This was quite a joyful day. You have managed to help a few creatures who got lost and one small dear, who got stuck in an old snares near the stream. The sun was getting lower with every passing moment when suddenly, you have heard familiar sound of flickering flames.
Mozilla was atop of a huge rock and was changing her feet as if she was dancing. Suddenly she turned, made a few steps and looked back at you. She definitely wanted you to follow her. As soon as you understood her intentions, she started running as if she was chasing something… or someone.
Few moments later you got out of the forest just by the local road where sometimes you saw some local folks, but this time there was a caravan on top of gentle descent towards nearby town of Greenest.
Well, this cannot be the reason… you have started your thought but then you have noticed no one is looking at you. All eyes were set due west, towards the town…
Narr:
The road was going through the Greenfields. Small hills, grass, occasional settlement and a forest here and there were the only varieties for the past seven days but this day was a bit different. Just past noon, you have noticed a wagon or two on a rise behind you and with every passing hour they got closer and closer. For the last hour you have been hearing screeching of the wheels and neighing of the horses but you have refused to wait, even though it would be a bit easier for you. You kept going.
Judging by the mile stones set along the way, there were only 2 miles toward Greenest and in less then an hour you could be there. You turned around and you have noticed the caravan only fifty meters behind you. Just a few steps and you will reach the top…
Cerau, Swan, Sabynne andWirilone:
For the past several days, you have been traveling a road that winds lazily across the rolling grasslands of the Greenfields.
The caravan you have joined is led by an old dwarf named Grastrak Brickfury and his nephew Grizzar. He took you in as they were also traveling toward Greenest and as Grastrak has said when you left Berdusk couple of days ago “It’s always good t’have a good lookin’ gall who can cast a fireball is some pour lad’s ass, aye”.
Through the last few days you tagged along, helped in chores or with your skills – there was always something to fix, someone to heal or simply someone to talk to.
The caravan is heading further south-west, towards the city of Nashkel and The Fangs – the stone gate to the Cloud Peaks and Greenest is the first “big” town along the way. Apart from Grastrak and his nephew, the small caravan included few cart drivers – mostly dwarves but some of them were humans.
Couple of hours ago you have noticed a small figure in the distance. At first you thought it was a child, but with time, it became clear it is either a short man or a halfing or a dwarf going in the same direction as you are. With each passing mile, the figure was getting closer and closer and you shall pass it on the next rise.
Sundown is approaching when you top a rise and see the town of Greenest just a few short miles away. But instead of the pleasant, welcoming town you expected, you see columns of black smoke rising from burning buildings, running figures that are little more than dots at this distance, and a dark, winged shape wheeling low over the keep that rises above the center of the town.
Greenest is being attacked by a dragon!
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DM in Tyranny of Dragons
"I don't care, I'm still free. You can't take the sky from me..."
On the back of the wagon, Swan is writing to her brother. The road is rocky, but she wishes to finish the letter as soon as she can. Swan is a young woman in her early 20’s, with blonde hair and amber eyes. Her features are sharp and severe, yet undeniably beautiful. Her eyes bright with purpose, her chin pointy and delicate, giving her a regal appearance. During the past few days of travel, you can often see the young warrior helping out with chores, setting up the camp, healing those in need, never complaining.
“Dear Hawk,
I hope this letter finds you well. It feels like it has been ages since we last saw each other. I miss you, brother. I have some news that I think will interest you and the Lord's Alliance. After receiving your letter, I have been travelling to Greenest as fast as I can. I met a caravan that was also heading in this direction, and their leader Grastrak Brickfury kindly allowed me to join them. Once I arrive in town, I will start investigate the rumors of this mysterious Cult of Dragons…”
She looks up from the unfinished letter as she realizes something is wrong. In the distance, black smoke billows from the town, buildings ablaze and tiny figures dashing about. Above the town, a large winged creature circles ominously, casting its dark shadow over the keep at the town's center. Dragon.
Swan's hand trembles as she sets down her quill, the urgency of the situation pushing all thoughts of the letter and her brother from her mind. The road beneath the wagon jostles her, but she barely feels it as she jumps down, grabbing her shield emblazoned with the symbol of Ilmater, the hard ground jarring her boots. Swan's heart thuds in her chest, her adrenaline pumping as she finds Grastrak among the people of the caravan. She stands at 5'5", but she carries herself with an air of authority characteristic to those with noble upbringing.
"Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them."Her urgency is apparent as the words rush out of her mouth, looking around for any other warriors or able-bodied travelers who might aid them. Her mind is already calculating the steps they need to take to get there as quickly as possible. She knows that the next few hours could mean the difference between life and death for the people of Greenest.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Also sitting on the back of the wagon is a young elven maiden, her long hair of the purest white, as are her garments, her silvery eyes studying a tome held in her knees. She has two long slightly curved knives tucked into her belt and a crystal containing a silvery flame is carried in a thin silver chain around her neck. She has a backpack, a quiver of arrows and an exquisitely crafted longbow by her side. Perching on her shoulder is a cute tiny white owl that seems to curiously look around at the other travelers.
During your travels the elven maiden has mentioned her name is Sabynn and her owl is named Y'landrothiel but otherwise she hasn't been very talkative, smiling shyly at anyone looking at her, her hand going to her hair to put a white strand behind her pointed elven ear. Although seeming somewhat unused to travel overland and sleeping under the sky, the elven maiden has helped with chores, or rather used her elven magic to help, summoning an invisible servant to do her bidding, collecting firewood and cook her dinner, also using magic to light the campfire, clean, heat, flavor and mend. In the evenings she has offered to play a game of Dragonchess that she brings out of her backpack but she has otherwise quietly been studying her tome accompanied by her tiny white owl.
As the columns of black smoke come into view in the distance, the tiny white owl on her shoulder nips her earlobe to get her attention and she quickly looks up from her tome, her silvery eyes going wide as she sees the dark, winged shape over Greenest. She watches as the young beautiful human warrior jumps the wagon and urges the dwarven leader of the caravan to take action to assist the attacked town below them. "I will come." She says firmly as she gracefully stands up on the cart, her silvery eyes flashing with purpose and conviction. This is not how she imagined her studies of dragons in distant lands would take off, but there were people down in that town that needed every bow to fend off the terrifying beast circling above it. She quickly messages Y'landrothiel to fly ahead towards the town to assess the situation and report back. She then looks in the distance, trying to identify what kind of dragon they will be dealing with.
A tall (six-foot) drow half-elf walks toward the back of the caravan, speaking with a few of the more bedraggled members of the troupe. Wirilome Attercoppe—or Wiri as she’s implored the caravan-ers to call her—exudes an air of gentle kindness, clearly at odds with many of the stereotyped tales and myths that above-dwellers have heard about the drow. Long, silver-white, waist-length hair cascades down her shoulders and back, complimenting the blemishless dark silver-gray of her skin. The simple, but spotless, platinum robes are accented with amethyst tones in the stitching, pleats, and embroidery, matching the purple hue of the drow’s eyes.
A calm, lyrical laugh escapes her lips at something one of the other travelers says, causing her usually solemn, knowing eyes to briefly smile. She continues the conversation as she walks, guiding her way with a slender, ash staff topped with an orb of mottled platinum and amethyst. Though the staff does not seem to be required, it seems to support her lithe yet frail frame. She sets the staff aside in the air, conjuring her violet mage hand to hold it for a moment as she looks through her robe for something. A moment later she extracts a bit of jerky and hands it to the woman next to her, pressing it into her hand as the woman performatively protests.
The drow pauses as she watches Swan and Sabynn quickly dismount from the back of the cart. Upon noticing the smoke rising in the distance, Wiri places a hand on the woman’s shoulder and tells her to stay safe. She then grabs the staff, hitches up the skirt of her robe, and begins to run toward the front of the caravan to see what the commotion is all about.
“By the Gods, let none be injured,” she says quietly to herself as she runs.
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Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tyto stepped out of the twilight of the forest onto the road. He was still unsure what was going on. Something about the way Mozilla had led him here - a certain urgency in her stride - told him that there must be an immediate threat close by. But this? Tyto stopped in his tracks and looked at the caravan slowly passing by on the road, a mere 100 feet away. These were just travellers, ordinary city folk it seemed. These caravans sometimes left refuse or leftover food behind, which could draw predators too close to the roads and settlements; sometimes their dogs attacked defenseless young animals; and sometimes they were careless with their campfires, which could lead to forest fires. But these people were just... passing by, not posing a danger to the forest at all.
Well, this cannot be the reason…
Why did Mozilla lead him here? And where was she anyway? A moment ago she was right in front of him, but now she was nowhere to be seen. Maybe this was just a misunderstanding, a mistake, or... a joke? After all, Fey spirits liked to play practical jokes on people from time to time. Tyto was just about to turn back into the woods to avoid being seen, when it dawned on him - why wasn't he seen already? Why were none of these people paying attention to a sturdily built 7'6'' man with blue skin bursting through the undergrowth? These woods were Tyto's home, and he could avoid being seen or heard when travelling through them, but he hadn't tried to be stealthy.
Like any other caravan, this one also had guards on duty, but they weren't paying attention to him at all. In fact, by now most of the travellers were completely distracted, there seemed to be some kind of commotion. They were afraid of something, Tyto could see it in their body language. Some of them were pointing westward, talking to one another in anxious voices. Tyto decided to take a few more steps away from the trees, out into the open, and tried to get a better look of what the travellers were looking at.
Tyto's skin has a light blue hue, and his long unkempt hair and beard are a deep maroon coloration. He is 7'6'' tall and has a rather sturdy build, but everything about him, from his posture to his friendly smile and his wise, light-gray eyes, gives away his gentle spirit. His clothes look worn down, and are a ragtag patchwork of different materials - some typically used for clothing, like leather, and linen, some not so much, like still-green moss, and grass.
Narr continues plodding along, lost in his thoughts.
The death of his mentor, Father Hader had weighed on his mind since the day he left the monastery
"I still can't believe he's gone."
Narr thinks,
"Who would want to harm him? He just was an old man."
Narr's mind drifts back to the day he had first met Father Hader. He had been so nervous. Father Hader was a local legend and certainly a holy man of note. To be sent to him for lessons was quite an honor. Narr wasn't sure he deserved it. But there he was.
And then the time came and the first thing Father Hader asked him was,
"What would you like me to teach you?"
Narr had no response to that question. He tried to say something smart but it wouldn't come. So he started and stopped and sputtered and turned red.
Until, finally, he asked Hader,
"How can I know what I don't know?"
To which Father Hader replied,
"So ends our first lesson."
He smiled at Narr and hobbled from the room.
Shaken out of his reverie by the clanging rattle of the caravan, Narr looks back over his shoulder yet again and sees it is getting close.
Narr takes the last few steps and reaches the crest of the hill. He steps aside to right side of the road to allow the caravan to pass. He sets the butt of his warhammer on the ground, resting one arm on the dangerous end.
Honestly, he is glad to let it pass. It had been an annoyance for some time. And throughout the last hour he had constantly felt the need to turn and look behind. He tried to deny this impulse but the impulse itself was making him anxious.
He smiles and gives the waggoneer a friendly nod as they approach and keeps eye contact long enough for a response. Measuring him up.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hearing the determined voice from Sabynn, Swan looks up and sees the white-haired elven maiden stands up from the wagon. Sabynn's gossamer white robes flutter softly in the breeze, and her long hair cascades down her back like a silvery waterfall. Knowing the elf’s kindheartedness over the past few days of travel, Swan is gratified that she offers to help. Her presence emboldens Swan. Swan nods graciously at Sabynn, her armor gleaming under the sun.
“We have supplies, able-bodied men, and weapons. There may be wounded that need our help.”Swan says to Grastrak, trying to appeal to the caravan leader's sense of compassion and duty. Her voice was firm and steady as she spoke to Grastrak, determination in her amber eyes. "Let us borrow a cart, or a horse. We can bring water, food, and blankets to those who are injured or displaced."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cerau had been traveling with the caravan for a few days, happily chatting with anyone who would listen. As the latest in a long line of healer's Cerau was not terrible at small talk but she excelled at reading people. She always seemed to be able to sense when the person she was caring for wanted quiet company, an ear to listen or to hear someone chatter. She had spent some time chatting to Wiri as they travelled, her lithe air genasi form floating next to the drow woman. She had also made a point to introduce herself to the rest of the caravan with a warm smile - eager to hear stories of the world.
Despite the darkness of the previous six months, Cerau was excited to be seeing the world. With a somber but heartwarming smile she thought of her father - the traveler, the free spirit. She had always thought that she would take after her mother, her grandmother and the long line of tribal healers that had come before them but maybe... A deep voice reverberated through her mind like thunder, "Your father and you ride the same wind. We will meet someday Child of Wind and Stars." She shuddered at the all too familiar voice that had plagued her dreams. Snapping out of her momentary contemplation she turned to check in with Swan who was sitting next to her writing a letter but the warrior's eyes were locked ahead. "Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them."
Cerau freezes for a moment in fear. A dragon? It was what she was searching for but she hadn't expected to come across one so soon into her travels. Cerau starts to act, some colour returning to her pale blue skin. She brings her hand to her head - shading her eyes from the sun and casting Guidance on herself. She too looks out to see if she can discern any details of the dragon - hoping it is not the dragon she is searching for. Perception14 + Guidance roll 2
"Can the wagon travel any faster?" Cerau asks with a sense of urgency in her voice - the tremble of fear barely detectable.
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On a quest for exciting stories and moments of character development.
As the cart is passing you by at the top of the raise, you see a dwarf driving it giving you a nod and speaks in dwarvish “G’day to you…” he stops suddenly looking ahead. He immediately raises his hand and stops the cart. Those that follow him stop as well.
He looks like a decent, hardworking dwarf. A merchant you would say. Dressed in linen shirt, warm jacket and pants. By his side, there is either a walking stick with a solid head or a decent club if grabbed on the other end. A dwarf sitting next to him has a crossbow at hand, but not even loaded.
Y'landrothiel, a beautiful and tiny white owl was sitting on her lady’s shoulder. Suddenly, feeling Sabynn’s call she turned her head towards her and immediately flapped her wings and silently flew towards Greenest.
The setting sun changes all the colors of the sky to red. The problem with owls is they have very limited vision in terms of colors, however they can spot the movement easily.
What Sabynn, Wiri, Cerau, Tyto & Narr can see:
Thanks to your perception checks, you can see the following:
The dragon is slowly circling above the city. It’s an adult dragon. The setting sun makes determining the color almost impossible, but some of the reflections have blue-ish tint.
Moreover, the town is being attacked also by ground troops. You can see some of the people running away (some towards you) but in town there are definitely more that may need some help.
In the keep in the center of the town, you could spot individual figures on the walls. The keep is not big, but could provide a shelter to the people if they could get there.
Cerauonly:
Although the dragon is blue, it definitely is not the same one. The one you remember, had more horns on it’s face. It was definitely an older one. This one is too “smooth”.
Sabynnonly:
Thanks to Y'landrothiel’s vison and height advantage, you can see although the dragon is adult blue one, but some of his features indicate he is not THAT old and has reached adulthood recently.
At this time, all of you are standing in front of the caravan on the road and Tyto ten, perhaps twenty feet to the left. The city is about two miles ahead of you.
Grastrak raised his hand to give an order to stop and jumped off the cart. “What on bloody earth…” he said when he saw the town. Some of the members of the caravan gathered next to him waiting for his orders. He stood for a second taking a good look when Swan spoke.
"Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them."
“Yes, yes, we need to help…” he has started but suddenly turned his head and looked up in Swan’s eyes. “Are you mad lass? Two crossbows and bunch of traders against the bloody dragon? You want to give this beast a dinner on a ****in’ plate?”
“We have supplies, able-bodied men, and weapons. There may be wounded that need our help.” Swan says to Grastrak, trying to appeal to the caravan leader's sense of compassion and duty. Her voice was firm and steady as she spoke to Grastrak, determination in her amber eyes. "Let us borrow a cart, or a horse. We can bring water, food, and blankets to those who are injured or displaced."
He stood for a brief second looking in Swan’s eyes and back on his nephew.
“O’right, o’right… M’am” he spoke rubbing his forehead. “The carts stay, the beast, even blind will spot them from a mile away…” he raised his hand to stop any protests “…but send anyone you can our way. We can’t fend of that monstrosity but we can tend to the wounded and kick in the nuts anyone who is chasing them. Can you do that?” he asked holding his walking stick in his big hands.
Suddenly he leaned to his right and looked towards a small forest on the left side of the road. “What the f…” he spoke looking at the giant figure coming through the bushes.
Tyto looked toward Greenest with concern. His narrow eyes got angry when he saw the smoke rising above the city.
The white-haired elven maiden agilely steps down from the back of the cart and walks up to Swan and Grastrak. "The dragon is an adult blue one. According to lore blue dragons are known for being vain and territorial, they breath lightning and their hides tend to hum and crackle faintly with built-up static electricity, and emit small arcs of electricity. They are adapted to dig into sand and are distinguished by their frilled ears and single massive horn and..."She explains in an academic tone but fades out as she suddenly realizes not all of this information is pertinent to their current situation. "Anyway..." She continues with a slight blush. "...suffice to say we cannot hope to take on this adversary, but we might be able to challenge it's servants on the ground and help the townsfolk either back here or into that keep on the hill."She finishes, smiling briefly at Swan before looking around to see who else would be ready to hurry ahead on foot and put their lives at risk to save the town of Greenest.
A dragon is attacking the town! And are those... people?
No doubt, it was an army of people, and it looked like they were working together with the dragon. Tyto had to do something. Of course there's no way he or anyone else here could take on an army, much less an adult dragon, but there had to be something he could do to help these people. Maybe he could evacuate some of them to the woods - at least there they would be safe from aerial attacks...
While Tyto still contemplated what to do, one of the travellers, a young human woman with fair features, jumped down off of her wagon, and made her way to the sturdy old dwarf who seemed to be the leader of the caravan.
"Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them."
The young girl could not have been older than 30 years and Tyto wasn't even sure if she would be considered a full adult by human standards - but she already spoke and carried herself like someone who was used to giving orders.
A second traveller spoke up: "Can the wagon travel any faster?"WhenTyto looked at her, he had to do a double-take. Her skin was a pale blue, not unlike his own - could she be..? Her ears were pointy, albeit less so than Tyto's own... Maybe she was a cross-breed? Then again, everything else about her seemed... distinctly un-giant. In fact she seemed almost unnaturally light.
“Are you mad lass? Two crossbows and bunch of traders against the bloody dragon? You want to give this beast a dinner on a ****in’ plate?”
A third woman, a young elf with long white hair, stood up on her cart and faced the dwarf. "I will come." A few seconds later, a white owl rose from behind her and flew towards the town. But was it really an owl? No owl would fly openly towards a threat as obvious and perilous as an actual dragon, much less in broad daylight. This must have been something else... Something that somehow reminded him strongly of Mozilla.
“We have supplies, able-bodied men, and weapons. There may be wounded that need our help. Let us borrow a cart, or a horse. We can bring water, food, and blankets to those who are injured or displaced."
“O’right, o’right… M’am. The carts stay, the beast, even blind will spot them from a mile away... but send anyone you can our way. We can’t fend of that monstrosity but we can tend to the wounded and kick in the nuts anyone who is chasing them. Can you do that?”
Tyto decided to join the party - these were not, as Tyto had initially assessed, ordinary city-folk. Their heart was in the right place, and it was obvious that they had a lot of courage - perhaps more than was good for them. If Tyto wanted to help the townspeople, his best move would be to join these adventurers. He cleared his throat.
“What the f…”
"I will join you too." Tyto's voice was deep and rumbling,and it resonated like a rockslide in an echoing valley. "These lands are my home, and I do what I can do protect them and their inhabitants."
Wiri nimbly runs to the front of the caravan and notices Tyto speaking to her new friends and the caravan master. Catching up to Cerau, Swan, and Sabynn, the drow pushes a mass of silvery white hair out of her eyes. She instinctively smiles at the firbolg, as he seems to have a kind, concerned face. Again, she sets the staff aside in the air, a mage hand appearing to momentarily hold it. After unceremoniously dumping her backpack into the back of Grastrak’s cart, she retakes the staff, the amethyst- and platinum-colored orb slightly glowing. She turns her smooth, unlined face to the village.
Upon seeing the dragon and hearing/learning of its ground forces, Wiri’s smile dissipates, replaced with a steely glare. Her voice, however, remains as calm and melodic as always. “Many people of Greenest flee in our direction. Do we ride out to meet them, holding back their pursuers or continue onto the town to evacuate any under threat? Regardless, we must assist in purging this scourge from the valley.”
The corners of the drow’s purple eyes briefly betray her stern countenance, turning downward as if already mourning the assured loss of life she’ll encounter in and around the village.
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Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
“Thank you, Grastrak. I really appreciate your help and your kindness for taking me in. I admire your generosity and am honored to have traveled with you.” Swan says, bowing her head slightly, expressing her sincere gratitude for his help and hospitality. She admires the dwarf’s kindness and generosity, knowing that he's not just a merchant, but also a good-hearted soul.
Swan turns to see Sabynn stepping off the cart, the elf scholar calmly explaining her knowledge about the blue dragon. “You know a lot of dragons.”Swan observes, impressed by her wealth of knowledge. She’s obviously not a scholar, having someone knowledgeable about the dragons will be an asset in their investigation of the Cult of Dragons…
As she ponders, she catches sight of a giant hulking figure stepping out. Her jaw slightly open, surprised to see the firbolg. They are a very reclusive kind. But seeing Tyto’s gentle and concerned face, she could see the good nature of the giant. “Please, we need all the help we can get.”
Hearing Wiri’s suggestion, Swan’s grip tightens on her spear. “I’m really interested in meeting the rats who are working for a dragon.” The warrior says, her words dark and clipped. Her ambers eyes burning with fire, she looks towards the burning town and people running away from danger. “Let’s continue into town.” She says, then turns to Grastrak, "Can you take in the people that are running this way?"
After her initial wave of apprehension at the sight of a dragon, Cerau's demeanor calms as she starts to assess the situation. Her eyes meet that of the firbolg and she smiles as his earthy voice rumbles. I have a good feeling about this newcomer. She steps closer to Grastrak, her shoulder length blue hair shifts softly in the breeze. She reaches to the amulet around her neck as if gathering her confidence and as she does so the swirling blue colours in her eyes are flecked with sparks of starlight.
"If wanting to help those who cannot help themselves make us mad then I suppose we are. In every town there are those that cannot fend for themselves and we must get them to safety," Cerau says gently but firmly to Grastrak. She nods to Wiri as she continues speaking, her voice becoming lighter and though she speaks more softly, the wind carries her voice for her. "It seems as if most of us want to head into the city to do what we can. We should dispatch any threats pursuing the townsfolk as we send those that are strong enough back to Grastrak."
"Maybe we can't take on the dragon ourselves as Sabynn said but I'm sure we could make some sort of difference!" Cerau turns to look at Swan who she has guessed is about her age. She smiles at the warrior and then turns her gaze to the strong looking dwarf figure, trying to read on his face whether would be interested in fighting alongside them.
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On a quest for exciting stories and moments of character development.
So intent on the doings of the caravan, Narr is oblivious to the goings on in the town below. That is, until he sees wide eyes all focused in one direction. Turning, he sees the burning town and the dragon. Eyes wide.
"Blast!"
He mutters audibly, instantly feeling a little dirty at the expletive.
He approaches the group.
Narr is your typical short, stocky dwarf. Although on the young side, for a dwarf, he has begun to bald. His beard is braided onto three long, black plaits. He is clad in a suit of scale with a shield bearing the silver emblem of a dragon slung across his back. He holds a warhammer with a double head and between these, sticking out of the end, is an iron fist holding an iron ball.
“Are you mad lass? Two crossbows and bunch of traders against the bloody dragon? You want to give this beast a dinner on a ****in’ plate?”
"Make that 3 crrossbows. And a Hammer."
“Please, we need all the help we can get.”
"I'm wuth ya', lassie. Best we get movin' now. Those folks need our help."
Feeling the urgence of the situation in the town below them, the white-haired elven maiden simple nods and smiles briefly at the Firbolg and the dwarf. Firbolgs she had read about, gentle and kind-hearted guardians of the forest according to lore. Dwarves she had met more than she cared to count since she arrived to these lands, a rough and stubborn breed, but good to have at your side when facing danger most likely. "I am Sabynn..." She says to the newcomers with a hint of impatience. "...and we should get going."She says, looking to Swan to lead them on towards Greenest. "The rats working for the dragon would most likely be kobolds, natural servants to dragons, um, according to what I've read." She says quickly to the blonde warrior beside her, blushing faintly at the end.
Grastrak is shifting his gaze from all of you, to the town and back to each of you. while running his thick fingers through his equally thick beard then looks at Swan.
"You look like a lass, who can defend herself..." then he looks at the other females in the group "Pardon me my ladies, not that I think any less of you, but there's nothing better than piece of steel, not that silly hand waving or book reading..." now looks at Sabynn "...and what I know of dragons, and I have heard a lot, believe me young lady..." he points his finger to Sabynn "...the minute you think you know what a dragon will do, this is a minute you are dead. Filthy creatures. Cunning like an el... Well, cunning they are let's say."
His cheeks turn a bit red with his indiscretion.
"Stay low and sneak up to those bastards and we will go to the edge of the forest and we'll set up a camp. Set any of those pour bastards here, and we'll take care of them... but watch out for this damn beast. Tell them to hide - in the open, it will spot them and they are as good as dead."
He turns towards Tyto and opens his mouth as if he wanted to say something but instead takes a step towards Narr and speaks in dwarvish:
(Read if you know dwarvish)
"Watch out for the giant. He stands out a bit... And look out for the ladies."
After that, he starts giving orders. The caravan, quite slowly is turning towards the trees, passing uneven terrain.
Below is the map of the town of Greenest. You are currently 2 miles to the east from the edge of the town (traveling west). The approach is possible from 3 sides:
Taking a detour up north and coming on top of the map; will take the longest - about 1 - 1,5 hour normal speed;
Directly from the west coming mid left part of the map; it's the faster route but the most open one;
Going for a while next to the road and reaching the streambed. You should arrive in low right corner of the map. This route will be a bit longer than the second one.
You could follow the 4th one, and try to reach the town from the west side (left part of the map) but that route would take about 3 hours if you want to keep safe distance from the town.
Tyto only:
The stream goes through the forest and by the town. It's quite shallow.
“Suits them well.” Swan murmurs under her breath as Sabynn mentions the kobolds, her disgust towards the small dragon-like creatures palpable. However, when she sees the gentle blue eyes of the elf beside her, she realizes her reaction might have been too harsh. Swan reaches out to touch Sabynn's shoulder reassuringly, offering a small smile.
“We’ll do everything me can.” She says softly.
As Grastrak is directing the caravan to move and relieved to see the caravan moving to safety, Swan considers the routes, taking note of the terrain. “Perhaps we should go along the streambed.” She suggests. “That might be more prudent than going directly towards the town in the open. We'll have some cover and it might be easier to move undetected."
The white-haired elven maiden smiles and blushes again as she feels Swan's hand on her shoulder, nodding in agreement. "We will." She says softly, briefly laying her hand on Swan's.
As Grastrak speaks to the dwarf beside him, Sabynn's eyes narrows, and then she retorts in their own crude tongue, somewhat dryly, inclining her head to Narr.
"Don't worry Grastrak, I will look out for the lady. I'm sure I'm cunning enough."
She then nods approvingly to Swan's suggestion to enter Greenest along the stream, she was a cunning elf after all and they would all need to avoid that dragon at all costs, particularly the dwarf and the firbolg.
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Tyto:
This was quite a joyful day. You have managed to help a few creatures who got lost and one small dear, who got stuck in an old snares near the stream. The sun was getting lower with every passing moment when suddenly, you have heard familiar sound of flickering flames.
Mozilla was atop of a huge rock and was changing her feet as if she was dancing. Suddenly she turned, made a few steps and looked back at you. She definitely wanted you to follow her. As soon as you understood her intentions, she started running as if she was chasing something… or someone.
Few moments later you got out of the forest just by the local road where sometimes you saw some local folks, but this time there was a caravan on top of gentle descent towards nearby town of Greenest.
Well, this cannot be the reason… you have started your thought but then you have noticed no one is looking at you. All eyes were set due west, towards the town…
Narr:
The road was going through the Greenfields. Small hills, grass, occasional settlement and a forest here and there were the only varieties for the past seven days but this day was a bit different. Just past noon, you have noticed a wagon or two on a rise behind you and with every passing hour they got closer and closer. For the last hour you have been hearing screeching of the wheels and neighing of the horses but you have refused to wait, even though it would be a bit easier for you. You kept going.
Judging by the mile stones set along the way, there were only 2 miles toward Greenest and in less then an hour you could be there. You turned around and you have noticed the caravan only fifty meters behind you. Just a few steps and you will reach the top…
Cerau, Swan, Sabynne and Wirilone:
For the past several days, you have been traveling a road that winds lazily across the rolling grasslands of the Greenfields.
The caravan you have joined is led by an old dwarf named Grastrak Brickfury and his nephew Grizzar. He took you in as they were also traveling toward Greenest and as Grastrak has said when you left Berdusk couple of days ago “It’s always good t’have a good lookin’ gall who can cast a fireball is some pour lad’s ass, aye”.
Through the last few days you tagged along, helped in chores or with your skills – there was always something to fix, someone to heal or simply someone to talk to.
The caravan is heading further south-west, towards the city of Nashkel and The Fangs – the stone gate to the Cloud Peaks and Greenest is the first “big” town along the way. Apart from Grastrak and his nephew, the small caravan included few cart drivers – mostly dwarves but some of them were humans.
Couple of hours ago you have noticed a small figure in the distance. At first you thought it was a child, but with time, it became clear it is either a short man or a halfing or a dwarf going in the same direction as you are. With each passing mile, the figure was getting closer and closer and you shall pass it on the next rise.
Sundown is approaching when you top a rise and see the town of Greenest just a few short miles away. But instead of the pleasant, welcoming town you expected, you see columns of black smoke rising from burning buildings, running figures that are little more than dots at this distance, and a dark, winged shape wheeling low over the keep that rises above the center of the town.
Greenest is being attacked by a dragon!
"I don't care, I'm still free. You can't take the sky from me..."
On the back of the wagon, Swan is writing to her brother. The road is rocky, but she wishes to finish the letter as soon as she can. Swan is a young woman in her early 20’s, with blonde hair and amber eyes. Her features are sharp and severe, yet undeniably beautiful. Her eyes bright with purpose, her chin pointy and delicate, giving her a regal appearance. During the past few days of travel, you can often see the young warrior helping out with chores, setting up the camp, healing those in need, never complaining.
“Dear Hawk,
I hope this letter finds you well. It feels like it has been ages since we last saw each other. I miss you, brother. I have some news that I think will interest you and the Lord's Alliance. After receiving your letter, I have been travelling to Greenest as fast as I can. I met a caravan that was also heading in this direction, and their leader Grastrak Brickfury kindly allowed me to join them. Once I arrive in town, I will start investigate the rumors of this mysterious Cult of Dragons…”
She looks up from the unfinished letter as she realizes something is wrong. In the distance, black smoke billows from the town, buildings ablaze and tiny figures dashing about. Above the town, a large winged creature circles ominously, casting its dark shadow over the keep at the town's center. Dragon.
Swan's hand trembles as she sets down her quill, the urgency of the situation pushing all thoughts of the letter and her brother from her mind. The road beneath the wagon jostles her, but she barely feels it as she jumps down, grabbing her shield emblazoned with the symbol of Ilmater, the hard ground jarring her boots. Swan's heart thuds in her chest, her adrenaline pumping as she finds Grastrak among the people of the caravan. She stands at 5'5", but she carries herself with an air of authority characteristic to those with noble upbringing.
"Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them." Her urgency is apparent as the words rush out of her mouth, looking around for any other warriors or able-bodied travelers who might aid them. Her mind is already calculating the steps they need to take to get there as quickly as possible. She knows that the next few hours could mean the difference between life and death for the people of Greenest.
Also sitting on the back of the wagon is a young elven maiden, her long hair of the purest white, as are her garments, her silvery eyes studying a tome held in her knees. She has two long slightly curved knives tucked into her belt and a crystal containing a silvery flame is carried in a thin silver chain around her neck. She has a backpack, a quiver of arrows and an exquisitely crafted longbow by her side. Perching on her shoulder is a cute tiny white owl that seems to curiously look around at the other travelers.
During your travels the elven maiden has mentioned her name is Sabynn and her owl is named Y'landrothiel but otherwise she hasn't been very talkative, smiling shyly at anyone looking at her, her hand going to her hair to put a white strand behind her pointed elven ear. Although seeming somewhat unused to travel overland and sleeping under the sky, the elven maiden has helped with chores, or rather used her elven magic to help, summoning an invisible servant to do her bidding, collecting firewood and cook her dinner, also using magic to light the campfire, clean, heat, flavor and mend. In the evenings she has offered to play a game of Dragonchess that she brings out of her backpack but she has otherwise quietly been studying her tome accompanied by her tiny white owl.
As the columns of black smoke come into view in the distance, the tiny white owl on her shoulder nips her earlobe to get her attention and she quickly looks up from her tome, her silvery eyes going wide as she sees the dark, winged shape over Greenest. She watches as the young beautiful human warrior jumps the wagon and urges the dwarven leader of the caravan to take action to assist the attacked town below them. "I will come." She says firmly as she gracefully stands up on the cart, her silvery eyes flashing with purpose and conviction. This is not how she imagined her studies of dragons in distant lands would take off, but there were people down in that town that needed every bow to fend off the terrifying beast circling above it. She quickly messages Y'landrothiel to fly ahead towards the town to assess the situation and report back. She then looks in the distance, trying to identify what kind of dragon they will be dealing with.
Sabynn perception: 14
Arcana to identify dragon type: 6
Y'landrothiel perception: 22
Sabynn Silverflame
A tall (six-foot) drow half-elf walks toward the back of the caravan, speaking with a few of the more bedraggled members of the troupe. Wirilome Attercoppe—or Wiri as she’s implored the caravan-ers to call her—exudes an air of gentle kindness, clearly at odds with many of the stereotyped tales and myths that above-dwellers have heard about the drow. Long, silver-white, waist-length hair cascades down her shoulders and back, complimenting the blemishless dark silver-gray of her skin. The simple, but spotless, platinum robes are accented with amethyst tones in the stitching, pleats, and embroidery, matching the purple hue of the drow’s eyes.
A calm, lyrical laugh escapes her lips at something one of the other travelers says, causing her usually solemn, knowing eyes to briefly smile. She continues the conversation as she walks, guiding her way with a slender, ash staff topped with an orb of mottled platinum and amethyst. Though the staff does not seem to be required, it seems to support her lithe yet frail frame. She sets the staff aside in the air, conjuring her violet mage hand to hold it for a moment as she looks through her robe for something. A moment later she extracts a bit of jerky and hands it to the woman next to her, pressing it into her hand as the woman performatively protests.
The drow pauses as she watches Swan and Sabynn quickly dismount from the back of the cart. Upon noticing the smoke rising in the distance, Wiri places a hand on the woman’s shoulder and tells her to stay safe. She then grabs the staff, hitches up the skirt of her robe, and begins to run toward the front of the caravan to see what the commotion is all about.
“By the Gods, let none be injured,” she says quietly to herself as she runs.
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
(I forgot to roll my perception! 17
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
Tyto stepped out of the twilight of the forest onto the road. He was still unsure what was going on. Something about the way Mozilla had led him here - a certain urgency in her stride - told him that there must be an immediate threat close by. But this? Tyto stopped in his tracks and looked at the caravan slowly passing by on the road, a mere 100 feet away. These were just travellers, ordinary city folk it seemed. These caravans sometimes left refuse or leftover food behind, which could draw predators too close to the roads and settlements; sometimes their dogs attacked defenseless young animals; and sometimes they were careless with their campfires, which could lead to forest fires. But these people were just... passing by, not posing a danger to the forest at all.
Well, this cannot be the reason…
Why did Mozilla lead him here? And where was she anyway? A moment ago she was right in front of him, but now she was nowhere to be seen. Maybe this was just a misunderstanding, a mistake, or... a joke? After all, Fey spirits liked to play practical jokes on people from time to time. Tyto was just about to turn back into the woods to avoid being seen, when it dawned on him - why wasn't he seen already? Why were none of these people paying attention to a sturdily built 7'6'' man with blue skin bursting through the undergrowth? These woods were Tyto's home, and he could avoid being seen or heard when travelling through them, but he hadn't tried to be stealthy.
Like any other caravan, this one also had guards on duty, but they weren't paying attention to him at all. In fact, by now most of the travellers were completely distracted, there seemed to be some kind of commotion. They were afraid of something, Tyto could see it in their body language. Some of them were pointing westward, talking to one another in anxious voices. Tyto decided to take a few more steps away from the trees, out into the open, and tried to get a better look of what the travellers were looking at.
Perception check: 26
Tyto's skin has a light blue hue, and his long unkempt hair and beard are a deep maroon coloration. He is 7'6'' tall and has a rather sturdy build, but everything about him, from his posture to his friendly smile and his wise, light-gray eyes, gives away his gentle spirit. His clothes look worn down, and are a ragtag patchwork of different materials - some typically used for clothing, like leather, and linen, some not so much, like still-green moss, and grass.
Narr continues plodding along, lost in his thoughts.
The death of his mentor, Father Hader had weighed on his mind since the day he left the monastery
"I still can't believe he's gone."
Narr thinks,
"Who would want to harm him? He just was an old man."
Narr's mind drifts back to the day he had first met Father Hader. He had been so nervous. Father Hader was a local legend and certainly a holy man of note. To be sent to him for lessons was quite an honor. Narr wasn't sure he deserved it. But there he was.
And then the time came and the first thing Father Hader asked him was,
"What would you like me to teach you?"
Narr had no response to that question. He tried to say something smart but it wouldn't come. So he started and stopped and sputtered and turned red.
Until, finally, he asked Hader,
"How can I know what I don't know?"
To which Father Hader replied,
"So ends our first lesson."
He smiled at Narr and hobbled from the room.
Shaken out of his reverie by the clanging rattle of the caravan, Narr looks back over his shoulder yet again and sees it is getting close.
Narr takes the last few steps and reaches the crest of the hill. He steps aside to right side of the road to allow the caravan to pass. He sets the butt of his warhammer on the ground, resting one arm on the dangerous end.
Honestly, he is glad to let it pass. It had been an annoyance for some time. And throughout the last hour he had constantly felt the need to turn and look behind. He tried to deny this impulse but the impulse itself was making him anxious.
He smiles and gives the waggoneer a friendly nod as they approach and keeps eye contact long enough for a response. Measuring him up.
insight 17
"Good afternoon, sir"
As the wagon lumbers up alongside, Narr takes a longer look at it to try to discern it's business.
perception 23
(OOC if the wagon passes I'll keep walking.)
Hearing the determined voice from Sabynn, Swan looks up and sees the white-haired elven maiden stands up from the wagon. Sabynn's gossamer white robes flutter softly in the breeze, and her long hair cascades down her back like a silvery waterfall. Knowing the elf’s kindheartedness over the past few days of travel, Swan is gratified that she offers to help. Her presence emboldens Swan. Swan nods graciously at Sabynn, her armor gleaming under the sun.
“We have supplies, able-bodied men, and weapons. There may be wounded that need our help.” Swan says to Grastrak, trying to appeal to the caravan leader's sense of compassion and duty. Her voice was firm and steady as she spoke to Grastrak, determination in her amber eyes. "Let us borrow a cart, or a horse. We can bring water, food, and blankets to those who are injured or displaced."
Persuasion: 21
Cerau had been traveling with the caravan for a few days, happily chatting with anyone who would listen. As the latest in a long line of healer's Cerau was not terrible at small talk but she excelled at reading people. She always seemed to be able to sense when the person she was caring for wanted quiet company, an ear to listen or to hear someone chatter. She had spent some time chatting to Wiri as they travelled, her lithe air genasi form floating next to the drow woman. She had also made a point to introduce herself to the rest of the caravan with a warm smile - eager to hear stories of the world.
Despite the darkness of the previous six months, Cerau was excited to be seeing the world. With a somber but heartwarming smile she thought of her father - the traveler, the free spirit. She had always thought that she would take after her mother, her grandmother and the long line of tribal healers that had come before them but maybe... A deep voice reverberated through her mind like thunder, "Your father and you ride the same wind. We will meet someday Child of Wind and Stars." She shuddered at the all too familiar voice that had plagued her dreams. Snapping out of her momentary contemplation she turned to check in with Swan who was sitting next to her writing a letter but the warrior's eyes were locked ahead. "Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them."
Cerau freezes for a moment in fear. A dragon? It was what she was searching for but she hadn't expected to come across one so soon into her travels. Cerau starts to act, some colour returning to her pale blue skin. She brings her hand to her head - shading her eyes from the sun and casting Guidance on herself. She too looks out to see if she can discern any details of the dragon - hoping it is not the dragon she is searching for. Perception 14 + Guidance roll 2
"Can the wagon travel any faster?" Cerau asks with a sense of urgency in her voice - the tremble of fear barely detectable.
On a quest for exciting stories and moments of character development.
Narr
As the cart is passing you by at the top of the raise, you see a dwarf driving it giving you a nod and speaks in dwarvish “G’day to you…” he stops suddenly looking ahead. He immediately raises his hand and stops the cart. Those that follow him stop as well.
He looks like a decent, hardworking dwarf. A merchant you would say. Dressed in linen shirt, warm jacket and pants. By his side, there is either a walking stick with a solid head or a decent club if grabbed on the other end. A dwarf sitting next to him has a crossbow at hand, but not even loaded.
Y'landrothiel, a beautiful and tiny white owl was sitting on her lady’s shoulder. Suddenly, feeling Sabynn’s call she turned her head towards her and immediately flapped her wings and silently flew towards Greenest.
The setting sun changes all the colors of the sky to red. The problem with owls is they have very limited vision in terms of colors, however they can spot the movement easily.
What Sabynn, Wiri, Cerau, Tyto & Narr can see:
Thanks to your perception checks, you can see the following:
The dragon is slowly circling above the city. It’s an adult dragon. The setting sun makes determining the color almost impossible, but some of the reflections have blue-ish tint.
Moreover, the town is being attacked also by ground troops. You can see some of the people running away (some towards you) but in town there are definitely more that may need some help.
In the keep in the center of the town, you could spot individual figures on the walls. The keep is not big, but could provide a shelter to the people if they could get there.
Cerau only:
Although the dragon is blue, it definitely is not the same one. The one you remember, had more horns on it’s face. It was definitely an older one. This one is too “smooth”.
Sabynn only:
Thanks to Y'landrothiel’s vison and height advantage, you can see although the dragon is adult blue one, but some of his features indicate he is not THAT old and has reached adulthood recently.
At this time, all of you are standing in front of the caravan on the road and Tyto ten, perhaps twenty feet to the left. The city is about two miles ahead of you.
Grastrak raised his hand to give an order to stop and jumped off the cart. “What on bloody earth…” he said when he saw the town. Some of the members of the caravan gathered next to him waiting for his orders. He stood for a second taking a good look when Swan spoke.
"Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them."
“Yes, yes, we need to help…” he has started but suddenly turned his head and looked up in Swan’s eyes. “Are you mad lass? Two crossbows and bunch of traders against the bloody dragon? You want to give this beast a dinner on a ****in’ plate?”
“We have supplies, able-bodied men, and weapons. There may be wounded that need our help.” Swan says to Grastrak, trying to appeal to the caravan leader's sense of compassion and duty. Her voice was firm and steady as she spoke to Grastrak, determination in her amber eyes. "Let us borrow a cart, or a horse. We can bring water, food, and blankets to those who are injured or displaced."
He stood for a brief second looking in Swan’s eyes and back on his nephew.
“O’right, o’right… M’am” he spoke rubbing his forehead. “The carts stay, the beast, even blind will spot them from a mile away…” he raised his hand to stop any protests “…but send anyone you can our way. We can’t fend of that monstrosity but we can tend to the wounded and kick in the nuts anyone who is chasing them. Can you do that?” he asked holding his walking stick in his big hands.
Suddenly he leaned to his right and looked towards a small forest on the left side of the road. “What the f…” he spoke looking at the giant figure coming through the bushes.
Tyto looked toward Greenest with concern. His narrow eyes got angry when he saw the smoke rising above the city.
"I don't care, I'm still free. You can't take the sky from me..."
The white-haired elven maiden agilely steps down from the back of the cart and walks up to Swan and Grastrak. "The dragon is an adult blue one. According to lore blue dragons are known for being vain and territorial, they breath lightning and their hides tend to hum and crackle faintly with built-up static electricity, and emit small arcs of electricity. They are adapted to dig into sand and are distinguished by their frilled ears and single massive horn and..." She explains in an academic tone but fades out as she suddenly realizes not all of this information is pertinent to their current situation. "Anyway..." She continues with a slight blush. "...suffice to say we cannot hope to take on this adversary, but we might be able to challenge it's servants on the ground and help the townsfolk either back here or into that keep on the hill." She finishes, smiling briefly at Swan before looking around to see who else would be ready to hurry ahead on foot and put their lives at risk to save the town of Greenest.
A dragon is attacking the town! And are those... people?
No doubt, it was an army of people, and it looked like they were working together with the dragon. Tyto had to do something. Of course there's no way he or anyone else here could take on an army, much less an adult dragon, but there had to be something he could do to help these people. Maybe he could evacuate some of them to the woods - at least there they would be safe from aerial attacks...
While Tyto still contemplated what to do, one of the travellers, a young human woman with fair features, jumped down off of her wagon, and made her way to the sturdy old dwarf who seemed to be the leader of the caravan.
"Greenest is being attacked by a dragon, Grastrak. We have to help them."
The young girl could not have been older than 30 years and Tyto wasn't even sure if she would be considered a full adult by human standards - but she already spoke and carried herself like someone who was used to giving orders.
A second traveller spoke up: "Can the wagon travel any faster?" When Tyto looked at her, he had to do a double-take. Her skin was a pale blue, not unlike his own - could she be..? Her ears were pointy, albeit less so than Tyto's own... Maybe she was a cross-breed? Then again, everything else about her seemed... distinctly un-giant. In fact she seemed almost unnaturally light.
“Are you mad lass? Two crossbows and bunch of traders against the bloody dragon? You want to give this beast a dinner on a ****in’ plate?”
A third woman, a young elf with long white hair, stood up on her cart and faced the dwarf. "I will come." A few seconds later, a white owl rose from behind her and flew towards the town. But was it really an owl? No owl would fly openly towards a threat as obvious and perilous as an actual dragon, much less in broad daylight. This must have been something else... Something that somehow reminded him strongly of Mozilla.
“We have supplies, able-bodied men, and weapons. There may be wounded that need our help. Let us borrow a cart, or a horse. We can bring water, food, and blankets to those who are injured or displaced."
“O’right, o’right… M’am. The carts stay, the beast, even blind will spot them from a mile away... but send anyone you can our way. We can’t fend of that monstrosity but we can tend to the wounded and kick in the nuts anyone who is chasing them. Can you do that?”
Tyto decided to join the party - these were not, as Tyto had initially assessed, ordinary city-folk. Their heart was in the right place, and it was obvious that they had a lot of courage - perhaps more than was good for them. If Tyto wanted to help the townspeople, his best move would be to join these adventurers. He cleared his throat.
“What the f…”
"I will join you too." Tyto's voice was deep and rumbling,and it resonated like a rockslide in an echoing valley. "These lands are my home, and I do what I can do protect them and their inhabitants."
Wiri nimbly runs to the front of the caravan and notices Tyto speaking to her new friends and the caravan master. Catching up to Cerau, Swan, and Sabynn, the drow pushes a mass of silvery white hair out of her eyes. She instinctively smiles at the firbolg, as he seems to have a kind, concerned face. Again, she sets the staff aside in the air, a mage hand appearing to momentarily hold it. After unceremoniously dumping her backpack into the back of Grastrak’s cart, she retakes the staff, the amethyst- and platinum-colored orb slightly glowing. She turns her smooth, unlined face to the village.
Upon seeing the dragon and hearing/learning of its ground forces, Wiri’s smile dissipates, replaced with a steely glare. Her voice, however, remains as calm and melodic as always. “Many people of Greenest flee in our direction. Do we ride out to meet them, holding back their pursuers or continue onto the town to evacuate any under threat? Regardless, we must assist in purging this scourge from the valley.”
The corners of the drow’s purple eyes briefly betray her stern countenance, turning downward as if already mourning the assured loss of life she’ll encounter in and around the village.
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
“Thank you, Grastrak. I really appreciate your help and your kindness for taking me in. I admire your generosity and am honored to have traveled with you.” Swan says, bowing her head slightly, expressing her sincere gratitude for his help and hospitality. She admires the dwarf’s kindness and generosity, knowing that he's not just a merchant, but also a good-hearted soul.
Swan turns to see Sabynn stepping off the cart, the elf scholar calmly explaining her knowledge about the blue dragon. “You know a lot of dragons.” Swan observes, impressed by her wealth of knowledge. She’s obviously not a scholar, having someone knowledgeable about the dragons will be an asset in their investigation of the Cult of Dragons…
As she ponders, she catches sight of a giant hulking figure stepping out. Her jaw slightly open, surprised to see the firbolg. They are a very reclusive kind. But seeing Tyto’s gentle and concerned face, she could see the good nature of the giant. “Please, we need all the help we can get.”
Hearing Wiri’s suggestion, Swan’s grip tightens on her spear. “I’m really interested in meeting the rats who are working for a dragon.” The warrior says, her words dark and clipped. Her ambers eyes burning with fire, she looks towards the burning town and people running away from danger. “Let’s continue into town.” She says, then turns to Grastrak, "Can you take in the people that are running this way?"
After her initial wave of apprehension at the sight of a dragon, Cerau's demeanor calms as she starts to assess the situation. Her eyes meet that of the firbolg and she smiles as his earthy voice rumbles. I have a good feeling about this newcomer. She steps closer to Grastrak, her shoulder length blue hair shifts softly in the breeze. She reaches to the amulet around her neck as if gathering her confidence and as she does so the swirling blue colours in her eyes are flecked with sparks of starlight.
"If wanting to help those who cannot help themselves make us mad then I suppose we are. In every town there are those that cannot fend for themselves and we must get them to safety," Cerau says gently but firmly to Grastrak. She nods to Wiri as she continues speaking, her voice becoming lighter and though she speaks more softly, the wind carries her voice for her. "It seems as if most of us want to head into the city to do what we can. We should dispatch any threats pursuing the townsfolk as we send those that are strong enough back to Grastrak."
"Maybe we can't take on the dragon ourselves as Sabynn said but I'm sure we could make some sort of difference!" Cerau turns to look at Swan who she has guessed is about her age. She smiles at the warrior and then turns her gaze to the strong looking dwarf figure, trying to read on his face whether would be interested in fighting alongside them.
On a quest for exciting stories and moments of character development.
So intent on the doings of the caravan, Narr is oblivious to the goings on in the town below. That is, until he sees wide eyes all focused in one direction. Turning, he sees the burning town and the dragon. Eyes wide.
"Blast!"
He mutters audibly, instantly feeling a little dirty at the expletive.
He approaches the group.
Narr is your typical short, stocky dwarf. Although on the young side, for a dwarf, he has begun to bald. His beard is braided onto three long, black plaits. He is clad in a suit of scale with a shield bearing the silver emblem of a dragon slung across his back. He holds a warhammer with a double head and between these, sticking out of the end, is an iron fist holding an iron ball.
“Are you mad lass? Two crossbows and bunch of traders against the bloody dragon? You want to give this beast a dinner on a ****in’ plate?”
"Make that 3 crrossbows. And a Hammer."
“Please, we need all the help we can get.”
"I'm wuth ya', lassie. Best we get movin' now. Those folks need our help."
To the group he says,
"Tha name's Narr."
The R in Narr rolls on his tongue.
Feeling the urgence of the situation in the town below them, the white-haired elven maiden simple nods and smiles briefly at the Firbolg and the dwarf. Firbolgs she had read about, gentle and kind-hearted guardians of the forest according to lore. Dwarves she had met more than she cared to count since she arrived to these lands, a rough and stubborn breed, but good to have at your side when facing danger most likely. "I am Sabynn..." She says to the newcomers with a hint of impatience. "...and we should get going." She says, looking to Swan to lead them on towards Greenest. "The rats working for the dragon would most likely be kobolds, natural servants to dragons, um, according to what I've read." She says quickly to the blonde warrior beside her, blushing faintly at the end.
Grastrak is shifting his gaze from all of you, to the town and back to each of you. while running his thick fingers through his equally thick beard then looks at Swan.
"You look like a lass, who can defend herself..." then he looks at the other females in the group "Pardon me my ladies, not that I think any less of you, but there's nothing better than piece of steel, not that silly hand waving or book reading..." now looks at Sabynn "...and what I know of dragons, and I have heard a lot, believe me young lady..." he points his finger to Sabynn "...the minute you think you know what a dragon will do, this is a minute you are dead. Filthy creatures. Cunning like an el... Well, cunning they are let's say."
His cheeks turn a bit red with his indiscretion.
"Stay low and sneak up to those bastards and we will go to the edge of the forest and we'll set up a camp. Set any of those pour bastards here, and we'll take care of them... but watch out for this damn beast. Tell them to hide - in the open, it will spot them and they are as good as dead."
He turns towards Tyto and opens his mouth as if he wanted to say something but instead takes a step towards Narr and speaks in dwarvish:
(Read if you know dwarvish)
"Watch out for the giant. He stands out a bit... And look out for the ladies."
After that, he starts giving orders. The caravan, quite slowly is turning towards the trees, passing uneven terrain.
Below is the map of the town of Greenest. You are currently 2 miles to the east from the edge of the town (traveling west). The approach is possible from 3 sides:
You could follow the 4th one, and try to reach the town from the west side (left part of the map) but that route would take about 3 hours if you want to keep safe distance from the town.
Tyto only:
The stream goes through the forest and by the town. It's quite shallow.
What do you do?
"I don't care, I'm still free. You can't take the sky from me..."
“Suits them well.” Swan murmurs under her breath as Sabynn mentions the kobolds, her disgust towards the small dragon-like creatures palpable. However, when she sees the gentle blue eyes of the elf beside her, she realizes her reaction might have been too harsh. Swan reaches out to touch Sabynn's shoulder reassuringly, offering a small smile.
“We’ll do everything me can.” She says softly.
As Grastrak is directing the caravan to move and relieved to see the caravan moving to safety, Swan considers the routes, taking note of the terrain. “Perhaps we should go along the streambed.” She suggests. “That might be more prudent than going directly towards the town in the open. We'll have some cover and it might be easier to move undetected."
The white-haired elven maiden smiles and blushes again as she feels Swan's hand on her shoulder, nodding in agreement. "We will." She says softly, briefly laying her hand on Swan's.
As Grastrak speaks to the dwarf beside him, Sabynn's eyes narrows, and then she retorts in their own crude tongue, somewhat dryly, inclining her head to Narr.
"Don't worry Grastrak, I will look out for the lady. I'm sure I'm cunning enough."
She then nods approvingly to Swan's suggestion to enter Greenest along the stream, she was a cunning elf after all and they would all need to avoid that dragon at all costs, particularly the dwarf and the firbolg.