DM Nex's Dragon's Demand (Inactive)

Game Master NeoEvaX

He looks to all of you, notices some of the items you obtained in the crypt. Vors' words are not the best, but he seems to consider the thought.

"Fine! Fine! I'll help you, but if it costs my wife and unborn child their lives, a dragon's wrath will be nothing compared to mine!"

He stands and starts to walk "I have a place we can talk, without being evesdropped by kobolds, those winged creatures, or any other of the dragon's other minions"

Going to move you all on roll20.

He opens one of the exterior doors, which did not seem locked. He leads you down a very clean hallway to another room. Inside, narrow pillars painted blue and gold support the ceiling in this shrine. At its west end is a large statue in a mother-of-pearl-lined niche. THe figure sits in the lotus position, hands clasped and yes closed in prayer.

As he moves into the room then looks out the window onto a courtyard filled with berries. "I am not sure what you are capable of.. But I can at least give you information. The dragon in question is a young green dragon.. It goes by the name Aeteperax. I have been kept hostage. While here I have spent many weeks studying old journals and tomes found here in the monastery. The monks were tinkering with the knowledge of the Dark Tapastry, a subject that the dragon is obsessed with.

He turns from the window to your group, "I believe Aeteperax came to this region to learn what dark secrets the monks discovered.. What do you already know?"

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Grilnik eyes the figure in the niche, but even though something seems familiar about it, he can't put his finger pick on what that something is.

"In short, next to nothing, but we found a few books. I believe they were what your captor sought. I read a little bit as I was able with Kurgess's help, but we didn't get much out of them. The title of the strangest one was 'Secrets of the Dreaming Dark'."
Grilnik remembers a piece of loot and holds up a meaty finger before rifling through his backpack. Returning the oil and retrieving a kukri, Grilnik unsheathes the weapon to reveal its voidglass blade and asks "is this strange stuff related?"

The man looks down at the blade.

"Yes, those are the weapons of the Grioths. Aeteperax used secretes cleaned from the texts here and using the Dark Window, an aperture that allows someone to observe and communicate with aliens in the Dark Tapestry. Aeteperax used this to develop a method of summoning monsters from the Dark Tapestry to serve him."

"If you where to find a way to close this Dark Window, you would remove the Dragon's ability to summon more Grioths wherever he pleases. It would also release his control over the ones curretnly summoned. They would likely turn on him:"

"Speaking of the dragon, he is not located here, as I have assumed you all think is the case. He is in his own lair in a large cavern north of the monastery. Reaching it from the ground might be difficult if you can't fly, but Aeteperax had his kobolds dig tunnels between the cave and the monastery dungeons so the dragon's minions could report to him"

Looking around the room again, "there is quite a bit of knowledge. I am not sure where to start. I don't want to monolog through my anxiety and have you all miss something important"

Brynn resists the urge to roll her eyes. "If the dragon isn't here, then start by telling us more about this place. First: it's inhabitants and defences. Who lives here and why? What traps and defences are in place we'll need to worry about? What's in the rooms right around here? I also want to hear all about the Dark Window. Where is it? What's it protected by?"

With a deep sign.. Azmur quiedly speaks up, "Well. Much of the moniastery the dragon and his agents have not explored yet, but I can sketch out areas I know of"

He pulls out some vellum and starts to sketch things out. "I have some knowledge of the first floor and the second. But I know there is at least a separated 3rd floor, and a belfry. As well as a Dungeons. This place is not small.

"A few suggestions.. The dragon has 3 other "lieutenants" here. I guess I could as a 4th, but I do not really desire to be here. If you take them out, that will hinder the dragon's ability to call upon them and their reinforcements. I would take the strategy of weakening everything else, so when you attack the dragon he is at his least capable. The 3 lieutenants are an enormous Grioth Goladryth in the Saint's Library. A mad alchemist Pentosh who dwells up in the Belfry, and a lunar naga Thaena who can be found somewhere in the 3rd floor. I do know that the naga has served Aeteperax the longest, but is a bit nonsensical and distracted.

He points out these locations on the map. The library is upstairs. Almost right above where we are now.

As for what is around us directly. The guardens to the south of us are safe and have some of my restoration berries in them. I try to keep them active.

Around the corner is a kitchen and other areas that seem hidden.

After drawing out the map he looks up at you all. "I would suggest you find a way to find the dragon's original name. Aeteperax is a name of an old dragon that died in this area years ago. The one we are dealing with now is not even the same color as that great wyrm. Perhaps another lieutenant knows the true name. Or else you will need to trick the dragon, that likely wont go well." He finishes that last sentence with a chuckle.

"As for Inhabitance, there are a variety I am aware of. Kobolds, Grioths, the Naga and human Lieutenances, Ghost like creatures, and I have also heard rumors of strange creatures that have come through the Dark Window back when the Monks opened it. Also there might be some remants of the original inhabitance of the Monistary here too"

Knowledge dump..

yay info dump!
Grilnik sheaths the kukri and places it in his backpack again.
"Sounds like fighting these lieutenants and closing that Dark Window are what we want to do first."

Grilnik rubs his beard thoughtfully.
"The lieutenants we can probably just hit with a hammer, but the Dark Window doesn't sound like the sort of window we can just smash. Anyone have ideas on where to look or who to interrogate first?"

"Do you know anything else about the Dark Window? It's location?"

At the idea of the lieutenants being able to be dealt with by hammering Bethany smiles liking that part of this mission. The window does not make her happy at all.

The half-orc just rubbed his chin as he thought. "The lieutenants can change positions at any time. First come, first serve, I guess. What do you think, sweep the lower floors, kill em' all nice a quiet then go up a floor?"

"The dark window.. I believe its somewhere in the 3rd floor. Aeteperax seems to have a method to get in. Apparently the monks summoned something alien through it years ago, it killed them all. The Abbot Kanjougas basnished it. Not sure what happened to the Abbot afterwards. But this took place over 200 years ago."

He sits down.. Seemingly getting more and more depressed and worried, "Good luck....."

I hope this beard's loved ones aren't in a prison somewhere...

"By the way, where is your family? Are they in Belhaim right now?" Grilnik asks as he gets ready to head out.

Brynn nods at Vors' plan of attack.

The man's head drops.. And in a small voice "It has her... He is keeping my wife and uborn child hostage in its cave. He has demanded my assistance at threat of their lives."

Shaking the depression out of mind, "I plan on staying mobile in the coming days, if you need me throw a handful of dead leaves into the reflecting pool. If I am able, and near I will meet you here within the hour. Please... Stay safe"

"Oh.. If you are really willing to do what you say.. I can offer some of my spells to you. I have nature spells mostly. Let me know if there is something you would have me prepare for you, or your group"

On a meta level, he can cast up to level 4 Druid spells

Grilnik takes a step back upon hearing about Clausyre's plight.
"I... Those berries sound good for now."
Grilnik strokes his beard a few times before turning to Brynn.
"You know anything about 'young green dragons', Brynn? Or any magic that might help us fight 'em?
...Or protect Clausyre's wife from them for a few precious minutes?"

Wind Wall vs breath weapons, hint hint ^^
Though I guess we'd have to convince him to at least cast one spell in the presence of the dragon and/or his wife's prison cell...

"Dragons aren't my speciality, I'm afraid. Give me a moment to think..."

Knowledge Arcana (Young Green Dragons): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

You know green dragons tend to use acid as they elemental attack. Not too smart, but very lawful in their actions.

"Right, we should give it more thought. Probably something for fighting Fake-Aeteperax or for clearing out its minions. I guess if you have something that lasts a while, we'd like that before we start picking any fights."

After the team obtains the any immediately available druidic assistance, Grilnik leads everyone to the berry bushes. He turns to Brynn, hoping that she can find the magical berries.

Brynn examines the berry bush (detect magic) and plucks a handful of magical berries, giving everyone a few (if she can).

There are berries growing on the various bushes, these seem normal and not magical, but there is a small bowl with about 15 berries. These seem magical. These are goodberries.

As you leave the druid says, "I wish you luck. Be safe.. as my family's lives depend on you. Remember the signal and I will come. Fare well"

To avoid suspicion he transforms into a bird and flies outward to the north east slightly. Not sure where he ends up.

So.. dungeon time., Where to!?

The 3x3 berry bush room is where the goodberries are, yeah? We can take the nearest staircase xD
...so, upstairs library first?
Also, are the indoors already lit? or will we need a glowing Bethany again? ;p

Grilnik simply grunts confirmation to the druid, his mind focused on the task ahead.

As Brynn passes out the berries, Grilnik remembers something. "Stay close, Brynn. Shield Other."
Grilnik's and Brynn's platinum bands glow red for a moment.

"I worry that you might need this the most."

After everyone has some of the 15 berries, Grilnik leads the way to the nearest staircase.

@GM & Brynn: Brynn gets a +1 resistance bonus to saves and a +1 deflection bonus to armor until she's more than 35' from Grilnik (Does Brynn already get those kinds of bonuses? It'd be nice if they could stack...)

"Thank you. Lead the way."

I've updated my AC accordingly. I already get a resistance bonus on saves. When moving Brynn will be sure to stay within the 35 ft. distance even if I forget to mention it.

Sorry for the delay everyone! I start waiting on other players to post, then lose track

As the group moves south down the hall they enter a large room. Eight pillars painted with faded quotations and prayers from Irori's teachings support the ceiling this large chamber. A statue of a man with a long braid stands to the south.

There are stairs leading upward.

Up the stairs? Or explore more this floor?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Not seeing anything of note, Vors checks out the other doors in the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Careful to stay close to Brynn, Grilnik decides to take a closer look at the words painted on the pillars.

Linguistics?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Like the others Bethany sees nothing of note and is ready to move on. She keeps Big Brother in hand though she knows the bow may be necessary.

The pillars' text speak of self perfection and reaching an ideal of body and mind. It is a bit of an old dialect, but it is common enough for any reader of religious texts.

Most of those are windows. The full white ones are doors

Through the eastern window, Vors sees a courtyard surrounding a dry fountain. A statue of a woman wrapped in a flowing robe stands in the center of the fountain, her arms extended as through as through reaching up to touch the sky.

Nothing else of interest in the courtyard.

Where to?

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Perfection of the body is admirable. I think I'd get along with some of these beards...
Having examined the script and finding nothing of immediate use, Grilnik waits by the spiral stairs heading up.

As you all move up the stairs you hear something up there.

Do you stealth?

As you all move up the stairs you hear something up there.

Do you stealth?

Do I stealth? WITCH PLEASE!

Brynn waits quietly...

Grilnik waits too, but somewhat less quietly...

The large bulky Grioth turns to Vors, and growls.

Round 1
Brynn, Vors <--
G
Grilnik, Bethany

For the sake of it, Vors is at the top, the others are behind him on the stairs. I put everyone behind him in order on the map.
Knowledge check is Arcana to learn about it

Vors brandishes both rapiers and charges up to attack the psionic humanoid, viciously striking it with one rapier while completely missing with the other!
Flametongue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Confirming: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 CONFIRMED
Dmg.: 1d6 + 3 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 3 + 1d6 + 1d10 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (4) + (2) + 3 + (5) + (4) = 24
Wyrmsmite as rapier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Since you had to move you only would have gotten the first strike, though you missed your second so no big deal this time. It had not acted yet so you where able to get it flat footed. ouch..

I also had the creature too small. this one is big!

Going to give Brynn another day before botting

Round 1
Brynn, Vors <--
G (-24)
Grilnik, Bethany

Straining to see past the others, Brynn tries to figure out what they're facing off against up at the top of the stairs...

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Then she hurries up the stairs -- despite her better judgement -- and edges along the room with her bow in hand.

The large creature looks down on Vors, who just struck him. Pulling his strange blue glass blade from his belt. With blade in hand he swings down hard, hard.

G Vors Powerattack Vital Strike: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Damage: 4d4 + 24 + 1d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 3) + 24 + (1) = 34 1 of it is non lethal

Vors gets struck hard with the blade. But his Orc blood keeps him standing.

Round 1
Brynn, Vors
G (-24)
Grilnik, Bethany <--

I'm pretty sure I need 40' of movement to go where I went, but we weren't waiting outside the walls for over 4 hours, right? :3

Seeing Vors somehow still standing after the strike from the Grioth, Grilnik decides that he could use some outside(r) help. He circles around the beast and starts casting Summon Monster II.

You are fine where you are, Grilnik. Just want to confirm, you are summoning not healing the half orc that is at -5 HP?

Round 1/2
Grilnik, Bethany, Brynn, Vors <--
G (-24)

It feels too meta for Grilnik to know that Vors is below 0; sorry Vors.
Also a room full of distractions seems plausibly more helpful. I'll get Vors after he collapses and the Grioth has d3 birds pecking at him. Those can both happen at the start of Grilnik's second turn...
Plus, you know, a beard making funny sounds and waving his hands might be distracting for the beastie xD

"F#<king..ow!" Vors mutters as the large fighter sliced deep into the half-orc's side. The roguish cleric's head began to swim. As his life blood was flowing out of his abdomen, the half-orc only had a quick thought. Well, f#,k this guy!!!
Vors attacks the 'whatever-the-f#<k-it-is' with the last of his strength, letting the transformative blade fall from his powerless hand...and misses.
Flametongue: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Round 2
Grilnik, Bethany, Brynn, Vors <--
G (-24)

Seeing the strike the creature delivered Bethany gasps. "Cayden guide my rage!"

She moves in a quick arch towards the creature as a smile lights her face and she starts laughing in small little hiccups.

Rage Big Brother PA: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 2 = 10 Of for crying out loud!
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 5 + 4 = 15

At the end of the move she is by the creature and brings her heavy hammer down, poorly.

Brynn moves closer to Grilnik, draws an arrows and chants a few words of arcane power. As she fires her bow the arrow burns with fire! Making her bow +2 as a swift action. Casting scorching ray and delivering it with an arrow with ranged spellstrike.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 = 12
Fire Damage: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 1, 6, 1) + 1 = 15
Magic Piercing Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

But, her aim's way off!

Brynn narrows her eyes at the grioth....

Bethany swings wide against the creature. Brynn's attack also goes wide and hits the opposite wall.

When the creature knocks out Vors it seems to rejuvenate it somehow. The blade starts to scream and gives the creature energy.

The large winged creature turns its attention to Bethany with a growl.
G Power attack Bethany: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
G Power attack Bethany: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 2d4 + 24 ⇒ (2, 1) + 24 = 27

Its second swing misses the small human, but the first one strikes true. It follows up with a bite. Though it snaps and hits air.
G Bite Power attack Bethany: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Round 3
Grilnik, Bethany, Brynn, Vors <--
G (-24 + 5Temp)

@Vors, make sure to update your HP. I believe you are at -5. You need to stabilize check. Feel free to wait and see what others do first

Grilnik finishes the incantation.
# of eagles: 1d3 ⇒ 3
3 celestial eagles appear around the large opponent in a burst of holy green light.

"Vors!" Grilnik exclaims, seeing Vors fall to the ground. He steps backward to try and keep the grioth out of range of his healing magic.
His holy symbol pours out healing light as the celestial eagles begin pecking at the beast.
Channel Energy (heal living) on just the PCs: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 6) = 18 Maybe Grilnik accidentally worships the beast? Maybe I need to do some penance for muh good rolls xD

@Beth: I forget how much temp HP you get for raging, but if it's 9 or more, you might be at full hp xD

The 3 eagles begin biting and clawing in unison at their large foe.

upper right: B:
rounds left: 5/5
hp: 5/5
smite: 1->0/1
active conditions: Smiting the grioth
Talon 1 + flank with Vors?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15
Damage (S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Talon 2 + flank with Vors?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 2 = 17
Damage (S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Talon 2 + flank with Vors?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 2 = 17
Damage (B&P&S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

lower right: C:
rounds left: 5/5
hp: 5/5
smite: 1->0/1
active conditions: Smiting the grioth
Talon 1 + flank with A: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23
Damage (S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Talon 2 + flank with A: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22
Damage (S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Talon 2 + flank with A: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19
Damage (B&P&S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

upper left: A:
rounds left: 5/5
hp: 5/5
smite: 1->0/1
active conditions: Smiting the grioth
Talon 1 + flank with C: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22
Damage (S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Talon 2 + flank with C: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Damage (S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Talon 2 + flank with C: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15
Damage (B&P&S) + smite?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I am going to say Vors is not flanking, Because he does not auto have his weapon in his hand after he fell. He can threaten from prone, but he dropped his weapon, so he will have to grab it off the ground first

The wave of holy light flashes out healing Vors.

The birds flash out and go full attack on the creature. Many miss, but a few strike true.

Round 3
Grilnik, Bethany, Brynn, Vors <--
G (-29)

Vors returns to consciousness and mutters, "Thanks, Grilnik." The roguish cleric gathers his weapons if nearby.

Brynn takes a step to the side then fires another arrow at the grioth, this one wreathed in a foul, black aura. Delivering a ray of enfeeblement with her arrow.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 = 19
Magic Piercing Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
Strength Penalty: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 The grioth gets a Fortitude save (DC 14) to take half of the strength penalty.

I have to be better! Guide my hande.

Again the hammer flies.

Rage Big Brother PA Flanking: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 5 + 4 = 15