Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
We D&D- Tyranny of Dragons Part 2: The Rise of Tiamat #24b Strike Team 1 Part 2 A Ton of Undead.
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 7598136" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>We D&D.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #22 Hoard of the Dragon Queen #8 Cyanwrath!</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Brothers of the First Light.</strong></p><p><strong>Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 2</strong></p><p><strong>Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 2</strong></p><p><strong>Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 2</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 2</strong></p><p><strong>&</strong></p><p><strong>Hard Bonk (played by Rob) Male Half-Orc Monk Lvl 2</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Secondary PCs</strong></p><p><strong>Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 2</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Harald Hardaxe (played by Pete) Male Dwarf Fighter Lvl 2</strong></p><p><strong>Derek Pilch (played by Jackie) Male Human Druid Lvl 2</strong></p><p></p><p>Note, this is session #22 of our game but only session #8 of the Hoard of the Dragon Queen scenario.</p><p></p><p>So, the Brothers of the First Light (& Hard Bonk (Half-Orc Monk)) head back to Greenest, en route (and after slaughtering the Kobolds) they get the former Cult prisoners out of their barrels and crates et al. There follows a comprehensive Q&A session- they find out where each of the rescued folk come from- nearby villages which have all been attacked by the Cult. They also discover any more info they know about the Cultists, and their camp. Most forthcoming, and very well informed, is Leosin Erlanthar- Hard Bonk’s former master.</p><p></p><p>Which is a pain in the backside for me because I had prepared the Players a written test in lieu of their interview with Governor Nighthill, back in Greenest, but they kinda just make me tell them all of the answers. So, no test.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and Hard Bonk releases Gerty the Drake, it seems all of the other players think it would be mighty cool to have a Guard Drake as a pet- Rob’s not keen at all.</p><p></p><p>So, back to Greenest and an interview with Nighthill, the players answer all the Governor’s questions- after hearty thanks comes payment, and all of the PCs are Level 3 now- cue mass Level up.</p><p></p><p>Meantime, Sgt Markguth (Human Fighter)- now missing two fingers on his right hand spends every hour he can getting to grips with his sword, and his new fighting style, and seeing his family of course. Cyanwrath, however- he swears (repeatedly) is going to die at his hands.</p><p></p><p>The PCs get a day’s rest- they are after all, effectively, now unemployed. Then Leosin Erlanthar comes around with Hard Bonk and offers them 150gp each to head back to Camp Dragonclaw and find out yet more info-</p><p></p><p>“After all you’ve done already for me personally and for the people of Greenest, I hate to ask anything more from you. But the need is great, and I dare to hope that you can aid me one time more. I need you to return to the cultists’ camp. You know your way around it now. If the cultists are preparing to conduct another raid, or a large body of them marches away, or if anything substantial is carried into or out of that cave, I need to know. If you have a chance to get into the camp and look around again, that would be the ideal way to spot anything that's changed. “</p><p></p><p>“I don’t recommend letting yourselves get captured,” Leosin adds with a wry smile.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers of the First Light are up for the task according to Lux (Human Warlock), although this time they’re taking Hotlips Houlihan (Halfling Rogue) with them in place of Hard Bonk, mainly because it’s Sandy’s turn to play two PCs at the same time, and she’s been dying to give the Rogue another run out.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers agree to meet Leosin in the city of Elturel after they have completed their new mission, the Monk is also keen to introduce them to a friend of his- Ontharr Frume, a Dwarven Paladin of Torm who shares his concerns regarding the Dragon Cultists.</p><p></p><p>And so…</p><p></p><p><strong>Episode 3: Dragon Hatchery.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Brothers of the First Light.</strong></p><p><strong>Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 3</strong></p><p><strong>Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 3</strong></p><p><strong>Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 3</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 3</strong></p><p><strong>&</strong></p><p><strong>Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 3</strong></p><p></p><p>The PCs stock up and head out again, to Camp Dragonclaw.</p><p></p><p>And… the camp is gone- broken up, burnt out (or at least the Kobold tents are), there are just two of the Hunters hanging around, the Brothers (dressed as wannabe Cultists of course) wander over for a chat. The Hunters are semi-surly until they spot Lux and quickly figure that they are talking to the guys that ‘bust’ out of camp previously.</p><p></p><p>Their attitude changes dramatically, they’re very cautious- in the end Lux and Watt (Human Bard) convince them to tell what they know, which is- there was lots of drama after the PCs left camp with Leosin and the Sgt. It was kinda crazy for a while, with the ‘high-ups’ mostly running around shouting at people. The same afternoon the camp started to break up, and by early evening 90% of the folk had left- heading off in small groups mostly, and in different directions.</p><p></p><p>Which just leaves? Watt and Lux ask.</p><p></p><p>A bunch of Kobolds and Cultists, guarding some of the ‘high-ups’ (probably Frulam Mondath and Cyanwrath, after further questioning)- and whatever else is in the ‘Nursery’. The Hunters turn to point at the cave at the rear of the camp.</p><p></p><p>Lux thanks the pair, distributes a few treats (booze) and then tells them to bugger off or else she and her colleagues are going to arrest them, or kill them- the Hunters skedaddle fast.</p><p></p><p>And so…</p><p></p><p>The Brothers of the First Light head in, skirting around the right-hand side of the valley area, passing the empty prisoner’s tent, and all the way around to the cave entrance- they sneak up on it.</p><p></p><p>And spot a lone Dragonclaw within.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]113010[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>Only there’s another Dragonclaw that has not been spotted.</p><p></p><p>Lux issues her whispered orders- take the bastard down!</p><p></p><p>Lux (played by Sandy) hits the fellow with an Eldritch Blast and then Hotlips (played by Sandy) assassinates the poor bugger with a crossbow bolt through the throat (and 34 damage on a Crit), Sandy is a giggling like a loon- she likes Rogues and loves the Sandy show.</p><p></p><p>At which point Sgt Bobby, running forward- spots the second Dragonclaw, unfortunately for my bad guy the PCs get to act again in Initiative (after the surprise round) and seconds later the fellow is surrounded. Lummins (Half-Elf Cleric) orders the Dragonclaw to surrender, and then rolls a ‘20’ on his Intimidation check.</p><p></p><p>The guy is quickly frogmarched out of the cave and in to the nearest serviceable tent, and there he is interrogated, the Brothers learn (thanks mostly to Watt & Lux, as usual) that Cyanwrath and Frulam Mondath are in the cave with a bunch more guards, and that they are guarding a clutch of Dragon eggs, then the Cultist clams up. The fellow is tied up (and down) and dumped (hidden) in the tent.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers head back in to the cavern, cautiously- they’re looking for a concealed door, or so Lux believes- it’s Sgt Markguth (of all people) who finds it.</p><p></p><p>Hotlips is sent sneaking in and discovers a snoring Cultist guard clutching a little treasure in an otherwise empty chamber, the Halfling Rogue pockets the treasure for herself and then knocks the bad guy unconscious.</p><p></p><p>Alas while Hotlips has been looting her comrades decide to do a little sneaking of their own- they’re less successful, Watt trips over his feet (‘1’) and almost falls in to a barracks room rammed with Cultists (actually eight Cultists and trio of Guards).</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]113011[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>The chamber comes alive, with several of the bad guys calling out and heading down a passage to the east, worse still a heavily armoured fellow blocks the passage in to the barracks chamber- Lux, Hotlips & Sgt Bobby all attempt to get past the guy, alas they all fail to shift the Cultist (actually a Guard).</p><p></p><p>Watt fixes the issue by firing a Shatter spell in to the centre of the chamber- killing five of the room’s inhabitants in the blast, including the Guard blocking the entrance.</p><p></p><p>“After you.” The Bard grins and directs Sgt Bobby in to action.</p><p></p><p>The good Sgt, also grinning, dashes in to melee with the three remaining Cultists who are now backing up to block the passage to the east.</p><p></p><p>Lux hits one with an Eldritch Blast, then Hotlips suddenly appears out of the shadows and stabs the fellow dead. Sgt Bobby cuts down another and then with an Action Surge decapitates the last (‘20’).</p><p></p><p>The Brothers are still grinning like loons (or at least the Players were- they’re liking how tough they are at 3rd Level), they rush in to the eastern passage.</p><p></p><p>There’s a Cultist at the end of the passage, watching the way, Watt shoots an arrow through the guy’s black heart, another Cultist appears at the exit of the passage and slashes at Lummins who is now (somehow) leading the Brother’s charge. The ineffectual pair swat furiously at each other but fail to connect, seconds later Hotlips fires a crossbow bolt in to the Cultist’s gut and kills him.</p><p></p><p>Watt is the first to emerge in to the next chamber, a bedroom-cum-study for a high-ranking individual, namely Frulam Mondath. Mondath Commands Watt to “DROP!” but the Bard ignores the request, and instead yells to his colleagues to catch up.</p><p></p><p>There are two more Cultists (actually Guards) between Frulam and Watt.</p><p></p><p>The rest of the Brothers et al begin to arrive, as Frulam takes emergency measures- she throws a rug aside and climbs down in to a formerly concealed hole, an escape route?</p><p></p><p>Lux hits one of the Guards with an Eldritch Blast, Sgt Bobby closes in and kills the foul fellow, then charges again and gets in to the last Guard’s face.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]113012[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>Meantime Watt and Lummins circle the action, the Bard shoots Mondath, while the Priest of Lathander follows up with a Guiding Bolt (after spending an Inspiration Point for a miss)- the Cult leader is bloodied in an instant, however she descends to the cavern below- leaping down the last ten feet. She’s off and running, and screaming for help.</p><p></p><p>Lux hits the last Guard with an Eldritch Blast and then screams at the fellow to surrender- it works, the bad guy is on 2 HP and surrounded by the bodies of his broken colleagues, the Dragon Cultist drops his weapon and kneels, head bowed down- awaiting the inevitable.</p><p></p><p>Ten seconds later he looks up and he’s all alone…</p><p></p><p>Hotlips scrambles down the hole- after Mondath, the Halfling Rogue half-falls, tumbles and gets in position to spin a dagger out and in to the fleeing Mondath’s back.</p><p></p><p>Seconds later Sgt Bobby, Watt & Lummins also come scurrying down the ladder, tripping over each other in pursuit of the screaming Cult leader.</p><p></p><p>Mondath bursts in to a much larger cavern chamber, the walls of this cave are covered in intricate carvings lit by shadowy tallow lamps- the motif is Dragons in all of their glory (especially Black Dragons). Standing in the centre of the chamber is Cyanwrath (Half-Blue Dragon), and three thick-set Cult goons (Berserkers). The Half-Blue Dragon nods and one of the goons pads forward greataxe in hand.</p><p></p><p>Mondath doesn’t stop running until she’s hidden out of sight, then she spams the Cure Wounds button.</p><p></p><p>Back in the chamber above the surrendered Cultist hears a noise behind him, he turns- just in time to be smashed in the face by Lux’s Eldritch Blast.</p><p></p><p>At which point Sandy (playing Lux here, and previously Myrium the Blessed in Lost Mine of Phandelver- she had a thing about being ‘good’) grins at her fellow Players- “It feels good being bad!”</p><p></p><p>Back down below Hotlips backs up when she spots the Berserker approaching, she awaits the arrival of Big Bad Sgt Bobby- the two combatants go to it. Sgt Bobby stops the flat of the Berserker’s greataxe with his face, and dazed swings wildly.</p><p></p><p>At which point Hotlips appears out of the shadows behind the Berserker and sinks both of her blades in to the brute- with a Crit on the Sneak Attack for a total of 39 damage for both hits. The Berserker doesn’t even register pain (not even bloodied).</p><p></p><p>The Brothers renew their efforts, Watt is inside the brute’s head with his Dissonant Whispers, Lummins Blesses his companions and then conjures his Spiritual Weapon.</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby Crits the Berserker, seconds later Hotlips follows up with a rapier and dagger combo (the latter another Crit) and the Cultist goon is spent.</p><p></p><p>There was consternation in the ranks when the Berserker kept being still alive after the PCs kept hitting him, a collective "how much damage is this guy soaking up?" was beginning to register. </p><p></p><p>The Brothers move forward, Lux catching up at last, over the Berserker’s broken body and in to the chamber proper… Cyanwrath- and two more Berserkers await them (the guys are not happy- this is going to be nasty), and for the observant (Lummins & Hotlips) there’s Mondath hiding just around the corner.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]113013[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>The PCs and Cyanwrath chat a while- as the DM attempts to run down Lummins’ Spiritual Weapon and Bless spells. Eventually- when the PCs figure out what I’m doing, Cyanwrath challenges Sgt Bobby to a fight- one-on-one, just Cyanwrath and the Sgt- winner takes all, complete surrender if the Sgt wins.</p><p></p><p>At which point Mondath objects, however the offer is swiftly rejected, Sgt Bobby (Pete) simply states- “Not likely, you’re way too good for me…”, and after the smile, “but against us… CHARGE!”</p><p></p><p>And I get Initiative with Cyanwrath, the Half-Blue Dragon meets Sgt Bobby’s attack with a… Miss, and a… Miss. Damn! Action Surge… and… a MISS!</p><p></p><p>Hotlips appears and stabs Cyanwrath in the leg, Lummins’ Spiritual Weapon also connects with the Half-Dragon, then the Priest of Lathander grabs out his holy symbol and bathes the chamber in his Lord’s blessed light- Radiance of the Dawn. However, Lummins’ superpower is more of a damp squib, to begin with only one bad guy fails his save, and then the damage is rather underwhelming.</p><p></p><p>One of the Berserkers smashes Lummins, his Warding Flare fails to save him, the Bless spell instantly expires and the Priest is left bleeding badly.</p><p></p><p>Watt fires off a Thunderwave, catching Cyanwrath and one of the Berserkers.</p><p></p><p>Mondath, in the background, helps out with a Mass Healing Word for his Cult comrades.</p><p></p><p>Lux attempts to Blind Cyanwrath but the Warlock’s magic is not strong enough, the Half-Blue Dragon yawns and sends forth his Lightning Breath- Hotlips is hurt, Sgt Bobby is almost broken.</p><p></p><p>Lummins recovers quickly- he fires a Healing Word in to Sgt Bobby, and then thumps Cyanwrath again with his Spiritual Weapon, the Priest however pays the price as the Berserker facing him smashes him again (down to 5 hit points).</p><p></p><p>Watt unleashes another Shatter spell (then rolls 7+7+8 for damage, the bastard)- Cyanwrath falls, while one of the Berserkers is also caught in the blast.</p><p></p><p>“Hold them!” Frulam Mondath screams at the two staggering goons- and then runs.</p><p></p><p>The Berserkers are less certain, weapons up but edging back towards the exit.</p><p></p><p>Lux hits one with her trademark Eldritch Blast. Truth be told Sandy is struggling with her selection of Warlock spells, they all seem very hit or miss- her words. Point of fact I’m not sure that Sandy has actually hit a creature (ever) with an offensive spell other than Eldritch Blast.</p><p></p><p>Hotlips stabs a Berserker.</p><p></p><p>Lummins hits the other with his Spiritual Weapon, and then for good measure Crits it with his Mace- it’s not enough, the Berserker smashes the Priest of Lathander down with a Crit of his own (for 22 damage).</p><p></p><p>The second Berserker, now very badly wounded, attempts to flee- no chance, Sgt Bobby cuts him down.</p><p></p><p>Just one Berserker left, also badly wounded, and still backing up- the Brothers try to persuade the guy to surrender.</p><p></p><p>Watt gets to Lummins with a Cure Wounds, and the Priest opens his eyes, just in time to see the last of the action.</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby slashes the Berserker, and then gets his Second Wind, Lux fires an Eldritch Blast in to the goon (with a Crit), while Hotlips finds flesh with both of her blades- and still the Berserker stands, and Rages (all of the Berserkers are using Relentless Attack all of the time- hence lots of Crits against them) slashing at anyone that comes close to it.</p><p></p><p>That is until Hotlips strikes again, as does Lummins- now back on his feet, who is at present trying his hand at being a melee combatant- the last enemy falls.</p><p></p><p>The fight, at last, is over- it was glorious, a rolling maul- three combat encounters rolled in to one.</p><p></p><p>It’s at this point however the Players discover two things- one, Cyanwrath is only unconscious- sweet joy abounds, and two, by the sound of the screams and shouts coming from down the north-west passage more enemies are coming. Kobolds, by the sound of things- lots of them.</p><p></p><p>Hotlips is sent to check, the Halfling reports back- “Kobolds. Lots of ‘em. Some of ‘em flying!”</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]113014[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>This news is less joyfully received, the Brothers swig down Healing Potions- very quickly, and retreat a little to get themselves better situated. But that’s for next time…</p><p></p><p>The first sustained combat of this campaign- the fights in Episode 1 (Greenest) were much shorter, although no less brutal in places. It took us over 90 minutes to play out this last combat, but that included quite a lot of missing, in places, and also plenty of chatter, asides and mouth’s stuffed with Pizza at inopportune moments. The Players however were loath to do the wrong thing, and so sometimes took their time. I have to keep reminding myself that two of the players (Sandy & Jackie) have only played 22 sessions of D&D (or any other RPG) ever, only six months’ experience. That’s not to say their bad at it- far from it, they’re just a little more cautious, and whisper it… thoughtful.</p><p></p><p>Anyway, more next time, and we’re still loving it.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 7598136, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]We D&D.[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #22 Hoard of the Dragon Queen #8 Cyanwrath! Brothers of the First Light. Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 2 Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 2 Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 2 Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 2 & Hard Bonk (played by Rob) Male Half-Orc Monk Lvl 2 Secondary PCs Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 2 Sgt Harald Hardaxe (played by Pete) Male Dwarf Fighter Lvl 2 Derek Pilch (played by Jackie) Male Human Druid Lvl 2[/B] Note, this is session #22 of our game but only session #8 of the Hoard of the Dragon Queen scenario. So, the Brothers of the First Light (& Hard Bonk (Half-Orc Monk)) head back to Greenest, en route (and after slaughtering the Kobolds) they get the former Cult prisoners out of their barrels and crates et al. There follows a comprehensive Q&A session- they find out where each of the rescued folk come from- nearby villages which have all been attacked by the Cult. They also discover any more info they know about the Cultists, and their camp. Most forthcoming, and very well informed, is Leosin Erlanthar- Hard Bonk’s former master. Which is a pain in the backside for me because I had prepared the Players a written test in lieu of their interview with Governor Nighthill, back in Greenest, but they kinda just make me tell them all of the answers. So, no test. Oh, and Hard Bonk releases Gerty the Drake, it seems all of the other players think it would be mighty cool to have a Guard Drake as a pet- Rob’s not keen at all. So, back to Greenest and an interview with Nighthill, the players answer all the Governor’s questions- after hearty thanks comes payment, and all of the PCs are Level 3 now- cue mass Level up. Meantime, Sgt Markguth (Human Fighter)- now missing two fingers on his right hand spends every hour he can getting to grips with his sword, and his new fighting style, and seeing his family of course. Cyanwrath, however- he swears (repeatedly) is going to die at his hands. The PCs get a day’s rest- they are after all, effectively, now unemployed. Then Leosin Erlanthar comes around with Hard Bonk and offers them 150gp each to head back to Camp Dragonclaw and find out yet more info- “After all you’ve done already for me personally and for the people of Greenest, I hate to ask anything more from you. But the need is great, and I dare to hope that you can aid me one time more. I need you to return to the cultists’ camp. You know your way around it now. If the cultists are preparing to conduct another raid, or a large body of them marches away, or if anything substantial is carried into or out of that cave, I need to know. If you have a chance to get into the camp and look around again, that would be the ideal way to spot anything that's changed. “ “I don’t recommend letting yourselves get captured,” Leosin adds with a wry smile. The Brothers of the First Light are up for the task according to Lux (Human Warlock), although this time they’re taking Hotlips Houlihan (Halfling Rogue) with them in place of Hard Bonk, mainly because it’s Sandy’s turn to play two PCs at the same time, and she’s been dying to give the Rogue another run out. The Brothers agree to meet Leosin in the city of Elturel after they have completed their new mission, the Monk is also keen to introduce them to a friend of his- Ontharr Frume, a Dwarven Paladin of Torm who shares his concerns regarding the Dragon Cultists. And so… [B]Episode 3: Dragon Hatchery. Brothers of the First Light. Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 3 Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 3 Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 3 Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 3 & Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 3[/B] The PCs stock up and head out again, to Camp Dragonclaw. And… the camp is gone- broken up, burnt out (or at least the Kobold tents are), there are just two of the Hunters hanging around, the Brothers (dressed as wannabe Cultists of course) wander over for a chat. The Hunters are semi-surly until they spot Lux and quickly figure that they are talking to the guys that ‘bust’ out of camp previously. Their attitude changes dramatically, they’re very cautious- in the end Lux and Watt (Human Bard) convince them to tell what they know, which is- there was lots of drama after the PCs left camp with Leosin and the Sgt. It was kinda crazy for a while, with the ‘high-ups’ mostly running around shouting at people. The same afternoon the camp started to break up, and by early evening 90% of the folk had left- heading off in small groups mostly, and in different directions. Which just leaves? Watt and Lux ask. A bunch of Kobolds and Cultists, guarding some of the ‘high-ups’ (probably Frulam Mondath and Cyanwrath, after further questioning)- and whatever else is in the ‘Nursery’. The Hunters turn to point at the cave at the rear of the camp. Lux thanks the pair, distributes a few treats (booze) and then tells them to bugger off or else she and her colleagues are going to arrest them, or kill them- the Hunters skedaddle fast. And so… The Brothers of the First Light head in, skirting around the right-hand side of the valley area, passing the empty prisoner’s tent, and all the way around to the cave entrance- they sneak up on it. And spot a lone Dragonclaw within. [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]113010[/ATTACH][/CENTER] Only there’s another Dragonclaw that has not been spotted. Lux issues her whispered orders- take the bastard down! Lux (played by Sandy) hits the fellow with an Eldritch Blast and then Hotlips (played by Sandy) assassinates the poor bugger with a crossbow bolt through the throat (and 34 damage on a Crit), Sandy is a giggling like a loon- she likes Rogues and loves the Sandy show. At which point Sgt Bobby, running forward- spots the second Dragonclaw, unfortunately for my bad guy the PCs get to act again in Initiative (after the surprise round) and seconds later the fellow is surrounded. Lummins (Half-Elf Cleric) orders the Dragonclaw to surrender, and then rolls a ‘20’ on his Intimidation check. The guy is quickly frogmarched out of the cave and in to the nearest serviceable tent, and there he is interrogated, the Brothers learn (thanks mostly to Watt & Lux, as usual) that Cyanwrath and Frulam Mondath are in the cave with a bunch more guards, and that they are guarding a clutch of Dragon eggs, then the Cultist clams up. The fellow is tied up (and down) and dumped (hidden) in the tent. The Brothers head back in to the cavern, cautiously- they’re looking for a concealed door, or so Lux believes- it’s Sgt Markguth (of all people) who finds it. Hotlips is sent sneaking in and discovers a snoring Cultist guard clutching a little treasure in an otherwise empty chamber, the Halfling Rogue pockets the treasure for herself and then knocks the bad guy unconscious. Alas while Hotlips has been looting her comrades decide to do a little sneaking of their own- they’re less successful, Watt trips over his feet (‘1’) and almost falls in to a barracks room rammed with Cultists (actually eight Cultists and trio of Guards). [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]113011[/ATTACH][/CENTER] The chamber comes alive, with several of the bad guys calling out and heading down a passage to the east, worse still a heavily armoured fellow blocks the passage in to the barracks chamber- Lux, Hotlips & Sgt Bobby all attempt to get past the guy, alas they all fail to shift the Cultist (actually a Guard). Watt fixes the issue by firing a Shatter spell in to the centre of the chamber- killing five of the room’s inhabitants in the blast, including the Guard blocking the entrance. “After you.” The Bard grins and directs Sgt Bobby in to action. The good Sgt, also grinning, dashes in to melee with the three remaining Cultists who are now backing up to block the passage to the east. Lux hits one with an Eldritch Blast, then Hotlips suddenly appears out of the shadows and stabs the fellow dead. Sgt Bobby cuts down another and then with an Action Surge decapitates the last (‘20’). The Brothers are still grinning like loons (or at least the Players were- they’re liking how tough they are at 3rd Level), they rush in to the eastern passage. There’s a Cultist at the end of the passage, watching the way, Watt shoots an arrow through the guy’s black heart, another Cultist appears at the exit of the passage and slashes at Lummins who is now (somehow) leading the Brother’s charge. The ineffectual pair swat furiously at each other but fail to connect, seconds later Hotlips fires a crossbow bolt in to the Cultist’s gut and kills him. Watt is the first to emerge in to the next chamber, a bedroom-cum-study for a high-ranking individual, namely Frulam Mondath. Mondath Commands Watt to “DROP!” but the Bard ignores the request, and instead yells to his colleagues to catch up. There are two more Cultists (actually Guards) between Frulam and Watt. The rest of the Brothers et al begin to arrive, as Frulam takes emergency measures- she throws a rug aside and climbs down in to a formerly concealed hole, an escape route? Lux hits one of the Guards with an Eldritch Blast, Sgt Bobby closes in and kills the foul fellow, then charges again and gets in to the last Guard’s face. [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]113012[/ATTACH][/CENTER] Meantime Watt and Lummins circle the action, the Bard shoots Mondath, while the Priest of Lathander follows up with a Guiding Bolt (after spending an Inspiration Point for a miss)- the Cult leader is bloodied in an instant, however she descends to the cavern below- leaping down the last ten feet. She’s off and running, and screaming for help. Lux hits the last Guard with an Eldritch Blast and then screams at the fellow to surrender- it works, the bad guy is on 2 HP and surrounded by the bodies of his broken colleagues, the Dragon Cultist drops his weapon and kneels, head bowed down- awaiting the inevitable. Ten seconds later he looks up and he’s all alone… Hotlips scrambles down the hole- after Mondath, the Halfling Rogue half-falls, tumbles and gets in position to spin a dagger out and in to the fleeing Mondath’s back. Seconds later Sgt Bobby, Watt & Lummins also come scurrying down the ladder, tripping over each other in pursuit of the screaming Cult leader. Mondath bursts in to a much larger cavern chamber, the walls of this cave are covered in intricate carvings lit by shadowy tallow lamps- the motif is Dragons in all of their glory (especially Black Dragons). Standing in the centre of the chamber is Cyanwrath (Half-Blue Dragon), and three thick-set Cult goons (Berserkers). The Half-Blue Dragon nods and one of the goons pads forward greataxe in hand. Mondath doesn’t stop running until she’s hidden out of sight, then she spams the Cure Wounds button. Back in the chamber above the surrendered Cultist hears a noise behind him, he turns- just in time to be smashed in the face by Lux’s Eldritch Blast. At which point Sandy (playing Lux here, and previously Myrium the Blessed in Lost Mine of Phandelver- she had a thing about being ‘good’) grins at her fellow Players- “It feels good being bad!” Back down below Hotlips backs up when she spots the Berserker approaching, she awaits the arrival of Big Bad Sgt Bobby- the two combatants go to it. Sgt Bobby stops the flat of the Berserker’s greataxe with his face, and dazed swings wildly. At which point Hotlips appears out of the shadows behind the Berserker and sinks both of her blades in to the brute- with a Crit on the Sneak Attack for a total of 39 damage for both hits. The Berserker doesn’t even register pain (not even bloodied). The Brothers renew their efforts, Watt is inside the brute’s head with his Dissonant Whispers, Lummins Blesses his companions and then conjures his Spiritual Weapon. Sgt Bobby Crits the Berserker, seconds later Hotlips follows up with a rapier and dagger combo (the latter another Crit) and the Cultist goon is spent. There was consternation in the ranks when the Berserker kept being still alive after the PCs kept hitting him, a collective "how much damage is this guy soaking up?" was beginning to register. The Brothers move forward, Lux catching up at last, over the Berserker’s broken body and in to the chamber proper… Cyanwrath- and two more Berserkers await them (the guys are not happy- this is going to be nasty), and for the observant (Lummins & Hotlips) there’s Mondath hiding just around the corner. [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]113013[/ATTACH][/CENTER] The PCs and Cyanwrath chat a while- as the DM attempts to run down Lummins’ Spiritual Weapon and Bless spells. Eventually- when the PCs figure out what I’m doing, Cyanwrath challenges Sgt Bobby to a fight- one-on-one, just Cyanwrath and the Sgt- winner takes all, complete surrender if the Sgt wins. At which point Mondath objects, however the offer is swiftly rejected, Sgt Bobby (Pete) simply states- “Not likely, you’re way too good for me…”, and after the smile, “but against us… CHARGE!” And I get Initiative with Cyanwrath, the Half-Blue Dragon meets Sgt Bobby’s attack with a… Miss, and a… Miss. Damn! Action Surge… and… a MISS! Hotlips appears and stabs Cyanwrath in the leg, Lummins’ Spiritual Weapon also connects with the Half-Dragon, then the Priest of Lathander grabs out his holy symbol and bathes the chamber in his Lord’s blessed light- Radiance of the Dawn. However, Lummins’ superpower is more of a damp squib, to begin with only one bad guy fails his save, and then the damage is rather underwhelming. One of the Berserkers smashes Lummins, his Warding Flare fails to save him, the Bless spell instantly expires and the Priest is left bleeding badly. Watt fires off a Thunderwave, catching Cyanwrath and one of the Berserkers. Mondath, in the background, helps out with a Mass Healing Word for his Cult comrades. Lux attempts to Blind Cyanwrath but the Warlock’s magic is not strong enough, the Half-Blue Dragon yawns and sends forth his Lightning Breath- Hotlips is hurt, Sgt Bobby is almost broken. Lummins recovers quickly- he fires a Healing Word in to Sgt Bobby, and then thumps Cyanwrath again with his Spiritual Weapon, the Priest however pays the price as the Berserker facing him smashes him again (down to 5 hit points). Watt unleashes another Shatter spell (then rolls 7+7+8 for damage, the bastard)- Cyanwrath falls, while one of the Berserkers is also caught in the blast. “Hold them!” Frulam Mondath screams at the two staggering goons- and then runs. The Berserkers are less certain, weapons up but edging back towards the exit. Lux hits one with her trademark Eldritch Blast. Truth be told Sandy is struggling with her selection of Warlock spells, they all seem very hit or miss- her words. Point of fact I’m not sure that Sandy has actually hit a creature (ever) with an offensive spell other than Eldritch Blast. Hotlips stabs a Berserker. Lummins hits the other with his Spiritual Weapon, and then for good measure Crits it with his Mace- it’s not enough, the Berserker smashes the Priest of Lathander down with a Crit of his own (for 22 damage). The second Berserker, now very badly wounded, attempts to flee- no chance, Sgt Bobby cuts him down. Just one Berserker left, also badly wounded, and still backing up- the Brothers try to persuade the guy to surrender. Watt gets to Lummins with a Cure Wounds, and the Priest opens his eyes, just in time to see the last of the action. Sgt Bobby slashes the Berserker, and then gets his Second Wind, Lux fires an Eldritch Blast in to the goon (with a Crit), while Hotlips finds flesh with both of her blades- and still the Berserker stands, and Rages (all of the Berserkers are using Relentless Attack all of the time- hence lots of Crits against them) slashing at anyone that comes close to it. That is until Hotlips strikes again, as does Lummins- now back on his feet, who is at present trying his hand at being a melee combatant- the last enemy falls. The fight, at last, is over- it was glorious, a rolling maul- three combat encounters rolled in to one. It’s at this point however the Players discover two things- one, Cyanwrath is only unconscious- sweet joy abounds, and two, by the sound of the screams and shouts coming from down the north-west passage more enemies are coming. Kobolds, by the sound of things- lots of them. Hotlips is sent to check, the Halfling reports back- “Kobolds. Lots of ‘em. Some of ‘em flying!” [CENTER][ATTACH type="full"]113014[/ATTACH][/CENTER] This news is less joyfully received, the Brothers swig down Healing Potions- very quickly, and retreat a little to get themselves better situated. But that’s for next time… The first sustained combat of this campaign- the fights in Episode 1 (Greenest) were much shorter, although no less brutal in places. It took us over 90 minutes to play out this last combat, but that included quite a lot of missing, in places, and also plenty of chatter, asides and mouth’s stuffed with Pizza at inopportune moments. The Players however were loath to do the wrong thing, and so sometimes took their time. I have to keep reminding myself that two of the players (Sandy & Jackie) have only played 22 sessions of D&D (or any other RPG) ever, only six months’ experience. That’s not to say their bad at it- far from it, they’re just a little more cautious, and whisper it… thoughtful. Anyway, more next time, and we’re still loving it. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
We D&D- Tyranny of Dragons Part 2: The Rise of Tiamat #24b Strike Team 1 Part 2 A Ton of Undead.
Top