One of the arena's wizard come and casts make whole on your items restoring them all. You are told this was done for free as it was found out that Pitch Blade worked for Raknian and were given permission by him to kill you as well as starting out with more spells than allowed.
Now that Raknian is gone there will be no more stacking the deck against you.
Hearing that Pitch Blade was cheating, Aarakess looks to Kilthan and chuckles.
Cheating certainly did not help them much.
Justin considers the news about the dwarves, and it shakes his belief in dwarves even more. "Cheaters and murderers. I may have to take them for judgement."
"And, I do like their swords!!"
"Perhaps after washing up and a bit of rest we can attempt to discover what type of monster they intend to pit us against?" Rohara suggests.
She does move to remove her armor and as she does mentions, "As I was considering the blessings that I could have this day, there were a few interesting ones that might have been useful, if we were not subject to the limit."
She will go on to explain those spells...
Duration 10 minutes
You gain a +5 enhancement bonus to your existing natural armor bonus
While you're under the effects of this spell, if an opponent confirms a critical hit or sneak attack against you with a physical weapon (not a spell or magical effect), you can dismiss this spell to negate the critical hit or sneak attack and treat it is as a normal hit. Dismissing the spell in this way is not an action, but you must be conscious and aware of the attack to do so.
Badger's Ferocity (3rd level spell)
Duration: Concentration, Range: 50ft
This functions like keen edge, except it affects multiple weapons and requires your concentration. You select the weapons to be affected, and can only affect one weapon per creature. If a creature’s weapon exceeds the spell’s range, the spell ends for that weapon.
She than cleans up and before leaving [ooc](With company would be nice)[ooc] in an attempt to find out what manner of monster they will be fighting.
Kilthan lifts his restored waraxe, testing its balance with a few careful practice swings before tying it back in place with a satisfied nod. "I'm just glad there's no permanent damage done.... though, given what they tried to do and what it could have cost... I don't much like the thought of Pitch Blade getting away with their cheating."
Brandishing the silver statute Skorhald says, "I think this should be kept by Aarakess, to remind her of the beauty of all things dwarven... and I think we all deserve an ale or six after facin' off with that lot."
With that the dwarf looks to find the appropriate pub to celebrate their victory and the minor celebrity status the fights are giving to the group.
Justin nods reluctantly as he returns the nice greatsword.
He also is excited by the iron skin spell.
The next day brings about the next round of fighting. Last two year's champions, Auric's Warband, faced Draconic Brood. Auric's group manages the Brood effortlessly, moving on once again to the final round.
You are up next in the special monster fight. The crowd cheers you on as they release the Froghemoth. The three eyed frog like creature proves to be a challenge at first using its reach and grapple abilities, but soon enough you overcome its defense and win the day. The crowd roars with glee at the exhibition.
The next day the final battle begins. Auric's warband consists of Auric and Khellek (whom you met in Diamond Point during your fist days there) and their group of flesh golems. The good natured Auric gets right up close into the fight, while the scowling Khellek throws spells from a distance. As the fights before they give you a fight to the end, but you win the championship and become this year's champions!
The kicks off a week of celebration in the city. While you would like to enjoy yourselves, you know you need to throughly investigate the area below. In conjunction with the new arena organizer that replaced Raknian after he fled and the authorities you make sure there is no threats beneath the arena left.
Authorities are still looking for Raknian, who fled with his bodyguard into areas unknown.
Three or four days later, you decide to take the information you gathered in the arena as well as the Apostolic Scroll used to summon the ulgurstasta to Eligos.
When you ring the bell, Pollard does not come out to greet you like he has every other time you have come. You open the outer gate and head to the door. The door is unlocked and when opened, it reveals a ghastly scene. Body parts of both Eligos and Pollard are everywhere. Pools of blood and splatters of blood are on the floors, walls, and ceilings. The killings were done to prevent either from being raised. Written in blood is a message for you, "He died helping you. I will kill you and anyone else that tries to help you. See you soon."
You search Eligos's house for any other clues and find hidden a bundle of notes and observations that catalog what Eligos has learned about the Age of Worms. There is a note from Eligos on top that reads, "My dear friend Allustan - What your adventurers stumbled into sickens my soul. Every new leaf I turn reveals and even darker secret. Here are my notes. You must take them to our one-time master, although I fear that even he may be ill-equipped for what writhes in all of our futures. Until then....." The note is unfinished.
Justin shakes his fist in frustration as Eligos' death and that of his assistant takes some of the taste of victory from his mouth. He also reflects that his enjoyment of the martial combat may not have been what paladins are supposed to enjoy, but at heart he was still a lizardman warrior from the Mushfens too.
Justin looks up and yells: "Rakniiiiiaaaan!!"
He looks to Aarakess and Rohara, whose council he had come to value highly. "What do we do next??"
Kilthan snarls, "The work of a coward...."
He turns quickly to face the others, speaking as his thoughts race, and then slowly trailing off as he fleshes out the idea somewhat more, "I can try to track the people who did this.... Problem is that city streets aren't the best for leaving prints.... and while normally Jagdbach would be able to help by picking up their scent... scents fade with time....especially in a crowd... and, that's assuming they didn't use magic to get here."
He sighs and suggests, "We should get this work to Allustan -- though I think having Aara, Rohara and Skorhald read it would be useful -- maybe it will link up with some old half-forgotten lore one of them learned." He then shakes himself as a terrible thought locks into place, "Allustan has been helping us -- we should warn him."
Justin responds:
"We should get to Allustan, now!!!"
Shaking his head at the carnage, Skorhald says, "Aye coward's work. Afraid to confront us... we need to end this before more carnage comes.
In response to Justin.
"Yes, and more importantly to this former master that seems to be who we need to talk to. Let us gather gear and prepare for the journey."
Kilthan knows it is probably pointless to try and track, but he tries anyways with expected results. Raknian has escaped....for now. Looking through the contents of Eligos's notes to Allustan, much of it contains the events you related to him, as well as things about ancient cults, undead, and ancient history. While an interesting read, you are not sure exactly how it ties together.
You get ready for your 3 days journey back to Diamond Point. You are flush with money, so you take a trip through the markets before heading out of the city.
Rohara places a comforting hand in Justin's shoulder, "Worry not my friend, we will get this Raknian."
She will help gather up anything important to their quest at hand. Afterward, she will address the party, "With a little time and preparation I can warn those we care about with a Sending spell. Besides Aullustan, if there are others who should be warned, please let me know."
"As we are withing a major city, this would be the opportunity to make any purchases that we might need before we continue. And if we are all willing, both Aarakess and myself have magics that allow for long distance teleportation."
Aarakess shakes her head sadly at the mess.
Perhaps we could raise him? Or find a way to communicate with Eligos and Pollard to learn what happened.
After she says this, she realizes that it is likely hopeless.
We need to get to Allustan before someone else does to warn him of what we have found and to discover what else ho night know.
As she says this, even with all the bloodshed and death she has seen, Aarakess' stomach begins to turn. It is only because of her newfound dwarven constitution that she is able to hold down her breakfast.
Lets find what we need here in the city, and then get heading to see what insight Allustan might have.
Justin begins preparing for magical transportation. His mount will have to be included, he can't make Iomedae angry.
Rohara prepares a Sending spell for Allustan which takes time to gain the spell for a slot she left open and than prepares the spell... After 25 minutes she casts the spell...
We're fine. Watch for deadly trouble. Raknian of Magnimar killed Eligos, vows to kill all others who help us. Returning soonest. Passphrase: Juniper, Counter: Ashen.
Kilthan nods at Aara's suggestion, "We are here and have immediate access to a marketplace -- given that we can teleport, we should take the time to equip ourselves well enough to make a real difference.."
You take the day to finish up whatever shopping you have or finish upgrading what you can.
The next day Arakess and Rohara teleports and transports everyone back to your modest home outside of DIamond Point. A short walk back into town reveals major damage to the city. The feeling of chaos and fear fills the air. Diamond Point's biggest business, the Emporium is leveled, as well as most of the buildings starting from there past Allustan's house. It is a combination of physical damage as well as melting consistent with acid damage.
A group of militia notice you and recognize you and take you to Governor-Mayor Lanod Neff, Allustan's brother. Marzena is also with him. "A couple days ago a 30 foot long black winged serpent with a devastating acid breath came to the city. My brother Allustan's home was the first thing that the creature went to and leveled it. Marzena here thankfully was in the market at the time. Realizing Allustan was not in the building he just destroyed, in went on a rampage all the way to the town square. It then grabbed and injured victim and gathered other townsfolk in the square demanding we turn over Allustan."
Marzena then speaks up, "Allustan has been spending a lot of time back at the Whispering Cairn where you first investigated. He claimed he was on the verge of a great discovery there. He had gone there earlier in the day before the dragon attacked. Someone tipped the dragon off where he was and it immediately flew off in that direction leaving his hostages behind. That was three days ago and I haven't heard from Allustan since."
Governor-Mayor Lanod Neff resumes, "We organized the local militia to keep a lookout in case the dragon came back. This town has been living in fear that it could return. We do not know why it was after my brother or if it has found him. Word should be reaching Magnimar by now for reinforcements, but now that you are here, you are probably the best option for saving this town. Are you willing to help us once again?"
Hearing the pleas of the Governor-Mayor, Aarakess steps forward.
We would be honored to aid this good town that has done so much for us. Is there anything else that you could tell us to assist in eliminating this threat? Where did the dragon come from? Did it say anything?
Knowledge(Arcana): <-- what does she know about black dragons, and this one's powers based upon the size/age?
Justin nods soberly:
"We will help. Just tell us all you know about this wyrm."
After they begin their magical transportation, Justin leaves Sarah his steed at home. After they arrive, he magically calls her to his side.
The bard listens gravely to the descriptions of what happened, not wanting to interpose as the newcomer.
Kilthan scowls, his face twitching under his beard, At least, this time, there's something left of home..., then nods, "Help? No. We'll deal with the problem so noone else need get hurt. In fact, you'd have to restrain me to stop me from finding Allustan... and this dragon."
He straightens himself and says, "Point us in the right direction -- and if you could gather a few arrows and a few day's rations, so I need not waste time hunting on the road, that would be most appreciated. We'll pay, of course. And while a runner does that, tell us absolutely everything. Any detail may be critical."
"Yes, of course we will help," Rohara says as she too listens to what has befallen the Diamond Point.
She comments to the others, "This would likely be why I did not recieve a response back to my sending. But than again the spell should have reached him wherever he was on this plane that is. Unless Allustan is somewhere were magic does not reach or..." she leaves the left unsaid.
"I suppose heading back to where all this began is rather fitting."
He tells about the size of the dragon, which is as big as a house. It crushed many houses, as well as spewed out acid from its mouth. It flew up to the Whispering Cairn, so most likely that is where you will find it.
You head out to the Whispering Cairn once again. You all remember your first adventure together heading this way which seems a lifetime ago. You pass what was Dourstone mine (The location of your second adventure), now under new management, business returning to normal there.
Soon you will be approaching the Whispering Cairn when out of nowhwhere the dragon attacks!
This black, skeletal reptile is a black dragon. It usually lives in the water environment.
Black dragons make their lairs in warm marshes and submerged caves. These lairs often carry an acrid smell, a hint at the dragon’s highly acidic breath weapon. In addition they can attack with bite, claws, wings and tails as well as spells the older they get.
Older dragons have a variety of inherent magical powers, such as darkness, insect plague, and corrupt water. Due to their aquatic nature, black dragons can use these abilities while submerged.
Black dragons are the epitome of villainy, committing evil for evil’s sake, and they require no greater motivation to pillage and plunder than simply because they can. Sociopaths and murderers of the worst sort, black dragons terrorize their territories with a fury few other dragons bother to muster. The greatest treasures black dragons possess are living, thinking creatures. For non-living treasure, black dragons prefer items that can withstand their acidic breath, such as precious stones and glasswork.
A black streak comes out of nowhere and lays down a line of acid through Justin, his horse, Aarakess and Skorhald.
It lands and perches itself above the entrance to the Whispering Cairn. After she lands she roars out, "Dragotha take you all, the wizard is mine! He will pay for slaughtering my children!"
- Black Dragon, Skorhald, Kilthan, Aarakess, Justin, Rohara,
AC 36 T 8 FF 36 CMD 39
Skorhald screams in pain as the acid bites at him, but quickly begins a battle chant about dwarven dragon hunters to get the party geared up for the fight. He then tries to cast a spell that will speed up the efforts of his friends to give them a better chance to kill this thing quickly - before it kills him.
Aarakess looks up at the dragon, surprised for a moment that such a creature is truly here, before realizing that this is exactly the type of dragon she has read much about.
Black dragon, acid breath, probably has a few spells that we can counter. Bad temper, likes to hurt people for fun.
As she says this, she stares at the dragon, making it realizing that perhaps this time it has chosen to fight a little more than it can chew. <-- stupid 30' limit on hexes
Aarakess moves forward, and then causes a cloud to settle over the dragon, just extending to the dragon's head.
Standard: Cast Mind Fog - DC22 Will or -10 on Will saves
Move: Move to L8
Reflex:
SR Check:
Knowledge(arcana):
Rohara quickler calls upon her healing abilities to healer her companions Some of the damage done by the dragon is mitigated...
She than moves forard and looks to Justin, "Who would like to fly, your or the mount?
She waits for Justin to indicated before she cast her magics on said being so that they may fly.
Justin spurs his mount ahead, his skill at riding by opponents letting him close without retaliation. He is excited to find his mount takes flight. He lunges with his axe using his height to cleave at the dragon above him and he passes completely past the dragon in the air granting his allies the advantage of distracting the dragon. He attempts to smite his evil foe as he closes before he passes.
Rohara's magic had allowed more to engage the dragon and keep them from grouping up too much, he approved with a quick salute of his axe to her.
As his blade misses, Justin shouts "Accursed wyrm, meet your death here!!"
Seeing Justin about to barely miss the dragon, Skorhald quickly works the casting of a spell into his battle-chant inspiring Justin to Greater Deeds.
Kilthan looks at Rohara and Aarakess, then up at the dragon, My new boots and breastplate help me move, but only on solid ground... He sighs, then casts resist energy on his furry companion before ordering, "Jagdbach, flank.", hoping to both himself and the badger out of the line of a future blast of acid.
Justin adjusts his aim and hits.
After some spells are cast to boost your fighting skills, the party scatters and prepares to return attacks, except for Justin who charges the dragon. With assistance from Skorhald, Justin's attack strikes true despite the slight distortion in the outline of the dragon.
The dragon roars in pain and returns attacks on Justin. It acid filled mouth snaps at him no where close, but its wings collide into him and one claw finds its mark.
*Hit*
*Hit*
*Hit*
- Black Dragon, Skorhald, Kilthan, Aarakess, Justin, Rohara,
AC 36 T 8 FF 36 CMD 39
Maintaining his song, Skorhald moves forward and casts a quick spell bringing hope and courage to his companions.
Justin avoids the bite, but the rest of the dragon attacks leave him in bad shape as a claw and two wings cut through his armor.
Justin touches his holy symbol, and some of his wounds heal.
Justin attacks the dragon three times with his axe using powerful attacks. Two strikes cut into the dragon badly.
A few snaps of frost tickle the dragon as it is hit. Then Justin bites at the dragon, his primitive instincts take over in his desperate attack.
Sally, his mount, tries to help him avoid the next blow.
Seeing the Justin lunge with his teeth, Skorhald works the heroic act into the words of his song as a spell that helps aid Justin in his efforts.
Rohara tries to gauges how the battle with the dragon is going before she commits. She knows that Justin took a whole much of damage from the dragon's attacks but is unable to reach him so far away. As Skorhold moves ahead of her she braves the dragon and moves forward in the hopes of healing the Palalizard and the rest of her companions of the acid damage.
Kilthan asks, "Can anyone bring that beast down or should I be breaking my arrows on its scales?"
Aarakess considers her options and hopes that Kithian gets some aid from the others, instead, she focuses her concentration on the dragon, making it feel doom slowly descending upon it.
Move - cackle
Standard - Evil Eye Curse - for 10 rounds, DC23 Will reduces to 1 (continued by Cackle)
--> Evil Eye = -4 to saves
Rohara or Skorhald, can you guys help Justin or get Kithian up there?