Several days after returning to Drellin's Ferry, Captain Eoni, as Marklin once referred to her in equal measure jest and respect, has seen to all the complicated logistics involved with outfitting the expedition. As often happens during such efforts, there is much waiting around punctuated by brief periods of activity. Soldiers often refer to this phenomenon as 'Hurry Up and Wait'. On the plus side, Eoni and Vaxfar have funneled a significant amount of coin into the local economy, and its citizens are all too eager to capitalize on this sudden windfall. In any event, the expedition is properly outfitted and ready to move out at the next first light.

The troop now consists of:

Eoni, Cleric of Avandra and Dame of Brindol
Vaxfar, Elf, Hunter of the Tiri Kitor tribe, and Honorary Elf-Lord of Brindol
Dergan, the Sell-sword of the Distant East
Elam, the Albino Wizard
Ovo Goldenshield, the Dwarf, Outcast, and Axe for Fire
Laurenbeth, the spirited leader of a small mercenary band
Shmee, the fashionable and friendly mercenary
Rogar, the burly mercenary of few words
Grub, the whispering and unkempt mercenary
Murphy, the brown guard dog and Grub's best friend

Sadly, Taerix and Valthur could not be coaxed out of retirement, but both sent their regards and best wishes. Sarah...no word. Hopefully she is well, wherever she might be...

Double sadly, Eoni earned no pledges of assistance from Lord Guidry either. It is what it is, as the saying goes.

***

Morning comes early, the blanket of night slowly pulled aside promising a warm start, hot and hazy mile upon mile, along the Dawn Way.

The expedition departs Drellin's Ferry well before the small town comes to life, but there are a few who watch the line of adventurers and mules as they ford the Elsir River and march away to the west.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Wed 29 July 2020.

"Why is that mangy dog following us?" Dame Daflin asked as they set out.  She liked animals as well as the next person, but the last thing they needed on this expedition was a dog that barked at every squirrel it imagined.

"Someone shoo it away before it gets too far from town."

Grub, who actually looks clean this morning, shoots Eoni a concerned look, looks back to the brown dog, and then retrieves a small morsel from a leather purse slung over his shoulder. He whistles once, twice, and the brown dog races to him, heels, and is promptly rewarded for her obedience.

He whispers to the dog:
_{"That's a girl, Murph, my little squirrel..."}

He then tips his soft cap to Eoni and hums tunelessly as the brown dog, apparently named Murphy, bounces along at his side.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Wed 29 July 2020.

"Don't feed it!" Eoni blurted in exasperation.  "Now we'll never get rid of it!

"Throw food in the bushes and maybe it will forget about us."

Grub flashes an exaggerated pouty face for a moment and goes back to humming a tune.

Laurenbeth walks up alongside Eoni and comments, "That's Murphy. You'll be glad of her when we make camp for the night. Not much chance of anything sneaking up on us with her on the job."

She laughs, then adds in a louder voice, "well, excepting the Essbeedees..."

This causes Rogar, Shmee, and Grub to laugh.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Wed 29 July 2020.

"What's an Esbeedy?" Dame Daflin asked, not having heard of one before.  It's possible they'd fought one before in the Wyrmsmoke without knowing it's name.

She was even more dubious of the ragamuffin dog knowing there was a creature impervious to it's perception.

"You tell her Grub," Laurenbeth says through a smiling mouth.

More chuckles.

Grub sheepishly shuffles forward and whispers, "silent but deadly."

More laughter.

Shmee is heard to comment, "walked right into it, she did!"

Grub smiles, and shuffles back off toward the side of the road. Nearby, Murphy snatches a low-flying bug out of the air and seems pleased with herself.

"I don't understand," she admitted in confusion.  "Silent but deadly what?  Is it a snake or leopard of some kind?"

And why were the others laughing?

“They are making a joke, Sister Eoni.  Clearly, they they do not understand the difficulty of the task ahead. Perhaps the dog will be useful, but that is to be seen.”  V had deep respect for Eoni for all they had been through.  He admired her leadership and had seen firsthand how instrumental she had been to his survival.   the mercenaries and new members had not yet shown their worth and seemed disrespectful and immature.

"Should our food supplies run low, the dog will certainly prove useful," Elam added dryly. His face gave no clue as to if it was said in jest or if he was serious.

Ovo had been oddly silent as the party forded the river and made their way down the Dawn Way. He listened to the banter of the other Mercenaries with a neutral expression. Ovo did not mind the dog. More useful than ten lords of Brindol, he thought. Of the all the troop, the dwarf had only fought alongside Dergan and Elam. He knew enough of Eoni and Varfax to trust their abilities, but these others were unknowns. Because of this fact, Ovo would watch these others much like the mangy hound was to do. If Laurenbeth had their watchdog, then so would Dame Eoni.

Once there was a lull in the conversation, Ovo approached the cleric of Avandra and cleared his throat "If I may have ah word Dame Daflin? How many healing potions did we procure in town? I have two wi' me n' I'd just as soon give them to ye. Tis best, we speak upon a few things as well. I am tough n' hard as the stone n' earth itself. I would be best used to that advantage. I will take the lead if ye'll give me that honor. That is why ye should hold them. If I fall, then ye would have wot's needed for the others. Ye understand... don't ye?"

Marching alongside the priestess, the dwarf certainly looked the warrior. He was wearing banded mail that had seen its use but also appeared well-tended. A solid but unadorned helm sat upon his head. A hand axe hung on his right hip and a silver dagger on his left. A backpack upon his shoulders and behind his back with a neatly fixed bedroll attached to the bottom. A double-headed war axe was held in his gnarled hands. Over his back was slung a golden shield with two dwarven runes in black inscribed upon it. His crossbow and quarrels would be placed on a mule if allowed.

After a pause and few more steps, Ovo looked Eoni in the eye "Does the goddess o' luck allow ye to wear armor then? Carry ah shield mayhaps?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Wed 29 July 2020.

"I could carry a shield and wear something heavier than this," she replied to the dwarf as she held out her arms to display her long padded jacket.  It was obviously elven in design with many leaves and flowers woven into the heavy cloth.  "But I've always found we do more walking than fighting.  I'd fall behind if I were to carry anything heavier.

"And I do try to stay out of the way if there is a fight," she added before confiding,  "I don't even have a weapon if I did have to fight."  She seemed to be discounting the ornately carved oaken staff she carried.

"You're more than welcome to take the van if trouble arises," she continued.  "Just don't get too far ahead of the others.  Our goal isn't to see how badly we can be beat up, but how badly we can beat those that attack us.

"As to your draughts, I can carry them if you'd like, but I have three already as well as this staff," she said, drawing attention to what she considered not a weapon.  "If we are in deep trouble, though, it's often helpful if more than one person can administer aid to others in the group.

"Maybe you could ask Elam to carry one of them and you keep the last?" she suggested.

[Private to Ovo Goldenshield: If you aren't doing it on purpose, please keep it up.  I think it would make a great character trait for Ovo to have difficulty with pronouncing names without realizing it, particularly elven ones.]

Dergan smiles at the dog, he likes dogs, but trudges along, seemingly in good spirits. He doesn't own a lot and what he has, he is used to carrying.  He's glad though the mules have the tents, those looked unwieldy to have to haul on ones back..

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 14):

The dwarf smiled when the priestess commented on why she did not wear heavy armor or don a shield. It was a most reasonable explanation to his mind and usually sore feet. Yet, Ovo had other reasons for asking such. Although Moradin was the one most dwarfs called to, he had taken a liking to Avandra himself nowadays. Luck and chance aided a mercenary as much as good steel and a strong arm to wield it.

Ovo hitched his thumb over his shoulder "The shield I carry tis ah good one, Dame Daflin. When I'm swing'n me axe, I canna use it. I am strong, aye! Yet, this axe takes two hands it does. There may be ah time when I will use it but nay often. During battle then, I would offer it up to ye... me thanks to Avandra ye see. N' the best way to keep yer bonny head where it belongs."

The dwarf then chuckled "To badly beat others afore they can badly beat ye, is it? Ye have me thanks for simplify'n such for this dull-witted dwarf. Aye! I'll have to remember that 'un." Ovo said, still smiling with a merry wink. "Ne'er fear M'lady, I 'll nay stray too far nor be o'er taken wi' battle madness. Tis ah smart and lucky fighter that wins the day.

"As fer the healing draughts... aye, I'll give Elam one since he be the weakest n' keep the other. Yet, if ye have need o' it, just ask. Just in case some such beats ye ah little harder than ye can do wi' that pretty white stick o' yers." Ovo said as he called Elam over.

Elam was contemplating his choice to journey so far as the the time passed by. Preventing the destruction of one's homeland was a good enough reason for most, but for the warlock, his motives were based on his own self-interest more so than saving the kingdom. Surely if a lowly goblin has the power to ride a mighty dragon, there must be some sort of magic at play. That is what the mage was hoping to discover more than anything, but to do so would require companions, and those he now had are quite capable.

He heard the dwarf call out his name and picked up his pace to join Ovo and Eoni. The wizard was breathing heavy from the small trot and seemed to lean a bit more on his staff than usual. "Yes?"

The dwarf gave the mage a nod "Ah Elam Mer*! I have ah gift for you. Once we stop upon our march I shall make sure ye have it. It is ah healing draught. I figure ye could use it more than me. I thank ye for buying that mule. Tis ah big help to us all. That n' know I shall do all to see ye safe there n' back."

---

*Mer= Friend in dwarvish.

As Elam and Ovo talked, Eoni looked back at the mule she was leading and frowned.  As much as she liked supporting the merchants of Drellin's Ferry, she realized while packing up this morning that she may have been taken advantage of.  If there'd been more time she could have double checked what was delivered, but it was too late by the time she'd noticed.

They'd sold her the expensive bedrolls which she hadn't thought were worth the exorbitant cost, but they claimed it was all they had in stock.  Or what they called their deluxe lamp oil that was supposed to last twice as long.  And for some reason, she was sure she'd told them nine of each, but they'd sent and billed her for ten!

She'd just have to see if she'd really been sold the best equipment, or if the merchants thought there'd be nobody to complain after seeing them ride north.

The blazing, unrelentless sun marches across the sky as the expedition treks westward along the Dawn Way. The group largely spends their time in long periods of silence with nothing but the sound of footfalls on hot cobblestones worn smooth over the centuries. These lulls are punctuated by periods idle banter among the new companions. Already, some are forming opinions of the quality of the men and women who have signed up for this quest, but in truth, the true measure of each will only be known in the days to come.

The group passes numerous established campsites and watering holes along the way. This countryside largely consists of low brush and clusters of salt willows and river birch along the Elsir. The glittering reflection of the broad River is never too far from the road, its cool waters offering a bit of respite from the relentless heat.

At some point, as dusk approaches, the company elects to stop at a caravaners camp. Judging by the state of its fire rings, the site was used as recently as two days ago. But tonight, the group has it all to themselves. Presumably, the group sets up tents, sees to other sundry duties, and establishes a watch rotation through the night. Everyone in the party seems well acquainted with this routine and the hired mercenaries readily contribute without fuss.

A low fire is soon crackling in the firepit as the sun sets and the stars explode overhead. One by one, after all have had their fill of food and drink, the party retires to their tents, eager for a night's rest after a long day on the road...

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Having no reason to suspect that anyone would infiltrate the camp (and having heard promises about the four-legged sentry's prowess), Eoni is surprised to find someone in her tent.

It is a teenaged girl, slightly above five feet in height, with blonde-ish hair braided in the back.  She wears well-made clothes that appear to have a bit of "elvish flair" to their workmanship, and she paces back and forth while whispering to herself, apparently lost in thought.

When Eoni enters, the girl's pacing stops, but she makes no effort to run or hide.  Instead, she looks at the priestess.  And, despite being the trespasser, she looks a little surprised and uncertain.  She bites her lip, takes in a breath and says softly: "Eoni . . . "

It appears that more was to follow, but despite apparently rehearsing for this moment, the girl's words trail off.]

Ovo made sure the camp was secure before sitting down to eat and quench his thirst. Then for a while, he took his whetstone to the blade of his axe. This always seemed to relax the dwarf and he knew one's ability to fight was only as good as his weapon. When finished, Ovo cleared his throat.

"I was think'n o' those who should stand watch n' when. Fer the first, mayhaps Laurenbeth n' meself could do this. The second could be Dergan n' Rogar. This might be best. On the morrow, we could have Laird Vaxfur n' Lakshmi, n' fer the second Elam n' Grub. Now the reason for the pair'n be while stand'n our watch we could get to know one another as well. Wot say ye Dame Dalfin? Does me watch choices meet yer like'n?"

[Private to Eoni Daflin: I like what you said. Let's see how long it is before Vaxfar notices.]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Thu 30 July 2020.

"That sounds like a good starting point," Dame Daflin agreed with the dwarf's watch rotation.  "When am I on watch?  And why does it look like I have an entire tent to myself?"

She hadn't been paying attention as they'd put up the three tents, but she did notice they'd unloaded most of the long term supplies into one tent along with her bedroll, while everyone else made their beds in the other two.

---

[Private to Sarah: Eoni hadn't recognized the girl, but that voice.  The way she'd said her name.

After a moment to look her over, the Sister said flatly to the young woman, "I like your outfit."  She tried not to smile.

The little girl had definitely grown up.  There'd no longer be that temptation to comb the girl's hair while she slept, either.  Well... mostly.]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah lets out an awkward, relieved chuckle as she looks down to survey herself.  "It's the outfit the elves gave us.  It still fits, but I rarely wear it.  It seemed right, somehow, to wear it to . . . "

She looks back to Eoni's unsmiling face.  Perhaps misinterpreting it, she realizes she's babbling.  About clothes.  She takes in a deep breath and exhales and appears to be near tears. "Oh, Eoni, I'm so sorry . . . for running out after Brindol . . . for the things I hid from you and the others . . . I just couldn't . . . couldn't stay . . . couldn't tell . . . "

That's all she can get out.  She folds her arms and bites her lip, devoting her energies to maintaining whatever control over her emotions she has left.]

---

[Private to Sarah: "Would it be all right if I hugged you?" she asked, holding out her arms to the young woman.  This time, she did smile.]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah chokes back what could have been an avalanche of tears.  She moves (something more than a walk, but much less than a run) to accept Eoni's embrace.  Once there she does her best to lean her head onto the taller woman's shoulder as she murmurs "I'm so sorry . . . and I missed you so much . . . "]

---

[Private to Sarah: "It's all right," Eoni soothed the young woman while stroking her hair.  "I knew you'd be all right, but I missed you too.

"You should have heard how Valthur wanted to search the whole city looking for you after you'd left.  He was sure you'd been kidnapped."]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: As there has been no recrimination and conversation has turned to lighter matters, Sarah lets out another relieved laugh.  "I miss him too.  I always liked you two the most. I'd hoped that what I'd done . . . what I'd left, would tell you that I left on my own."

Sarah sighs.  "But when I got word of your plans and your need for help, I thought I owed you to come and help if I could, but I had to make sure it was real.  And I wasn't sure if you'd . . . want me."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:27, Thu 30 July 2020.

---

[Private to Sarah: "Of course I wanted your help," Eoni said, releasing Sarah to hold her at arms length, "but you don't owe us anything.  We all worked together, supporting each other, to get the job done.  You worked as hard as anyone else and earned your place among us.  And you have a right to live your life wherever you want.

"I don't begrudge Valthur and Taerix for living their lives, and I won't blame you for living yours.  Though I'm very happy to see you again, almost all grown up."

She finally released her to take another look at who she'd become.]

PM
[Private to Eoni Daflin:
Sarah releases her hold.  There's a bit of a hesitation and, for a moment, a look of mild surprise on her face, as if she was expecting more of an interrogation.  But that lasts not more than a second and is replaced with a sheepish grin as she holds her hands out, palms up, as of if to announce "Here I am!"


She's clearly no longer the dirty, emaciated child she was all those years ago.  She's matured into a young woman of approximately 17 or 18, grown a few inches and cleaned up considerably.  And she seems to display a bit more confidence.  At least, she appears more willing to look someone in the eye than Eoni may have remembered.]

---

[Private to Sarah: Suddenly wary, Eoni looked around before asking, "You didn't bring your boyfriend with you?"]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah looks confused, but just for a second; she quickly realizes (or at least believes) that Eoni is joking with her and smiles.

"No, there's no boyfriend.  Haven't seen many, and not really looking for that.  An' those I have seen, if they don't take 'go' for an answer . . . well, they're quickly persuaded to move along."]

---

[Private to Sarah: "So you're here to join our march on Azur Kul?" Eoni finally asked.]

Elam chuckled. "If you are uncomfortable, I am used to being the odd man out and do not mind sleeping in a tent crowded with supplies."

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah's smile fades to be replaced with a look of seriousness befitting the gravity of the matter.  "I don't know what is involved, and I don't know the details.  But I heard what you said in town.  You're convinced that it needs to be done, and I trust you.  And I owe you, even if you say I don't. So if you think I can help, and if you'll have me, yes -- I want to join you."

The words are delivered with such conviction and certainty that if Eoni weren't watching Sarah utter them she might not have believed they came from the girl's mouth.]

"I was just thinking perhaps I'd be bunking with Larenbeth," Dame Daflin replied.  "Unless Vaxfar has said otherwise, I don't believe that I snore.  But if she'd prefer to bunk with the others, I won't argue."

---

[Private to Sarah: "We can most certainly use you," Eoni replied.  "Without Taerix, we're short our scout.

"Do you think you could scout for us once we get closer?"

She stored away the fact Sarah had heard her speech at Drellin's Ferry and wondered if the young woman had anything to do with the additional supplies they'd received.]

Before turning in for the night, Laurenbeth makes it pretty clear she will be bunking with her boys, as she often refers to them. "I'll keep an eye on them and make sure they behave themselves," she says with the hint of a smile.

"C'mon boys. Rogar, Shmee, Grub. You too Murph. Leave Dame Eoni alone. She aint a dog person, as much as you want it to be. She aint."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:05, Thu 30 July 2020.

"Okay," the bear of man says while rising from the stump he had been sitting on.

He takes another swig of watered-down wine as he tromps back toward the tent, passes through the tent flap, and disappears inside.

Shmee, Grub, and Murphy follow shortly thereafter. Murphy circles nervously outside the tent flap before finally plopping down, unceremoniously. She exhales deeply and has a concerned look on her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Thu 30 July 2020.

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah smiled.  "Of course I can do that.  Although, I suspect that won't be all that's necessary.  And I have all my gear, and some supplies, so I'll be ready to break camp with you in the morning." ]

---

[Private to Sarah: "You're staying here with me tonight, right?" Eoni asked hopefully.  Everyone else seemed to be avoiding her.

"You can tell me whether one of these expensive bedrolls is better than what you have," she added, waving at the extra bedrolls in with the supplies.]

"It does not matter to me where I sleep.  I am fine with the suggested watch rotation."  He said gruffly.  He wasn't thrilled about getting instructions from a dwarf but he had grown more of tolerance of them out of respect for Valthur.

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah's planning hadn't gone far enough to consider where she'd be sleeping.  "Sure," she says, accepting Eoni's invitation.  "As long as you let me join you on your watch.  As for the bedrolls, I don't know if those are better than my old bedroll, which I'm sure will do just fine, particularly if we're inside a tent."

She looks around, as if trying to convince herself that her surroundings aren't a mirage.

]

After watch rotations and sleeping arrangements are resolved to everyone's satisfaction, the party settles in for the evening.

Dawn breaks. The camp slowly comes to life as a new day begins.

At some point in the early morning hours, as the party is breaking their campsite, even the least observant will notice a new member in their midst.

A young woman who is decidedly not Eoni, emerges from Eoni's tent.

Murph wags her tail upon seeing the newcomer and makes high-pitched whining noises that make her excitement abundantly clear.

OOC: Enter Sarah...

The young lady who emerges from Eoni's tent appears to be approximately 17 or 18, a few inches above five feet, with blonde hair in a braid.  She's wearing ordinary clothes; i.e., no armor, but has leather "sleeves" on her arms and bracers on her wrists.  The sleeves -- and her belt -- hold various weapons.  Mostly daggers, although there is a sword at her side.  A dagger can be seen on her boots, apparently slid into a sheath made for that purpose.  On her back is a crossbow; it appears that she could reach and use it quite readily.  She causally carries a rather large pack.

The girl looks slightly nervous, encountering so many people she has never met.  She puts her pack on the ground, bends down and busies herself with scratching Murph's ears.  Feeling less obvious and exposed she peers about and spies another face she knows, which gives her the courage to speak.

"Hello, Vaxfar.  And hello everyone else.  My name is Sarah.  I'm . . . coming along on this journey."

Observing the dog's antics, Dame Daflin looks accusingly at Sarah.  "Did you feed that dog?"

Sarah smiles.  "It isn't the first guard I've had to bribe," she explains.  She then addresses Murph: "Who's a good dog?  You're a good dog, aren't you?  Yes you are; yes you are."

"And I think you may have dropped this," Eoni said, pulling out a Benevolent Medallion of the Lion.  It had been floating around the bottom of her pack for quite a few years next to hers.

"Dame Sarah," she added pointedly with a smile.  It still rankled her that Lord Jarnath had called her Sarah the Rogue.  She'd set it right.

The tall warrior stumbles out from the tent which is far too small for him and stretches.  When young lady comes out of the tent, he looks confused.  Was she with them all this time and he hadn't noticed, or was their watch so poor a child wondered into camp and no one noticed.  Great news that would be.  When she is introduced, he runs his fingers through his beard and quickly begins putting his things in order for travel, keeping his eyes averted from the one they called Sarah.

Sarah stops scratching the dog's ears and looks at the Medallion of the Lion.  She looks at it as if it were a ghost.  Slowly she stands up and, after a very brief moment, walks to Eoni.

"Thank you," she says, as she takes the medallion.  She looks at it for just a moment as if contemplating it, then puts it in her own pack.

In reply to Sarah (msg # 44):

“Hello Sarah.when did you join us and how have you been?  You look well.  Good to see that you have joined us as we will need all the help we can get.”  Vaxfar was pleasantly surprised to see Sarah.   She had clearly grown and matured since he last saw her.  It was comforting to see another familiar face.

In reply to Sarah (msg # 44):

Ovo came out of the tent and stood next to Dergan, battle-axe in his hands. He eyed the tall human for a heartbeat or three before scowling. Seeing that this woman was neither Eoni nor Laurenbeth, the dwarf deduced she was new. When the young lady introduced herself, Ovo knew the name. Their company now had another member of the original Trailblazers with them, Sarah. Though inwardly, the dwarf was quite happy to have Sara join them but outwardly... not so much! The thief had snuck into their camp and even made friends with the dog!

Asmodeus' arse if I ain't ah fool!

"Well met Sarah! Me name be Ovo Goldenshield n' I'm at yer service. Tis most wonderful to have ye join us. Yet, ye joined us unawares. So? How did ye do it? Magic mayhaps? We must be know'n lass! So that the Wrymlairds minions' canna do the same. Does ye see that wot I'm say'n be the truth o' the matter?" the dwarf's scowl retreated just a tad as he turned to the fire-haired mercenary. "N' ye? Tell me one gud reason I should nay let Elam eat that mut n' save us a day's ration fer hard times?"

"Thank you Vaxfar; I have been well, I suppose.  I came into your camp last night, while you were eating.  I had to . . . talk to Eoni first.  And as for how I did it,"

Sarah turns to Ovo. "No magic.  I just snuck in."

She says it simply, as if the explanation is obvious.

Dergan leans over to the dwarf when he comes to stand next to him, and speaks quietly to him, but looks worried.

[Private to Ovo Goldenshield: Ovo, how much to do know of Sarah, of her past?  I fear if I tell her my own, she never trust me.]

Laurenbeth emerges from her tent, her frizzy hair especially unruly. Upon seeing Sarah in the camp, conversing with Vaxfar, she shoots Murphy a look of mock reproach.

"This girl better be one of them Essbeedee's or else I'm of a mind to give you a what'for," she says as the walks up to the brown dog and playfully scruffs her neck.

"You letting Essbeedees into camp, huh?" she says.

After the 'scolding' is complete, Laurenbeth will introduce herself to Sarah, and the remainder of her crew as they emerge from tent.

Elam finished his morning studies and emerged from his tent just as the dwarf was threatening to have the mage eat the dog. "Hold on. Hold on." The wizard raised his hands in protest and hastened his pace. "There is no need to eat that mongrel while we have plenty of rations available. But if that should change..."

Elam reached Ovo and could see the frustration in the dwarf's eyes. He followed Ovo's gaze and noticed the newcomer for the first time. It didn't take but a moment for the astute wizard to deduce that Ovo was mostly angry with himself at not having been aware of someone entering camp on his watch. "Ovo, my friend. It is likely the Dame here slipped in while you were emptying your bladder of all the ale. Clearly, a simple mongrel is easy to bribe with a small morsel of food. Besides, having someone capable of such sneakery could come in useful to scout ahead as we approach the Wyrmlord's stronghold." Elam turned to the newcomer. "I am Elam, welcome." He bowed.

[Private to Ovo Goldenshield: "We shall keep a close eye on that one and our possessions," he whispered in to the dwarf's ear.]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Fri 31 July 2020.

Sarah inclines her head slightly (a sort of "head bow") and responds to Elam in a friendly tone: "Thank you Elam."

She seems to not react in any particular way to Elam's appearance.

Ovo stood there tightlipped for a number of heartbeats. Face still beet red... the color of the dwarf's cropped beard. Before he could answer Dame Sarah, Dergan spoke to him. Ovo's brows shot heavenward before the dwarf leaned in to reply to the lanky fighter.[Private to Dergan: I know she be a rogue n' ah gud one at that. That she helped win the war to boot. I nay know much else. Ye nay need be ashamed. Your steel is needed and true enough to me mind.]
Then Laurenbeth gave the dog a reprimand, though much of it seemed to be play-acting to the already angry dwarf. Elam, at first, seemed to understand the reason for the dwarf's ire but furthered pumped the bellows of the forge by implying the dwarf had drunk overmuch! Ovo nodded that the mutt had been easy to bribe which made things to his mind even worse.

Ovo waited, impatiently, as Sarah acknowledged Elam's greeting and gave one in turn then spoke again "Snuck in did ye! That says much indeed. Aye! That ye be most talented at sneek'n n' we be most woeful at detect'n such. Now then wot if the Wyrmlairds have some such just as gud as ye Dame Sarah? I'll tell ye wot... let's jus slit our throats n' save us ah week's march n' sore feet besides. If we be serious about defeat'n these blackguards we'd best be better at do'n so. I nay be angry at ye Dame Sarah. Nay! It's meself who swore too keep these gud folk safe. Tis me job n' me honor that ye should question."

A absent hand tugged at his cropped beard "Honor be an easy thing to lose dame n' e'er harder to reclaim. Yer life n' that o' all ye gud folk once lost... is harder still."[Private to Elam: Ovo simply nodded to the mages assement.]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Fri 31 July 2020.

Sarah initially appears slightly taken aback by Ovo's outburst, and despite his words disclaiming anger toward her she shoulders some responsibility.  Somewhat subdued, she says:

"I'm sorry; I'll try to make it up to you.  I just . . . really needed to talk to Eoni first."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Fri 31 July 2020.

Shmee emerges from the from the tent last, his departure accelerated by the fact Laurenbeth, Rogar, and Grub begin disassembling it while their companion is still inside. He stumbles outside the tent with only one leg in his trousers, the other flailing about wildly. He falls to the ground in a heap of dust and a chorus of laughter from his companions.

"Alright! Alright! I was getting up!" he says in protest while fumbling to get decent. He looks up and sees Eoni and Sarah standing nearby and curses to himself.

"Sorry ladies," he says while wriggling his trousers fully on, his eyes sweeping slowly over Sarah.

The bufoonery complete, Shmee lends a hand to his companions and they make quick work of the tent and are soon assisting others, where necessary.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Fri 31 July 2020.

In reply to Sarah (msg # 58):

Ovo swallowed hard and gave Sarah a bow "Ye nay need be do'n such things... such as make'n things up to me. I'll be just as happy keep'n yer head on yer shoulders n' yer blood in yer veins. Do that lass n' I'll be very pleased indeed."

As Ovo rose with a wink "Though me tone may have ye believe otherwise, I be most honored to meet ye Dame Sarah."

At Shmee's buffoonery Ovo shakes his head but when the upstart gave her the once over, Ovo crossed his brawny arms over his broad chest. His double bladed axe leaning against his body.

"Ye best be keep'n yer eyes on tasks that need be do'n lad. Sarah n' Eoni be Dames o' Brindol. Nay tavern wenches to be looked o'er like ah hound in heat. Mind yer manners if ye will."

Dergan looks down at his feet again after speaking with Ovo, like child that was just told something it didn't want to hear.  After a few moments, he looks up at Sarah, his greenish eyes looking innocent.

"Best you hear it from me, though I come from across land and sea farther East than this valley, I lived and worked the boats along Lake Ern in Dennovar for many years, your name is known to me."

Sarah's demeanor changes drastically: she laughs uproariously.

The sound seems particularly strange to Eoni and Vaxfur; rarely, if ever, had she laughed before.

But before she can explain what is so hilarious . . .



. . . her laughter stops and she looks anxious; borderline afraid.  She takes a step back

"Wh-what have you heard?"

"Don't be silly." Elam said to the tall fighter. "Surely, we've all heard a tale or two of the Trailblazers, including those of Sarah the Rogue... err Dame Sarah."

Sarah seems more concerned about Dergan's comments than Elam's, and she still seems uneasy.  "Is . . . is that all you heard?  Nothing . . . else?"

Ovo was a bit surprised at Sarah's laughter. Whether it was at what he said or perhaps something she knew that made mockery of it, the dwarf was uncertain. Ovo smiled regardless for it was a sweet sound to his ears whatever the meaning behind it was. When Dergan spoke his piece and was answered by Dame Sarah, Ovo shot his friend and fighter a look of caution but said naught for the moment. When Elam spoke, the dwarf nodded.

"Elam be right n' wise. We've all heard ah a tale or three. Mayhaps ye two would rather speak in private? Right after we get this camp straight n' ourselves fit fer walking."

Sarah nods, even though she clearly is still somewhat ill at ease over . . . something.  She backs a step further to her pack, retrieves it, and goes to stand near Eoni.  Quietly.

And whatever caused her laughter seems to have been forgotten.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Fri 31 July 2020.

Dergan remains very still, and finally looks back to Ovo,  "Yes, we can talk more on the way".  And he turns his attention to breaking camp.

"We'll eat on the road and have a hot lunch," Dame Daflin called out.  "Make ready to leave as soon as we can."

She wasn't overly concerned with Sarah's skittishness.  The girl, young woman, had grown up, but still had a few of her old habits.

After the excitement of Sarah's sudden appearance during the first evening out on the road, the next three days prove mostly uneventful.

The first four days of travel are quite sweltering with nary a cloud to blot out the sun blazing overhead. The group encounters no travelers along the road and, save for a few wake of vultures circling the Thornwaste to the south and the incessant biting flies that seem to be the hallmark of the 'adventuring lifestyle', the party see very little other signs of life. Long, hot, travel days followed by warm evenings beside low-banked fires with tales told of long ago.

The Wyrmsmokes loom beyond a roll of broken brown hills to the right, rising steadily into a range of craggy and blasted low mountains. Plumes of ash and smoke rise from deep within the mountains, these, some folk believe, the exhalations of a slumbering ancient red dragon. Perhaps the adventurers scan the sky from time to time expecting to see a wyrm soaring in the distance, but no dragons are seen.

After the fourth day, the party turn northward, ford the river and begin following a rocky mostly dry river bed that snakes its way through the heart of the Wyrmsmoke--Wyrmwash, it's called. A broken footpath flanks either side of the wash, brown hills rising away to the west and east. There is evidence of flooding throughout the steep ravine, but fortunately there are few clouds in the sky and little risk of thunderstorms. At least now.

In any event, there is nothing to be done for it, so the group moves on over the rocky trail. Toward the end of the fifth day, while the adventurers are beginning to think about possible camp sites, Sarah and perhaps Vaxfar (who had likely been scouting ahead), spot a group of eight hobgoblins up ahead, along the trail, gathering water from a spring.

OOC: Let's assume the 8 hobgoblins are about 300 feet ahead of the party. They have large wooden casks with them and appear to be filling them from the stream. It is now about 1 hour before sunset and the majority of the expedition has not come into view of the hobgoblins yet (obscured by rock formations), but Sarah and Vaxfar can see both the party and hobgoblins.

"We need to let the others know before they are spotted.  Stay here and watch'em."

Doing what she can to stay blocked from the hobgoblin's view, she quietly sprints to the party to alert them.

"They're gathering water, so they're heading back to the camp, no doubt."

Vaxfar agrees and whispers to Sarah.  [Private to Sarah: I will become invisible so you may not see me when you come back.  I will move closer to learn more about them and their intentions.]

[Private to DM Pawn: I cast an invisibility spell.  I’ll then move quietly within range 60’,I think for the esp spell. I’ll cast that so I learn what they are thinking.  I’ll have my wand ready.]

Ovo pondered what Sarah had told them "Well, we have but two choices... kill them or let them pass on. If we do attack and nay slay them all, the hobgobs will warn the others. If we do slay them all and they nay report back, others will come to look for the reason why."

Ovo scratched his cropped bearded chin "How far away be we from where you lead us? If it is close, I say we attack. If it still be some distance... mayhaps let them go on and we slip by."

"They're about three hundred feet away.  Vaxfar is watching them; he said he was going to be invisible."

She ponders a second.  "We'd have the advantage of surprise, if we do it right.  They seem focused on gathering water.  And not likely they'd send eight warriors for that task.  Or, we could follow them; they'd lead us to the camp.  Assuming we want that piece of information."

She looks to Eoni.

"We've still three days of hard travel until we reach the trail leading to the Fane of Tiamat and our destination," Dame Daflin said.  "We'll let them be for now.

"Sarah," she said turning to their scout, "have Vaxfar follow them back to assess their condition and numbers.  There's not enough light left for us to get far from them, but see if you can find us a way past so that we may camp beyond their watering hole unaware.

"Ovo is right.  If they go missing now, they'll know someone is about.  But if you get into trouble, call out and we'll come up to support you."

Sarah nods, and races off.

She heads back to where she left Vaxfar.  Having been forewarned, she knows she won't be able to see him.  But she doesn't think she was gone that long; if the hobgoblins haven't finished their task and moved off, then Vaxfar is likely near where she left him.

The warlock listened to the details of the situation. "If they do approach, I can try to put them to sleep. But there is a chance that some of them may not be affected. Alternatively, I can create an area of invisibility to keep us from being seen as they pass" Elam pondered a bit longer, then shook his head. "Nevermind, I doubt we could get all the mules and everyone in close enough quarters for that to be effective."

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 74):

Ovo moved over to Elam's mule and gathered his heavy crossbow "Aye! Ready yer sleep spell Elam. E'en if we nay get them all it will improve our chances. We best hope they pass us by but if they nay do, we must slay them all n' hide the bodies best we can."

Ovo cranked the bow and took a quarrel from the case "If the rest o' ye have bows n' such make them ready. There be eight! Mark yer target well. Now be ready."

The dwarf moved forward a bit so if Sarah yelled he would not be far but kept his distance so he was still out of sight.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Sun 02 Aug 2020.

[Private to Vaxfar: Vaxfar invisibly stalks closer to the hobgoblins to get a better assessment. The group of eight hobgoblins are engaged in idle chit chat while filling water barrels. Three have already been filled, the fourth is being worked on.

The hobgoblins are light armored but have weapons available. None are currently brandishing weapons as they are quite simply, just filling water barrels or gossping. Conversation currently centers around a herd of wild mountain ponies they want to trap so they can use them to haul barrels. They are discussing the best way to do so.]

When Sarah returns to her previous vantage point, she no longer sees Vaxfar. The hobgoblins are still there and they are filling the last of the four barrels with water. This task only occupies two hobgoblins. The rest appear to be talking to one another or taking a break.

Dergan removes his long bow and sets the quiver to a position for easy grasping of arrows.  He stands and awaits whatever is to come.

Well, clearly the hobgoblins don't have Vaxfar -- not the way they're acting.  And she knows of no reason why Vaxfar would have moved.  So, she whispers:

"I don't know if you can hear me, Vaxfar, but if you can: Eoni wants you to follow them to assess their strength.  Give me a sign if you've heard me."

She pauses a few moments, then sets to her assignment: looking for a path around the watering hole.  If necessary, she will backtrack a bit to see if there's an alternate route.

[Private to DM Pawn:  As she does she keeps an eye on the hobgoblins and wonders: if she doesn't get confirmation that Vaxfar got the message, should she follow them herself?]

Pm [Private to DM Pawn: Vaxfar finds Sarah, drops a silver piece next to her and whispers to her “it’s, me, V. “  he relays what he knows and says he will be off.  Since the ESP spell works for 12 turns, let me know what Sarah is thinking and others in the group within range.  ]

Sarah picks her way through the rocky terrain to get closer to the watering hole and eventally hears Vaxfar before she sees him. As it turns out, invisibility does nothing to muffle sound and the loose stone and screen that are prevalent in the Wyrmwash make it trivial for Sarah to hear the elf.

But then she hears Vaxfar whisper something to her...

[Private to Vaxfar: OOC: Go ahead and whisper whatever it is you want to say to Sarah in a private/secret message.


As far as what the hobgoblins are thinking, it's a jumbled mess now because you are not concentrated on any one creature and just using it to sweep an area. The jumbled thoughts you pick up as follows:

My feet hurt
I wonder if that will really work?
My back hurts
I am hungry
I wonder where that elf is?
I wonder if those ponies taste good?
I hope I don't get stuck with this detail next week
Should I follow him?
What's for dinner?]

Pm[Private to Sarah: I will follow them and come back and report.  The hobgoblins are light armored but have weapons available. None are currently brandishing weapons as they are quite simply, just filling water barrels or gossping. Conversation currently centers around a herd of wild mountain ponies they want to trap so they can use them to haul barrels. They are discussing the best way to do so.]

[Private to Vaxfar: "OK.  I am to find a way past or around this watering hole to camp so we can avoid confronting the camp if possible.  The rest will wait until one of us signals.  If things go south, try to keep them from notifying the main camp.

 Be careful: you're invisible, but easily heard.  Although, they aren't trying to hear anything, so if you're far enough away you should be ok."]

After whispering a response to Vaxfar, Sarah attends to her assigned task, still keeping an eye on the water-gatherers (if for no other reason to make sure she's keeping herself away from them and to make sure she finds a good route for the party.

After the last of the barrels is filled, the four hobgoblins hoist the barrels, two hobgoblins per barrel, and begin to haul them off. The sun has now descended beyond the western Wyrmsmokes, casting the Wyrmwash in dark shadows that grow darker with each passing moment.

The four hobgoblin barrel teams march away to the east along a narrow trail that hugs the ledge of a stony ridge. At some point, they disappear out of view from Sarah, owing to both reduced light and the obstructions fo rocks, etc. Presumably, Vaxfar follows them.

Vaxfar has now been gone 20 minutes...

[Private to Vaxfar: The hobgoblins make small talk while hauling the barrels, but their conversation is not particularly interesting or noteworthy. What Vaxfar does pick up after following the hobgoblins for about 10 minutes or so, is one of the hobgoblins asks how long the return trip will take. This causes him to be ribbed by the other hobgoblins as a greenhorn, but they eventually tell him if he quits his complaining it should only be a couple of hours before they get home.]

Vaxfar returns to the group, presumably where they have set up camp and makes himself visible.  “I followed them for a while and I can direct us to the trail that leads east.  I overheard them talking about a camp that is a couple of hours from here so I decided to come back rather than risk getting into trouble by myself with the sun setting.”

"If they're hours away," Dame Daflin said of Vaxfar's report, "we'll push past and set up camp just beyond.  They shouldn't be back this way before we're long gone tomorrow.

"We'll wait for Sarah's report and then get moving."

In reply to Vaxfar (msg # 86):

Ovo nodded, grinning at the Elf "Ah good job Voxfar! Ye saved us ah wee bit o' trouble. If we march forward, it best be us two out front. Our night-sight be best fer see'n things ah ways off. I guess I'd best be gett'n out o' me armor so I'll nay let the Wyrmlairds themselves know I'm come'n."

The dwarf sheds his banded mail but places his shield over his back. Carrying his heavy crossbow and hand ax at his hip. Ovo looks over to Elam.

"Kin I be place'n me armor n' axe on ye mule as ye come forward? I be most grateful."

Then to Dergan and Laurenbeth "Ye two take point. Elam, Dame Eoni, n' Dame Sarah in the middle wi' the mules. Trail'n twenty paces behind the middle be Grub, Rogar, n' Lakshmi. Ye last three keep ah eye n' ear out behind ye. Most like the hobgobs will see ye afore ye see them but if they be wear'n armor ye should hear 'em afore ye see 'em. E'eryone got it?"

The dwarf looked over at Eoni "How'd I do Dame? Do ye agree?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:27, Mon 03 Aug 2020.

The older woman nodded her approval.  Although older by human standards than any of her kind in the group, the dwarf and elf were surely far older.

Elam nodded to the dwarf and helped him load his equipment on the mule. "Don't be doing anything foolish, Ovo. Those dirty clothes might ward off the ladies, but they won't do much good to keep a sharp blade at bay."

When Sarah returns to the group, the mage asks everyone to gather round. "We're running out of daylight, and I'd like to put as much distance between us as possible." He raises his arms and chants some strange arcane words. He grimaces in discomfort as the effects of the spell take effect on the party. Suddenly everyone feels much faster and light on their feet. "This will allow us to travel an hour's distance in half the time, but I ask that someone else take my watch tonight, so I can fully rest."

Under the effects of Elam's haste spell, the expedition makes good time putting some distance between themselves and the watering hole. In the fading light of dusk, they find a defensible location to establish a camp, but arrive late enough to have to set-up in darkness.
In any event, watch rotations are established, and once again, the group settles in for the evening.

Save for the distant howls of wolves, the night passes uneventfully and morning comes. Eoni and Vaxfar estimate two days of travel remain before they reach the trail that leads to the Fane.

After that first night, Dame Daflin had made sure Ovo included herself and Sarah in the watch rotation.  She'd also taken the time to apply Avandra's divine presence to the lantern wicks so that they shed light without oil.  They didn't often use the lanterns outside the confines of the tents, but it was easier and less hazardous than lighting the oil.

"We need to be on our guard now more than ever," Dame Daflin pointed out.  "As we grow closer, we'll run into organized patrols and possibly dragons.

"We'll avoid them if we can, but elsewise we can't let any escape to warm the rest."

Dergan spent a good bit of time the first night in his tent with the new magic latern, trying to dip the feathers of his arrows into the light.  Hoping it would soak into them and make them glow.  Disappointed it didn't he eventually put them away.

"Guess we'd best be ready for anything from here on  out".


[Private to Sarah: Since that first morning, Dergan has steered clear of Sarah.  Hearing they were near to trouble, on the next hike, he needs to get it off his chest.  "It was after the war, I went back to working the boats on Lake Ern in Dennovar.  I'm not one for learning, but am fairly good with boats, lotta good its going to do me here.    Men came around asking about one of the war heroes, a young girl, said she had something of theirs and they wanted it back.  They showed around a lot of coin looking for information.   I can't say I didn't listen at first, but they seemed like men I would not care to be in business with.  So I quit listening.  After awhile, they stopped coming around the docks.  I heard one of them at least got himself hanged.  Just thought I should tell you, secrets are where the darkness hides.]

PM

[Private to Dergan: Sarah doesn't meet Dergon's eyes and instead looks to the ground as she listens to what he has to say.  Somehow, she looks less like the confident young woman she has presented herself as and more like a frightened little girl.

Her change in attitude strongly suggests that she is disturbed by what he has said.  But she says nothing to confirm it.  And a moment after the warrior is done speaking she walks away, still having never moved her gaze from the ground at her feet.]

After breaking camp and on the way forward, Dergan walks beside Ovo,

"Suppose you saw that, eh?"  He sighs, "Same old same old my friend, let's go kill something".

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 92):

Ovo grumbled when Eoni wanted the two Dames placed on watch rotation but he finally conceded. In the end, he gave Elam the night off to rest. His spell had aided them greatly so it was well deserved. The dwarf looked to Eoni the next morning after donning his armor. The news she gave was both expected but troubling all the same.

"Dragons? I supposed I should've known wi' the title o' Wyrmlairds. So? Wot may we expect wi' these patrols? Wot be their makeup? Their numbers? N' wot sort o' allies may these Hobgobs have besides dragons?" the dwarf asked, again scratching his chin through the cropped beard.

When Dergan speaks, Ovo nods "Aye! Yet, may the kill'n wait o'nother two days lad. I'd have us arrive hale n' hearty I would. Have yer bow ready. We'd best put an arrow o' three in 'em afore they make it to us."

He looked over his shoulder to Laurenbeth "Dergan n' me will take the point. If Varfox n' Dame Sarah be scout's like yesterday, ye n' Rogar take up the rear. Grub n' Lakshmi kin stay wi' Elam n' Dame Eoni, wi' the mules. Ye two lads have bows or some such? If so have them ready it be yer jobs to cover the spell slingers. E'eryone got me?"

"Of course," Sarah says.  She seems quite happy with her assignment.

In reply to Sarah (msg # 97):

Ovo looked to Dame Sarah with concern in his slate black eyes "Ye best take care Dame. I nay want ye harmed. Is there ah way ye or the elf kin send word back to us wi'out leave'n yer hidey holes? Thus bring'n less notice to yerselves."

Ovo turned to the elf "M'Laird? Kin ye make herself invisible again this day? Can ye do the same fer Dame Sarah?"

Sarah laughs: "Trust me; I don't want me harmed either.  I'll be careful.  But as far as sending word over a distance -- no, all I can do is move under cover as best I can."

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 98):

"I can be a scout and can make Sarah invisible if she wishes it.  The challenge will be communicating with each other when neither is visible."

[Private to DM Pawn: Cast invisibility on myself.  and Sarah if she wishes it.  Then follow the trail and scout ahead]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Tue 04 Aug 2020.

In reply to Sarah (msg # 99):

Ovo's face flushes deep red to match his beard in response to Sarah's laughter. Yet, it seemed more from embarrassment than anger. He averted his eyes and gave the thief a curt nod "Aye! I see! Shout out if ye have need o' me or me axe."

The dwarf then turned to Vaxfar "Hmmm... I nay thought o' that. Ye both do wot ye think best. I nay meant to meddle ye see. Want ye both to be as safe as ye may be. I'd feel bad if ye came to harm afore I could reach ye is all. Take good care elf. Call if there is need."

As everyone begins preparing to actually leave the camp, Sarah approaches Ovo.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to embarrass you.  Your concern, and your manner in expressing, it just reminded me of some people I know.  And I appreciate your concern; really I do."

Her words seem quite sincere.  After she delivers them, she dances off to join Vaxfar at the advance of the party.

Ovo's lips moved, mayhaps even trembled a bit, but no words would obey his tongue. So Sarah received another curt nod. Once she had danced off out of earshot, Ovo mumbled something under his breath "Aye! That's ah good n' brave lass. Have ah care... have ah care."

The party breaks camp and establishes marching order for their second day's travel along the Wyrmwash. The day begins warm, which only promises another scorcher of a day, with nary a cloud to blot out the opressive summer sun.

Similar to their first day along this rocky trail, the ground is strewn with small rocks, boulders, and dried-out driftwood. It can only scarcely be called a trail in many points, as it largely consists of following along the banks of the dry riverbed.

After several hours' travel, the party begins to notice a lot of disturbed earth along the Wyrmwash. It looks like something has been digging in this area recently. There are signs of fresh piles of dark clay and dirt everywhere. The piles are quite large, some up to 10 feet in diameter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:53, Tue 04 Aug 2020.

Sarah examines the holes, trying to determine if there's a pattern or if they appear to be random.

"Could someone be looking for something?" she wonders aloud to Vaxfar.

Sarah does not detect any sort of pattern to the seemingly random piles of disturbed earth. There are quite a few of them along the river bed though, and she can see more up ahead, in the direction the party is traveling.

Elam kneels down to examine one of the holes. He looks at the sidewalls trying to determine if these were dug with tools or claws. "Perhaps one of you outdoorsy-types can make sense of this. Or at least tell us if there are any sort of tracks left behind by the mysterious digger." He then grabs a handful of the soil and rubs it between his fingers. The mage lifts the soil to his nose and sniffs intently, then shrugs indifferently. "This stuff always just smells like dirt to me, no matter how many books I read on various tracking and survival techniques."

The holes appear to have been dug with claws, not tools. The dislodged soil smells slightly acidic to Elam.

Ovo bends on one knee to look at the claw marks. He tries to compare the claw size to the size of his hand to get an idea of how big the creature may be and how deep it seemed to dig. Also, if he has seen anything like this in his wanderings or in the Hammerfists. He also warns everyone to stay away from the river as the creature, whatever it is, seems to be more active there.

"Dame Eoni, Elam, n' Laird Voxfar do any o' ye have magic that may lend ah clue? Laurenbeth? Have ye or any o' yer crew seen the likes o' this beast afore?" The dwarf said as he gaged the claw marks.

Ovo estimates the claw size, if that's truly what caused this mess, to be about the size of long short swords.

Sarah lacks any special skills that would be useful in gathering information about the oddity, so she keeps an eye on the horizon, in case something approaches.

.


[Private to Eoni Daflin:  Sarah looks relieved.  "Valthur sent them, huh?"

She thinks a moment more.  "At least, according to what Ovo said," she adds.  She looks to Eoni.

 "Ovo reminds me of Valthur," she say off-handedly "and, for that matter, to most dwarves I've met.  Valthur was, and Ovo seems to be, decent, loyal, and honorable.  And I guess if he's vouching for Dergen . . . "

Sarah is clearly pondering her new allies.  Or at least, one or two of them.]

"I may be able to get some information," Dame Daflin said as she looked around for what she needed.  "At least enough to see if it's still around."

[Private to GM:
Unless she sees a convenient rabbit or chipmunk around, she'll use Speak with Plants to speak with a nearby bush or tree to see what she can discover about the creature that did this.]

Ovo frowned "Please use the Goddess to aid us. We've had her luck thus far. I nay be know'n fer sure... but to me mind... it be ah dragon. The claws are that o' ah big creature. The size o' long-short swords! These blackguards have such fer allies. Tiamat be the Goddess o' them creatures n' those that worship such. But why they be digg'n? I have nay ah clue."

Eoni scans the area briefly for any signs of wildlife. Finding none, she leans over one of stubborn evergreen shrubs that seem to common along the Wyrmwash, these more dark, blood-colored woody thickets than anything resembling a proper shrub. In any event, the sound of rustling leaves surrounds Eoni as she attempts to attune to the flora.

[Private to Eoni Daflin: In response to your initial query, the shrub says:

That is the work of the Breaking Stone Root-snapping Earthcrawler that now hunts here. Horrible thing it is, breaking up roots, separating families, and in some cases, killing entire generations!

Caution to you. The Earthcrawler takes Meatwalkers too! Feel for the trembles. Then you know!]

The sound of rustling leaves and creak of limb comes once again from the Sister of Avandra as she brushed a hand across the tree's boughs.

[Private to DM Pawn: "I am sorry for the losses of your kin to this beast," she lamented.  "Is the earthcrawler still about and alert by day?"]

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 115):

More leaves rustling and the sound of snapping twigs.

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Yes. When the sun shines and warms the Earth, the Earthcrawler is active.]

Pursing her lips in concentration, the sound of rustling continued as she communed with the shrubbery.

[Private to DM Pawn:
"Is there a way to avoid it during the day?" she asked hopefully.  "We cannot turn back, but is there somewhere it cannot go?"]

The sound of rustling branches continues, interspersed with crunching leaves.

[Private to Eoni Daflin: The Waterpassage is dangerous. High ground is safer, but still danger surrounds. The Earthcrawler ranges far.]

"Sarah, Vaxfar," the Sister said, finally speaking coherently once more, "find us a way on high ground if you can.  I'm told it's an Earthbreaker that breaks up trees from the roots and very dangerous.  We may be know it's approach by the trembling of the earth, so be wary.

"It hunts during the day throughout this wash for quite some way.  We need to get out of it's hunting ground before it discovers us."

She rustled back to the shrub one last time.

[Private to DM Pawn: "Thank you for your guidance and may you grow broad and strong," she said to the helful shrub.]

Thus alerted by Eoni, Sarah immediately begins looking for higher ground.

Barring that, she looks for rocky (or rockier) ground, stone outcroppings, or the like -- areas that might be tougher to penetrate than the earth itself.

"Claws the size of swords, and strong enough to rip trees up by the roots.  I am a hard man to scare, but that description does it.  Let's get the hell out of here."


Moving near Ovo, he says, "Did that woman just talk to a bush? And it talk back?"

In reply to Dergan (msg # 121):

Ovo nodded "Aye! Yet yer steel has an answer to most things. Now be a good lad! Help Dame Sarah find high ground wi' good solid stone beneath us. The thing canna dig through the stone. Help the lass n' Elam get the mules away. We need 'em. They be our life. Go now! I'll stay wi' Dame Eoni. Make sure she makes it back. Once ye reach high ground get yer bow out n' shoot anything that nay be one o' us. Got it?"

Ovo gave him a good hearty tap on the shoulder then stood guard over Dame Eoni.

Sarah's searching continues in earnest . . . .


20:03, Today: Sarah rolled 15 using 1d20 with rolls of 15.  Searching . . . .

Vaxfar needs the instruction and searches for another path to higher ground.

Today: Vaxfar rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11.  Searching.

The surrounding terrain is very unforgiving--steep ravines, rocky ledges, and loose footing all dumping into the Wyrmwash. The dry river bed is clearly the path of least resistance through the Wyrmsmokes, with other routes delving deeper into the brown hills and further away from the party's destination.

Sarah suggests several poor routes that would either cause the adventurers to stray well off the Wyrmwash or invite unnecessary risk to both mule and party member. Fortunately, Vaxfar has a better sense and intellect for orienteering and course corrects and is soon leading the expedition out of the Wyrmwash and up onto a game trail that veers a westward before doubling back over a low saddle. From this new trail, above the Wyrmwash, the adventurers can occasionally catch a glimpse of the dry river bed, but there are large stretches of time where it disappears from view altogether.

After several hours of hard travel, the sun blazes high overhead and the party is drenched from their exertions. But, it seems the threat of the digging creature may be behind them. The group comes out from a bend in the upper trail and sees the Wyrmwash below. Scanning along its length, there does not appear to be any evidence of digging or burrowing here.

It is possible to continue traveling along the upper trail, but it will be much slower along this route. Vaxfar estimates following the upper path will easily add an extra day, or more, to their journey.

By Wyrmwash, the party is two days from their destination.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:26, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

Ovo was happy to leave the danger of the strange creature behind them. It seemed both the luck and skill of Avandra had saved them, that and the keen eye of the elf. The dwarf seemed a bit embarrassed, though, for he thought for sure it was a dragon behind the digging. Well, what's done is done! Now they must make another decision, stay on the rough terrain making their journey all the longer or go back below where the party would be more exposed. Ovo thought it would be best left to those who had traveled this before so that he would get their redes on this.

"Well, paint me arse green and call me ah goblin, if I wasn't wrong back there. I could have sworn we faced ah dragon." Ovo chuckled a bit, relieved they had avoided danger. "Thank ye Dame Eoni n' the Goddess ye serve. N' to ye as well, Vaxfor! Never doubt the sharp eyes o' elves, I always say. However, now we must be decide'n which route to travel on. M'laird n' Dames both, ye have traveled this way before so which do ye all recommend? It seems we'd be less exposed up high, but this way would make our trip all the longer. Wot say ye three? High or low then?"

"A beast of that size isn't likely to sneak up on us.  And with no signs of its presence, it would seem safe to go back down into the Wyrmwash.  At least, safe from that threat.

Unless these things travel underground?"  Sarah directs an inquisitive glance in Eoni's direction.

Elam's breathe was hard and he leaned heavy on his staff after the difficult trek. "I prefer the open path than to continue through the brush for another day or more." He wiped the sweat from his brow. "It's exhausting."

"Thank you Ovo.  Even though it is longer, we will have the advantage of stealth and position, up high.  We should take the route I was asked to find.  What is your opinion Sister Eoni?"  Vaxfar had patrolled these parts and had spent significant time and energy finding the Wyrmlord's lair with Eoni. He would listen to Eoni but the opinion of the others who did not have that experience carried much less weight.

"Even though it may add a day or more to our approach," Dame Daflin said speculatively, "it would allow us to scout a new path to our destination.

"I expect our retreat after confronting Azar Kul in his lair might be... hurried?  Having two options for our escape would be advantageous.

"As well, I was told the Earthbreaker ranges far and I got the impression it could travel underground.  The trembling of the earth would then be our only warning of it's approach.

"So I think it safer to stay the more difficult course to ensure our current safety and allow us another option upon our return."

She looked around to see if anyone had anything else to add.

"Sounds good to me," Sarah says pleasantly.

Ovo nodded to Eoni "Aye! Sounds good to me. We have the supplies to make the extra days?"

The dwarf looked to the mage "If ye need me help jus ask. I'll do wot I may to see you through."

"We brought more than we needed," Dame Daflin replied to the dwarf.  "As long as we don't get sidetracked by more than a week, we should be fine."

She nodded for Vaxfar and Sarah to lead the way.

The warlock nodded. "Wise words, Dame of Brindol." He took a big swallow from his waterskin. "The path is difficult, but your reasoning is sound. I will do my best to not slow us down." He cinched down the straps on the mule's pack and led it by the reins as the group moved on.

Dergan has been twirling up his beard into rough braids.

"Mam, if you can talk to...a bush..?  Well, this earth breaker, if its not a dragon afterall, maybe its just a big, animal.  It might be a good ally, if you can talk to it".

Vaxfar continues to blaze the trail for the expedition, with Sarah providing overwatch and perhaps picking up some orienteering knowledge along the way.

Trekking across, over, and through the Wyrmsmokes is not for the faint of heart. It is an inhospitable landscape of dry hills, jagged mountains, deep canyons, treacherous escarpments, and flesh-ripping bramble that seems to serve no other purpose than to remind the traveler--turn back now!

The first day off the Wyrmwash is hard. The second is absolute torture.

The only thing that makes the second day any better, is after nearly a week of clear skies and punishing heat, a brief but violent thunderstorm provides a short period of rain during the afternoon. At least the mules seem spirited by it once the thunder and lightning have subsided. Finding a suitable campsite that evening, the party catches a glimpse of the Wyrmwash below. A ribbon of water now flows through the wash and for the first time in days, the party hears the chirping of birds again.



The party is about four hours from the trail leading to the Fane of Tiamat. Tomorrow, they will have to leave the high trail and return to the Wyrmwash to find the blaze they placed on the slot canyon that leads to the Wyrmlord's presumed lair.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:18, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

That night at camp, Ovo made his rounds checking on everyone. He made a special stop at the mage's tent. The dwarf knew out of all of them, Elam would be the most affected by the rough terrain. For the past two nights, Ovo had taken or asked another to take Elam's watch so he could rest. The mage would be instrumental if they were to face the Wyrmlords.

"Rest easy Elam! We be close... real close. If I may help ye just holler." the said with a quick nod. The concern in his eyes was telling.

He also made a special stop to converse with Sarah, Vaxfar, and Eoni "We be close now methinks. When ye were here afore now, did ye enter the Fane or jus observed from wi'out? I just wanted to know wot we might expect upon the morrow. Take'n the high road served us well. Thus far we've nay encountered ah soul. Ye did gud Dame Sarah n' M'laird. I be ah might impressed wi' ye both."

Later when he found Dame Eoni alone the dwarf begged a private counsel.
PM
[Private to Eoni Daflin: The dwarf sought the Priestess out for a private conversation. One that had weighed heavily upon the dwarf's mind and with the possible coming danger, one that he needed to get off his chest. As he approached Eoni, Ovo cleared his throat.

"Begg'n yer pardon Dame, might I speak wi' ye? I have some such I be need'n to tell someone... n' I believe that someone be you. Since leave'n the Hammerfists I've been call'n on Avandra more than Moradin himself. Mayhaps that is why. That and I know the lady will see ye through this venture to boot." Ovo paused a heartbeat or two. "Wi' yer permission may I speak freely?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Thu 06 Aug 2020.

"As I explained to Dergen earlier today," Dame Daflin said to Grub as she tended to the mules, "being able to talk to an animal doesn't mean they'll be friendly.  The shrub I talked to hated the Earthbreaker and was more than willing to tell me about it."

She found the mule she was looking for and started checking it's hooves for any sign of why it was limping.

"The Earthbreaker, on the other hand, has no reason to do anything for us and may just ignore me as it stomped us into dust.  Avandra's Blessings aren't all powerful.  She leaves everyone their own will and what they choose to do with their lives."

Finding a sharp stone wedged into a hind hoof, she carefully pulled it out so she could see what the damage was.  The mule was, of course, not happy about her handling of the situation.

"For instance," she continued, "If I were to speak with this mule right now, I think it would have quite a bit to say.  I've heard mules can be quite creative in their insults."

She intoned a prayer to Avandra and touched the mule's hoof with the intricately carved oak staff she carried.  Grub could see that the gash created by the stone was now closed.

Releasing the mule's hind leg, the Sister stepped back and watched it shift it's weight as it discovered the change.

"And just because I've helped it, doesn't mean he'll be less stubborn tomorrow.  It is a mule, after all."


[Private to Ovo Goldenshield: "You may speak freely," the Sister of Avandra said with a warm smile.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 06 Aug 2020.

"Vaxfar Eoni what should be expect tomorrow as far as you know".

Dergan is sitting quietly and taking a few sips from a flask as evening falls.

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Ovo nodded his thanks "Dame Eoni I have ah favor to ask o' ye. I've nay been to me home or clan in the Hammerfists fer a long while. Tis ah nice way o' say'n I'm ah outcast.  Since my leave'n, besides jus try'n to survive the war, I have aimed to get me honor back. So I may grow me bread full again n' see me kin once more afore I die."

Ovo paused s heartbeat then continued "Go'n wi' ye n' putt'n down this evil be ah way I can do this. Yet, ye know the danger we face well enough. This be the favor then. If I should die, would ye bring word to Valthur that I fought wi' honor? So that he can take word to me clan. Oh, one more thing... if I should fall, I want ye to have me shield."]

"We're maybe half a day from the trail we marked leading to the Fane of Tiamat," Dame Daflin replied to Dergan's question as best she could.  "From what we were able to piece together from our scouting, Azarr Kul is up there somewhere.

"I expect we'll encounter some of his underling Wyrmlords before finding him.  As well the hobgoblin patrols and what other foul beasts they've tamed for their dire plans.

"We didn't venture too close so as not to let them know we'd found his central lair.  So we have no more to tell on what we may encounter tomorrow.

"The best we can hope for is to avoid what we can and not let any escape if we are discovered." 


[Private to Ovo Goldenshield: "I can't say we're all going to make it back," Eoni admitted to the dwarf, "but if you do fall and I yet live, I will surely tell Lord Ironhelm and all the land of your bravery, honor, and friendship.

"And I would be honored to have your shield if the time comes.  Though I daresay our chances of survival are quite good with the companions we've gathered.

"Although," she said hesitantly with a look in the direction of the mules, "we haven't been so fortunate in the survival rate of our pack animals." 

She was even surprised the dog had lasted this long without being eaten by something foul.]

As talk of impending battle increases, Sarah readies her weapons; sharpening her sword and her many daggers, checking her supply of crossbow bolts, etc.

She also has a pack with equipment: some flasks, some rope, some spikes.  "One never knows what one might need," she explains.

After camp is set, the party changes into dry clothes and settles into evening activities as a mantle of darkness and shadow descends upon the Wyrmsmokes. The party has encountered no organized resistance to this point and has only sighted a small hobgoblin band at the water hole and saw signs and heard warnings of a rampaging Earthcrawler along the Wyrmwash. There have been no casualties along the way, animal or otherwise, and overall, the expedition is in good spirits.

Laurenbeth and her gang of mercenaries have settled in with this group as much as possible and, while they might occasionally display uncouth behaviors, never shirk their fair share of duties. Murph has taken a liking to Eoni and is often somewhere near the cleric, with Grub repeatedly choraling the hound back to him. The mules are also doing well and seem to be in better spirits after the sudden rainfall.

Once again, the party slips into their evening routines and are soon sleeping in shifts...

[Private to Dergan: At some point during your watch, Shmee snaps his fingers to get your attention and points to the northwest. "Psst. That doesn't look good," the mercenary says.

Looking in the direction he has indicated, you see what is clearly the silhouette of a dragon with a figure mounted astride it, passing in front of the half moon.

The dragon is about 500 feet to the northwest and headed due east.]

Ovo makes sure everyone knows their shifts and pairings. The dwarf grudgingly allows the Dames to join Grub to give Elam rest as the tough terrain is enough the mage to handle. This way the dog can also watch along with the other three. Ovo remains them all that this close the danger is also closer.

On his watch with Laurenbeth, Ovo strikes up a conversation with the fire-hair warrior "Are ye ready to test yer blade on the morrow lass? Now then, ye know yer men better than me so... tell me how we best make use o' yer skills while keep'n yer men alive? Are Grub n' Lakshmi rogues by chance. If so they may lend Voxfar and Dame Sarah a hand. Ye n' Rogar will join me n' Dergan in the front line in case o' trouble. Ye both can stand behind us n' save yer strength... use yer bows if ye have them. If Dergan n' meself be need'n ah rest then you both will take our place. I jus want ye know'n I value ye lives n' I'll nay aks ye... any o' ye to do wot I would not."
[Private to Eoni Daflin: Ovo nodded his thanks to Eoni "I thank ye n' the goddess I do. Me folk have ah saying- better ta be wrong wi' yer clan then right wi' strangers. We're ah clannish lot. While most would nay understand it but I truly miss it. I hope to visit the Hammerfists yet Dame Eoni. Mayhaps ye would join me n' Valthur when this business be o'er?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Dergan will as quickly and quietly as he can awaken, in this order, Elam, Eoni, then Ovo, as they awaken, he show that he wishes quiet, and then points to the sky.   He is hoping Elam might be able to cast a spell to hide them.

Dergan rustles Elam, Eoni, and Ovo awake. The three catch a glimpse of a dragon flying across the sky, atop which appears to be a humanoid rider. The dragon is several hundred yards to the north, illuminated in the sky by the half moon reflecting off the mountains, and flying due east. It is too far for effective missile or spell attacks and not presently headed in the direction of the party's campsite.

Ovo quietly put his finger to his lips as he nodded to the elf and Dame Sarah, gathering his heavy Crossbow as he watched. The dragon and its rider seemed to be flying away from the Fane, or so he thought. In the dwarf's mind, this must be one of the Wyrmlords. Ovo had no idea how sensitive a dragon's hearing was in truth; he was almost afraid to find out. The strategist part of the dwarf's mind said to slay them both before they could return to the Fane. Yet on the other side of the copper piece was once the fight commenced, they could do very little to prevent the dragon from directly flying off and warning the Fane.

Ovo looked to Dame Eoni and raised a brow, silently trying to get her redes...

Dame Daflin shook her head at the dwarf and made sure that no one was thinking about engaging the dragon and rider.  They were too close to disclose their position now.

She was most worried about the mules scenting the dragon and causing a panic.  Or that dog.  She eased her way over to silently calm the pack animals as she kept a watchful eye on their aerial menace.

Elam followed the others gaze toward the sky. He watched the dragon and was relieved to see it didn't appear to be approaching their camp. He moved to the others and whispered. "I can cast some spells to try and conceal the camp, but it requires my complete focus to maintain. So it is best to wait to see if it begins to circle back." The mage eyes stay fixed on the magnificent beast in the sky.

Ovo nodded to both Eoni and Elam. He then moved to awake Dame Sarah and Vaxfar. The dwarf would only nudge them lightly. One hand with a finger at his lips as before while the other was cupped to cover their mouths if they made any noise. Once they were awake, Ovo would mouth the word Dragon and place his finger to his lips again.

Sarah opens her eyes and remains motionless for a moment as she takes in Ovo's nonverbal message.  Nodding once, she scrambles to her feet and follows Ovo.

Dergan, once others are up, moves over to get a good look at the dragon and rider.  He looks awed and a little happy.

Vaxfar gets up and follows Ovo and Sarah.  He Wonders if it is the same dragon he had seen before.

The dragon and rider make a few loping circuits off in the distance, at times illuminated by the moon's rays, before the dragon eventually wings off to east and disappears behind a row of jagged mountain peaks.

[Private to Vaxfar: Vaxfar is familiar with the dragon and rider from his rangings as a Tiri Kitor hunter at Starsong Hill. The dragon is Regiarix, a juvenile black dragon, and its rider is Wyrmlord Saarvith, a cunning goblin scout. The pair are known to range throughout Lake Rhest and the Blackfens. Most believe they have a lair somewhere within the lake or marsh, many theorizing it must be underwater because your people have failed to find it while airborne. Your people have had several skirmishes with this dangerous duo over the past few years.]

Ovo whistles under his breath "Well? Tis ah fine thing to wake up to. Dergan me lad, ah fine job watch'n!"

Ovo turns to Eoni, Sarah, and Vaxfar "That be one o' the Wyrmlairds I take it? Did any o' ye three recognize him? If he be fly'n east, that be away from the Fane I'm think'n. We're good fer now but if he comes back... we may nay be as lucky. I say we head to the Fane as soon as we be ready."

Elam sat down with the others once the dragon rider was out of sight. He turned to the tall fighter that had woken him. "You did right by waking me first, Dergan. Conceivably, I can conceal our camp from the sky patrols." The mage and studied the camp layout for a few moments. "Indeed it should work, but it would be best to keep our camp as small as possible. I can make everyone within one area invisible and create an illusion to conceal the rest of the camp. Both come with caveats, so it would be best that we all understand them and know what to do to keep our location hidden should it come to that."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

"That looked like the one from Rhest," Dame Daflin said. "We never actually confronted him because of his dragon.  It's not that big, but it's hard to fight something that flies so high.

"I agree with Elam that we should try to hide if we encounter it again.  Just follow his directions if it happens."

Ovo nodded and winked at the tattered mage "Aye! Elam is as gud as I claimed he be. He can do wot ye asked. Yet, ye nay answered me, query Dame. Does yon Wyrmlaird fly toward or away from the Fane we seek? If away, as I suspect, we should make ready n' haste toward it. Find'n such ah place wi'out one o' them, blackguards twould be ah boon! Wot say ye Dame Daflin? N' ye Dame Sarah... n' M'Laird Voxfar? On the wings o' ah dragon, he'll soon be back methinks."

"Not that big?" Elam repeated glancing in the direction the wyrm had flown off. "Big enough if you ask me. As for instructions, I'd rather sort that out now." The mage pondered on this for several minutes, then began nodding his head as he made up his mind on the best course of action.

"If I use the invisibility on us, our tents would still be visible and could attract some attention. The illusion would be better suited to conceal our tent area. The illusion requires my full concentration, so first I will use the invisibility on the animals. I am not sure how the mules will take to that, but Eoni, you seem to have a way with them. Perhaps, you should move to their sides to keep them calm and I will cast the spell on you. They will also vanish from sight, but they each need to remain no more than 3-4 paces away from you or the effects will vanish from them."

Dergan pulls on his beard,  “this place we go, is it a fortress,  or cave, or what?!”

Several minutes pass as the adventurers watch the skies for the reappearance of dragon and rider, but none catch sight or sound of it.

It's now about two hour before dawn--the worst time to be woken up, as the options are terrible either way. Try to catch a few more hours of sleep or just wake up and start the day early? Always a dilemma...

[Private to Eoni Daflin; Vaxfar: Eoni and Vaxfar haven't seen the Wyrmlords' lair, but based on what they have gathered from hobgoblin prisoners they have taken in the past, it is a temple fortress built into the side of a mountain.]

"We could move out now, and end the day earlier," Sarah suggests.

In reply to Sarah (msg # 162):

Ovo nodded "I agree with Dame Sarah. Two hours nay matter much n' we may make it afore this Wyrmlaird returns. This is me hope. I'll stay or go mind, but go'n seems the better choice to me."

The dwarf then looked to Elam "Kin ye hide us while we be on the move or will we be too stretched out? If this Wyrmlaird comes back afore we reach the Fane, we should have ah plan."

Ovo looked toward Lord Vaxfar and Dame Eoni for their redes.

Elam addressed the dwarf's question. "Yes, but we would need to hold position and remain close to one another. I will not be able to walk and maintain the illusion. And as I said, the invisibility will stop for anyone that moves more than a ten feet from whomever I cast it upon. You can imagine how difficult it is to know how far away someone is when you cannot see them." The mage chuckled awkwardly.

Dergan shrugs, "I say we go, no chance I'll be falling back asleep tonight".

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 155):

"I have seen that dragon some time ago during rangings as a Tiri Kitor hunter at Starsong Hill. The dragon is Regiarix, a juvenile black dragon, and its rider is Wyrmlord Saarvith, a cunning goblin scout. The pair are known to range throughout Lake Rhest and the Blackfens. It is believed that they have a lair somewhere within the lake or marsh, possibly underwater as we have searched the air thoroughly in pursuit. We have fought them before but they are powerful and managed to escape. We are getting closer to the Wyrmlord's lair. I haven't seen it, but based on what Eoni and I gathered from hobgoblin prisoners, we are looking for a temple fortress built into the side of a mountain" Vaxfar relates, hopeful that they were not spotted.

Dame Daflin nods to Vaxfar's information and adds, "We know where the path is to approach the fortress, but it may wind through the mountains in any direction before reaching it's destination.  So I can't tell you if the rider was going to the temple or away from it.

"But I agree we should break camp, eat something, and get moving.  We'll be slow before the sun rises, but I trust Vaxfar can keep us from pitfalls.

"Just remember what Elam has said about his protections," she added.  "If we need them, we'll have little time to explain a second time."

Vaxfar nods, gets his things together quickly, anxious to keep moving.

The party breaks camp in the hours before dawn, their site dimly illuminated by the slowly encroaching day. By the time the first rays of light have peaked over the Wyrmsmokes eastern range, the expedition is wending along a riverside trail making good progress to the narrow crevasse leading to the Wyrmlords' lair.

In total, it takes about four hours to reach the shadowy slot canyon, a narrow canyon formed from water rushing through the limestone cliffs common to this region. The slot canyon is quite narrow, wide enough for about three people to walk abreast, with very high walls looming to either side. A shallow stream of water courses out of the canyon, a reminder of yesterday's brief but violent thunderstorm.

Glancing into the canyon carries the sensation of delving inside the bowels of the mountain itself. Filtered sunlight is seen here or there, ahead, but large sections are cast in darkness.

Vaxfar and Eoni verify the trail mark they carved into the canyon's wall. This is the way.

Gathered intelligence indicate the Fane of Tiamat lies across a natural bridge, built into the side of a mountain near the canyon's termination point several miles ahead.

"We should picket the mules somewhere under cover nearby," Dame Daflin instructed, turning back to the others.  "They'll be a liability in the fortress.  Pack what you think we'll need and make sure to bring at least one of the lanterns and two days of food and water."

She herself would carry the bulk of the food in her haversack, stuffing it full.

As the group moves forward, Dergan moves beside Vaxfar.

"Seems you are the one who would know, what is best to do when fighting a dragon.  Where are they most vulnerable.  By arrow or by sword.  I can fight well enough, but need to know how best to harm them"

In reply to Dergan (msg # 171):

“Although I was part of a group that fought such a beast at the battle of Brindol, I can’t say I was very effective and have little advice to pass on of any help.   You may be lucky if you are spared what spews from its mouth.  Others may know more.”

Ovo nodded his agreement about the mules. They would be unreliable at best and it one or more were slain, then the supplies would be lost. Leaving them was a risk as well, but a risk the dwarf was willing to take.

"Aye! We leave the mules as ye say Dame Daflin." Ovo said with a wink and then turned to Elam. "I'll take wot food or gear ye canna take. Ye'll need yer strength n' focus fer yer magic. That is if yer will'n fer me to do so?"

Hearing Dergan and Vaxfar speaking about dragons the dwarf shrugged "I've ne'er had the pleasure o' fight'n one lad, but I'd say ah thing or two. First off, it'll nay be easy. If it be in the air we'll be hampered. Bows n' spells will be the only things to reach it. Once ah mage sends death its way, then I'd wager the dragon will answer breath fer spell. I'd say for the most part, if we be outside, we spread out so its breath may not take us all at once. That n' on our first strike we do the greatest amount of damage we may, whether by arrow, spell, or both. Then we pray Avandra graces us with another day."

Finally, the dwarf looked to the company, mercenaries included "We'd best come up with ah marching order. I'd say the strongest at the front. Then mages, ye Dame Eoni, and those with little to no armor in the middle. Lastly, the rear being brought up by Laurenbeth n' Rogar. Wot say ye all to that?"

Sarah nods to indicate understanding, but adds: "Be aware that I may disappear from the ranks.  My talents are more suited to being a sniper or a guerilla fighter than to standing up and trading blows."

"Your order sounds good, Ovo," Dame Daflin agreed with the dwarf's order of march.

"And if," she corrected herself, "when we do run into trouble, I may not disappear, but I'll definitely be looking for cover."

When the dwarf offered to carry the extra load for the mage, Elam nodded in gratitude. "Aye. Seems a fair trade. I will carry your life saving potion and you will carry my life's savings. Or at least that which I traded it for."

But when Ovo spoke of exchanging spells and the breath of a dragon, the warlock grimaced. "If I become the focus of a dragon's ire, I may very well cease to exist. I would like to avoid that at all costs."

Dergan stares at Ovo's assessment of fighting a dragon, then smiles, "Encouraging"

"Do you think the mules will be safe? I could make them invisible, but they would still make noise and smell." Elam shrugged. "Although I am not sure how we would find them if they wander off."

In reply to Elam (msg # 176):

Ovo nodded to the mage "Aye! Mayhaps that would be fer us all. Yet, if we be face'n such, we'd best do our best to finish it. For it shall surely do that fer ye. That be nay ah problem Elam. Ye be ah gud man, aye!"

Ovo chuckled a bit and gave Dergan a hearty slap on the shoulder "Meant ta be lad! When ah man's back against the wall there be only one way ta go... forward! Aye?"

Ovo looked to the Mage again when he spoke of the mules "Aye! Ah hard choice but we must leave them Elam. They be too skittish ta take wi' us. They'd only alert those we seek. Mayhaps ye could... yet we ourselves may need that very spell. Do wot ye think best... confer wi' the others but ye have me redes."

"I think it would make them restless if they couldn't see one another," Dame Daflin pointed out to Elam. "They're herd animals, but I'll do what I can to protect them."

She turned to one of the feistier mules, put a hand on either side of it's head and began to chant.  "Avandra's Grace and woodland lore, let us share a voice once more."

[Private to DM Pawn: Speak with Animals: "We are leaving you here while we go into danger.  Please find somewhere nearby and wait for us.  Avoid anyone but us and stay safe.  If we do not return in three days, try to return the way we came to find your home.  May Avandra's Grace shine upon you and lead you home."]

Dergan follows Eoni to the mules, and watches, when she is done talking to them, he asks.

"Do animals, have names, that they call each other?"

Vaxfar agreed with order of the march  and was comfortable scouting up front.  He was ready to go and while he agreed with leaving the animals, he was done with the idle talk.  “Are we ready to go or do we need to fuss over mules and wait to learn whether they converse?”

Ovo chuckled at Vaxfar's statement even as he eyed Eoni speaking with the mules. "Dame Daflin tis where ye should place yer query friend Dergan. For surely she speaks wi' 'em now. N' I be agree'n wi' ye M'Laird Voxfar. We should be go'n. We shall n' soon enough... n' mayhaps then wish we remained talk'n to mules. I'd prefer that to dragons, aye! Yet, talk wi' them we must."

The dwarf cocked a brow at Sarah "Ye'll be upfront wi' the elf I'll wager?"

"Yes, I believe so."

In reply to Sarah (msg # 184):

The dwarf nodded with a smile, "Ye take care then. Holler if ye have need o' me axe." Ovo turned to Vaxfar "That goes fer ye too M'Laird. I'm at yer service."

Ovo then looked to Dergan "Rouse the mercenaries Dergan. We leave fer the Fane soon enough!"

"Let's get going then," Dame Daflin said as she straightened her pack and picked up her staff.  "The mules may or may not be here if we return this way.  They are just animals after all and I'm not sure how much they actually understand or remember once the Essence of Avandra wears off.

"As to names, I've never asked.  I expect them to be meaningless to them once the Essence faded."

She shrugged and nodded for Sarah and Vaxfar to lead them out.

Sarah nods once in response and starts out.

The adventurers conclude their preparations and then turn the mules loose to fend for themselves. Then, they turn westward and enter the slot canyon, following a worn footpath to either side of a stream of water that joins the Wyrmwash.

The expedition passes through large underground sections of canyon, with an occasional ray of sunlight emerging between the serpentine rock formations to provide filtered light. There are numerous offshot trails and caverns along the way and it is quite easy to imagine danger lurking behind every corner. But, the journey is relatively uneventful, if not suspenseful.

Eventually, the canyon begins climber higher into the mountains, and the group is forced to do some bouldering here or there to overcome obstacles along the way. By mid-day, the party exits the slot canyon and emerges onto a winding ledge that skirts the flank of a mountain. From this vantage point, they have no view whatsover of the distant Wyrmwash, just jagged mountains all around.

The group follows a winding ledge along the face of a sheer cliff for some time before it rounds a corner. Suddenly, the vista is one of terrifying beauty.

The ledge leads over a ten-foot wide natural bridge and then continues to wind up the face if the cliff on the other side to a large, flat ledge. The cliffside soars several hundred feet up from this ledge. The vista is dominated by the lifelike rendition of a five-headed dragon carved out of the stone of the cliff face.

The dragon is massive--easily a hundred fifty feet tall--and carved to look as if it were perched upon the wide ledge and emerging from the stone itself. The dragon's five serpentine necks arch up and then back down. The heads protrude from the cliffside, each leering down as if to challenge any who dare approach. Each head is that of a different dragon, and each has a mouth agape in an eternal roar.

At the base of the cliff, under the dragon's belly, a huge pair of closed stone double doors are set into the cliff. Each door is six feet wide and twelve feet tall. The motif of the five-headed dragon is repeated here, although this time only the dragon's necks and heads reach out from around the door's frame. Each of these heads seems crafted from a different type of stone--obsidian, alabaster, soapstone, malachite, and marble--corresponding to the coloration of each head.



OOC: The party is about 180 feet distant from the double-door, and not yet on the natural bridge that leads to the ledge at the base of the dragon carved into the side of the mountain. The natural bridge is about 50 feet long and 10 feet wide. The drop to either side is several hundred feet into a rocky gorge.

"It looks like we're in the right place," Dame Daflin whispered as she crouched down trying to stay out of sight.  The craftsmanship was more than anything she could have imagined to see for these barbaric climes.  It was massive.

"Sarah," she whispered to the young woman whose eyesight she'd come to rely on, "do you see any guards?"

Sarah scans the area beyond the bridge, particularly around the double doors . . .

Neither Sarah, nor any other party members sees evidence of any guards on the ledge beyond the bridge. Similarly, there does not appear to be any guards near the elaborate double-door. The entire area appears deserted.

Moderate winds whip through and up the canyon, causing cloaks to billow and loose hairs to thrash about as the adventurers scan the ledge and double-doors while remaining mostly out of sight, behind a large rock formation.

"I don't see any signs of life on the other side."

Sarah stares at the bridge.  Even though she wasn't asked, she volunteers:

"I don't know about that bridge; I can't tell from here.  I can try to get closer without being seen, in case there is someone watching."

Elam looked upon the magnificent carved dragon in awe. He made a note to ask the dwarf his opinion on who he thought might have crafted such a spectacular display. But that could wait until their business here was concluded. There were clearly more pressing matters at hand.

"Surely the front door would not be left unprotected and unwatched." he whispered to the others as they huddled behind the rocks. "Vaxfar, perhaps you could make our fearless trap expert invisible? Then she could scout ahead for us and determine the safety in gaining entrance. Once she returns and gives us the all clear, I can make the rest of of vanish. Then we can all cross the bridge, hopefully unseen by any watching eyes hidden within...."

Ovo was watching the bridge and entrance with a strange mixture of awe and concern. To meet a dragon was bad enough, but encountering a five-headed one, was terrifying! Though peering about with his keen eyes, Ovo saw no one. Of course, guards could be well hidden. Mayhaps stationed withing the carving with convenient peep hols? Or maybe by some magical means. It was Sarah's and then Elam's suggestion that snapped him out his reverie.

"That be bonny ideas both. Yet, Elam has the right o' it. Invisible be ah sure thing. I might also suggest find'n another door to boot. I'd nay walk in the front door that should be heavily guarded when a side... less used door would be better." Ovo paused a bit before continuing. "We'd best be hurry'n afore that dragon n' his master come home."

Sarah nods.  "That's a good idea.  Plus, I'm likely the lightest of us, and so least likely to overstress the bridge.  I can check the bridge and then, if it looks good, cross and scout the other side."

She looks to Vaxfar and Eoni.

"I like that plan," Dame Daflin agreed with a nod to Sarah and Vaxfar.  "It's just too empty.

"Throw a rock in our direction if you want us to come across after you."

They are a long way from the entrance, if anything comes for them, it will have to close a distance.  Given that, Dergan pulls his bow quietly from his back, and lays an arrow loosely in place, ready to make a pull if need be quickly.

In reply to Dergan (msg # 197):

Vaxfar agrees and casts a spell.  [Private to DM Pawn: Cast invisibility on Sarah]

Once invisible, Sarah creeps out to the bridge and inspects it, trying to gauge its reliability.

Sarah stalks invisibly along the narrow rocky ledge to the natural bridge that spans the massive gorge. There is little cover here making an undetected approach quite unlikely in the middle of the day, without the aid of magic, and assuming anyone is watching for intruders.

The natural bridge appears quite sturdy and Sarah assesses it to be in no immediate danger of imminent collapse. She also does not see any evidence of traps along its span. The bridge is about 10 feet wide throughout, so barring any external forcing mechanism, there should be minimal risk of plunging over the edge into the rocky gorge below.

Sarah wouldn't put it past the denizens of the keep to erect magical traps, designed specifically to sweep intruders over the edge.  And that is a might long fall.

Nonetheless, she advances -- but cautiously and slowly, prepared to leap back if necessary.

The adventurers watch, peering from behind the distant rock formation...as nothing appears to happen.

[Private to Sarah: Sarah crosses the natural bridge with no incident.]

PM

[Private to DM Pawn: Sarah breathes a very shallow and silent sigh of relief, then (1) inspects the doors for means to open them and possible traps and locks and (2) the surrounding area for other means of entrance.]

[Private to Sarah: Sarah stalks across the bridge, onto a much wider stone ledge at the base of the gargantuan five-headed dragon carved into side of the mountain, and up to the similarly dragon-themed stone double door. She visually inspects the door and discovers both doors are crafted from iron. Sigils carved into the door's lintel appear to be some sort of script, though Sarah is altogether unfamiliar with their meaning is inscrutable.

In any event, Sarah judges the double doors as magically trapped and apparently triggered by touch. Glancing up, and judging by the five dragon heads all aimed at the door's entrance, Sarah deduces something nasty awaits any who touch the door without disabling the trap.

Sarah then turns her attention to the surrounding area in an effort to discover an alternate entrance. The ledge continues for about 10 feet beyond the double doors and then terminates at one of the feet of the massive dragon carved into the side of the mountain. She does not see any obvious entrances anywhere along the base of the mountain. Then, looking up, she takes in the horrific dragon looming overhead. Far above, in the gaping maw of one of the five dragon heads, Sarah sees what appears to be a cave entrance.

OOC: The cave entrance in the dragon's maw is about 140 feet above the ledge and double doors.]

The adventurers continue to watch. Still nothing...

Ovo, with a heavy crossbow in hand, watched for any signs of Sarah or evidence that she had been spotted or needed aid. The concern in his dark eyes was visible. Yet, for now, he stood watching. He had to trust that Sarah would find her way. To move out in the open may jeopardize her mission and their safety.

"May Avandra watch o'er the wee lass when we canna do it." the dwarf whispered.

PM

[Private to DM Pawn: Sarah looks to see if there aree handholds, footholds, or some other means for getting to the cave high above.  Seems to her unlikely that the "true" entrance would be inaccessible.

If there's nothing obvious she evaluates whether she thinks that at least she, with her training, could climb up there to lower a rope.

After that, she sneaks back to the party . . .

)OC: Putting this private in case you have something planned for her return; didn't want to assume that I made it. :)]

[Private to Sarah: There are enough hand and footholds along the way to the upper cave. Sarah would probably feel reasonably certain she could make the climb with her training.]

After some time, Sarah returns to the party, still invisible, but back nonetheless.

Sarah maintains her invisibility; no sense in giving it up unnecessarily.

"OK, the bridge seems sound, and the ledge on the far side seems safe.  The doors are one big trap.  They may be real doors, too, but it doesn't matter.  The trap's magical, so I probably can't do anything about.  I'm not sure, but I think that one of the the dragons' mouths'll breath on anyone trying to open the door.  There are symbols on the outside; I'm pretty good at deciphering languages I haven't seen, and I couldn't figure this one out -- could be some kind of magical language embedding a glyph.

But, there is a cave in one of the dragon's mouths, about 140 feet up.  I'm pretty sure I can get up there and lower a rope; I don't know if anyone else could climb it."

"If they're relying entirely on the trap to safeguard this entrance," Dame Daflin concluded, "then it should be safe for us to cross.

"Do we have enough rope to lower down from the mouth?" she asked, looking around to see who had rope.

After Sarah alerts the party to the presence of the upper cave, all are able to identify it within the open maw of one of the five dragon heads looming high above, carved on the side of the mountain.

OOC: Map for visual reference


This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

Ovo smiled at hearing Sarah's voice "Ha! The Lady was wi' ye! Aye! If ye can climb and lower ah rope if'n we have enough. That would be the best. We will have to be quick though. Elam's spell can probably get us across the bridge unseen but once we start climb'n the spell will be broken. Now, once the rope be lowered I'd best be the first up. I can keep watch and protect those that be climb'n after. Then Dame Eoni n' Elam. Elam? If ye can nay climb, tie the rope around ye and I'll haul ye up. After them, M'Laird to help me guard n' fight. The rest can follow with Dergan and Lauren beth bring'n up the rear."

Ovo looked to the mercenaries "Any o' ye lot gud at climb'n? If so ye go up wi' Sarah so that'll be one less to climb the rope. Save'n time ye see?"

Grub mumbles something unintelligible, smiles, and then says in a slightly more coherent tone, "Been known to find my way around a rope, or not."

Then he smiles and chuckles to himself while worrying over a cuticle.

Sarah reflects -- though the party can't see it -- and says:

"I think that there's a way I can manage the trap.  But, if it doesn't work . . . "

Sarah doesn't finish her sentence, but the point is clear.

"I don't know if the front door is a good idea anyway, but it is an option."

OOC: A voice from behind the DM Screen alerted me to the true extent of what thieves can do. :P

"If the trap is magical," Dame Daflin also pointed out, "Elam or I could try to break the ward ourselves, but the act of removing the trap might trigger something else.  Perhaps alert those within.

"I'd like to avoid it if we can, but before we all climb up to discover a dead end in the dragon's maw, do you think you could climb up with Grub to ensure it actually connects to the inside?" she asked Sarah.  "If it does, you could lower the rope as a signal for the rest of us to follow."

Sarah's disembodied voice responds to Eoni:

"My only concern is that there was talk of everyone becoming invisible while crossing the bridge.  I think it may be hard for Grub and I to climb the rock face if we are both invisible.  If we both reach for the same foothold or handhold at the same time, one or both could fall.  We could become visible for that climb, but if there are guards in the cave, the jig'd be up."

"I don't think we can all climb and be invisible at the same time anyway," Dame Daflin said while looking in Elam's direction.  "And I think it may be better to save it for our retreat.

"So if Grub is willing, he'd be visible while crossing the bridge and climbing," she said, now turning her head to see if Grub were willing.  "At some point we're going to find out whether anyone is watching and it's best to have it be someone fleet of foot."

Grub shuffles closer to Eoni the the disembodied voice of Sarah. Even the stiff wind that whips up the gorge is not enough to completely diminish the man's strong musk, but he does not seem to be aware of the smell, or simply doesn't care. He presses in close to Eoni and whispers, "One doesn't need to be invisible to remain unseen. Same as one doesn't need to be mute to remain unheard."

He steps away from Eoni for a moment, puts a finger to one nostril, and shoots a snot rocket that is promptly carried away by the wind.

He looks up at the sun blazing overhead and then casts his vision to the west. "Couple more hours," he whispers.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

"That could work; Grub could go first and I could see where he is.  I hate to give up the advantage of invisibility while I have it."

Sarah silently hopes that she will be downwind of Grub.

The dwarf chuckled at the antics of Grub "I like the plan. We could wait fer darkness but wot if the Wyrmlaird returns from scout'n. Wi' ah dragon at our backs we might have ah wee bit o' problem climb'n. Yet, Grub go'n across and nay be invisible will make ourselves noticed. I say we all cross invisible, then let Grub go up followed by Dame Sarah. I'd rather worry about gett'n in first than wot comes when we're runn'n away."

Elam listened as Sarah described what she had found and nodded his head agreement with Eoni's suggestions. But, when Ovo suggested tying a rope to pull Elam up the cliff, the mage turned a furrowed brow toward the dwarf. "Hoist me up like a pack of supplies?! A powerful warlock such as myself does not need any pity or special measures." His breath was sharp and rapid, and his pupils dilated. The mage reached his hand in to the pouch of potions on his belt and his eyes darted across the landscape contemplating his options. "I have half a mind to simply fly across the gorge to the mouth of the cave and leave the lot of you to climb the walls like little ants."

After a few minutes, Elam took a deep calming breath and his demeanor returned to its usual stoic front. Elam removed an empty hand from his pouch and placed it upon Ovo's shoulder in a sign of empathy. "I know you meant no offense, Ovo. I appreciate the offer, but will climb the rope like mortal men are want to do. Besides, I am far to pragmatic to waste my magic just to prove that I have no need for such mundane tactics."

Elam returned his attention to the group. "I agree with Dame Daflin. No need to waste my magic just to walk across the bridge and then scale the cliff side in plain view. Besides, Grub, here, is willing to cross in plain sight first. Clearly even if invisible, his scent alone would reveal his presence. If we are being watched, they will know of our presence regardless of how we cross the bridge."

Grub points up at the sun, balls his fist, arcs his fist from right to left, and then breaks his fist and wiggles his fingers once his hand has come level with his hip.

"Waiting, waiting, so eager, hardest is to wait," he says in slurred tones.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

"What Grub is trying to say," Laurenbeth interjects, "is it might be a good idea to scope things out a bit, maybe even under cover of darkness, before rushing off headlong to our deaths."

"Don't know about the rest of you, but I aint looking to die just yet," she says in a tone laced with scorn.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

"Vaxfar," Dame Daflin asked, turning to the elf, "how much longer does Sarah have before she's visible again?  I'd like her to look around over there as much as she can and get back before it wears off.

"After that, we'll wait until dark.  Any guard might be able to see in darkness, but not as far as they can during the day.  So rest up here and get something to eat."

Ovo's eyes went wide and his face flushed red at the mage's comment. When Elam then calmed and placed a hand upon his shoulder, Ovo's eyes narrowed to mere slits. Ovo gave the mage a curt nod before walking back over to where he could watch the Fane. He held his crossbow with white-knuckled tightness. Yet, it was when he heard scorn in Laurenbeth's voice he looked over his shoulder.

"None o' us want ta die, lass. Yet die we might. Have ye looked at the Fane there? Ye n' I was paid ta be here and here we be. I have ne'er asked ye nor yer good lads to do anything I have nay done already. I have always walked afore ye and I will continue ta do so. Yer life... all o' yer lives matter ta me. If I ask ye ta do some such or I give ye advice... ." At this he paused to look at Elam. "... it tis out o' concern and nay pity or need ta boss ye."

He face the red-haired mercenary once more. "Fer now we just be talk'n and yer free ta speak yer mind. Howe'er yer scorn has no place here. Nay let me hear it again. Dame Daflin n' the heroes o' Brindol deserve yer respect lass."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

Laurenbeth listens to Ovo's rant while favoring the dwarf with a smile.

"I don't know about any scorn, but if I see or hear anything that don't seem right, I aint about to let it go by without comment. I'd expect the same of anyone here," she says while sweeping her gaze across all present members.

"We're all free folk here, and I'd hope none are cowed into foolishness, regardless of whose mouth it comes from."

Having said her piece on the matter, Laurenbeth readily agrees with Eoni's latest re-assessment.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

OOC: Just to keep things moving, because I'll be doing this eventually . . .

Armed with, and mindful of, Vaxfar's answer regarding the invisibility's duration, Sarah heads off to make maximum use of it.

Including, if time permits, an examination of the path to the cave.

In reply to Laurenbeth (msg # 225):

The woman's tone was laced with it and he had heard it. Ovo eyed her with a neutral expression. When she was through, the dwarf responded with another curt nod. "Ye kin speak yer mind lass. I said that afore now n' I mean wot I say. Yer mind kin be free n' yer tongue civil at the same time. It's all I'm ask'n."

Ovo turned back to survey the Fane once again and was silent unless he was spoken to again.

"That invisibility should last until Sarah makes an attack or casts a spell." Elam offered in response to Eoni's question. The mage looked at the elf. "Unless the elf's magic differs than my own, which could very well be."

Eoni was a little concerned Sarah might have achieved her life's ambition of truly becoming invisible to everyone.

Though, she had to admit, the girl had grown up and seemed much more comfortable with herself.  She'd be all right.

The party hunkers down in the shade of a massive rock formation about 200 feet distant from the stone ledge while Sarah attempts to invisibly scout out a path to the cave high above...

[Private to Sarah: Sarah crosses the natural bridge, onto the stone edge, and approaches the mountainside while assessing the climb. Eventually she decides the best route is to ascend the dragon's foot, up its thigh, across its rump, onto its arched back, and up its sinuous neck all the way to its open mouth.

The climb is actually not terribly difficult for Sarah, though it will likely prove quite challenging to many of her party members and altogether impossible without a guide, ropes, and spikes to usher them up the mountain.

In any event, Sarah climbs all the way up the dragon's gaping maw, taking great care to remain as quiet as possible. Beneath the dragon's dramatic frilled ears and massive ridged horn protruding from its blunt head, a row of jagged stone teeth line the cave's entrance. The cave entrance is about 15 feet wide and perhaps just as tall.

Sarah approaches the line of lower fangs and peers up into the dragon's throat. The mouth's slightly downward pitched angle causes very little daylight to penetrate within the cave, though Sarah can barely make out what appears to be a widening of the cave as it bends away and out of sight and illumination to Sarah's right.

Directly ahead of her, about 20 feet within the throat, Sarah can dimly make out what appears to be neat stacks of bones lined up against the throat's stony walls.

Sarah hears what sounds like slow, methodic, but deep breathing somewhere within the cave and the air seems to be positively charged with energy. In fact, Sarah can feel her hair standing on end as she peers into the shadowy throat.]

In reply to Elam (msg # 228):

“That is correct.  She will remain invisible until she attacks someone or chooses to become visible.  I have a spell to dispel the Magic so I could go with Sarah and attempt to dispel the Magic trap.  As Eoni points out, there might be a risk if my spell fails.”  V. is not amused at Grub’s antics but says no more.

PM

[Private to DM Pawn: Pull myself up and in (instead of looking from outside) to see if I can see more.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Still, the party awaits a sign, anything. The sun blazes overhead and save for the whistle of the wind through the dry, dusty canyon, all is quiet.

Presumably, their attention is fixed on the cave high up the mountain leading into the dragon's mouth. The cave is cast in shadow, but the party briefly sees a pulse of light within the cave.

[Private to Sarah: Sarah pulls herself up over the row of jagged lower teeth, dislodging a bit of stone in the process. The stone crumbles down onto the cave floor before settling into a shallow depression. The rolling stone causes a low echo to reverbate through the cave.

Moments later, Sarah hears a deep low rumble, like one might hear within a distant thundercloud on a warm summer day. The darkened cave's walls are briefly illuminated by pulses of light. Then, a deep crackling voice, "Hrrrrmmmm...what's thissss, I hearrrrr?" The voice is followed by the sound of something large shifting within the shadowy cave.]

PM

[Private to DM Pawn: Skedaddle!!!

Back to the party if possible; I'll wait to see if I make it. :)]

Following the flash of light within the cave, keen-eyed party members see a large, dark shadowy shape appear in the mouth of the cave for a few moments. Then, it is gone.

[Private to Sarah: Sarah turns around, hops over the row of stone teeth, and scrambles down the cliff as quickly as she can. At some point, while descending, she looks up and sees the horned head of a very much alive, cobalt blue dragon appear in the mouth of the cave. The dragon bends down to sniff at the stone teeth at the cave's mouth and then looks left and right, casting its gaze over the commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The dragon remains there for sometime, scanning the area, before it turns around and disappears within the cave.

OOC: You are able to make it back to the party]

OOC: I thought about letting the party stay in suspense a bit, wondering what happened, but decided that was cruel . . . :)


A bit later . . . Sarah returns.  The party knows this because her arrival is announced by the sounds of disembodied feet moving rapidly, which stop once they near the party and are replaced by light panting.

OK, we need to rethink this plan.  Let me start with the basic stuff.

Climbing for anyone but me and Grub is going to require a lot of rope and spikes, barring a rope climb straight up.

The cave is below the carved dragon's ears and horn, on the side of its head; there are some jagged stone teeth kinda protecting the entrance.  But a person can get in.

The cave entrance is about 15 feet by 15 feet.  The entrance angles up, so it's hard to see anything because light can't get in too well.  And it bends up to the right.

Inside, I saw a neat stacks of bones lined up against the walls, so someone in there's pretty tidy.

And . . . that tidy someone is a dragon.  I could hear slow, methodic, deep breathing somewhere in the cave.  And the air's filled with energy; electricity, because I could feel my hair rising and standing on end even while I was outside the cave.  I pulled myself up and inside through the stone teeth."

She shakes her head; the party doesn't know that, but she pauses while she does.  Then, with a bit of regret in her voice she continues: "I don't know if I was careless, or if it set up to do this, but a stone dislodged and made a sound -- not a loud one, but it was enough to wake the blue dragon.

I skedaddled, and got down the path just enough before it poked its head out of the cave.  I don't know if it could smell that I was there; I wasn't there long, but it tried.  So I can't say if he dismissed it as nothing or if he's on alert.  But regardless, it didn't take much sound to wake him."

Laurenbeth's face transforms into a mask of concern as she listens intently to Sarah's report.

When Sarah has concluded, she says in deadpan, "A dragon! Sure glad we weren't all hanging from a rope like kebabs when we learned this little morsel..."

With that, she retreats back inside the shadow of the rock formation, well out of view of the cave.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Ovo listened with a grim expression. This was indeed bad news. Not just a guardian but a dragon no less. Yet, the front door was magically trapped, and by the size of it, if barred from within it would be folly trying to force their way in. If a dragon guarded the cave then who knew what was guarding the main entrance. When Sarah was through and Laurenbeth had her say, Ovo cleared his throat.

"Aye! Tis no way to make the cave. Yet the front door be just as bad methinks. If the cave is guarded, I'll wager the front door is as well. Even if we get past the trap n' the door be open, the dragon in the cave above would be alerted n' we'd be caught betwixt two foes. Our main advantage be surprise but if we remain out here too long we'll lose that as well." The dwarf paused and scratched at the whiskers of his cropped beard. "Well, if the door be trapped and the cave so hard to enter, there may yet be another way in. Maybe a door that is well hidden by magic or natural means. I would believe those who canna fly must have an easier way in n' out. Mayhaps we search for that?"

Ovo then looked in the direction of Sarah's voice. "Thank ye Dame Sarah. Ye've saved us all n' be ah very brave lass ta boot!"

Ovo walked to where Laurenbeth had slipped off to "Laurenbeth, ye were wise ta speak up. Yer voice o' caution saved us as well. Ye have me thanks. Ye may doubt me but I care fer ye n' yer lads. Yet, sitt'n here on our arses will get us killed sooner or later. Ye keep that keen mind ah think'n. Ye've already proven its worth."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Laurenbeth draws a dagger from her sheath and examines the edge while Ovo addresses her. When the Dwarf has finished, she nods and says, "Don't worry, Master Dwarf, i aint held my tongue this far and aint about to start now. I signed on for the promise of loot--I aim to collect my fair share."

With that, she forcefully returns the dagger to its scabbard and awaits a consensus as to what to do next.

"Did it seem like the dragon was behind those doors, too?" Eoni asked, looking across the chasm at the cave mouth.

"The double doors?  Couldn't tell from up above, and with the trap I didn't want to risk trying to listen through them.  They're thick, though, so might not have done any good anyhow."

"We can't fight a dragon as soon as we enter or we'll certainly lose the element of surprise," Dame Daflin mused.  "I think our best plan is to wait until dark and then try to disable the magical trap.  It will give the dragon a chance to doze off again.

"Hopefully."

"It only woke once I entered, but I could hear it's snoring from outside the cave.  I could always return there to check on it before attempting the trap."

With this statement, Sarah admits that she entered the cave knowing that the beast lay within.  As if feeling this needs an explanation, she quickly adds:

"I know this was risky, but I had to make sure what it was."

Dergan spends most the time just ready to fire his bow, his face rather blank, but ready to engage a fight if need be.

"Ovo, I am not afraid to cross that bridge, and see if something attacks, if you need a volunteer.  And I'm not one for deep thinking, but, if orcs and hobbers come and go here, there must be a simple way in, maybe a word of passing.  If we got to the entrance, maybe a bit of moss or weed grows there as could speak with the Dame and give us the way in?"

"Let's find some better cover," Dame Daflin said as she looked back the way they'd come.  "I'm worried a returning patrol might come up behind us and we'd have nowhere to go.

"Sarah, could you keep an eye on the doors from this side until dark?  We might not be able to see well from our new spot."

Sarah nods -- which nobody can see:

"Of course."

Though invisible, Sarah will still find the best possible hiding place/cover from which to watch the doors and the bridge.

And the cave.

Sarah remains at the rock formation within view of the Fane of Tiamat, while the rest of the expedition retreats further down the mountainside trail in search of a location that offers more shelter. The search begins around midafternoon and takes an hour or so of travel before the larger group finds a suitable temporary campsite--a sheltered overhang about 100 feet off the main trail leading to the Fane, and about 1 mile below the rock formation where Sarah is presumably still keep watch. The slot canyon is about another mile below the temporary campsite.

The cave created by the overhanging sandstone slab is about 30 feet wide, 15 feet deep, and 10 feet sloping to 5 feet high.  Its length is partially obstructed by dry brush and large sandstone boulders, offering some protection from prying eyes, and almost total cover from the blazing sun. Evidence of this site's previous use as a campsite is evident judging from the ashes of a campfire within a small stone ring and soot marks on the stone overhang. However, the fire ring does not appear to have been used recently.

While the party establishes a base camp, Sarah settles in to watch the entrance to the Fane and the upper cave where she saw the blue dragon. Though invisible, Sarah spends the hottest part of the day under the sun and likely goes through much of her water ration in that period. It's a scorcher of an afternoon and the surrounding landscape, nothing but sandstone, creates a veritable furnace. Absolutely miserable.

And nothing happens. Hour, after hour, after hour, of little more than watching the unrelenting sun arc across the celestial dome. The sun eventually slips over the western range and casts a merciful shadow over the area. Eventually, dusk comes, and with it, the return of Sarah's very visible companions.

The others have enjoyed a relaxing day in the shade. Not so for Sarah.

OOC: 8 hours pass uneventfully, save for Sarah's sunstroke/burn.

;)

"I think maybe I'd be immune to a fire-breathing dragon," Sarah quips.  "I certainly feel like I've been sitting in one's mouth.

But nothing happened.  Absolutely nothing."

"I was really hoping to see a patrol go in or out," Dame Daflin said in disappointment.  "We'll have to figure it out the hard way, then.

"If anything goes wrong," she said in Sarah's direction, "there's an overhang with a fire ring off the trail about a mile back.  It's back about one hundred feet or so from the trail.  We'll use that for a rally point if we're separated."

She turned and made sure everyone else knew it would be their rally point.

"All right," she directed, "We'll go across in order with no more than two on the bridge at a time.  Stay quiet and keep an eye out while I work to break the glyph on the door.

"Any questions?"

If there are no questions (or once they are exhausted), Sarah announces she's heading off (so that the others know).

In reply to Dergan (msg # 244):

Ovo smiled at the lanky fighter "Nay lad! I nay doubt ye be brave but there will be fight'n soon enough. I agree with ye. I believe there be another... secret way in. Mayhaps we'll have time to look for it once it be dark."

Ovo took the time to rest and think at the overhang they found. It was a good drop back spot if they needed one. Ovo pondered about another entrance/ exit. This made sense to him as the cave above could only be used by the dragons. So when the party had marched back to their previous spot, the dwarf listened as the two women spoke. When Dame Daflin asked if there were any questions, Ovo cleared his throat.

"First off, take good care, Dame Sarah. Keep yer invisibility as long as ye may. Dame Daflin, while ye work on the trap, I say M'laird Voxfar n' meself check along the mountainside fer another way in. We'd best all be ready. Once we're detected, we'll be face'n ah blue dragon. Wot's our plan if he shows himself?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Fri 21 Aug 2020.

"If we see a dragon," Dame Daflin replied to the dwarf, "the first step is to run away.  If we can't do that, we spread out and find the best cover we can and try to kill it."

In reply to Eoni Daflin (msg # 252):

Ovo thought for a moment then nodded "Ye know I'll do wot ye say Dame but I disagree. We nay can outrun a dragon once it takes ta the sky. As we run we'll be grouped together and better targets for its breath. I say we spread out as ye say and hit it hard with our best weapons n' spells n' hope we damage it the best we can. As fer cross'n... I say we let M'laird and Grub cross o'er first since they be the softer steps. Then me n' Dergan so ye'll have tough fighters in case the doors open wide n' we need ta do ah fighting retreat. Then ye n' Lakshmi come'n after."

The dwarf then paused a moment "Now here's where it gets ah bit tricky. I say we leave Elam here until we figure ah way inside. He kin sling his spells from here n' this rock face gives him cover. If we need to retreat he can also cover our reteat from here. If the dragon is alerted n' comes out he might nay be spotted n' kin strike the dragon unawares so he wont be targeted."

The dwarf turned to the red-headed warrior "Laurenbeth? Ye n' Rogar kin go to the bridge but stay this side o' it. That way if we need to retreat ye both can cover us wi' yer bows if ye have them. Once we're across head back ta the rock formation wi' Elam and cover us from there. Dergan? Once everyone be across we stand on this side o' the bridge unless there be bowmen. If so we may need ta rethink things. Yet only ah few may cross the bridge at ah time. We kin hold them off fer a while and let the others use their bows."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Fri 21 Aug 2020.

Laurenbeth takes everything in but seems more confused as each new contingency is laid out.

"Wait, why aint we just waiting over here, all safe and quiet as can be, why Sarah and Eoni go take a look at that door?"

She runs her hand through her greasy hair.

"There aint no sense in a large gaggle of us going across, not when we know full well there's a dragon waiting up there," she gestures toward the upper cave. "Sarah and Eoni can get across a lot quieter than a crew of 10 of us, armored no less. No offense, but none of us is quiet as we might think."

She crosses her arms over her chest and says, "I aint wanting to see a dragon, but think it more likely if we all go across without knowing we can get through that door."

A disembodied voice says:

"I kinda agree.  Plus, if we mess up and it explodes or something -- less of you to be hurt or to have to deal with the response from within."

The dwarf nodded "That all be good points. Yet, if Dame Daflin or Dame Sarah get the door open then they'll be all alone and those inside be alerted. If the dragon comes out Sarah maybe fine cause she's invisible. Dame Eoni will then have to cross over that wee bridge alone wi' ah dragon n' mayhaps alot of hobgobs on her tail. I nay like that. Also, if there be a secret way in M'laird n' me be the best o' the lot ta find it. The keen eyes o' the elves are well known. Me n' me kin know about stone construction n' we both have eyes fer see'n in the dark."

The dwarf thought for a moment "Ah compromise might be that Dame Daflin n' Sarah go o'er first. We let them get in position. Then M'laird Vaxfor n' me go on across. I'll take off me armor so I'll make less noise. The rest o' ye kin stay here and cover us wi' yer bows n' spells. I'll nay stay this side o' the bridge while Dame Daflin goes across alone unless she orders me ta stay."

"Or . . . Sarah tries it alone?"

In reply to Sarah (msg # 257):

The dwarf nodded again "Aye! the quietest among us fer sure. That ye be invisible makes ye less likely ta be discovered. Wot if ye fail ta disarm the trap? It goes off n' mayhaps yer no longer invisible or mayhaps too hurt ta get back. If yer alone lass n' whoe'er be inside that place will be come'n out... n' the dragon as well. I just nay like the idea of either o' ye being by yerself. I'll do wot ye all think best but I nay like say'n we all be safe n' ye nay be."

"All right, stop," Dame Daflin said firmly, raising a hand.  "Sarah and I will go across.  Everyone else stay here behind the rocks.  If we get the door open, Sarah will come back to get you.

"Just have your bows ready in case something goes wrong."

She held up a hand to forestall Ovo's rebuttal.  "I'll be OK, just be ready to come over when you hear Sarah.

"Sarah," she said in a random direction, "let's go."

She made her way quietly in the direction of the bridge.

Ovo lips trembled as he saw Eoni's hand raised, but he finally nodded. "At least take me shield Dame Daflin. I'll be using me crossbow leastways n' it may protect ye."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Sat 22 Aug 2020.

"If I'm in that much trouble," Dame Daflin said over her shoulder as she walked away, "a shield isn't going to be much help."

Ovo gathered his crossbow and placed a quarrel in the grove and nodded. He then looked to the others. "Well Lads n' lass, ready yer bows. Keep yer eyes on the cave. If the dragon appears and sees Dame Daflin, we fire at it and spread out as best we may. Elam? Wot is the strongest spell ye can throw at ah dragon? Best use that one first, then duck behind this wall only when his eyes are nay yer way then use the next best until he is dead or we are."

Dergan has stood ready to fire an arrow as words flow around him.  He doesn't much listen other than to the tone, if you raised dogs, you know what they say even without knowing their language.  He lays a hand on Ovo's shoulder.

And whispers, "You've a bigger heart than I, yeh don't have to prove it just to cover up that measly beard of yours..."

The issue of who all will investigate the Tiamat Door seemingly resolved, Eoni and Sarah leave the rest of the party behind and approach the natural bridge under cover of darkness. Fortunately, it's a cloudless night and the pair have a half moon and the stars to provide some illumination, otherwise there is no way either of them would be able to see well enough to safely cross the natural bridge.

In any event, only Eoni is visible to the naked eye, Sarah is still cloaked in invisibility as they move out. But both are still very much hearable and smellabale, so Sarah's invisibility is by no means a panacea against detection.

With this thought in mind, the women attempt to cover the distance as quietly as possible. If either are detected along the way, there is no indication. They reach the double door without incident. Unfortunately, the threshold is quite dark, as it is set flush against the mountain, with a sheer cliff rising above. Still, both women can see the five dragon heads clearly pointed at the threshold, and both might be able to make out a vague impression of the strange sigils carved into the lintel. Certainly not enough light to read by though, as all details are cloaked in darkness.

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin:  "I have the magical club, which gives off a light.  If we cover it, maybe we can control it so that we can see what we're doing better, and you can take a look at those words or glyphs I couldn't read."

Anticipating Eoni's approval, Sarah pulls out one of her large, empty sacks -- but she doesn't allow the club's light to be revealed until she hears from Eoni.]

---

[Private to Sarah: "All right," Eoni whispered back.  "Just a little light.  I want to see what these glyphs look like before I try to dispel their efficacy."

She could have used her tiara, but Sarah's idea of limiting the light was a good plan.]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah uses the bag to cover the club, then activates its magical light.  Staying as close to the door as possible without touching it (so as to limit the ability for it to be seen from above - hopefully), she slowly she reveals a bit of the light so the writing can be illuminated.]

Those party members who remained behind see a brief flash of light near the Tiamat Door and perhaps Eoni's silhouette before the area is shadowed in darkness once again.

[Private to Eoni Daflin; Sarah: Eoni and Sarah seem strange sigils carved into the lintel, but neither are able to make sense of them. They look like nothing either woman has ever seen before. Definitely writing of some sort, though their meaning remains a mystery.]

"All right," Eoni whispered to Sarah, "you can put the light away.  I don't recognize any of it.

"Let me see about the power you sensed."

Murmuring quietly, she chanted, "Blessed Avandra let me spy what powers guard this wicked sty."

[Private to DM Pawn: Detect Magic to identify what magic Sarah sensed so she can pinpoint what to Dispel.]

More darkness and shadow as the minutes pass...

[Private to Eoni Daflin: The door and each of the five dragon heads strongly radiate magic.

OOC: The dragonheads are all pointed in the doors' general direction.]

Ovo was getting worried and when he saw the light flash, the dwarf nearly rushed forward. He remembered that Dame Daflin asked them to stay... to be ready so he stayed. Though there was light, no one screamed out nor was the dragon alerted. Ovo did not wish to jeopardize their mission so he remained alert but stayed where he was.

"They may be close. Be ready!" he whispered.

---

[Private to Sarah: "There's definitely some sorcery on the door as well as each of the heads," Eoni described quietly to Sarah what she could now see.  "Unfortunately, I can only release one area at a time and I don't think any of the heads will overlap with each other or the door.

"I suspect the sorcery on the door triggers the statue heads to erupt in a fashion matching the dragon they're carved to resemble.

"Do you think that removing the sorcery on the door will uncouple the heads or trigger them?"]

[Private to DM Pawn:
I'm assuming by the scale of everything that a 20' cube can only envelope one of these targets at a time.]

A brilliant shooting star streaks across the sky...

[Private to Eoni Daflin: OOC: The 20 foot cube is large enough an area to encompass the doors and the five dragonheads.]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah studies as best she can to try to answer Eoni's question . . .

OOC: I don't know if I know, or if I know that I don't know. :)]

More darkness and silence...

[Private to Sarah: Sarah believes the door is the trigger to the trap. Without attempting to Remove Traps, she has no way of knowing whether or disabling the door will neutralize the heads.]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: "I agree that the door is the trigger to the trap; whether it can be disabled at the door -- I don't know without trying.  But it makes sense, I think."]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Tue 25 Aug 2020.

---

[Private to Sarah: "I'll see if I can encompass as much as I can," Eoni whispered.  "You should stand away from the door in case something goes wrong."

Closing her eyes, the Sister of Avandra prepared herself to channel the Essence of her Goddess.]

[Private to DM Pawn:
Give Sarah a chance to move or stay.]

Ovo cursed under his breath! A shooting star? Could such a thing be a warning or signal to the dragon in the cave above or the Wyrmlaird without upon his dragon? Could it mean the trap was sprung and his companions laid dying or already dead? Could it be a sign from the goddess, The Lady Of Luck, that her servant was in need of assistance? Too many questions with no answers. The dwarf looked to Vaxfar and Elam for possible answers.

"Do either o' ye have magics that could give us answers? How do we know the Dames are safe, dead, or captured? Just how long are we to wait afore taking action? I would nay disobey Dame Daflin's order lightly but neither would I just stand here nay knowing that she yet lives for me to obey it?"

It was difficult to make out the look on the dwarf's face in the darkness, but it was clear from his voice and fidgeting that he was concerned. Elam leaned in close and placed his hand on the dwarf's shoulder. "It's just a star, not an omen. Unfortunately, my magic does not allow me to know anything more than you and my eyes provide me far less help than your own. As always, I must rely on my head and logic. If trouble arose, we would certainly hear the sounds of battle, no? They certainly would not go quietly." His voice was confident in his assessment, but he turned to the elf. "You know them better than the rest of us. We will follow your lead if you sense any need to change directives."

It was hard for Vaxfar to stand back and wait but he had been through too many battles to know that it would be foolish not to be patient and wait for Eoni and Sarah to report back before he did anything else.  He stood ready with his wand in hand straining to see what more he could make out.  He says a few words under his breath and continues to concentrate.

[Private to DM Pawn: cast esp.  because I can wait and concentrate, i should be able to discern the thoughts of the members around me as well as Eoni and Sarah if they are in range (also perahaps the dragon or other creatures if there are openings in the door)]

[Private to Vaxfar: A flood of jumbled thoughts assault Vaxfar's mind:

To Them. Already Wonder what happened. Hopefully, very down he seems. Concerned. Calm.

Good. He Smells Something.

Down settle out already, loud. Crying for treasure? Any wonder if they has dragon, if, hurry up.]

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Eoni casts dispel magic, targeting the double door. The magic is quite strong and it takes Eoni some mental effort to overcome the powerful evocation, but eventually she unworks the effect.]

The double door is suddently illuminated with crackling white energy that races up and coalesces around the five dragon heads looming overhead. As it spreads over the stone dragon heads, the color shifts to blue, green, red, white, and yellow hues, before all suddenly fade out. Motes of sparkling light falls to the ground in a shower, dissipating to nothing seconds after they strike the ground.

Moments later, everyone hears the screech of an unknown beast echo through the canyon...

Dergan chuckles lightly, "Fancy door knocker that, time to fight".

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: "Uh oh," Sarah says.  "Are you alright?" she queries as she tries to determine whether, despite the fireworks, the trap has been neutralized.]

---

[Private to Sarah: "Change of plans," Eoni said quickly, swinging her pack around to pull out her tiara.  "Get that door open and I'll get the others."

Putting the very bright tiara on, she turned and started waving frantically for the others to come across.]

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Without hesitation, Sarah starts trying to open th e door.  Safely.]

Ovo looked to the elf "We should get across yon bridge. I nay be know'n wot's come'n but unless it flies like ah dragon, we can face it better as it crosses te bridge."

He then nodded toward the light show "Besides, those inside the Fane most like know we be here. Wot think ye all?"

After the brief but brilliant pyrotechnic display, the area near the double doors becomes bathed in light, at the middle of which stands Eoni. The priestess waves her hands frantically, presumably beckoning her companions to come quickly. Meanwhile, Sarah checks the door for any remaining traps or locks, finds none, and pushes the huge doors inward.

[Private to Eoni Daflin; Sarah: Beyond the double door, Sarah and Eoni see a 10-foot wide unlit corridor that continues for about 25 feet, before coming to a wide stone staircase leading straight up.

OOC: Eoni's tiara provides light in the immediate area, just wanted to point out the tiara is the only light source.]

OOC: Dergan, Elam, Ovo, Vaxfar, Laurenbeth, Shmee, Rogar, Grub, and Murph are 180 feet from the double door. The area near the door is illuminated, but most of the distance between is not, to include the natural bridge that spans the gaping chasm.

Ovo moved to the natural bridge and urged his fellows to follow. "Vaxfar if ye will cross first ta help the others, I'll stay on this side until all o' ye cross. If ye have ah torch or such n' ye wish ta light it do so. Stay to the middle o' the bridge and keep move'n ta the door n' Dame Eoni."

PM

[Private to Eoni Daflin: Sarah moves in silently, checking for traps before the stairs and to see if she can get to a place where the angle lets her see the top of the stairs.]

"Let's go" Vaxfar says curtly in whispered but firm voice, keeping his wand in hand and taking off in a run  across the bridge.

---

[Private to Sarah: "Sarah," Eoni whispered to the empty doorway, "see if you can find out where that dragon will be coming from.  I'd like to close these doors behind us."

Presumably, she wasn't standing there talking to herself in the illuminated doorway.]

"Elam, if you loan my your latern, I'll lead across for any of us who don't see in the dark, follow in my path and we'll cross well enough.  If something aims at the light, it'll be aiming for me".

Assuming Elam agrees, he will stow his bow and using the light to keep him centered, head out across the bridge.

Elam had no intention of trying to cross the bridge in the dark. At the first sign from the ladies across the gorge, the mage struck his flint and lit his lantern. He closed the hood most of the way. "Just enough light so we don't step off the edge," he muttered and then happily handed it over to the sturdy warrior. "You surprise me with you sparks of wisdom. Let's make haste, before we are too late to help."

As Dergan and Elam pass over the bridge, Ovo nods and winks. "That's good lads! I'll be right behind ye when all are across."

OOC: Elam, Ovo, Dergan, Vaxfar: how quickly are each of you attempting to cross the 160 foot distance to the double door?

Slow Walk
Walk
Fast Walk
Jog
Run
Sprint

???
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:36, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

In reply to DM Pawn (msg # 295):

Ovo is run to the bridge (I think 50 feet away), he is going to wait until everyone is across then walk across the bridge and he will run to catch up after.

Dergan will walk. Just walk and try to stay center to the bridge

Vaxfar will run.

Ovo and Vaxfar, both gifted with the ability to see quite well in the dark run to the natural bridge; however Dergan, Elam, Laurenbeth, Shmee, Rogar, and Grub proceed at a much more sensible pace. One false step could result in certain doom. The trail is not very wide, strewn with loose stones, and the penalty for failure quite steep. Naturally, Murph seems unbothered by all of this and is content to just everyone else, perhaps even joining Vaxfar and Ovo for a run, before doubling back to check on the laggers.

Fortunately, the dog has enough sense to not bark in excitement, but even her bark would be less noisy than Ovo's run. Clad in heavy armor, the dwarf's approach to the natural bridge is less than quiet. The natural acoustics of the surrounding sandstone cliffs amplify every noise. If the blue dragon is still in the cave overlooking the ledge and natural bridge, it must certainly be alerted by now.

But no dragon emerges from the cave and the party manages to cross the natural bridge with no mishaps. Once they have crossed, presumably they pick up their pace to close the distance to the now-open double doors, where Eoni awaits.

Meanwhile, Sarah examines the wide corridor and finds no evidence of traps. Then, she approaches the stone stairs, which ascend steeply into the mountain. After walking up a few steps, she can make out the top of an iron double door at the top of the steps.

By this point, the entire party has arrived at the Tiamat Door and no dragon has emerged from the upper cave.

"Everyone inside and we'll close the doors," Dame Daflin said quietly as she waved them all inside.  She couldn't believe they hadn't left the dog with the mules.  She'd be more offended if the dog hadn't been infinitely quieter than Ovo.

edit: color
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

Once over the bridge, Dergan hands the lantern back to Elam and stands at the edge of the chasm until Ovo is safely across.

As the dwarf rushes past, he grins, and follows him to the doors and inside.

Seemed almost too easy, maybe they were desperate for visitors.  More likely, just letting dinner walk in the front door.

Sarah goes up the steps to check the double doors for traps.  She then listens to see if there's something on the other side.  If all answers are negative, she'll check to see if the door is locked (without actually opening the door).

Ovo moved inside and inspected the door. If it were too heavy for the dwarf to close himself, Ovo would ask Dergan and Lauernbeth to help. He would wait until all were inside to do so, then inform Eoni of the sounds of the unknown creature in the canyon.

"Are ye n' Dame Sarah alright then?" Ovo queried. "We've seen the lights n' such. Were either o' ye harmed?"

The entire party (yes, Murphy too...) passes through the Tiamat Door and Ovo, Laurenbeth, and Dergan pull the heavy stone double doors closed behind them. Murphy races inside last, circles around Eoni once, then sits by the cleric's side and pants.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Flashback to the entrance to the slot canyon, when Eoni recommended the animals be left behind:

Grub turned to Murphy and whispered in a baby voice, "She don't mean you, now does she? No, you're not an animal, are you girl? No, indeed!"

And this settled the matter, at least as far as Grub was concerned.

---

OOC: Opening a new thread...