Ches 6 - Tarsakh 11

After accepting Neldor's proposal for an expedition to the lost elven city of Eueurarlor, the group splits up and spends the day restocking supplies and gathering equipment that had spread out over their house over the course of the past two months. Talindra watches the activity, her face impassive, though she does give Kora a small smile as the Roustinghorn settles her pack on her back and lifts her massive sword to her shoulder.

Travel in the winter is never pleasant, but at least for most of the first tenday you're protected by the forest as you follow the road north. On the eleventh day you emerge from Cormanthyr's northern border, and promptly turn east to follow the edge of the forest. The Moonsea Ride continues north to Hillsfar, but that is not a city that a party full of demihumans wants to go near. You keep your eyes open, and twice over the next few days you duck into the forest to hide from patrols of Red Plumes. You could probably take them, but Hillsfar's soldiers are known to be tough customers, and they travel in bands of two dozen. Discretion is the wiser course.

Though the Moonsea itself is still too far north for you to see, it makes its presence felt in the bitingly cold winds that howl down from the north and seem to bite into you with each step. You're well into Ches, now, but spring still seems very far away as you trudge across the snow-covered plain that lies between the forest and the water.

After several days of walking you encounter a smaller trail, heading east. This is Elua's Ride, and it leads across the easiest folds of the land to Elventree. Mid day on the eighteenth day of travel you reach your first piece of civilization since leaving glen: the town of Elventree. The woodland community is a refreshing sight for many of you, its houses hidden amongst, within, and under the great trees at the edge of the forest. You're able to get hot food and warm baths, and sleep in a bed for the first time in almost two tendays.

There are no roads for the rest of your journey. You spend the next thirteen days in the forest, which at least protects you from the wind, even if it slows your passage. Eventually the Moonsea swings down from the north to lap at the edges of the forest. You walk on snow-covered ground, surrounded by the dark brown trunks of trees in winter slumber, with the desperately deep blue of the sea on your left hand.

On the thirteenth day you are forced to cross a sizable stream, which is burbling its way north out of the forest to empty into the Moonsea. On the other side, the trees have pulled back slightly from the water's edge. You make much better time, walking across ground that would probably be quite marshy if it wasn't frozen. In two days you've reached the village of Elmwood. It is a lovely, quiet place, which reminds you of the non-dwarf parts of Mistledale. Once again you're able to have a hot meal, restock your supplies, and sleep behind thick walls.

From Elmwood it's a two day's march to Eueurarlor. You strike out southeast, and by evening the ground has become noticeably softer. There is a lot of water here, very near the surface, and not all of it is frozen. You've heard a few stories in passing of the marshy River Lis, with its moving sand bars ready to disembowel ships and the great clouds of gnats. It's very different to be walking towards it, as plains starts to give way to marsh and cold mud begins grasping at your boots.

At least the insects are still all dead or hiding from the winter's chill.

In mid-afternoon, thirty five days after leaving Glen, you finally catch sight of Eueurarlor in the distance. As Neldor had said, it sits atop a small but broad rise, and the ground as you approach is firmer than it has been for bells. It is misty as well. Mist has been a frequent companion along the shores of the Moonsea and especially the past two days, but it is thicker about the ruined city than anywhere else. Through it, you can make out one great crystal tower still standing, the glass fiery orange in the weak winter light. Great mounds which are likely other towers are half-concealed in the fog.

You pause, still some distance from the city, to take stock and finalize your plans. You don't see anything in the ruins at the moment, though after tendays of exploring Myth Drannor you know that that means nothing.

((ooc: Welcome to Eueurarlor. You're also welcome to explore/interact with Elventree and Elmwood. If you're doing anything in those towns, make sure to put the town's name in a header of your post, so that we can keep track. You don't need a header for Eueurarlor posts, since that's the current part of the timeline.))

Tarron, for the most part, stays clear of entering the elven villages. Throughout the travel, his dedication to mastering form and grace is without question. However, he does have his moments. Occasionally wincing in pain as his hand reaches for his cheek.

"It's good to be battling the bracing winds and bitter cold. Life in a town seems much too comfortable." he says to Kitheras, somebody that had clearly won the respect of the bladesinger.

Corym sighed.  What a mess. "I fee like we're going to end up building an improvised siege engine to find the door."

Kitheras calculated and spoke, "We'll camp far afield tonight and cast our invisibility before we sleep--just like the City of Song. In the morning we'll canvas the city to locate the tower and assess the danger."

"If desired, my latest spell could be used to canvas the city with relative safety." suggests Tarron, explaining how the Wizard Eye spell works in detail.

“Excellent!  We’ll set camp while you cast your spell.”  Kitheras looks for a site to camp for the night that is easily concealable and defensible.

Tarron was fortunate to have memorized the spell in anticipation of having to do some exploring. He took the advice of Kitheras and started casting the spell, then sent the eye forth to explore the unknown territory.

The group moves back, edging away from the city. There isn't much in the way of cover out here; the forest long ago retreated to the south and west, and while some of the marshy grasses are relatively tall, they're also all dead for the winter. The best you're able to do is back away and put a small roll in the land between you and the city, so that you're not directly visible. You prepare to make one more cold camp, and set yourselves up for exploration tomorrow.

((ooc: Tarron, wizard eye is created at your location and can move 30' per round, with a duration of 1 round per level. You're not going to be able to get it to the city before the spell ends, unless you get much closer. On the other hand, it's not an attack, so if you wanted to cast invisibility on yourself and move right up to the edge of the city, you could cast it there and have it do a bit of exploring.))

Sounds like a plan. Wow, is it really just 1 round per level? I thought it lasted much longer. I've been spoiled by the 1 hour duration in 5th edition it seems!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

((ooc: Yeah, I was surprised, too. 2e's wizard eye is very much still an artifact of 1e's "dungeon crawling all the time" identity.

So, how close to the city are you coming, from what direction, and is anyone else coming with you?))

With it being winter and knowing how it felt previously from the Forest to Glen in the snow, Krackor ensures he had enough Endure Cold (4 times) spells asked for from Old Fire Eyes so that the heat of his Lord could keep each person as warm as possible, and with his Pan of Cooking, he was able to create warm food without a fire as well as a warm spot to use to warm them up at other times.

I guess for starters I'll stick as close to any forested/wooded areas to gain the benefits of elvish hiding skills. Then it would be a case of being invisible and casting as close as I feel comfortable.

I don't really mind which end I approach from, but if its a day round trip to circumnavigate to the other side then it would not be ideal. Anybody is welcome, but elves probably more welcome due to our movement skills.

In reply to Tarron Ianfiel (msg # 12):

Krackor heard the plans for scouting by the Elven folk within the group and thought it wise to leave it to them, he makes a good distraction but that is not what is needed right now, so he sits, cooks and eats, pondering what will occur on the morrow.

Becoming more familiar with the range and duration of Tarron's spell, Kitheras proposes that Corym cloak both of them in invisibility and get as close to the city as possible before casting the Wizard Eye.

Corym agrees, casts the required spells, and follows Tarron's lead.

Invisible, Corym and Tarron leave the campsite and make their way closer to Eueurarlor. The wind, which has been an omni-present companion ever since you emerged from the forest, has at least died down a bit. Krackor's spell protects you from its bite, and the your movement is covered by the way the wind sets the grasses and marsh plants to swaying and rustling.

As you get closer to the city, the ground firms up. You're not certain, considering how long ago the elves settled here, whether the city was sited on the highest and driest piece of land west of the River Lis, or whether the magic of the People reshaped the place they decided to settle. But even a century of abandonment hasn't changed the basic lay of the land.

Mist hugs the ground for miles around, but it is thicker near the city. Between the mist and the rise's height you can't make out much of the city beyond the edge. But what you can see is... impressive. Unlike Myth Drannor, Eueurarlor was built along a coherent theme: tall towers of crystal and glass, whose rippling colors gleam in the sun. Only one of the tallest towers is still standing. Its walls are the wavering color of every red and orange you've ever seen and as you come closer you can see that while it soars more than a hundred feet into the air, there is a massive hole blasted into its flank. Four different levels are exposed to the frigid air, and you can see dirt, leaves, and snow all blown into what had once been rooms.

All of the other great towers have fallen. One of them runs along the southern edge of the rise, its jet black walls blocking much of your view of the rest of the city. You circle around to the south, keeping away from the river and the marshier land. Several smaller towers, each between thirty and fifty feet tall and much narrower, peek up above the fog and the fallen, half-sunken ebony tower.

You watch the fallen tower carefully, but though there are numerous windows studding its walls you don't see anything peering out. The city is quiet, though unlike Myth Drannor, it does have the usual chirping of insects and rustling of small ground animals. You're able to get right up to the edge of the tower, right at its crest which once reached for the cloud tops, before you pause. This is likely as good a place as any to send out the wizard eye.

((ooc: Pausing here. Where do you want to send your spell, and what are you looking for?))
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:10, Wed 10 Nov 2021.

Tarron wasn't really staggered by the scope of what he had seen. It was to be expected given how the elves had so much pride over appearance. The smashed open tower was where they were headed into, and so it made perfect sense to send the wizard eye right into the guts of it and get a general layout of as much of the tower as possible. If there were any hidden enemies, it would be a welcome bonus to be aware of them prior to entering.

I don't think so... this one is red and orange.  The one we're looking for is Turquoise.

((ooc: Here's a crude map of the city. Eueurarlor was originally laid out in the shape of an Espruar "H" rune, with the six major towers of the six noble families forming the rune. Each tower was between 100 and 120' tall, and would be 80 feet at the base, though they all tapered to a greater or lesser extent as they rose. The smaller towers of the rest of the city's populace, which ran from 30 to 60' in height, were scattered around at the feet of the major towers, or built outside the rune on the rest of the little rise.

So the map Neldor showed you, looking down from above, looked like this:



The rise of land is wider east/west than it is north/south, and runs about half a mile to the east before dipping down to the same level as the Lis. However, in the aftermath of the attack, and a century of neglect, five of the six major towers have fallen. So it now looks like this:


(arrows showing direction of tower collapses; the blue tower actually crashed into Neldor's green tower and there are pieces of the blue tower on top of the side of the green one)

The Imbran tower (Neldor's family tower) is the teal one in the middle of the bottom row.

Tarron and Corym are crouched at the very tip of the collapsed southwest tower, so basically at the tip of the arrow on the left side of the map. That tower is jet black, rather than the light green of the map.))

Tarron will direct himself and Corym closer to the tower of Neldons family tower before he sends out his wizard eye to explore the tower of interest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:59, Fri 12 Nov 2021.

Since Kali was hanging out at the base camp, she decided to sketch the area that was laid before her.

She knew that there were a couple of her bard friends that were very interested to hear and see about her travels and she was desperate to listen to some new music, so she set about drawing the horribly damaged spires. She paid particular attention to the broken crystal tower since it was absolutely breathtaking and devastating at the same time.

Once, she was done, she flipped the paper over and started to list as many adjectives as she could that came to mind when she looked upon the ruins. She also did her best to come up with different words for the surrounding swamp. She thought that fenland might work, but she didn't know much when it came to song writing.

As soon as she was done with her list, she was trying to remember the name of this place. She was certain that the nice elf who would randomly stare at her would help her out.

"Kitheras, my dear, please remind me what this place was called? I can not, for the life of me, remember its name."

"Eueur-ar-lor" Kitheras enunciated softly as he set up camp. "So ancient as to be nearly forgotten by modern elves, its inhabitants possessed of an imponderable ethos."
This message was last updated by the player at 06:48, Fri 12 Nov 2021.

"Thank you, darling."

Kitheras sees Kali write the name of the place on the paper with her sketch and list of adjectives. She then placed it carefully in a leather portfolio and tucked it carefully back in her pack.

“These people are as foreign to me as mine are to you. It will be interesting to see what remains of them. So skilled in art, but averse to the creation of items of ‘frozen fire’ and war spells. Foreign indeed. Kali, which of your parents were elven? You seem to have great curiosity about us, did they teach you nothing?”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Fri 12 Nov 2021.

Kali smirked at this.

"There was nothing to teach, my dear. Both of my parents are also half-elven with...interesting parentage.

Mother's side of the family has spun a wonderful tale of a forbidden and tragic romance between an elf and my grandmother. It is an adventure laced with mourning of what could have been, but no history is associated with this story. She died long before I was born.

My Father's mother was a bitter woman, whom I wished died long before I was born but sadly, those filled with bitterness and venom seem to stand the test of time. She would rail over and over how she was tricked by a smooth tongued bard; who disappeared before dawn leaving her with her poor bastard. This of course ruined her chance to have a good marriage because of my father and she let him know it.

To this day I have no idea why they kept in touch. Regardless, my education was stunted when it came to learning the oral history of the elves considering that none were around.

Therefore, I have lived for the bard's refrain describing the old times of my ancestors. To be fair though, She gestured to the ruins. "this truly lives up to the tragic romantic air that surrounds you immortals."

Tarron and Corym

The two of you creep down the length of the mighty black tower. Snow speckles the ground, but doesn't completely conceal the shattered glass all around you. The big tower seems to have come down mostly in one piece, but it shattered several smaller towers along the way, and the bits and pieces have been flung in all directions have only been partially buried over the past century.

You reach the base of the tower, a great broken stump of black crystal that ends in razor sharp edges ten feet above your heads. The tower where Neldor was born and lived lies before you maybe a hundred yards away. You peak around the base of the black tower, and don't see anything further north in the city.

Tarron casts his spell, and the wizard eye winks into being. It floats foward, slower than Tarron would like, and disappears before it fully reaches the tower. But between what he sees through it, and the scouting you can do from your position, the two of you can make some educated guesses.

It doesn't look like the Imbran tower was directly attacked. Not like whatever shattered the forty foot tall hole in the flame tower to the north, at least. Instead, it looks like it was actually the victim of its northern neighbor. Something broke the northern tower, which is a swirling mix of alpine lake blue fit to dowse the red tower's flames, and the blue tower crashed into the Imbran tower. The Imbran tower snapped about thirty feet above the ground, and its two two or three floors broke off when it hit the ground. They rolled some distance west, while most of the azure tower rolled off and settled next to and atop the Imbran tower to the east.

You can see two entrances to the Imbran tower, one on the south, one on the west. Both are doors that have been shattered inward, along with much of the surrounding frame. You can't see the inside, though just before the wizard eye blinked out Tarron thought he saw something moving.

Given Neldor's description of the location of the door, would it be inside the stump of the tower or hovering somewhere above?

Whispering, Corym notes to Tarron, "We should definitely investigate the fallen crown.  I should see if I can line up how it actually sat in order to better place us on our target."

In reply to Kali Xilrora (msg # 25):

"The kind of conservatism engaged in by the Elven Court since the Fall can't help but breed that sort of rebellious streak in the young. It's unfortunate and short sighted."

Kitheras smirks, "You must forgive me.  To look on shattered and deserted towers and call us immortal on that account fills me with irony. What few remain from Cormanthor squat amid the ashes of their land and dream of days gone by.  They are the lesser sons of greater sires. They do not dream, they only remember."

He turns aside from the shattered towers, "As long as we think of that as our legacy, instead of this," he places his hand on his breast, "and this," he brushes her cheek with the backs of his fingers, "there will be no more tomorrows for the elves."

Kali was deeply amused by Kitheras's wholesome sentiment. She had met countless elves of varying backgrounds and no one had his ideals. She wondered if that had ever led to arguments over the provenance of recovered treasures. For all he knows, we could be plundering his ancient uncle.

"You make a fair point, dear heart, the idea that we are the legacy of our people is an uplifting one.  However, my interests are not just in our people, it just so happens that elven ruins are apparently plentiful in the region and we happen to be traveling to one.

To be honest, I am exceedingly interested in dwarven or human ruins as well. The falls of civilizations are a fascinating topic for me. How any thriving community ends up deserted and left to Silvanus without attempting to rebuild is a conundrum that I would love to tease out."

((ooc: Based on what Neldor said, you would expect the door to be hovering above the broken stump. Who has the ward token?))

“In Myth Drannor’s case, the invaders were trapped within and abide there still. But for most, the idea of the community breaks. When you don’t have a shared idea any more, there’s nothing holding it together."

"As for what we’re doing, Corym likes to put a pretty face on it all, but the fact is, we’re fungi. When a tree or animal dies in these woods, fungi sprout up all over the hard remains and gradually break it down into soil.  That soil is rich and new and good for everything else trying to live and grow in the woods."

"These peoples died a long time ago. We’re decomposing what’s left so it can be of use to the rest of the forest. And maybe to us too. And if we learn their story, I’ll tell their story and they can live again in our songs and hearts. Better tribute than a chest of gems and ghouls as attendants."

But there's an outside chance that if we explore the right ruin, find the right item, develop the right skills, we might just be able to do some good in this world.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Sun 14 Nov 2021.

Kali chuckled at Kitheras's statements.

"A lovely sentiment. We aren't looting, we are salvaging."

"Indeed. So far as we are able. There was movement from within though, so we might be discovered if we make too much noise." whispers back the bladesinger.

"Okay, we know that it's occupied.  Normally I like to get a little more intel than that, but we can go ahead and head back and prepare to enter hostile territory."

Corym and Tarron retreat back the way they came, circling the city west and then north before heading into the soggy grasslands to their camp. They return to find things much as they expected; nothing has come out of the mists to attack their comrades, nor has the ground swallowed them up.

Quietly, the two of them let the rest know that they have returned from scouting.

In reply to DM (msg # 35):

Listening, he always listened first and then absorbed before asking questions or making suggestions.  This was no different.

(ooc: I can't remember if Kali and Kitheras remained behind or not, if they did!)
Thank the Bronze Mask, you have rescued me from all this flirting, it was fun watching colour changes in faces though

(If they did go, ignore that first bit)
Interesting!! So there was a huge hole half way up the building or was that the other building that landed on the one that is our target?  Did you see what spore if any was around?  Could indicate creatures or lack of, maybe even some waste from humanoids that had ventured by before us?

You say you saw something?  If so, numbers, type of creatures, can they be reasoned with?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Wed 17 Nov 2021.

"We saw something. But knowing what it is and whether it can be reasoned with was beyond the means we had. We thought it wiser to return, prepared for something to happen if we were to make our move within." explains Tarron.

OOC: The ward token was mentioned, perhaps it opens up the tower if it is approached by the bearer.

ooc: We did stay behind, Kali knows better than to talk on a scouting mission.

"My dear dwarf, flirting in my lifeblood. To be fair, I do like to think that I'm more coquettish, mainly because I like the word better."



"So, it could be anything from a deer to a demon. Sounds fun, when shall we head out?"

You both do it so well His beaming smile showed hs amusement of the subject. It would be interesting to see how the deer or demons react to being flirted with  He let out a titter at this.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Thu 18 Nov 2021.

Kora rubbed her hands together and grinned at Kitheras. "So what's the plan, boss?"

"From my experience, flirting with a devil can have some interesting outcomes. Flirting with a demon tends to end with your entrails being used as decorations."

"Aw, I bet you have the prettiest entrails," Kora laughs. "Who wouldn't want to show them to the world?"

"As much as I appreciated the sentiment, precious, I must admit that I like having my entrails inside myself and fully intact. To do otherwise would be, frankly, gauche."

"We need to renew the invisibility spells, rest, and then head in.  We need a watch to be kept now that we know that there are dangers nearby, and we can stagger our rest to accommodate the preparation of spells."

"Corym, you'll take Tarron and investigate the fallen crown as you indicated.  The rest of us will wait at the base of the tower to breach."

"I'll wait until you arrive and see what information I can gather on the inhabitants to formulate a tactical plan."

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 44):

Kitheras, it appears that our time resting in Glen has softened your memory.
I will cast my device gift which means I don't need sleep or sustenance but can still sleep if required.

I shall keep a guard whilst you all rest. I do not need to sleep to get this gift back.I have kept up the device gift that allows me to know if any of you are in immediate danger, this is my role in this company and I take it as a given. I have a dispell Magic spell in my ioun stone of Spell Storing along with a couple of cures for light Wounds.

I will ensure hot food is ready just before sunrise.

Feeling that Kitheras had forgotten because it was Corym that kept this in check, showed that the new Captain had a few things to catch up on but they were not a problem to him.

Remember Kitheras, Corym has this and further knowledge that you can tap into. He gave the Captain a big smile then said So whose after Stew? as he offered the hot pot and serving spoon to anyone who'll take it.

"As you prefer, Krackor. I know that these extended watches leave you drained after a time, and I'm unsure of how many resources you must spend in order to sustain them. In Myth Drannor for weeks on end, it becomes necessary.  For this? With one target and then home again?  I wasn't sure that you'd want to expend the effort."

Spell selections for Kitheras and Corym are complete.

A cold supper is made, people munching on trail rations (or in Kali's case fine viands she seems to be pulling from somewhere) rather than risk lighting a fire. Krackor works his magic, preparing for his watch, and when the meal is over the rest of the camp is set up quickly.

The spellcasters cloak each person in invisibility. For Tarron and Kali it is an odd experience; moving about a camp that looks at times either abandoned or haunted, while hearing the normal noises you would expect from a cold weather camp. The others move about with more ease, not bumping into each other the way you occasionally do. That says... interesting things about the group.

With the plans made and the spells cast, there's nothing left save for you all to turn in. The night is cold and clammy, the mists that rise from the river seeping through the camp and running cold fingers over you as you sleep. It's unpleasant, but the mist is the only thing that approaches.

When morning comes you awaken to Krackor's morningfeast. The camp is packed up, those who need to memorize spells do so, and Kitheras quietly confirms that each of you is ready to go. Shielded under invisibility, you set out for the city.

((ooc: Corym, go ahead and roll a Move Silently check, please, since you're taking point.

Who is carrying the ward stone? That's important for me to know.

Are you taking the same route to the tower (circling the city to the southwest before heading east and coming up from "below")? Or a different route.))

07:11, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 5 using 1d100.  Move Silently.

Same route.

Corym would want the Ward Stone in his possession.  Between his Stone Skin, and a couple of different emergency escape spells, he feels like he's the one most likely to survive to be able to make a second try in the event of TPK.  It also feels like his own side quest.  Finally, if the ward stone starts reacting to anything, we want it to do that from the beginning.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:23, Tue 23 Nov 2021.

Tarron was fully prepared for the days work. He deferred to the company captain today, and was quietly prepared before dawn had broken. His system of preparation was heavily regimented, with several stretches followed by a methodical cleaning of himself and a check of his equipment.

Corym and Tarron lead the way, the rest of the group keeping together further back. They at least have the advantage of Krackor's armor to keep themselves together. Even attempting to be stealthy, the plate mail rattles enough for everyone to stay on station.

The edges of Eueurarlor are odd for those of you who have spent time in Myth Drannor. It's a clearly ruined elven city, but the local wildlife doesn't have same degree of terror. Though mist flows through the streets and sways about the lower reaches of the tower ruins, you can see birds flying through the air, and the grass and bushes occasionally rattle with the movement of small creatures.

There is nothing immediately more dangerous that you can see, though the mist hides much of the city. Though fallen, you guess most of the great towers are still structurally sound enough to provide lairs. The same is true for the few intact smaller towers.

Reaching the southern side of town, Corym and Tarron climb up the embankment and make their way closer to the Imbran tower. The rest of group remains at the base of the embankment for the moment. As the duo get closer, they can see that the wall around southern door has been broken so as to greatly increase the size of the passage, and that there is definitely something moving on the other side. But you're still too far away, and it's too misty, for you to make out any details.

((ooc: Pausing here to see how the dynamic duo wants to plan their approach.))

In his time, Tarron had seen all manner of things. Trolls and ogres were one, giants another. Whatever had made the tower it's lair was large enough to be either. "Under the illusion of invisibility, we could approach and see what is inside. As long as we are quiet, we should be ok." he whispers.

"Kitheras--scouting enemies is your area of expertise. Go with Tarron."

Kitheras glides up to Tarron, makes physical contact, and then adjusts his spacing and hums lowly so that Tarron can get a guage of the spacing.  From there he gives the audible signal to advance, and begins his scouting run.

Continuing his advance, Tarron listens to the instructions of Kitheras and follows quietly and quickly behind his companion. He flips down his mask, watching out for magical auras that might trip them up in their search.

Kitheras and Tarron creep forward towards the door on the Imbran tower's souther side. The great bulk of the fallen tower is on their left, and this close you can see open windows and partially-collapsed balconies that once provided light and air to the rooms inside. You can also see several massive cracks that crawl their way up the crystal from the ground, before disappearing around the curve of the tower high above you.

The door in front of you is now a broken, gaping maw. It's at least thirty feet side to side, and stretches up to almost twenty feet before it reaches a floor and the damage to the wall stops. From what you can see, at least this portion of the tower's first floor was built with double-height ceilings.

As you get closer, you're slowly able to get a better view of the movement inside. There's something in the tower's first floor that is a matte blue gray that would fade into the mist within a dozen feet. Inside the brightly-colored tower, it's significantly more visible.

It appears on the other side of the doorway, walking from left to right, and you can hear what sounds like someone muttering under their breath. Then it disappears, and as you notice the long tail trailing behind it, your brains finally manage to create a coherent picture.

There is a dragon in the first floor of the Imbran tower.

There was an innate curiousity that got the better of Tarron, and instead of being shellshocked, he was curious to find out what it was that the dragon was saying. He wasn't exactly sure of the abilities of dragons, but he felt that the dragon would be fairly sensitive to would be thieves. Their hoards were said to be mighty and vast.

Creeping up to the lair, he let out a low welcome to the dragon. "we mean you no harm, would you be willing to share stories with some long lost elves?" he calls out, hoping for the best.

"Indeed, a story for long lost elves and of long lost elves.  How may we call you, our host?"

Both Kitheras' study of Etiquette and his Bardic Knowledge fail him in this moment.  Tactically, though, he knows that it is prudent to move from the place he spoke in case the dragon directs a strike there, and does so.

The dragon immediately stops her muttering when she hears your voices. Her head whips around to the southern entrance. Squaring her shoulders, she opens her mouth and a seething cloud of steam erupts towards you. It rolls through the broken doorway like a gray wall, radiating heat like a furnace. ((ooc: Tarron, Kitheras, each of you need to make a save vs. breath weapon. Since your around the edges of the wall, you get a +2 bonus. Make the save and you take no damage, otherwise take half damage.))

The fog spreads thirty feet out from the door before stopping and just hanging in the air. A few moments later, the dragon steps out of it. Her head cranes this way and that, as though looking for you, and she's started muttering again. However, whereas before she had been speaking some kind of draconic language you couldn't understand, now she's speaking elven. "Elves? Must watch for elves. Was told very firmly that elves were not allowed. Who told me? Can't have elves in the old elven city. Nasty city. Not like my pretty lair."

07:27, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Saving throw. – [roll=1639092428.34846.359800]

Tarron flings himself away from the gaping hole that is now the door into the Imbran tower and manages to keep entirely clear of the dragon's breath weapon. Kitheras, busy studying the dragon in case of a potential conflict, is caught flat footed. The cloud of super-heated mist rolls over him briefly before he's able to stagger backward and out of the way. ((ooc: Kitheras, you take 10 damage.))

The mist lingers in the air, though the heat rapidly leeches out of it. The dragon walks around the entrance, slipping into and out of the mist, continuing to mutter to herself in elven as she looks around.

"Not so pretty now, by all accounts. You've been here too long, left your lair to be plundered." comments Tarron, hoping that the dragon might flee to see if his lies were true or not. "If you leave now, there's a good chance you can still save it." he added for good measure.

Light on his feet, Tarron tried to ascertain what kind of dragon they were dealing with exactly. Not to mention, he wondered if he could see any magical aura's that would help him locate a clue to moving in further.

Tarron and Kitheras

The dragon pivots on its claws and leaps at Tarron's voice. It pounces like a cat, grabbing with both claws and snapping with its teeth, landing so close to Tarron that the buffet of disturbed air almost knocks him off balance. Then it opens its claws and looks at them. "Elves shouldn't be here.They aren't allowed.  I shouldn't be here," the dragon mutters to herself. "I don't want to be here." Behind her, the solid wall of mist begins to dissipate.

Tarron, taking a closer look at the dragon doesn't give you much information. She's seventy feet from her snout to the base of her tail, with a long, sinuous neck that allows her to see in any direction. Her tail is another sixty feet long, and her wings are laid down tightly along her back. Her blue-gray coloration doesn't match any dragon stories you've heard, nor does the strange breath weapon that seems to start as boiling fog and then transitions into wet, clinging fog.

Everyone else

The rest of the group has been waiting about a hundred and fifty feet to the south of the tower's base. Your first indication something was wrong was when that massive wall of fog rolled out the broken door and then stopped, hanging in the air like the tower stuck its tongue out at you. Then shortly thereafter, the biggest dragon you've ever seen came stalking out of the mist. It seems to be searching and hunting, but not particularly angry.

Krackor, your danger spell pinged for Kitheras when the fog cloud rolled out, and then stopped. It has not pinged for Tarron, and is not pinging for either of them right now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:24, Sat 11 Dec 2021.

"Is there some kind of compulsion forcing you to be here? We would love to help free you from it." calls out Tarron, quickly moving from his call out position in anticipation of another grab of the claws from the massive dragon. "We are quite handy, and moderately intelligent if you can call it that."

Light on his feet, Tarron is almost ready to pirouette at a moments notice if he has to.

"I suspect some geas though dragons tend to resist such.  Given his orders regarding Elves, if talking is the means to address this, Krackor or Kora have the best chance."

"Do you care for music, mighty wyrm? Perhaps I can soothe what agitates you?"

Kitheras prepares Valarde's Harp in home that the Windwall it summons may be able to counter another breath attack.

((I want to try to improve the Wyrm's mood by playing the harp.  PHB says that I can't do it to a creature that's about to attack, but you haven't really asked us to roll initiative so I'm assuming that the breath weapon was a one-off and we're still talking.  It should be a save vs paralysis at a -2 penalty. If it looks like he's going to breathe at me, I'll use the harp to throw up a Wall of Wind.))

"That's bad.  Fan out and advance."  Corym lays a healing potion on the ground so that it becomes visible, "Kora, you're not strong enough to take your blade to that thing.  Take this potion and remain in reserve.  Save a life if one of us falls. I have but little in the way of battle spells.  I was prepared for more nuanced circumstances."

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 66):

The new Captain had a good point and since the Dragon didn't appear angry, more frustrated or confused or even both, Krackor walks forward and bellows Mighty of Mightiest Dragons protecting this place, I would know your name as you know mine, Krackor Steelfist, Warden of Oak Haven and Lord Protector of the Dreams of the Ancients Exploration Company. I Krackor, Dwarven Priest or the Bronze Mask, Barakor or Old Fire Eyes, I come to offer a gift for your Lair if you would listen and parley

Giving impressive commands could be enough to throw the dragon to listen and he wasn't the target of the dragons orders.

The dragon gives an enormous, long-suffering sigh, her head tracking back and forth between the various voices. She glances up towards the clouds and mutters, "Fine."

Then she lowers her head and roars. Her wings flare out, and her presence, which you realize she had been carefully holding back, rolls over you like a hard slap. For a moment, all of your hearts skip a beat.

((ooc: Initiative time. Everyone needs to roll a save vs. petrification with a +2 bonus, or be affected by dragon fear. On a failed save, you have a -2 penalty to attack and damage rolls.

Everyone can get within melee range of the dragon this round, if you wish.))

Initiative 2
Succeeded saving throw
Casting Strength: rolled a 7--18 STR for the combat
closing to melee range
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Wed 15 Dec 2021.

Initiative 2
Failed Save
Casting Shield

Tarron braces himself as best as he can, but stands his ground and prepares to dodge if required.

11:51, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 5 using 1d10.  Initiative. – [roll=1639626718.06822.359800]
11:47, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 7 using 1d20.  Saving Throw. – [roll=1639626458.27821.359800] (Failed)

19:18, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 6 using 1d10 ((6)).
19:20, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 21 using 1d20+2 ((19)).

Kali was in awe of raw power personified that loomed before her. So majestic, yet its demeanor is so odd, like a moody teenager rolling their eyes at their mom.

This struck her as so strange, that a memory of Lord Norland flashed in her mind. He was compelled to act on behalf of the one who enchanted him. She also remembered the dinner party he threw, to gather information on all of the caster's rivals, where one of the more notable mages dispelled the influence that held him.

Considering that this is a dragon and she really didn't want to kill it, or more likely die, she wanted to talk her way out of it. She shouted loudly to her group since she knew most of them could cast something. Hopefully, they had something useful memorized.

"Don't attack if you can cast! It's compelled! Dispel the magic on the dragon! Or charm it! We can still talk our way through if you can get rid of the hold on the creature!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

In reply to DM (msg # 68):

The power of the Dragon rolls over him but Krackor, steadfast as always, even the momentary pause of breath, he doesn't move or bat an eyebrow.  Instead he raises his voice once more, even louder this time.

Very Impressive, your Magnificent One.  May we talk?  I feel you deserve more respect but without knowing your formal name, I, We are unable to give it proper concordance

He knows his move but waits in readiness, watching all around him without moving his head, he was after all, still invisible, so he strength of will was not evident to anyone except maybe a great wyrm.

(ooc:  If things go awry and if close enough, Krackor's first move is Fire Eyes.
Initiative = 10
+ Granted Spell = +7 = 17.

If not close enough, Casts Defensive Harmony as he knows that his colleagues are close by.
Making Initiative 14 instead of 17)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Sun 19 Dec 2021.

Round 1

Kitheras and Corym rapidly cast spells, shielding or strengthening themselves for the battle ahead.

Kali shouts her suspicions to the rest of the group, racing around the dragon and into the hole in the wall. The dragon's lingering breath weapon fades away as she enters the cloud, wisping wetly across her face as it vanishes. Inside, the ground floor of the tower is a fairly ordered wreck. The ceiling is twenty feet high, and while there were originally a number of walls sub-dividing the level, they've all been broken open. Dirt has been tracked in and mostly hides the crystal flooring, but the ceiling is intact and most of the rubble from the destroyed walls has been moved outside or pushed up against the outer wall. There are two staircases leading up, both of which look to still be usable. Looking around, you don't immediately see anything valuable or particularly out of the ordinary.

Tarron keeps to one side, blade up and ready but not attacking. The dragon turns on him, leaping again, only this time slamming into him. Almost driving Tarron to his knees, the dragon ripping and tearing with her claws, her teeth just barely missing Tarron's head.  When she draws back, the bladesinger is badly injured. ((ooc: Tarron, take 14 points of damage.))

Rushing up to the dragon's flank, Krackor calls out to Gorm and his eyes flare with fire. Two beams lance out, hitting the dragon mere feet away from him. The two fiery beams wash over the dragon's hide, leaving no impression behind.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:55, Mon 20 Dec 2021.

"I don't want to hurt you, but I fear I must." exclaims Tarron, whipping out with his blade and cutting as hard as he can into the dragons scales. With each hit, he is visible cured of wounds and his bleeding is reduced.

HP: 19/33 | AC: -1 |
Spells Memorized: | 1 | Phantasmal Force (**)/Grease(**) |
Spells Memorized: | 2 | Knock (**)/Mirror Image (*) |
Spells Memorized: | 3 | Wraithform (**) |
Spells Memorized: | 4 | Wizard Eye (*) |

((ooc: Attack twice with frost brand)
Initiative: 8
Weapon speed: 2
Total: 10
Modified THAC0: 6 Longsword (+1 (str), +1 (elf), +1(bladesinger), +1(specialization, +3 weapon) to hit)
Attack: [1st Attack (7), 2nd Attack (14)]
Damage: [1st Attack (11) +8, 2nd Attack (6) +8 (+3 Str, +2 specialization, +3 magic bonus)))

11:15, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 8 using 1d10.  Initiative. – [roll=1639970102.88269.359800]
11:16, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 14 using 1d12+8.  Damage 2. – [roll=1639970183.04336.359800]
11:16, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 19 using 1d12+8.  Damage 1. – [roll=1639970176.70232.359800]
11:14, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 14 using 1d20.  Attack 2. – [roll=1639970068.04481.359800]
11:14, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 7 using 1d20.  Attack 1 (THACO 6). – [roll=1639970060.62525.359800]

AC -1 for 19 damage, AC -8 for 14 damage (back to full hp if both hit).
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Tue 21 Dec 2021.

Initiative 8:

Wait until Kitheras and Tarron turn visible after their attacks, and cast Haste on them.  If Kali is visible by the end of the round I'll include her as well.

10:46, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 10 using 3d8 with rolls of 4,5,1.  Size Large Damage.


09:04, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 5 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,1.  Damage.

09:03, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 36 using 3d20 with rolls of 11,8,17.

09:03, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 28 using 3d20.

09:03, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 1 using 1d10.  Initiative.

Normally I'm +5/+4

+1 Elf
+1/+1 Sword
+3/+3 High Mastery

but currently my Strength adds

+1/+3

+6/+7

Attack Roll 1 is 11 hits AC -1 for 11 points of damage
Attack Roll 2 is 8, hitting AC 1 for 12 points of damage
Attack Roll 3 is 17 hitting AC -8 for 8 points of damage

I think I get a bonus from attacking from Invisibility but it doesn't state that under the spell.  Isn't it +2?

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 77):

Krackor, aware of his companions, watches for them to be within arms reach of one another then steps to them, casting a new spell.

Seeing her cohorts attack the dragon, Kali swiftly attacked it from behind. Her first attack with the Scimitar of Scolding, thankfully, landed its attack. The voice from within the sword rang out and seemed to echo around her.

"Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!"

Quickly realizing that she was going to need to dodge around the dragon as much as possible, lest she become a footnote to history, Kali's second hit had no power behind it and slid off of the creature's hide. With her second hit a failure, she skirted around the dragon, so that she was no longer in the place where the sword spoke.

((ooc: Kali attacks with the scimitar of scolding
Initiative: 04:59, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 5 using 1d10 ((5))
Weapon speed: 5
Total: 10
Modified THAC0: 11
Attack: 5:02, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 19 using 1d20+1 ((18))
Damage: 05:03, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 5 using 1d8+1 ((4))
((ooc: Off-hand attack with Scimitar +2
Initiative: 5
Weapon speed:5
Total:10
Modified THAC0: 10
Attack: 05:05, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 4 using 1d20+2 ((2))

((ooc: Here is a rough approximation of where everyone is in the fight, currently.))

Round 2

The group closes in on the dragon, hacking and slashing. Kitheras, Tarron, and Kali all attack almost simultaneously. Their blades skitter across the dragon's hide as they each learn the truth about the bard's tales of the strength of dragon scales. Each on only barely manages to draw blood once, though together their effect is not completely insignificant. As Tarron's sword manages to slip through a seam of the dragon's scales, he feels a pulse of healing surge up his arm, and his vision becomes clearer. ((ooc: Tarron, you heal 7 hp.))

Krackor shifts around the dragon to stand next to Kitheras. Gorm's magic infuses both of them, binding them together into a coordinated team. ((ooc: Krackor and Kitheras both get +1 AC.)) Meanwhile, further back, Corym completes his haste spell and centers it carefully so that it only affects Tarron and not the dragon as well. ((ooc: Tarron, you are now hasted, and you age 1 year.))

Then the dragon unleashes her fury. Her wings, which had been held tightly across her back, flare out to both sides. She angles them down at the perfect angle, slamming the hard leading edge into everyone along her flanks. ((ooc: Tarron, Kitheras, Krackor, take 11 damage and you have to roll your Dex or lower or be knocked prone.)) Her tail sweeps around like a whip, cracking Kali in the head before completing its swing by driving Tarron into the ground. The bladesinger groans, the world going blurry, and collapses. ((ooc: Kali and Tarron both take 15 damage. Tarron is unconscious at 0 hp and bleeding out. Kali, save vs petrification or be stunned.))

With Kali reeling from the tail's impact, she's unable to dodge as the dragon drives one of its legs backward in a brutal kick. It catches her full in the chest. ((ooc: Kali, take another 11 damage (total of 26). You need to roll your Dex or lower or the kick sends you flying.))

Turning her attention to the people on her other side, the dragon claws at Kitheras, catching him in the shoulder and almost spinning him around. The ranger turns that momentum to his advantage, twirling to the side, and allowing the dragon's teeth to snap closed on the air just beside him. ((ooc: Kitheras, you take another 12 damage (total of 23).))

End of Round 2. Actions and initiative for Round 3.

15:03, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 1 using 1d10.  Initiative.
15:06, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 4 using 1d4.  Mirror Image. 7 images




"Retreat!" Kitheras shouts unambiguously.


"Kali, Kora--gather Kitheras!  Krackor and Corym break off!"

Kitheras casts Mirror Image on himself and withdraws slowly from the dragon--he might be able to perform a rear guard action for a round.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

Corym had always kept Blacksphere memorized for just such occasions. Hopefully it worked now.

He casts Blacksphere towards the front of the dragon, trying to shunt it back toward the tower.

15:27, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 9 using 1d4+7.  Blacksphere.

15:26, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 9 using 1d10. Initiative.

After casting, he ran to help Tarron escape.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 83):

Retreating with the others, guarding against any further attacks, Krackor's Shield, the eyes pouring it's gaze over the Dragon, he steps back rather than running, he had managed to keep his feet and he intended to use that advantage for his own.

Shouting to the Dragon Who has beguiled you into such actions?

Dragon Battle - End

As Kitheras calls for the retreat, you see the dragon's kick connect with Kali. The half-elf, already stunned from being hit by the dragon's tail, is launched backwards into the air. She flies through the breach in the wall, and disappears inside the tower.

The rest of you fall back. An invisible Kora runs up, and with a lift and a grunt throws the unconscious Tarron over her shoulder and retreats the way she came. She's the only one of you still invisible, making it look like the dying Tarron is flopping through the air in the most ungainly flight imaginable.

Corym's spell goes off, a sphere of pitch black force exploding outward from the air beside the dragon. It doesn't appear to affect the dragon at all, with the black force sliding through her body smoothly until it reaches its full twenty foot diameter. The dragon peers down, studying the effect with interest for a few breaths. Glancing up, she sees that you're still moving away. Turning, she disappears back inside the ruins of the Imbran tower.

((ooc: Combat is over. Kali has been split off from the group and will be having adventures of her own inside the tower for the moment.

How far do you run before you regroup? Tarron needs healing magic to survive, and will be fairly out of it for 24 hours per the Deaths Door rules. Where are you going?))

Kali

You've been in your fair share of brawls. You've even had a chair broken over your head by a Dauntinghorn scion, who thought something sung of in so many ballads must be glorious in reality. Nothing has stunned you like the wallop the dragon gives you with its tail. Your head is ringing so badly, you barely register the kick that sends you flying twenty feet backward.

If you weren't directly behind the dragon, that would likely have been the end of you. Your flight would have ended shortly with a wet splat against the crystal walls that had served as Imbran homes for thousands of years. Instead, you sail cleanly through the great hole in the wall, hit the dirt-covered crystal floor, and roll several times before coming to rest on your back, staring blearily up at the ceiling.

It's rotating. You don't think it should be rotating. You try to rotate your head to make it stay put, only for your neck to protest. You then spend a minute trying to decide whether your neck ought to have an opinion on the matter, and why a building would have such large clouds.

You blink several times, your brain kicking itself out of the rut it had been lost in. You start to actually see again, and as soon as things come into focus you freeze. The dragon is looking down at you, its head no more than five or six feet above your body. "Back are you?" the dragon harrumphs. "Most people have the sense to die when I hit them."

"Save him, Krackor.  Fall back to the previous camp!"


I'm waiting until you let us know when we're back at camp to start planning the Revenge of the Jedi.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 87):

As soon as the Dragon turned away, Krackor was straight onto working his God's magic on Tarron. Walking beside the floating figure, he called his will to channel a cure spell from one of his Ioun Stones (CSW)

Then as Tarron starts to gain a semblance of consciousness, his places the Ioun Stone of Regeneration in his comrades hand reassuringly so it can be focused on Tarron, see the stone, feel the stone, sense it's strength and magic and let go, hoping the stone starts to float and do it's work.

(Cure Serious Wounds for 11 hps)
This message was last edited by the player at 11:09, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

In reply to DM (msg # 86):

Kali decided that staying still was the best option for her on numerous levels. From the profound ringing in her head, she knew she probably would have vomited if she tried to sit up at the moment.

She could feel the dragon's breath pushing against her. Even when relaxed, there is so much strength in that breath. Her fear was quickly over come with a burning desire to speak with this being, such an adventure that no one would ever believe her.

"I must confess, I have never been one who has been labeled as having good sense. I do have excellent taste though, especially when it comes to food and drink.

To be fair, I think that this is a wondrous opportunity to converse with one as magnificent as you, I have never had the fortune to see a dragon, let alone be able to speak to one. Unless you have determined to eat me instead and if that is the case, I fully believe that my friends would write an amazingly tragic ballad about a fair maid and the all powerful dragon. A truly classic tale, though a bit too simplistic most of the time for my taste." The ringing in her ears subsided, but the pain was still there. Kali slowly pushed herself up to rest on her elbows.

"May I be so bold as to ask you your name?"

Group

Gorm's healing magic flows into Tarron, breathing on the spark of his life. The flow of blood from his wounds slows, then mostly stops, and his eyes open. His cheeks flush, and when he tries to stand up from Kora carrying him, he almost falls on his face. Would have, if Kora didn't grab him and steady him. He's alive, but it will be some time before he's capable again. ((ooc: Tarron is at 1 hp. For the next 24 hours, he's unable to be affected by healing magic, is delirious, and cannot fight or use magic. All of his memorized spells are gone.))

As you get moving again, you see several flying creatures taking to the air above Eueurarlor. None of them are the size of a dragon, but they aren't birds, either. They aren't heading in your direction yet, but that could change.

((ooc: Corym or Kitheras, roll a general Hide in Shadows check for the group. If there's anything any of you want to do to increase your chances of escaping unseen, please post it.))

Corym casts invisibility on Krackor and then endeavors to take evasive maneuvers.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

Kitheras will take Tarron, now carrying him easily with his enhanced strength, and tries to carry him under the cover of his elven cloak.

Group

Krackor disappears under invisibility and Tarron under Kitheras's cloak. Your group doesn't completely disappear, but it comes close. Kitheras and Corym head south, aiming to get away from the city as fast as possible. The frozen ground helps; the marshy land near the river is much more solid than it would be in summer. After hustling for a mile, and not being attacked or seeing anything following you, the group turns west and begins the long loop around the city to where you had been camping.

It takes longer to return, your cautious course adding miles of walking in the cold winter air, but eventually you make it back to the hollow that sheltered you the previous night. You packed up everything this morning before you headed out, of course, but you can set things up again.

It's only when you have gotten to this place of relative, if possibly only illusory, safety, that Kora speaks. "Where's Kali?"

Kitheras casts Rope Trick and helps everyone into the extra dimensional space and then sets about obliterating their trail before circling back and rejoining them.

Everyone settles down into the rope's extradimensional space, sitting or sprawling as they wish. Kitheras comes up once he's confident the most egregious traces of their passage have been removed. It's hard to remove all signs of last night's camp, but overall it's fairly decent. He climbs up the rope and pulls it up behind him, sealing Faerun away, if only for a bit less than three bells.

((ooc: Everyone is now safe in hiding. The rope trick will last for 16 turns, or two hours and forty minutes.))

Kali

The dragon stared down at Kali for a long moment. "You talk a lot," the dragon finally says. Her voice is distinctly feminine, but also deeper than any baritone she'd ever heard. "You see better than most, but you talk a lot. I don't like talking."

"You will need to forgive me then because most of the time, all I do is talk. Would you like me to cook for you instead?"

"Why would I need someone to cook? There's lovely mist just outside." The dragon visibly reconsiders. "Fine. Cook."

Kali slowly stood to her feet and took out her portable hole and lugged out every piece of equipment possible that could be used for cooking. Before grabbing the casks of wine, she turned to the dragon. "Do you happen to drink wine?"

"I can drink anything, including mud. I had wine once, when I was younger. Some fool who tried to kill me had some in a sack. I didn't like it."

""Fair enough. I had bought this particular cask from a group of religious folk, I forget their name, but they truly made some wonderful wine. I also said I would sing its praises to anyone I shared it with. Truth be told, it is quite nice. Do you mind if I partake while I cook? Cooking is always more enjoyable with wine."

The dragon wanders away towards the wall and waves a claw negligently. "As you wish." Kali doesn't fail to notice that the dragon has put herself between her and the two gaps in the wall that lead outside.

Kali goes about collecting everything that she would need to make a nice roast with potatoes. She also goes through her rations to find the ingredients to made a flat bread, since she didn't feel like dealing with yeast at the moment. She set about getting the oven to temperature and drank heavily ask she cooked. Before grabbing anymore food she turned her attention back to the dragon. "Do you eat vegetables? I am trying to guess your preferences but it is tricky since I have never had the honor to cook for one as esteemed as yourself."

"Do my scales look scarlet to you?" the dragon grumbles. "Lay off the flattery. I can eat anything. I doubt it'll taste as good as a nice mist off the Moonsea, but I can eat it."

"What does mist taste like? Does mist from the Moonsea taste different compared to the mists surrounding here." Kali serves the dragon as each item of her rations finishes cooking.

The dragon comes forward as the food starts to finish. She's a very fastidious eater, carefully taking each item in her claws and placing it in her mouth. She's cleaned herself since the battle; there's no hint of blood on her claws or teeth, and she gently places the dishes back down on the ground when she's done.

"Mist rises from the ground and carries with it the scent of everything it touches. Moonsea mist is sharp and clear, the mist here is dirt-strewn and woody. Not bad, exactly. But different. This meat... hmm. Can you do this with deer?"

"I absolutely can, but sadly I do not have any venison available to me currently. I need to rummage a bit and find some rosemary for venison too since it can have a more intense flavor than beef or lamb."

"You have this rosemary?"

"I believe I do. Give me a moment." Kali hops into the portable hole to find her herbs. She manages to find a small brown pouch that was being crushed by the harpsichord. She climbed out of the hole, packed it back into her pocket and opened it. The herbs were ground to a fine dust, but for what she needed, it would do. She held a pinch of rosemary leaves out to the dragon to take a whiff. "What do you think of this?"

The dragon's head leans in close to you, close enough that her breath stirs your hair. After taking two sniffs, the dragon leans back. "I am familiar with this plant. I did not know that it could be combined with food."

"It can, but with moderation, otherwise it will kill the flavor of the meat, but with venison it will work out  quite nicely."

The dragon thinks for a long moment. Finally she speaks again. "I am a guard, but I am allowed to hunt for food. I will go." She turns to look at you. "You will remain. Your people ran. I did not pursue, but I could. If you leave, I will."

"This is the best evening I've had in a long while. I will be here."

The dragon nods, slides herself through the eastern hole, and disappears into the city. A few moments later, you hear the great beat of wings pushing her into the air.

While the dragon is gone, Kali jumped back into the portable hole. She emerged with her easel, canvas, and paints and began to paint the tower and the dragon.

In the bell that she's left alone, Kali makes a rather striking painting of the dragon, its blue grey scales contrasted against a shattered wall and partial staircase of the ruined tower. She looks powerful, moody. Dangerous. Stepping back after that bell, Kali nods. The painting needs a few more bells putting the finishing details in, but when she hears the dragon land heavily just outside, she sets her brushes away content with knowing that she's absolutely got her best piece standing in front of her.

The dragon steps through the eastern hole in the wall. In one claw she's carrying not a deer, but an elk, its neck hanging at an odd angle where it was neatly snapped. She drops it on the floor near you and retreats back to her post at the wall. "Here. Cook that."

"Woah. That will work." Kali sets about getting the elk prepared. She is not where near a skilled as some of her friends but she knew enough about the basics to get the job done. Kali saves the offal to create a stew and then does her best to season the elk and stick some of the beast in the oven. She knows that getting a spit going would help her cook everything faster, but she didn't want to ruin the little rapport she had built with the dragon. "I want to cook some of this on a spit over a fire. Where should I build one?"

"A fire?" The dragon looks up at the still-intact ceiling, pierced only by the two stairwells, then around at the empty room. "This is a swamp."

"If you would like me to cook the elf before dawn, I need to build a fire but I don't want to build one inside because I consider it to be rude to set a fire in the middle of the floor. The last thing I want to do is be rude to you. And there are plenty of ways to build a fire in a swamp, it just requires patience and the right materials."

"This isn't my lair. I don't care what you do here," the dragon grumbles. "You're going to want me to go find wood for you, aren't you? You're a very ungrateful guest."

"If this isn't your lair, I can find wood myself from broken furniture. You shouldn't have to leave just as long as you have no problem with me burning some chairs or a table or two."

"I don't know what is upstairs." The dragon stamps one of her very large feet for emphasis. "I am not the first one to be stuck here. I don't know if there's anything to burn."

"Do you mind if I look? My oven is cooking one of the haunches right now and won't need to be flipped for at least another 30 minutes. It does have the rosemary dry rub on it and should be the best cut however I am partial to tenderloin roasted over an open fire. If you would like to keep me here, I will respect that, but I am just trying to get everything cooked for you in a timely manner."

The dragon settles down and waves a claw at one of the staircases negligently.

Kali heads upstairs. She keeps her word and looks for chairs and tables, but she also keeps her eyes open for anything else of interest.

The second floor has been ransacked. It's subdivided much more than the first floor, but looks like it was once dining rooms, kitchens, food storehouses, and other such "keep soul and body together for everyone who lives here" areas. There's mold growing over many of the walls, all of the chests and boxes have been broken open (where they aren't missing entirely), and everything in the kitchen is rusted. You do find three staircases leading up, and a dining room table that must have once been magnificent, but is now moldy and decaying enough that you can break it apart almost with your hands. It provides more than enough wood to cook the elk.

Kali grabbed big hunks of the table and dragged it down to the ground floor, then spent some time laboring over it with her flint and tinder before finally getting the damp wood to light. Once it's going, however, the old furniture makes for a glorious fire, with the smoke wafting up staircase. She then set about roasting the elk over the fire, while keeping an eye on the oven.

The dragon watches her in silence, marking everything but asking no questions.

"So, you tell me you eat mist. What is it exactly that sustains you? The water or the air or must it be a combination of the two? Essentially, what is the nature of mist?"

"My brother used to pontificate on that for days," the dragon sighed. "Can you imagine anything more boring? It's mist. It settles over me and I absorb it. Who cares about its essence, or the meaning of fine particulate matter, or the difference between fog and mist and whether air currents stir the mist or mix it? It's useless knowledge, unbefitting a dragon's attention." She glares at you. "Useless, do you hear me?"

"Then what is useful?"

The dragon draws herself upright. "The proper focus of draconic attention is to the question of whether frogs and toads are the same creatures, but merely with different names given by different species at different times. Would a human and a dwarf call the same creature a toad and a frog? Or would they both call it the same thing? And would it be called toad, or frog?" The dragon nods, slowly, as though with great wisdom. "I have spent the last century pondering this question."

Kali thoughtfully ponders the question at hand. "Well, when I was little, I used to catch toads in the fields outside the city but if I wanted to catch a frog, I had to go to water. I believe that toads are more diverse than frogs because they can leave home and never return while frogs have no choice in the matter."

"Ah, but a frog can be picked up and moved, and can be washed away in a flood. So it has the same mobility as a toad." The dragon insists, avidly. "More importantly, if a human was presented with such a creature, would she call it a toad or a frog. There are many permutations, each must be carefully thought through." She casts a dark glare at the nearest hole in the wall. "Silently."

"Once again, being moved by human or my flood is not by choice, but by force. And I believe that no creature should be forced to do anything against their nature. Also, who cares what humans name things? They have the funniest names for the weirdest things. Did you know that petrichor is the word for the way the air smells after it rains? Why not fresh, clean or damp. Nope. Petrichor."

The dragon looks at you for a long moment, then slowly nods. Setting her head on her foreclaws, she falls silent and waits.

Kali cocked her head to the side a bit in concern. She drank too much and she sensed that she hits a sore spot. She bowed her head to her new friend. "I apologize. I believe that I said something in ignorance to offend you. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"You attacked me with swords," the dragon said. Swords, you note, which you haven't seen anywhere since you came back to your senses. "So I doubt it. Just... just cook. Enjoy this moment. You may not enjoy many others."

"I tend to do that when my friends are nearly boiled to death. A marvelous attack, to be sure. Truth be told, I never wanted to fight you. There was no benefit to it. I am no knight trying to slay a great beast." Kali flashes a wide and genuine smile at the dragon. "I'm already dead, my dear, I'm just enjoying the conversation before the end." Kali finishes the roast in the oven and passes it to the dragon.

The dragon takes the roast and eats it. It's less than a single mouthful, but she chews it slowly and carefully, and seems to be intently tasting it. "This is superior to a haunch fresh off the beast. Perhaps I will need to start pondering why heat applied to food increases its flavor. I am an adult now, after all. I should find an adult's problem to ponder."

Licking her lips, the dragon settles down to watch the spit. "These people you travel with. Do you think they'll return for you? Are any of them intelligent?"

Kali cracks a smile. "Well... I think that they are driven but that can make them make stupid decisions. I highly dislike fighting for the most part, I will, if I must, but I would much rather come to some sort of understanding.

"In regards to whether they will come back, I have no clue. I don't know them well enough. I never expect to rely on others for major assistance. More often than not, it leads to bitter disappointment."

"Ha! I am learning that lesson." The dragon opens her mouth, shudders, and closes it again. She opens her mouth a second time, and again says nothing. With a growl that makes the walls resonate, she settles down again into silence.

"It's a hard one to learn. The worst is when that disappointment turns into betrayal. Then I fight with ferocity and malice."

The dragon blinks her eyes. "Just let me get her in my claws," she whispers.

"I can try."

"I doubt it." One claw nudges the air towards the spit. "How long will that take?"

"The other haunch will take a bit yet. However, the tenderloins are done if you would like them." Kali stands and brings them over to the dragon. "The stew is technically done, but it is better to let it sit over night, then heat it again the next day. More flavor that way."

The dragon eats the tenderloins, but though she chews with care, her mind is clearly elsewhere.

Sensing that the conversation was done for now, Kali spent the next bell cleaning and stowing away all of the various cooking implements. The stew was set aside to cool, a tight lid keeping bugs away. Once everything was put away, she pulled some blankets from her portable hole and folded the hole back into its cravat shape around her neck. Setting the blankets underneath the sturdier of the two staircases, Kali crawled into them and passed out.

Once inside the Rope Trick, Kitheras finally replies.

"I don't know if she survived the Dragon's kick, but if she did, she's in the tower with the dragon.  The dragon seems to have been placed under some form of enchantment that's specifically keyed against elves. It's a coin-flip whether her mixed heritage and charm will see her through."

Kitheras seemed thoughtful.  He wasn't invested in this mission the way Corym was, but he was responsible for leading it. Moreover, this was a blow to his self-image as a master tactician.  He had to analyze it cooly.

"We can't trade blows with that thing, and it's clear that it can see through our invisibility even if the other inhabitants can't.  That leaves us two tactical options which initially seem mutually exclusive.

One, we can free it from its enchantment through some combination of Dispel Magic and Remove Curse. Given our experience with the Crypt Door, we know that this is far from a certain path to victory.  What's more, removing the enchantment may not convince it to give up on killing us. In short, it's a long shot, best attempted early and discarded quickly if it fails.

The other is we fall on it with the intent to kill bringing our highest potential strength to bear. I think it is possible that we could kill it in this scenario given the appropriate preparations and the element of surprise.

The two only seem mutually exclusive though.

If Corym and Krackor initiate from Surprise with with persistent damaging effects--Spiritual Hammer, Evard's Black Tentacles, an Acid Arrow--they could follow that up with Remove Curse and Dispel Magic.  If successfully freed from its guardianship, combined with the danger we present, it may be convinced to flee.

Thoughts?"

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 97):

The Dwarven Priest was pulling all his Wisdom into the scenario, why had the Dragon attacked? What was it about the Elves and why attack him if this was the case? Hadn't he been polite, respectful even, asking for but a moment of the elegant beast's time and patience!

What to do indeed, where is Kali and is she safe, or even alive? We must rescue her.

Could we try and Parley with the Dragon, keeping the Elves in the group out of sight in case of triggering the Dragon again. Being Half-Elven, is Kali likely to trigger the Dragon should it see her again, assuming she is still alive?

He was starting to get ahead of himself again, took a deep breath and asked anyone for hot food?

"She's with the dragon.  The dragon is the impediment to the treasure and our ally. If we secure one, we secure the other.

I can't imagine that a parley could be productive as long as the enchantment binding the dragon to guarding the site remains in place.

Our only option is violence--whether it need be lethal is a matter to be determined by the success of our spells. It's possible that our spells could be effective in the absence of violence, but violence should improve the efficacy of our spells."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Mon 27 Dec 2021.

"We could see if I could infiltrate the treasure room alone.  I hold the key.  If I were to adopt Wraithform and float to the entrance, its possible that I could enter unobstructed.

That doesn't help us get Kali back, and I would be alone in facing whatever dangers abide in the vault. But if Kali is dead--and I believe the odds are against her--we could bypass the dragon rather than confront it.

Penetrating the vault could well release the dragon from its guardianship since its charge would be removed. Or it could hunt us to the ends of the Toril depending on how the Geas was phrased."

"A foolish gambit, Corym." Kitheras dismissed the suggestion, "Excepting your apprentice, you're the most fragile among us.  If anything went wrong--if the Dragon could adopt a Wraithform as well, if another guardian resided in the vault--we would have lost two members of the company and ended any possibility of success in this venture."

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 101):

Yet wouldn't a violent encounter imply not a peaceful outcome with the dragon but just bring contempt for interfering from the dragon?

“There is a kind of peace on the field after battle. A grim peace. It is not one I love. I would like to play my harp, sing songs, and earn my victory over a pitcher of iced summer wine. But there is little hope of that with a compelled guardian, unless the Fire Eyes has granted you some insight. Please share it.”

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 103):

I will try and divine some answers in the morning if we are waiting that long, if only a short time, then unfortunately, I have little in the way of answers.  If the Dragon is guarding that tower, could we call to it from an adjacent one or do you think it guards the whole area?

“We’ll have to rest a full day to let Tarron convalesce. And in another hour or so we’ll have to set camp below”

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 105):

Then I'll cook now and contain the smell of cooking, warm everyone up ready for going back outside.  I'll need to sleep and commune with the Bronze Mask as the sun rises.

Krackor gets his Pan out and cooks some food for everyone, mediocre at best but hot and filling.  Then he'll converse with Kitheras as to the enquiry to be made to his God.

(ooc: Swap out 4th level spell for Divination)

((ooc: Is there anything else the group wants to do before I advance time to the night?))

Negative, Ghostrider.  The Pattern is full.

Kitheras will do a little recon under cover of his elven boots and cloak.  I just want to see if I can get a better identification on the flying things.

I'm going to keep well away from our target tower since the
Dragon can sense/smell us.

OOC: I'm just roleplaying the convalescing elf right now....silent.

In reply to DM (msg # 107):

(ooc: Channelling the Pro from Evil 10' Radius into the Ioun Stone of Spell Storing.
Swapping out 3rd lvl Neg Plane Pro for Remove Curse.
Out goes Silence 15ft Rad, in comes Augury.)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Wed 29 Dec 2021.

Tarron was drifting in and out of consciousness, the wicked wounds from the dragon adding to the pain. They were healing up quickly, with the intervention of the ioun stone, even so, the not quite healed scars on his face still failed to close up. They did seem healthier than they had previously though.

As he drifted in and out of sleep, he seemed troubled. Sweat dripped from his brow and he shifted uncomfortably in his sleep. He groaned several times, but whether it was from the pain or his dreams it was hard to say.

The Group

Everyone climbs down (or in Tarron's case, is gently lowered) out of Kitheras's extra-dimensional space before it expires. The camp is cold and clammy, and feels exposed even if it's out of the direct line of sight of the city. Still, it's better than nothing, and you rebuild the camp and get Tarron as comfortable as possible. Krackor makes a hot meal for everyone with his magical frying pan, and your spirits begin to rise as the warm food works a magic all its own.

The afternoon rapidly progresses towards evening; sunlight fading against the winter darkness. Nothing seems to have followed you from the city, and the sky has been clear of fliers. Confident now that you're not about to be attacked in the next few instants, Kitheras wraps his cloak around him and sets off to do some scouting. The rest of you settle down to make the necessary preparations to survive the coming night.

((ooc: Krackor was fully healed during the three hours you were resting in the rope trick. It will take Kitheras 4 hours for the stone to heal him, if you want to let the stone go.

Kitheras, roll HS/MS and let me know where you want to scout and how long you want to be out.

Krackor, since I assume you're taking first watch, make two Int rolls for me, please.))

Kali

When Kali awakens from her exhausted slumber, she finds that night has fallen on the city. She had no idea how long she'd slept; the dark comes early in winter. The inside of the tower is chilly, though at least she was out of the wind. There's no light, but her half-elven eyes pick up the large radiating body that is the dragon. She's lying on the ground in front of the southern entrance, turned sideways so that her resting head can keep watch on both her and the outside.

Kali stirred and sat up. She looked over at the dragon and asked, "Do you mind if I make something hot to drink?"

The dragon didn't even raise her head. Her wings and shoulders raised and lowered in a small shrug.

Kali goes over to her to the bonfire that roasted the elk and placed a small cup on some coals to heat up some tea. While it is brewing, she turns her attention to the dragon again. "How would you like to handle the group if they do come back? More specifically, how would you like me to handle them?"

"They haven't come back." The dragon's voice is quiet. "I wondered. None of the other guardians came to look. I suppose I am sufficiently terrifying."

"There's no doubt about that. Other guardians? Are there more dragons here?" Kali's tone was excited at the prospect.

"No. Lucky them."

"Well, I doubt that they can be as nice as you. And no that is not flattery, that is a simple fact."

The dragon snorts. "I am not nice. I have talked more today than I have in the last thirty years."

"I appreciate you making the exception for me. Back to my original point, if the group comes back, what would you like me to do? They don't seem to be a bad sort. Especially the dwarf, he follows a goodly god, Gorm, I think."

The dragon snorts again. "There has never been peace between dragons and dwarves. The odd truce, now and then. They are too rash, hot-headed. Short thinkers."

Kali laughed at this, thinking back to all of her dealings with dwarves and how that statement was generally true. "I can see how that would be true. Though I didn't think that dwarves would have had many interactions with dragons considering that it is very difficult to fly underground. Unless the Underdark allows for that sort of thing. That is one place I hope to never venture to though."

"There are dragons underground. And caverns big enough to fly. There are kinds down there that prefer it, who enjoy hunting challenging things. Drow and illithid and the like." She gives a deep sigh. "I just like to think."

"I have no wish to meet and illithid. Besides the fact that their descriptions are beyond creepy, the idea to be so easily bent to someone's will is disturbing."

"It is."

"Thinking is a fine past time though. I've never had much patience for it, but I deeply appreciate those who do. To be able to come up with a plan and then have countless contingencies for possible difficulties is something to be admired."

"That's boring thinking. Small minded." The dragon is barely moving through the entire conversation, her head resting on her foreclaws.

"What is large minded then?"

"The merits and detractions of cooking, I think."

Kali settled in with her tea, took a sip, then continued. "Very well. What is a detraction of cooking and I will try refuting it with a merit."

The dragon sighs. "Which would you rather?"

"To cook or not to cook?"

"You said you didn't want to be bent to someone's will. If it was to happen, would you rather know, or not know?"

"Know. Because then I could try to do something about it. If I never know, I can never escape."

"But you never suffer," the dragon whispers.

"Everyone suffers. Being ignorant of the fact doesn't change that the person is still suffering."

"I didn't. When I was in my lovely lair, debating frogs and toads."

"But you are now."

The dragon nods. After a moment she hastily adds, "Your friends swing a sharp blade."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

The dragon raises her head. "Why do you ask questions you know I cannot answer?"

"Fair enough. My friends do swing sharp blades. I got into a duel with one and he laid me low in what felt like a few swings." She thinks for a moment, then adds, "Are you being used as a conduit as well? Like the conversation we have been having, do you know if the other person is listening in?"

The dragon is silent.

"Hmmm...that poses interesting possibilities. Are you allowed to let me go for a short time?"

"I am here to guard the city against the elves who once lived here, and ensure no other cities rise along the banks of the Lis," the dragon says.

"Which means that you are not compelled to keep me. Will you permit me to go for a little while, once the sun comes up?"

The dragon looked at Kali appraisingly. Then she put her head back down on her claws and closed her eyes.

Deciding to take a chance, Kali stood up and walked right past the dragon. Though the dragon had to be aware of her, she makes no move as Kali left the tower. Kali quietly made her way into the night, heading back to the camp to find the others.

Guarding, it was like the best thing he could do, that and saving people. Guarding and saving people at the same time just made things better. Krackor kept a good guard, he had practiced all his life, it's why he felt the call to Gorm, that was his hypothesis and no amount of persuading otherwise had changed his mind whilst in the cavern, his clan hold and even this misty cold and damp place wouldn't convince him otherwise either.

He stood his Guard, he knew this area now, he had studied it well. Crossbow loaded on his knees as he sat on a rock overlooking camp. He watched and he listened and he calculated each sound and lack of it.
(ooc: 10:44, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 2 using 1d20.  Int Check.

10:44, Today: Krackor Steelfist rolled 8 using 1d20.  Int Check.
Both passed with flying colours.
Add his special ability when Guarding and he knows even when Kitheras returns.)

Kali sighed slightly in relief when she saw Krackor standing guard. She made herself known since the last thing she wanted was to get shot by accident.

"Good to see you still standing, master dwarf! How does everyone else fair? All alive, I hope."

It wasn't so much shock as astonishment that Kali had not only returned but looked well.
It is good to see you still in one piece Kali, we were rather worried but could do nothing.  We were making plans to find you in the morning.  Tarron isn't too good but he will be better by sun rise.

The others are not quite deeply asleep yet even though they may appear it, their sounds are not quite right for that.  They will be pleased to see you when they awaken.  You must be hungry and thirsty.  How did you get away?

I'm sorry for all these questions, normally..!!!!  I'll keep watch whilst you speak, then go warm yourself in a bedroll, if you have lost yours, use mine.

With that, Krackor once more returned his attention to his role, even whilst listening to Kali speak.

Kali put a hand on her belly signaling that she was quite content.

"Oh no, I couldn't eat a bite. The dragon and I had a massive supper of roast elk and potatoes and I had a lovely cup of tea before heading back here.

To be fair, I didn't so much as escape as ask nicely to head back after getting some sleep. Getting kicked by a dragon is an intense experience that I needed to sleep off.

I do have quite a bit of information that I learned about the dragon's situation and, if possible, I was hoping you could help me with it. Do you have the ability to remove magical domination from a person or, in this case, a dragon?"

"I can Dispel Magic, but the probability of success is directly correlated to the power disparity between myself and the caster of the control.

Krackor's Remove Curse could potentially be more effective, though the effectiveness could be increased by the willing participation of the Dragon."

Dispel Magic rolls my spell level versus the opposing caster--which is why we could never get the tomb door down. As mid-level multiclass casters that's always going to depend heavily on a favorable die roll.

Remove Curse, the creature has a save versus the spell.  However creatures can purposefully fail a save.  For instance, Cure Light Wounds has a saving throw, but most of us waive that.  An undead creature, however, would not waive it.  If the dragon wants to be rid of the curse and purposefully fails the save, that should do the trick.

"No offense, my dear, but Krackor should take point. Although she did specifically said that dwarves and dragons have a troubled peace, she didn't mention that she would attack them on sight. Full elves, on the other hand, are the group that she specifically was told to guard against.

There are apparently other guardians besides the dragon, but those other guardians aren't dragons. At least, not according to her. If Krackor is willing, I think he and I should go back alone to try to get rid of the domination.

It was also implied that whomever has dominated the dragon is able to listen and see through the creature. So anything that needs to be said in confidence should not be spoken around the ruins. It was also implied that the dragon would love to get her claws on the person that controls her. So, the potential for an ally is there."

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 119):

I have the potential as well as the Remove Curse, to use Dispel Magic. Would definitely help if the Dragon was willing to take the spells though just as Corym suggests
(ooc: Dispel Magic is 11 +/- level difference, hence why a 1 always works a d as 8th level casters, at minimum of 11th level for Geas {6th level spell}, levdl difference of 3, have an 8 in 20 chance of success)

"I believe that she will be willing as long as all of the elves stay out of sight. I think she didn't have an issue with me because I'm not 'elfie' enough. I know that she wants to be released but I don't know if she will be compelled to resist the magic. I guess we will have to see."

In reply to Kali Xilrora (msg # 122):

All the while keeping a watch with Kali not far aware, he was not aware of anyone else as awake as Corym so kept his voice low.

I have a Dispel Magic prepared in my Ioun Stone but will have to wait for the Sunrise before I can access the power of the Bronze Mask to remove a Curse.  I will give it a go though...If 'She' lets me.

I take it you spent long enough conversing to know the Dragon is a She then.  What else did you speak of?

"The nature of frogs versus toads came up more than once. She also asked me whether I thought it was better to know that you are dominated or not to know. She was very clear that she was tasked that no elf shall reclaim the area and no elf shall ever rebuild there, per her directives.

She misses her lair very much and apparently this was the most she had spoken to anyone in about 30 years. She does not like to be flattered, which was something that I had to keep in check since flattery is in my nature.

She eats mist and, apparently, the mist of the area is very earthy. Though she had no problem eating everything that I made her. It was the most cooking for the fewest eating I have ever done. It was also the first time I roasted most of an elk over a bonfire.

Speaking of which, I did get to explore the upper levels of that tower a bit in search of fire wood, most of it had rotted away and besides for being a sad state of ruins, nothing popped out and screamed at me that it was magical. Not that I would be able to tell, seeing magic is far beyond my capabilities. I'm pretty sure that she has my swords still too."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

In reply to Kali Xilrora (msg # 124):

This would explain why she swiped at me then.  I thought all Dragons liked flattery, maybe it is because of her compulsions that she doesn't like to be reminded of how majestic she would otherwise be in her own lair.  Thinking a moment before continuing.  Corym, did our employer explain exactly where we were to look in the higher parts of the tower?  No matter, first we have a need to rest, you may have slept but we haven't yet.  Go get a little rest and if you don't mind taking the next rotation, I'll get you when my time is up, give the others a bit more rest.  That goes for you too Corym, you need to be rested.

With that, his full attention reverted to the sole purpose at hand, to make sure the others were guarded properly.

((ooc: Anyone have more to say? Or should I move things forward?))

Tarron had been laying down, recovering from his injuries. He had barely said a word, but had listened intently to what Kali had to say. "I could also attempt to dispel the magic, but I suffer the same troubles as us all. Magic, though in my blood, is just a part of who I am. I'm not sure I would be strong enough on my own, but perhaps our combined efforts would give us a small chance of success?"

"As much as I appreciate your willingness to throw yourself back in there, the fact that you are about as elf as they come will pose a large problem. It's why I am specifically asking Krackor to help with casting. If you were anything other than an elf, I would gladly accept your assistance. That human girl could have come in handy at the moment as we seem to be a little elf heavy in the party."

Corym

As you listen to Kali's report, you run through a mental list of spells. While you're not able to identify the exact spell that was used, it sounds like whoever charmed the dragon is doing something quite similar to something you've heard elves doing in the past: putting charmed or otherwise influenced monsters of power in border positions to serve as buffers against unwanted intrusion. Except, in all the instances you've heard of, emphasis was put on ensuring that the charmed creatures didn't know that they were under any influence. It's, frankly, sloppy work.

With the help of the Vigilant Host, I shall do what I can

“This is sloppy work, Krackor. Forego the curse removals and stick to dispelling the magic. “

Krackor was taken aback!!!  Was Corym saying that he, the priest of Gorm, the Barackor was doing Sloppy work or something else was afoot.  He didn't think that Corym would aim something so unexplained at him, not when the Architect knew the dedication that the Guardian put into his protective duties and to his divine lord.

Corym, what is sloppy work, please clarify!  This had the very unusual and once in a lifetime effect of Krackor stopping doing his Watch to think on what had just been said.  He would still have been able to hear the creaking of leather from an unsuspecting foe and know where that foe was, but Krackor wouldn't react as he normally would, simply putting it as 'one of those things', something he NEVER did.

He chided himself for his loss of concentration, of his Focus, turned to Corym and said Did I do something wrong?

“No! Of course not! Forgive my laconic brevity and the misunderstanding that I’ve engendered. I mean the spells ensnaring the dragon and the other guardians. It is a lesser magician’s imitation of an arch-mage’s craft. It is no curse, but a series of spells just outside my reach. Dispel Magic should be sufficient with the right luck. “

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 133):

Krackor smiles at his friend, he thought as much, that he didn't mean offense.  Ah lad, I see what you mean now.  I can ask for another Dispel Magic instead of a Remove Curse then on the morrow.  That way I'll have two chances to help that there Dragon lady.  Will that suffice do you think, Kali?

"Honestly, I have no idea. All I know is that she probably won't attack a dwarf and she really doesn't want to be controlled anymore. I also know that I have no skill in the art. I will trust your judgement."

"Okay--the plan is that Krackor, Kali, and Kora return to the dragon and attempt to liberate the creature.  Krackor, you're going to prepare a likely number of dispel magic to remedy this situation. Keep our objective close to the vest--undoubtedly the treasures we seek would make fine additions to the Dragon's hoard which it has neglected for too long.

"We could cloak you in invisibility, but it seems that Kali was able to return to us safely without it.  The other guardians must be under similar orders.

"Tarron, Corym, and I will cloak ourselves and remain a safe distance away and wait for your signal to go ahead."

Group

With Kali's return and the plans for the morning settled, the group beds down once again. The night passes slowly, a freezing fog swirling around you and cloaking you from the rest of the world. It is quiet, isolated, your own little universe that stretches mere feet beyond the edges of your camp.

Slowly the fog begins to brighten as the sun peeks above the horizon. It doesn't thin a great deal, but at least you have vision out to thirty or forty feet. Those of you lucky enough not to be on watch reluctantly leave your blankets and bedrolls and begin breaking down the camp again. Krackor makes everyone another hot morningfeast, which helps kick all your brains back into working order.

Tarron is much better after a full night's rest. He's still weak as a kitten, but mentally he's back and there's nothing wrong with his body that time or magic won't set to rights.

((ooc: Tarron is at 1 hp, but otherwise recovered from his brush with Death's Door.

Everyone please update your spells in your character sheets. This is your chance to do whatever prep work you want before heading out. And maybe to heal Tarron... :) ))

In reply to DM (msg # 137):

Having slept and now with a clear hear as the sun's rays start to lighten the mist a little, the Holy Guardian decided to ask his Lord for additional Dispel Magics, taking his Total to 3 which could be used.

Once his main morning worship had been done, he finished it off by ensuring that everyone was warmed up with hot food.

Once tidied away.! I'm ready. Tarron, keep hold of that Ioun Stone until you are fully recovered.  He then lifted his Shield and Axe, then stood at the edge of camp waiting for everyone else.

Kali was practically bouncing with excitement.

"This is going to be such an interesting bar tale to tell in the future as long as we survive it. Whenever you all are ready, let's go."

Tarron gladly accepts the ioun stone from Krackor and smiles. "I'll put it to good use." he says, then lies down to relax. This was not the most auspicious start to his adventuring career, and certainly not one that would revalidate his abilities.

After gearing yourselves up to go right at dawn, it's a bit of a letdown to then have to settle down and wait for bells. While the mist does continue to slowly lighten throughout the morning, it never completely burns away and the damp chill seeps through your clothing and into your bones. Everyone keeps quiet and alert throughout the morning while the ioun stone does its work, and while you hear some birds calling off in the distance, nothing approaches.

Krackor makes a hearty mid-day meal for everyone, the hot food chasing away the chill for a little bit. The last of Tarron's wounds close as he washes up, and the bladesinger returns the ioun stone. Krackor replaces it in orbit around his head, and together he, Kali, and Kora set off. The other half of the group give them time to get ahead, then follow, after making Tarron invisible.

Once again, you make the slow trek to the south and east, looping around the foot of the rise the city sits upon. Kora is almost bouncing as she walks in her eagerness to see her first dragon. Since most of you are visible, you stay further out in the plains. You'd still be visible from the windows of the fallen towers, but at least it's not quite so obvious.

If anything sees you, it doesn't come out to challenge you. Together you reach the area due south of the Imbran tower. Then, taking a deep breath, Krackor, Kali, and Kora begin to make their approach.

((ooc: Pausing here. How are you approaching the tower? It's still shrouded in mist, so you can't see the entrance yet. You presume you are currently undetected.))

"So, Krackor, I think that I should be the one who goes in alone. I will bring the dragon out and then you, following slightly behind me, will start casting dispel on her. She can't consent because she is compelled. We need to just hit her hard and fast with dispel. Also, once we are in the city, assume that someone is eavesdropping on us."

Tarron wanted to go along with the others, but knew the risks would be too high in doing so. He trusted the skills of his new found group, and stayed behind with the other elves instead. He did wonder if there was any merits to digging in a ditch to help with defending their camp, and so he worked on creating a more defensible encampment.

Concentrating on his purple ioun stone, he made hit move to his hand and rest there. Kali, I need you to hold this for a few minutes and then concentrate on it.  Within I have stored a Dispel Magic spell which, and I haven't tried it yet, should allow you to call it forth and use it as though I had cast it.  However, I want you to try this first, Tallon, before we go any further, Kali is going to try something.  There is also a spell which will help with your wounds, you have seen me casting a Cure Light Wounds spell, there are still 2 of those in the Ioun Stone as well.  Kali, please, when you feel the spells within, try and cast the cure by touching Tallon and asking for the help of Gorm to release the magic within the stone allowing it to course through and help heal some of Tallon's pains by fixing some of the wound.

If this works, when I cast Dispel Magic on the Dragon, You do the same, at the same time.
 Usually something can only stop one spell at a time but I'm also aware of a Dragons resistance to Magic, I'm just hoping this dragon is too young to have this or will only focus it at one spell

He really wasn't sure how this would work but testing the stone first would help, he wasn't sure if the recipient of the spell needed to be able to cast spells in the first place, he was sure this wasn't the case but nothing wrong in testing, especially if doing so and it working helps one of the group.

Kali

You bring the ioun stone up to your head and release it. The stone swings into orbit immediately, circling a foot away from your hair and keeping high enough that it only rarely dips down into your field of vision. For a long moment nothing happens, and then in your mind you can feel the presence of the stone. You know exactly what spells are within it, and the sequence of thoughts that will release them.

((ooc: Kali, you can use the spells within the ioun stone, one per round, with an initiative modifier of +3

Krackor, can you please list what all the spells in the stone currently are.))

Krackor sees the signs of recognision and almost awe as the spells stored in the ioun stone present themselves to Kali.  He had used the Cure Serious Wounds the day before so put in another Dispel Magic and a Command Spell.  This kept the stone full and allowed him to restock in the morning anyway.

Kali, I'm sure that the spells have now presented themselves to you  Krackor explains what the spells are and how to best use them.

((ooc: Ioun Stone of Spell Storing (9 levels): CLW (1), CLW (1), Dispel Magic (3), Dispel Magic (3), Command (1)))

Kali smiled as the ioun stone circled around her. It was the closest to having a halo she would ever get.

"Come on then, let's go meet my new friend."

Kitheras gives an inspiring bardic speech before the party divides:

Walking stiff, let me tell ya'
Better left for dead
And now we are on a mission
Well, it's full speed ahead

Destiny has sounded the chime
Let's get one thing straight
To get there early is on time
And showing up on time is late

Ladies and gents, we're still alive
By the skin of our teeth, now it's killing time
Angel in our pocket, Devil by our side
We ain't going nowhere, 'cause heroes never die

Blood of heroes
(Never die) They never die
(Still alive) Blood of heroes
(Never die) They never die

We've been run down every hill
Chased up all the dead-end streets
But if you try to cut us out
You'll get a kick in the teeth

Ladies and gents, we're still alive
By the skin of our teeth, now it's killing time
Fasten up your headbelts, it's time to ride the skies
It's time to be immortal, 'cause heroes never die

((7 rounds +1 to attacks and saves; +2 to morale))

God speed.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

Tarron coughs in pain, then falls back to sleep. It was clear that he needed a little more rest.

Quietly, Corym asks, “Tarron, what ails you?  Your body seems whole.”

"It's nothing to be concerned about. A lingering wound that cannot heal." says Tarron, and he closes his eyes once more. "I do wonder if the mental scars are worse than the physical ailments I bear." he admits.

Kali and Krackor move forward, Kora keeping a bit behind so that she can keep watch in all directions. The mist pulls back slightly as you climb the hill up into Eueurarlor proper. You can see the jagged bulk of the broken tower's base ahead of you. At first it looks like it's empty, but then as you get a little closer you can make out the dragon's bulk lying in the tower, just inside the southern doorway. Its side is to you; it looks like it's keeping watch on the eastern doorway, and has not noticed you.

((ooc: You are 180 feet away, at the extreme edge of the range of Dispel Magic. What do you want to do?))

In reply to DM (msg # 152):

Seeing the Dragon, Krackor looks around for other denizens.
Whispering as quietly as possible whilst still allowing Kali to hear. Kali, lets try now whilst un-noticed then move forward to try again if needed. We can both try twice, is dshe likely to attack straight away??

Kali shrugged.

"I don't know if she will attack, I don't think so, but I can't be sure. We can try casting now. There's hopefully no harm in trying."

Dispelling team

Krackor calls upon Gorm's power while Kali mentally reaches for the spell stored within the ioun stone. The two dispel magics are released almost in unison, without a single flash or bang or sparkle to herald their coming.

((ooc: Kali and Krackor, I need both of you to roll 1d20.))

05:40, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 10 using 1d20 ((10)).

In reply to DM (msg # 155):

Krackor casts his spell and throws his will into dispelling the magic holding the Dragon from leaving.

(ooc: Rolled 14, that would Dispel something an 11th level Wizard casts)

Krackor and Kali’s spells of unravelling wash over the dragon. The effect is immediate: the dragon’s neck jerks up. You can just barely see its head through the doorway, one eye looking in your direction. Then the dragon’s entire body collapses into a bank of mist. The mist pours out of the tower’s eastern door and heads north. Even as you watch, it becomes all but indistinguishable from the low lying fog that drifts across the ruined city.

Kali hears a soft voice in her ear. ”Do not linger here long. You do not wish to meet my fate.”

((ooc: The dragon is gone. What do you do?))

Slightly unnerved by the dragon's warning, Kali turned to Krackor.

"That worked so much better than I anticipated. Let's take cover in the tower before the other guardians take notice."

Tarron remains with Corym and Kitheras as the others search the tower with the dragon gone.

In reply to Kali Xilrora (msg # 159):

Has she gone or just backed off ready to attack later?
I'll signal the others

Krackor does his best impression of a bird call, sounds a bit like a chicken squark but he tries his best to imitate Coryms call for the all clear and advance.

It's team work Kali, when it works, it works really well.

Let's go inside whilst the others catch us up. Keep a watch out for anything else.

Kitheras cast Strength in order to carry Corym under his cloak as he had Tarron on their retreat from the tower the previous day.  Corym's invisibility spell cloaked Tarron sufficiently well.

Together, the three elves made their way to join their companions.

23:30, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 7 using 1d8.
The strength gain will last for 8 hours.

"No, she's gone. And she warned me not to stay or we would end up like her. I don't think she was kidding either."

Once Kitheras et al arrives and makes themselves known, Kali said the Dragon told her to hurry so as not to be enthralled like she was.  Corym is really good at gathering, finding things and places that others miss.  I'll keep watch, if you hear be yelling or making lots of noise, run, hide, what ever you find necessary.

Taking up his place next to the entrance on the inside, hiding in the shadow of the wall and overgrowth, Krackor sets himself to protecting his companions, his family.

Tarron also helps with the exploration, trying to muster the strength of will to push himself after a day of rest.

"We know our goal is above.  No sight-seeing.  Let's move." He looks to Corym, "Only search the essentials for traps. We're moving fast."  Looking to the others, "You only step where Corym has."

Corym nods his assent and starts looking for the way up.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 167):

As the others moved up the tower, Krackor moved back to the base of the stairs, keeping as much in his vision as he could, his open faced helmet always on his head, acting as a sound catcher near his ears, allowing him to hear even a drop of moisture and the mist condenses on the cooler stones.

Regrouping, all of you head into the shelter, or at least the concealment, of the Imbran tower as quickly as you can. The ground level is exactly the way Kali had left it, all open with piles of detritus pushed against parts of the walls. The air still faintly smells of woodsmoke and cooked meat. A pair of staircases lead upward. Since Kali has already been up them, she leads the way.

The second floor has, as Kali reported, been ransacked. It's subdivided much more than the first floor, but looks like it was once dining rooms, kitchens, food storehouses, and other such "keep soul and body together for everyone who lives here" areas. There's mold growing over many of the walls, all of the chests and boxes have been broken open (where they aren't missing entirely), and everything in the kitchen is rusted. There are three staircases leading up scattered across the level, and a dining room with a massive table that must have once been magnificent, but is now moldy and decaying enough that Kali broke it apart with her hands and carried a quarter of it down to serve as fuel for the roasts.

So far, you haven't seen anything out of the ordinary, or that looks particularly dangerous. It's even relatively warm, since the thick walls of the tower keep out the winter wind and at least a few of the temperature control magics that must have been thickly laid are still working. But all of that could change with no notice.

((ooc: You are on the second floor. The ceiling is about ten feet high, and the double-height entry level was about twenty feet high. So you probably have another ten feet or so until the breakage. What do you want to do?))

Corym pauses to reiterate, "We are reliably advised that time is of the essence, let us proceed upward.  We'll come down and search later if we must--in search of a key or some such."

Corym checks for signs of occupation at each of the three stairs.

23:26, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 24 using 3d20 with rolls of 1,18,5.

All of the stairs appear to be equally disused. Though the interior has been decently protected from wind-blown dirt, the ever-present humidity from the river fogs have left trails of mold and slime over the once-pristine crystal. Aside from Kali's tracks from earlier, you don't see any signs of recent habitation.

Corym selects the most intact/steadiest stair case, performs an initial search for traps, and will lead the party up.

23:34, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 36 using 1d100.  Find Traps/Secrets 95%.

As Tarron follows the others, he makes sure to scan for auras using his magical sight. At the very least, his face was covered to hide his scars, but the true benefit of discovering potentially secret things was the more potent aspect of the metallic object he wore.

Tarron

There is the wreckage of a lot of magic on this floor. It's seeped into the walls, swirls in patches on the floors, flickers and spritzes in the air. Eueurarlor was a city of mages, and this was the tower of one of its ruling families. And it really shows.

Most of the enchantments are broken and fading, invisible to the naked eye. You see enough to guess that the relative warmth is due to some of them, and in one of the dining rooms you see the ghost of a great forest hunting mural that once covered one entire wall.

The only intact dweomers are attached to a pair of doorways, one in the kitchen, and one just outside the kitchen.

As Tarron searches, he is amazed at the level of magic holding this place together. Upon finding the doorways with intact dweomers, he signals to the group and moves in closer to inspect what school of magic might be involved in these dweomers.

In reply to DM (msg # 169):

After what he felt was sufficient time and having kept his watch, Krackor back up the stairs ensuring nothing if following behind.
Once at the top of the stairs, he kicks himself for swapping out the creaky floor spell for another, as it would have helped notify him should anything decided to follow.
He sees his companions and stairs where he is until the signal to go higher. When the others move up, the Dwarven Guardian Priest finds things to put at the top of the stairs that would cause noise if something came up them but easy for the companions to push out of the way if needing to get out quickly.  He then heads to the stairs leading up and ascends.

“Tarron, our objective is in the roof and we’ve been advised to make this a quick run. We can check doors later if our progress is inhibited or if time allows.”

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 177):

((OOC: As Krackor had been sorting out a barricade, if doors are not being investigated, chances are he'll just see the party as they are heading up the stairs to the next level.)

Tarron

Both of the doors are somewhat the worse for wear. They're fairly simple doors made of wood, with only the barest amounts of decoration. This was clearly the back end of the house, where things are more utilitarian.

The door in the kitchen is half open, sagging against the floor with a broken hinge. On the other side of it is what looks like was once a pantry; a small, window-less room about five feet square, its walls lined with shelves. The shelving itself is intact, but there's nothing on them aside from dust and the occasional piece of broken pottery.

The second door, just outside the kitchen, is closed, though there are cracks radiating from several impact areas in its lower third. When you open it, you find another former pantry. This one has been even more ransacked than the first one, with half of its shelves broken and lying in moldering ruin on the ground.

Though there is definitely an intact enchantment surrounding both doors, you haven't seen anything so far about what it might do, or how it might be triggered. You can fairly safely say that it isn't related to preservation or protection of the doors themselves, based on their damage, but that's about it without further investigation.

At the mention for the need for haste, Tarron's face turns a slightly redder colour as he is embarrassed by his lack of attention. "Apologies. You're correct, let's move on." he agreed, and joined the others in the exploration of the upper levels.

He still continued to search for dweomers, lest they miss anythign that might be of relevance.

Group

The most intact staircase is in the northwestern section of the tower, near the kitchen. It's as much the "back" as is possible for a circular tower; the stairs relatively plain and only lightly decorated. Unlike the stairs closer to the eastern wall, they're completely solid and without so much as a crack, and after a bit of checking Corym's certain there aren't any traps, either. Together, all of you head up.

The stairs circle upward in a wide spiral. They once reached further into the tower than the third floor, but as you come up onto the new level you can see empty sky above you; a hole where the tower has been torn away. Cold air floats down to swirl around you, but at least you're high enough to be above most of the mists. It's a cloudy winter's day outside, and the sky is a gray slate high above you.

Peeking through a couple of doors, you try to get a feel for this floor. It looks like this might have been a common living area; the rooms are large and open, and there's the wreckage of furniture that looks like it might once have been comfortable. You don't see or hear anything of particular note, but you haven't moved beyond the first two or three rooms.

This level is also much more obviously damaged from the fall of the tower, which is sheared off anywhere from one to five feet above the ceiling. There are massive cracks spreading through the crystal of the ceiling, and they stretch down into the exterior tower walls as well. In a few places the ceiling has collapsed entirely, the blue crystal lying it piles on the floor. But for the most part, Corym judges that it's relatively stable. Blasting magic, or a couple of oafs with sledgehammers, could start bringing things down in short order. But for the moment, as long as your cautious, it's probably safe to explore.

Tarron

Once again, this floor is saturated in fading and half-present enchantments. The strongest are the climate control spells, which are holding a valiant line against the cold air coming in through the holes in the ceiling and the open windows. But you also see partially-formed illusion magics spread out along the walls where they once served as entertainments or decorations, as well as other dweomers that are too faded for you to properly make out. This place must have been a marvel, when the city was alive.

((ooc: Roll an Intelligence check, please.))

Tarron

As the group moves through the third room, your mask picks up a very faint bit of magical radiance that is more stable than most of the wreckage and ruins. It's mostly hidden by one of the piles of fallen ceiling crystal. Gently moving pieces out of the way, you find a mostly-decomposed forearm. Resting on the floor beside it is an acorn. To normal sight it looks perfectly normal, but there's definitely a faint enchantment to it.

"The gate should be up there, and if I go first I may activate it immediately and be left without your assistance.  I'll boost Kitheras up first and let him survey what threats may be present and what observers.  We'll proceed when he reports."

Kitheras draws his hood about him to give maximum coverage by the elven cloak while he ascends.  Once there he'll survey the ground and watch far for awhile to see if there are observers.

Tarron was caught by surprise when he saw the decomposed forearm. "There's something of interest here. A stable magical dweomer, but nothing that I can identify well." he says. He uses a rag, and grabs the acorn to put in his satchel for looking at later. He then rejoins the others in their search.

*RETCON*

Corym investigates the stairs using his engineering knowledge to assess their stability.
10:51, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 65 using 1d100.  Find Traps/Secrets 95%.

00:22, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 16 using 1d20.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

In reply to Tarron Ianfiel (msg # 185):

He sees the others go up and Tarron exclaim about "something interesting", he looks over to reassure himself that nothing untoward is going on, then sets his watch at the base of the stairs on this level. He hears words being said but not what is said.

He focuses in the hopes of hearing plans and ensuring nothing comes at them.

Corym

You inspect the staircase heading up to what was once the fourth floor. There is noticeable impact damage in several places where debris from the floor above slammed into it, and there are cracks radiating out from the side closest to the outer wall. Though not deliberately trapped, you do find several places where a person's weight would cause it to break. You chart out a safe path to the top of the stairs.

Fantastic.  I'll mark the path well with chalk, and we'll proceed up.

After marking the dangerous parts of the stairs, Corym makes his way up. Poking his head above the ceiling and into the open air, he glances around quickly. What was once the fourth floor is... a mess. The shattered exterior and interior walls point upwards to the sky with myriad jagged points and spikes, each of them seemingly as sharp today as when the tower fell a century ago. While the general height of the broken walls fluctuates, they are in general lower to the east and north, and taller in the south and west. Along the very southwestern corner, there's even a bit of the fourth floor's roof still attached, though none of the rooms are completely enclosed any longer.

Coming up slowly, Corym looks around and doesn't see anything in the air, or out in the open, though all of the low, broken walls offer countless positions in which to hide. The rooms up here seem to be smaller than the common areas below you, though some of them are still quite sizable. None of the original furnishings are still there, though there is a lot of rubble and seen from this angle the roof is significantly more damaged than it appeared from below.

About thirty feet away, in what is close to the center of the fourth floor, Corym can see the pale yellow outline of a door, glowing faintly.

Continuing to follow the others, Tarron kept an eye out for any other unusual magical auras.

After a brief discussion, Corym and Kitheras agree that Kitheras would be the stealthier of the two, so Corym points out where the gate to the treasure room is and then walks back down the stairs. Kitheras tugs his cloak of elvenkind around him a bit tighter, flips up the hood, and creeps up the staircase and out into the open air.

Looking around at the broken walls with their jagged edges staring at the sky, Kitheras decides to keep to the original hallways and rooms of the floor's layout. Climbing or jumping over walls to make a direct line seemed like a good way of drawing attention, which was the last thing he wanted.

So he walked down hallways and through rooms, subdivisions that still exist only in the thigh-to-waist high walls that surround him. He keeps low, and between the cover and his cloak keeps himself as hidden as possible. Though the furnishings are gone, most of the rooms and hallways once had either mosaics or the crystal version of parquetry, but it's all been broken and then worn away by a century of weather.

As he finally finds a hallways that seems to head directly to the room with the gate, Kitheras hears the heavy beat of large wings. Crouching in the shadow of a wall, he scans the sky.

To the north, about thirty feet above the tower, is a manticore. It's not flying directly above the Imbran tower, but is close to the edge of its outer wall, and is looking around alertly. Kitheras watches as it flies off, trying to identify where it might have come from, or whether it's flying some sort of pattern. It's not in view long enough for him to come to any conclusions.

After giving the manticore a couple of moments to get further away, Kitheras starts moving again. He's paying attention to the floor as well as the sky, but he doesn't have Corym's knowledge of architecture, and so misses a section that was particularly badly cracked. The floor groans as he puts his weight on it, and then a moment later breaks apart and starts to fall.

Kitheras flings himself backward, pushing off of the crystal as it crumbles beneath him, and manages to land on his back at the edge of what is now a six foot hole in the floor. The wall to his right is starting to sag a little as well, as its base fell out from under it. The noise of the collapse is startlingly loud in the mist-cloaked city, and a decent dust cloud is kicked up.

Silently cursing himself, Kitheras starts heading back towards the rest of the group. Corym is the best person to deal with all this unsteady footing. A few moments later he pauses, and then ducks into a small corner of half-height walls. Just as he hides, the manticore returns. It's now a bit higher in the sky as it flies directly over the tower, looking around intently. It sees the hole in the floor and circles for several minutes, searching.

Kitheras watches the manticore as it watches the tower. As the dust settles it eventually gets bored and flies away, though it definitely seems to be more interested in the tower than it was previously. Letting out the breath he'd been holding slowly, Kitheras moves cautiously back to the staircase and makes his way down to where the rest of the group has been waiting.

"Things seem to be clear of guards and the like.  Certainly the disruption I just caused would have alerted them.  There are creatures in the area, obviously, but none dedicated to the top of this tower."

"The real problem seems to be that the floor is incredibly unstable.  I was barely able to avoid falling through on my own.  I sincerely doubt that our whole party could traverse the route without causing a collapse, even if we could do so without drawing attention."

"My recommendation is that Corym proceed alone. We don't know what dangers may await inside the portal, but minimally they would be of a magical sort which Corym is uniquely capable of handling.  I'm loathe to send any of us alone, and so it's possible that perhaps one other could go--though that one would have to be especially nimble. But if he goes alone, as I suggest, we should take the time to equip him to best improve the chances that he is able to return to us intact."

"The rest of us should remain here and await his return. If necessary, we can withdraw via a rope trick. Corym should be quick.  Given the advice we received about departing in haste, I feel that its essential that we leave by sunset.  If he has not returned to us by then, we will have no choice but to abandon him."

"Thoughts? Volunteers?"

“Though perhaps one of us has the power to fly?”

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 194):

Having made his way up the stairs with the crashing sounds to ensure his aid was available if needed, Krackor was there when Kitheras returned.
Captain, how far from the hole you created in the floor is the portal? If the portal is next to the hole, it would be simple to have a sack or other container, fill it in the portal and drop or lower through the hole. This is assuming you find something of interest that we ought to bring with us, rescuing it of course.

He was hoping that their benefactor was wrong and nor everything had been taken already, they needed funds for their endeavours in Glen, so if something of value was there that that were allowed to keep, then they should take it, at the very least, as Corym said, to repatronise with owner if they wanted it or to pay the finders fees.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

The problem isnt really the hole, it’s the fact that the entire floor seems prepared to follow suit—including the walls. There’s got to be stuff inside the portal. It can’t have been penetrated yet. I have cobride CE that whoever goes in will find ample treasures. But we must make sure that we don’t bring down the house in the process.

"I would happily explore. The cloak you provided allows me to reach places not normally able to be reached, and I have the means to fly at a pinch." suggests Tarron.

Corym nods--"Tarron and I will go. Kora-if I could get my healing potion back?"

Corym gets down on all four limbs, "Tarron, I intend to be invisible, but this will be my physical approach.  As if climbing the floor.  In this way we can spread our weight out and avoid disrupting the balance of the stones.  Stay as close to me as possible, I hold the key.  I don't have much portal experience, but I doubt that they stay open long."

Once his instructions are understood, he casts invisibility and begins his approach.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 198):

Corym, wait. Before you go, if you don't have a light source, maybe the Mistress Lightbearer could pass you her torch, even being able to see in the dark doesn't mean you'd see everything.  He was sure, like himself, Corym couldn't make out things great in the dark as it was infravision not normal vision in the dark that he had.

Tarron and Corym

The two invisible elves make their way slowly and carefully up the staircase. Corym points out the room where the gate is located, and together they start moving in that direction. They've barely gone five feet before they're confronted with their first broken wall. It's at hip-height, and now that they're right next to it they can see that the broken shards of crystal are un-dulled despite a century of weathering. You test them carefully, and confirm that they're razor sharp. And there are a lot of walls between you and the gate room.

((ooc: To get to the gate room uninjured, you will both need to use some sort of skill or magic. Flying works, obviously, as does things like Tumbling.))

13:37, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 8 using 1d20.  Tumbling (17).

I would describe it, but no one can see it.

05:20, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 18 using 1d20.  Tumbling (17). – [roll=1644787200.00182.35980

Tarron tries to move on with grace rather than relying on magic. His skill fails him at the most crucial moment, and he is forced to rely on the power of the pearl that he holds in his hands.

Corym and Tarron

The first broken wall is no hinderance; both of you jump over it with no difficulty. There's a bit of a challenge, in that you can't put your hands on top of the wall to help the movement, but you're both limber and used to making jumps and tumbles.

The difficulty comes on the second wall. Corym's low, slow approach means you're able to avoid any issues with the weakened floor, but also doesn't give any sort of run-up to getting over the next wall. Corym manages it without issue, but Tarron slips just a little, and tears his hand open with a panicky push down on the sharp shards to get himself over. ((ooc: Tarron, take 4 damage.)) After that, he decides discretion is the better part of valor and activates his pearl of flying.

There are no further incidents as the duo make their way across two more broken walls and some unstable flooring; Tarron keeping to just above the floor when not flying up over obstacles. Nor do you see anything in the sky as the two of you straighten up in front of the gate. To Corym's sight it looks just as it did from a distance: a softly glowing yellow rectangle in the air, invisible when looked at from edge-on.

Corym checks around the gate, searching for traps. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, though the floor here is in better shape than most of the level. So is the mosaic that covers the entire room: a magnificent piece showing unicorns and griffons cavorting under forest boughs. On the other hand, from what Neldor said, this was one of the rooms owned by the family matriarch, so the decor is understandable.

Tarron lands on the most secure section he can find (even a wall will do), not wanting the power of the pearl to be used up wastefully.

He continues to look through the mask, expecting that the gate will radiate strong magic at the very least.

Tarron

Tarron lands near the center of the room, atop the image of a rearing unicorn. Corym gives a quiet bird call to let you know he's over by a particular wall. From your perspective, there's nothing there. Oh, there's some better-than-usually-preserved magic flowing through the mosaic, but nothing near Corym. From the outline of the walls, it looks like the empty doorway once led into a small closet, or perhaps a privy. But there's no sign, to you, of the gate Corym seems confident is there.

After Corym is done checking for traps and other surprises, the two of you join hands and, together, step through the doorway.

Tarron steps into the old closet. Corym vanishes.

Corym

Your vision wavers for a moment as you step into the gate. When it clears, you are in a completely different room. The walls are still of the swirled blue crystal that the Imbrans loved, but there the similarities end.

This room is pristine, without even dust let alone damage. It is huge. And it is packed.

Bookcases jut out perpendicularly from the walls to your right and left, spaced so close together that the spines of the books in opposing shelves almost touch. There are racks of weapons, armor on stands, framed paintings and drawings leaning against each other, crates and boxes and barrels filled with gods only know what. But mostly, there are books. The air is heavily scented by leather and paper, and they have overflowed even the mass of shelves to be laid on top of chests and crates. There are even stacks of books scattered about on the floor.

While there are no decorations on the floor or walls, there are four statues standing watch over the assembled Imbran treasure. All of them are of Corellon in his aspect as patron of magic and guardian of the Weave. Two are of stone, and flank the brightly-glowing yellow gate that you stepped through. Two others are of metal and face you from the center of the room.

The vault is utterly silent, utterly still. And you are alone; Tarron did not come through the gate with you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:12, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Corym

Looking around, Corym decides to risk activating his magesight. He instantly regrets it; the combined magical auras in here are overwhelming. He reels backward, almost going back through the gate. Deactivating the magesight doesn't help; for the moment all he can see is white.

After about 10mins or so, Krackor starts to wonder what is taking so long.
Captain, wasn't the idea to get loot quickly and lower through to hole in the floor near the gate room then go vack in? It's taking a long time, I'm worried something has happened.

My warning spells on Corym and Tarron haven't activated but if in another dimension, shouldn't make a difference but not tested that yet! Should someone ho and check in case they are just putting stuff in the gate room then moving it?

Krackor was sure Corym and Tarron were safe but also knew of Corym's tendancy to get lost in his endeavours when lots of loot is involved. However, he is usually a lot quicker than this.

In the Vault

Corym steps away from the gate, blinking rapidly to try to clear his vision. It takes three or four songs, but eventually the blindness eases and he's once again able to see the vault. Looking around, Corym tries to case the place, break what he's seeing down into neat categories of "valuable" and "not valuable," but there's just so much, and he's so giddy at the thought of being in an actual elven treasure vault, that his training fails him.

Looking up at the statues, which Corym is certain are some sort of guardian, he clears his throat and announces, "I am come at the request of Neldor Imbran to retrieve his inheritance.  Can any of you gentlemen lend me assistance?"

Nothing happens. Taking a quiet breath, he turns to his immediate surroundings and starts looking for traps. Wardstones are pretty good security, but this is an awful lot to secure, and he's concerned about the types of wards and traps generations of wizards might have laid over their treasures. He doesn't find anything that looks particularly dangerous, and he relaxes a bit more.

Mindful of the reason for coming here, he first looks for the luckblade. There aren't that many weapons, certainly not compared to the number of books in the vault. And they're all clustered together near the gate, just like the armor. It doesn't take him too long to find the luckblade: a human-style long sword made of pattern-welded steel, the waves of the steel shimmering under the vault's diffuse magical illumination. Mounted in the pommel is a green cat's eye gemstone, the line of which seems to follow him as he moves.

Before actually touching the luck blade, however, Corym wanted to test the statues. First, he picked a stylus out of one of his belt pouches and tossed it further into the vault. It clatters the floor and rolls to a stop, but nothing else happens.

Each wall of bookcases has a single row that is open wide enough for someone to walk down. The rows are thirty feet long; Corym weaves his way through the piles and around the boxes and slips into the row. The smell of leather and paper is almost overpowering; as though the very air was suffused with knowledge. He then cast an unseen servant spell. The magic is released exactly as he would expect, and he can feel the connection to the invisible servant.

Taking off his cloak and laying it on the floor, Corym looks at the books around him. The shelves are enormous, reaching almost to touch the ten foot roof, and most of them are tightly filled. Many of the books don't have anything on their spines. Those that do are mostly in languages Corym doesn't recognize. There are a few books with titles in elven; their titles are mostly poetical allusions to sand or wind.

Knowing that Neldor will want books, Corym grabbed six books from the shelves. That was as much as the unseen servant would be able to carry, wrapped up in his cloak. He avoided books that seemed overtly literary.

Once that was done, Corym emptied all of his mundane equipment out of his backpack and pouches. He sent the unseen servant to hover near the gate, and moved to the luck blade. He looked around at the swords, other types of weapons, three armor stands with plate or chain mail,  crates stacked on top of each other,  bookcase, and two piles of books on the floor that was around it and eventually decided on a dagger to test the waters.

Carefully, he picked up the dagger and placed it in his bag. He glanced at the statues, but they remained unmoving. A bit more daring, he picked up the luckblade and slid it into his belt. Again, the statues did nothing.

Starting to both feel the amount of time he was spending in the vault, and that he might actually have a free hand in here, Corym looks for jewelry. There isn't much visible. The Imbrans seem to have been big believers in keeping small things in containers so they don't get lost. He does eventually find several tables that are covered in boxes both large and small that, when he starts to open them, contain gems, jewelry, cut stones, pieces of worked crystal, etc. Corym fills his belt pouches with things pulled from the boxes at random.

Now looking for clothing, Corym finds a dozen wardrobes at the base of one of the statues. Hoping for boots of elvenkind, Corym grabs four pairs of boots and stuffs them into his backpack. He looks around, hoping for a magical bag, but there are at least sixty bags in his direct line of sight, all of them filled. Giving up on that, he turns, hoping to find a lyre of building of something similar, but there actually aren't any musical instruments anywhere within sight. Turning back to the wardrobes, he finds one filled entirely with cloaks. He grabs one of the gray ones, and throws it on.

Storage for wands and rods is much like that for books. There are several racks in one part of the vault that have wands stacked nicely together, but there are more that are just scattered throughout the vault. Corym grabs some as he moves, and manages to stuff five into spare corners of his backpack.

Returning to the weapon rack that held the luck blade, he turns to the armor stands. One of the suits of chain mail is definitely elven chain, so he takes it down and puts it on. The mail molds to his body like a second skin.

With a few external pouches on his pack to fill, Corym looks around for figurines or anything else that might be miscellaneous magic. There's a table that is piled with figurines of various animals and people, various decorative chains, and small, delicately-carved wooden boxes. He grabs two figurines and a delicate chain, then snags a pair of short swords as he heads back to the gate and straps them to his back with a belt from the wardrobes.

Grabbing the books wrapped in his old cloak from the unseen servant, Corym bids it to follow him and steps through the gate. He emerges back onto the top of the ruined tower. The servant does not follow him.

Tarron sees Corym immediately when he emerges. Or rather, he sees Corym's pack and the cloak with the books, both seeming to float in mid-air as they're held by the invisible elf. It's been the better part of a bell, but he seems to have emerged unscathed.

After a whispered conference, Tarron takes the books and together they head back to the others. It's a bit more difficult jumping over the broken walls, but Corym makes it with grace and panache that he almost wishes he was visible for someone to see. Together they reach the staircase and come back down to join the rest of their group.

Kora chuckles quietly as the backpack and books seem to float down the stairs. "Looks like they succeeded."

“We should go. I have a rich harvest, and we can return again after we’ve saved Talindra and identified what we have.”

“I have no desire to meet the Dragon’s enslaver today. Let us haste.”

"But we promised Neldor we'd return his family's history and knowledge to him!" Kora protested. "We came all this way and we're going to leave now?"

"We've got twenty pounds of books and I'm loaded down.  I'm the only one that can go in. The Imbran token won't expire, but if we cross paths with the Dragon's master--we might.  I'm telling you the truth, even with all of us carrying as much as we can, we won't be carrying a tenth part of the holdings of that vault.

This is our first expedition here, not the last.

We can come back armed with what I've acquired, prepared to face the Dragon's Master, and possibly to even shore up and make safe the path to the Gate. That protects us all.

Greedy thieves are dead thieves."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

"I agree with Corym. It will take time to learn even a fraction of the lore in this trove, and to work out how to best use what we have taken. It seems that you came out with a veritable trove of loot. I hope that pearls were among the many treasures you removed, or it might be a journey to find a merchant with enought to use."

Tarron is astounded at the number of things that Corym had removed, but it should have been expected considering it was a vault they were raiding.

"We may need to keep ourselves on guard more than usual. I hope that there hasn't been anything lying in wait for whomever is seen leaving the tower unscathed like we are."

“Have we persuaded you? Kora, Kali, Krackor?”

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 216):

This was a decision that Krackor had been considering since Corym and Tarron went up the stairs.
Corym, why didn't you pass things through to Tarron and go back in like you had agreed? That was the idea.

You assume that Neldor won't ask for the Ward Stone's return when we get back so we can't 'rescue' more items.

Why were you out of breath coming back down, were the surrounding floors dangerous too? Nothing came through the gloor as arranged. What of armour, weapons etc?

Krackor couldn't see Corym and his shiny new armour and swords or he'd be annoyed that he'd only considered himself in this respect.

I vote stay for armour and weapons, was there a hammer or axe, maybe staves? But only long enough to get a few.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 216):

"As much as I love loot and magical loot at that, a dragon telepathically told me that we would be fools to stay. I agree with her. If you have what we need, let's get out now, before we meet whatever the dragon was warning me about."

"You suggested that, yes.  But the walls and floors are laced with razors, and I still don't like the look of those golems.  We're going to come back. We'll do it better."

"It's settled, we're leaving.  Corym, lets find out if you picked the lucky cloak.  Dig it out of your bag and put it on over your backpack.

"Let's see if we can nestle the books in my bag.  We need to reduce visibility."

"We'll exit the city the way we came.  It's kept us off the grid so far, and should serve.  I'll be taking us home from there by a different route though. Follow my lead."

"My invisibility is already fragile, and the pack is packed tight.  I'll do my best as I am."

In reply to Kali Xilrora (msg # 218):

Sometimes his Wisdom overshadowed his knowledge. Ah yes good lady Kali, I forgot about the Dragon Warning.  Corym, you saw Golems?!?! Razor sharp walls?!?!

Then yes, I change my vote.

Before he had all the information, of course it made sense to revisit, now he had a better idea of the dangers involved, it made much better sense to leave and quickly.

Kitheras, even though most if not all of you are stronger than me, I can carry a few things without them slowing me down.  I can also increase my strength for a short while so we can get out and away from here before it returns to normal, just say when.

(ooc: Draw Upon Holy Might would increase by 3 points.  Does anyone have close to 18 Str, Dex, Con, Cha that 3 points would be super useful for future uses?  It only affects The Caster and if you have the Ioun Stone, you become The Caster.)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Wed 16 Feb 2022.

OOC: If I Had 3 extra Con I would have another 14hp :)

Agreed now in your path, the group flees south from Eueurarlor. You march throughout the ret of the morning, stop briefly to rest your legs and shoulders around highsun, and then press on. While you keep the Lis at least a mile to your flank, once you're down from Eueurarlor's rise the mists return and swirl about your feet and shins. The sky is overcast, and it rains briefly in the middle of the morning before the clouds return to a sullen, glowering presence.

The ground is becoming steadily less firm the further you head south. It's not a marsh, yet, but it's rapidly heading in that direction, and if it wasn't frozen you'd be having significantly more difficulty moving.

((ooc: I need everyone to make a 1d00 check, please.))

09:00, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 82 using 1d100.  Check. – [roll=1645232403.76698.359800]

19:25, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 49 using 1d100.

19:25, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 2 using 1d100.

In reply to DM (msg # 224):

Being short of stature compared yo the others but very tall for a Dwarf, gave Krackor some stability when walking on some ground, he wasn't like a new born cow on ice. He was also glad for his brooch that kept him dry, he didn't envy his companions in this weather.

Shouldn't we be avoiding marshland? I know we are making haste but it will slow us down considerably
(ooc: DM requested d100 roll = 26)
This message was last edited by the player at 09:35, Sat 19 Feb 2022.

22:07, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 58 using 1d100 ((58)).

Let’s hope that isn’t a fatal roll.

Corym

As you follow Kitheras further south, you keep your eyes open for potential watchers. You don't see anything moving, but between one foot fall and the next suddenly the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. You feel something, a very faint presence that you were specifically trained to sense during your years learning your craft. Spellfilchers steal from wizards, and it's important for you to know when you're being observed. You feel that now.

Someone is scrying you.

Corym trots up next to Kitheras and whispers as they press on.  "We're being scried.  There's nothing we can do about it right now.  Tomorrow you and I can cloak us with nondetection.  For now, turn away from our true path.  Get us close to some land marks, then tomorrow when we're cloaked we'll return to our true path."

Kitheras sighed.  "I miss Sirenya."

And with that he began adjusting course.

Corym quietly notifies each of the others in turn.

Tarron continues to walk with the others. For the moment there is nothing he can do either, and he doesn't want to risk being overheard by whatever might be scrying their location. There could easily be something in their pile of treasure that would aid them, but for the moment they had to proceed without any knowledge of what that could be.

In reply to Tarron Ianfiel (msg # 233):

Krackor looks around him, nothing out of the ordinary him doing so, he just did it one more time than he was going to.  Sees nothing, nods in agreement and keeps walking.

Spooked by being out in the open, Kitheras abandons his south-by-southwest course and turns directly west, heading for the forest. It's barely more than a smudge at the horizon that merges with the gray clouds, but it grows larger and more distinct throughout the afternoon. The sun begins to set directly in front of you, throwing massive shadows back towards the distant Lis. As darkness falls, you're within a couple hundred yards of the edge of the great forest of Cormanthor. If you wanted to push onward into the night, you could get some ways into the trees and put an obstacle at least against being seen from the air.

The feeling of being scried stays with Corym for about a quarter of a bell, tracking the group as it heads to the west. Then it fades, and he does not sense it again.

((ooc: Map of where you are. Eueurarlor is the red circle. You're at the red square, right at the edge of the forest.))


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:12, Wed 23 Feb 2022.

Now that they were in a more hospitable place, Krackor perks up: There is a possibility that it is our benefactor that was scrying us, just as much as it could have been the thing or being that put the geas on the Dragon!

"We're on the edge of the deep woods.  If we can push for another couple of hours, we should be in the deep dark under Cormanthor's boughs. There we can rest."

Kitheras will angle toward the areas that Corym described as being patrolled by the Shevarashan cultists, but said nothing of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

((ooc: Here's a new map. On the eastern edge is Eueurarlor and where you enter the forest. In the center of the forest I've marked the location of Old Elven Court. The Vault of Unquenched Vengeance is three miles west of Old Elven Court.

The Standing Stone and Mistledale's eastern-most edge are on the far western edge of the map.))

We'll angle to the Duathamper, but won't ford it. That'll take us to the Halfaxe Trail and we can decide north or south from there.

The group pushes on for several more bells. It is very dark under the trees, but Kora brings out her enchanted torch and provides enough light for you to make your way forward. It's not quite as cold in the forest, and the trees block much of the northern wind, but it is even more damp. The cold slides through your winter clothing and settles into your bones, chilling you as you march.

Finally, maybe four bells after sunset, Kitheras finds a small hill that brings you out of the worst of the mist and calls a halt to the march. There's a rustle in the undergrowth as a couple of smaller animals flee from your approach, but otherwise the night is a normal level of quiet as you get yourselves set up and Krackor cooks everyone a hot meal.

((ooc: Everyone who doesn't have the Endurance NWP needs to make a Con check.))

07:15, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 13 using 1d20.  Con DC 13. –

18:37, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 13 using 1d20.  Con (14).

18:37, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 15 using 1d20.  Con (14).

((ooc: Since Corym failed the Con check, the group cannot force march tomorrow. You can move at a normal speed, however. There are no other penalties to failing the check.))

In reply to DM (msg # 244):

To be fair, all those with longer legs don't have to push on, they have to walk normal pace and Krackor needs to catch up, which he can with his Endurance.
Since we are walking straight and reasonable ok, leave obvious markers and walk your pace, I'll catch up. And should you get in danger, I'll know exactly where you are anyway.
 You'll only be about 400 paces ahead of me by Lunch and again by Tea.

Tarron feels the chill of the north wind, but tugs his cloak a little closer and tries to keep warm. The hot food provided by Krackor is welcomed gladly. He does reach inside his pack and looks at the magical acorn that he had found within the tower. "Should I continue to bear this, or would you like to keep it safe with the rest of your treasures?</blue." he asks. "<blue>I have no dimensional pockets today, but if you wish I can cast the spell tomorrow instead of this terrain."

In reply to Tarron Ianfiel (msg # 246):

Krackor saw Tarron shiver with the winds and guessed that the Endure Cold spell had worn off, it only lasts for 8hrs and he had hoped to be in the shelter of the trees earlier, pushing on only meant not being around a fire or other heat source sooner.  I'll have to work out how to refocus the magic, maybe create a spell or an item that will keep someone warm for longer. he thought.  There were possibilities that others had already designed such a thing, he would have to do some research.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Sat 26 Feb 2022.

"We can re-pack to more evenly distribute the weight.  We can also perform simple tests to see if any of the cloaks or boots are of the elvenkind."

"Tarron, Corym and I know the Nondetection enchantment, do you? Between the two of us, we have six 2nd circle spells.  If you can prepare invisibility we should be able cloak our least stealthy members. You mentioned Hallucinatory Terrain as well. Please deploy it as best befits our circumstances."

"Krackor, what are the requirements for the Watch tonight?"

"Sadly, no. Perhaps I can learn it if we have some downtime again." he suggests.

Tarron starts to deploy the hallucinatory terrain, making it look similar, but oh so different to where they were right now.

In reply to Kitheras Sunblade (msg # 248):

Those who need to rest the full night to recover their strength to cast spells, do so, those who don't and can see as well as I, cover from midnight for a few hours. I won't need to recover as we won't or shouldn't be needing the Endure Cold wild in these woods, when we are near the edge, I'll need rest, until then, I'll cover the rest. So Tarron, Kitheras and Corym sleep. Kora, Kali and I will watch.

There are Healing spells in the Ioun Stone and I have one I was gifted that I haven't used.

He was sure he got this right.

Tarron to sleep straight after food, you can take a last watch then before breakfast for your Terrain spell. Corym and Kitheras take first watch until midnight, wake Kali by Midnight.
Kora, take last watch with Tarron, I'll be resting but fully aware, I can recover my spells if need be. Kali, let me need when you need to rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:08, Sun 27 Feb 2022.

With evenfeast out of the way, the group settles down for the night. Tarron casts his spell, changing the look of the forest around them to look like the the marshy grassland that they had previously been walking through. The night helps the illusion; hiding the trees that loom around the edges of the magic. Now if anyone looks in on you, they'll think you're in a radically different location.

After the long march, no one has trouble falling asleep. The trees around you, invisible under Tarron's illusion, rustle gently in the night air. Far off, you hear the occasional hooting of an owl. But nothing disturbs your rest, and you wake up in the morning ready to get moving again.

"Between Corym and I, we have three nondetection spells.

((I earlier made a mistake--it's a third level spell, not a second))

"Those that were consistently visible were Krackor, Kali, and Corym.  Tarron was consistently invisible and I am easily obscured by my cloak.  If they're scrying any of us, it is mostly likely one of those three.

"The spells will only last for seven hours at a time.  I believe it would be best to cast them in the afternoon so that they will extend into the evening.  Where we rest at night should be the most closely kept secret.

"The rest of us will maintain invisibility consistently.  In this way, even if they should scry one of the rest of us, they will see little of use and be confused by the functioning of their spell.  This will be good training for our return to Myth Drannor.  It took us 35 days to reach our site, and it is likely to take longer getting back by the route we now navigate.  Corym and I will take turns teaching Tarron the Nondetection spell so that we can gradually expand our coverage.  Once we reside again with our Patron, we'll take his advice on what to do next.

"Krackor, if you can provide food and water for us, that will spare me the time necessary to hunt and we can make better time.

"We'll force march as time allows in order to hasten our way. Oral communication should suffice, unless we know we are being spied upon or danger is near."

"We should consider the possibility that the acorn is a focus for the scrying. Everything within the vault would have been inaccessible to our remote observer, and thus untampered with. But if you had spent years, or centuries, trying to break into the vault, charming creatures to guard it, and thinking of ways to acquire its contents it occurs to me it might be helpful in ones efforts to be able to track the whereabouts of someone who succeeded where you failed.  Let us be rid of the thing, or else place it in an extra-dimensional space.

This I can do.  I do have 2 Dispel Magic spells ready as, after the Dragon and you mentioing Scrying, I thought I'd keep hold of them.  If the magic on the Acorn is permanent, I believe a Dispel Magic would stop it working for a period of time before it starts again, there is a change it becomes permanently removed though!  Do you want me to try?

"Perhaps we are being too hasty. There are a number of items that could be the target of those scrying spells, including the very blade we were dispatched to remove. The power of a wish spell isn't trivial, and I have no doubt that the description of the blade is potentially known. If anything, this means that we will have to redouble our efforts to get back to a location that is easily defended and stay out of harms way until we arrive. For now, placing the acorn within the dimensional space would seem to be the most logical." suggests Tarron.

In reply to Tarron Ianfiel (msg # 255):

Interesting you should say this, wouldn't the caster of a Geas know when their creature is released? Or at least, having had other guardians watching, saw the Dragon depart and assume the blade was released, thus taking more than half a day to start start scrying?!
He looked around, half noticing, half hearing where his colleagues were. Maybe it is just as suggested previously, our erstwhile patron having felt a shift, scryed us out, maybe he had been previously but we were too busy to notice! Let's rest and sleep on it.
If we are to push harder tomorrow, you lot won't be as lazy with your walking.
His huge grin and slow wink showed he was bringing cheer once more.

“I think it’s acceptable to sequester the acorn in an extradimensional space.

“I also support Kitheras’ proposal for masking and cloaking. Let’s get studying!”

"Maybe not in a swamp. As much as I like my spellbook, I don't think a smudge of mud between pages will do anything for legibility. At the very least, I have prepared a Detect Magic spell this morning. Perhaps we can compare some of the enchantment types of the magical items to see if any might match up with those of our existing cloaks and boots to provide us with a much needed stealth boost?" suggests Tarron.

Agreed, fairly basic tests can be used to determine that. I have detect magic as an innate ability though if you want to prepare something else.

1. Detect magic—we’ll focus on cloaks and boots today—and run some basic tests to see if we got elven kind.
2. Prepare spells, and make everyone invisible
3. Travel, and put non-detection on Kali, Kora, and Krackor around noon.

Group

After spending some time working through their spellbooks, the magic users come together to inspect some of the treasure Corym brought out of the vault. Of the four pairs of boots, three turn out to be magical. The grey cloak he grabbed is also magical, but it has not been showing any signs of providing camouflage, and when he specifically tries, it does not conceal him any better than a regular cloak.

Putting the boots back into Corym's pack, the spellcasters turn everyone invisible and together you set out into the forest. The trees and underbrush are thick. Not the worst you've encountered, but also not the thickest this forest has in store for those who plumb its depths.

Some of you are still winded from the previous day's forced march, but you bear up under the weight your packs as best you can, moving through the forest quickly and quietly. You barely stop throughout the morning, pausing briefly only to drink, and trying to stay open to that nebulous sense of being watched that Corym felt the previous day.

When the sun, hidden by the thick canopy, reaches its zenith, Kitheras quietly calls a halt for a mid-day rest and meal.

((ooc: Everyone except Kitheras please make a Wisdom check. Kitheras, please make an Observation check with a -4 penalty.))

Tarron continues to hide under the illusionary magic of the invisibility spell. He would gladly place the acorn within a dimensional holding space for the duration of the journey, and occasionally use his pearl to allow him to fly into the trees for a different vantage point. Not enough to fully use the magic for the day, estimating to leave around half of the flight time to be used.

"We seem to be moving at a reasonable pace." he says, making out casual conversation. "It's much easier to pass through the forests with a small company than a small army, thankfully."

Group - Rest Break

Kitheras keeps his ears open during the morning's march and is able to confirm that everyone is still moving in the same direction. There were a few times when one person or another would veer off as they made their way through the essentially-trackless forest, but they all manage to course correct without getting lost. Everyone is present when you stop for the mid-day meal.

After the break, Kitheras and Corym cast nondetection spells over Kali, Kora, and Krackor, and together you set out once again.

((ooc: Kitheras, just fyi, your group is making about 4 miles a day through this medium forest. Once you hit heavy forest, that'll drop to 3 miles a day.

The group is not going to be able to force march today, though they could tomorrow.))

Kitheras considers their pace, and is happy to continue on his course.  Haste makes waste, but staying hidden will be easier in the deep forest.

Realizing, however, that rapid overland travel has hazards unlike the creeping of the Ruins.  Kitheras now periodically gives a whistle that doesn't match any of their audible signals.  This one means himself.

The day passes as you march further west. There are no trails, and you spend much of your time fighting through the undergrowth. Kitheras's whistles provide some help in keeping everyone together, though it's still an eerie experience, walking through a forest seemingly alone, without even being able to see your own hands.

Corym begins to flag as the day drags on, the toll of the previous day's long march starting to take its toll. Around sunset, the group again comes to a halt, and starts to make camp.

((ooc: Everyone, please roll 1d100. Everyone except Kitheras also needs to make another Wisdom check.))

13:48, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 7 using 1d20.  Wis check. – [roll=1646459307.65945.359800]

13:48, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 34 using 1d100.

23:51, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 2 using 1d20.  Wisdom Check.

23:51, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 26 using 1d100.

23:51, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 68 using 1d100.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:57, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

As Krackor had found through the days of travelling, that the Watch worked and spells by others didn't need to be cast, he was able to sleep properly. The other days, he was still able to get rest.

With the Iron Vigil spell lasting 15 days and him needing to rest 4hrs for each day he didn't sleep, eat or drink, on day 12 of the spell, day 10 of travel, the devoted Priest explains to the Kitheras.

Captain, you are already aware of my need to Eat, Drink and more over, Rest when Divine protection of the Iron Vigil spell ends, this will be in 3 days. I will have need to Rest for 8 hours solid so far, which is a full night, I'm sorry about that. I will know when the spell ends as I'll start to feel the changes in temperature and effects of the wind once more.

Corym was saying that the Scrying hasn't been felt for a few days, so when we stop on that day, I will cook, eat, drink then sleep through. So even with the Watch covered by all, a secure place will need to be located.

He was sure they'd only travelled for 2 days, so wanted to ensure that he could manage more but would have to make up for it later one.

(OOC:  Edited due to new information about travel.)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

It took 35 days to get from Glen to Elumenoridaoineoia.

As far as I can tell from the description, we've been traveling for one day so far--and made it about 4 miles.

((ooc: This is the end of the second day of travel since leaving Eueurarlor. Your freeing the dragon and investigating the vault took place in early morning, so you got essentially a full day of travel (plus a bit more from the force march). Then a full day of travel in the forest, in which you went 4 miles.))

Corym

About midway through the afternoon's march, you feel the presence of scrying eyes again. It doesn't stay for very long, maybe about the duration of a short song, before it fades away. You don't sense anything else between then and evening.

Krackor knew that he wouldn't be able to keep up with the rest of the company if they were pushing their walk, they had much longer legs that he even though he was tall for a Dwarf.  What he did have was vast amounts of Wisdom.

Everybody, I know I'm going to slow everyone down and if, as Corym suspects, we will keep getting spied on, I was wondering if anyone had found something they didn't mind not having or if, with all the wood around, something could create something for me.

You remember the Frisky Check spell I put on something as a distraction after we left Baulders Gate?  Well, if that was put on something that looked like it could run or fly, 3 ropes attached to it that can be fed out to over 20ft but then pulled in again?

Now imagine if I cast this spell on it after attaching the ropes, then if I was sat on it, maybe tied if that stopped me falling off, the ropes held and the 3 hoping the ropes moved closer than 20ft, the wings or appendages like legs would animate and travel much faster than I could, like a light horse could move or a large bird.  It isn't the conventional way but it could work.  We have to ensure that it can keep fleeing, so maybe if it had legs and you kept coming within 10ft of it, it would move in the only direction left for it.  if it becomes trapped or restrained for too long where it can not get away, then it will lose it's magic.

What say you?  Can create something tonight, even if it is just a table.

He wasn't a genius but he certain thought things through.

In reply to Krackor Steelfist (msg # 272):

He knew it had been a brilliant idea but there was a flaw, it would have to have a saddle on it and he'd not be able to sit down for a week after just 15 mins because of all the moving about.  A better idea came to him then and just as quickly vanished as not possible without a friendly druid.

"I have an unconventional means of transport, but it is very noticeable regardless of which form it takes. At the very least, we would need a large clearing to summon it." says Tarron. "It can take the form of a large giant or roc, whichever takes your preference. I haven't ever tested the inviisibility spell upon it however."

Westward Forest Travel

After some discussion, the group agrees that, barring finding a large enough clearing for the metal roc to get airborne, it's best for them to just continue west on foot. The group makes camp for the night, eating food magically created by Krackor and cooked in his magical skillet, before settling down into an uneasy rest and series of watches.

The peace of the night is broken somewhere in the second watch by a loud rustle in the underbrush. Kitheras barely has time to start shaking people awake before a stag, its antlers dropped for the season and its flanks somewhat slimmer after months of winter eating, comes bounding over the bushes and runs straight through the camp. Hard on its heels are a pair of wolves. Though the stag misses all of you, one of the wolves almost collides with Kitheras as it tries to evade the seemingly-empty bedroll of one of his companions.

A moment later, and all three animals are gone. The forest slowly returns to its usual quiet night time noises. And though you sleep fitfully, the rest of the night passes without incident.

For the next five days you fight your way through increasingly thick forest. You've left the border behind; this is the Cormanthor that has never been touched by humanity. Even this close to the forest's edge you see trees towering more than a hundred feet into the air, and a breathtakingly diverse group of tiered undergrowth is all clamoring to make an impression upon you and impede your passage.

You make sure to renew the invisibility spells daily, and, after that first anxious day where several people nearly wandered off, Kitheras makes sure to signal his location regularly. Kali and Kora both nearly get lost, one of the third day and the other on the fifth, but everyone manages to stick together.

On the sixth day (seventh since entering the wood and eighth since leaving Eueurarlor), the forest starts to lighten. Not by much, but you make a bit better progress. And then, maybe a bell before nightfall, you hear the sound of rushing water ahead of you. Pressing on, the ground abruptly drops away to reveal a narrow river, rushing swiftly almost due north towards the Moonsea. The bank you're standing on is a good five feet above the level of the water, and an almost straight drop down.

You don't have much time to ponder this sudden obstacle, as the most horrid droning noise cuts the air. From the trees around you several dozen stirges take flight. Unaffected by the invisibility, the loathsome blood drinkers descend upon what they assume to be an easy meal...

Only to be swatted out of the sky. Only a few manage to find purchase on you, and even those are quickly hacked apart and their proboscises pulled free. Their bodies fall into the river and are swiftly carried north, towards the Moonsea.

And through all your days of marching, none of you have felt the touch of scrying magic since your first full day under the forest.

((ooc: At your level, even 30 or 40 stirges isn't going to be any problem, and with Krackor's ioun stone, any damage will be disappearing in short order. So I'm not going to have you roll for pest control.

You have reached the river on the map posted a bit up thread. There's about an hour of daylight left. Thoughts?))

"We'll look for a way to ford the river.  Doing it while visible will aid the crossing. If we can get far enough West, I can navigate us to allies."

"Plenty of ways to ford the river if needed, even if it does mean chopping down a tree. However, with a bit of rope and a nearby tree we could easily set up a rope swing to get most of us over the side and then fly the last one over the river." he suggests.

Let’s walk south along the shore for a way to see if the river narrows or shallows. If we haven’t found a good spot in an hour, we’ll do as you suggest.

"Agreed. Though it wouldn't take much in resources to do now if here is a better place to cross?" replies the bladesinger.

Fall in here, armored?  It’d be death. We’ll still use your plan, but let’s do so in a narrower and shallower place in case grace fails us.

Your group turns south and starts to walk again. The forest is a bit lighter right along the banks of the river, but glancing at the rapid pace of the water has Kitheras concerned about the possibility of undercut banks and potential cave ins. So you keep back far enough into the forest to be certain of your footing.

The trees are thick, and they come right up to the river's bank. Some of their roots even project outward into the open air, the earth washed away to expose them. Perhaps their strength at holding the ground together is why the channel is relatively even. It widens and narrows by a few feet here and there, but never widens enough to kill the power of the water's flow. After about two short songs of walking you find an area of rapids, submerged rocks turning the relatively-smooth river into a roiling mass of white that catches every color of the setting sun.

As darkness falls and you start to look around for a place to camp, the river is much the way it has been: running fast and free about ten feet below ground level in its channel, without an obvious method of crossing over.

"It must narrow at some point—and the closer we tread the the source the more likely. At their head waters they are small things. We’ll camp away from the river so it cannot be seen by watching eyes to place us in these woods."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Thu 10 Mar 2022.

"The longer we stay away from civilization, the more I worry. You seem to have the truth of it though, lets see what continuing on our way might do for our fortunes." replies Tarron.

((ooc: Are you camping here for the night? Or force marching for several more hours?

Also, your invisibility needs to be renewed each morning. Are you continuing to cast it, or are you letting it lapse?))

Since we can—force March.
If we find a narrower place camp, the cross in the morning, then cloak.
If not, camp, cloak, and keep south until we find a ford.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 285):

As mentioned previously, there is only Krackor who would be force marching, everyone else has been sauntering unless carrying him, he's happy either way.

Why not move a little further down, maybe 100 steps or so, if I were scrying, I'd be looking at where the river narrowed first, which is here. Besides, near rapids would make it more difficult to hear anything coming near us, so camp security is affected.

(ooc: how wide is the river please, it's not been mentioned beyond "Narrow River", for instance; is it narrow enough that a felled tree could cross it and have we seen anything like this so far?)

((ooc: The river is about 15 feet across. It will widen or narrow by a foot or two here and there, but it's a relatively young river and is still flush with its power.

You could definitely across it by felling a tree. If you're willing to break the Dales Compact, of course...))

Tie off one of our 50' lengths of rope here.

I can take off my house breaker harness which is made for repelling, and connect it to the rope on our end.

Then I'll activate my gloves of the feline to jump across the river.

I'll shimmy up a tree and tie off the rope high for two reasons.

1. To keep you from dipping into the water
2. So the house breaker harness can slide back down the rope for the next crosser

We could also tie another length of rope to the harness so it could be pulled back.

In reply to Corym Ildroun (msg # 288):

As the plan was thought out loud, Krackor nodded at its simplistic posibilities.
It should work
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 17 Mar 2022.

The group presses on for several more bells. Night under the trees of Cormanthor is as black as pitch, with the added joy of owl calls and rustles in the undergrowth to keep you all on your toes. Kora brings out her torch, and Krackor's continual light spell gives you enough light to see where you're going. As you walk, you discuss ways of crossing the river, and by the time you come to a stop for the evening, you think you've come up with a workable plan.

The next morning, you refresh your invisibility spells, Corym jumps across the river with a rope. Spotting a likely tree, he begins to climb.

((ooc: Everyone please make a Con check to see if you can force march again today.

Corym, make a general Climb Walls check to find a good spot to tie off.

Everyone with Rope Use, make a check to help set up the rope bridge.))

06:23, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 4 using 1d20.  Rope use 17. – [roll=1647383039.9307.359800]

06:23, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 9 using 1d20.  Con 13. – [roll=1647383028.35223.359800]

In reply to Tarron Ianfiel (msg # 291):

Force March roll = 7.
Also have Endurance

22:58, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 7 using 1d20.  Constitution Check.

22:57, Today: Corym Ildroun rolled 89 using 1d100.  Climb Walls (80%).

22:58, Today: Kitheras Sunblade rolled 6 using 1d20.  Constitution Check.

Corym locates a tree the proper distance from the bank and starts to climb it. He gets about twenty feet up when he hits a patch of bark that is abnormally slick. Losing his grip, he grabs frantically for the trunk, only to miss and plummet to the ground. He lands with a crash, not particularly hurt but definitely embarrassed, and certain that anything nearby is now aware of him.

On a second attempt, Corym is able to get up the tree and tie off the rope, and with Tarron's help get the rope bridge set up. Slowly, the rest of the group is shuttled across the river. Corym keeps careful watch, in case something comes out of the forest to investigate, but nothing seems to be interested. Eventually all of you reach the west bank of the river, the ropes are untied, and you're ready to start out again.

((ooc: Where to? South along the river? West cutting across the forest?))

West, until we see something recognizable.

((ooc: If anyone has Direction Sense, roll a proficiency. Otherwise, Kitheras, roll a Survival check.))