Session 32: Terrane, 6th Tanis

 Making their last preparations before battle, the Twilight Wings ensured to provide for their allies and get on their way to Dragon Keep as soon as the sun set on the horizon.

The hike there was mostly calm, although tensions among the group were high. With clear skies, as far as precipitation goes, the group felt reassured, until strong winds hit them, and they realized that their flying companions would have a hard time in this battle. 

As the group progressed on their way up the mountain pass, they came again upon the ice crevasse, and many among the group this time noticed the presence of frozen bodies inside the ice. As they got closer to the keep, they also noticed several partially frozen, partially eaten body parts. 

Once at the keep, the battle began, after the first group passed the main gate, and the stone dragon statues' eyes glowed and seemed to raise an army of undead dwarves. At first, the large battle on the main grounds of the hold was claimed many victims on both sides. The allies provided cover for the Twilight Wings to make it into the mine caverns where Ugoa's lair was most likely located.

Once there, another battle began, and the group now faces Ugoa the White.

Session 31: Demis, 5th Tanyth

 With the battle against the two drow now over, the party decided to take a short rest. The four monks took watch to allow the party to recollect themselves. Ariadne took a better look at the book she stole, and discovered it to be a sappy romance novel named “Soft Spring: A Classical Novel, Gold Edition”. It is a large book with a red cover, with a beautiful gold pressed spine, and a red gem inserted on the front cover, worth quite a bit of money, but perhaps not the most interesting writing style for Ariadne’s taste.

The party decided to do the dead drop just outside the Hopeful Dawn cave. The group (minus the 4 accompanying monks) went outside as stealthily as they could. Lennie noticed that same raven from a few days ago, sitting on the same tree branch just outside the cave. Kalim managed to hit the bird with a dart, and it again disappeared in a “poof”.

The group didn’t notice anyone else watching them, so Kalim proceeded as planned towards the dead drop. He disguised himself as Sarod and placed the note under the rock that had been described to him. Underneath the rock was a note already waiting. It said “Ga-Grosh For-Thaash”. Concerned that this could be code for something the group hadn’t been warned about, Lennie contacted Sarod to clarify the meaning of these words. Sarod told her that this is the name of his sister’s favourite song , so that means she’s still alive. Sarod sounded relieved and almost happy when he replied.

The group then contacted Olena to let her know they completed the dead drop and were about to do a bit of scouting to get an idea of what lies ahead.

As they approached the foot of the mountains leading to Dragon Hold, a chill went down their neck. They expected it to be a cold hike, but this somehow felt even colder. Or could it be their mind playing tricks? As they made their way up the non-existing trail, the snow got deeper, and the air hitting their lungs chillier. The exposed skin on their face felt like it was burning, almost as if cut by a thousand needles, and eventually just felt numb. The freezing air sometimes hit their lungs so hard, that it made them cough, and they had to remind themselves to take small breaths. The scarves and clothes they wrapped around their face in hopes to protect their skin became drenched in condensation, and between each breath there was just enough time to cause it to freeze into small crystals, which just reminded them with every breath that it was indeed not getting any warmer as they climbed up.

Kalim lead the hike for a while, in hopes of making the trail easier for those behind. There were no apparent trails or previous tracks ahead. Eventually Armando suggested they take turns leading the hike, just like birds do, so that everyone got a turn having a break from the hardest work. The group eventually reached the large icy crevasse. Some of the group members (Lennie and Kalim) saw humanoid bodies encased deep within the ice walls. Armando and Ariadne were unable to see them, and Kalim and Lennie decided not to disclose that information. At the end of the ice crevasse, the group felt they were close to the midpoint of the hike, so they decided to turn back, so as not to be too late getting into the cave.

On their way back, they tried their best to cover their tracks. They reached the Hopeful Dawn cave just after sunset. Upon arrival, they could smell food being prepared. The Bahamut Brigade Dragonborn and the Vampires had already arrived and were making the place a bit more comfortable for the day ahead. After about an hour, the remaining allies (Garth, the pterosaurs, and the remaining monks) arrived.

At this point, Kalim gave an inspiring speech to all of the gathered allies. The group also for the first time called themselves “Twilight Wings”. The troops were inspired by the speech.

Weapons were distributed among the vampires (19 crossbows, 7 poisoned short swords, and 11 regular short swords). The party discussed grouping arrangements for the allies to march into battle.

Ariadne decided to spend some time interacting with the pterosaurs waiting outside the cave. She fed them some fish, and they seemed to enjoy that.

Armando found 8 empty vials and containers with lids. With Lennie’s help, they collected 20 ants, which were carefully placed into a container that had its lid pierced with small holes to allow for air to get into it. Lennie helped her team mates, and also spent some time swooning over Garth.

Kalim took the time to help the monks, as well as arming the people that didn’t have weapons. Everyone took a long rest and started preparations for the march.

Session 30: Demis, 5th Tanyth

The party decided to lock up Sarod up and put two guards to keep an eye on him (2 of the thieves guild members). Sylvie continuously proceeded to irritate Sarod throughout the night.

They had Sarod write the letter for the dead drop, it says:

“They are headed towards the Seldarine. Expecting to arrive in 2 days. Ask Krea what her favourite fruit is.”

Armando was suspicious of Sarod, and Sarod angrily disclosed that his sister’s favourite fruit is honey pear.

Lennie also communicated with Hazel via “sending”, and Hazel responded with the following message:

"Arrest order rescinded, super suspicious, might get to meet your dad, just killed a drow getting into Aerie through sewers, being careful, you too".

The arrest order for the “Fang Crushers” has therefore been lifted, according to Hazel.

The next morning, the party visited the bookstore (Tome Raider) and spoke to Vinarth. They learned that the place where they are going was not always called Dragon Hold. It was once called Windcloak Castle. This was 500 years ago. It belonged to a very prominent dwarven family (the Windcloaks), who made their fortune mining Zafrine from the mountain.

But the dwarves got greedy and mined it excessively. It is believed that this infuriated the God Zafros, who cursed the dwarves to never be able to leave the mountain, even in death, and also removed the magical properties of the Zafrine in that mountain, turning it into ordinary quartz.

The Windcloaks built that castle very cleverly, so that it is well sheltered from the winds and the otherwise very cold weather of the mountains is not quite as severe in that area. However, since Ugoa the White took control of the castle, about 300 years ago, that may have changed drastically (i.e., it’s probably pretty damn cold out there). Sylvie managed to steal a book that looked valuable.

Kalim also purchased some herbs, and the party (+4 monks) then proceeded towards the Hopeful Dawn cave via a portal. They arrived in a dark secret chamber that they discovered to be hidden behind a shelf in Olena’s old room. Once they started making their way out of the room, they noticed there were two drow scouting the area. Sylvie was able to understand their language, and the group agreed to have her “look like a drow”, and try to talk to them.

The plan quickly went sideways, as the drow recognized her and began a battle. The party came to her aid, and lots of questions were raised. Sylvie torured the Drow in very disturbing ways to the rest of the party. It was revealed that Sylvie’s name is in fact Ariadne, and that she has a bounty for being considered a deserter and a traitor by the drow. She was once known as the “Executioner” in the drow army, and killed Seldarine as part of her duties. Shocked, and suspicious, the group, after a long conversation, decided to keep Ariadne at their side still, even though many questions remain unanswered, even for Ariadne. One thing they agreed on: Ariadne has to return the stolen book to Tome Raider.

Session 29: Calamis, 4th Tanyth

 Just after sunset and dropping off the blood collected from the buffalo to the Hopeful Dawn vampires, the group headed to the town square to get churro swords. Sylvie came up with the idea of elephant ears after a kid insisted on a deep fried shield to go with his sword.

Soon after, the party headed to Cat Cradle Farm to meet with the Bahamut Brigade officer. Golemmoth was waiting just outside the farm house accompanied by an elf with a half shaved hair style, very golden sleek hair, pearlescent skin, and golden eyes with a vertical pupil. He identified himself as the Gold dragon Garth once the party approached them.

The party then headed inside Yiri and Maldara’s house, who were happy to have visitors and offered them tea and cookies, as well as a bedroom that offered them enough privacy for discussions about their plans.

The party discussed the following items:

-     Need a nearby place to gather troops and march, ideally somewhere less than 4 hours away from destination. Because of the high altitude of the location, each hour spent travelling feels like 2 hours, so there’s a risk of exhaustion. A safe place to mobilize prior to battle is the Hopeful Dawn cave– should be about 4 hours away – including the accounting for inclined terrain.

-     Golemmoth mentioned Vinarth, their cousin who works at Menell Dilth’s book store (Tome Raider), who is a history buff and has done much research on areas surrounding Menell Dilth. They may know additional information about Dragon Hold.

-     The extreme cold in the mountains will require some appropriate gear, but the party already covered that with Faith’s offer.

-     The party also mentioned they have enough rations for the army.

-     There will need to be ground troops and sky troops to deal with the horde of enemies. It’s currently unknown where exactly the actual dragon’s lair is located, or where the entrance to it is. Once that is figured out, the troops should remain on the battle ground, and an elite team could go fight Ugoa and take her by surprise. She will likely not leave her hoard, and will wait for the battle to come to her.

-     The party expressed some reservations with the plan of fighting Ugoa in her lair, and would like to explore the idea of drawing her out from the lair first.

-     The party also mentioned a mole, and Golemmoth and Garth agreed that it has to be dealt with immediately, prior to disclosing the plans of taking Dragon Hold with their troops. So far, nobody outside of the players circle is aware that they plan on attacking Dragon’s Hold. We want to keep it that way. Golemmoth suggested a canary trap (tactic in which you spread a rumor to disseminate false information or draw out the mole).\

-     The party then told Golemmoth he can direct the Bahamut Brigade troops towards the abandoned cabin at Hermit’s Pass for now, which is located an hour south of Menell Dilth. The party will let him know when it’s safe to mobilize towards Menell Dilth proper. Garth joined Golemmoth.

The party then headed back to the Orphanage, Lennie disappointed that she didn’t have time to get a churro for Garth.

They spoke to Halaema, Olena, and Faith in a private room at the orphanage to disclose their plans. Olena and Halaema insisted in joining the party when they go against Ugoa, because of their family ties.

They also set up a trap of “zone of truth” to figure out what the suspected mole (the half orc vampire male) had to say. During their interrogation it was revealed that:

-     His name is Sarod Waleye, brother of Merek and Krea Waleye.

-     Merek Waleye is the Captain of the Sanguine Raider, which was the last known location of Ascal Olovalur’s impersonator.

-     Krea Waleye is the little sister, who is currently a Drow captive.

-     Sarod has been ordered to deliver dead drops to Drow spies in return for proof of life from his sister. He has been acting as a mole for the past week because that’s the only way he can keep his sister alive. If he misses the dead drop tomorrow, he fears for her fate.

-     The last information he divulged to the drow was regarding the location of the Hopeful Dawn headquarters. He hasn’t told them that the group moved to Menell Dilth.

-     Lennie also asked for something that belongs or has been used by Merek Waleye. Sarod gave her a card from a deck that him and Merek used to play lots.

Session 28: Calamis, 4th Tanyth - JUST A SHOPPING SESSION

 The party decided against taking a long rest at the Hopeful Dawn, and instead headed to Menell Dilth during night time to ensure all the vampires would be safe. They arrived in Menell Dilth just before Dawn.  

After a bit of conversation with Faith Fast Fingers at the Dragon’s Roost Orphanage, she was persuaded into allowing the Hopeful Dawn and the monks to take shelter there, in the basement of the facility (it has been cleared out of the spectator and the mimic in the vault by the Menell Menace – the adventurer’s guild). The mimic had to be handled after the unfortunate demise of little Timmy.

Faith also offered to cover the cost of providing the troops with winter coats, because the money in the vault was enough to cover that. She also provided the group with a number of magic items that were in the vault. The thieves guild is also contributing with 10 additional allies for the Dragon Hold battle, as long as they also get a cut of the loot.

Once they were finally able to rest, the party took shifts to keep watch while everyone got their much-needed rest. Sylvie noticed a half-orc male vampire of the Hopeful Dawn acting suspiciously, and not quite sleeping (faking it). She passed that information along to the rest of the group. While others were still asleep, Sylvie also had a more open-hearted conversation with Lennie, and as a result of Lennie’s caring for Sylvie, Lennie cast a spell to help Sylvie find herself and gain confidence.

The next day, the group headed to Murky Ox Farms to ask farmer Tanner for some ox blood to feed the vampires. They harvested a barrel that will keep them fed for the time being. Farmer Tanner is happy to provide more for as long as required.

Some party members went shopping for items in preparation for battle. The shops close late today (around 8 PM) because it is the last day of the Festival of Life.

Session 27: Solas, Tanyth 3rd

During the funeral pyre events, Sylvie felt sick. Lennie got a blessing from Selune. It is Vilis’ (the moon representing the drow) last quarter and Avalan (the moon representing the eladrin) first quarter – the balance of moons has been reflected in the balance of Lennie’s actions – this has been observed by Selune, so she sent a blessing – a feather fell from the sky right into Lennie’s hand. This feather at first looked like just a small white feather, but Lenny noticed it is very reflective, silvery, and has an unusual energy to it. The party and the 9 surviving monks proceeded to head back to the Hopeful Dawn cave. As they approached, the party came across a group of vampires and drow. After a rather bloody battle, the group convinced the two vampires to join their side. The two vampires, Barbary (a human female) and Ryia (a human male), took the “half-cure”. The party looted several swords and crossbows from the drow. Lennie noticed Sylvie slipping something shiny onto one of the drow’s bodies.

Once they got into the Hopeful Dawn, they noticed signs of battle. As they progressed into the cave, they saw that some of the drow had made it inside and managed to drive wooden stakes into 5 of the sleeping vampires, including Scabbers. 20 Hopeful Dawn members remain (including Olena, Zaru, Bartok, and Halaema).

Halaema offered her quarters for the group to have a private meeting (joined by Olena) to discuss strategies. Halaema watched the entrance (along with a few Hopeful Dawn members and monks), whereas the monks Fir and Willow watched Barbary and Ryia.

Olena and Halaema revealed that there is a mole among the Hopeful Dawn. Elder Qinyarus gave Kalim his staff, as he realized Kalim is a lot more capable in battle, and the Elder feels more helpful in a healing role.

The group meeting topics included:

-     Hopeful Dawn cave is definitely no longer safe.

-     Need to make their way to Menell Dilth to restock.

-     Options of places for Hopeful Dawn to stay in Menell Dilth include:

-     Tanner Farm

-     Faith Fast Fingers (thieves guild or Orphanage – previous casino)

-     When it comes to battle preparations:

-     Olena and Armando will take the sky crew (Garth will join, and bring additional “air forces”)

-     Kalim, Lennie, and Sylvie may disguise as drow, and hopefully have some aid from the thieves guild to do a stealthy ground surveillance

-     Lennie sent a message to Clyphek to set up a meeting with one of the Bahamut Brigade’s Dragonborns (Golemmoth) in Menell Dilth (at Cat’s Cradle Farm) tomorrow. The Bahamut Brigade also informed Lennie that they can contribute with 15 soldiers.

Session 26: Solas, Tanyth 3rd

 Before leaving the Hopeful Dawn to head over to Ivtar, Lenny made a donation to the Hopeful Dawn: she donated 2 fancy gowns and a doublet. Slarty was left in Halaema’s care.

Party leaves Hopeful Dawn cave. Upon leaving, they notice a raven which intently watches them, and as soon as it is spotted, it takes off to the east. Armando shot it with his crossbow, and it went off in a “poof” of smoke.

They proceed to Ivtar. On the way there, it got strangely colder as they approached. At some point they come across a group of goblins. These goblins were carrying a variety of goods, such as pottery, cutlery, old tools, and household items. They were running and had a very scared look on their faces, particularly scared of Kalim.

Kalim, recognized some of the items as belonging to the Ivtar monastery. They revealed that they only took these items because the monastery was a big mess, and there were no monks standing. They mentioned a big scary and stinky creature that caused them to run away.

The group proceeded to Ivtar, Kalim heading in first (sneakily). He saw Ivtar completely destroyed. Every building, tent, or structure was flat. Dozens of bodies of his brothers and sisters were strewn across the area. The area was also covered in ice and snow, and some of the bodies had clear frost damage, some of them with limbs shattered after being encased in ice.

Shuffling throw the rubble and corpses is a Tyrannosaurus. But this beast was not like the one Kalim faced before. This one had parts missing, flesh falling from its body, and exposed bones in several parts. The creature reeked of death and decay. Its ribcage was visible, and from within it several undead hands were reaching out and grasping, in a horrific and revolting scene.

Kalim doubled back towards the group to let them know what he saw. The group approached the monastery grounds sneakily and managed a surprise attack on the Tyrannosaurus zombie. Two snow golems were also revealed as the group started fighting the creature.

Once the battle was over, Kalim found the hatch that used to lead to the pantry underneath the kitchen tent. Inside were Elder Qinyarus, along with 8 other survivors (Fir, Willow, Ash, Acacia, Oak, Aspen, Birch, Cedar).

Elder Qinyarus told the party that the vampire/drow coalition grew more desperate overnight. He felt that the corruption has lost strength, and that must have gotten them more desperate. He overheard some of the drow interrogating some of the monks about where Olena is. But it doesn’t make sense, because nobody at the monastery has seen or heard from Olena in 15 years. The vampires and drow were ruthless, interrogating and executing dozens of the monks in a surprise attack. Once they realized they weren’t getting any information about “Olena and her people”, they moved on and brought in a dragon to finish off the remaining monks.

This dragon (Ugoa, the White) has been known for many generations to inhabit the mountains to the south (Dragon Eyrie). Legends say that she took over a fortress built by dwarves and made it into her hoard. Elder Qinyarus is concerned that with the monastery gone, the vampires and drow have free range within Khaorvandor forest, and easy access to the west. He suggested the group joins forces so that they can take the dwarven fortress and set up a stronghold there to protect the forest and these lands.

Kalim told Elder Q. about Olena and the Hopeful Dawn, while the remaining monks and the group gathered all the bodies of the deceased and started a funeral pyre. Lenny said prayers and blessed the bodies. Sylvie found footprints leading mainly northwest but also some going south.

Elder Q. recognized the importance of what Kalim had started with Olena, and the wisdom in his actions. He also recognized that life is change and evolution, and that hiding behind a mask no longer suits the monks of Ivtar, because that way of isolating themselves from the world nearly brought their extinction. He surrendered his mask respectfully into the fire, an action which was followed by all monks. He also said that it would be an honor if Kalim could lead the monks of Ivtar when the time comes.

The monastery of Ivtar is destroyed, but it can be rebuilt in time. There is no time right now, so they need a safe, defensible place. This may sound crazy, but perhaps defeating the white dragon and taking over the fortress would be a sensible move, especially if we had more allies. The only foe ever capable of taking over that fortress was the white dragon, and only because the dwarves residing in it were fighting amongst themselves for decades and internal betrayal led to their ruin. The dragon would not expect confrontation, or an attack, as she is very arrogant, and underestimates her enemies.

The group is considering this option, and decided to proceed to the Hopeful Dawn to gather more forces and devise a plan. Lenny contacted Gralkas to ask for Kepios’ help, but Gralkas revealed that they are 2 days away from Kepios. Lenny then contacted Elder Clyphek (the Bahamut high priest at Kepios), who responded with the assurance that Kepios will aid in the battle, and that Garturax (the golden dragon) will also be asked to join.

Lenny also contacted Othorion in the Seldarine. He responded by saying that the Seldarine should not be trusted.

The group continued south towards the Hopeful Dawn cave, along with the 9 monks of Ivtar.