Tavrus will reload and take another shot
Tavrus bolt pierces one of the dragons wings, leaving a hole dripping blood.
24 dmg taken by Tavrus
Worg charge attack:
if that trips it, Edric will charge the downed beast:
Tunny rolls to the floor and is immediately back up again, untouched by the freezing attack of the giant creature. Ignored by Aurelion, he draws his blades again and takes his own advice, breaking away from the main group.
The worg shoulders its way past Aurelion, leaping with snapping jaws to catch the dragon by the leg. The winged lizard crashes to the earth and lies unmoving on the ground.
The worg shoulders its way past Aurelion, leaping with snapping jaws to catch the dragon by the leg. The winged lizard crashes to the earth and lies unmoving on the ground.
Tomlin's eyes widened in surprise as the zombie worg caught the dragon and brought the creature crashing down. Suspicious by nature, the halfling wondered inside whether the creature was truly dead. Dashing around the corner, he ran up to the dragon's body and gave it a quick thrust with a sword.
Akane watches the beast warily, not letting her guard down just yet. She observes Tomlin stabbing the fallen creature, a worried look on her face, but she does not move to stop him, nor to relax her fighting stance.
With the beast laying crippled, Valdr will take his action and charge forward and gripping his waraxe in both hands will bring it down on the dragons neck. Joining his smaller companion in making certain that the dragon was truly fallen. He would give a growling curse in dwarven and stand over the fallen creature.
Tomlin and Valdr move in and ensure the beast is dead.
A strong wind can be heard echoing from the hole in the roof of the cavern where the ice fell away. The dim light coming from above and the light near the cave entrance slowly fade to blackness as the sun dips below the horizon outside - leaving Akane's light spell as the only illumination in the cavern.
"Hmm, I wonder if there are any spoils up there that the Tower would be interested in..." Tavrus muses aloud.
Tomlin gives a satisfied nod as he pulls his curved blade out of the dragon's lifeless body. Looking to Tavrus he says, Though I am no worse for wear after that battle, others are not so fortunate. We need to keep our squad strong, any healing you could spare would be welcome I'm sure.
Surveying the cavern anew, Tomlin glanced back both at the ice sculptures, I doubt the dragon made those, and the hole in the ceiling. Waking back over to the statues he checks them himself to see if anything can be found the group had not so far, then pulls a long silk rope and grappling hook out of his pack.
"Yes indeed, keeping the team fit is important. I only wish it were in my power to raise this dragon. I might have been able to, but I fear my onyx supplies are now too low. Perhaps I was hasty with the worg, but perhaps not, as it was instrumental in the defeat of this monstrosity. But I digress. If you are injured, please separate yourselves by at least ten paces or so from the uninjured and I will attend to you. It will not be a pleasant feeling, but it will close up those wounds."
For his own part, Valdr was relieved that Tavrus could not weave his necromacy to raise the body of the fallen dragon from the dead. Pulling his rune-inscribed waraxe free from the corpses neck, Valdr communicated telepathically and then nodded his head.
The fading of the light had little effect on him and while the others milled about seeking healing or exploration, Valdr began carving up the remains of the dragon. Taking all that would be of value from the corpse. Dragon he knew was a powerful component in magic and the scales could likely be fashioned into armor of value as well.
Looking up from his work he spoke in a low voice. "Dragons are not known to be without spoils. The snow-scale must have a horde somewhere. I only wish we had discovered the dragon's purpose. Hunger perhaps, but that seems too simple."
Akane incants a short spell and then presses it to her chest, causing Yoroi is become even more solid-looking, and assists the others by recasting the light-giving spell on the floor of the cave. She and Yoroi then head over to look at the ice statues once again.
Tunny wanders back over to the statues. "Here are your spoils..." he quietly mentions, then begins hacking into the ice with his swords, calmly retrieving any gems and valuables he can.
It takes Tomlin a few tries to get his grappling hook to catch on something overhead. Climbing up into the opening it is a narrow passage leading mostly upward. A reasonable fit for a human but a tight fit for the dragon. It twists an turns, but going ever upward, opening up to the dark sky above at the top of the cliffs.
In a small cleft 10' back, can be seen a human skeleton pinned between the rocks. Draped over its shoulders is a cloak in surprisingly good condition.
Those down below continue to examine the statues. They show signs of tools having chipped away the ice, but are smooth and unmarred. The only way to remove the coins and gems will be to smash them. Tunny promptly begins to do so.
Tunny places the gems at 7500 gold in value.
To Tomlin, Tavrus says, "You have been cut, but it is not particularly deep. To spend my magical energies on such a minor wound would be unwise. If you are injured worse or have only this injury when we are finished with today's activities, I will heal it if doing so is under my power. As it stands, I must parcel out my abilities with the long term in mind."
Tavrus reaches out and places a hand on your chest. Black energy coalesces around his hands and you feel an icy grip on your heart. All of the near-death experiences you have had, and perhaps some you have yet to experiences, flash before your eyes as your stomach drops.
Tavrus then pulls his hands back and clasps them in front of him as if in prayer. Black energy wafts off of him and washes over the injured arrayed before him.
Leaves Tunny and Tavrus full, and Aurelion missing only 3hp.
Tomlin nodded at Tavrus' suggestion regarding healing. Aye, truth be told I wasn't looking forward to the experience again. Quite fine to let the others, ah....enjoy it. The halfling remained at the statues long enough for the rest of the group to join him there and put their efforts into recovering the gemstones before throwing his grappling hook up to the hole in the ceiling. He didn't fully trust them all yet, but felt they would keep each other honest about the gemstones once recovered.
After climbing up the rope, Tomlin pulled out his everburning torch, thankful for his magic pack that prevent him having root around for whatever item he needed. Once his eyes cleared, he shouted back down the opening. No dragon lair up here, just a winding passage more fit for a man, with a hole up to the sky. I'm going to take my time searching around up here; already found a skeleton with a nice cloak.
"We should gather up the gems and coins to divide up as payment for our troubles later." Valdr said, his eyes moving over the coins and gems as each came tumbling free when released from their icy prisons. Tunny's method was not subtle, but it accomplished it's task. He had no qualms about dividing the wealth up between he and his team. The Mageocracy said nothing against them hoarding the material wealth for themselves.
Valdr then cast a glance back to the sheet of ice when the halfling scurried up the rope. He wondered if any of the sheep or farmers were still alive somewhere in the cavern.
Akane nods at Valdr's suggestion, finally looking somewhat relaxed as the adrenaline stops pumping through her body. She looks up as Tomlin climbs, a tad worried that she may have to dismiss Yoroi's form in order to follow suit. "I am glad that everyone made it through that... the beast did not seem intent on allowing us to live," she 'whispers' in her and Yoroi's voice.
"Yes, the worg proved a most useful tool in that regard." Tavrus said, smugly.
Tunny pats Aurelion on the shoulder and wanders over to the dragon's corpse, staring at it blankly.
Tavrus performs his frightening healing again on those in need of it.
The group waits down below as Tomlin searches the hole in the cavern ceiling. He makes is way carefully about upper passage searching it thoroughly.
Tomlin climbs down his rope from the ceiling, and upon alighting assesses the situation on the ground. No dragon lair above, the creature seems to have flown into these caves from a opening leading to the sky above. Some poor soul tried to escape the dragon at some point, only to get pinned in a crevice. I found this ring and cloak on him, I'd suggest having one of you proficient with magic see if these have any especial value to us.
Tavrus will examine the objects, using detect magic and knowledge arcana/spellcraft as appropriate accoding to the spell.
Valdr can also confirm the magic of the items and keeps himself busy until Tomlin climbs back down by carving up the dragon. Taking eyes, blood, tongue, scales, etc. Fortunately he has specimen jars within his bag of holding - otherwise this could have gotten very messy.
on ring
on cloak
on pearl
Tunny seems uninterested in anything going on anymore, blades put away. He once again hovers near Aurelion, waiting patiently for the group to decide on the next course of action.
After handing over the items to the magically-inclined party members, Tomlin did a walk-through of the cavern again. His search was casual, just looking for details missed. He then came to the ice wall past which he heard the bleating before. Looking over to Aurelion and Tunny he says, you two, help boost me over this wall. Tunny, you could join me if you wish. I'm interested to see what the dragon let live.
With some help Tomlin is able to get over the wall penning in the sheep. Seven sheep are penned back there, three of them dead, having frozen to death. The remaining four are in a bad condition, moving only weakly.
The cavern ends only a little ways further in.
Valdr carves up the dragon, packing various portions of it into jars and containers he pulls from a seemingly bottomless sack. It is a gruesome work.
Tomlin clamors back over the ice wall. Just sheep over here, no people, no treasure and no indications of any thing else here to explore. Unless any of you have other ideas, I say we use the rod, return to Coran and report in.
Tunny helps Tomlin without question or comment.
If there is nowhere else to explore I suggest we report back.
Very well. I'm eager to leave this place behind us. Perhaps once we return we should send a message to the nearby villagers so they can sleep more easily knowing this danger has passed.
Gathering around so as to be able to grasp one another the rod of teleportation is activated and the familiar gut wrenching twist brings you back to Coran.
Several sun rods light the interior of a small warehouse, the usual destination for mages and their servants returning to the city. The warehouse lies just west of the tower grounds. Several guards in tower livery greet you.
In only a few moments Jori Banest enters. The man shows the first signs of gray in his hair, but he moves with the grace of a cat and finely toned muscles ripple along his arms. Piercing blue eyes look over the group, not missing a detail.
His voice is strong and firm, "Ah welcome back friends. I will take your report now and then you may retire for the evening."
Tomlin bows deeply as Jori enters and then holds himself in a rigid military posture. Yes, sir. The farm attack was the work of a winter worg and it's pack, coupled with a white wyrm. Upon arrival at the farmstead we investigated the carnage, then tracked the wolves back to their cave. We neutralized the wolves and began a search of the cave complex when the dragon arrived. Following the termination of the dragon we continued the search, several live and dead sheep were discovered but no humans. We did recover several gemstones and gold from a collection of ice statues in the cave, along with three apparently magical items. We can provide a full inventory of these items if desired. Sir, awaiting your questions, sir!
Valdr let Tomlin make the report for the moment, not interrupting the dutiful halfling. His disguise remained that of the noble dwarf, all polished and heroic looking, though he suspected that Jori might have been able to pierce the illusion.
Though he respected both Master Liam and Master Banest, a small part of Valdr had hoped that on his return he would have been greeted by Master Torenest.
Tavrus lets him make the report as well, he knows the people of the tower hold no special love to him.
Jori listens closely, no expression showing on his face. "The creatures which make their lairs in the mountains have been more and more bold of late."
"I trust you collected samples from the beasts?"
Yes, sir. Valdr can answer specifics on the collected samples.
"That is correct Master Banest. I thought it prudent to collect a minor sample from the Winter Worg and an assortment of samples from the white dragon." Valdr confirmed and then added "We attempted to discover the dragon's purpose in the attacks, but the beast proved more violent than it was talkative."
Akane nods, having dismissed Yoroi before they had used the rod to return. "Yes, the beast was most disagreeable," she states, glossing over the fact that she technically started the fight.
"Well such a creature would need to be put down regardless so no worries about that. If it had grown bold enough to make its presence known in civilized areas it is indeed best that you've dealt thusly with it."
"An inventory of what you collected is not required brother Tomlin, that is yours for the keeping, unless you came across any particular items you feel would interest our employers?"
His gaze shifts to Valdr, "Excellent. Master Liam will no doubt wish to look over your specimens as soon as possible. Deliver them to the tower guard before you retire for the evening."
Tunny remains quiet throughout the proceedings. After they are dismissed he turns to Aurelion. "I need to get myself a bow. Shall we visit the market this evening?"
Once dismissed, Tomlin promptly reported to the individuals in the Tower who assist in magic item creation. Taking 2000gp's of his newly won coin, the halfling left one of his curved swords to become enchanted.
Afterward, Tomlin left the tower grounds to spend time with his family and drink a pint at the bar. He carefully packed away his adventuring gear in his magical rucksack and dressed in commoner clothing before heading out, looking like any other menial, nondescript worker heading home as he left.
That night, he headed to his small dwelling and began work on one of his favorite hobbies: brewing poison.