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!