quote:

11:25, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6 ((6,1)).

Dragons are big nasty flying things best avoided by sensible soldiers...

Dragons are, academically, divided between the 'lesser drakes' (wyverns, drakes, linnorms, and so on) and the 'true drakes'. While lesser drakes can be found in all parts of the world (if you search for them), the true drakes are the stuff of legends, leading many to question whether they really exist or not.

In fact, the best source of information on true drakes comes from the orcs, who claimed they used to live in the Sunblight Wasteland. According to the more civilized orcs, the wilder tribes deeper into the desert keep dragon bones as symbols of their status, with the strongest tribe owning the largest skull.

Spriggy shared what he knew of dragons with the group, then said, "I think we should try flying in as a dragon. The orcs will probably soil themselves if they spot a dragon flying through the sky and give us a lot of space." Spriggy wasn't positive that that would be the orcs' reaction, but thought it would be a likely one.

"I think the spell should last as long as we need it to, Russel, so long as I don't try to cast any other magic spells in the meantime. So, should I cast the spell on one of you two?" He was hoping either Gorrid or Russel would volunteer themselves to be the dragon.

"Are you not able to transform all of us?  Or is the notion to transform one of us, the others ride, and then carry the goats in the claws?

In any event, I suggested it, so I'm willing."  He sort of hoped he didn't have to carry both goats and team mates.  If he dropped a goat, he could live with himself.  If he dropped a teammate, that was another question entirely...

"Having climbed into second and third story windows before, I should not have any problem with heights as a flyer," stated Russel.
"Just how big of a dragon can you make one of us? Would carrying everything be a strain?"

"Hopefully you don't end up as a boney trophy." Buck contemplates, mulling over Spriggy's impromptu lesson on dragons in the lands of orcs. "I wouldn't need a ride." he adds, trying to be helpful.

Spriggy did his best to address the questions his companions had. "I could theoretically cast my spell multiple times, but it is quite mentally taxing to sustain the magic. So if I cast it a second time, the first spell would almost certainly end. So effectively, I can only cast it on one of us. Luckily though, like Buckthorn, I should still be able to transform myself separately. Which means only one passenger and two goats will need to be carried. As for how big of a dragon I can make, I am not sure. Let's find out!"

After taking a moment to let the goats know what was about to happen, Spriggy walked over to Gorrid to cast his spell. He thought it best to transform Gorrid because he thought Russel's skills at climbing in windows might make the man better at holding on tight than Gorrid in his armor would be. That, and Gorrid probably had more innate strength pre-transformation to spare for lifting his soon-to-be passengers.

Spriggy pulled in magical energy from all around, collecting as much as he could. He placed one hand on Gorrid's shoulder, letting the magic pool into him. He mentally molded Gorrid's spiritual form like clay, urging it to take a new shape. A shape his outer form would strive to match. It was very similar to how Spriggy's own shapeshifting operated, except also not. He was not calling upon an existing dragon spirit, but moreso making a forgery of one.

As his spell completed, he looked up to see what type of creature Gorrid had become.

---

Spriggy is casting Polymorph on Gorrid to turn him into a dragon. I am trying to make a big strong flying dragon, but I will let our GM decide just how big, etc. Maybe a sulfurous yellow in color?
15:31, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 7 using 2d6+3 ((1,3)).
I will forget the spell.

For reference:

quote:

Polymorph - Level 5 Enchantment

Description:
Your touch reshapes a creature entirely, they stay in the form you craft until you cast a spell. Describe the new shape you craft, including any stat changes, significant adaptations, or major weaknesses. The GM will then tell you one or more of these:

-The form will be unstable and temporary
-The creature’s mind will be altered as well
-The form has an unintended benefit or weakness

This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Fri 03 May.

Gorrid feels somewhat disoriented, as everything around him seems to shrink and move down. When the transformation finishes, you have one less paladin, and one new big dragon in the party... for now. Spriggy can feel the energy drain out of him quickly, and he won't be able to maintain the spell for more than an hour or so.

An unremarkable brown and black speckled bog wren, absolutely miniscule in comparison to the newly sprouted dragon, curiously flies a few circles around the massive creature before setting down on a scrubby and near-barren bush by the goats.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Mon 06 May.

"HOLD THE GOATS.  THEY WILL FLEE OTHERWISE.  THEN CLIMB MY TAIL AND WE SHALL MAKE HASTE.  AT MINIMUM, WE SHOULD BE HARD TO TRACK."

The voice was immense and caused ripples in the sand, but though obviously dangerous the mammoth creature did not seem to pose an imminent threat.

Russel jumped into action and secured the goats for the new dragon to carefully grasp.
After that he climbed on and tried to settle into a spot where he had a good grip, while not feeling he was going to be split in half by the back ridge.

Spriggy also helped with the goats. Once they were secure, he said, "Let's not waste any time. I will hold the spell for as long as I can, but the sooner we get there the better. I will fly along behind."

With that said, Spriggy willed his body to take the form of a bird. He had two to choose from. A swan and a vulture. Of the two, he figured a vulture would look less out of place. Black feathers covered the bard's body except for his head and legs. Those both became bare and wrinkled. He shrank to about half his original height as the transformation completed. Spriggy flapped his vulture wings, ready to follow the enormous dragon through the sky.

---

Shapeshifting to vulture:
13:37, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,6.  Shapeshifter - to vulture.

You set out into the sky, toward the volcano's caldera. You're barely out of sight of your camping ground, when you spot the orc's air patrol again. The moment they see Gorrid though, they turn back and fly off as quickly as they can.

Spriggy struggles to maintain the spell, growing more and more tired as you climb the mountain, but thankfully you reach your goal before the transformation wears off.

As Sir Gorrid resumed his shape, the others could see his face was drenched with sweat and he was breathing heavily.  Apparently the flight had required a good level of exertion.

Wiping his brow with his hand, the aged knight gazed up at the spectacle before them.  "Friendly-looking place...  Does anyone know anything about those who reside here?"

quote:

10:16, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+2 ((5,3)).

What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
Who's really in control here?

Returning back to his normal form after landing, Spriggy slumped to the ground. He was fine, but the effort of flying here and maintaining the spell at the same time had been a lot more taxing, both mentally and physically, than he had anticipated.

When Gorrid asked if anyone knew anything, Spriggy finally took a moment to look at the details of their destination more thoroughly. The place was impressive! "I might have something in one of my books," he offered. Begrudgingly, Spriggy pushed himself back up to his feet and headed toward his book stash among the goats and the gear they held. After making sure the goats were okay after the undoubtably terrifying flight, he scanned his small library for any information about where they had just landed.

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Spouting Lore, using a book. What do I know about this place?
23:32, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 14 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 5,5.  Spout Lore, with book.

Buck briefly surveys the caldera from the high edge the group has just summited. He eyes Sir Gorrid to make sure the old knight is well after his wild transition, but when Spriggy makes for his book pile Buck quietly backs down from the edge. He finds a small area, removed from the group, suitable for kneeling and puts an ear to the outer wall of the volcano they have been laboring up. Rhythmic but soundless breathing allows him to bring into focus countless ages the place has weathered as he places his palms on the rough stone. Moments later he can start to  barely make out a communion of whispers...

Buckthorn rolled 10 using 2d6+2, Communion of Whispers

Through your divination, research, and observations, a few things are obvious. First, people were expected to enter the citadel through flying, though the chains are big enough that someone could use them to reach it.
Second, most of the building is protected by a shield, judging by the way the occasional wisps of smoke swirl away from the structure. The shield doesn't seem to block access to the area connected to the chains though, so it was probably used as the landing area.
Finally, and most importantly... it's not guarded. To Gorrid's trained eye, it seems like an abandoned fortification rather than an active castle. There's no signs of combat though, so you have no way of knowing why it was abandoned.

Russel does his best to soothe the goats and assist with unpacking and repacking as Spriggy searches for the specific book.

After sharing what he knew, Spriggy looked at the structure with renewed appreciation. It was a marvel of magic and engineering melded together.

"It seems that if we want to enter, using the chains may be our best bet?" he suggested tentatively. He was certainly open to other options though. "Even if nobody is home, there may still be useful information within."

"If the typical means of arrival is flight, that might be faster and safer than trying to use the chains.  If there *is* someone home and they decide they don't want visitors, I'd much rather we be in the air than all trying to clamber along a chain."

Realistically, clambering along a chain while wearing full plate mail did not fill Sir Gorrid's heart with joy.  Plus, being a dragon had been kind of fun...

"I don't think I will be able to pull off that spell a second time right now," replied Spriggy. "At least not without taking a good long rest first. The spell took more effort than I had anticipated. Buckthorn and/or I could potentially still fly in though if we need some scouting done." He didn't mean to volunteer Buckthorn for the task, but the two of them were the only consistent fliers of the group.

"I think we'd be better off waiting than hurrying and exposing ourselves to unnecessary risk.  Even if we were to make it across, we'd have to leave the goats on this side and I'd feel more comfortable with them somewhere safe."

Long rest is DnD.  Prepare spells is just an hour, and it's not even lunchtime yet :>

After taking a look at the chains, Russel said, "I should be able to climb up the chains. Except for splitting up being a bad idea, not all entering at the same place could confuse any defenders."

Rarely one to speak up in a decisive manner, Buck looked from face to face during the discussion. His mixed  expressions mean to convey that while he does not like the idea of anyone crossing by manner of the chains, he also does not want to be perched on the edge of the caldera for much longer.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Yesterday.

"I see benefits to both waiting and with moving forward," replied Spriggy, since it seemed the party was split in their decision. "If we rest for a bit, it will be much safer to enter, and we can potentially bring the goats. But if we head in now, we won't risk more orcs investigating the appearance of a dragon and scouting us out in the meantime. Not to mention if there are people inside, waiting will give them more time to prepare for us. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is still unknown."

Spriggy shrugged noncommittally. "Maybe Russel and Buckthorn should test out crossing those chains while Gorrid and I recuperate with the goats for a bit? Definitely try to stay within earshot though if we try something like that."