GM Rat Sass's Age of Worms

Game Master Governayle

Eidi makes his meditation morning exercises before preparing new spells. He then visits the main room for a nice breakfast with the Outcasts.

The half-elf nods in agreement with Solrisa and Ascaria "You have accepted me into your group. Let me return you back. If there is any scroll or wonderful magic item you are in need, I can craft it for you for just the materials costs. The working hours run in my side"

Eidi ponders this last thing "If we are decided to depart, and you have interest on this crafting offer, you might perhaps want to buy the materials here. I do not know how easy they are to acquire it in Diamond Lake"

Sense Motive Mortimer nods apologetically to the Crooked House staff.

"I used to get forcibly ejected and subsequently banned from The Library. I intend to never repeat that experience, either for Libraries or other establishments," he says to the Party's hosts.

”Mort, have you considered wearing a shield? You could get a nice Mithral number like what I have [...]"

"Let me see that -- " Mortimer says, taking Ascaria's dainty little shield. "I could use this as a buckler. A bigger one you say? Hrm..." he ponders over it, turning it around, rubbing it here and there, then slamming it suddenly and loudly against the table in front of the least attentive looking Imp (Hooknose) in an effort to A). test shield durability/bashability and B). startle/harass the Imp. "Hm. Yah, it's nice. It looks enough like it would go with my shirt. I don't really know how to use one, but I suppose I could figure it out. Is it really worth it? How much is it?"

Mortimer agrees to the cash gift suggestion of Ascaria's for the Crooked House hosts. For the sake of discretion, he merely nods to Tynan in acknowledgment of his information.

"You have accepted me into your group. Let me return you back. If there is any scroll or wonderful magic item you are in need, I can craft it for you for just the materials costs. The working hours run in my side"

"Oooh... uh," Mortimer's eyes flicker with excitment. "Does that include Dust of Appearance? Something tells me that might be quite useful in the future. Unfortunately, I don't have that much in the way of cash anymore."

"And yes, I think it's time to return to Diamond Lake. I haven't been to Osgood's for some time. I wonder how they're all doing there at the Smithy."

Ascaria also nods to Tynan, but says nothing untoward under the watchful eyes of the Imps. Likewise with Eidi.

He follows Tynan's lead, "We should all watch our feet as we travel about today."

Bluff: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33 vs DC 20 to pass a complex secret message.

To Mort he responds openly about the shield, being less concerned about the imps as the thing, if purchased, will be very visible. "Yeah, mithral is very light and with your strength, you probably won't even notice it's there. I dunno what your shield might cost, but mine was $1,000gp for the mithral and some pittance on top. I have the cash if you'd like you can pay me back. Might be hard to get the mithral in Diamond Lake."

(Mithral Shield, 1,020gp. AC+2 (+4 total with Ascaria's daily bump), -0 armor check penalty, 8lbs)

Ascaria is happy to make a detour to pick up a shield if the big man wants it, or at least the materials to have one crafted back home, on their way to the Captain.

Solrisa enjoys Mortespeare in the park, clapping and adding smiles and reactions as appropriate. She enjoys the day and makes the best of the day of respite before the longer and more unpleasant things she knows are coming.

”Let’s find Captain what’s-her-name, and get clearance to get out of this ‘burg. I’m eager to return to Diamond Lake and get out of this oppressive place. We’ve caused some hardship to the Crooked House I fear - especially with these damned Imps the last couple days. What say we pool our cash, 100gp each, and really give ‘em a prize!”

Solrisa smiles and agrees readily, thinking that this is a grand idea. Now that she has money to tip, she just doesn't believe in tipping, she believes in overtipping.

"No one home."

Solrisa frowns mightily, gravely disappointed. She had hoped to end the man and his companions, but sort of feels that she can come back next year and if Loris shows up, she can take care of him then.

* * *

"You have accepted me into your group. Let me return you back. If there is any scroll or wonderful magic item you are in need, I can craft it for you for just the materials costs. The working hours run in my side"

Solrisa's eyes light up with the offer. Her hands reach to her headband.

"Oh yes! I would like this made better," Solrisa hands Eidi her headband of charisma +2 to examine. "Can you make it better? I would like that very much." Solrisa beams hopefully at the old half elf.

"I have the cash if you'd like you can pay me back. Might be hard to get the mithral in Diamond Lake."

Mortimer frowns, folds his arms behind his head and leans back. I have to commit now? He looks sideways at the gnome, and sighs. He seems to think it important enough...

"O.K., Canary. We'll check out shields while we're here."

He glances at the others and rolls his eyes.

With a quick stop by the Bear and Bellows, Mortimer has his pick of shields, mithral or other-else. From there, a small debate over where one might come across the Captain. The imps are no help, for the little time it takes you to realize that their directions are uncoordinated, almost intentionally directing you towards the seedier parts of town. As one would drag a twig through a stagnant pond, to see what might be dredged just below the surface of the water...

It dawns on you that returning to Eligos's estate is the most likely crossing of her path, and you are not disappointed. She speaks words of infernal to the imps, who immediately take to the gateposts, where they grow still, and wait. She hears you out, hears your stated intention for leaving the city. She inquires as to where you depart. She speaks brisk infernal again, and the imps stir once more.

The imps take flight from the gateposts, and begin to circle the party in the sky above.

...

Solrisa is able to retrieve her horse from the nearby stable, proximal to the Crooked House Tavern in Southgate.

Able Carter's Coaching Service, the parent company of Diamond Lake's own Coaching Inn, is easy enough to locate, just within the western wall of Egorian in the district of Sorrowgate. This district, combined with Sorrowside, most closely resembles pre-Thrune Egorian, and is commonly known as the Old City. This district holds the most number of houses of worship not dedicated to Asmodeus, and for its popularity among emissaries of other nations, it also boasts the greatest number of foreign shops and restaurants. This makes fertile ground for Able Carter's to do business.

A coach is arranged, and will depart at the 12th hour, with the promise of a coach's arrival in the half hour before.

Though Ascaria is eager to leave now that they have permission, they must wait some little while for the coach, which gives the group time to stop at the inn one last time.

He says goodbye warmly, and gifts a substantial pouch of gold. "For all the trouble we've caused. You've been most gracious hosts, even when to do so was to your detriment. We sincerely appreciate your efforts on our behalf. Thank you."

He hands over the pouch and wishes them all well, the whole menagerie. He wonder what will become of them with their departure, and hopes things will slow and calm and get back to normal. He casts Enhance Water, and makes one more flagon of simple wine, serving it out to everyone in a final toast as they depart.

He hurries back to the coach-house, pushing the party to arrive early for departure, so they don't miss it. He's on the coach as soon as it arrives, sitting impatiently, ready to leave...

Removed 1,000gp as a loan to Mort, and 100gp for the Crooked House. Also casts an additional Magic Vestment (+2 AC for 11 hours) on Mort's new shield.

When Solrisa sees Mort's new shield, her hands go to her mouth.

"Oh Mort! It's beautiful! It's lovely...is it for me?" Solrisa seems really excited. She's always wanted a nice new shield. Her eyes go from Mort to the shield. It's lovely.

Correction- Sorrowgate is in the north-east section of the city. So you'll be traveling back East, when you leave the city. As you were.

Tynan nods to the Captain, and answers her query.

"With the tournament ended, and our extensive shopping excursions completed, we're heading east, back to our home. Several of us have jobs waiting for us there that we need to get back to. We've already been away longer than we had planned to be."

Eidi takes Solrisa's headband with care "Let's see... yep, with a couple of powerful new gems here and there I can use some enchantments to improve this already beautiful piece of art"

The half-elf smiles to Mortimer too "Dust of appearance, let's see what can I do there. Although it might be easier for me to prepare a glitterdust scroll"

----------------

The elder packs his little belongings and joins the group "I am curious to met this Diamond City and Allustan. Is he your mentor perhaps Eri?"

During the hours before the depart, he also profits the time to buy the materials needed for Solrisa's headband, and a few more components and focus devices required for his newly acquired spells. He profits the others errands time to start working in the project.

The Theurge mets on time with the party at the departure location of the coach.

"Dust of appearance, let's see what can I do there. Although it might be easier for me to prepare a glitterdust scroll"

"As you will -- I can contribute to that. It's just," Mortimer grins sheepishly, pulling at his forelock -- "I am only good at throwing things."

~~~

With a quick stop by the Bear and Bellows, Mortimer has his pick of shields, mithral or other-else.

Gawking at the possiblities, Mortimer considers a suitibly sized Mithral shield.

The very next best thing to [...]

"Can we afford Adamantine, Canary?"

Figuring that's likely not an option, Mortimer chooses whatever Ascaria thinks will work best for now.

"Oh Mort! It's beautiful! It's lovely...is it for me?" Solrisa seems really excited. She's always wanted a nice new shield. Her eyes go from Mort to the shield. It's lovely.

Mortimer solemnly responds. "You will always have my shield."

Audience with the Captain

"With the tournament ended, and our extensive shopping excursions completed, we're heading east, back to our home. Several of us have jobs waiting for us there that we need to get back to. We've already been away longer than we had planned to be."

Mortimer nods, casting his thoughts back to Osgood's Smithy. "Yeah, that's right!"

~~~
Crooked House Goodbyes

"For all the trouble we've caused. You've been most gracious hosts, even when to do so was to your detriment. We sincerely appreciate your efforts on our behalf. Thank you."

Mortimer nods, bows, then does a salute. Not being one for long goodbyes, he rubs the corner of his eye a little before departing to the coach to wait for the others.

In the Crooked House

"For all the trouble we've caused. You've been most gracious hosts, even when to do so was to your detriment. We sincerely appreciate your efforts on our behalf. Thank you."

Tarquin accepts the coin gratefully, as Scout skirts the bar to give out proportionately-stronger-than-one-would-expect hugs for a girl of her stature. She even includes the odd half-elf in her ministration, as he seems to now be part of this collective, and it is only proper to pay respects to all.

Raziel takes to the bartop, waiting expectantly for some sign of welcome. Christina only tsks him once, as Tarquin hands her the bag of coin, and she quiets, and returns to the kitchen after a polite bow to you all.

...

On the Road back to Diamond Lake

The group is large enough to have the coach all to themselves. The coach can comfortably accommodate four within, and one alongside the driver. A young man by the name of Nathaniel is your driver. He is missing his left arm. He is an inquisitive sort, for those in close quarters with him on the driver's seat-board. Plenty of questions regarding your time in the City, as well as your plans for Diamond Lake.

The first night passes uneventfully, only six hours outside Egorian. The roads are well-maintained by small mounted hellknight patrols which cross the roads at odd times and odd angles. Watches are set, the night settles in, and you are only as disturbed as you'd like to be by the night's denizens and their nocturnal stirrings.

The second day's travel is quieter, and no more exciting than the first day's travel. As night sets, Nathaniel and Eri find a decent patch of land which overlooks the road below, nestled in the tree line. High ground.

Later in the evening, close to midnight, those on watch manage to see heading west from much further down the road appears a single, slow covered wagon, then another, and another. A caravan. For the clear moonlight, you are able to see it quite a ways off. It will pass your current location within 20 minutes, for its speed. For its activity, it seems to be breaking with convention in continuing to travel through the night.

"I am looking for a place were to rest. Well, there are some dealings I still have pending, but that it is my search" Eidi cannot avoid observing the driver's stumped arm. "How is it that happened Nathaniel? If you are not bothered with the topic?"

The half-elf profits the little time he has out of the coach to keep working on Solrisa's headband. Today he basically works on attuning a new ruby for the crafting. The adventuring days make it hard to fully work but as you see Eidi work with focus and skill, you understand he works with the accelerated pulse of those who are already experienced on what they are doing.
Accelerated adventuring crafting: +500 gp for today

The elder makes a pause in his work to observe the caravans going "What is it Nathaniel? Is it normal this traffic?"

"How is it that happened Nathaniel? If you are not bothered with the topic?"

Nathaniel's smile is genuine, as the inevitable topic is raised, inevitably. "Oh, I was born this way, but it never stopped me much. Tried to enlist, a 'course that didn't happen. Proved myself in the stables, worked my way up to coachman, as you can see." He holds the reins up, to show off his deft hand movements in manipulating the leather.

...

"What is it Nathaniel? Is it normal this traffic?"

Nathaniel comes quietly down from his impromptu cot on the seat-board. "Dunno. A little late for high traffic. They're not Able Carter, so they might have their own business pushes."

"Can we afford Adamantine, Canary?"

Ascaria shrugs, grinning back at Mort with a broad smile.

Raziel takes to the bartop, waiting expectantly for some sign of welcome. Christina only tsks him once, as Tarquin hands her the bag of coin, and she quiets, and returns to the kitchen after a polite bow to you all.

He looks at the Pseudodragon and says, "I don't know what we can do to help you Raziel. We’re headed to danger to be sure, but we’re also looking for another wizard. He may be able to help you, or guide you, or maybe even hire you - but I don’t know. Either way, you’re welcome to join us if you like.”

On the trip, Ascaria is happy to take a turn outside the coach if the group is rotating, but he tries to get inside if he can to avoid the worst of the dust and weather on his clothes. He repeatedly asks Eri for assistance in keeping clean. He wonders how he might learn that particular spell, finding its usefulness beyond measure.

Later in the evening, close to midnight, those on watch manage to see heading west from much further down the road appears a single, slow covered wagon, then another, and another. A caravan.

His spells expired, Ascaira wonders about renewing everything for a caravan. He decides It’s probably nothing, How dangerous can a caravan be?, and merely renews Status, mostly because he likes the visuals.

He suggests, "Let's say hello at least from the side of the road so they know we're here. Wouldn't do to spook them." he casts light on his headband to guide the group and walks over to the side of the road and waves.

"I'm still no spotter. Someone else should sit with the driver, but I can help when we are getting close to settling in for the night."

message: "I wonder who that caravan is. I imagine there are many that go to that infernal town in the dead of night. Still, I wonder what's up."

"Oh I see" the elder half-elf waves to the caravans "Hello there! It's perhaps a bit late for traveling, is everything ok?"

Goodbyes at the Crooked House

"I don't know what we can do to help you Raziel. We’re headed to danger to be sure, but we’re also looking for another wizard. He may be able to help you, or guide you, or maybe even hire you - but I don’t know. Either way, you’re welcome to join us if you like.”

Mortimer nods, as he turns for the door, and gives a friendly beckon to Raziel to follow.

~~~
On the Road Again

As the party travels, Mortimer spends a great deal of time scaling the coach to observe their surroundings from different angles, thereby serving as the LookOut.

Today he basically works on attuning a new ruby for the crafting.

Mortimer glances at Eidi working once in awhile.

Wow. That's really ... elegant. ' wish I could do that. What's that gonna do for Sol again? Whatever it is, it's bound to be spectacular.

Setting Camp
As several of the party members peel off to approach the caravan, Mortimer wordlessly trails behind.

Aw, for the Love of Sarenae... let's just hope it's not a caravan full of weapons...

He attempts to glean anything he can about the nature of the caravan as he approaches.

Percept: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26 + 2more if ...

With Eidi speaking up, the caravan pulls to an immediate halt, as the first covered wagon stops, forcing the rear two to do likewise. Several men, six to be exact, jump out of the front two wagons, weapons drawn.

A younger man in his twenties takes the lead, as he positions himself between you all and the first wagon.

"Let me see your hands! Each and every one of you!!"

"Are you trying to determine how rough they are to see if we're warriors or poets?" Ascaria laughs holding out his hands, rotating them every so often so the young man can see they're clean and well groomed.

He adds, trying to diffuse the situation, "Relax young man, we're simply travelers like yourselves, leaving the big city and headed home to Diamond Lake. Do you know it by chance? It's just a small mining community, but filled with solid, simple folk."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (10) + 25 = 35

What direction are they traveling? Are they coming from Egorian or headed toward it?

Solrisa makes her final goodbyes and packs all her gear to leave town. She departs feeling unfulfilled as she needed to end Loris to feel like things were really over and done.

She will invite the pseudodragon to come along with them. "Raziel? Are you going to come with us? It might be dangerous...and fun."

* * *

Outside of leaving the city without killing Loris, she seems quite happy to be clip-clipping along on her horse, Memory of MemoRae 2 (or is this 3?).

Sol pats MemoRae's neck as they wait to see what the hold up is.

"We're on horses so we can just go around, right?"

"Let me see your hands! Each and every one of you!!"

Eri shows his hands and remains calm.

I don't think this guy knows what kind of danger he's in right now.

Eri's visage retains a slight and bemused grin.

"Relax young man, we're simply travelers like yourselves, leaving the big city and headed home to Diamond Lake. Do you know it by chance? It's just a small mining community, but filled with solid, simple folk."

The young man lowers his own weapon, which in turn encourages the others to follow suit. Stepping into Ascaria's light, it becomes evident that his face is smeared in dried blood.

"Diamond Lake? Filled with folk? Oh, but you are in for a rude surprise, master gnome. My troupe has left it only a full day ago, and I can still smell the smoke in my nostrils. Our horses won't stop pulling, I fear that they will not see the dawn. They would rather die from exhaustion, than suffer the teeth of a dragon."

Solrisa's pointed ears perk up.

"A dragon? Describe it!" Solrisa says, unable to hide her excitement. "When did it come?"

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 Diplomacy

"Let me see your hands! Each and every one of you!!"

Mortimer suppresses a chuckle as he raises his weapons for all to see.

"Stand down, Everyone -- judging by their weapons, these are Actors -- Artists much like ourselves." Mortimer confidently explains. Feel free to look at the DC20 spoiler above, right of the comma next to "Mortimer".

"My troupe has left it only a full day ago, and I can still smell the smoke in my nostrils. Our horses won't stop pulling, I fear that they will not see the dawn."

"What?!"

He takes a good look at the Troupe.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

He takes a good look at the horses.
"Could it be true?" he rasps under his breath.
Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25+2 more... are the horses that bad off?

"A dragon? Describe it!" Solrisa says, unable to hide her excitement. "When did it come?"

Mortimer fastens the red kerchief gift of the LizardFolk around his forehead with renewed determination.

Sticking to the shadows near the carriage, Tynan eyes the lead man with some suspicion, and weighs his words carefully. (Study target)

Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 20 + 3 = 35 (+3 studied)

"Diamond Lake? Filled with folk? Oh, but you are in for a rude surprise, master gnome. My troupe has left it only a full day ago, and I can still smell the smoke in my nostrils. Our horses won't stop pulling, I fear that they will not see the dawn. They would rather die from exhaustion, than suffer the teeth of a dragon."

My friends! Ascaria looks horrified at the report, which he takes at face value.

"An intrusion of cockroaches! Why does evil always attack the weak. Damn dragon should have attacked Egorian."

He turns to the party, "We must hurry to Diamond Lake and see what we can do to help." he turns back to those fleeing the village, "Was the dragon still there?"

"A dragon? Describe it! When did it come?"

"Was the dragon still there?"

The young man is about to answer, when an woman in her forties steps down from the second coach, with a flourish.

"Come, Mieville. See to the horses while I engage these fellow artists." This does enough to quiet the boy, as he steps briskly to offer an arm to the cloaked dame.

"Where are our manners? Pleased to meet your acquaintance. I am Adelaide Ilece, and this is the Company of Ravens. We sought to perform in the Emporium, by invitation of Shag Solomon himself, and we are now cast adrift, without a contract to support ourselves." She heaves a sigh, to pause the moment, and allow it to steep.

"It appears we have knowledge you seek, regarding Diamond Lake, no? Would you care to support the arts, in exchange for this knowledge?"

She saddens her countenance, and awaits a response.

Eidi look at the man very seriously, then to side and side for the companions reactions.

"That dragon you talk about, what color is it? Black, red? Perhaps metallic one? Was it breathing out fire, acid, perhaps electricity?" the wizard retrieves the staff he had left aside to show peaceful intentions "And what was it's size? Large like the coach, or large as a building?" a grim thought comes to Eidi's mind before adding "Or... large like the whole village?"
K. arcana (id dragon): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38

The elder gives some thought to it while trying to hold back Ascaria before the gnome starts running to the death "Why should a dragon get interest in a small mining village? Any ideas?"

"We sought to perform in the Emporium, by invitation of Shag Solomon himself, and we are now cast adrift, without a contract to support ourselves."

"OH, no! The Emporium?! They took out the Emporium?!" Mortimer cries out. Oh, I hope Esobel wasn't wasn't there!

"Where are our manners? [ ... ]"

Mortimer sheepishly turns himself back to address Adelaide and her Troupe by pulling on his forelock. He bows with flourish, resisting the urge to embelish it with Dazzling Display, and just introduces himself instead.

"I'm uh, Mort. We're the Artists and Outcasts."

"It appears we have knowledge you seek, regarding Diamond Lake, no? Would you care to support the arts, in exchange for this knowledge?"

Mort immediately digs deep into his pockets, then deeper. He turns them inside out. Dismayed, his stomach yowls with hunger.

"That dragon you talk about, what color is it? Black, red? Perhaps metallic one? Was it breathing out fire, acid, perhaps electricity?"

You know it's ours. It's gotta be. That Black Dragon from the Mistmarsh, exacting some kind of vendetta on us.

He stands there, trying to look more or less forlorn, yet hopeful at the same time.

Ascaria prepares a pouch of gold. He tosses it to the woman with a frown on his face. ”I’m Ascaria, and I must say that I am disappointed in your greed. Had you been forthright and helpful with us, we could have aided you in Egorian beyond a simple purse of gold, but this is all you'll get for your story now."

The pouch contains 50gp, quite a substantial sum for a little speaking engagement, but Ascaira is eager to hear what they have to say and doesn't want to quibble.

"So, tell us about the dragon, tell us about the village. While your horses rest a little, tell us everything!" he begs eagerly.

Solrisa seems quite put off by the request for money...finding it unseemly and unable to find the motive behind it.

She looks through her Dragon's Eyes at all of them, so disappointed is she.

Mieville draws his weapon half-way at the gnome's words, but Adelaide raises her hand, while her other hand pulls the green cloak from her head. She accepts the pouch, hefting it for a moment, before tossing it to the young man.

"I simply look after the welfare of my troupe. I have done so, and so shall you have the knowledge you seek. We are not thieves."

She addresses Ascaria Coinpurse directly, though she gestures in Eidi's direction several times while she answers as well as she can, with the occasional nod to Solrisa, who first spoke excitement.

"The dragon which plagues Diamond Lake is black as a moonless night. It has two horns like a bull, with savage points that extend towards its prey in obscene length. It measures roughly thirty feet in length, but its breath was three times as long, and wrought devastation throughout the town with its acid and fumes."

She waves Mieville over. "Please elaborate for master Ascaria here." With a nod, the young man continues.

"The dragon announced itself, I mean, herself. Ilthane. She arrived in Diamond Lake four days ago. She remained active on a daily basis until two days ago. She... she brought townfolk to the square, and... she slowly rended them, while she demanded to know where a she could find a man named Alistair. Someone finally came to the square and provided the dragon information sufficient enough for it to leave its bloody work, and leave the town. None of the townfolk believe it will stay away for long."

"Someone finally came to the square and provided the dragon information"

"Did you hear what that person said? Do you know where Alistair is, er, or was?" Eri gets pale. Allustan!

”Did the dragon hit the blue house?! It is at the end of a road on a slight rise. A man named Allustan lives there.”

Mieville shakes his head. "I was too far away to hear, but it was one of the town guard, I think, who stepped close enough to speak. From his body language, he was expecting to die for being so close."

The young man thinks a moment to answer Eri's second line of questioning. "We lodged in the Emporium, and didn't stray very far from the square, initially. There was plenty of smoke throughout the town, in several neighborhoods."

"Thank you for your warning. I shall go and dispatch this dragon," Solrisa says solemnly.

Solrisa has heard enough and is ready to move on.

Assuming that's about all they know, he shrugs and agrees with Sol. "Yes, we must rush to Diamond Lake and do what we can."

He looks after the horses a moment. He walks among them and channels to heal.
Channel Energy (healing): 8d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6, 4, 2, 6, 1, 4, 6) + 1 = 34

If they were fatigued due to hustling or forced marching, healing their injury from being pushed also heals the fatigue.

He pats one of the horses on the nose and moves back to the group. "Let's talk to Nathaniel." he suggests. "I want to leave tonight - right now. People are dying, and we can help. We're a day's travel away, so if we go all night, we should arrive in Diamond Lake by midmorning at the latest."

He sighs, "When we get there, I can remove any fatigue we may suffer with Lessor Restoration spells so we'll still be sharp. It's a small price to pay to save lives. Are we agreed?"

Eidi nods to Ascaria and Solrisa "Let's move fast, it seems the village is in danger" And let's hope we come up with something to fight such an opponent before we reach the village.

"I am a bit lost though. Whom is this Alistair and why should the dragon want to come talk with him?" the half-elf looks clueless to the Outcasts.

Eri wordlessly gathers up his things and steps toward the coach.

"Did the dragon hit the blue house?! It is at the end of a road on a slight rise. A man named Allustan lives there.”

Mortimer shoots a look of grave concern at Eri.

"We lodged in the Emporium, and didn't stray very far from the square, initially. There was plenty of smoke throughout the town, in several neighborhoods."

Oh. Sounds like the Emporium might be O.K at least...

"Thank you for your warning. I shall go and dispatch this dragon."

Mortimer suddenly quips up, "And by 'I' she means 'We'. Us. All of us."

"I am a bit lost though. Whom is this Alistair and why should the dragon want to come talk with him?"

"I think someone misheard," explains Mortimer, looking at Eri, " -- and let's hope it was the Dragon -- they mistook or mistranslated the name of Eri's mentor for 'Alistair'. Though, I suppose that would not have bode well for the person pointed out as 'Alistair'..."

"I want to leave tonight - right now. People are dying, and we can help."

"C'mon! Let us make haste at once!"

He waits for the others to move, for as the last one to arrive to greet the Troupe, he is the last to depart back for Nathaniel's carriage.

"Thank you for your warning. I shall go and dispatch this dragon."

"And by 'I' she means 'We'. Us. All of us."

Mieville blanches at the maiden's declaration, paying little attention to the giant's clarification. "You may reconsider your oath, once you lay eyes on the town." He turns to follow the gnome towards the horses.

"You say it left two days ago, arriving two days before that. From what direction did it come? How did it go? Which way did it fly?"

Mieville walks alongside Ascaria, shaking his head. "I don't rightly know which direction it approached the town. All of a sudden, the town was in an uproar, and it was flying from building to building for a while. It flew from the square, heading west. That, I know."

A goodly number of the Ravens visibly hearten as the gnome resuscitates their horses, while Mieville turns back to Solrisa, and nods a kind of understanding, almost as apology for not having understood.

Adelaide is no less impressed. "You are a healer, Ascaria. What you do has worth. Would you accept payment for your work?"

Nathaniel awaits orders, displeased that his horses will be put upon to travel through the night. When Ascaria explains his ability to restore them to health, combined with his demonstration mere moments ago, Nathaniel doesn't argue.

The horses are bridled, the coach attached, and you are traveling again. What little sleep you logged is challenged by the occasional jarrings of the coach against roadstones, unseen in the dark. You are followed twice in the early morning by what you can only hope are mundane wolf packs. Eri is able to discourage something large and black, once, while Solrisa's horse veers from one side of the coach to the other for the span of half a mile, until it seems to calm itself.

...

The sun rises, the day intensifying in light. By Nathaniel's team, you arrive outside of Diamond Lake, roughly a half a mile away. The driver insists that he keeps his coach and horses to the forested part of the road, rather than risk the attentions of a lurking dragon.

You should arrive by the 10th hour, without any interruptions.

Welcome (back) to Diamond Lake.

Adelaide is no less impressed. "You are a healer, Ascaria. What you do has worth. Would you accept payment for your work?"

"My healing doesn't come at a price, it is freely given, but we must go." Ascaria hastens to the coach - eager to get on the road, to do what he can for his people back home...

When the reach the edge of the forest, Ascaria suggests, ”They said the dragon left, but it could return. We should stick together, at least for now, so we can face it with our full fury should it show itself. I’m sure we all have people we want to check on, but we’ll all have to be patient. Let’s see what we can do to help folks, shall we? … and learn what we can of this dragon so we may hunt it down for what it’s done.”

Ascaria wishes to visit his home, and Tidwoad the jeweler after checking on Allustan’s home, but he’s patient and can be swayed to visit in whatever order makes sense.

Before the group leaves the shelter of the forest, he gathers everyone together and prepares. First he heals the fatigue from the forced march on the group, and their faithful steeds.
Channel Energy (healing): 8d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4, 2, 4, 2, 1, 2, 4) + 1 = 23

Then he refreshes the Magic Vestment (+2 for 11 hours) on Mort, Sol, and himself.

Finally, he casts Status focusing on Mort, Sol and Tynan.

”I’m ready.” he proclaims, ”But if we see the dragon, huddle up quickly if we’re able so I can protect us from its acid.”

Mortimer suddenly quips up, "And by 'I' she means 'We'. Us. All of us."

Solrisa smiles at Mort.

"Of course you should come too! Maybe you'll let me borrow that nice shield you have! Won't that be fun to use that as I battle the dragon!?" Solrisa says excitedly.

* * *

Solrisa dismounts from MemoRae 2 and leaves him in a safe spot, preferring to be on foot rather than mounted if they were going to face a dragon.

"Okay...let's go see what's left," Solrisa be-shields (thanks Ascaria!) herself as she walks forward looking for survivors or trouble and hoping for both.

Allustan's home first, then other stuff, I think.

Approaching Diamond Lake on foot, along the westernmost road from Egorian, you can gauge that the Garrison stands, untouched. All the buildings along the western branch of the Vein are also undamaged, from the Captain's Blade, to the Midnight Salute. When you look beyond, the extent of Ilthane's rampage becomes apparent.

A line from Allustan's residence, almost straight through to the Emporium. All the buildings have been razed to the ground, through crushing force, or collapse from structural melting. There are still plumes of rising fumes, which manage to punish your senses with the faintest of wind shifts. Other buildings have various but much less severe damages, mainly roof slashes, and blown-out windows.

There is no one out and about. None of the garrison troops, none of the town folk, none of the miners. A veritable ghost town.

Given the complete destruction of Allustan's house, the Outcasts make their way to Memorial Square, where several large swathes of ground still smoldering in acidic fumes. The Emporium is no more, as is the Church of Asmodeus.

Ascaria is unable to access Tidwoad's, the local jeweler and boarder. The front door is locked.

New map added to the Campaign Header- Diamond Lake, Destroyed.

”[ … ] Maybe you'll let me borrow that nice shield you have! Won't that be fun to use that as I battle the dragon!?" Solrisa says excitedly.

I won’t know, mainly because I’ll be using it...

"Slow down, it doesn't even have a shiny blue light. Light -- you should -- I mean -- " I don't have the cash. "There are better things to be had in Westcrown," he insists.

~~~

Given the complete destruction of Allustan's house, the Outcasts make their way to Memorial Square, where several large swathes of ground still smoldering in acidic fumes. The Emporium is no more, as is the Church of Asmodeus.

Mortimer manages to clear the ash from his eyes, which then follow the path from Allustan's residence straight to the Emporium.

~~~

Ascaria wishes to visit his home, and Tidwoad the jeweler after checking on Allustan’s home, but he’s patient and can be swayed to visit in whatever order makes sense.

"Look, Ascaria! Your apartment has been spared!"

Ascaria is unable to access Tidwoad's, the local jeweler and boarder. The front door is locked.

"O.K. ... this Dragon's targets were Allustan's residence, the Church of Asmodeus, and the Emporium?!"

Mortimer pulls on his forelock in evident distress.

"Oh -- look -- there's Lazare's, next door. Let's see if he's ... there."

Eri blinks back tears and begins his path in Denial.

When they get to Allustan's he looks for his tracks. He tries to not mov about in a frantic manner, taking a deep breath from time to time.

He casts Mage Armor on himself and detect magic to see if there is any trace of Allustan. Message is rebooted.

survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"We should go to the Garrison or the sheriff's office. Is there anyone here at all?

"Look, Ascaria! Your apartment has been spared!"

Ascaria looks mournfully at the locked door, ”Yes, but where is Tidwoad? Where is everybody?” he looks to Mort as the taller man can see farther, ”Are they slaves of the dragon now? Did they all flee? Are they hiding in the mines?”

He starts, "The door is locked, so either Tidwoad was out when the attack occurred, or he locked it up after himself - so he probably fled or is in hiding elsewhere." he tries to look in the windows to see if the man himself is hiding within. He calls out to him loudly, "Tidwoad! It's me, Ascaria!"

"Oh -- look -- there's Lazare's, next door. Let's see if he's ... there."

"We should go to the Garrison or the sheriff's office. Is there anyone here at all?"

”Sure, let’s check Lazare’s, then the Sheriff. Surely there must be someone around somewhere.”

He likes this not at all. He imagined the horrors of the dragon fresh, not days old when quiet had settled and it was… unsettling to him.

Solrisa walks among the wreckage still looking for survivors or people who might need help.

"Mort, we should go kill this dragon," Solrisa has a hard time smiling while seeing all the carnage and destruction.

Solrisa wanders over to help Ascaria.

"Yes, Tidwoad! We're here to help!"