Final battle in the Old Hills

Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. In the Old Hills near the village of  Checcar

Date: 25th of Reaping, High Summer

***

The RedWater Fellowship:

Doc Holliday - Male 1/2 Orc | Gunslinger/Paladin of the goddess Raven Queen

Nenwin Albion - Male Aasimar | Paladin of the god Heironeous

Graxxuzzaz - Male Lizard-folk | Sorcerer/Warlock of the Great Old One - the Yellow King

Aeldred -  Male Red Dragon-born | Barbarian/Paladin/Ranger

Hester - Male Tabaxi | Cleric of Celestian

We rejoin our adventurers as they prepare for the final tasks to convert the power source for their flying tower from a demonic - soul fueled - power source to a live dragon heart [DM: without the living dragon around it of course!]. While recovering from their battles and defeat of the ancient black dragon Zemycran [DM: see blogpost for details] they had decided to engage and subdue a younger black dragon that was resting in the destroyed village of Checcar. A team of three experts - arch-mage, high priest and a master artificer/warlock schooled in demonology were ready to teleport in to assist with the transformation of the tower. Ready when Hester casts a sending spell to the Lady Cowl - head of the intelligence and covert operations under Overlord Romack [DM: blogpost details on Lady Cowl], who the Redwater Fellowship had worked for on occasion.

The party's flying tower was located about 3 miles to the Southeast of the village, in a small valley. Both Aeldred and Nenwin took turns keeping an eye on the black dragon nesting in the ruin of a village building. They had noted the dragon egg as the dragon moved about. The rest of the heroes prepared, prayed to their various deities and Graxxuzzaz read a tome of eldritch lore - The All Seeing Tale of Inscrutable Rituals. It appeared that an arcane spell was buried in the text, but the full book - all 1011 pages - had to be read to discern what it was. Hester learns about the controls to pilot and fly the tower from Gothi the Ranger and Graxxuzzaz.

1st roll of the night. A good omen

Then the next day came. Early morning, the party made ready. Gothi would stay with the tower - as well as the party's bard Tibaltuous - ready to bring the tower close to the village once the dragon was defeated or subdued. It was known now that the elite team coming from Lady Cowl, could use a recently killed heart, within hours. 

A slight breeze was blowing as the heroes made their way to the village. then a misty rain started to fall. It was still quite warm, a pleasant walk even though the party had what appeared to be a extremely difficult task ahead. The village came into sight, the party saw the black dragon, she appeared to be asleep. Making their way carefully forward they saw the acidic lake and stream feeding into it. The amount of acid flow in stream had diminished since the demise of Zemycran but the acid from the former dragon's lair still permeated the stream and lake.

 A camouflaged blind is prepared expertly by Doc, allowing the party to keep an eye on the dragon and area. Doc Holliday checks his musket for and peers out to ensure his sniping shots when the battle will be engaged.  

The heroes prepare as the dragon sleeps

They note a lantern moving away from Percy's little building - the only one not destroyed. Percy, a herbalist, smoking pipe-maker it appears was still alive and working. The lantern moved off into the dark, assumedly the hobbit was off to gather some herbs for his pipe weed. A humming or whistling jaunty tune could be heard and this did not seem to alert or affect the dragon in her sleep.

Then as the morning sun started to peek over the hills, the party was ready, not long now, it was going to be a hot sunny day. Hester got busy, casting sending to Lady Cowl to advise them to teleport the team at the assigned hour, then he cast again using the divine magic of Celestian to enchant the party a water walking spell on the party, thus the acid filled water could be bypassed. Finally Hester cast Pass without trace which allowed the party to move extremely quietly -even those in heavy armour. 

BATTLE!

It was now getting close to 7 bells in the early morning and the heroes started to creep forward. Doc primed his musket, checked the powder, his sword and blunderbuss. He kept an eye out waiting for the signal - spells being cast at the dragon and then he would fire. Nenwin and Aeldred moved forward to sneak up on the dragon, both fortunately still under the affect of a path without trace spell - as both were fairly noisy at the best of times!

Graxxuzzaz moved forward into a shell of an old house, walls turned to slag by acidic dragon breath. The portly but athletic sorcerer prepared a Psychic Lance spell to attack when ready. Hester nearby was ready as well with a guiding bolt spell

Nenwin and Aeldred sneaked along and made it to a large blasted hole in the ground and started discussing the use of one of Percy's smoke weeds that could potentially affect a dragon. Wyrm's Bane. [DM: Supposedly toxic to dragons and made one immune to a dragon's fear effect].  Aeldred - being a draconian, breathed a little flame and lights up a pipe of the weed and the two adventurers pass the pipe back and forth.. right near the dragon! The rest of the party were unsure what was going on so held their fire and spells!

1. Dragon | 2. Percy's House

Now feeling quite "good" and confident that the dragon would not be able to notice them due to the Wyrm's bane, the two paladins scuttled around and over the lake [DM: water walking is a very helpful spell] as they walked over the water they saw the remains of the village. It appears the lake had filled some of the area, probably from a blockage somewhere down stream. The two noted a melted skeleton that. There was something glinting in the acid filled water. Treasure! Both agreed to come back once the dragon was vanquished.

Then the party is ready. Aeldred and Nenwin rises up and attack. Doc fires his musket the shot echoes out braking the stillness. Graxxuzzaz casts his Psychic Lance and Hester's bolt flies out as well. It appeared the dragon was only partially surprised, she also appeared to be quite injured already. One wing was folded in and partially shredded.

Nenwin called upon the power of his god and flew up and brought his Holy Avenger sword down onto

Nenwin flying to confront the dragon

the back of the dragon. She roared in pain as the knight drove the sword deep into her side. Nenwin did similar attacks, his longsword - "Blood drinker" cutting through the thick and scaley hide of the dragon. The shot from Doc found its mark, the gunslinger putting extra effect to it with the power smite of his goddess, the Raven Queen. Hester's guiding bolt went high, but the cleric jumped forward preparing another spell. Graxxuzzaz's Psychic lance spell blasted into the head of the dragon but she was able to throw off most of the detrimental effects of the spell.

The attacks did knock the dragon back but she took a deep breath and a cone of caustic acid hit some of the party doing extensive damage. She was hurt but not out of the fight! Back and forth the party took the battle to the dragon, until she was nearly down, acidic blood pouring out of multiple wounds. Then Nenwin was going to do a final attack and Percy  ran out into the fray! The Fellowship at first were scared for the hobbit bein killed or caught in the damage, until Percy casts a healing spell on the dragon! 

Dragon flying from a long distance

The party quickly realize they have a new opponent now. The dragon and Percy were allied. Even further, as Aeldred started to attack the dragon egg, it incensed both. The dragon went berserk and the hobbit ran to save the egg. There appeared to be some type of relationship here... mother and.. father to the egg?

The dragon now berserk, was fighting more fiercely and faster. [DM: attacking the Mother dragon's egg had greatly increased her fighting stats] Percy nimbly jumped off and grabbing the black dragon egg cast some type of teleport spell and disappeared just as Aeldred was going to swing his sword down. The barbarian/paladin/ranger went off into the bush and hills to track the hobbit down while the rest of the party fought the furious dragon mother!

Battle continued until the dragon was taken with a sleep spell - good work by Hester and Doc to keep the dragon "ready" for the elite team coming soon to transform the tower. 

Even while this happened the final dragon appeared! Coming from the old monastery - dragon lair. [DM: blogpost]. The party used their combined tactics and final spells and more to take this one down as well. Not as large as Zemycran or even as large as the mother dragon - still affected by the sleep spell!

Dragon prep for the elite crew

Aeldred and Nenwin catch up to the hobbit and the rogue/herbal master is killed - very permanently - turned into a "burning smear on the ground" by the two knights' multiple attacks and a flaming cone of breath from Aeldred. The egg is recovered as well, but it is not looking healthy as it had been blasted by Aeldred's flaming breath as well as multiple hand-ax attacks.

The battles over, and the one dragon subdued, a 2nd dragon dead and ready for any work if needed. Then the elite team arrive as the party see their tower coming over the rise. Gothi the ranger was flying it near. 

The team:

Mr. Carssini

Wore very strange looking clothing.. continuously smoking small cigars. His haunted look no doubt due to his calling of a warlock trained in demonology as well as artificer.

High Priestess of Purity - Alera Tn'llaris and Archmage Cavri Tn'llaris

Rumour It was said these two are twins, but one looked to be 20 years old and the priestess was looking to be over 80 years in age.

The party were able to recover a number of treasures and magic items and treasure from Percy's house and his pulverized body.

• Crossbow of Speed +2
• Ring of Invisibility
• Dagger of Venom
• Magical Vials: Two out of four vials found are identified as magical, one of which is "extra healing"
• Burning Scroll: A magical scroll that the Fellowship were able to recover partially
• Case with Puzzle Lock: A closed case found to contain something magical, but it requires solving a puzzle lock to open [DM: always good to have a thief in the party]

After greetings are made and the trio of workers look over the tower and the dragon, they determine that it will take up to SEVEN weeks of work for this transformation as the Fellowship want to add the intelligence that was from F.E.R.A. the colossus [DM: blogpost] - residing in Gothi the foreclaimer [an ancient elf-like race] - to control the tower! 

The party decided to fly the tower to Axegard for now and then rest and recuperate there while the activity to transform and repair the flying tower was completed.

With their tower now safe, and being converted from demonic energy source to dragon heart powered, the Redwater Fellowship had no major obligations, quests or timelines they had to follow.

Some options they started to discuss:

• Of their home town, Dragon keep. 
• How the war against the demon hordes of Iuz and the forces of Overlord Romack
• How the battles or stalemate against the Blackrunes was going
• Finally, potential news of their former companion Robin who was now an undead king in the city of Enstad. Was he an enemy or an ally?
• Where was Lars, the boy vampire/mage who had the party's wagon and gold cube? [DM: Blogpost on the creation of the gold cube]
• Intrigue in the town of Fax, where their old comrade Kantif was headed to

There were many other options for the Fellowship... what to do and where to go... Until next time!

Dead Comrades Raised, Plunder and Planning

 

Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. In the Old Hills by the village of  Checcar

Date: 22nd of Reaping, High Summer

The RedWater Fellowship:

Doc Holliday - Male 1/2 Orc | Gunslinger/Paladin of the Raven Queen

Nenwin Albion - Male Aasimar | Paladin of Heironeous

Graxxuzzaz - Male Lizard-folk | Sorcerer / Warlock of the Great Old One - the Yellow King

Aeldred -  Male Red Dragon-born | Barbarian/Paladin/Ranger

Hester - Male Tabaxi | Cleric of Celestian

We rejoin our heroes near the former monastery and lair of the now dead Zemycran the black dragon scourge of the Old Hills. The party rest in the tower. The party still look to acquire a dragon's heart - live or very recently dead - to replace the power source of their flying tower a mechanical and magical marvel - currently powered by a demon engine.

Graxxuzazz had  a very large decision he had been pondering for some time now. Choosing his old god, or following Orcus, the Prince of Undead or the Great Old One - The King in Yellow - an enigmatic being of untold power from the far reaches of space and time. The portly but athletic lizardfolk sorcerer finally decided. Turning away from his old god of the lizardfolk and the demonic prince to cast his fate with the one called the King in Yellow - who was said to reside in the fabled city of Carcosa. The King in Yellow or his servant passed on strange signs and portents in the sorcerer's dreams these were.. not too troubling.. 

Doc Holliday, Paladin of the Raven Queen and Tibaltuous the bard of the Fellowship lay dead. Hester, after resting had the divine power to raise them both - after acquiring a diamond for each ritual.

The Ritual of Celestial Rebirth

In the top level of the tower, the twinkling stars above through the large gap in the roof of the flying tower [DM: Party needs to get that fixed!], the air is thick with the scent of incense and the soft glow of celestial light. Tapestries hang on the walls, quickly added by Hester, adorned with intricate star maps and shimmering crystals, showing the divine power. 

At its center, a small altar carved from moonstone awaits the sacred ceremony.

Hester, the revered priest of Celestian, steps forward, his robes flowing like the night sky. His eyes, reflecting the wisdom of countless stars, are fixed on the lifeless form of Doc Holliday, the 1/2 orc paladin/gunslinger a devout knight of the goddess the Raven Queen. 

With a deep breath, Hester begins the ritual. He raises his hands, and a soft, ethereal light emanates from his fingertips. The light dances and swirls, forming patterns that mirror the constellations above. As he

chants the ancient incantation, the temple resonates with a harmonious hum, the very essence of celestial music.

"By the grace of Celestian, the Keeper of Stars, I call upon the power of the heavens. Let the light of the cosmos guide this soul back to the realm of the living. Doctor Sigmund Holliday, paladin of the goddess the Raven Queen hear the call of the stars and return to us.

The light intensifies, enveloping Doc in a cocoon of celestial energy. Hester's voice grows stronger, each word imbued with divine power. The crystals around the altar begin to glow, their light merging with Hester's spell. As the ritual reaches its climax, Hester places his hands gently on Doc's chest. 

The light pulses, and a surge of energy flows through the paladin's body. Slowly, his chest rises and falls, and color returns to his cheeks. The temple falls silent, save for the soft whisper of the stars. 

Doc opens his eyes, filled with wonder and awe. He gazes at Hester, the priest who had bridged the gap between life and death. Though the 1/2 orc was a devout follower of the Raven Queen, the divine power of Celestian had granted him a second chance. 

Hester smiles, his eyes twinkling like the stars. "Welcome back, Doc Holliday. May the light of Celestian guide you on your new journey."

Doc took time to recover, his thoughts on the Raven Queen, as well as on his journey in purgatory once again as he had died before. It seems the Raven Queen still had tasks for him in this world and not yet ready to take him to the next..

Even though Hester was drained of energy and tired, he performed a similar ritual for the fallen bard, Tibaltuous. The bard who had once enchanted many with his melodies, quick wit, and insults to enemies in the midst of battle had never believed in the divine. With a deep breath, Hester begins the ritual again. Though he had been a non-believer, the divine power of Celestian had brought the dry-witted 1/2 elf back from the dead.

Hester smiles, his eyes twinkling like the stars. "Welcome back, Tibaltuous. May the light of Celestian guide you on your new journey."

Tibaltuous, a new outlook on life, raised his head to see his old friends and some new strangers nearby. What next for the bard's plans?

Taking some time to recover - using both magical and normal healing the party explore areas of the tower they had not bene able to visit for some time.

They encountered Lady Sadra - one of the two occupants in the tower - an elven woman magically bound to her chambers for over two centuries. Nenwin has a conversation with Lady Sadra, an elf who

has been magically bound to her room in the tower for 238 years. She explains she committed crimes against the demons who created the tower and was exiled and imprisoned in a stately room. She told Nenwin about the tower's previous demonic influence, as well, demonstrated knowledge of previous tower visitors, and was quick to warn the paladin about the dangers of entering her room. If he entered it would be unlikely he could leave and would be trapped with her! Nenwin decided to not chance it, but promised to visit again and look at ways to free the elf.

The party - with Nenwin's very firm prompting -  performs an elaborate ritual to destroy Graxxuzazz's Book of Orcus after realizing its danger. The Book of Orcus puts them at risk from Orcus being able to find

them and spy on the Fellowship. The group creates a ritual circle with holy water and religious symbols, each member carves their god's symbol at cardinal points in the ground a safe distance from the tower. Then once prepared all party members combine spells and attacks to destroy the book

Four barbed demons manifest and are destroyed without mishap by the prepared heroes.

The Book of Orcus is destroyed, leaving behind cold blue flames. These are collected in clay pot, continuing to emit a cold blue flame. The party decide to study these at a later date.

 and now decide to enter the lair - all the Fellowship eager to plunder the treasure hoard of a dragon! In the lower chamber of the monastery is a wide hole going straight down into darkness. Over 30 feet across, the edge and walls of the hole look to be melted - assumedly by dragon's acidic breath. Down into the gloom Nenwin flies first his bright sword a beacon of light. 50 feet down he hovers his wings beating as he looks about holding the sword high to light up the area. The other members start climbing down with ropes and spikes.

As the oppressive darkness recedes, the party sees the dwarven monastery that once stood as a beacon of stone-carved majesty, now fallen into ruin and corrupted by the acidic influence of its former occupant, Zemycran the black dragon. The monastery itself is carved deep into the rock, with towering columns and arches hewn from solid granite, their surfaces now worn and pitted from years of acidic corrosion. Once ornate runes that adorned the walls have been partially eroded, leaving behind jagged scars in the stone that hint at the monastery's once glory and the ancient rites once practiced there.

The burial chambers, sacred to the dwarves who sought eternal rest among their ancestors, are now warped and twisted. The orderly rows of sarcophagi lie cracked and melted, their contents either disintegrated by acid or strewn across the chamber in grotesque displays. Pools of seething acid bubble ominously throughout the area, some filling the low points in the floor and others spilling out from cracks in the walls and ceilings, as though the rock itself is sweating poison. The acidic water glows faintly with an unnatural green hue, casting flickering, eerie light across the cavernous halls.

The dragon's influence is unmistakable—acid drips steadily from jagged stalactites, creating a symphony of hissing splashes as it falls into the pools below. The very air is thick and acrid, stinging the eyes and throat, and wisps of vapor rise from the acid as it eats away at the stone and any remnants of organic matter. Broken remnants of dwarven artifacts are scattered throughout, some partially dissolved,

others twisted by exposure to the corrosive environment. Skeletons humanoid, animal and monstrous litter the area as well.

In the monastery's central hall, which may once have housed an altar or a place for reflection and prayer, the black dragon has made its lair. Jagged shards of melted stone and bone form a grotesque nest, with treasures plundered from the monastery and beyond embedded within. The entire environment feels alive with corrosion and decay, a twisted mockery of the monastery's original purpose, where peace and reverence have been replaced by fear and destruction. It is a realm of danger and despair, the dwarven sanctity now overshadowed by the overwhelming power of the dragon’s acidic dominion.

But here.. the treasure glints in the light, the acid having melted coins into piles and swirling gold, silver, electrum, copper and platinum. The adventurers flinch and gasp in pain as the drips of acid fall on exposed skin.

Nenwin casts detect magic, while Graxxuzazz prepares an identify spell.

The magical items include:

• Elvish chainmail [magical +1 protection]
• Manual of creating a flesh golem
• Bronze Horn of the Hero - which summons berserkers for the wielder
• Ring of shootings stars
• Ioun stone of leadership

The melted coins that were able to be recovered looked to number:

899 platinum, 3678 gold, 4209 silver, 2068 copper coins. The mass would need to be melted down and separated.

Other items of note:

• A cast iron chandelier easily five-foot across lies on its side. It has five arms forged to depict writhing dragon heads. Within each dragon’s open mouth magical heatless flames lighting up the area in a different colour for each head. A long metal rod leaning against the wall enables the user to open or close each mouth to increase or decrease the amount of light. The whole is worth 200gp. but weighs 75 lbs.
• An alchemy equipment and wizard supplies set. A mass of glass bottles and retorts, along with a small cauldron and dozens of small tools and other pieces of equipment, sit upon a side table. The equipment of a wizard or alchemist it appears, the whole set is a great prize for an alchemist or wizard, weighing 40 lbs. but quite bulky and fragile. If packed carefully, the rest of the equipment is designed to fit into the cauldron (but if packed poorly without padding, most of the glass items won’t survive any travel).
• Chainmail barding: designed for a truly monstrous horse—weighs 80 lbs. and is worth 750gp. It is so finely made it could be magically enchanted.
• A dwarven skull drinking cup made for or by Zemycran. Top of this dwarven skull has been sliced off, and its eye sockets, mouth and other orifices crudely filled with silver. A cast-iron handle has been fused to the skull where the vertebra should be. Appears the dragon used this macabre drinking cup to toast his victories.
• Ornate scroll in a black bone tube sealed with wax holds the deeds to a prominent bridge - shrine. In the Thrunch Foghollow and Esmerin. Crossroads. The bridge spans across a massive waterfall, joining the Jewel river  then cuts through the Suss forest. Ornately decorated and quite detailed in its description of the property, it looks genuine. While it may—or may not—be genuine, the landmark detailed belongs or belonged to a powerful local noble family The Krells. Led by Vicount Johann Krell. Rumours the party know of, say few would willingly tangle with their retainers and servants.

A gilded cage with 2 small figures is perched on top of a pile of silver coins. Opening the cage and the two figures transform to 'full-size' humanoids. It appears the gilded birdcage was some type of magical prison.

After some investigation, the Fellowship find out, Aeldred, a draconian, had been in a group of three adventurers travelling North away from the lands controlled by the BlackRunes. They have allies with many of the humanoid tribes of the Pomarj. In the trek North a flight of 3 dragons came upon the crew.

Ella the elvish druid died 1st trying to wild shape to fight one dragon in flight. Then, Tomar, went down. The human wizard melted by a large spray of the acid from the larger female dragon a young adult - Zemtrynorka - Aeldred would later learn this name.

Aeldred fought well but in the end fell to all three dragons attacking the dragonborn went unconscious. He awoke in this gilded cage. An older elf was also imprisoned in the cage with the adventurer. One of

his feet badly wounded by probably an acid attack. Fassirn L'sarr is a clerk - or was - from Enstad and had been a slave under the BlackRunes. He told Aeldred, and now the Fellowship, he had been caught by 2 dragons in the Old hills trying to evade forces of IUZ. He had been a slave of Zemycran for sometime, cataloguing his various treasures. The two were fed on occasion by a giant draconian. Fassirn advises Aeldred both are indeed small while in the cage. He had not seen any dragons or draconians or dragonlings lately.

The sounds of Combat, roars and more Echo down to the two in the cage.. Then, it is quiet, until the RedWater Fellowship rescued the two.

Transporting the treasure - after Aeldred advised on what items were his - out of the lair took some time, with ropes and pulleys used to raise it all and then store it in the Flying Tower.

Both the elf clerk and the draconian were amazed to see the flying tower and were concerned at its power source - souls - until the Fellowship advised on their plan to 'capture a dragon' and cut the heart from the monstrous beast to power the tower.

Now, as arrangements are made with Lady Cowl to convert the tower's power source from demonic to dragon heart, our heroes face a new challenge in the nearby village of Checcar. 

An injured young black dragon, with what appears to be an egg beneath it, rests atop a building - presenting both an opportunity and a danger as the repair team's arrival draws near. 

Sending Spells between Hester and Lady Cowl:

Hester: 

SEND: Found dragons. Two left. Need repair team. ETA? At what point do you need the dragon heart in the process? Any items that might help capture?

Lady Cowl responds:

REPLY: Good work. Need 1 dragon. 3 crew will be ready to arrive in 2 days. You need to have dragon unconscious halfway through process.

REPLY: the 3 crew can keep dragon heart in stasis once they arrive. do not worry about it being dead/alive after crew arrives

So the plan was to start the fight with the dragon in the village of Checcar at the 7th bell. Then soon after the Lady Cowl's experts would arrive [teleport in]: An Archmage, high priest, and artificer/demonologist. The process to convert would take probably about 2 weeks.

The tower could finally have its demonic energy be removed! Then, the still looming threat of the Black Runes and the expansion of the dread king's undead realm East of the Lortmill Mountains, as well IUZ the demigod still warred across the lands to the North and West - all were still concerns for the Redwater Fellowship.

We will pick up NEXT time as our party prepares to execute their daring dragon capture plan...

The Village of Checcar

 The village of Checcar - where a dragon looks to be asleep.

Map of the village

1. Dragon resting
2. Percy's Smoker Pipes

Schemes and Strategies

 The Fellowship have a number of potential quests, old friends, optional side quests, personal quests and more as they deliberate their next move. Having recovered their tower, what is next?

• No contractual obligations
• No time sensitive quests
• No emergency or pressing need to be anywhere (unless players/characters feel differently)

There is still an over-arching interest to work against:

• The Demigod IUZ
• The BlackRunes (which either has an ally of the Scarlet Brotherhood or they control the BlackRunes.) 
• Mindflayers are involved with BlackRunes as well.

Work with:

 Overlord Romack (and son Lord Royce & Lady Cowl)

Uncertain party's relationship - at least to me as DM:

Robin [former party member now worshipper of Orcus] and his ever expanding Undead realm - capital being Enstad. Now called: The DreadKing of the realm of DarkReach

There also was - as some in party know - the Lost City of Herodia (area now controlled by Orcus worshippers) which the party barely explored.

Next steps, quests, old friends and..:

• Flying tower situation, convert engine to dragonheart.
• Tibaltuous bounty for drow - Locations Fax or Nulb?
• Request from Greyskulls commander and mate- save son in Fax?
• Elves in Bright desert east across sea in Bright desert (Doc personal potential quest)?
• Graxxuzzaz circus (potential personal quest has left Enstad - location possibly Verbobonc or Fax)
• Doctor in Fax - potential contact ally against BlackRunes?
• Robin's undead army now controlling Enstad and large area of former elvish/BlackRunes area - stop, leave alone or..?
• Enstad, appears BR are planning to leave and use Heart of Enstad to 'restart' the  river flow East. Destroy or not the riverboats. Lady Cowl may have news on this
• Portal to Sea of Dust (BR expedition) look into or not?
• Check warehouse where riverboats are being built. Blue glow from large hole in centre?
• Map to secret BlackRune base/island off Wildcoast - Fax area (Kantif has this)
• Kantif enroute to find father in Fax
• Thogra, the thief/priest of Set, where is he now?
• The golden CUBE. Lars.. Where are they now? Last known to be with Royce's army

Woolly Bay - Fax, Strandkeep and Bright Desert

Town of Fax

Last the Fellowship heard the BlackRunes still control Fax.

Kantif had personal knowledge having being a BlackRune trooper before deserting a mercenary company. He passed on some of his knowledge to Doc, Graxxuzazz, Gothi and Tibaltuous on the town.

1. River to Enstad and Lortmill mountains. Some of party so many months ago took this route.

2. New 30' wide 20' deep canal being dug - at the time Kantif left - assumedly to enhance the town's defenses with a full moat from the Narrows inlet to the South inlet

3. Towers - stone, built at these locations

4. Large tower 100' high was in construction at time Kantif left

5. Isle of the One Tree - former druidic holy location. No one visits here, rumoured haunted/cursed

Dungeon and Dragon

 

Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. Near the village of  Hallowuud

Date: 20th of Reaping, High Summer

The RedWater Fellowship:

Doc Holliday - Male 1/2 Orc | Gunslinger/Paladin

Nenwin Albion - Male Aasimar | Paladin

Graxxuzzaz - Male Lizard-folk | Sorcerer

Tibaltuous -  Male 1/2 elf | Bard/Rogue/Warrior

Hester - Male Tabaxi | Cleric

The battle continues between the RedWater Fellowship and the black dragon, Zemycran. The glittering black scaled dragon hovering about 15 feet high roars again and a rain of acid pours from the cavern ceiling scalding all the heroes.

Tibaltuous calls out in support to all his allies using Mantle of Inspiration which allows them all to move and heals some wounds and then the bard casts a faerie fire spell engulfing the bone dragon.

The bone dragon lungs at the demonic cloud giant, cutting deeply with claws into the giant's chest and arm. Chief Tomklagg roars in pain falling to one knee, his hammer slipping from his grip. He looks up grimly and taking up the hammer in blood-soaked hands, swings the hammer at the bone dragon's head crashing it into one glowing green eye. At that moment, a hoard of dragonlings pour out of the tunnel mouth behind the party swarming the cloud giant. The small creatures look like a combination of a kobold and a draconian. A single larger dragonling flies out and hovers in the far depths of the cavern.

Graxxuzazz casts a fireball centered on the bone dragon, sculpting it around Hester and partially around the giant.. 

WHUMP! 

Many of the dragonlings perish in the fire, but the rest ravage and tear into the cloud giant while breathing small gouts of acid into the giant. A white-scaled draconian leaps out hissing and attacks Hester, cutting into the cleric with a jagged bladed scimitar.

Nenwin held by Zemycran in one massive claw attacks the black dragon with his holy sword. The magical blade slices through the black scales into black flesh as the dragon roars in pain. The power of the sword drains a spell from the dragon [Mass Suggestion]  and this heals some of the paladin's wounds. Grinning, Nenwin swings again and cuts into the dragon even deeper, acidic blood spraying over the paladin. The blow cuts into the claw and the dragon releases the paladin who swoops away on his wings.

Zemycran buffets his wings, a cloud of caustic acid blows over all the party and knocks back some, the acid eating into skin and clothing. The dragon seeing the battle not going well, flies up the passage out of sight. Tibaltuous calls out an insult but all that can be heard is the dragon's laughter - possibly strained.

Doc flies down to engage the bone dragon and makes two perfect hits guided by his deity the Raven Queen [DM: 2 critical hits!] with his magical longsword, Lucky Seven. The blows infused with holy power, cut through bone and dried sinew.

Tibaltuous runs up the passage after Zemycran as the tunnel starts to shake and rumble. Large chunks
of stone start to fall, clouds of dust and debris coming down as the bard rounds a corner and sees a long tunnel, the dragon no where in view. Nenwin catches up to the bard who had gone down crushed under rock and burned by acid. The paladin pulls the bard out of the collapsing passage, and moves back down to the main cavern.

Graxxuzazz, Hester and Doc finish off the dragonlings, a Toll the Dead spell in the end from Hester takes out the white draconian, she falls while trying to escape down the passage. All visible enemies are dead, except for Zemycran fled up the collapsed passage where clouds of dust billow out into the room amongst the still dripping acid.

The Cloud giant looks down at the Fellowship. His body is covered in acid burns and razor thin cuts from the dragonling claws and jaws, roasted in places from the fireball, deep gouges from the bone dragon. He picks up his giant hammer. The head of the weapon swirls with clouds of mist as he heaves a sigh and winces. "Our contract.." he rumbles, "is complete. My oath fulfilled."

Doc, Tibaltuous and Graxxuzazz look up at the giant and feel a burning sensation in their brain for a moment with a smell of brimstone.. 

"If you visit me in my fortress in Kalscihgarrak" [DM: a realm on the 374th layer of the Abyss was confirmed later], the word seems strange and extremely hard to pronounce, the giant cracks his neck with a loud pop as he says this, "you can expect a WARM welcome." The giant grins, leering evilly down at the party. Raising his hammer he calls out and with a swirling cloud of black dust, he sinks into the ground. 

The heroes look about, the one flying dragonling has disappeared up into some  small tunnels near the ceiling of the cavern. The acid continues to drip down around them burning their skin and clothing on occasion. A distant roar echoes in the cavern, Zemycran is still out there. The party loot the draconians and make haste back the way they came.

Discussion on the size of a dragon's heart for converting the power demonic power source for the flying tower, Vencer, Lukann as well as Graxxuzazz had agreed that a young to adult dragon would be required for the size of the tower. Based on the conversations the three had had with Overlord Romack's flying fortress, which takes at  least five ancient dragon hearts for that massive structure to stay aloft. 

The party has Graxxuzazz cast identify spell on some magic items acquired from the white draconian. Heward's Handy Haversack. 2 pouches were filled to the rim - one with seawater and one with fine dirt. The large pouch holds a skeleton and a black leather cloak as well as 2 stone runes - look to be Runes of power - possibly evil language . Graxxuzazz does not recognize the language, but the runes can explode. Nenwin takes those even as the others protest as the paladin detected evil from the two stone runes.

While this happens the heavily wounded Tibaltuous continues to regenerate [DM: very good ring to have - Ring of Regeneration].

The party exit out of the cavern following the stream filled with the acidic flow. The party then move up and over the cliff where the 2 waterfalls meet. Moving towards the ruins of the monastery, it takes about 15 minutes, the area starts to fill with a heavy mist that is once again caustic and burning. The group cannot see further than 30 feet. 

The party decide to fly up and over the mist. The party see in the far distance near the flooded village a smaller black dragon. It does not appear to be coming this way. 

Graxxuzazz in eagle form, Nenwin flying with his wings, Tibaltuous flying with Sir Lawrence his sword, Hester flying held aloft by his Celestial guardian and Doc is flying on his Nightmare stallion.

The party prepare and hover close together, over the ruins. Knowing the dragon is near.. maybe?

Nenwin flies around in a circle, holding up his sword. He roars, "Dragon! Come fight me!" The words echo across the area.. nothing. The mist swirls below them, every once in a while the ruins of the dwarven monastery glimpsed.

Nenwin calls out again, "Zemycran! don't be a coward!"

A deep chuckling can be heard in the mist below somewhere, "Come join me in the mist." The party look down but do not see the creature.

The party prepares, all looking down. Some use healing potions and start to cast healing spells. Then Nenwin and Tibaltuous see two glowing orbs below.. eyes! 

Then as they calls out a warning, a great gout of acid blasts up out of the mist catching the whole party! Tibaltuous falls to the ground dying. Doc falls as his nightmare dies, the gunslinger/paladin groaning and unconscious after he crashes into the ground. Hester falls as his avenger guardian dies in the blast of acid. The cleric falls to the ground and is dying.

Nenwin tucks his wings in and drops quickly sword blade first right into the dragon. He carves down through the neck of Zemycran, doing extensive damage with the blade. The dragon roars again.

All start to feel the caustic mist burning them. Nenwin continues to hack and thrust his Holy Avenger blade into the dragon. The blade sucks more magic from the dragon, [DM: pulling a legendary ability to resist] which then heals Nenwin. The Aasimar continues to swing and dart around the dragon.  Graxxuzzaz  casting a lightning bolt at the black dragon. The dragon is able to counter spell this, At this point, Nenwin reacts quickly using his mage hunter abilities thrusts the blade into the chest. Zemycran is extremely wounded his acidic blood pouring over the paladin.

The dragon roars in pain as well as frustration at these puny humanoids. They just won't die! He has destroyed so many over the many years, these - he realizes, are not like the townsfolk or even the soldiers  and warriors he had fought before. A new feeling enters him.. dread.. fear.. of losing his own life! 

Nenwin is able to drain another ability with the last hit [DM: Synaptic static spell] healing the paladin once again as the magic energy is drained from the dragon. 

Graxxuzazz calls upon his sorcery skills and casts a lighting bolt again, this one arcing across to hit the large creature. The lizardfolk teleports away so he can just stay in view. 

The acidic mist continues to eat away at the Fellowship, those already unconscious one step closer to death..

Zemycran now bleeding and near death sees these puny creatures keep coming back. Healing each other. Growling he rumbles, "No longer." With one claw he swipes at Doc lying in the ground, the claw rips through the 1/2 orc killing him, Then with another claw, he does the same to Tibaltuous. The bard dies with a grin and an insult on his lips..

The dragon looks around a grin starting to form his jagged teeth dripping acid as he looks down at the final two. They are going to die he thinks. Zemycran calls out, "I will supp on your melted flesh and bone!" The dragon breathes a stream of acid at Graxxuzazz, the sorcerer dodges part of the spray. Nenwin dives out of the way as well, and then dodges a bite from the massive jaws of the dragon and swings again with his two-handed sword, cutting through a large scale on the dragon's chest.

The paladin rips the blade out of the chest of the dragon, a gout of acidic blood washing over Nenwin. He then thrusts the blade deep into wound already in Zemycran's chest, his arms deep, pushing the blade further.  He feels the blade hit bone as it goes into the spine. 

The dragon gasps and cries out still unbelieving that he could be dying. "No.. how.. I.. arggh... gurgle" and the dragon crashes to the ground. Not moving.

Zemycran was.. DEAD. 

The dragon scourge of the Old Hills - defeated by the RedWater Fellowship!

The party regroup realizing they had little time to rejoice, trying to save their friends. Nenwin heals the cleric, Hester. Hester after recovering is able to use a revivify spell on Doc, but at this point could not save Tibaltuous lies dead.

The acidic mist starts to recede from the area. After leaving the

immediate area, the group rest. pondering next moves. Next steps were to get to the tower and bring it to the monastery. Find a way to raise Tibaltuous if at all possible. A diamond would be required.

They note a smaller dragon sleeping it appears on the top of a ruined building in the flooded village near the pipe shop. That.. would be their next target. After exploring the dragon's lair.

Their ally Gothi the ranger still at the tower loads everyone on board and flies the tower out of sight of the ruined village and smaller dragon resting there. The Fellowship return to the monastery and Gothi lands the tower. 

The acidic mist had receded.. now either rest or explore.. all were wounded and fatigued. As well their good friend and ally Tibaltuous the bard still dead.

What next for the Redwater Fellowship?

Entering the Dragon's Lair

 

Location: the Lortmill mountains - former Duchy of Ulek. Near the village of  Hallowuud

Date: 20th of Reaping, High Summer

The RedWater Fellowship:

Doc Holliday - Male 1/2 Orc | Gunslinger/Paladin

Nenwin Albion - Male Aasimar | Paladin

Graxxuzzaz - Male Lizard-folk | Sorcerer

Tibaltuous -  Male 1/2 elf | Bard/Rogue/Warrior

Hester - Male Tabaxi | Cleric

The Fellowship gather in he control room, Lukann is recovered a little, still unconscious. The tower's demonic engine has drained his lifeforce down to near death. The once Master mage in the fullness of life, is now an ancient man seemingly in his 90s. [he has 2 hit points MAX now]. All his knowledge and power is gone. Divine level or a wish spell could potentially restore him. The party make the man has comfortable as possible as they all take stock of their recent retaken tower from the drow elves.

The Flying tower has enough energy in the reserves to probably fly about 300 miles. The rumoured dragon's lair is about 100 miles away to the South. This will probably use about 70% of the energy. The small librarian goes back to the library, and starts to clean up - using a mage hand spell.

Graxxuzzaz notes a figure appear nearby in the crater. As the tower hovers over the lake, a grey skin man with angelic wings and a ghostly halo drifts down from the sky, landing in the crater. He looks around as if searching for something before his eyes drift to the armored drow elf lying submerged in the bottom of the lake. He floats towards the dead elf, hovering over him, gives the man a prayer before looking at the great sword lying in the clear water stuck into the silt, blade 1st. He picks up the sword water cascading down the blade, while giving another prayer and what appears to be a salute to the dead drow elf. 

"I will carry this sword with honor, I pray your.. troubled spirit goes to a better place, than the one you

strived to fight for in life."

The humanoid holds his hands together gripping the hilt - sword blade up as he turns around, flying up towards the tower. "As I take this gift with me, you will not be forgotten." 

The party move down to the ground floor and meet this new person warily, warily, weapons at the ready. 

After some dialogue, this is Nenwin - a male Aasimar paladin of Heironeous who had been hunting the drow anti-paladin. Delighted the tasks was done, he is intrigue by the group. An offer is made for Nenwin to join them and hearing of this evil black dragon lair being the next location the Fellowship heading towards, agrees to adventure with them.

Discussion was made on Graxx's continued - or recent - denial to 1 god, another denial to a demon lord and take up of a 3rd elder being. [DM blogpost]

The party then rest and recuperate as Gothi and Graxxuzzaz fly the tower South towards this black dragon's lair.

Doc notices that the formerly glum gargoyle, is gone and then sees Gargoyle is gone. Figure of a gargoyle on the shelf, as well, the door is gone he was guarding. This door led to a layer or area of the Abyss.

Newwin learns a great deal about the Holy/unholy blade he now has. It appears to suck the soul of the dying wielder into the blade as part of the sentience it has. Nenwin is soon speaking to the enraged former anti-paladin, recently killed in the battle, now part of the two-handed sword's sentience. 

Avenger's Blade +5 to hit/damage

• Dispel magic - If hit is 5 above AC - opponent wisdom save (DC18) or have magic affect drained (ie spell cast. If no spells or effects in use, will drain a spell or ability (until long rest) - random. Wielder is healed d10 hp. 

• Retribution if opponent misses in melee, wielder can use reaction to make melee swing at opponent. This can be used twice between short/long rests

• If knocked to 0 (& con fail save DC18 - 3 times) , sword drains soul of wielder to be next sentient intelligence of sword

The tower flies without incident tot he noted area. Then Tibaltuous and Nenwin fly out as the tower lands to explore the area. The two note a destroyed village with only one building still standing. A wispy smoke comes from the chimney.

The area - called the Old Hills - gnomish and dwarven mines, copper and rubies were found. This looks to be the village of Checcar nearby, dragon repeatedly attacked until remaining folks fled. The party note a flow of putrid acidic flow from upstream has infused the river and streams so no fish or other creature can live in or near it. Except.. one.

Tibaltuous and Nenwin see what was once a natural dam further up stream was destroyed by the acidic flows it appears to the point it burst through and flooded part of the village. Some died that night, most left the next day.

The single building was the smoke trail has a sign over the door: Percy's Smoker Pipes

Tibaltuous land and knock on the door. After some back and forth dialogue, a 1/2ling opens the door slightly and speaks to the party warily at 1st. One arm is a melted ruin, has a metal armlet that can take various tools attached. His long hair tied back in a pony tail. It seems the party has found their dragon. The dragon - Zemycran - likes smoking hobbit leaf weed so allows the hobbit to stay and continue his business. Percy a farmer and pipe maker is most open with the two heroes telling them of the destruction as well as the monastery up river where the dragon makes their lair. 

It seems that the halfling has some good information on the dragon. "Whatever he wants he gets, so that makes him very reasonable."

The halfling tells the two of a variety of pipeweed and pipes he sells.

His pipeweeds - besides some basic standard types..:

• Hobbiton Glimmerroot - allows a person to see in the dark up to 20' for 1 hour after smoking a pipeful

• Mossglen Blend

• Duskwood Twists - hallucinogenic 

• Shadewell Leaf

• Twilight Briar

• Wyrmbane Whiff - masks pain, gives +1 on CON checks for 1 hour after smoking a pipeful

• Fallowshade Blend

Other than standard smoking pipes he has some unique ones created:

1. The Hollowthorn

A pipe carved from the gnarled wood of an ancient thornbush, its twisted stem mimics the shape of the plant’s spiny branches. The Hollowthorn is said to imbue its smoke with a subtle, calming effect, like the whisper of a forest breeze. Smokers often speak of a faint aroma of moss and earth that lingers in the air, evoking the deep, secretive groves of the wilderness.

2. The Ironroot

Crafted from the root of a long-dead tree imbued with the essence of iron, this pipe has a strong, metallic finish. Its bowl is dark and pitted, as if scorched by time itself. Smokers claim that the Ironroot pipes channel an intense warmth, filling the lungs with a deep, rich smoke that feels like fire without the burn. It's favored by those seeking strength in both the pipe and the spirit.

3. The Moonlit Bowl

This pipe has a bowl that shimmers with an iridescent sheen, as though kissed by the light of a full moon. It is carved from bone-like material, polished to a soft luster. Legend says that the Moonlit Bowl helps the smoker see beyond the veil of the mundane, offering glimpses of hidden truths. The smoke it produces is light and fragrant, with notes of lavender and night-blooming jasmine.

4. The Thornspike

A pipe with a dark, jagged stem that tapers to a sharp, almost dangerous point. The Thornspike is rumored to be crafted from the wood of trees that grow on the border of the Faewood, where the mortal and magical worlds meet. It is said that the pipe’s pointed tip draws out the most potent and rare tobacco leaves, producing a heady smoke with an almost otherworldly, enchanting quality. Those who smoke from it often report heightened senses and vivid dreams.

5. The Emberstone

Carved from volcanic stone - from an active volcano in the Jotun mountains far to the West. This pipe feels cool to the touch but retains heat longer than most. The bowl is naturally etched with veins of glowing orange, reminiscent of the embers deep within a hearth. When lit, the Emberstone crackles gently as if the fire itself is contained within. The smoke it produces is warm and smoky, with a hint of sulfur and charcoal, perfect for those who seek a grounding, earthier experience.

Each of these pipes carries its own story, enhancing the ritual of pipe smoking with history, magic, and atmosphere.

The two take their leave and then head towards the monastery. Ready for anything. 

Percy had advised that there was a way to get into the lair through a stream behind or near some waterfalls. 

They know from speaking with Percy and some lore from Tibaltuous' days in the bardic college that the Monastery of Kinros - a monk of the goddess Ulaa - known as Saint Kinros built the sacred place.

Ulaa, a Lawful Good deity of Life and War, has the symbol of a Mountain with a circle at heart. Ulaa is the dwarven goddess of Hills, Mountains, and Gemstones. Her holy symbol is a mountain with a ruby heart; she places rubies in the earth as gifts to miners

Saint Kinros discovered the healing powers of the hot springs, but the secret was lost once the dragon.

The dragon's lair now is the former monastery, built over a number of caverns filled with hot springs area 

The over 300 year old monastery was renown for the healing waters of the springs. Many would take the long trek into the hills to visit the renown monastery. There was also mining going on for rubies as well as copper.

Over 50 years ago, a black dragon ravaged the area, destroying the small town, and laying waste to all the surrounding area. Multiple forays by Ulek forces have tried to remove and kill the dragon, but have been unsuccessful. Any of the warriors who returned were burned/melted and speak of the horror of their comrades being melted before their eyes, even in full armour and shield. It seems the acidic breath of the dragon is quite powerful against metals of most types.

The two make a pass over the destroyed monastery, mostly a ruin now. They also note an area nearby where two streams converge with waterfalls and the water is heavily tainted with green or yellow. The air becomes hard to breathe, a caustic mist burns at every breath.

The party finished their scouting return to the Fellowship and the grounded flying tower. The Fellowship prepare to take on a Black dragon in HIS lair. 

Leaving Gothi to keep the tower safe, the party set out towards the monastery following the tainted stream. all start to feel the affects of the caustic air burning with each breath. Coming up to the dual waterfall they see what looks like a yawning cavern between the two waterfalls, a flow of yellowish-green fluid dripping down into the small lake area and then flowing downstream. 

Venturing into the waters, it appears there is an underwater passage - quite large - the party are able to follow and then finally come out of and break the surface of the caustic water. After coming across what

look to be mining tunnels as well as melted skeletons and more, they come into a large cavern with pools of acid all around. Then the dragon appears. It is not large, perhaps a young one, the lair is supposed to have a number of dragons or offspring. Then a booming voice calls out to the party echoing down the halls. The dragon seems like he wants to parley, but in the end the heroes realize this is a ruse and don't fall for the trap.

Waiting for their moment, the Fellowship attack from surprise and start to cut the dragon down, then draconian warriors appear, to defend the dragon and attack the heroes. These black metallic scaled

humanoids fight to the fiercely and many to the death. 

Then as the battle appears to be going well, the black dragon.. appears from a passage nearby.

The battle rages as the heroes destroy one after another of the draconian servants, but more keep coming. Then at what looks like a dire moment, Graxxuzzaz calls out calls a demonic debt and summons the leader of the demonic horde that took Axegard. The cloud giant - Chief Tomklagg - had made a pact for his life to come the Fellowship's aid once. [DM: Blogpost] 

This was a defining moment in the battle now, allowing the party to focus and attack the dragon's servants while the cloud giant fights with Zemycran.

Then, Tibaltuous is in the claw of the dragon, Doc summons his nightmare and takes a trickshot at the dragon and hitting the scaly claw holding the bard, and Zemycran drops Tibaltuous who crashes to not moving.

Nenwin slices a draconian in half and moves onwards to the dragon!

Hester casts a healing spell on Tibaltuous and this brings the bard back from death's door, insulting the dragon from his resting place on the ground.

The massive head of the dragon turns towards the bard, then the gunslinger, then the priest, then the sorcerer and then the paladin and finally the giant. All resolute on his death. 

Until next time!