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--- paldegora:session_42_king_lundor [2024/04/20 13:17] – created davidm
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 **Detail**
+After taking a moment to gaze out over the valley before them, Angelique applied the Keoghtom's Ointment to Freda's wounds and the fever seemed to break. She remained unconscious but the fever seemed to have relaxed it's grip on her. Loraine suggested that they needed a way to get her down the mountain. They went back into the cave and grabbed a couple of spears. They used some of their cloaks to tie between the spears and made a litter to carry Freda on. Then they started down the mountain. Angelique followed along beside Freda using her healing proficiency to tend to her on their way down.
+As they reach the bottom of the mountain and move across the valley, they passed people who had set up camps along the road. Loraine told them there was a tavern coming up soon and suggested that maybe they could finally get some answers there. Symon asked if these people, being out here like this, was considered normal. She told him no. this is very strange. One of the people on the side of the road finally looked up and saw the Company coming down the road. She became wide-eyed and obviously scared as she ducked behind her tent. Ahead was a cart with a woman tending the fire she had going. There was a strange looking creature harnessed to the wagon. It was the size of a horse but clearly not a horse. It was grazing on the grass. It looked more dragon than anything.
+They move on and as they come out of the wooded area they were moving through, the valley opened before them. Just ahead was a tavern. There were a couple of forty foot tall towers with members of the Wolves of the North manning ballista. In front of the tavern were more of the creatures saddled and tied off. There was a well with a few soldiers gathered around it. Loraine approached and engaged those present,
+= = = = = = = = = =
+Lorraine: "Corporal, who is in command here?" asks Lorraine, her gaze sweeping across the assembled soldiers.
+Corporal: The corporal's eyes widen with surprise. "Ma'am," he stammers, "I am in charge at the moment."
+Private Bradford: "Lieutenant Gregory!" Private Bradford's voice rings out, filled with both shock and relief. "By the gods, we thought you were lost! It's wonderful to see you alive and well, sir!"
+Lorraine: She nods solemnly at Bradford. "I'm glad to see you too, Bradford. But I owe my survival to my companions here." He gestures toward the adventuring group behind her, their faces etched with weariness and determination.
+Lorraine: She inclines her head, acknowledging her fellow adventurers. "Without them, I wouldn't be standing here."
+Private Bradford: "So, is the Dragonfly docked?" Bradford's eyes dart around, searching for any sign of their beloved airship. "I didn't see her arrive."
+Lorraine: Her expression darkens. "No, the Dragonfly is lost—gone with all hands except mine." Her voice trembles with grief. "I was the sole survivor."
+Private Bradford: His voice softens stricken with the reality of her words. "Your sister's loss will be sorely felt," he says. "She was irreplaceable. I had the honor of serving with her."
+Lorraine: "Thank you, Bradford," Lorraine replies, her gratitude genuine. She bows slightly, acknowledging his words.
+Corporal: The corporal clears his throat, still puzzled. "I apologize, sir, but I'm confused. If the Dragonfly was lost, how did you make it back?"
+Lorraine: Her eyes gleamed with determination. "With the help of my companions," she says, her voice steady. "We discovered the southern entrance to the secret tunnel through the mountain—a passage guarded by ancient magic. We defeated the guardian and emerged on this side." She glances toward the injured figure lying nearby. "We also rescued Fredia, but she needs urgent medical attention."
+Shock: The word ripples through the soldiers like an electric current. They exchange wide-eyed glances, disbelief etched on their faces.
+Private Bradford: "That's astonishing news, Lieutenant!" Bradford exclaims. "We've been battling that guardian for weeks without success."
+Corporal: “Master Wizard Aldric will be greatly relieved! He has been frantic trying to discover the whereabouts of his daughter for days. He feared the guardian had killed her as well.”
+Lorraine: She smiles wearily. "I'll share more about our journey later," she promises. "But for now, tell me—what's happening here? Why are all these people gathered, and how did you end up in command?"
+---
+Private Bradford: "It began not long after the Dragonfly departed," Bradford continues, his voice low and urgent. "An army of Draconians descended upon the northern gate, catching us off guard. We fought back, but the losses were heavy. And that was just the beginning. Each subsequent attack weakened us further. E’lhona was sent to scout their forces and reported they had yet to reveal their true strength. They had been only testing our defenses, probing for weaknesses. When the final blow falls, we'll be overrun—it's inevitable."
+Corporal: The corporal's gaze shifts to the distant horizon, where the enemy lurks. "Two weeks ago," he says, "King Lundor issued a decree. The people of the Kingdom must prepare to evacuate. Essentials only—what they can carry themselves. No carts, no Equus. They'll march to the guardian's cave and leave the Vale upon his command."
+Private Bradford: Bradford's jaw tightens. "Meanwhile, General Ravenwood assembled strike teams," he explains. "Their mission: assault the guardian and clear a path out of the Vale. Three attempts, three failures. Our finest soldiers lost. Even Aldric couldn't turn the tide with his powerful spells."
+Corporal: The corporal's eyes flicker with concern. "General Ravenwood," he reveals, "had to pull most of the garrison from the northern gate. Under cover of darkness, they slipped here to bolster our forces. But if the gate is attacked again..." He trails off, the unspoken fear hanging heavy in the air.
+---
+Private Bradford: His voice is grim. "We're scraping the bottom of the barrel," Bradford says. "Trainees elevated to active service, young boys and girls filling empty posts—it's come to that. The situation is dire."
+Lieutenant Lorraine: “We may be losing the fight but we are the Wolves of the North, and far from defeated!” She glances at the faces around her—fear, determination, and weariness etched into each one. "And what about all these people?" she asks, gesturing toward the crowd. "Why are they here?"
+Corporal: The corporal's expression mirrors the chaos unfolding. "Many are scared," he explains. "They've heard the order to evacuate could come at any moment. The roads are clogged with people heading this way. We're trying to prevent a panic."
+Lieutenant Lorraine: Her gaze sharpens. "And General Ravenwood?" she presses. "Where is he now? Why did he leave?"
+Private Bradford: Bradford's eyes darken. "He and Aldric received an urgent message from King Lundor," he reveals. "Ordered them back to the castle posthaste. The reason? Unknown—he didn't say."
+Corporal: "He left me in charge," the corporal admits. "Commanded me to maintain order until his return. He rode off with Aldric yesterday morning, fury in his eyes."
+Lieutenant Lorraine: She nods, assessing the situation. "You've done well," she tells the corporal. “I am giving you both a field promotion, you Corporal to Seargent and you Private Bradford to Corporal effective immediately. Both of you, listen closely. Corporal Bradford, go into the Tavern. Ask Gavril and his daughter Masha to provide blankets and pillows for Fredia. Secure a wagon and an Equus—she needs urgent medical attention. Take her to the Airstation Command airfield. Some of our air forces should still be there along with the air group healers. Inform them of my return and disposition of the Dragonfly and I that will report in as soon as I can.”
+Seargent: He stands straighter, ready to follow orders. "And what about the cave?" he asks. "The way now being cleared?"
+Lieutenant Lorraine: Her voice is unwavering. "Post guards," she commands. "No one approaches the mountain without King Lundor's explicit order. And remember this: the guardian may be gone, but the path beyond is treacherous. Unprepared travelers won't survive. Lives hang in the balance. Say nothing of this to any civilians for now, this news is to go no further. I don't want any of them attempting this unaided."
+Lorraine continues to issue orders with unwavering authority, her voice cutting through the tension-laden air of the moment.
+Lieutenant Lorraine : “Once our preparations are complete, assemble the remaining troops for a thorough review and assignment briefing. I also need a causality report and the status of the wounded survivors. Additionally, secure paper and pen for me—I must draft dispatches. Acquire the swiftest Equus available and select a courier to ride with these urgent messages to the castle. Our mission: inform King Lundor and General Ravenwood of the evolving situation here, particularly regarding the guardian’s defeat. I will include word to Aldric that his daughter is found and recovering at the airfield infirmary. Furthermore, they must be apprised of the arrival of my companions from the adventurers’ guild in Seaspire. This intelligence will aid them in recalibrating our forces toward the northern gate while time remains.”
+Seargent: Standing at attention, he snapped a salute. His response was crisp, devoid of hesitation: “Yes, sir! It shall be done.”
+Lorraine: “Very well, return here within the hour, dismissed!”
+Lorraine turned to her companions, her voice firm yet compassionate.
+Lorraine: “Friends,” she began, “I strongly recommend that you take a moment to rest and nourish yourselves. I sense that your assistance will be required again imminently.” She gestured toward the bustling Tavern, its aroma of savory delights filling the air. “The food here is exceptional—especially the legendary meat pies.”
+Lorraine scanned the crowd.
+Lorraine: “I see some familiar faces,” she murmured to herself. “I need to make a showing and speak with them.”
+She turns back to addresses your party.
+Lorraine: "I will see if I can recruit a few of them to go around and put together a list of the all the people and families waiting here. Pointless really, but it will give them a sense that someone is in command and hopefully keep them calm. I shall return shortly. If you would, I would appreciate it if you would help get Frieda secured in the wagon once it is ready to take her."
+As she begins to walk away she pauses and turns to speak to you all once more.
+Lorraine: "Oh, I think it best you keep where you came from to yourselves for the moment. If you are asked just tell them you came in on the last Settarian merchant ship."
+= = = = = = = = = =
+She approached one of the towers and spoke to one of the guards stationed in it. Then she moved out into the crowds of people across the road. The Company turned to the Rainbow Tavern. There was a sign out front that read, "No LGPTQ+!". Symon asked the others, "In light of her statement, should we go back to using Francesca instead of Angelique?". The general consensus was that they were primarily concerned with identifying her to the twins and others searching for her but they thought that the threat was over now or at least her cover was blown to those searching for her. Symon seemed less than confident in their assessment but went along with it. They waited for the cart to take Freda to Air Command for medical treatment. Once she was place in the cart and heading off, they entered the tavern. As the newcomers entered, a hush fell over the room. The people inside turned to watch them as they moved to a large table and sat.
+A woman approached them carefully and introduced herself as Masha. The Company noticed that the clothing worn by the locals was far more colorful than what they wore. They definitely stood out, especially since they were well armed. They ordered the meat pie and some ale and wine. She backed away slowly and then rushed over to the man behind the bar. They later discovered he was her father. He looked over at the table and smiled. He seemed like a friendly enough person. Cal began looking around the room to see if there was anyone there he recognized. He didn't see anyone he knew. As he made eye contact though, the people looked away and slowly the mood of the room changed to that of people unconcerned with the newcomers. They went back to their food, drink, and talk. After a little time, Masha returned with a tray full of food and drink. She put them down and handed them out. She asked for 3 Lundors. Eryn told her they didn't carry Lundors. Symon suggested Gold but that seemed to surprise her. She stepped back and said, "No, no, no, no! Gold is forbidden here!". Though that seemed strange, they offered the other standard metals, silver or copper, or even gems. They were told that they aren't supposed to have those metals.
+A man came over and offered to help. She introduced him as her fiancé Carl. He appeared to be a farmer, very muscular. He offered to take care of the meal. He pulled out a little back and put down three wooden tokens with the carving of a king's head on them. Masha told him he didn't have to do that and his response was that it probably wouldn't matter much longer anyway. She agreed with him. She scooped it up. He asked about them and then pointed out that they looked different from the normal people one would normally expect to come over on a Settarian ship. Symon told him that they were here to help. He asked when did they arrive. They told him that they came in on the last Settarian ship. He asked if they came to help Princess Alleka. They told him maybe.
+Another guy in the room spoke up and said, "No surprise that Nordain would have somebody come in to help him with his problem, but what about all of us.". Carl Suggested that he watch his tongue and called him Gilbert. Gilbert seemed to think the princess was deformed in some way that made her terrible to behold. Helena, another patron, defended her saying she was beautiful. They learned that she could not hear or speak though. Gilbert seemed to think the king should let the dragon keep his daughter so that they could keep their lands. Carl threatened  to throw him over the north gate to the Draconians. He finally backed off after that. The others returned to their seats. The meat pie was excellent. Again Symon tried to repay him with gems but Carl told him that there was so much precious metals and gems here that they have really no value any more. Back when they first got here, King Lundor handed out gold and such but that led to theft and trouble so he had everyone turn it all back in and handed out these wooden tokens instead. Since then, everything has been fine.
+There was a discussion about Lundor's family. Adrian, King Lundor's wife, died giving birth to Alleka. She was born with issues but she stays in the castle and nobody sees her. Lundor really changed after that. He had been out and about with the people but after that, he stayed in the castle and became fairly reclusive. He would still give orders and such but you would rarely see him. Angelique asked, "Are you sure he's there?". Symon followed up with, "When was the last time he made an appearance?". He replied that he didn't see him but he was told that several weeks ago he came to the cave, possibly to assess the situation with what ever is in the cave. It was soon after that, the soldiers arrived and began assaulting it. He didn't know what was in there but the few that returned were in very bad shape. He lost a lot of people there. He wondered if we'd come to help with that. Symon told him that we'd assist however we can.
+Symon asked about the people all around the immediate area. Carl told them that people were coming in from all over. They are scared and since the attacks on the northern gate and with the dragon flying over and attacking the ships, it's just got everyone on edge. A lot of them are thinking that if they're going to have to leave, they might as well go ahead and get near to the cave and be ready to go. The order hadn't come yet. More and more people are pouring in though. Symon asked, "So the gate to the Northwest is the point where the trouble is happening?". He told him yes. Symon asked if the Wolves still hold the gate. Carl seemed to think so. It's been attacked many times though. There have been heavy losses. Eryn asked if the dragon had been involved with the attacks on the gate. Carl said, "No, not yet at least.".
+Looking around the room, Symon noticed there were a bunch of able bodied men, maybe not as capable as Carl, but still able to fight and defend. They are mostly laborers though and have likely never held a sword though. Symon asked more about Alleka. Carl told him that the dragon had swooped in and attacked the castle taking her in the process. That happened quite a while ago. Soon after that is when the trouble started. The dragon began attacking the ships. Soon after that started, the Settarian's stopped coming. There is only the one dragon so far. Symon asked if there was any sort of demands from the dragon for the safe return of her. Carl said he'd heard that there was some form of demand of King Lundor but he didn't know what it was. Symon asked if anyone was able to gain an audience with King Lundor. He thought so but didn't know anyone who had a reason to. He said that if the King had sent for them though, then they shouldn't have any trouble at all getting in to see him.
+Masha returned with the ale and it was so good, they were amazed by it. Carl went back to his business and Masha seemed to be more comfortable with them. A little later on the crowd in general seemed to be more relaxed and comfortable with the Company being there. Masha asked if there was anything else they wanted and said not to worry about the Lundor's. Symon asked if there was a way to get Lundors? He told her that they'd like to rent rooms for the evening. She told them that there weren't any rooms left with all the people pouring in. Eryn asked for a bath but they didn't really have one.
+They went back out the front door and began looking for a place where they could camp. They saw Loraine talking to a few people and then heard two sharp horn blast. Then they heard it echoed a little closer. Loraine turned around and shouted at the sergeant, "Why the hell are those horns being blown? We gave orders that no horns would announce a ship.". The sergeant replied, "It must be the new recruits. Maybe they weren't told.". She looked to the east and then hollered up to the lookouts asking what they saw. More horns blew. The lookout replied, "It's a ship coming in from the east. It's low and hanging toward the mountain.". Loraine moved further east and south to try and get a better view.
+The members of the Company began moving closer to the south side of the road. They saw the ship coming in low and close to the mountain. It was moving slow. It reminded them of the Dragon Fly. Loraine yelled out, "It's the Meteor!". More horns blew. Loraine yelled, "They were told not to do that!". Then she turned to the two guys in the towers and shouted, "Keep your eyes peeled to the north!". As the ship got closer, they could see that it's headed over the tavern. Loraine said, "I hope it makes it! It doesn't have far to go now!". They watched it and as it came closer they could see that some of the rigging was damaged. It seemed to be listing a little and moving very slowly. Loraine said, "It's been damaged!".
+Suddenly there was a steady horn sound to the west. Loraine said, "Gods help us!". One of the guards in the towers yelled "DRAGON!". Eryn and Cassandra pulled out their bows and prepared. Looking to the west, they could see a small object coming in quickly. The soldiers started yelling, "Bows, bows!". The Meteor came into view and was headed very close to them.  The Company spread out some to limit their exposure. The large Copper Dragon, mostly copper but with a little green in him, was diving on the ship. The crew on the air ship, the soldiers on the towers, the soldiers on the ground all prepared. Eryn noted that the Rod of dragon detection showed no indication of a dragon nearby.
+Symon moved to an angle that limited the amount of potential collateral damage he could cause and he took out the wand of wonder and pointed it at the dragon and triggered it. A gust of wind at about 60 miles an hour issued forth and slammed into the dragon pushing him off course. Grizzolo caught himself and didn't crash but his attack this round was foiled. He turned and flew out recircling to return for another attack the next round. Bows fired and even some ballista on the ship fired at it. The arrows that fired bounced off the scales of the mighty beast. The pilot of the ship tried to nudge the ship a little faster but it didn't respond. It continued on it's slow and steady pace. Xor fired and hit the dragon between the scales. Cassandra fired and hit as well. Of the second attacks, Angelique, Loraine, and Eryn all hit.
+Angelique fired a magic missile at the dragon. That was an odd thing to see coming from a priest. It was not lost on Eryn that she was able to do that. Grizzolo flew through the top of the rigging and hit it causing more damage. Cassandra was suddenly gripped by fear. She was strong enough not to flee but became less capable of focusing when she fired. She missed her next shot. Symon tried as Slow spell against him but it failed to have an effect on it. The ballista towers fired and one of them hit. The dragon cried out in pain and flipped over crashing into the trees on the ground. Loraine cried out, "Swords!". They dropped their bows and ran to engage in melee combat. Cal charged over to the dragon with Wyrm Bane but missed him. He did hit him with his second weapon though. When Grizzolo was hit, he exclaimed , "Oowww!". It was a dragon's voice but sounded a very weird.
+Xor made an attempt to reach the dragon on foot. He made it up to him but didn't get a chance to hit him. Grizzolo stood up and turned toward his attackers, stepped back just a little and let out his breath weapon. The gas seemed to slow Xor and Cal down. Eryn ran up to hit it, thankful that she wasn't caught in the dragon's breath weapon. Angelique moved closer but couldn't see it to fire on it. The wolves of the north moved to attack but they became very apprehensive as they approached and all of them missed. Cal approached slowly and missed. Symon cast a Magic Missile spell and hit it. Cassandra got a weak critical hit on her second attack.
+Eryn attacked and hit him. Grizzolo turned and gave her a most venomous look, then leaped across the battlefield to another spot where he then bounced up into the air and began flying off. There were several attacks of opportunity. Cal hit him with Wyrm Bane and inflicted a good deal of damage. Grizzolo took off to the north flying off quickly. The Meteor continued to limp along on back to the airfield. The people on the towers began yelling, "Oi Oi!". Loraine said, "Oh what now!", as she ran to see what was happening. The soldier shouted, "To the north, the gate is under attack!". As everyone looked that way they could see some black smoke rising into the air.
+Loraine called the Company together and said, "We're running out of time. I've written some dispatches that need to be taken to the castle! I'm going to have to go to Air Command. I need to ascertain the condition of the Meteor. It's the last ship we have! It's my duty to make sure we get that ship up. I did not see the captain on board from my angle. Perhaps he's injured or maybe dead. So I'm going to have to go to the air station instead of to the castle. Would you be willing to be the courier and run these dispatches to the castle and warn the King of everything that has transpired?". Symon asked if there were horses they could use. She had a Sergeant commandeer some Equus for each of the Company Clandestine. Eryn took the dispatches. They were folded and sealed. They mounted up. Loraine told them to take the northern road here and keep heading west.
+They took off up the northern road and followed it west riding through some small towns and to a crossroads. They also road through a lot of farm land. Eryn pointed out on the ride there that the Rod of Dragon Detection failed to indicate that there was a dragon nearby, even while they fought it. She felt that either the rod was broken or that Grizzolo possibly wasn't a dragon. Angelique suggested that Dragon Vale may be affecting it. Symon added that maybe the rod doesn't work here because everything her is dragon. Even the horses we ride should set it off yet they don't. As they came to a river and crossed it, they were awed by how pretty and clear the water seemed. They passed another village with shops and businesses. They had been passing people who were making their way to the passage from Dragon Vale.
+The Company continued on to the castle.. All of the ballista towers they passed were manned. They saw the big caves as they rode long. They came across a larger town with 4 towers manned. People were packing and some were moving down the road toward where they'd come from. As they moved further west, they were able to see the gate to the north, where the smoke was rising from. They reached a point where the road rose up onto a plateau. They came to the last big city which had five towers, all manned. Again people were packing and leaving. They eventually arrived at the castle gate.
+As they road up, they came to a bridge over a moat. They dismounted and walked a ross the bridge. There were two guards on the other side of the bridge. One was a young boy and the other a young girl. As they approached, the two guards moved up with one of them challenging them as to why they were their. The boy looked a little scared. Eryn tried to explain to the young lady that they had an urgent sealed dispatch from Lieutenant Loraine Greggory of the Air Command for the King. The young lady was especially pushy trying to determine if they were lying. Eryn pointed out the seal on the dispatch. The guard suggested that the seal, could be forged. Eryn pointed out that if the seal were so easily forged, wouldn't that make seals useless? The young lady told her that smart alecks weren't allowed passed her. Eryn told her that there had just been an attack on the kingdom by the dragon and that they had just fought the dragon and that they have urgent information. The young lady made some silly statement about having fought dragons for breakfast.
+Eryn, though pretty flustered herself, restrained herself from just knocking the guard out and going on in. Instead she told her that they should let them pass or find someone to come out here and talk to them. The young lady asked where their pass was. The other guard spoke up and called the young lady Carrie, then suggested to her that they might be telling the truth. She told them that without a pass, she won't let them through. Carrie seemed even more flustered and finally sent the young man to fetch the lord. He retreated into the castle. She told them to wait. Symon tried to complement Carrie on her bravery and soften her up a little. She did warm a little to him. Eryn asked her how long she had been a Wolf of the North. Carrie told her she had been recruited two weeks prior. She looked to be fourteen or fifteen. Symon told her that she reminded him of a young Loraine Greggory whom they had traveled here with. She wondered how they knew her name or what they knew of her. Symon told her that they don't know a lot about her. He told her that they had travelled with her in their company for a week now and that her courage is remarkable. Her fighting skill is remarkable. Carrie said, "I'd heard she was dead!". Symon told her that she was indeed alive but that her sister Agatha had died. He told her that they'd lost the ship and all on board except for Loraine.
+About that time, Mitchell, the young male guard came out and said that the Prime Minister was on his way. Another moment passed before a man walked out, very finely dressed in official attire, maybe in his mid forties. He thanked Carrie for her service and stepped up. He walked up to the company and said, "My name is Edward Blackmoore. I am the Prime Minister to King Lundor!". Eryn introduced them as the Company Clandestine and explained that they had come to lend aid. She then introduced everyone. He asked about the dispatches and Eryn presented them saying that they were from Loraine Greggory. He seemed surprised to hear that she had returned but Eryn told him and she was at Air Command. He asked where they were from and Eryn told him that they had come through the cave that comes here from the south. Carrie and Mitchell both seemed surprised to hear that. Eryn told him that there was a guardian creature, an Arctic Hydra, in the cave that they had to kill to reach them. Carrie and Mitchell started mummering to each other and Blackmoore silenced them. He had the group follow him inside.
+They followed him in and when they were out of ear shot of Carrie and Mitchell, he asked about the guardian. Eryn told him it was an Arctic Hydra and that they had killed it. The Prime Minister sort of favored the Blackmoore of Frosthaven. Symon became immediately suspicious. He asked them where they were from and they each told him. Then they told him they were members of the adventurers guild. He perked up at that and asked if they'd sent them. Eryn told him no but that they'd found the letter sent to the guild and there wasn't enough time to get to the guild and then get here so they came straight here. He told them that there was a meeting about to take place and that they needed to present themselves there but that one of them should be the spokesperson. It was decided that Symon would be the voice of the group. He told Symon, do not address the King unless he addresses you. He would present the dispatches and then we shall see the outcome of this meeting.
+They continued in to the castle and down a long hallway and then up into the throne room. As they entered the chamber, there were two additional people present besides the king. One was Aldric Hawthorn and the other was E'lhona. Edward introduced the group and then presented the dispatch to King Lundor. He noted that the dispatch was from Loraine Greggory and asked who represented the group. Symon bowed, introduced himself, and then introduced the Company Clandestine as adventurers. He asked how they came about the dispatch from Loraine Greggory whom was thought lost. Symon relayed the story of the cultists temple, the downed ship, the demise of Agatha, and how they'd found Loraine fighting more cultists at the ruins in the Valley of the Bones where they assisted her in finishing the cultists off.
+King Lundor said, "This is grievous news!", as he held his hand up for Symon to stop and opened the dispatch. He read through it and then set it aside. There was another note in his hand that he was clinching it very tightly. He asked if the adventurers guild had sent them. Symon relayed how they were on another mission for the guild when, through a series of unfolding circumstances, they came across Second Lieutenant Stephan Murdock who had been slain by a tribe of Svart's. While trying to rescue him, he expired. They'd then found a letter on him to the Adventurers Guild requesting assistance. There was little time left and not enough to get the letter to the guild and get assistance back here so they set out to get here and lend whatever aid they could. He told them about the draconian armies that were already in the area around Coldspire and south, heading south. Everything south of them was being overrun with Draconians. Trying to reach the adventurers guild seemed like a suicide mission. King Lundor stopped him and asked about Nordain Hold. Symon told him about the draconians that had overrun the place and the goblins digging in the area.
+The King said, "So Alestar didn't send you on this quest, you decided to come on your own initiative.". Symon said, "Yes!". King Lundor said, "Commendable! Brave of you! But, unfortunately you are too late.". Looking to Aldric, he said, "Aldric, you need to read this.". Aldric skimmed the message and then asked to be excused to tend to his daughter. The King told him he could go after the counsel meeting. He asked him to bear with him a little longer. Aldric handed the dispatch to General Ravenwood. He read through it and said, "Sire, this is momentous news! With the guardian destroyed, the people can escape. I recommend that we muster our forces, fall back from the gate, and leave that way.". The King stood up and said, "But Darren, that does not get my daughter back for me.". The General said, "That is true Sire. Perhaps we should bring our new friends up to speed!". Lundor motioned them forward and handed the note he had been clutching in his had to Symon. He read it. It was a message hand written in a flowing script. It said,
+Lundor,
+Your time for consideration is now at an end. Present yourself to me at sundown on the last day of the year and give me your answer. Your daughter will be returned to you unharmed or you will watch her suffer and die within my breath. Know well that if you fail to appear before me, she will most certainly die. I shall release my Draconian horde to sweep you and your people from the Vale. I will not be denied!
+Grizzolo
+As Symon looked up to Lundor, the King said, "Sundown tomorrow! Of the counsel I have pulled together here, E'lhona is the Second Ranger of the Realm, she has scouted their position and has located the dragon's lair. Tomorrow morning, I shall depart and go to meet the dragon and the Gods willing, retrieve my daughter.". He turned to the Prime Minister and said, "Prime Minister Blackmoore, Issue the command to evacuate the Vale.". He looked to Aldric and said, "Aldric, you may go and see your daughter and when you do, you and Prime Minister Blackmoore escort our people out of the Vale. I charge you with their safety.". Aldric bowed! General Ravenwood stepped up and said, "But Sire, surely you are not going to go and meet this dragon alone.". The King replied, E'lhona will lead me and I'll go by myself. The General said, "No Sire! I fought beside your father and I've fought beside you. I will not let you go into that den alone. My sword is ever at your use. ". Lundor considered his request and said, "That could be your death!". The General said, "So be it. My sword is pledged to your life.". The King said, "Very well, you can come.
+The King then looked back to Symon and said, "So see, you're really too late. I have no choice! The Draconians have attacked the gate. We've just barely held on but with the next assault, it will fail. I have no choice! But I do thank you for destroying the guardian and allowing my people to be able to escape this destiny that I have brought down upon them.". Symon asked, "What does this dragon want in exchange for your daughter?". The King told him, "He wants my people to leave the Vale, and he wants all of the dragon horde that I had confiscated. He plans on using it. I fear for all of Philanaan once his power consolidation is complete. But, what choice do I have? My daughter is everything to me. I now have no choice. I'm going to have to cede the Vale to him and then tell him where I've hidden all of the dragon treasure and gold.". He looked over to Aldric and said, "Is all of that complete.". Aldric said, "Yes Sire!". The King said, "The caverns below have been opened and the magic shielding has been withdrawn?". Aldric said, "It is open!". The King said, "Very well!".
+Symon looked over the rest of his team, and then looked back at the Company and then looked back at the King and said, "Perhaps we could rescue your daughter!". The King sat back down and considered it. He said, "The risk to her is so great if you fail! But with dragons, you never know what to expect.". Symon said, "That was going to be my next statement to you. Do you expect a dragon who would kidnap your daughter and hold her ransom to behave with honor on your agreement?". The King replied, "He's already broken our original agreement. I don't expect he'll keep this one either. But what choice do I have?". Symon said, "You have until tomorrow night?". The King said, "Tomorrow at sundown! But I have to leave in the morning. Is that right E'lhona?". She told him "Yes Sire!". Symon asked E'lhona, "How far away is his lair?". She told him, through the northern gate through the pass in the mountains. She said, "If we left in the morning at sunrise, we could be there by sundown. I know the way!".
+Symon asked if they could get passed the gate that is under attack? E'lhona said, "That Sire, that's another thing all together! I did get a general count on the draconian head beyond the gate!". General Ravenwood asked, "What was the count that you came up with?". She answered, "5,000"! They were all shocked by that number. Prime Minister Blackmoore turned to her and said, "5,000 draconians?". She replied, "Yes! He's only been toying with us. The King said, "An army, with the desire to destroy all Philanaan!". The King added, "He will not stop at the Vale!". Symon said, "He's already in Philanaan!". Symon told him how Grizzolo already has an army south, in Nordain Hold, Cold Spire, and marching south towards Frosthaven. The King said, "My people will be hard pressed when they leave the Vale.".
+The King looked to Aldric and Edward and said, "You are charged with keeping them safe, doing everything you can!". They responded, "We'll do so Sire!". Again Lundor said, "I have no choice! I'm going to have to go and meet with this dragon face to face! As far as your team, if you want to accompany me, you can, but you'll be putting your lives at risk of course!". Symon asked, "If an opportunity to rescue your daughter presents itself, are we at liberty to act upon it, keeping her safety paramount of course.". The King said, "I will give you that leave!". He added, "You don't really know a lot about dragons do you?". Symon said, "We just fought one, a copper dragon assailed our position only a few hours ago. We drove him to the ground and he fled. I don't expect that to be an easy thing but it gave me hope that they're not invincible.". The King said, "Oh no, no dragon is invincible. I defeated a whole army of them by myself.". Symon said, "Perhaps it's time you did it again.".
+Eryn raised her hand, choosing not to speak unless spoken to but really wishing to make a point. The King asked, "You wish to speak?". She said, "If you wouldn't mind your majesty. What about the tools you used to defeat the dragons before, do you still have those?". The King laughed and said, "In a sense I do! I don't know what you know about the war I fought against these dragons many years ago. I assume you wouldn't be here unless you found at least one of them.". Eryn pointed to Cal who then pulled out Wyrm Bane. The King said, "Ah, my personal sword! I left it there at Nordain hold as a reward should it be needed in the future.". Cal held the sword out for him to take. The King said, "Keep it! I have no use for it now!". Eryn said, "The other objects were an Orb and what else?". He confirmed the Orb but also the Rod and a Scroll. Eryn had the Rod they'd found and showed it to him and he said, "That is the very Rod! I have no idea what it does.". Eryn said, "We don't know either.". The King looked to Aldric and said, "Aldric tried to figure out what it does but he could never figure it out. It's a Rod of Dragon Detection but what use that is, I have no idea.". Eryn pointed out that it did not detect the dragon that attacked them earlier, or at least it didn't give us any indication it had detected it.
+The King said, "Well, a lot of things aren't working. You know, I took the Orb, the Scroll, and the Rod from the White Priestesses on the Isle, a choice that I personally regret, but my people's very existence was being threatened. I had to act, I had no choice. I regret what happened and I have to live with that guilt every day, but my charge is to my people first. I pleaded, I laid my case out before them, I needed these things to save my kingdom and they would have none of it. They said I was not the person that was supposed to take them or have access to these and that the time was not right. What choice did I have. It's unfortunate what happened to the Silver Swords. You have heard the story, I don't know. I do regret it and I have paid for that. I paid for a lot of things.".
+He continued, "My father, Alpert, was king at the time and he charged me to go find something to fight these dragons off with. We had heard rumors of ancient artifacts that might be able to accomplish the deed. I spent several years with a team searching for them, and we did find them. With the help of the Silver Swords we located the Rod, Scroll, and the Orb. I was able to retrieve those and I came back and we were just about done, but the Orb did turn the tide.". He asked, "Do you know what this Orb was or the story of the artifacts that the White Priestesses held?". He told them they were able to ascertain that these artifacts were created by a wizard, an Archmage from a long time ago. Whatever the purpose was for each one of them, we really don't know, but the Orb was an Orb of Dragon Control. Aldric and I were able to figure out how to activate it and how to use it. When I had that, I was able to drive the dragons into the ground, have them turn on each other, have them burn each other with their own breath. But the problem was, I had thousands to deal with. My father died before I was able to master it.".
+The King thought a moment and continued, "My cousin from Uttdanlun was at my side with 5000 troops from the south. We tried to do an outflanking maneuver into the Drakemoors. We were almost destroyed so I became desperate once again. So I did something that even Aldric here recommend I not do. I used the scroll. The scroll was a Limited Wish. I wished the Orb into my body. The Orb and I became one. From that moment forward, I could sense them, I could feel them, I could hear their thoughts, no matter where they were. That turned the tide. I was able to defeat all of the dragons and drive them into the ground, drive them back. So you see, I know more about dragons than anyone.".
+King Lundor continued, "Grizzolo was a very young dragon. He was injured in the fighting, not from us, but I found him. I used the Dragon Orb to influence him to tell me things about their plans, about this Vale, and what was going on. He didn't want to. No dragon wants to cooperate with humans. They view us as being little more than insects. Even the good dragons. I tell you this my friend, a dragon is a dragon is a dragon. They all have the same thing. They all desire wealth and power, how they go about it is the only thing that is different. The evil ones go about it with destruction while the good ones go about it through connivence. So I used Grizzolo to find the Vale. Once all of his brethren were destroyed, and I had conquered it, I decided that this Vale was our recompence for all of the disasters, all of the death, and all of the destruction that these dragons had laid upon my kingdom. So, I moved all of my people here.".
+The King continued, "And Grizzolo, for his help, I granted him his freedom. I made a treaty with him that all the lands north of the Vale were his. But that he should never cross into the Vale again, not fly over it, not come anywhere near it. To this he agreed, and I told him to be a mouth piece to any of his kind that dared to come back here to stay away or I would destroy them. So the treaty was made between us and for many years I never saw anything else of him. I don't know if you know but there after I married the love of my life, built this castle. We built this kingdom. My people were happy but unfortunately my wife died giving birth to my first child. My princess Alleka almost died as well. She did survive though but is not right. She cannot hear and she cannot speak. So, perhaps I should not have wallowed in my sorrow over that. I try to help her in anyway I can but it's to no good. So she stayed in the castle and so did I.".
+He continued, "Not long ago, I caught a glimpse of Grizzolo flying near to the Vale. He was not breaking the treaty at that point but he seemed to be… Then soon after, I had reports that he had actually entered the Vale. So, I began keeping an eye out for him. A few days later, he did appear, near the castle, I saw him. But when I called up the power of the Orb within me, nothing happened. The power of the Orb had faded. It's gone and I no longer have the power to control the dragons. Not long after that, he attacked the castle, kidnapped my daughter, demanded we leave, and give back all of the treasure of all the dragons that I had defeated and then stored here. My answer was no at first but then he started threatening her life. Then he began attacking our ships, disrupting our trade, to the point that I will have to relent to get my daughter back.".
+He added, "The only problem was, I had to defeat this guardian to allow my people to leave the Vale, otherwise, we were going to be trapped here and all destroyed. So now we are down to this. And I have decided to present myself to him in hopes that somehow I can get my daughter out. My thanks to you for opening the way for my people to escape. ". Symon said, "So Grizzolo operates beyond the Vale, his forces occupy Nordain Hold, they threaten all of the lands between the Valley of the bones and all the way to Frosthaven, and they march beyond.". He added, "Your people are probably no safer there than they are here.". The King agreed! He said, "That was why I sent word to the adventurers guild that the peril was going to be felt by all of Philanaan, not just me. But apparently, from what you told me, My message never got to them. But as you can see, I have no choice. If you think you can help, you are welcome to come with me but no this, my daughter is my first priority.". Symon said, "It would be our honor to accompany you.". The King said, "It shall be so then.".
+The others of his staff standing here seemed to be loyal and heart broken, they could see it in there faces. They could tell the general was tired. They were all stressed. Aldric seemed to show some relief at hearing the news of his daughter. They were all very somber and serious. The King said, "This ends the counsel, I've made my decision. I will meet with this drake, I will get my daughter back. Aldric go to your daughter. Prime Minister send out the word to evacuate the Vale. General Darren, I know you will not leave my side so you will accompany us as well. E'lhona, you will also show us the way. That is my command. Prepare for our group to leave in the morning.". They responded that these things will be done.
+Speculations:
+David could there be a power over the Vale that weakens or completely dampens the power of the Rod and the Orb. The DM didn't shoot that down.
+Chris mentioned the blue crystals from the cave and asked if the crystals were something that King Lundor put there. The DM said you would think not. You would say, whatever put that there, that Lundor or Aldric or anybody that they knew would not be able to do that.
+Chris reminded us that there is a Blackmoor in front of us, that bunch hasn't shown back up yet.
+The Dm pointed out that they don't get any sense of deception out of Blackmoor at all. He is not like the other blackmoor they met.
+Angelique asked of the remaining group, "In the Vale, does time pass differently than outside the vale. Blackmoor asked her how old she thought he was.". Though his appearance was that of someone in his forties, he was probably 90 years old. Symon asked, if he left the Vale, would it have an opposite affect on him. Would he suddenly grow older. He told them that it would not, he would still be as he is now. The General then announce that he was 152 years old. He was the General for King Lundor's father. The King though has aged normally. E'lhona chuckled and said she was actually 23. Looking at her, they could tell she comes from another land. Her family smuggled themselves in here on a Settarian vessel. King Lundor was kind enough to let them stay.
+Freda Hawthorn Murdock is Aldric's daughter.
+Symon asked E'lhona if she thought there was a chance that they could effect a rescue? She didn't know. She hasn't been in the lair itself. If we can, we can defeat him, then none of this would be necessary. Symon asked, "What would happen to the Draconians if Grizzolo was to be slain. She didn't know. They were new to her, they just appeared. The General said "They were an ancient legend but he didn't know where they came from either or how Grizzolo called them here. Obviously they do exist and obviously, you have had experience with them. I'd never faced such a thing until they attacked the gate.". He continued, "This Grizzolo has become awful devious. Who knows a what it has at it's beck and call.
+David verified that it was Grizzolo that they'd fought earlier.
+Symon said, "It could be one of those, if you cut off the head then the body dies. If there is no string second in command, the Draconians may become unorganized and disperse.". The General said, "If the girl can be rescued, that dragon will bie by my sword.". Symon said, "I don't see where we really have a choice, it's really the only reasonable hope we have. Even as hopeless as it may be, is to somehow affect a rescue of the princess. Then by sheer force of this group.". The General said, "we won't know until we get there. Hopefully the right circumstances will present themselves and we'll be able to do that. But the King will not risk the life of his daughter for anything.".
+Symon keeps looking for the disloyal person in the group. But everyone seems very loyal. Blackmoor and Ravenwood have been with Lundor for a very long time but E'lhona is very new. She had come with her family on a Settarian ship but she claims that they didn't know where the ship was headed when they snuck on. She is second ranger trained by Freda and she appears to be very dedicated as well.
+Symon asked if they knew anyone in the Kings trust that might be questionable or possibly in league with Grizzolo. They told him that they've not been able to ascertain any one like that.
+The story of the Vale. The dragons had found it. They are very territorial and as other dragons found it, more and more they each wanted control over it. Over time it escalated into a huge war. They were fighting it in the skys of the north and Lundor's kingdom was suffering from it. It started small, and escalated during Lundor's father's time. They finally had to fight back. The dragons shifted their attention more to the humans, but still fought each other. Albert sent him to find the artifacts and he found them and brought them back.
+Chris suggested that maybe the Orb and the Rod needed to be together for their powers tp work. He didn't carry the Rod though, it was still in the old thrown room. Azar mentions the items in his diary. That what all these people have been after.
+Is there a priest or potions available to do some serious healing.
+There is the arrow though to be identified.
+They discussed calling on Tinkle but the necklaces Angelique and Eryn have were completely dead.
+When we leave to the north, heading to the lair, will we leave the Vale?
+Symon tried to determine if his magic was getting weaker as he got closer to Grizzolo. Angelique was able to summon a flame on the tip of her finger.
+Chris speculated that Grizzolo didn't need the King to do anything. His army was more than enough to take the Vale. Kevin said, except for one thing. One thing that he didn't have. If you read the letter that Murdock was carrying to Allistar, it addresses that. (I think it's the treasure he wants or needs to build his army. Apparently Lundor had it shielded with magic and locked away where Grizzolo couldn't find it.) (Chris speculated that maybe there is something in the dragon horde he needs that if he said something about it, it could be used against him so he's not telling specifically what he wants, only that he wants the whole thing.) (Kevin, All of the dragon horde of all of the dragons is a massive pile. The one thing that dragons covet more than anything else is gold and treasure. He was going to use that top bring all of the other dragons under him. They wouldn't be able to resist him.) (David, so if we turn all the gold into straw, it would ruin them.)
+Eryn exited the castle and moved completely off the grounds and checked her Tinkle necklace and found it was still not functioning.
+David - Grizzolo is a copper dragon and they are supposed to be good, killing everyone in the Vale, or the Princess, or building an army and attacking the rest of Philanaan is not the act of a good dragon, but an evil one. There is green on him as well. Is he a mixed dragon? He acted weird when he was hit by Cal. He had a dragons voice but the "Ow" was something you'd expect from a human, not a dragon. If a dragon was hit hard enough to exclaim the pain, it would have been a roar.  The dragon detection doesn't detect him, could that also be because he is not a dragon or is it a dampening field that he is putting over the Vale that is blocking that?  Is he a dragon or is he someone polymorphed pretending to be a dragon?
+David - Time runs different here than anywhere else. Magic is different here. Are we still in Kansas? Could we be on another Plane. Kevin says it's not a different Plane. How did he get an army passed the Vale and down to Coldspire and Frosthaven. He didn't go through the Vale to do that.
+David - ask, has anyone found the northern border of the Vale?
+David - We have a Palantir that we think allowed Grish-ta-nak to talk to Grizzolo. Could we use that to look in on and spy on Grizzolo. I assume no because it surely lets him know someone is using it.
+Chris pointed out the vision he saw, there was a girl. Was that the Princess? What else does that vision tell us about Grizzolo and the Vale? Session 29 to read about the Orb and the vision.
+Where has the Meteor been all of this time. Is there information to come from the survivors or it? We need to check with Loraine.
+Brain has melted!
+Kevin - Think about the dragon battle we had.
+They received 1000 + 100 = 1100 xps for facing down and making Grizzolo cry.