Einar urges Greta to go towards the Silver Dragonkin.
The silver dragonkin flies onto of Hirah and stabs her with its glaive.
Hirah orders the remaining tiger to pounce on the dragonkin, but the dragonkin slays it outright before it can approach.
It looks like Hirah is on the last one, and Einar will likely intercept it as well.
Mr. Whiskers feeds a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds to Shantha.
Shantha groans as Mr Whiskers pours the potion down her throat, then stirs to consciousness, and she lifts her head slightly from the ground. “Ó, vá, ég er enn á lífi. Ég hélt að ég hefði farið til Trax. Then she looks at her rescuer, confused and disorientated.”Og sé ég að sjá hluti eða er ég að tala við að tala, bipedal loðinn hlutur?”
Oh, wow, I’m still alive. I thought I’d have gone to meet Trax. And am I seeing things or am I talking to a talking, bipedal furry thing?
"Gleðilegt að þú ert enn á lífi. Alveg baráttan sem þú setur upp, sem er líklegt af því að yfirmaður Pharamol átti okkur að bjarga þér. Ég heiti Mr Whiskers, og flestir vísa til kynþáttar míns sem ratfolk." Mr. Whiskers replies, obviously amused.
In a more serious tone, he says "Við fæða þig betur með nokkrum fleiri af þeim drykkjum. Ég hef annan í beltipokanum."
The silver dragonkin strikes at Einar as he comes close, stabbing him in his calf, but Einar manages to stay in saddle and clobber the dragonkin, despite the blood running down his boot.
Hirah steps upin the air and rages, swinging her great sword in a large arc, cutting into the silver dragonkin, sending blood all over the place.
"Nú heyr ég líka hluti. Það er ekki eins og ratfolk í Triaxius!" She flops her head back onto the snow with with a moan."Eða kannski hefði ég kannski lent í höfðinu á mér þegar ég lenti.Næst mun ég sjá regnboga wollipeds."
Now I'm hearing things as well. There's no such thing as a ratfolk in Triaxius! Or I must have hit my head really hard when I landed.Next I'll be seeing rainbow wollipeds.
Geist pounces on the remaining dragonkin.
Meanwhile, Crummock hustles over to Shantha , the words of a healing spell at his lips.
Geist then shreds up the remaining dragonkin, after leaping over the trip attempt.
On each dragonkin the party finds a large MW glaive, and 2 weeks travel rations.
Commander Pharamol and his dragon riders are soon accompanied by the rest of the Dragon Legion. They drive back the attacking Drakelands army and leave it in disarray. Demoralized and lacking the numbers to effectively maintain the siege, the Drakelanders are confused and disorganized. The enemy leadership makes frantic efforts to retain some authority and prevent full-scale desertion.
Commander Pharamol quickly flies downwards, and checks up on Shanta, and heaves a sigh of relief to find that she’s still alive. ”She lost her rider Trax, today. It’s been a hard day on us all.” He shakes his head, looking at the bodies, both dragonkin and human strewn all over the battlements.
On hearing Commander Pharamol’s voice, Shantha raises her head wearily. ” Já ég veit. Það er erfitt að bera. Hafði ég verið svolítið hraðar ... hann gæti samt verið búinn að lifa ..."There is a pained expression of sorrow and regret on her face. "Og hér vildi ég að í dag var martröð og ég vaknaði aldrei yfirleitt. En það virðist sem ég er ennþá í heimi lifenda.” She answers.” Ég þakka þér fyrir aðstoð þinni, hvað sem þú ert.” She then replies formally,” Og ég mun leiða mig til sjávarna svo þeir geti klárað að lækna mig.”With that, she gets to her feet and painstakingly lumbers off.
Yes, I know. It is a hard thing to bear. Had I been a little quicker..he might still have been alive now…
And here I was wishing that today was a delusion, and I never woke up at all. But it seems that I still am in the world of the living. I thank you for your assistance, whatever you are,
And I will make my way to the ice-seers so they can finish healing me.
"It's the dragon-rider bond." He gives a sigh, "If Armeth was taken from me, I don't think I'd be in any condition for rational thought either. But Trax was a good man. The last thing he would have wanted would be to see Shantha spending the rest of her life pining for him." Then he gets back to business.
”There is, however, a problem. We need to find where their leader is situated. We’ve tried questioning some prisoners, but they either don’t know, or have not been cooperative. I COULD ask the ice seers to find out where the hideout is, but it’d be draining their already taxed resources, and it’d mean less aid they can give us when we finally attack their base camp.” Commander Pharamol tells the party. ”I think the guy Bescaylie brought in is pretty high ranking, judging from the runic symbols on the robes, but he’s not talking to anyone. I need you to get him to tell us where their camp is, so we can wipe them out once and for all.” Commander Pharamol raises a hand, ”I know you are unfamiliar with our customs. But our law is such – captured prisoners of war are NOT to be tortured. They are given a choice of execution, or serving 10 years in the mines, then they get to choose if they wish to become one of our citizens, or released. I expect you to abide by them.”
The party is brought to the holding cell, with two Triaxians with longspears with guarding the door. ”We gave him tongues while he was out. So he understands anything you say.” The party is lead by the ice seer to a battered, but conscious Isyeth, chained against the wall. He glowers angrily at the party but does not say anything.
Hirah and Crummock realize that behind that anger, there’s a good bit of grief and loss in his eyes.
After the battle, Crummock heals Einar and Hirah.
He also makes sure the injured dragonkin has a little more healing, for good measure:
Crummock nods companionably, treating him with respect.
"Death happens. It be a fact o' war. Now, I know that we've been on opposite sides; unfortunately, they made us an offer before ye did, and it would be bad for business if we went back on a deal. Now, we are here to make a deal with ye.
Of course, ye can't just be let go - they have rules aboot this sort o' thing, around here, when it comes to prisoners o' war. However, if ye be willin' to share what ye know aboot the main encampment, ye have the choice o' either a quick death, or 10 years o' hard labor, followin' which ye can either get citizenship, or return to yer former lands. The choice be thine."
”I’d choose to die – what meaning is there for me now that my bonded, Celiayne is dead? Ripped apart in front of me?” He snaps back. ”Fine. I’ll tell you where the encampment is – it doesn’t really matter now. Do me a favour – kill me quickly and cleanly, so I can join my bonded in death.” He then describes the location of the encampment.
Crummock nods.
"Aye, if that truly be thine wish, then I will communicate it to the Commander around here, and see that it gets carried out quickly and cleanly. That said, before ye make so irrevocable a decision, consider this: It still be possible to find new meanin' in life, when one chapter has turned to ash. Ye might still be able to find peace in this life."
"Hvað er wolliped? Eins og fyrir mig, hef ég bara verið hér nokkra daga. Ég er ekki viss um nákvæmlega hvar það er í tengslum við Golarion." he says, chuckling.
Looking towards the battle in the sky, he admits "Ég er ekki á óvart að það eru engar samfélög af þjóð minni um það, gefið út hversu mörg drekar og dragonkin eru. Þeir virðast eins algengir og menn eru hér!"
He waves goodbye when Shantha leaves.
Mr. Whiskers asks "Is the link that strong? I had no idea!"
Gesturing around, he admits "We found a book or two that described some of the situation here. We chose to side with you because it appeared you were defending against attack. We also had some indications the other side had previously attempted to kill off all the humans."
With a shrug, he admits "It didn't hurt that the other side wanted to treat us as paid thugs. I don't think they had much respect for us."
When the commander mentions how long the prison term is, Mr. Whiskers eyes go wide and his brows raise. Ten years! That is about a quarter of a lifetime!
Mr. Whiskers allows Crummock to lead on the questioning. Once he has gotten the information, Mr. Whiskers asks "Why did you attack Spurhorn?"
"I know the grief is strong right now, but are you sure you want death? Choosing life gives you a chance for a better future."
A wolliped is a Furry white creature with tusks on its face. We use them to pull loads.
I don't know what place Golarion is, but this Triaxius
"Yeah, that's the Drakelands for you. Take everything they want, and they think everyone thinks the same." Commander Pharamol answers."Yes it is. There will be many grief-striken Dragon riders and Dragon-kin this night."
"We attacked Spurhorn because it was in our way to the mines of the Paraphet Mountains for iron to forge weapons of war, led by General Malesinder, under the command of Yrax, the Lord of the Howling Storm." Isyeth answers, his voice devoid of emotion.
"What life is worth living without my bonded in it? What is there to live for?"He asks Crummock and Mr Whiskers, his voice bleak with despair.
Yrax? That doesn't sound like the other names...
"Who and what race is Yrax?"
Crummock shrugs.
"To live is to strive. I once had a mate, and children, but I have outlived all o' them. For the longest time it drove me to despair, but I found ways and paths to re-channel me thoughts and emotions, to help me find new purpose. Ye will ne'er forget what has been lost, but it is still possible to chase after somethin' different."
Although there is probably more than a little bit o' fleein' from the memory o' what has been lost, as well...
"Yrax is a chromatic dragon. A white one." He answers Mr Whiskers.
Isyeth looks at Crummock with a new light, "If you can live with that...I suppose I can try to do that too. Fine, then I will take the 10 years of labour and see what that brings."
"Good job." Commander Pharamol compliments Crummock and gives him a hearty pat on his shoulder. "I'll rally the Dragonriders, put some ice seers on the available dragonkin, and we can get moving. Once we get there, we'll deal with the remanants of the Drakeland Legions, you and Bescaylie and Efrixes take out their leader - General Malesinder. We'll get you there on dragon back. Let me make arrangements."
An hour later, Commander Pharamol and his forces are ready, and he introduces the party's dragons to them.
"This is Nevra,"he introduces a beautiful blue dragonkin with a slim neck and sleek body wielding a glaive. Nevra ambles over to Hirah, then says,"I will be proud to bear you in battle."
He introduces the next dragonkin, a grizzled copper dragonkin, scarred from many battles, wielding a greatsword. "This is Talsune." Talsune eyes the party measuringly, as if seeing if they come up to his exacting standards, then his eyes fall upon Einar. "You look like the sort who knows their way in a fight. Let's kick Drakeland @ss together."
He introduces the next dragonkin, a fiery red dragonkin wielding a glaive, that is even now poofing out small gouts of smoke."This is Avatre. She all but volunteered to join when she heard about opportunities to burn things up." Avatre saunters over to Crummock, "I heard you're really good at burning things up. The fireworks on the wall were inspiring." She grins.
He then introduces the next dragonkin, a familiar figure. Its Shantha! She pads over to Mr Whiskers. "I have a score to settle with General Malesinder. And I owe you one, my not-so-imaginary friend, for saving my life."
The last dragonkin Commander Pharamol introduces is an emerald green dragonkin wielding a glaive, and wearing spectacles. "This is Bethulan." Bethulan then walks over to Greta, who has assumed human form. "I'll need to record everything down! What better but to be there in person!"
"I had the liberty of having tongues cast on all your dragonkin." Then he looks at Geist."The ice-seers will keep airwalk up on him. We have afterall, magical resources to spare."
Flying to the camp takes another hour, and a few minor skirmishes with Drakeland Legion stragglers. By then it is night. Commander Pharamol and his troops engage the remnants of the Drakeland Legions. "There she is," Bescaylie points out General Malesinder flying 25 feet in the air. The battle is on!
Hirah summons her last batch of flying tigers, then sics them on General Malesinder
Both aerial tigers do not manage to land a single hit, and they are both badly cut by Malesinder's frosty blue scimitar as they try to pounce on her.
Malesinder wings back slightly, then breathes a cone of frost on the tigers in question, popping them both.
General Malesinder is an advanced silver dragonkin and has immunity to frost, sleep, and stunning and has 30 ft cone breath (cold) weapon.
Greta moves in and attempts to stab her with her ranseur, but it does not penetrate her hide.
Bescaylie positions to charge.
She pads over to Mr Whiskers. "I have a score to settle with General Malesinder. And I owe you one, my not-so-imaginary friend, for saving my life."
Mr. Whiskers humbly replies "It was a group effort. I could not have done it if Hirah's tigers hadn't killed the one standing over you and the others keeping the opponents away as I administered the potion."
Looking her over, he then asks "So, how do I hold on? I must admit the only times I've gone flying it has been using my own magics. Speaking of which, would you like me to cast Mage Armor on you before we go?"
"I know you can sense invisible creatures, but just in case I'm going to make sure I can see them!" Mr. Whiskers tells Shantha. He then gets out a rod and casts See Invisible on himself.
"Please bring us up between Talsune and Avatre, Shantha!"
Once in position, Mr. Whiskers casts Haste.
"You are humble, indeed. Do not sell yourself short. If not for your efforts, I might not be here now."
The riding gear is curious indeed. There is a saddle to sit on, but no bridle. "Just hang on to the saddle horn. I won't let you fall. And just tell me where you want to fly to. Mage armor would be good,"Shantha sounds amused. "So glad I picked up a mage."
With a chuckle, he notes "Even among my own people, I am short."
Looking her in the eye, he adds "As for falling, know that any time I take flight spells I also take one that allows for a safe landing. You need not worry about my falling unless I'm unconscious -- in which case call out for Einar to use Feather Fall to save me!" He points over to Einar just to make it clear of whom he speaks.
"I can try to catch you should something knock you out of the saddle. We do practice that catch. Of course it's harder without the bond, but still possible." Shantha answers.
Malesinder slashes at Einar with her scimitar as he comes close, then ducks away from Einar's hammer.
Bescaylie charges over Malesinder, stabbing at her with her lance as she does so, but hits only empty air. She then wheels Efrixies around for another round.
Crummock grins when he hears what Avatre has to say.
"Aye, I do be havin' a way wit' the flames..."
So saying, he draws his starknife, which glows cherry for a few moments, before bursting into flame.
Tossing it into the air, the flames quickly abate, and he sheathes his weapon upon catching it.
A thought then occurs to him.
"Ye must find this place a wee bit cold. Here - let me help."
He then casts Endure Elements on Avatre.
On the way in, Crummock casts Resist Energy(Cold) on Avatre, recognising that his ride is extremely vulnerable to cold attacks.
He then casts Ancestral Gift, gratefully accepting the +1 Bane(Dragon) starknife that he is given.
Once the target is spotted, Crummock casts Divine Favor and Grace on Geist, and then politely urges Avatre forward.
Meanwhile, Geist attacks!
All of Geist's attacks score on her hide, making her screech in pain, and wounding her.
"Oooh thanks. Yeah the winters are months long, and I really detest the cold weather. Nothing like a good bonfire to heat things up!"She snickers wickedly.
Geist manages to grab her on his second try.
Hirah, seeing her grappled, wades in raging, with bane up.
Crummock grins.
"Well, we'll see what we can arrange to happen to the enemy encampment, once we have dealt with the leadership stack..."
Malesinder activates her frosty blue scimitar, making it glow blue, then full attacks Geist.
Hirah swings her greatsword in a great arc, removing Malesinder's head.
Geist yowls in pain, and then attempts to bite down hard...
Meanwhile, Crummock narrows his eyes, urges Avatre slightly closer, and then starts stabbing!