Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer Creatures
Frozen Sick
D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Basic Rules (2014)
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Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1: Spelljammer CreaturesFrozen SickD&D Beyond Basic RulesBasic Rules (2014)Sign in to view your library & saved favorites.
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The scarlet drake looked dubious for a moment, " Hmmmf, I did smell old dwarf bones....faintly from the tithing tunnel...."
" Ah, so they are here to challenge me for the mountain?"
The dragon looks slightly confused at the word arrangement but positively bristles with anger at the mention of being a prisoner.
" I....allowed....Zagors decoration....though it was garish and ill-fitting......one as magnificent as myself as a prisoner of that lecherous cretin? You jest, Yes?"
" But....it was ill-fitting a gift....and it did scuff my scales slightly.......you may do as you feel best."
Tzedaka frowns, "Ah, I mispoke, dis primitive language is not my native tongue." She then says in Draconic, "I am sorry to offend." Back in Common: "Let me see if I can repair the scuff in your scales, chere." She will approach the great beast, having no fear and will examine the injury further: (Does it need first aid or magical healing?) In addition, as she heals the neck injury, she will subtly look for other significant injuries or weaknesses but will keep this information to herself. (Eg. missing scales, etc.)
Saying a prayer to Libra (Guidance) she examines the wounds. (Medicine: 26+4 for guidance), then she will use healing hands to heal the neck injury but will not apply her healing to other injuries sustained at this time.
"You ver wise to have such an arrangement, and I must say that you and I agree on the description of the lecherous cretin. Vhat is it dat you want?"
Tzedaka: "I vonder if an arrangement can be made between the dwarves and Ardereinextinctus."
Enwynn, no longer equine as speed is of little usein this situation, nods and murmurs "Fire and earth create many lasting works of beauty between them. Perhaps this is another one?" in a hopeful tone.
Her eyes linger on the signs of captivity left on Ardereinextinctus, her ears hear the pride in their denial of being a captive, and rather than pity, the druidess finds herself fiercely glad the spirit has not been beaten out of them entirely. She does not allow that approval to think them any less foolish for being susceptible to Zagor's flattery in the past, nor any less capable of turning them all into very well-done snacks indeed if angered, yet the hope remains.
Enwynn holds on to that tiny sliver of possibility and keeps her wits about her.
(Insight: Total of 11, with Nature: Total of 22 because trying to read a dragon's body language and facial expressions is an unusual situation. Is Ardereinextinctus telling the truth thus far?)
There are a large number of, mostly broken off, crossbow bolts studding the dragons scales but few if any seem to have penetrated........large contusions possibly from some of the broken siege weapons dotting the battlefield and a smattering of shallow slashes and punctures.......none of which seem to be bothering the drake at all.
" Want? To return to my home.....it was his home and now it is mine his bones lie there and I would keep them from any further harm."
" But you say the dwarves also want it......this I will not allow.........though they are small....perhaps....."
Enwynns keen insight detects a certain melancholy about the beast, it is tired and angry but there is also longing and regret.......she suspects with the right nudge the drake would be amenable to ' sharing'.......
Tzedaka finishes healing the drakes injuries on its neck.
"You must know dat I am olde. I knew of your predecessor. A beautiful being. The Zagor family has been tormenting your family for decades."
She smiles,
"It is good that you have a home. Der are so many dat seek to find one, and dee mountain is amazing." She looks at Enwynn. "My friend, Enwynn, speaks with wisdom and patience. I have found her to be fair, yet with an inner strength rarely seen in Elves. Maybe an agreement can be reached, although I find you much more warmhearted den most of dee dwarves."
Herman removes the veil from the eyes to assist in awe at the magnificence of the great worm.
Words almost fail him:
Great Ardene..Artene...great among the worms, lucky you that still have a place you can call home. Mine was swept away and I would give a lot to have it back, even shared it with others.
Plus, we are in good terms with the king of the dwarves. Tell us if we can be of any help
The massive drake sniffed at Tzedaka cocking its head to one side in consideration....and suspicion but it appeared to consider her words.
The head lowered down to lay almost on the ground its eye level with Hermans.
" Then speak with them.....I will not move from my place....but I will accept tithes or accommodations from my new subj...co-inhabitants."
Tzedaka nods at the creature in acknowledgment of its terms.
When everyone is ready, she will leave the drake in peace.
Herman nods and cuts it short
so be it. we will be back as soon as we gather some news
"And now, for dee hard part." Tzedaka says to herself but either by accident or on purpose, loud enough that others hear.
Banzo follows along not sure if or how his extensive training in the art of combat wizardry could be put to use making peace with a mighty drake such as this.
"So now we just have to convince the dwarves to pay tribu... ahh, tithes."
The Heroes of Chalice March back across the smoke and mist choked battlefield toward the dwarven lines as they emerge from the smoke crossbows are momentarily raised in their direction then lowered.
King Gillibran moves forward, " Well, your still in one piece at least.....we didnae hear any fighting....did you find the Worm?"
Tannin been quiet, letting the angel handle things.
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Reminder for myself. Work together or fail apart. Talk with each other when necessary. Describe how, where, if, your character moved.
The sign on the trail ahead reads "DONT FEED THE DRAGON!" "Working Together" Follow this link please
The angelic woman look at the dwarven king, pondering what to say.
”indeed we did speak wit him. It may be possible to make a truce vhere all can benefit from the acquired wealt and opportunity of dee mountain but… I have several grave concerns.”
Rancibrawn fixed her with a look, " And will you worm be paying bloodprice for all ours it killed?"
King Ironhelm mused, " Myself also....what are your concerns?"
Domalda Ossis stayed silent simply watching with a bemused smile.
Tzedaka looks at Rancibrawn with a frown.
"Der is plenty of gold and space in dee mountain to share, if all involved are villing to make peace width each other. Dat is concern vone, can all involved," She looks at the dwarves assembled, "make a long-lasting agreement that can benefit all?"
"My second concern, which perhaps has been overlooked is dat I believe dee mountain and all within has been tainted by a snake demon prince. Thus, it is my belief dat those within will ultimately fall under her power and be cursed with evil intent. In fact, "she says, looking at the dwarves again, "her magic is already working on some here. Yesterday, you were all happy and content on your thrown, now,..you fight a powerful enemy who yesterday was of no consequence, lose many, but still some are blinded by greed and the temptation of power."
"Still, at least the Drake has said that he is willing to negotiate."
She turns to the heroes of Allansia, seeing if any of them want to join the conversation.
For the time being, Herman just listens, he sees there is a hard decision to do, he thinks himself lucky not to be in dwarves' shoes, he would not know what to do
Banzo steps up beside Tzedaka.
"It is true that we have defeated the latest incarnation of Zagor but it is only the latest. As there were previous versions there will be more in the future for the mountain as been suffused with his evil. So if you want to currently make your claim for the mountain keep that in mind."
"And of course there is the mighty drake Ardereinextinctus who also has made a claim of the mountain. As our fellow Hero of Chalice, Tzedaka, has said you will have to choose whether you want to continue to fight or negotiate, and I feel it will not only be with Ardereinextinctus but with each other."
"It is ultimately up to each of you whether the cost in lives is worth it. I see no less than three leaders of mighty factions of dwarven peoples. I am sure that you did not attain those positions by brute force alone. If you do choose to negotiate then we can set up an initial meeting between all parties involved."
Banzo looks around at his fellow companions and then at the tattoo on his arm. He holds it up for the dwarves to see.
"This is the mark of a demon that Zagor served. Some of my companions share it. We are currently on a quest to rid ourselves of this magical brand. If you do choose to negotiate you may have to forgive any past transgressions, no matter how recent, in order to seek a peace between all."
( Can I get a Persuasion roll from Banzo with Advantage)
(And add Guidance from Tzedaka!)