping hole in the roof, for the most part, the rest of the structure looks to be in very good shape and well kept. Fivin sighs with delight when he lays eyes up on the keep, and you can see tears begin to well up in his eyes.
Just below the keep you see a large body of water, fed by the waterfall above and feeding the waterfall below. Despite the great movement of water through the place, the surface of the loch seems incredibly calm and peaceful. Around the water’s edge are stone statues of woodland animals and a statue of what looks like a humanoid creature sitting on the edge of the loch with its feet in the water...
...Then the statue moves, and you realizes that it's not a statue at all... it's an actual humanoid. It appears to be some kind of strange creature covered in fur and with long ears that stick out the side. It's taller than an orc, but certainly not at all like an orc in appearance. The figure suddenly turns around, and you see a creature unlike you any you've ever seen before.
Silver
After sitting at the edge of the loch for quite a long while and enjoying the refreshing feel of the cold water on your feet, you suddenly catch movement in the corner of your eye, and when you look around, you see six people appear at the top of the cliff where the stairs crest onto the plateau:
A chainmail-armored dwarf woman and three long haired female elves, two of whom wear armor long swords, one with dusky gray skin and white hair, the other with a shock of silver in her otherwise blue-sheened ebon locks that are parted evenly down the middle, (the third has blond hair and wears no armor.) Behind them walks a tall male that appears to be one of the half men, half orc kind. You can tell by his small tusks. He wears studded leather armor and also carries a long sword, and a stringed musical instrument slung around his back. The sixth is a thin, older elf man who wears a long cloak and a pair of spectacles on his eyes.
(Ok EMIW, you're in!!! You can now describe your character.)
((And FYI, you are all now officially at this viewpoint))
The figure looks at you in surprise, but without fear or concern. She stands and, leaving a pair of huge boots at the shore of the loch, approaches you barefoot. The closer she gets the taller you realise she is, until she stands in front of the group, towering over you all. You would estimate her to be at least 7 feet. Long, pure white hair frames a face covered in downy grey fur which you can also see on her hands and bare feet. Bright blue eyes absorb what she sees from above a broad, flat nose which draws in a deep breath, as if taking in your scent. Long ears, like that of a deer, twitch a little as they stand out from the sides of her head, scattered with piercings made of bone, wood and feathers. She wears no armour, and carries only a small axe on one hip, and a small knife on the other. Around her neck on a leather thong hangs a crystal like purest ice. From this close you may also make out a scattering of what seem like silver scales along her hairline. From certain angles they catch the light, as do the backs of her hands and feet from beneath the fur. She is smiling, and her eyes are wide with anticipation.
"Greetings," she says in deep, smooth voice. "Do you all live here?"
As you look up at this very tall, intriguing, and seemingly gentle person, you can't help but notice the silver scales along her hairline. You've seen scales like that before on someone else... your old and dear friend Loraliann Daardendrian, the Dragonborn who was known to most by his nickname, Silver. Of course, he had silver scales covering his entire body, whereas this person who now stands before you only has a few on her hairline and on the backs of her hands and feet, but as they catch the light, you can't help be reminded by the memory of your dear friend who you last saw in Yartar a few weeks ago, and recognize at least a tiny trace of similarity in the color and shape of the scales on this person, even if it is only imagined.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
If they weren't having to walk up it, the moss covered stairs might have been charming. But damp from the waterfall it was a little difficult to climb, Nym taking careful steps to not slip. Upon reaching the overhang where the sun shone through brightly and colorfully through the waterfalls and misty air, the drow winced, her pale eyes screwing up in pain. Rubbing them with one hand, her other reached back behind her head to grasp at the hood of her heavy cloak to draw it up over her head to give her eyes some cover. At Chrys' words, she nodded before glancing backwards at Fivin. "Hopefully she hasn't made her self too much at home."Thinking rather optimistically of what it would be like for the elves to return to their home after a dragon "nested" in it.
It seemed that talking and climbing wasn't the best idea as her boot caught on a mossy step, not causing her to fall but just become briefly unbalanced. But for the long underground dwelling woman, the sudden vertigo and seeing the vast open height that she could fall into caused her to become nauseous, pressing against the wall for a moment with lips pressed tightly together. "I think I liked the view better when we were looking at it from solid ground." Once they were though, she almost regretted her words seeing not the magnificent sight before them but the expression on the elder elf beside them. Hesitating a moment she then risked gently placing a hand on his shoulder before assuring him in elvish, "One day soon elder."
As they continued forward towards the loch, she couldn't help but marvel at how still the water was considering the two massive waterfalls it was between. If only they could linger to enjoy it like this statue was... And when the statue moved, Nym's mind stopped, though her hand immediately flew to the handle of her blade. The cleric had been so sure that the figure was a statue given it's strange appearance, coloration and sheer height. She had never seen any other being like it. But they didn't make any overt violent movements even though they clearly had a weapon at their hip. But the mysterious figure's genuine question put her at ease. Sensing a brief lull of surprise, the drow took the initiative to speak up first. "No. He does however." Gesturing politely to Fivin before continuing, "But only a corrupted dragon resides in there for now. So we should keep our voices low or risk Duskbringer's wrath."Glancing between Fivin the keep and this strange furry yet scaled person she asked with open curiosity, "Did you come to see the Warriors of Sehanine?"Perhaps this was someone Fivin knew?
Insight: 18 (Nym's trying to discern if Silver might be a hidden threat, even if unrelated to Duskbringer)
Silver shakes her head, her ears flopping a little back and forth.
"I'm sorry, I don't know any warriors. However, it sounds like I am in the right place - I followed a dragon here, a black one, although admittedly I haven't seen it in over a tenday and was starting to believe I'd gone off track."
She looks towards the older elf indicated by Nym. "You have a beautiful home, sir. If a chromatic dragon has taken residence here I would be honoured in attempting to remove it."
Her attention scans the rest of the group. "Is that what brings you all here? This... Dusk Bringer?"
Nym's Insight
You don't really have any way of judging how much of a threat this figure would be. There are a lot of conflicting factors - the height and build suggest physical strength, but her eyes are gentle and her smile is entirely warm. She carries the two small weapons, but they appear largely unused. You do have one thought - remembering the difficulty you had with the ascent to this plateau, you wonder how this character made it up ahead of you without mending or using any of the bridges in the way that your group did.
The older elf man responds to the new fur covered creature.
"Why thank you. We are proud of our home here at Ravenglade Keep, even though it has been beset by the dragon called Duskbringer. That is our name for this foul creature who has taken the life of so many of my kinfolk, two of which still remain inside the keep. Two young children of our tribe are trapped within, and we have come to rescue them from the fate of the dragon... if they have not already succumbed to her wrath. In my heart, I know that they are still alive, though."
"You say that you followed the dragon here? Then the Goddess of the Moonlight has indeed heard our prayers and has answered with the gift of even more help. Your kind is not known to me, but whoever you are, I am grateful for your arrival."
The young dark haired elf, who, with two blades at her side is clearly a warrior, also addresses the tall furry woman.
"You are... my mother told me stories about elusive half-giants of the forest,but I don't remember what name she had for them. I don't know if she even knew what they were called, or if she had even seen one herself, but it appears that she wasn't just telling me fairy tales. You are one of those that she spoke of, are you not?"
She wears a coat of black studded leather over white blouse and a form-hugging satin blue dress that is cut along a slit at her right side just a couple inches above the knee, revealing black silk tights and a sterling silver belt about her hips and a silver waist-cincher made of flexible fabrics, as well as black boots that are fitted with knucklehead ivory along the heels and steel along the toes. Her face is well made-up, and her nails are painted a blue that flatters her dress.
"And if you indeed followed the dragon here and have come to help defeat it, then I for one would welcome your assistance. For we have already had one encounter with Duskbringer, and I can attest that she is one mean, cantankerous wyrm with a very foul temper and horrible breath, as two of my companions unfortunately discovered. (She point to the white haired elf and the half orc.) We will need everting we have and more to defeat her."
She steps forward and extends her hand in greeting. "I am Kessdara Loorath from Icewind Dale, the frozen land beyond the Spine of the world. You can call me Kess, though. Most do."
Nym
Going on EMIW's description of her character, and her gentle voice, you certainly have questions in your mind about who and what this person is, but questions aside, there's nothing in your mind that would suggest that she is any kind of threat to you.
"To have heard stories of the world beyond our valley of Hartsvale for so long, it is strange to hear that stories are also told of us. We have been given many names by other peoples - Men of the Trees, the Forestguard, giant-kin. When we refer to ourselves, which is rarely, for we know who we are, we tend to use the word Firbolg. As for me, I carry a title more than a name, but I am usually known as Silver. You may use that as my name, or choose a name you prefer. I know how much other peoples rely on names.
As for the dragon..."
Silver pauses, and looks troubled. "We are extremely reluctant to take life, even that of a creature such as this Duskbringer. I didn't follow it with any intent to do battle, in truth I had no intent at all, but simply felt the pull of necessity. I had to follow. But I think in my heart I knew it may come to battle. Black dragons are known for their cruelty and love of destruction, and it appears this one is a prime example of its species, and cannot be allowed to continue hurting and killing. Rest assured I will aid you in whatever way I can, and help return this wonderful place to its rightful inhabitants." By the end of this statement her gentle image seems to have hardened. You may still be unsure of how she expects to help, but she seems entirely convinced that she can assist.
"Who among you is the leader of this clan?"
[From what I've read of the thread so far I think Lumen has been as far as Hartsvale, but if he has only been to Hartwick he is very unlikely to have seen any Firbolg, they don't go into the towns and mostly live at the other end of the valley, towards the High Ice.]
Upon hearing the firbolg’s name, Vesper turns to Chrys and says, “Chrys, don’t you have a friend named Silver? I remember meeting him in Yartar. He won the strength contest! That was such a fun day, one of the best I’ve ever had… it’s when the four of us came together and started this crazy adventure!”
”I’m Vesper, by the way. And I’m sure that we could use your help. As Kess said, that dragon has brought nothing but trouble and it would be better for many people if it were destroyed.”
The young, blond haired half elf displays the kind of youthful confidence that matches her visible age as a late teenager or early twenty-something year old woman.
Lumen’s eyes rise to meet the new Silver’s gaze. “My name is Lumen Vork. I don’t believe we have a leader. We started a trip into the forest to help a friend of a friend, and after we did so, we began to chase down signs of the decay of Duskbringer. Right now we are on a rescue mission, not a dragon hunt. I for one would welcome assistance. What have you learned here? Have you see any survivors?”
Silver's eyebrows rise approvingly. "Interesting, it has been my experience that outside of Firbolg clans all humanoid groups tend to look towards a leadership of some kind. It's refreshing to find people of a like mind to us. I regret to say that although I haven't seen anyone else here, I haven't really looked around. I have only been up here perhaps an hour, and I have spent the time admiring the view and resting my feet in the loch. If we are to begin a search, should we start with that building on this lower level?" She gestures towards the single building which is close to the loch, below the citadel itself which sits above them. (Seen in the picture above)
"You are correct, most humanoid groups tend follow some kind of leader, whether they be elves, humans, dwarves, goblins, orcs... even giants, from what I've heard. Of course, it doesn't always go well, as many leaders achieve and maintain power through greed, war and manipulation and they actually do little to help their followers live better lives. Unfortunately leaders who are truly just are rare in this world."
"And Lumen is right. We don't really have a leader in our little group. We each have our own individual strengths, and we have mutual respect for the skills and ideas that each of us brings to the group. This has served us well during the month that Chrys, Vesper, Lumen and I have been together. Nym, we picked up almost a Ten-day ago, but as far as I'm concerned, she's as equal a party member as any of us."
"As for the dragon.... Lumen speaks true. We are here primarily to rescue the two children that we believe are still trapped inside the keep. However, as I said before, I have seen the destruction that Duskbringer has caused, and I fear that we cannot safely compete our task while she still lives, or at least while she is still corrupted by whatever power that seems to be causing a sickness in her."
"That said, I have no illusion that we can reason with a black dragon who is not sick in the mind, or that she will kindly leave if we ask her nicely. If I am true to myself, then I know in my heart that we will indeed need to confront her at some point. And for that, I am glad to have your help, firbolg called Silver. Let us hope that Corellon the Protector and the Goddess of the Moonlight are both with us in this task."
Fivin also answers.
"Sehanine Moonbow is indeed with us, Tel'Quessir. As for how to proceed, we should indeed start with that building over there, for it is our Chapel to Sehanine. Not only is it a holy place where we could ask directly for her help, it is quite possible that Faen and Syllin are in hiding there, if indeed they have made it safely out of the keep."
Sitting on a ledge a little lower than the main keep is a circular chapel, beautifully decorated with a myriad of wooden sculptures and ornamentation. Thick mats of lush, variegated ivy that twists throughout the architecture cover the entire structure.
The stout dwarven woman who wears a suit of chain mail replies with a surprised expression at Silver’s introduction and Vesper’s question, her warhammer tucked away on her belt.
“Well, ain’t that strange twist!! Yea Vesper, that Silver you met back in Yartar’s a dear good friend o’mine; stronger’n any ox I ever saw, and noble hearted, all the way to the bone. And now fate here brings us across another with the same name, and by the look of it, seems as if ya got similar ancestry somewhere in yer past.”
“I’m no expert on lineages and different races and all that stuff, and I can’t say I ever seen a firbolg before, but if you got some o’ the same blood running’ through you as my other friend Silver, then I’m inclined to believe that you got some genuine good in you, in which case I’ll gladly welcome your offer ya help us.”
“That’s my long winded way o’ sayin’ nice ta meet ya. Don’t make me wrong, about you” she winks.
“Names Chryoberyl, Chrys for short. Come from Twilight Tor. Be glad to tell you more, but that can come later. Let’s go find those kids.”
"I'm honoured that you all would accept my help so readily, though we have only just met." Silver does look genuinely touched. "I will do all in my power to help find these children, and put an end to this dragon's tyranny if necessary. It must be the will of at least one of the gods that we meet like this - I do indeed carry the blood of dragonkind, Chrysoberyl, it is a fascinating story of ages past which I would be happy to relate, though I think now is not the time. But that I carry not only the same type of dragon blood but the same name as your trusted friend? That speaks to me of destiny."
As they walk towards the Chapel of Sehanine, Silver speaks to the group, "Perhaps I should know a little of your previous encounter with this dragon? How did you come to battle them, and what exactly do you mean when you say they are corrupted? Black dragons are already a walking corruption, so I am told."
Chrys answers as you all walk over to the small temple building. As she speaks, you cannot help but notice that for her gruff and "rough-and tumble" exterior, she's actually a very attractive young dwarf woman. You also see a distinct scar on one of her cheeks that looks somewhat new.
"I don't know much about history, 'specially dragon lore, but I'd sure like ta hear that story when we got more time... after we're done with this business. Anyway. It was just a few days ago, when we were traveling through the forest, findin' our way here. Just as we came into a clearing, we seen her fly overhead, and then she swooped down and confronted us. Didn't stay long, and you already heard, she spit her acid right at Lumen and Nym here before flyin' off."
"She weren't on the ground very long, but long enough for us to get a good look at 'er. She's injured alright; torn wing, busted horn, some missing claws, and she's got some kinda strange ball of light floating around her head that seems to draw her attention from time to time. Kinda looks like" she's possessed by it. Evil as she may be, something ain't right about that wyrm."
Fivin also confirms Chrys's story that the dragon was indeed injured in the battle with her tribe members, and that there seems to be some force that's corrupting her.
You reach the small building, and after listening at the entrance, (you don't hear anything), you enter. Pushing open one of the ornately decorated wooden doors and stepping inside, you instantly see the at the place has been trashed. In addition to piles of strewn blankets and books that are scattered about, you see that many of the decorations inside here have been desecrated, including flowers and sprigs of herbs that adorn the interior trimmings. Many of the wooden shrines and sculptures of Sehanine, including three ornamental banners that depict representations of the deity have all been pulled down, torn or damaged in some way.
You can see that Fivin is clearly shaken by the sight.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nym took note of the length of time it had been since this stranger had last seen the dragon they were all wary of but was more surprised that it too was the reason she was here. This strange person certainly seemed strong judging by their height and build and the fact that they were able to get up here at all. But there was a gentle peacefulness about them that made the fact that they were apparently pursuing Duskbringer even more confusing.
The cleric watched with curious eyes as Kess spoke a little of what this person was before introducing herself. Nym didn't think she had ever heard of Firbolgs but the term 'Forestguard' made her wonder if perhaps Duaric might be more familiar with them. At Kess' pointed statement that they had already had a run in with the dragon, she grimaced, remembering all too well how they did in that encounter. But perhaps they would stand a better chance with another at their side should direct contact be unavoidable.
It wasn't until Lumen introduced himself that she realized that she couldn't remember if they all had formally introduced themselves with their surnames whenever she had first met them. It felt odd hearing them now somehow considering how close she felt to them all without really thinking on the matter much. She was glad that Lumen corrected Vesper's boisterous statement that they were here to slay the dragon when their priority was really rescuing Lia's children. When Kess said that she was just as much an equal party member even considering how short a time she had been a part of the group, Nym felt her cheeks warm and she ducked her head bashfully at the sentiment, a small smile peeking out from under her hood she was using to shield her lilac yes from the sunlight.
"It is good to find another ally. I am Nym Durnodel of Lil Velkyn Obsul in the Upperdark." She briefly let down her hood to show her dark as night skin, long white hair and pale purple eyes, wincing at the light before raising it again, "I swear that I mean no harm though, I am a follower of Eilistraee."She seemed rather impassioned in her introduction to someone new.
As the Gods were brought up, the drow chipped in with a chuckle and added, "Eilistraee is with us as well." She was surprised to hear of Chrys' friend and intrigued to know how that Silver might be related to this Silver but now wasn't really the time. Focusing on the task at hand, Nym nodded at Fivin's suggestion. "Better to check there first. If we can get the children to safety before encountering Duskbringer again, that would be ideal."
After Chrys gave Silver the run down of their encounter with the dragon she also added with a grimace, "And she spits acid."
Walking up to the Chapel, Nym stills at the sight inside, eyes immediately drawn to a now clearly shaken Fivin. Lips pursed in helpless emotion, the drow thought this scene was all too painfully familiar to her. Stepping next to the older elf she tried to console, "This is simply the material. Faith is intangible and though this must be painful," She gestured to the thrashed Chapel, "It cannot be ruined by the ruination of mere things. Only by lack of hope. Don't lose hope just yet Omah Hanali." Placing a soft hand on his shoulder for but a moment as she tried to give him Guidance.
Inhaling deeply as she looked around at the place and then her companions she let out the breath before stating, "I don't want to try and use magic to locate the children just yet unless we have to delve deeper. Rather reserve my magic if it is needed." With that said she began quietly trying to look for any signs or clues to the whereabouts of Syllin and Faen, praying to Eilistraee that they were alive and unharmed under her breath.
Ducking her head to get through the doorway, Silver entered the small temple. The chaos on the inside was a little shocking, and although she was not a worshiper of Sehanine she nonetheless was saddened that such a sacred place had been desecrated like this. Something about the situation jumped out at her.
"A dragon did not do this. Your Duskbringer would simply have destroyed the building - this was done by people. Are there others here that you know of, who would do this? I understand that dragons will occasionally have followers who do their bidding, might this be the case here?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
When Chrys mentions acid, Lumen nods, and absentminded touches the pockmarked holes in his black leather clothes and armor, remembering very clearly getting nearly dissolved by Duskbringer what felt like a year ago.
He looks around at the temple, recognizing the familiar signs of a sacking. Pillaging was something his brethren did, and he tried to see if he could recognize if the destruction seemed potentially orcish in nature or habit or style. Investigation: 6
He whispers, "we should look around for them, and try to call quietly that we want to bring them to safety, to their mother. Otherwise we are strangers, here with Fivin alone. If they are still alive after all of this, they're good at staying hidden. We'll have to persuade them to come out. Building by building. Let's start here. If we need to do something loud, I can create some silence in an area so that sound doesn't carry to our acidic friend, or her minions. We... dissuaded an orc tribe from joining Duskbringer's call on ur way here. There are likely other minions here who did this. We need to keep an eye out outside here to see if we've been spotted, or if anyone wanders by and we need to hide."
If no one else wants to keep watch (Kess?), he will do so. He offers to also make the person keeping watch invisible, though he can't do silence and invisibility at the same time, and it also uses up much of his arcane powers for the day.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Silver will take a good look around the temple to see if anything in particular was targeted, or if the purpose here was general disarray.
Perception: 8
In response to Chrys she responds, "Perhaps we may be assisted by some tiny friends, if I can find any..." She then starts scanning the corners of the room, and the rafters of the building.
If she spots any little creatures (mice, birds, etc) she will approach and ask "Excuse me? You must know this area very well. We think there are some people here who don't belong, apart from us. Could you let us know if they approach this building?"
After you all make it across, secure this bridge, and retrieve your rope, you continue up the stairs, which are becoming increasingly more damp and mossy from the spray of the falls. At a couple points, the carved stone pathway leads right behind smaller, but still quite prominent secondary waterfalls that cascade past you in loud, misty streams, before dropping a couple hundred feet to the bottom of the butte.
The views from beneath these large wet overhangs are quite beautiful, and the sunlight that passes through the mist creates miniature rainbows within the falls.
As you walk, Fivin answers and tells that he has not seen the dragon since his recent arrival back at the keep.
Not one to be deterred by rainbows and sparkling sunshine, Chrys keeps her eyes out very specifically for dragonsign: "Don't let the beauty o' this place git yer guard down. This be a dragon's den, and the dragon nestin' in it be mad," she reminds the others, her eyes scrying the skies. Despite her words to the others, Chrys is unable to take her own advice and can't help but pause and think of what a pity it is, that a place as seemingly unspoiled as this one fell victim to Duskbringer's destruction.
Perception: 8
After traversing along the wet ledge that passes behind the waterfalls and briefly enjoying the magnificent, surreal view of the landscape as seen behind the glittering mist and sparkling water droplets that cascade down past you, you continue along the stone pathway and climb higher on the stone steps. By now, you've gained a dramatic amount of elevation on the butte and are fully aware that to fall from this height would mean certain death. Fortunately, you find that with even the smallest amount of concentration and attention, you can safely ascend without too much fear of slipping and plunging over the edge.
Aside from a small red finch that flitters around, occasionally perches itself on tiny flakes on the rock wall and hops from one outcrop to another, as if to show off as it seems to follow you up the cliff, you don't see any other creatures, and thankfully there's no sign of the dragon.
Soon you arrive at the third bridge, which is completely out. However, as you discover, it's an easy climb across the lower angle rock face in this location, and you all quickly make it across with no flailing or falling. The forth is a little more challenging, as it requires you to down climb into a twenty-foot deep gully and then back up the other side. The rock is quite textured here, with plenty of hand and footholds, and after you complete the awkward move of lowering yourself down from the edge of the broken bridge, you descend to the bottom of the gully and then climb back up with little trouble.
Continuing to move along the wet stone pathway and steep stairway that leads you even closer towards the top of the cliff face, you finally come to the last gap. The bridge here appears to be mostly intact, but the ropes have been cut on this side, so the planks dangle on the opposite side from where you are. Using the technique that you used at the second gap, you use Vesper's Mage Hand to carry your own rope across the gap and loop it around the last plank on the hanging bridge.
When its secure, you pull on the rope, raise the bridge and then secure it to the posts on your side of the gap. When you're confident that it's tied tightly, you send Kess across with a belay to check it out and make sure it's safe. When she reaches the other side, with no trouble, you all cross over, and with one more fifty foot section of stairs, you finally reach the top of the butte.
Looking ahead, you find yourselves on the edge of a brilliantly green grassy plateau that's set halfway up the enormous cliff face. You now have a full closeup view of the magnificent fortress, and although it does appear to be damaged with a gaping hole in the roof, for the most part, the rest of the structure looks to be in very good shape and well kept. Fivin sighs with delight when he lays eyes up on the keep, and you can see tears begin to well up in his eyes.
Just below the keep you see a large body of water, fed by the waterfall above and feeding the waterfall below. Despite the great movement of water through the place, the surface of the loch seems incredibly calm and peaceful. Around the water’s edge are stone statues of woodland animals and a statue of what looks like a humanoid creature sitting on the edge of the loch with its feet in the water...
...Then the statue moves, and you realizes that it's not a statue at all... it's an actual humanoid. It appears to be some kind of strange creature covered in fur and with long ears that stick out the side. It's taller than an orc, but certainly not at all like an orc in appearance. The figure suddenly turns around, and you see a creature unlike you any you've ever seen before.
Silver
After sitting at the edge of the loch for quite a long while and enjoying the refreshing feel of the cold water on your feet, you suddenly catch movement in the corner of your eye, and when you look around, you see six people appear at the top of the cliff where the stairs crest onto the plateau:
A chainmail-armored dwarf woman and three long haired female elves, two of whom wear armor long swords, one with dusky gray skin and white hair, the other with a shock of silver in her otherwise blue-sheened ebon locks that are parted evenly down the middle, (the third has blond hair and wears no armor.) Behind them walks a tall male that appears to be one of the half men, half orc kind. You can tell by his small tusks. He wears studded leather armor and also carries a long sword, and a stringed musical instrument slung around his back. The sixth is a thin, older elf man who wears a long cloak and a pair of spectacles on his eyes.
(Ok EMIW, you're in!!! You can now describe your character.)
((And FYI, you are all now officially at this viewpoint))
The figure looks at you in surprise, but without fear or concern. She stands and, leaving a pair of huge boots at the shore of the loch, approaches you barefoot. The closer she gets the taller you realise she is, until she stands in front of the group, towering over you all. You would estimate her to be at least 7 feet. Long, pure white hair frames a face covered in downy grey fur which you can also see on her hands and bare feet. Bright blue eyes absorb what she sees from above a broad, flat nose which draws in a deep breath, as if taking in your scent. Long ears, like that of a deer, twitch a little as they stand out from the sides of her head, scattered with piercings made of bone, wood and feathers. She wears no armour, and carries only a small axe on one hip, and a small knife on the other. Around her neck on a leather thong hangs a crystal like purest ice. From this close you may also make out a scattering of what seem like silver scales along her hairline. From certain angles they catch the light, as do the backs of her hands and feet from beneath the fur. She is smiling, and her eyes are wide with anticipation.
"Greetings," she says in deep, smooth voice. "Do you all live here?"
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Chrys
As you look up at this very tall, intriguing, and seemingly gentle person, you can't help but notice the silver scales along her hairline. You've seen scales like that before on someone else... your old and dear friend Loraliann Daardendrian, the Dragonborn who was known to most by his nickname, Silver. Of course, he had silver scales covering his entire body, whereas this person who now stands before you only has a few on her hairline and on the backs of her hands and feet, but as they catch the light, you can't help be reminded by the memory of your dear friend who you last saw in Yartar a few weeks ago, and recognize at least a tiny trace of similarity in the color and shape of the scales on this person, even if it is only imagined.
If they weren't having to walk up it, the moss covered stairs might have been charming. But damp from the waterfall it was a little difficult to climb, Nym taking careful steps to not slip. Upon reaching the overhang where the sun shone through brightly and colorfully through the waterfalls and misty air, the drow winced, her pale eyes screwing up in pain. Rubbing them with one hand, her other reached back behind her head to grasp at the hood of her heavy cloak to draw it up over her head to give her eyes some cover. At Chrys' words, she nodded before glancing backwards at Fivin. "Hopefully she hasn't made her self too much at home." Thinking rather optimistically of what it would be like for the elves to return to their home after a dragon "nested" in it.
It seemed that talking and climbing wasn't the best idea as her boot caught on a mossy step, not causing her to fall but just become briefly unbalanced. But for the long underground dwelling woman, the sudden vertigo and seeing the vast open height that she could fall into caused her to become nauseous, pressing against the wall for a moment with lips pressed tightly together. "I think I liked the view better when we were looking at it from solid ground." Once they were though, she almost regretted her words seeing not the magnificent sight before them but the expression on the elder elf beside them. Hesitating a moment she then risked gently placing a hand on his shoulder before assuring him in elvish, "One day soon elder."
As they continued forward towards the loch, she couldn't help but marvel at how still the water was considering the two massive waterfalls it was between. If only they could linger to enjoy it like this statue was... And when the statue moved, Nym's mind stopped, though her hand immediately flew to the handle of her blade. The cleric had been so sure that the figure was a statue given it's strange appearance, coloration and sheer height. She had never seen any other being like it. But they didn't make any overt violent movements even though they clearly had a weapon at their hip. But the mysterious figure's genuine question put her at ease. Sensing a brief lull of surprise, the drow took the initiative to speak up first. "No. He does however." Gesturing politely to Fivin before continuing, "But only a corrupted dragon resides in there for now. So we should keep our voices low or risk Duskbringer's wrath." Glancing between Fivin the keep and this strange furry yet scaled person she asked with open curiosity, "Did you come to see the Warriors of Sehanine?" Perhaps this was someone Fivin knew?
Insight: 18
(Nym's trying to discern if Silver might be a hidden threat, even if unrelated to Duskbringer)
https://www.heroforge.com/load_config%3D17092438/
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Silver shakes her head, her ears flopping a little back and forth.
"I'm sorry, I don't know any warriors. However, it sounds like I am in the right place - I followed a dragon here, a black one, although admittedly I haven't seen it in over a tenday and was starting to believe I'd gone off track."
She looks towards the older elf indicated by Nym. "You have a beautiful home, sir. If a chromatic dragon has taken residence here I would be honoured in attempting to remove it."
Her attention scans the rest of the group. "Is that what brings you all here? This... Dusk Bringer?"
Nym's Insight
You don't really have any way of judging how much of a threat this figure would be. There are a lot of conflicting factors - the height and build suggest physical strength, but her eyes are gentle and her smile is entirely warm. She carries the two small weapons, but they appear largely unused. You do have one thought - remembering the difficulty you had with the ascent to this plateau, you wonder how this character made it up ahead of you without mending or using any of the bridges in the way that your group did.
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
The older elf man responds to the new fur covered creature.
"Why thank you. We are proud of our home here at Ravenglade Keep, even though it has been beset by the dragon called Duskbringer. That is our name for this foul creature who has taken the life of so many of my kinfolk, two of which still remain inside the keep. Two young children of our tribe are trapped within, and we have come to rescue them from the fate of the dragon... if they have not already succumbed to her wrath. In my heart, I know that they are still alive, though."
"You say that you followed the dragon here? Then the Goddess of the Moonlight has indeed heard our prayers and has answered with the gift of even more help. Your kind is not known to me, but whoever you are, I am grateful for your arrival."
The young dark haired elf, who, with two blades at her side is clearly a warrior, also addresses the tall furry woman.
"You are... my mother told me stories about elusive half-giants of the forest, but I don't remember what name she had for them. I don't know if she even knew what they were called, or if she had even seen one herself, but it appears that she wasn't just telling me fairy tales. You are one of those that she spoke of, are you not?"
She wears a coat of black studded leather over white blouse and a form-hugging satin blue dress that is cut along a slit at her right side just a couple inches above the knee, revealing black silk tights and a sterling silver belt about her hips and a silver waist-cincher made of flexible fabrics, as well as black boots that are fitted with knucklehead ivory along the heels and steel along the toes. Her face is well made-up, and her nails are painted a blue that flatters her dress.
"And if you indeed followed the dragon here and have come to help defeat it, then I for one would welcome your assistance. For we have already had one encounter with Duskbringer, and I can attest that she is one mean, cantankerous wyrm with a very foul temper and horrible breath, as two of my companions unfortunately discovered. (She point to the white haired elf and the half orc.) We will need everting we have and more to defeat her."
She steps forward and extends her hand in greeting. "I am Kessdara Loorath from Icewind Dale, the frozen land beyond the Spine of the world. You can call me Kess, though. Most do."
Nym
Going on EMIW's description of her character, and her gentle voice, you certainly have questions in your mind about who and what this person is, but questions aside, there's nothing in your mind that would suggest that she is any kind of threat to you.
The figure looks kindly down at Kess.
"To have heard stories of the world beyond our valley of Hartsvale for so long, it is strange to hear that stories are also told of us. We have been given many names by other peoples - Men of the Trees, the Forestguard, giant-kin. When we refer to ourselves, which is rarely, for we know who we are, we tend to use the word Firbolg. As for me, I carry a title more than a name, but I am usually known as Silver. You may use that as my name, or choose a name you prefer. I know how much other peoples rely on names.
As for the dragon..."
Silver pauses, and looks troubled. "We are extremely reluctant to take life, even that of a creature such as this Duskbringer. I didn't follow it with any intent to do battle, in truth I had no intent at all, but simply felt the pull of necessity. I had to follow. But I think in my heart I knew it may come to battle. Black dragons are known for their cruelty and love of destruction, and it appears this one is a prime example of its species, and cannot be allowed to continue hurting and killing. Rest assured I will aid you in whatever way I can, and help return this wonderful place to its rightful inhabitants." By the end of this statement her gentle image seems to have hardened. You may still be unsure of how she expects to help, but she seems entirely convinced that she can assist.
"Who among you is the leader of this clan?"
[From what I've read of the thread so far I think Lumen has been as far as Hartsvale, but if he has only been to Hartwick he is very unlikely to have seen any Firbolg, they don't go into the towns and mostly live at the other end of the valley, towards the High Ice.]
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Upon hearing the firbolg’s name, Vesper turns to Chrys and says, “Chrys, don’t you have a friend named Silver? I remember meeting him in Yartar. He won the strength contest! That was such a fun day, one of the best I’ve ever had… it’s when the four of us came together and started this crazy adventure!”
”I’m Vesper, by the way. And I’m sure that we could use your help. As Kess said, that dragon has brought nothing but trouble and it would be better for many people if it were destroyed.”
The young, blond haired half elf displays the kind of youthful confidence that matches her visible age as a late teenager or early twenty-something year old woman.
Lumen’s eyes rise to meet the new Silver’s gaze. “My name is Lumen Vork. I don’t believe we have a leader. We started a trip into the forest to help a friend of a friend, and after we did so, we began to chase down signs of the decay of Duskbringer. Right now we are on a rescue mission, not a dragon hunt. I for one would welcome assistance. What have you learned here? Have you see any survivors?”
Silver's eyebrows rise approvingly. "Interesting, it has been my experience that outside of Firbolg clans all humanoid groups tend to look towards a leadership of some kind. It's refreshing to find people of a like mind to us. I regret to say that although I haven't seen anyone else here, I haven't really looked around. I have only been up here perhaps an hour, and I have spent the time admiring the view and resting my feet in the loch. If we are to begin a search, should we start with that building on this lower level?" She gestures towards the single building which is close to the loch, below the citadel itself which sits above them. (Seen in the picture above)
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Kess responds to Silver, and to Lumen as well.
"You are correct, most humanoid groups tend follow some kind of leader, whether they be elves, humans, dwarves, goblins, orcs... even giants, from what I've heard. Of course, it doesn't always go well, as many leaders achieve and maintain power through greed, war and manipulation and they actually do little to help their followers live better lives. Unfortunately leaders who are truly just are rare in this world."
"And Lumen is right. We don't really have a leader in our little group. We each have our own individual strengths, and we have mutual respect for the skills and ideas that each of us brings to the group. This has served us well during the month that Chrys, Vesper, Lumen and I have been together. Nym, we picked up almost a Ten-day ago, but as far as I'm concerned, she's as equal a party member as any of us."
"As for the dragon.... Lumen speaks true. We are here primarily to rescue the two children that we believe are still trapped inside the keep. However, as I said before, I have seen the destruction that Duskbringer has caused, and I fear that we cannot safely compete our task while she still lives, or at least while she is still corrupted by whatever power that seems to be causing a sickness in her."
"That said, I have no illusion that we can reason with a black dragon who is not sick in the mind, or that she will kindly leave if we ask her nicely. If I am true to myself, then I know in my heart that we will indeed need to confront her at some point. And for that, I am glad to have your help, firbolg called Silver. Let us hope that Corellon the Protector and the Goddess of the Moonlight are both with us in this task."
Fivin also answers.
"Sehanine Moonbow is indeed with us, Tel'Quessir. As for how to proceed, we should indeed start with that building over there, for it is our Chapel to Sehanine. Not only is it a holy place where we could ask directly for her help, it is quite possible that Faen and Syllin are in hiding there, if indeed they have made it safely out of the keep."
Sitting on a ledge a little lower than the main keep is a circular chapel, beautifully decorated with a myriad of wooden sculptures and ornamentation. Thick mats of lush, variegated ivy that twists throughout the architecture cover the entire structure.
The stout dwarven woman who wears a suit of chain mail replies with a surprised expression at Silver’s introduction and Vesper’s question, her warhammer tucked away on her belt.
“Well, ain’t that strange twist!! Yea Vesper, that Silver you met back in Yartar’s a dear good friend o’mine; stronger’n any ox I ever saw, and noble hearted, all the way to the bone. And now fate here brings us across another with the same name, and by the look of it, seems as if ya got similar ancestry somewhere in yer past.”
“I’m no expert on lineages and different races and all that stuff, and I can’t say I ever seen a firbolg before, but if you got some o’ the same blood running’ through you as my other friend Silver, then I’m inclined to believe that you got some genuine good in you, in which case I’ll gladly welcome your offer ya help us.”
“That’s my long winded way o’ sayin’ nice ta meet ya. Don’t make me wrong, about you” she winks.
“Names Chryoberyl, Chrys for short. Come from Twilight Tor. Be glad to tell you more, but that can come later. Let’s go find those kids.”
"I'm honoured that you all would accept my help so readily, though we have only just met." Silver does look genuinely touched. "I will do all in my power to help find these children, and put an end to this dragon's tyranny if necessary. It must be the will of at least one of the gods that we meet like this - I do indeed carry the blood of dragonkind, Chrysoberyl, it is a fascinating story of ages past which I would be happy to relate, though I think now is not the time. But that I carry not only the same type of dragon blood but the same name as your trusted friend? That speaks to me of destiny."
As they walk towards the Chapel of Sehanine, Silver speaks to the group, "Perhaps I should know a little of your previous encounter with this dragon? How did you come to battle them, and what exactly do you mean when you say they are corrupted? Black dragons are already a walking corruption, so I am told."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Chrys answers as you all walk over to the small temple building. As she speaks, you cannot help but notice that for her gruff and "rough-and tumble" exterior, she's actually a very attractive young dwarf woman. You also see a distinct scar on one of her cheeks that looks somewhat new.
"I don't know much about history, 'specially dragon lore, but I'd sure like ta hear that story when we got more time... after we're done with this business. Anyway. It was just a few days ago, when we were traveling through the forest, findin' our way here. Just as we came into a clearing, we seen her fly overhead, and then she swooped down and confronted us. Didn't stay long, and you already heard, she spit her acid right at Lumen and Nym here before flyin' off."
"She weren't on the ground very long, but long enough for us to get a good look at 'er. She's injured alright; torn wing, busted horn, some missing claws, and she's got some kinda strange ball of light floating around her head that seems to draw her attention from time to time. Kinda looks like" she's possessed by it. Evil as she may be, something ain't right about that wyrm."
Fivin also confirms Chrys's story that the dragon was indeed injured in the battle with her tribe members, and that there seems to be some force that's corrupting her.
You reach the small building, and after listening at the entrance, (you don't hear anything), you enter. Pushing open one of the ornately decorated wooden doors and stepping inside, you instantly see the at the place has been trashed. In addition to piles of strewn blankets and books that are scattered about, you see that many of the decorations inside here have been desecrated, including flowers and sprigs of herbs that adorn the interior trimmings. Many of the wooden shrines and sculptures of Sehanine, including three ornamental banners that depict representations of the deity have all been pulled down, torn or damaged in some way.
You can see that Fivin is clearly shaken by the sight.
Nym took note of the length of time it had been since this stranger had last seen the dragon they were all wary of but was more surprised that it too was the reason she was here. This strange person certainly seemed strong judging by their height and build and the fact that they were able to get up here at all. But there was a gentle peacefulness about them that made the fact that they were apparently pursuing Duskbringer even more confusing.
The cleric watched with curious eyes as Kess spoke a little of what this person was before introducing herself. Nym didn't think she had ever heard of Firbolgs but the term 'Forestguard' made her wonder if perhaps Duaric might be more familiar with them. At Kess' pointed statement that they had already had a run in with the dragon, she grimaced, remembering all too well how they did in that encounter. But perhaps they would stand a better chance with another at their side should direct contact be unavoidable.
It wasn't until Lumen introduced himself that she realized that she couldn't remember if they all had formally introduced themselves with their surnames whenever she had first met them. It felt odd hearing them now somehow considering how close she felt to them all without really thinking on the matter much. She was glad that Lumen corrected Vesper's boisterous statement that they were here to slay the dragon when their priority was really rescuing Lia's children. When Kess said that she was just as much an equal party member even considering how short a time she had been a part of the group, Nym felt her cheeks warm and she ducked her head bashfully at the sentiment, a small smile peeking out from under her hood she was using to shield her lilac yes from the sunlight.
"It is good to find another ally. I am Nym Durnodel of Lil Velkyn Obsul in the Upperdark." She briefly let down her hood to show her dark as night skin, long white hair and pale purple eyes, wincing at the light before raising it again, "I swear that I mean no harm though, I am a follower of Eilistraee." She seemed rather impassioned in her introduction to someone new.
As the Gods were brought up, the drow chipped in with a chuckle and added, "Eilistraee is with us as well." She was surprised to hear of Chrys' friend and intrigued to know how that Silver might be related to this Silver but now wasn't really the time. Focusing on the task at hand, Nym nodded at Fivin's suggestion. "Better to check there first. If we can get the children to safety before encountering Duskbringer again, that would be ideal."
After Chrys gave Silver the run down of their encounter with the dragon she also added with a grimace, "And she spits acid."
Walking up to the Chapel, Nym stills at the sight inside, eyes immediately drawn to a now clearly shaken Fivin. Lips pursed in helpless emotion, the drow thought this scene was all too painfully familiar to her. Stepping next to the older elf she tried to console, "This is simply the material. Faith is intangible and though this must be painful," She gestured to the thrashed Chapel, "It cannot be ruined by the ruination of mere things. Only by lack of hope. Don't lose hope just yet Omah Hanali." Placing a soft hand on his shoulder for but a moment as she tried to give him Guidance.
Inhaling deeply as she looked around at the place and then her companions she let out the breath before stating, "I don't want to try and use magic to locate the children just yet unless we have to delve deeper. Rather reserve my magic if it is needed." With that said she began quietly trying to look for any signs or clues to the whereabouts of Syllin and Faen, praying to Eilistraee that they were alive and unharmed under her breath.
Investigation: 15 Guidance: 2
Nym Durnodel - Aspiring Heroes of Faerûn // Danica Amastacia - Red Dead Annihilation
Ducking her head to get through the doorway, Silver entered the small temple. The chaos on the inside was a little shocking, and although she was not a worshiper of Sehanine she nonetheless was saddened that such a sacred place had been desecrated like this. Something about the situation jumped out at her.
"A dragon did not do this. Your Duskbringer would simply have destroyed the building - this was done by people. Are there others here that you know of, who would do this? I understand that dragons will occasionally have followers who do their bidding, might this be the case here?"
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
When Chrys mentions acid, Lumen nods, and absentminded touches the pockmarked holes in his black leather clothes and armor, remembering very clearly getting nearly dissolved by Duskbringer what felt like a year ago.
He looks around at the temple, recognizing the familiar signs of a sacking. Pillaging was something his brethren did, and he tried to see if he could recognize if the destruction seemed potentially orcish in nature or habit or style. Investigation: 6
He whispers, "we should look around for them, and try to call quietly that we want to bring them to safety, to their mother. Otherwise we are strangers, here with Fivin alone. If they are still alive after all of this, they're good at staying hidden. We'll have to persuade them to come out. Building by building. Let's start here. If we need to do something loud, I can create some silence in an area so that sound doesn't carry to our acidic friend, or her minions. We... dissuaded an orc tribe from joining Duskbringer's call on ur way here. There are likely other minions here who did this. We need to keep an eye out outside here to see if we've been spotted, or if anyone wanders by and we need to hide."
If no one else wants to keep watch (Kess?), he will do so. He offers to also make the person keeping watch invisible, though he can't do silence and invisibility at the same time, and it also uses up much of his arcane powers for the day.
Silver will take a good look around the temple to see if anything in particular was targeted, or if the purpose here was general disarray.
Perception: 8
In response to Chrys she responds, "Perhaps we may be assisted by some tiny friends, if I can find any..." She then starts scanning the corners of the room, and the rafters of the building.
If she spots any little creatures (mice, birds, etc) she will approach and ask "Excuse me? You must know this area very well. We think there are some people here who don't belong, apart from us. Could you let us know if they approach this building?"
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos