”Didn’t we hear about a dragon nearby that might be an ally? That sounds like my kinda buddy. We should check it out.”
"Speaking with dragons is a risky business, but I agree that one would make a worthy ally... we may want to bring treasures for gifts - or bribes, if you prefer." Magdi muses, rubbing his chin. "Remind me, do you know what sort of dragon this is?" He asks the harbormaster.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
A dragon sounds like a good option to talk to next
Jonah has never seen a dragon, but is excited about the possibility.
If things go well we get a powerful ally. If they don't... a dragon tooth would make a pretty good trophy even if it wasn't technically a dinosaur...
Adriana is deep in thought. A dragon would be a powerful ally, but could just as easily be a powerful enemy. They were capricious creatures, after all.
"I'm not against the idea, but....how would we approach it? I've never heard of dragons being approachable even in the best of circumstances...hmmm..."
"I do not know what kind of dragon it is but I can call Dravan, who claimed to have seen it recently" explains Vancen.
A scrawny and prudent middle age man is called to the Harbormaster's office, it takes some direct questions to have him collaborate, but in the end he can explain "I was fishing in the Frogmarch when this large winged creature with blue-green scales swooped down not very far away to pluck a 6-foot-long river shark from the waters. I cannot tell what type of creature it was, but I think it was a dragon."
You think by the description it was a brine dragon.
Although not inherently evil, brine dragons have little patience for kindness and philanthropy. As they age, they grow more and more opinionated and obsessed with power—by adult age, a brine dragon counts itself a failure if it doesn't rule over a collection of “lesser beings” such as humans, merfolk, locathah, or even sahuagin.
They are Legal Neutral creatures, and very proud of themselves as most other dragons.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
“River sharks are fascinating creatures, you know - Professor Klikkle had one in an artificial river behind the Arcandorium that was supposedly older than the graduating stude - oh, the dragon.” Tonny’s face flushes as he shakes his head. “Um, well, based on coloration and diet, I would hypothesize some sort of brine dragon. They’re not, uh, the most difficult dragons to work with. Supposedly. Professor Swartz was… somewhat vague on the topic whenever it was brought up in class. But based on the few hints they dropped and what I could find in the library, it seems brine dragons get more opinionated and possessive as they age. There’s disagreement on that last part though - the possessive part, not the aging - there’s no arguments that dragons don’t age. Well, no credible arguments. Anyway, some translations use ‘controlling’ rather than ‘possessive’ due to reports of merfolk or locathah settlements led by older brine dragons. But, um, not led in a nice way. More like an ‘iron fist’ sort of way. Not that they actually have hands made of metal, mind you.” He pauses and takes a deep breath.
“So, uh, probably a proud creature. I don’t think trying to appeal to their better nature will be very successful, but perhaps we can suggest that the Stormcallers are outsiders infringing on their territory? Appeal to their pride?” He specifically does not mention the idea of bribing the dragon.
"Brine dragon?" Magdi scratches his chin, sucking on his teeth. "If it's as proud and as controlling as your teacher said, Tonny, then we could appeal to its pride and suggest that our foes are refusing to acknowledge its greatness, or something along those lines." He considers for a moment.
"Of course, we'll want to look into the matter more carefully, try to figure out whether they are on good terms... I shall also want to prepare spells that might aid us in protecting ourselves against a brine dragon."
You take Tewa's ship once more in the morning and navigate to the south-western reaches of the Lirgeni area. It does not take you long to spot the lighthouse structure.
Built on an upthrust wedge of rock overlooking the Frogmarch River at what was once the southwesternmost border of the city, Hyrantam’s towering lighthouse originally guided merchant vessels up the wide river to the city’s port. When the Eye of Abendego flooded the Frogmarch River, the lighthouse’s bluff was one of the few locations that remained above water, but the structure itself did not fare well, and within a few years, the central portion of the lighthouse collapsed in on itself and crumbled into the river below. While the lighthouse’s facade remains one of Hyrantam’s tallest towers at a height of 400 feet, the interior is a shell surrounding a century-old sinkhole.
Magdi looks over the lighthouse, looking for any signs of where the dragon might be lairing. "Does this dragon live underwater, Tonny?" He asks after a moment.
So, do we just walk up and call out for it? Do you bring a gift when talking to a dragon? Never done this myself. I just know they are very dangerous beings.
Jonah resists the urge to draw his weapon, relying on diplomacy first. And by that, he means relying on the diplomatic people in the party to hopefully keep us from getting into a fight.
|
|
"Um, I do, uh, I believe they are, ah, they're amphibious," Tonny answers nervously. "Though I would suspect that, um, they would have made their presence known already if their den were underwater. Unless, of course, they don't want to be bothered. Can't really blame them for that, you know." He takes a deep breath and holds onto the ship's railing with white-knuckled fingers. "That all being said, perhaps we should land and investigate the lighthouse? Well, what remains of the lighthouse? Maybe starting with that structure on the north side of the ruins. I do wish we knew the dragon's name already, but I think that, uh, can't be helped now."
"Hm... In the future, I shall prepare spells to help us determine such things, then." Magdi says after a moment. "I would need some materials, but I could attempt to divine useful information in the future."
Magdi does not see or hear any sign of the dragon. Thus, and following Tonny's suggestion, Tewa directs the ship to the northern area of the lighthouse where you all carefully disembark looking for traces of the dragon.
The churn and roar of storm-tossed floodwaters sloshing within the central tower’s ruins sound almost like thunder. The cliffs surrounding the lighthouse rise 40 feet above the water level, forcing you to climb up with the help of your vessel's rigging. Meanwhile the water within the ruin drops down to a deep depth .
Rainwater and spray drips down the walls of the decrepit stone tower, forming rivulets between the masonry stones. The double doors that once barred entry from the eastern approach lies in ruins on the ground. Within, amid mounds of rubble, remnants of a flight of rusting metal stairs provide glimpses of the once-grand staircase that ascended to the light above, yet there is nothing to climb up to today.
The beast does not make you wait long. As soon as you put feet in his territory an intimidating figure emerges from the water with a frothing flurry of wings and sprays to land atop the largest mound of rubble within the ruined tower.
Despite his swift, swooping arrival could cause some worry, he does not immediately attack, and seems to understand your non violent intentions. The dragon chuckles before speaking with booming voice "At last, the locals have decided to put survival above superstition! It took you long enough; I thought I was going to have to put an end to these monstrous feeding frenzies single-handedly. Assuming, of course, you’re here to look for help and aren’t just silly little heroes seeking a bout of dragon-slaying?"
The dragon talks in the common language "So? Which is it, apes?"
"Your initial guess is correct, great one." Magdi says with a polite bow. "We have come to request your aid."
He seems like he already is inclined to oppose our foes. I wonder how much that will impact his price... assuming he has one.
"I see, you are smarter than the average" the medium sized dragon takes sit more relaxed but enlarges up his neck haughty to remark his already big figure "Perhaps you are not completely useless then."
The dragon taps with a claw over a few rocks "As you got me on a good day, I can give you the gift of a few minutes to present your plea for help"
By the size of the dragon you could tell he is of juvenile age still. Still a considerable challenge for your group if you were to fight him, but probably at your reach.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Tewa holds out her arms in a gesture of openness and welcome. "I am Tewa She, known in many places as the Lightning in the East. I am a powerful warrior and one of the best sailors in the world, and I say this not to impress you--as how could any of us impress a dragon?--but so that you know that I am a proud and dangerous woman who does not request help lightly. We could of course offer you riches, but I would not presume that you have any need of our paltry sums. Should you help us, I will see to it that the people of the town pay you homage in perpetuity through legend and song. I will further spread your name and story throughout the seas I travel. Further, I am certain that the locals would provide regular offerings as thanks for your magnanimity. For all the ages of a dragon."
With a quick look of admiration at Tewa, Adriana nods in agreement as she mimics her captain, an idea coming to mind.
While a formidable force itself, it was also likely young, and perhaps that could be plied into their negotiations.
"My captain is truthful in both her boasts and her pledge, and so long as there are seas to sail, shall you deeds and legend spread. But if that not enough, then an appeal to what you are owed. The ones responsible for all these feeding frenzies, the storms, they have demanded tribute over and over again, broken the trade ships, taken everything. They are bold and powerful, and they will come for you when they can get no more from the locals."
She makes sure to be careful in her tone, hoping to inspire pragmatism, if not appeal to greed.
"Lend us you aid in battle, let your enemies have a taste of your strength, and we shall ensure that you have the choice of the spoils."
|
|
"Uh, yeah - at least they think they are powerful. The storm brewers, I mean. I'm sure they respect your true strength, which is why they haven't dared do more than encroach on the edges of your territory. But you are cunning and wise, and know that they will one day consider themselves your equals, and know that you can strike them down with the suddenness of a summer squall when they least expect it!"
Magdi nods his agreement to his allies' words, considering the (relatively) small dragon with an expression of respect, but he holds back, lest his own ill-considered (and plainspoken) words offend.
The dragon exhales venting his pride on the words of the party "Ah, you mammals can be just so cute... Kaijong could certainly protect your people. And knowing your own limitations speaks to some real common sense"
"There is something you said though... it seems you point to some kind of group as the ones behind these storms. By the nature of it, it has to be an evil or revengeful druid. But now that you say, the stormers could be a druidic circle" the dragon looks up sinking his thoughts on his own hypothesis "There are a few places I was considering to check at the southern marches. Go there and bring me proof of the druidic circle behind the storms. If this is the deed of a single druid I will just finish this myself"
that was surprisingly easy Jonah thinks. I wonder what the catch will be but he doesn't say anythign tot he party right now here in front of the dragon.
He simply bows, letting the others do the talking.
Well that's the best lead we've gotten, we should definitely go check that out. what do you guys think?
Magdi rubs a hand along his chin. "What manner of proof would suffice, great one?" He asks. "The locals have told us that the Stormreaders are based out of a place in the north of the city, along with the thunderbird that seems to be serving them."
He frowns. "Could they be in both places? Two bases could be more secure than one, but..."
Well, if they are in more than one place it would lend weight to the possibility of this being a coven of druids instead of just one of them.
|
|
"Yes, but covens by their very nature tend to require some measure of physical proximity between its members. I suppose a circle would function in a similar fashion." Tonny gulps and turns to address the dragon. "Great One - ah, how would you have us address you? But, um, what drew your attention to these southern marches that you think trouble grows there?"
"What manner of proof would suffice, great one?" He asks.
"I am a dragon of honor, I will take the word of my loyal servitors as proof, if you spot the druid instigating the animals aggressiveness" the dragon nods and breaths angry at the thought of this druid attitude.
He does stand up enlarging his neck haughty to answer Tonny "I am Kaijong, ruler of Saoc's Landing and Lord of Hyrantam. Lord Kaijong is appropriate to address me"
"And what other thing can be, I have faced multiple animals and monsters grown aggressive in the south" he does enlarge his neck though almost surprised when Magdi says about the northern lair of the Stormreaders, he can feel the breath of the dragon in his face as Kaijong approaches his head just a few inches from him "They are based at the north? Who are these Stormreaders? And what is this about a thunderbird... I saw a thunderbird searching the islands like she was crazy but it must be just another wild and mindless beast driven into a frenzy by the winds. Just another symptom, not part of the problem."
"The Stormreaders are a collection of 'seers'. They have been extorting tribute from the locals, focusing on the lost wonders of Hyrantam." Magdi says, trying his best to keep calm. "I believe that they are working to worsen the storm above," he gestures at the Eye, "and that that may be the root of the odd behaviors. The locals seem to believe that they are responsible for the thunderbird's odd behavior, at any rate."
The dragon looks at the rest of the group, trying to discern if what Magdi is saying is true or he is trying to laugh at him. When no one else talks and seems to agree, the dragon coughs "Ok, what you say... it has sense I suppose. So you want me to protect your settlement of apes from the rage of these Stormreaders I do understand... but why should I do such thing?"
Jonah replies, stepping forward
This is about more than just the settlement, Lord Kaijong. The Stormreaders represent a threat that could destabilize the whole area if they succeed. we can stop them if we fight them now, but if their power grows they could change the weather in the area and disrupt the animals and other creatures as well.
|
|
"Um, well, as said earlier, these Stormtreaders are unlikely to ignore such magnificence as yourself for very long," Tonny offers hesitantly. "You've heard of their sway over the, ah, humanoid settlement, how they force the inhabitants to pay tribute. To them, I mean." The scholar lets the fact that this tribute is not going to Kaijong go unsaid.
"But I'm sure they'll get bolder. Imagine if the Stormtreaders stop demanding tribute and start demanding the settlers assault yourself and your holdings. I am certain you would be as troubled by such things as I would be swatting a fly, but a whole swarm is beyond bothersome. Besides, the Stormtreaders also hold sway over the thunderbird - imagine what she might be pressed into doing while your attention was focused on swatting pests?"
Magdi shoots Tonny a glance at the mention of tribute. Don't give him ideas, please. He keeps his mouth shut, however, to avoid doing just that.
The dragon growls discomforted "How dare they molest my liegemen and subjects! If I am not taking tribute from them how are they so bold to extract this wealth from them!"
Kaijong seems really pissed out by this information "If you are on fear that attacking these Stormreaders will trigger aggression over the settlement. You have my word I will protect my subjects if time comes."
The dragon nods "If you agree to solve this problem with the aggressive beasts, you can count on me to defend the settlement. Now, kneel before me so I can anoint you as my Knights and Protectors of the land"
Jonah glances at the others and gives a slight shrug. then he kneels with a little extra flourish.
It is an honor to serve you Lord Kaijong
"Just so." Madi says, bowing his head respectfully. "We shall do as you command."
Having never negotiated with a dragon before, Adriana considers the overall result a success given that she was certain a fight would have been difficult at best and outright disastrous at worst.
Sometimes it was the simple victories.
She gives Tewa a congratulatory nudge and then steps forward and kneels, keep a cautious eye on the dragon all the same.
The dragon nods satisfied in front of you "Now you are Knights and Protectors of Hyrantam" he sentences "You have my confidence to deal with the Stormreaders. And if things go wrong, just call me and I will fly protect my dutiful servants"
With the dragon convinced to help, it seems you are done with your business in the Lighthouse. Hence, it is time to decide what to do next. Are you planning to look for more allies, investigate some location, engage with the Thunderbird or perhaps with the Stormreaders themselves, or maybe just come back to the Lirgeni settlement?
After some discussion, the group decides to look after the Thunderbird next. You embark on Tewa's ship and spent hours going around different ruins to the north end of Hyrantham.
The day passes fast without result, but you take lunch and keep looking for news of the large bird on places your allies say they have seen it. The sun is going down and you are to give up after tomorrow when you overhear a shriek over the noise of the storm and a gargantuan bird emerges out of the storm clouds swooping down over your skiff. You think your vessel is going to founder under such a sizable bird, but the Thunderbird takes flight again and flaps its wings towards a nearby ruined tower where it sits.
Seizing the opportunity, Tewa maneuvers skillfully through the traitorous waters up until a distance you can engage the bird. She though discovers this is more difficult than it seems for there is a powerful wind aura that blows around the thundirbird.
The voice of the bird booms over the storm "چرا جرات می کنید با Stormreaders مخالفت کنید؟ من به شما هشدار می دهم، ادامه انسداد خشم من را بر منطقه محصور لیرجنی فرو خواهد برد."
"Why do you dare defy the Stormreaders? I warn you, continued obsturction will bring my wrath down upon the Lirgeni enclave."
Attempts to communicate in other languages other than Auran will proof futile as apparently it is the only language she understands.
|
|
“She’s asking us why we’re defying the Stormrraders!” Tonny voice is hoarser than would be expected as he translates, though the greenness on his face suggests a probable cause. “And a warning that continuing to do so will bring down her wrath on Lirgeni.”
As he passes a small vial of glowing golden liquid to Tewa, he continues, “She hasn’t attacked us outright yet, so that’s a good sign, right? I do wish we’d been able to catch her name, but that’s water under the… boat? Uh, anyway, wish us luck!” He gulps, then turns his attention to the tower where the thunderbird perches.
“نگهبان توانا آسمان ها! ما می خواهیم به شما کمک کنیم تخم مرغ خود را پیدا کنید!”
Magdi curses under his breath. "That's not good." He looks warily up at the thunderbird. If I start casting a spell to help one of them speak more compellingly, she might attack us.
Rays of lightning storm around Aessara's head when Tonny talks her back "از کجا در مورد تخم مرغ من می دانید؟ اگر اینطور است، پس چرا برای Stormreaders مشکل ایجاد می کنید؟"
"How do you know about my egg? If that is the case, why then are you causing trouble to the Stormreaders and their search?"
Jonah's eyes widen as the giant bird and Tonny have a discussion
why is it waiting to attack us? it seems to know we're against the stormreaders somehow, but isn't fighting us. Hopefull that's good. I don't know if we can beat something this big alone!
Careful to not provoke the Thunderbird, Adriana quietly says to Jonah "It could mean the Stormreaders might not have the egg itself but hid it instead. Or are lying. Either way..."
Slowly and carefully joining Tonny as he both speaks to and translates for the imposing creature to offer her assistance.
Magdi's expression grows thunderous as Tonny translates. "They are blackmailing her into service? Tell her this - if she knows where her egg is being held, we will seek to find it. If not, I will prepare a ritual tomorrow that will allow us to start seeking it out."
As Tonny translates the last part from Magdi, the thunderbird winds become more stormy "Held!? No! The it cannot be!"
The gargantuan bird gets interested on the help the shaman can provide "You can find the egg? I do not know where the egg is. I have been looking around myself, but there are lots of little nooks and crannies in Hyrantam too cramped for me to explore"
Through the interaction with the thunderbird, you do understand she is being limited on avoiding direct pleas of help and any critic view towards the Stormread, despite it is clear the group has been using the bird to strike with fear the inhabitants of Hyrantam.
The bird seems to still keep full control of itself, and thus it is not magically controlled, but still her attitude seems magically altered. Perhaps through some kind of charm animal or charm monster effect.
It is clear that finding the egg will definitely remove the mundane influence the Stormreaders exercise over the gargantuan bird.
The shaman looks to his companions. "We should at least try looking for it. With my spells, I should be able to look into possible locations for it, and this would greatly weaken the Stormreaders."
|
|
“I’m guessing the Stormreaders stole her egg and hid it, then told her they’d help her search for it in return for aiding them,” Tonny whispers (or whispers as much as one can over the thunderbird’s tempest) to his companions. “But she seems on board with us looking, so let’s not press our luck too much.”
“Great… uh, what may we call you? Um, anyway, uh, we will do everything in our power to bring your egg back safely to you!”
"My name is Aeassra" the thunderbird emits a loud tweet before continuing in Auran "If you find the egg, bring it here at dawn. I will come and check everyday. Meanwhile, avoid the Augur's Throne or enraging the Stormreaders, or I will be forced to fight you."
The winds start to get stronger as she flaps her gargantuan wings "That's it for now, I cannot risk talking with you any longer" the thunderbird takes flight and disappears into the storm.
Meanwhile, Tewa takes control of the vessel and skillfully directs you back to the Lirgeni enclave where you are well received and offered some seafood for dinner. Vancen and Mparu are interested about your findings and discuss them while you eat.
Other than that, you are able to have a rest and stand up next day well refreshed.
Tewa considers their options as they head back. ”I do not have much to offer in the way of divinations myself. My insights are more instinctual.” She pats Magdi on the shoulder. ”Anything we can do to help your magic work better?”
Jonah watches the bird leave thoughtfully.
We may have to do this the old fashioned way. Tracking an egg when not trackign the animal that laid it will be tricky, but I believe in our abilities. Finding that egg will be a huge boon, as we will have the thunderbird as an ally instead of a foe...