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Session 41, The Guardian of the Vale

Paldegora

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Session 41 – 2024-04-06

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**Summary**



**Detail**

The party had just finished killing a Frost Ogre and his cat, "Precious". They'd searched his corner of the cave and found various items. They were beaten down quite a bit and used a couple of doses of extra healing potions before setting out again. They divided up the potions amongst the group and then headed out. They went south out of the Ogre's area until they came to an icy bridge. The bridge had no railings. There was a mist over the chasm and a breeze coming from it. They debated how to get across the bridge and finally settled on Eryn's plan to lay down on a wolfs pelt, facing north and south, and using her hands on the north side and her feet on the south side, she could pull herself across the bridge while holding the edges. The wolf pelt was used to insulate her from the ice. They tied off a safety rope to her and a second rope to the wolf pelt so they could bring it back across for the next person. 

She made it across but experienced a lot of buffeting in the middle of the bridge. She reached the other side of the bridge and became very disoriented. The others could see her as she kneeled and clasped her head in her hands. They tried to call out to her but she didn't respond to them. From her perspective, as she looked up, she saw an image of herself starting to crawl across the bridge. She watched as her image crawled part way across the bridge and then the image vanished and showed up again starting across the bridge again. It made it part way across the bridge and then vanished, showing up again right in front of her. The dizziness caused nausea, but she held it together. She then saw her image walk away, going down the hallway in front of her. Then it suddenly snapped back to her and the nausea cleared up and she felt great. She felt better than she'd felt since starting this adventure. She became aware that she'd been healed of all wounds. She was completely healed. That part was amazing. She sent the wolf pelt back and waited, but was baffled by what had happened to her.

Loraine, seeing all of this, realized what had happened and decided to go next. Now that there was a taut rope from one side to the other, she could sit on the pelt and pull herself across with little worry of falling. She did and experienced a lot of wind buffeting her but made it across. She explained to Eryn how when one travels into or out of The Dragon's Vale, they experience what Eryn did. They call the experience, "The Quickening". It happens the first few times you make the journey but eventually your body gets used to it and it no longer has that effect on them. It didn't effect Loraine. She did not heal like Eryn did. They sent the pelt back and brought over Symon next. He experienced the same thing. At least as far as Eryn could tell. There was a text message so something more happened with him. Angelique came next and also experienced everything Eryn did plus she got the text message. Everyone else made it over and they all experienced the same thing as Eryn but they didn't get text messages. Must be a magic thing!

Once they were all on the other side, they began making their way east, assuming the exit would be east. Symon asked Loraine if she was aware of a creature or a specific danger on this side of the cave. She said she knew there was something very dangerous here and that they needed to be very careful. They continued east until the reached a dead end. They started moving north then and exploring the entire area. They found where the other three tunnels that Eryn had followed to the chasm emptied out on this side. Then at the northern most side of that room, they found a set of stairs going down with the body of a member of the Wolf Guard laying dead just in front of it. They examined it and found it to have been shredded pretty well. Cal took the lead and they went down the stairs. The chamber below had some light coming from it. 

As Cal entered the room, he was shocked to see six more bodies of the Wolf Guard. All of them were equally shredded like the one at the top of the stairs. There was another body in the Southeast corner of the chamber and she appeared to be alive. There were these odd looking blue crystals, four clumps of them at the edge of the first set of stairs that descended deeper into the room. Cal moved past them toward, what appeared to be, the lone survivor. As he did, she held up her hand, palm out, and weakly said, "Run!!!". Cal ran to her to check on her. Eryn and Cassandra were going down the center of the chamber. There were several pits or chasm's around the room and the path they took ran between two large ones. From the chasm on the north side came a loud rustling and a five headed Arctic Hydra raised up out of it. It attacked immediately. Eryn was hit by one head, a cone of cold blew over a few of them. They either charged to attack it head on or they stayed back and fired arrows at it. Symon and Angelique, each let loose with a fireball. They had caused fire damage to a lot of the creature but only killed on head.

They fought the beast killing most of the heads each round but they regenerated each round and popped back up to fight again. The head killed with the fireballs never rose up again. They kept beating the creature down but not killing it. This wasn't working. Angelique cast a Flaming Sphere which she sent into the beast. With the fire present, Eryn pulled out one of the last two oil bottles that she'd recovered from the Kobolds under Frosthaven. She threw one near the sphere but missed, though some of the oil did ignite on the creature doing less than optimal damage. When she got another chance, she threw the last bottle of oil and this time it hit and fully ignited. Between the Sphere and the oil, another head fell, never to rise again. They fought hard and on the next round of attacks, they managed to kill all three of the remaining heads before they could regenerate. The creature collapsed back into it's pit and remained dead. 

They went back to the young lady in the southern corner of the chamber. She was barely alive and had been bit several times. She was sweating like one would if they were running a fever. Loraine knew her and called out "Freda! Freda!". She grabbed the woman and pulled her to herself. She asked, "Freda, what happened?". Angelique gave her a Keotems Ointment but it had no effect. They decided the magic dampening field might be hampering it. Loraine picked her up and carried her out of the cave. Everyone else followed. Loraine told them as they exited the cave that she was First Ranger Freda! Eryn looked into the Hydra chasm thinking about finding and raiding it's horde but when it died, it fell back in. She never heard it hit the bottom. 

They came out onto the side of a cliff with a winding path going down the mountain. The valley was a de ja vu moment to Cal as it was the valley from his vision. 

{{:paldegora:general_info:the_dragons_vale.jpg?400|}}  

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The Dragon's Vale

Amidst the rugged peaks and hidden within the folds of the world, there lies a secret sanctuary known only to those who dare to seek it: The Dragon's Vale. A place where magic weaves itself into the very fabric of existence, and the breath of ancient dragons still lingers in the air.

4. The Adventurers' Gaze:
   - High upon a mountainside, your group emerges from a hidden cave. Your eyes widen as they take in the vista before you—the azure river, the iridescent trees, the dancing lights. Your gaze lingers on a distant castle to the west.
   - A sense of trespass settles upon you, as if you have stepped into a realm forbidden to mere mortals. The valley's purity contrasts sharply with your own imperfections. You wonder if your very presence defiles this magical haven.

1. The Enchanted Landscape:
   - The vale stretches for five miles, its verdant expanse cradled by snow-capped mountains that guard it from prying eyes. A thousand-foot waterfall, its crystalline cascade both beautiful and magical, marks the eastern boundary. Its sound resonates through the valley, a symphony of liquid crystal that soothes the soul.
   - From the waterfall, an azure-blue river meanders the length of the vale. Its waters are pure, untainted by mortal hands, and it nourishes the land as it flows. At the river's end stands a Crystal Lake, its peaceful waters reflecting the distant peaks, a mirror to the majestic mountains.
   - The very air here is pristine, as if it has never been drawn into mortal lungs. It carries whispers of forgotten spells and the echoes of dragon roars.

2. Flora and Fauna:
   - Lush vegetation blankets the vale. Trees of hues unseen elsewhere stretch skyward, their leaves shimmering with iridescence. Some bear fruits and vegetables unknown to the mundane world, heavy with magic and sustenance.
   - Insects flit through the air, their wings painted in vibrant colors. They are not pests but guardians, weaving spells of protection around the valley. Their hum harmonizes with the waterfall's song.
   - And then there are the Mystical Points: ephemeral orbs of light that dance across the landscape. They shift and twirl, weaving patterns beyond mortal comprehension. Scholars would speculate on their purpose, but none could decipher their true intent.

3. The Intrusion of Mortals:
   - Despite its ethereal beauty, the vale bears the scars of human presence. Villages dot the landscape, their architecture carefully designed yet foreign against the natural backdrop. Roads wind through the meadows, connecting these enclaves.
   - The villagers farms below look well tended, their existence both a blessing and a curse. Their industry has disrupted the valley's serenity, yet their lives are now woven into its magic.
   - At the far end of the vale stands a small castle, its white marble walls gleaming in the sunlight. Silver and blue banners flutter in the breeze, marking it as a place of significance. But to behold it is to feel guilt—the intrusion of mortals upon sacred ground.

**The Dragon's Vale: Secrets of the Nine Caves

Beyond the azure river, across the valley, and nestled within the very heart of the mountains lies a place of wonder and mystery. Nine caves in the mountainside that are an enigma. Real but unreal to you.

1. The Massive Cave:
   - At the valley's midpoint, a colossal cave yawns open, its entrance towering thirty men high. The very mouth of this cavern is a raised dais, polished to perfection. The marble gleams with an otherworldly luminescence, as if colors weave within its depths. It radiates its own light, casting a gentle glow upon the rocky floor.
   - To the side, facing the river, eight smaller caves beckon. Each harbors its own enigmatic dais, a testament to the valley's magical diversity.

2. The Lava Dais:
   - The furthest cave, smaller but no less imposing, boasts a dais forged from lava. Black as the abyss, veins of fire course through its obsidian surface. Molten lava surrounds it, casting an eerie glow. This is the domain of elemental heat and primal forces.

3. The Silver Melody:
   - In the second cave, a silver dais awaits. Its polished surface reflects the surrounding forest, and the air hums with a musical quality. Plants thrive here, their leaves whispering forgotten tunes. This is the realm of harmony and artistry.

4. The Sandstone Tempest:
   - Descending to the third cave, one encounters a sandstone dais. Desert winds swirl around it, and lightning dances upon its surface. Sparks leap from the stone, illuminating ancient symbols. Here, the elements clash, and storms find their voice.

5. The Bronze Forge:
   - The fourth cave shelters a bronze dais, exquisite in craftsmanship. Forges blaze nearby, metalworks humming with industry. Statues of forgotten heroes stand sentinel. This is the realm of creation and craftsmanship.

6. The Arctic Maw:
   - On the other side of the massive cave, opposite the first smaller cave, lies a cave with an arctic environment. Deep blue ice shelves glisten under falling snow. Here, cold magic weaves its own enchantments.
   
7. The Copper Gleam:
	- The next cave is burnished like polished copper, playful and joyfully it reflects the light dancing upon it. Whimsical creatures flit about, their laughter echoing. This is the domain of curiosity and playfulness.

8. The Verdant Sanctuary:
   - In front of the next cave, a granite and stone dais emerges. Vines crawl upward, tropical vegetation thriving in the humid air. Steam rises, and the scent of life fills the cavern. Here, nature reclaims its dominion.

9. The Enigma of the Obsidian:
   - The last cave harbors a dais of unfamiliar rock, akin to obsidian but darker. Around it, a bog or swamp shrouds the ground. A haze rises, and the air grows thick. This is the realm of secrets and decay, where mysteries fester.

And so, you stand at the crossroads of magic and choice. The Dragon's Vale awaits, its valley and caverns echoing with the whispers of dragons long gone.

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Loraine stopped suddenly and looked down into the valley. Looking down at the cross roads, on the path, there seemed to be a lot of commotion. There were a lot of people milling about. As they looked closer, they could see peoples and carts moving through the roads, as far as they can see, and they all seem to be moving toward the cave. Loraine said, "My gods, what has happened?". She pointed off to the west to an area in the valley and said, "There's my home, Air Command!". They saw a small castle like structure and an air field that reminded them of Air Station Drake. It was like that but with many more landing points. Where Air Station Drake could hold one Airship, this facility could hold ten. There were none currently there though. Symon asked Loraine, "Why are all of those people in the cave?". Loraine's response was, "We have to find out what is going on, something has happened!". 

They could see a thousand foot water fall to the east. It was beautiful. All of the Vale was beautiful, and warm as if it was a summers day. There are these unusual towers dotting the landscape. They exist everywhere. Eryn wondered at their purpose but could derive no answer.

That is where they ended the session!

Start the recorder!

667 + 67 = 734 

Thoughts:
 
They need to give Freda the ointment again - first thing.

Are the people headed to the cave to go back through to the other side to escape something? Were the warriors sent into the cave to dispatch the Hydra and clear the escape route?