As Atriox begins heading to make the formal challenge, Alrik takes a step up next to him, matching his pace stride for stride. "I'm your second..." more of a statement rather than a comment or question.
To Alrik he says, "Very well Storm Bringer but dont get in my way until the dragon has broken its word. You of all people should respect honor and understand what it demands."
"I'm there to haul your dead body out or take your place if you run..." he nudges the Dragonborn with his elbow, a smirk on his face.
"Don't worry, I won't intervene until the time is right..."
"Atriox grunts but puts a hand on Alriks shoulder.
"Let's mess this dragon up. Just like that time we showed those giant spiders who's boss."
Alrik nods, rolling his head on his shoulders with an audible crack as his neck pops. He pushes his hood back, the slight breeze catching his hair and tossing it about. His eyes flicker, a storm welling up inside them. "On your signal, Prince..."
Oredion taps Tak on the shoulder and nods toward the cave they continue on not waiting for everyone to speak knowing there task requires time that they have little of. They reach the melt water tunnel and Tak takes lead kicking and scraping ice out as fast as he can to make room for the Dwarf. Oredion crawls down the widened hole taking his pickaxe and testing it against the solid Rock having passed the ice. As he strikes it he carefully listens to the vibrations of the wall trying to see how thick the rock ahead is. With Oredion's expertise he can tell the wall only heads back about 9 feet. He signals Tak to begin and they silently nod at each other and slowly start to break through the rock. (Strength 23 Stealth 15)
Etny jogs outside into the cold, and makes her way to the traps she has set for the Anga. All-Mother, be with the Angakresh-Dugairon, and protect him in his mighty challenge. All-Mother...let me trust the Einhycacht, for he has shown great skill and knowledge in the ways of the hunt... May...may I not trust all of them, but as this one has shown his mettle, let me strive to trust. I shall try... (22 Survival to secure my traps in place...)
Atriox, you lead the way into the mouth of the great cave. The ice glitters in the light. Alrik, just behind you, walks quietly and softly. You can both see your reflections in the walls, almost mirror finishes.
Walking through the short hallway, you come into a wider room with a soaring ceiling, perhaps a hundred feet high. Shimmering crystals and stalactites hang in hues of purple and blue. Below it lays a pearl white dragon. Tyranus of the Frost.
A stocky, sturdy looking creature, its majestic head and neck blend seamlessly together with a line of spines along the skull crest. Wings, somewhat frayed along the edges, drape lazily to its sides. It looks like it is resting... but it opens one silvery eye--a second lid rolling up over it--as it blinks. A very narrow, feminine voice rumbles from her throat.
"I wondered when you would show... Dragonborn."
Etny, you wait with baited breath outside... your traps ready to be sprung. Dahlia hides nearby, peering into the cave after the others...acting as your lookout. Oredion and Tak, you slowly, carefully chisel your way inside... making good, silent headway.
Oredion halts Tak seeing what lies ahead. He takes his pickaxe and slowly starts to pick the wall a staying slow and gaining more and more speed until he's going at full Pace making every hit count. Tak is steadily taking all of the rock and dirt being broken off and shoveling it all behind him with his hands. Oredion makes a swing but it hits home and goes threw the wall breaking a thing layer of bright diamond like ice. He signals for Tak to come close and whispers.
"Use your hands and start pulling all of that rock inwards. Do not let a single thing fall. I'd rather not have a dragon look at me while I'm stuck in a hole."
Tak proceeds forwards carefully scratching at the wall taking rock and ice in and handing it yo Oredion to place before him. Tak finish's and stares down at the sight below him shuddering. Oredion quickly crawls beside Tak and looks down. Below them they see a large white dragon speaking to Atriox and Alrik. Not being able to hear what they say Oredion and Tak stay silent. Oredion eyes the dragon and his eyes slowly start to glow a dark green. He starts to feel a unfamiliar rage build up within him knowing not to attack he lets his rage build in wait.
Atriox shakes his head slightly
"Nay I have not come to beg or ask for Pardon. An introduction may be in order to fully explain what I want. I am Prince Atriox of the Draconic Kingdom of Skyhold. If you have heard of it you know that it was destroyed years ago. But I escaped. Now I'm back and my kingdom will rise from the ashes into a empire where all Dragon kind are welcome. Including you Tyranus. I need your kobolds to rebuild my army.You'd be welcome amongst the vastness of my mountain and empire. Or even help me conqueror new lands that you may desire and rule as my overlord."
(Persuasion 14+4)
"BUT I cannot and will not bow. If must do the same then so be it but I cannot leave empty handed you understand."
"What can you offer me?" She gives you a sidelong glance, breathing out another breath of icy frost. Her voice echoes in the halls. "Proof of this... kingdom?"
She rolls back over, standing to her full height. She looks down at both of you.
Atriox casually moves around a little looking at her magnificent form.
(She probably doesn't mind lol shes a dragon 22 insight as to how serious she is)
She bends down close as you walk around her, her chemical breath full of chill as she whispers,
"A dead throne.... I see... Who here has the bigger kingdom? The slaves? The wealth? I am the queen of these lands..." The last word comes out as a hiss. You can tell she's quite insane, and not willing to bow to you whatsoever.
"I will become the queen of your lands... and that of your friends..." Her eyes glow with mania. "Know your place... worm."
Atriox personally isn't surprised by her attitude or tone but he didnt like being called a worm. It awoke something inside him. Something inside him didnt like that either. He starts hearing whispers in his head and he looks down for a moment. When his head rises and meets the dragons eyes with his own they are now pitch black. A voice from somewhere inside him begins to speak.
You all hear a deep voice resonate within the cavern. All of you can hear it. It's nothing like you've ever heard before, and you can tell it's coming from Atriox. It is hissing... dark... creeping like a poison in your blood.
"Ashriok ganth krus nash, ganth krus salash, vessneer harak, ashriok bassintok rath hashar..."
Everyone... roll a will save for me.
(Me to?)
(Tak got a 9... Dahlia an 11.. yes you too, actually)
(Tyranus rolled a 2..... 8 total....)
(17)
(For anyone who rolls below a 16... you are stunned until your next turn. Your mind fills with darkness.)
Atriox, you hear the voice echo in your head. It's the first time it's spoken... and it is terrifying. You have no idea what words it uttered, but it is definitely a language you have never heard before.
You see Tyranus look--for the first time--taken aback. Her eyes look wild and she steps back but--not fast enough...
A piercing pain erupts from your head, your horns feeling like they're on fire. They glow white hot, rather than the ebony black they've been since birth. A black ichor drips from your nose and your ears. As soon as it hits the floor it practically flies toward the white dragon. Toward the most powerful thing in the room.
It slithers up her front legs and starts to force its way down her throat. She slams into the wall, screeching, coughing, her eyes turning black as midnight. An unearthly howl, a noise of both a white dragon and some entity... shatters the glass around you.
(Atriox, roll a CON save. Oredion, make an Acrobatics or Athletics save to not fall... Tak makes one with disadvantage.........11.)
(Aubrey told me 19)
You gasp for breath, your eyes back to normal and trying to refocus on your surroundings. You can see the dragon in front of you thrashing about.
(I rolled a 15 raw roll, dunno what my score is... sorry. Lol)
You're fine lol
(14+5 Athletics)
(Niiiice.)
Oredion, the dragon slamming against the wall almost knocks you from your perch up above. You barely hang on, grabbing on to the slippery walls of rock and ice. Tak lurches forward and you grab him, keeping him from falling as well. He's stiff as a board, his teeth clenched and his eyes blank. He's wheezing. Shaking.
Oredion confused at the spectacle before him turns his attention towards Tak
"Get ahold of yourself Tak. Calm down. If we fall we will surely die and how will that help your brother?!"
(Persuasion 11+3)
The words reach him. Tak convulses a little, shaking away the darkness from his vision. He looks horrified, but is able to stand again. "S-sorry. What happened?" He stares down at the others, watching and waiting.
Atriox shakes his head a little getting rid of the residual shock
He's angry now. He roars as loud as he can in a Draconic challenge that she'll understand. (Intimidation 13 ehhh)
"si relekihl wux kothar! (I challenge you demon!) I challenge you to a duel. Who ever loses will be at the victors mercy. If I win you submit to me! I take your army I take your lands. Since your obviously so much more mighty than me and would crush me in an instant you will not be permitted to fly at all or flee. Do you agree you horned brute ?"
(Persuasion 16)
"VENOMOUS WORMS!" She cries, her black eyes rolling as she focuses on you. There is a definite fury at being goaded. "I agree, but this will be no duel! It will be an EXECUTION!"
(You may attack first good sir... Good luck and godspeed.
Atriox thinks quickly he has s plan for the dragons breath attack but doesn't think now would be the best time to do it. Instead he charges at the dragon as fast as he can. As he reaches about 3/4 of the way to it he falls to his knees and slides the rest of the way under the female dragon. He turns mid slide so he is facing the front of her and uses the bottom of his glaive to stop his sliding and so the point is aimed upwards in case she comes down on him. He opens his maw and baths her underside in flames.
Alrik's eyes slit, (unbeknownst to him) as he surveys the scene in front of him, scouring the dragon for any weak spots or movement habits he can exploit. (Nat20 perception!! Lol)
(28 damage total!)
You watch the dragon and Atriox tussle, the fire breath scorching the whole underside of her chest. (28 damage) In the fray you notice a few things about the beast. It definitely can't twist around as easily due to its stocky body, the neck not nearly as long as other dragon breeds. With the shorter legs it is difficult for her to move quickly, but with her widespread toes she can cling to the ice with extreme ease. There are no apparent weak spots that you can see, but the scales on her underside are definitely finer.
Oredion views the dragon from above scanning for any weaknesses he can slam his axe into.
(Investigation 19)
Tyranus steps back, bearing down on you with her massive claws and teeth. You know you were in for a fight but the sheer ferocity of an adult dragon is utterly terrifying.
She crashes down on you with her maw, biting right into the floor. (22 to hit, 17 damage... you resist the cold damage part) The freezing breath floods into you as her fangs pierce your armor and scales, crunching against your metal armor. Blood pours out of your arms and side.
The shadows flooding her brain, her smile widens at the taste of your blood. She grows frenzied. Flapping her wings in a whirlwind, she leaps from the ground with you in her jaw... catching about thirty feet of air, and then... plummets back down, slamming you into the icy rock with her claws. (29 and 15 to hit with her two claw attacks... one hits... 13 damage)
(you have... 3 hp left if I'm counting right. But she broke the rules of the contest)
Oredion, you watch this and your eyes flare up with fiery green light. Watching the blood spill across the white ice sends you into a fury. You see the dragon's wings, the back of its head... you feel those would be good places to strike.
Atriox is basically almost unconscious but as the dragon bites down he throws a bomb into her mouth and down her throat.
Having been ignighted by the fire breath, the bomb is wreathed in flames. You shove it into her throat and down her gullet. As you slam into the ground... you hear it explode. Her head errupts with flames, fire shooting from her jaws and her nose. She screams in agony, frost and water and blood pouring from her. (2d10 damage x2... max... 40 total...)
She can't seem to speak now, her tongue destroyed. She tries to fire her frosty breath but can only manage to choke up more blood.
(Yep. It's finally passing. Duuuuuuumb ways to die!
Etny rushes forward, her instincts kicking in. She hears the dread drake and commotion from inside the cave. She knows it's close to time, and stands at the ready. She turns to Dahlia, "Your mate is strong. He will come out of this alive, Angakresh," she speaks the words, but inside she feels a hollow emptiness in her stomach... She draws her javelin, ready to strike the linchpin of her traps when the dragon emerges.
Dahlia is a bit taken aback, listening to the noise and chaos inside. She kneels, praying fervently. Tears stream down her cheeks. A glow emanates from her and so too, from Atriox. A shimmering field appears around the dragonborn's scales, a small bastion of protection. (+2 to AC, Shield of Faith... Alrik's turn definitely lol go for it. It was his before Etny technically)
Seeing the dragon lift it's wings and take flight, Alrik smirks and springs into action. Liquid energy roils as it flows down his arms like veins. "COWARD! CHEAT! DIE!" He shouts at the top of his lungs as he holds the glowing ring out in front of him, his palm extended toward the dragon. The ring glows brightly as he taps into the magic laying within.
With a roar, he purges the ring of all magic stored inside. (I'll give you attack rolls/damage at the end) 8 spheres of electricity spin into his hand before jolting toward the dragon, targeting it's smaller scales under its wings. Along with the missiles, an ear-splitting crash of thunder erupts from above the dragons head.
As the magic flows down his arms and into the ring, his eyes turn to slits and his left arm sparks between his scales. The spines on his back stand on end, pushing against his jacket. A fierce burning sensation rips through the Storm Caller, rushing down his left arm and erupts...
A massive blue-purple lightning bolt rips through the air, arcing all around and illuminating the cave.
(Magic missile cast at level 2 with 4 sorcery points, so 8d4+1, equalling 22)
(Shatter cast at level 2 with 4 sorcery points, so con save 13. 7d8, half on a successful save. 35 damage is the total.)
(Lightning bolt cast as a DM stated reaction. Dex saving throw, DC 14 or 8d6. Half on successful save. Total damage, 27)
(con save 25... Dex save... 2 xD)
The missiles slam into the dragon's wings as it crashes back to the ground, about the same time the fire from the explosion erupts from her mouth. The burning light tears through her wings shredding the ends to ribbons. When shatter hits, the bludgeoning force from the attack literally ruptures her ear drums. Her tail thrashes against the walls, knocking crystals from the ceiling.
When the lightning hits... she can't evade it. You see it light up her eyes for a brief moment--and a look of terror comes over her. It strikes her right in the back, electricity rippling down her shoulders and her scales, skipping across the rocks and the shattered ice on the floor.
Bloody, enraged and horrified at the assault, you see her rear up to her full height, flapping her wings to send you both flying. (DEX save
@Aubrey Burmaster and @Chantry Williams
Tak's eyes glow bright yellow, his pupils dilated. He screeches.... his mouth turned into a furious snarl, almost foaming with anger and resentment. All he can see is Atriox barely moving under the monster, the pool of blood splattered in the rock, the energy flying around the room.
Oredion, you can tell this being... this little kobold, has a fire comparable to your own buried inside his little body. For a brief moment your eyes meet, and you both see rage. Tak makes to leap out of the tunnel atop the dragon.
(23 acrobatics... holy crap that worked)
(19! Woot)
(Lol 14)
(19 matches it.... rofl) Atriox, you're knocked prone again on the floor and tumble across the broken stones, slamming into the wall next to Alrik. (13 damage.) The world goes black, and you hear a humming... a crackling in your mind. Make a death saving throw. (1d20)
(Jeez lol here it goes)
(Lol it rolled 25 and I was like what the hell oh wait it's still rolling two lol)
(18 sounds more right lol
Alrik, you hear the sickening crunch of your friend as his head impacts the wall. He slumps to the ground, blood pooling around him. He's not moving. Hardly breathing.
(Ah ah ah ah stayin alive, stayin alive!
(That's one success)
(I've made a habbit of rolling one more time to see what comes after my initial roll just for curiosity sake lol
(Collin back in time to see me die and what with the face jess
Tak lands atop Tyranus' head, gripping her crest with his claws. Twirling his sword from his back, he raises it overhead like Atriox showed him... and brings it down full force into her eye socket.
It ruptures, and she thrashes her head about in agony. Tak grips the weapon, struggling to stay on. (17 acrobatics)
(19... advantage from pack tactics 9 damage plus bleeding... 3 extra... Con save of 24 to stop bleeding, but 12 damage... -1 strength mod... +2 from barbarian rage... 13 damage.... ugh too much rolling XD )
(cause I think he might do this too...?) Oredion leaps right after Tak, landing with his dwarvish weight on her back. Tyranus lunges forward, rushing toward the mouth of the cave to escape the onslaught and recharge her frost breath, hoping to kill them all at once.
As she barrels toward the exit, she makes to trample the storm mage who cast the horrid spells. (Snap.... 25 and 28 to hit with claws, once with tail... 27 to hit with that..... 14+14+13.... Make a death saving throw for me, Chantry.)
Etny hears the violent issuing forth of the Anga, and leaps out if the way of the cave mouth, taking Dahlia with her in a dive and tumble (Nat 20 survival, and 16 acrobatics).
When she comes up from her tumble, she screams aloud, and slams the end of her javelin into the taught rope linchpin of the massive trap she has set to catch the Anga.
Suddenly, and without warning, the snapping and creaking of trees can be heard, and an alarmingly loud whiplash noise echoes across the ravine outside the cave.
Several massive rope nettings lash over the dragon's body, and enwrap it completely, several long strands of thick rope twirling and whirling about as the dragon is literally tied up in a massive, 200 yard long net.
Etny races out toward the head of the dragon, drawing her bow and an arrow. Running around to the other side, she cries out, assuming for the dragon's other good eye.
The arrow flies, embedding itself into the dragon's last good eye. (21 atk, 9 damage).
As Tyranus rushes the exit, she rakes into Alrik with her long claws, slashing him deep down the chest and stomach. Once underfoot, the full weight of her leg is on him and snaps a few of his ribs instantly. Your head fills with a swimming numbness as you cough up blood. As she leaves, you feel her whip-like tail smash into you, sending you crashing against the far wall, near where Atriox's body lies.
(Each of you, make a death saving throw again for me)
As the dragon leaves the cave, it doesn't suspect the ambush waiting outside. The net coils around it, lashing down her tattered wings and whipping her with the trees as they lay the snare. Snapping teeth, blood, claws, all her efforts fail her as she gets more entangled in the mess.
(20 against intimidate, 4 with disadvantage for dex save)
The sound of the arrow flying does not reach her ears, but she feels it. The last thing she sees is the strange woman aiming down her sights at her. Then everything goes black. Now fully blind, she tugs and pulls at her restraints in agony.
Dahlia ducks under the terrifying thrashing of the dragon, rushing for the cave inside. Her heart is beating out of her chest. She screams out as she reaches the carnage inside, the unmoving figures of both Alrik and Atriox mortifying.
She kneels near both of you, sobbing horridly. "Zodal, The Gray Son, the Gentle Hand, I implore you for your mercy, hope and benevolence. Liberate these poor souls, protect them within your healing embrace. Please hear my pleas, though I have been a quiet servitor these many years, you have never been far from my heart. Spare them, I beg of you, from that great beyond."
A glow fills the area around you both from her healing prayer... an extra heartbeat fills your chests. (She heals you both for... 14 hp. You are both still unconscious.)
(9, 13) Tak rips his sword free from the dragon's face but can't seem to disentangle himself from the ropes. He swings wildly, rabidly, missing his mark. He lets loose a stream of barking draconic curses, screeching them at the top of his lungs.
Etny watches as Dahlia races into the cave. Meanwhile, she begins the process of tamping down and securing the lines holding the thrashing Anga in place. (15 survival).
She then circles around to where the Anga's face is, and touches the silver circlet about her brow. A bright, blinding light lances forth from the center of the circlet, and slams into the Anga's muzzle. (Adv with atk if 18, 5 damage).
(11 intimidate, bleh)
"Anga, I am Etny Elvenbridge, daughter of Kreis and Ira Elvenbridge. I come from a faraway land and tribe, where we hunt and kill your kind without mercy. Yield to my words, and submit! You are defeated! Trapped, like a rat! If you do not, I will slay you!"
The blast from your circlet leaves a deep burn along her muzzle. The dragon can't even hear you--it rears its head and tears at the ropes desperate to escape--even though it can't see or hear, it knows it must leave now or be destroyed. (9 dex save to escape, still nada)
You hear squealing, gibbering voices coming from down below. Hundreds upon hundreds of kobolds are starting to rush up the side of the mountain, hurrying to their dragon god to help free her.
Etny hears the issuing forth of the Anga's horde, and backs up a few paces. She could not possibly take on this many Einhycacht at once, despite her momentary triumph of capturing the Anga, and despite her own personal vendetta against them.
Oredion...
Seeing the carnage of his companions, you are completely beyond yourself with rage. You stands on the dragon's back, the net swinging above you tangled in her wings. Pulling your arm back, green lightning trickles from your eye and down your forearm. It floods over your heirloom axe.
You chant words in the tongue of your dwarven homeland--words you heard his father echo ages past--prayers to Moradin. But another voice fills your head with strong, powerful laughter. The voice of Gruumsh. It cries triumphantly in your mind, as if coming from the edges of the world.
"Moradin? Nay, mountainling, WHO granted you the rage, the green fury! I DID! As you lay dying in your homeland. This beast will not make fodder of you! You are strong! Inspire courage, stand strong against your foes, be a beacon of strength and fury... Spill the monster's blood!"
Suddenly, an intense power wells up in your heart, as if you were being electrocuted by a fierce storm. It's almost more than you can bear, as it rapidly courses through your veins and down your arms. Your axe swells with energies unbeknowngst to you, and is guided to deadly accurate marks. You feel your own blood seep into the weapon, flowing freely now from the old scars on your arms.
(Empassioned Strike - You are able to expend extra power on a successful hit, exhausting up to 2 of your hp/level/round in exchange for an equal amount of additional damage to your opponent.)
Letting go of the axe, it flies to the back of Tyranus' head... (holy crap... NAT friggin 20 for him.... 30 damage + 12 damage... 42 damage to the dragon, 6 damage to Oredion )
The axe buries itself in her skull, green light flooding the cavity and bursting from her mouth. The beast falls to the ground in an earth-trembling smash. Dead.
Atriox, you can suddenly feel your body again. And a lot of pain. Opening your eyes, you see Dahlia sobbing over you, clutching you desperately.
Alrik, you let out a cough, gasping for breath. Everything aches, burns even. Your eyes remain dragonlike, your spikes and your scar flickering dimly.
Atriox wheezes "..........ouch ........"
Alrik rolls to his side, seeing Atriox and Dahlia as his vision comes back into focus. "Well... that felt about as good as getting thrown into a wall by a basalisk..." he coughs, a little blood spattering on the rocks next to him.
"You gonna live, Fool Prince?"
Dahlia cries out when she sees you both moving again. Her sobs come in renewed but with sincere and utter happiness.
Atriox grunts in pain while trying to calm Dahlia down
"Ask me in about a week you hot headed mage."
Its said with a humor
"Dahlia my dear help us up would you?"
Etny, backpedals toward the Anga's now-dead form, and hops up its entangled back, and sees the Antrahtu and Einhycacht. She makes quick work of the ropes, and cuts both Tak and Oredion free. Reaching out to both of them, she cries out, "Antrahtu! Einhycacht! With me! Quick!"
The two of them scramble from the ropes, Tak coming back to his senses. He feels an overwhelming dread, and leads the way back into the caves toward their friends.
Etny runs with them, her eyes darting behind as she takes quick glances to the incoming horde.
She notices the Einhycacht running nearby, in the lead. She has an internal conflict within herself. Einhycacht...they took everything from me, and yet this one shows signs of friendship and loyalty I do not see in their kind...
"Einhycacht," she calls after Tak.
He glances over his shoulder at her, skipping over some of the broken rocks. "What!?"
"I'm sorry. For everything. For shooting you with my arrow. For doubting you. I do not doubt you now."
A look of surprise comes over his face. So much so that he fumbles and almost trips as he's running. "Uh... thanks. Thank you, lady. No hard feeling."
"Etny! You can call me Etny! What is your name, Einhycacht?"
"Etnee?" He tries saying it, then looks at her again. "Tak. Tak Flame-Scar!"
"Tak... That is a strong name! In my tongue it means--" but she is stopped short as the deafening sound of cries and screeches from the coming horde.
Tak jumps over the last of the rubble, scrambling for the others. He sees them awake and sitting up although covered in blood and gashes. With Dahlia clinging to tightly to Atriox, he runs for Alrik and practically tackles the poor man.
"YOU NOT DEAD! NO ONE DEAD! BUT DRAGON DEAD!" His tail flicks happily. He grabs one of the healing vials from the blue kobolds and almost forces it down your throat. It tastes like white fish and grass, but you feel a rush of healing in your lungs. No more fresh blood is coming up. (14 hp)
Dahlia tries to support Atriox and sit him upright. She pulls out one of her healing vials as well, uncorking it and putting it to Atriox's lips. "Please, you're still bleeding profusely. This should help."
Atriox tries to stand. "If we dont get in front of this we will all be dead soon. I suspect our freinds came running because the kobolds finally caught on. That horde will prove more dangerous if we don't calm them down. I can at least be of use there. "
Dahlia nods, supporting him and letting him lean on her. "I'll walk out with you. I know you can calm them." She gives you a look of utmost trust and confidence.
"You give me the inspiration to do so my dear." He tries to wink.
She can't help but laugh a little. "Etny? Can you help us? We need to get up front as fast as possible."
Alrik stands, clutching his side and wincing as he presses in, feeling the broken ribs. "Bastard dragon..." he groans.
Tak jumps back, looking up at you. He glances nervously around. "Hope we live longer, storm mage. More coming... not happy."
Etny rushes to Atriox's side, and puts his arm around her shoulders. "Angakresh, you will survive this! All-Mother be with you!"
You all head outside again, coming face to face with a swarm of shocked and angry kobolds. They look horrified but at the same time... awed. They'd followed this dragon for generations, and suddenly, a newcomer has usurped the throne.
They hesitate, weapons ready, not sure what to do. You're sure there are at least a thousand here, waiting. The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife.
Atriox stops leaning on the woman. He knows he must put on a display here if they are to succeed even if it takes all his remaining strength. He walks out in front of his freinds to address the kobolds himself.
First to get there utmost attention he roars like a dragon for around 20 seconds silencing them a good bit.
(Intimidation 16)
He then points at the dead dragon and begins to speak. Addressing them all in Draconic.
"There lies Tyranus of The Frost. A fearsome adversary to be sure. A mighty beast. But she was NO GOD ! Merely a cleaver dragon using you. That's right. She USED you all for her own selfish gain. To build some small insignificant kingdom to call hers and hers alone! Not me !"
He takes a moment to let that sink in but also to take a breath as he is in pain. After a moment he continues
"I am Prince Atriox of the Kingdom of Skyhold. My parents and they're parents before them ruled peacefully and justly. It got them killed. Now I try everyday to wake up and be just......but I cannot promise to rule in peace. You see my parents just like Tyranus here lacked the vision to fulfill there ambitions ! I will retake my kingdom and when I do.......it will rise from the ashes of dragon fire and be reborn as the Dragon Empire of Skyhold! A place where we reign supreme and severalof her kind will live and nest. A place that dragons from all over the world will flock to !"
He takes another pause smiling despite the pain
"I see a whole army of brave warriors. Warriors who need nothing but themselves and there brothers and sisters next to them to be the mightiest warriors this world has ever seen. You dont need her. You dont need me. BUT if you choose me. Choose to follow me. You will be the beginning of a wonderful new empire that will stretch farther than you can imagine ! Where Dragons and they're kin rule ! No more nests and homes destroyed by the humans. You are free now ! Free to choose your own path ! But if you choose to follow me I promise you. I will fight with you ! I will fight for you ! I will bleed with you ! I will bleed for you ! And when the world sees us it will never EVER forget our strength and might. They will remember the day we came and took what is ours ! If you stay and fight with me you will be part of a glorious new future for our kind ! A better tomorrow that starts today !
(Persuasion 21! yeeeeet )
The kobolds are quiet. Staring. You hear the slight movement from their claws in the ice. The raspy breathing. The click of their weapons on the stone.
A pair of priests approach, dyed feathers on their heads and metal piercings down their necks. The first reaches Tyranus, scooping out a handful of blood that pooled in her eye socket.
He passes it to the other priest, the blood spilling over both their hands. In draconic they say, "We recognize the slayers of Tyranus. We recognize the prince."
The first priest approaches Atriox, swirling a spiral of the blood on his chest plate. Then they approach the others, placing a bloody claw print on each. On clothing, on an arm, on a leg, wherever they can reach.
Atriox looks at the priest's assembled
"I am honored that you have chosen to follow us. I swear you will not regret it my freinds. Now we must establish a chain of command. My orders are supreme. When I'm not around you will look to my brother here. Cheif Tak Flame-Scar. He will be my overlord of the great assembly of warriors gathered here. He will establish his own officers and confidants. Now we will be leaving very soon for the portal. The bulk of the army will be coming with us but leave 150 troops here to guard this village. It will be an extension of our new empire freinds. While some of you get the preparations underway we are going to look for Tyranus' horde. Will one of you accompany us. I have some questions."
Etny listens intently to the Angakresh. (were you speaking in draconic?)
(Speech was yes, second part wasn't no)
(Figured the priest could understand me)
(Gotcha.)
She is intrigued by the powerful language that the Angakresh uses. She cannot understand his words, but the feeling of them was not lost on her. The whole speech reminds her of the great hunting parties of her tribe in Sossahl, when her chieftain would give a rousing speech before a dangerous hunt, to rile up the hunters and huntresses to great energy.
Etny looks over and sees Tak, the Einhycacht, swelling with great pride.
"Brave...Tak Is 'brave' in my tongue," she says quietly to herself.
Atriox heads back into the cave with his freinds and the priest and odd woman Etny. They are looking for the dragons horde of treasure.
Atriox looks to the priest. "So tell me. What were your old masters plans exactly ? What was she after ?"
Etny walks with the rest of the group. She spots the storm bringer--Oros Udunta--a little ways ahead of her. She is beside herself with nervousness. When she had originally shot Tak with her arrow, he had thrown a great lightning at her, and bellowed after her, "COWARD!" She can't help but think this Oman Oros-Udunta was the least to trust her. Why, she figured no one trusted her, not even the Angakresh-Dugairon and his...his mate? She couldn't be sure.
Her mistake was complete. She had attacked the most beloved of their tribe, she realized--the Erocan, and had brought the wrath of the whole group down upon herself. Now, she would have to slowly make amends to everyone.
She would start with the Oman Oros-Udunta.
She approaches Alrik. He is limping slightly, and looks to be in a lot of pain, despite the healing hands of Dahlia.
Carefully, quietly, respectfully, and as casually as she can, she comes up to Alrik's side. "Oman...Oros-Udunta...as you would be named in my tongue...I...." She pauses, feeling that 'sorry' would not ever be enough. But I must try... she thinks desperately.
Etny speaks a quiet litany of prayer to the All-Mother before continuing. "I wish for your forgiveness in regards to Tak. I....did not see--my eyes were blinded by my own devising and hatred. I am deeply sorry for shooting him so mercilessly. I do not blame you, Oman, for calling me a coward...for in that moment, I was such. I hope you can forgive me."
With that, she reaches out and lightly touches his shoulder, her fingertips glowing slightly. "Blessings of the All-Mother be upon you, Oman Oros-Udunta. May She strengthen your storms, and embolden your thunderings." (Cure wounds for 7 points, even though you're already healed, you won't be in as much pain.)
(Oh nice! Awesome character building moment!)
Alrik looks at the strange woman, his eyes flickering, as if there is a far off storm being reflected in them. "Tak is... special. In the far off lands of sand and wind, they have a constellation that the natives believe tells the story of a Kobold of Legend, rising up and leading all kobold to a sanctuary. I believe Tak to be this Kobold..."
He leans against his gnarled wooden staff, wincing slightly at moving his ribs, but feeling better than he did before. "The military taught me a lot, but one thing they couldn't take out of me is my hate for ambushes and cowardice. I see now that you aren't a coward, but someone who makes their own advantage." He gestures to the traps that enveloped the dragon. "Not many people would have been able to do that, much less effectively." He gives her a half grin.
"So... I have to ask... what does 'Oros-Udunta' mean in the common tongue?" He smirks before adding, extending his hand toward her, "I'm Alrik, by the way."
"It means 'Storm-Bringer' in the common tongue." She takes his hand in a firm grip, and shakes, a return smile growing on her face. "And I am Etny, of the Elvenbridge clan. I am a hunter, and a seeker of my tribe. My land is...far, far away from these parts." The smile fades, but the resolve in her violet eyes is strong. "Alrik..." She pauses for a moment, thinking. "It is customary in my tribe to avoid using another's given name, but if you trust me to use yours, then I will respect that."
With that, Etny takes her leave of Alrik Storm-Bringer, saying a silent prayer of gratitude to the All-Mother, and makes her way to Tak and Atriox. She will have to find the Antrahtu later, learn his name, and seek his forgiveness as well.
She approaches the Angakresh and Tak, matching pace with them into the caves, and seeking for the right moment to seek the Angakresh-Dugairon's forgiveness.
(Alrik is going to follow Atriox, Tak, and Etny at a bit of a distance and have a smoke)
Etny sees the Antrahtu, and breaks off from following Atriox and Tak. With another silent prayer to the All-Mother, she carefully, respectfully approaches Oredion.
Bowing low in front of the dwarf, and rising again, Etny addresses him. "A-Antrahtu...I wanted to come to you and seek forgiveness for my actions against Tak. He is obviously beloved by all of you, and has a special place amongst your tribe. I am...I am sorry, for shooting your friend, and provoking you to wrath."
Oredion shocked at the apology blush's and looks away.
"It's all fine now. Tak is better and you helped us defeat a dragon so I'd call that even. Sorry... Sorry for throwing my axe at you..."
Oredion eyes her wounds worriedly but to flustered to speak. He simply walks away from the conversation.
"It is alright, Antrahtu," she calls after Oredion, but by this time, he has disappeared around the corner.
The blue-scaled kobold priest walks up ahead with Atriox, eyeing Tak strangely. He seems irritated at the scars all over him. "Tyranus," he mutters, "Wished to grow her reach to the south. She heard of the great red dragon, and wished to amass his treasure. Take over the lands there, through the mountain passes, up to the Crags. Greatly increase her territory. We were... having trouble locating the treasure. Forces split between searching and fighting the soft skins."
He leads you down into a cove below the main hall, where sits a rather sizable hoard filled with silver and platinum coins. Gems are scattered about, along with some strange items you've never seen before. There's a faint aura of magic here, and the heavy scent of dragon.
All in all you find....
100,000 silver pieces.... 1000 platinum... 50 small gemstones worth about 10 gold each... scroll of protection against undead... potion of green and blue ice crystals... potion of deep, bubbling amber... potion of teal jelly... a water skin filled with thick warm blood... steel helmets with skulls still inside of them, mummified... a medium-sized tower shield with the faded emblem of an eagle emblazoned on the front.... a beautifully carved red wood ring that has veins of rubies running through it.
Atriox looks around for a round white gem. Maybe a pearl or something.
Atriox, you head to the back of the chamber and look about for any other hidden rooms or crevices. A glimmering object catches your eye, something that perhaps rolled away from the main pile of treasure. It appears to be a white opal, about the size of a platinum coin. It catches the light reflecting in the ice and casts colors upon the wall, but in and of itself is a beautiful piece. It's probably worth closer to 50-100 gp by itself.
Atriox smiles. "Hehehe this will do nicely for my special project."
He pockets it quickly and joins everyone in appreciating the wealth they found.
Addressing the priest " take one of the gems for yourself. I reward service. Now have some of our men prepare to move this wealth"
Etny finally catches up to Atriox, Tak, and the others. There is a massive amount of wealth here, and it is piled high. But this is nothing to Etny, for the hunt is the greatest treasure, and honor, the only real thing of value.
She approaches Atriox, and upon nearing him, prostrates herself onto the ground at his feet.
"Great One, Dugairon," she pleads, "I come before you on behalf of my tribe, and seek your pardon and forgiveness in the matter of Tak Flame-Scar." She lays there, curled up on the ground before the Angakresh prince. "I was...wrong to attack your tribe's most beloved--your Erocan--I was blinded by the hunt, and by my own hatred. I...I seek your pardon."
She waits...
You dont hearts reply from Atriox. You hear nothing. But all the sudden you feel his tail under your chin raising your head to meet his eyes.
"Your customs are strange human. But non the less you seem sincere in your apology and regret. Now rise. You will remain with our group and help us until such a day comes we return you to your people. Do you find this agreeable ?"
"My chieftain, so I name you," she says, "I will serve you and your people until my aged bones wither in the stoney earth! You have my word--or my life is forfeit--that I will be your servant until the day I die!" Etny curls herself up again at the prince's feet. "Does my chieftain-prince find these terms acceptable?"
Oredion looks at the sight slightly annoyed for why he does not know. H
He decides it best to walk away and view the treasure more thoroughly seeing the shield he grabs it turn it over in his hands admiring the craft work knowing all to well it was dwarven made. He decides to strap it to his back and carry on viewing the other spoils of there victory.
Atriox chuckles. "That is not necessary. But if you insist.Your not a slave though. And this only last till you've done your time and we return you home. Your very accurate aim will come in handy against the orcs I think. But speaking of Tak......"
He looks at his brother. "You need practice leading little one. Go on with the priest. Make sure everything is prepared. Everybody is accounted for. Everyone knows there roles. Go on Cheif Flame-Scar. Get to cheifing"
Etny rises, and looks Atriox in the eye for a moment. "I am Etny, of clan Elvenbridge. You have my javelin and my bow, Angakresh-Dugairon!"
Tak puts on a stern face and looks at the shaman, leading him out of the cave. He slings his bloody sword back over his shoulder as he goes.
Atriox nods politely still thinking this woman is strange
Atriox watches after Tak fondly and proudly.
Over the next few hours you work with the kobolds to begin moving the treasure from outside of the Dragon's Hoard to the edge of the lake. It's a tedious process, and your new army is very curious where you're going to store such a vast amount of treasure.
The kobolds admire the strength of all of you, and the tenacity and cleverness with which you took down their previous master. They understand the rules of combat, and especially in such a harsh environment as this, not to waste anything that's precious.
The shamans circle the body of the dragon with strange runes and then allow your group the chance to harvest it first.
Atriox, as you approach the head of the dragon (half severed from the axe throw by Oredion), the black ichor that left you before the battle suddenly seeps from the pools of blood on the ground. It senses you--senses what it left in you--and races up your body before you have time to react. It attacks your wounds, the deep bite marks left by Tyranus, and forces--practically burrows--its way back into you. For a few seconds you're in excruciating pain.
The kobolds watch in utter awe, thinking that you're absorbing the spirit of the Dragon. Her wrath, her power, her fearsome aura. That it is healing your scars and injuries. They cheer and stomp their weapons.
The rest of you, nearby, see this spectacle.... Its unnerving. Oredion, you're harvesting scales and skin from the beast for your shield when you sense a horrid burning in your eye. Alrik, you feel awash with a brief surge of magical power--dark magic. It makes the electricity crackle on your arms. Etny, you feel an enshroudment of the All-Mother protecting you with her warmth and earthly energy.
It stops as suddenly as it began.
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