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Chapter 1: A Darkness Gathering

Turn 24: A Bolt from the Blue

Darkness was falling by the time Danton and Nanoc returned to the hilltop campsite where Telemachos and Xaod had done their best to set up crude shelters using logs and tarps to make up for the party’s lack of tents. The rain had lessened to a drizzle, but it still promised to be a cool, uncomfortable night. Nanoc and Danton related what they had seen in and around the moathouse, while Telemachos reported that nothing had stirred in the surrounding countryside.

Once again drawing the barbarian and the Furyondian aside, out of earshot of Aseneth and Xaod, Danton said:

“I remain of the frame of mind that we must needs continue our surveillance of the site, at least for the duration of the night. 'Twould be pointless to enter into the moathouse in the night and pouring rain, when, no doubt, any living dead are fully mobile and on alert. We've now got further intelligence -- though exactly how reliable remains to be seen -- that the living dead do reside in the moathouse, and, moreover, have been joined of late by a wyrm of disturbing proportions.”

”In my judgment,” continued the Velunese, “if there's a dragon in the moathouse, 'tis wise to avoid it. Now, Nanoc, I know you wilt chafe at that, but listen: if the loony trapper is correct, the dragon hath only just arrived on site. Think about what that portends. First, it likely means that the dragon hath no connection to Uncle Jaroo's malady, assuming, of course, that the moathouse doth have a connection. Second -- and p'raps most important to you, Nanoc -- since the dragon hath just arrived, surely 'tis not in possession of any goodly hoard ... including magical axes. I knoweth little of wyrms, I'll confess, but 'twould be ridiculous to suppose that this reputed dragon hath traveled to the moathouse with a massive fortune strapped to its back or carried in its claws. Third, since only the loony trapper knows the dragon hath arrived and since, obviously, the dragon hath not been visiting depredations upon the Hommletians, killing it will go largely unspoken, unnoticed and unrewarded.”

”In sum,” said Danton, looking straight at Nanoc, “the dragon likely is only a dangerous element, whose death wilt not aid our effort to help Uncle Jaroo, not produce tremendous wealth in the form of a hoard, and also not provide any glory for bards to sing or the locals to rejoice. What doth it profit us to disturb it? Seems to me that the wyrm presents only danger and challenge, with little to no pay-off. Plainly, if we run right into the beast, we may be forced to defend ourselves -- the rule of the wilds, as you knoweth well Nanoc, is too often kill or be killed. But I'd not rule out the possibility that the dragon might be avoided or, if encountered, bargained with. Legends speak of dragons who converse in the Common Tongue, so 'twould be theoretically possible to parley with it. And that is my suggested course of action with respect to the wyrm, if it even exists, avoidance or parley.”

”As to other dangers of the moathouse, our nightly surveillance may help determine what monsters liveth in that place. I suggest that, to the degree possible, we avoid all contact with them and only observe. Any undead that we kill out here in the wilds likely wilt not reduce the challenge inside, and, unless we can do it unseen and in total silence, melee would needlessly alert the other denizens, who could lie in wait, erect ambuscades and otherwise complicate our exploration.”

”Finally,” concluded Danton, “dependent on what we observe tonight, 'tis my idea that we have an early, and hearty, breakfast and then enter the moathouse grounds very shortly after sunrise. We should then first explore to our satisfaction the upper grounds of the moathouse before plunging into the dungeon that reputedly lieth beneath. After all, 'tis possible that clues found above may negate any need to go below. Even if not, 'tis clearly best to know what enemies or denizens are behind us when we enter the catacombs.”

”While I have enjoyed a couple of good dragon hunts in my days as a Furyondian soldier, I tend to agree with Danton's assessment,” said Telemachos, “with a few caveats.”

“Yeah, right,” interrupted Nanoc. “I bet the only dragon ya ever encountered before was Calcryx—an’ he don’t really count!”

Telemachos scowled, but continued: ”The information we are seeking and its sources may be in the moathouse. We may have no choice but to fight or circle around the great wyrm if possible. Secondly, it is rather curious that the dragon and party of gnolls recently arrived. I may say that it seemth not like a coincidence. We should definitely gather some further intelligence and speak to Asenth before we plunge in. If I recall correctly, this lady has still not shared anything about her purposes in coming her. Of course, we should listen with one ear while being watchful of a surprise attack with the other. If she proves uncooperative, then we could simply tell her she is on her own. Perhaps we might also survey the old temple to the north as well before we enter this ruin here.”

“I too am inclined to think that Aseneth needs to be confronted,” agreed Danton, “directly and in such manner that she wilt either have to answer the questions put to her or make it plain and undeniable that she is stonewalling us. If 'tis the latter, however, I'm not entirely sure what to do. After all, we're all here on the threshold of the moathouse, and we plainly intend to enter, in Aseneth's company or no. I daresay the lady knows that well enough, and she isn't likely simply to go away.

If she proveth further obdurate about answering questions, I shall regard her as a potential enemy. That is not to say that I'll refuse to keep her with us, but, rather, that I'll be even more suspicious of her activities and more inclined to keep her under the tightest possible scrutiny.

Which remindeth me: don't go too soft on the woman, Nanoc! You may wish to slip her something, but it may be that 'twill be she that slips you something: such as a dagger, right into your back. Aseneth is an enchantress, after all, not a bar wench, and 'twould be best not to underestimate her powers or ability to conceal her intentions....”

“Well I done ‘bout heard enough o’ this,” grunted Nanoc. “An’ I reckon I gots a few things ta say!” Holding up his fingers, the barbarian began to count them off as he made his points. ”First, takin' out a blue dragon would be a great show o' strength and would praise Kord by usin' the strength he'sa givin' me ta do so. That by itself is reward enough. Plus I know I ain't book smart, but I do know dragon scales and claws and the like fetch a good price. Ain't like we is gonna kill it and return ta town with no proof. O' course....probably can't do it myself. So if'n you all wants ta chat wit it or avoid it. Ok, I'm game, but if it challenges us, then we gots ta kill it.”

Nanoc held up a second finger. “Second, Xaod and Aseneth ain't done nothin' yet ta say I can't trust 'em. Look if the lady don't wanna share more than she's lookin' for some item, then so be it. I ain't gonna tell 'er ta go off on her own, that would be an awful thing ta do, and I don't want you fella's doin' it either. I'm askin' ya as my friends. You wanna ask her questions and explain it'll make it less risk for us if she comes clean go ahead...but I don't wanna hear no threats and no tell'n her ta go on her own. Xaod’s a good fella didn't rob me or nothin' when he had the chance. If he says he's been to the temple then he's been. Just cause he did not see much don't mean he didn't miss a secret door or somethin', I believe what he told us. Ain't no sense in marchin' up there when we is already here. If'n we don't finds what we wants here then fine we can go there then.”

Up went another finger. “Third, Aseneth seems ta want ta rest tonight as does everyone else. So we can wait til mornin'—no longer though...don't make much sense ta me they is sure ta send out patrols at night. So we best be prepared an make sure no one falls asleep on their watch.”

Now Nanoc raised the index finger and the thumb of his right hand at the same time. “Fourth, I know I saw somethin' steel in that courtyard. Maybe one o’ them gnolls dropped it—they might still have guards in the doorway. I was thinkin' Aseneth is a girl mage, maybe she can make it so Danton can't be seen and he can with that and his skills sneak his way up there and get a closer inspection. It' be nice ta know the numbers. If he gets in trouble well we'll come ta his aid.”

”and Six...I means fifth, leastawise I think I do,” continued Nanoc, pausing and looking back and forth between his two hands for a moment. “Anywho, most times I like everyone I meets. Most people is good. But I ain't got a good feelin' bout this Chat-rilon fella. You know he didn't want us ta come here, and then when he heard this is where we was a goin' he wanted ta come along. Don't make sense ta me. I think we gotta think he was try'n ta get us away from this place on purpose, an who knows he may alert someone that we is commin' so we need ta keep that in mind, and I agree with Danton he shows up again we takes action first, talks later.”

”And last, I was a think ‘bout that little girl at the potion shop and her father bein' gone for so long. He came out here. Probably ta get stuff ta make potion wit I reckon. Well anywho, I'm thinkin' we might be on a rescue mission as well. I mean if he is bein' held here and we saves just think I am sure he'll give us each a potion for rescue'n him. Plus I bet that sure would put a smile on his little girl's face. Ya no I never got ta know my moms...I'd hate for this girl ta lose her dad. So I thinks we should keep an eye out for 'im. Well that's what I gots ta say 'bout all this. Now you two try ta be nice ta our new friends. Ya may need 'em ta have your back at some point along the way.”

“Peace, Nanoc!” said Telemachos with a low laugh. “I think we should simply press the good lady to state plainly why she is here. After all, we cannot formulate a plan without knowing what her objectives are. Hiding at least a basic understanding of what she is seeking is just downright foolish at this point. It may even cause harm to one or all of us. Explaining this to her may prove more successful than threatening her.”

“And I still say perhaps another possible course of action is to reconnoiter the Temple of Elemental Evil before we make a decision. It would not hurt to have all the information we need to formulate a plan now that we are here and not in Hommlet. This is especially true since it seems that no one has detected our presence as yet.”

”Hmm,” mused Danton, “Respecting Aseneth, I am entirely in accord with your suggested plan, Telemachos ... to the letter. But regarding the Temple of Elemental Evil, I'm not sure that I think now is the right time to go there. For one, Xaod claims to have been there and found nothing; if we leave the moathouse and trudge over there, he'd likely not want to go. Beyond this, though I am usually all for gathering information, in this particular case I am not sure that we should abandon the moathouse. We now have strong evidence suggesting that something is amiss here, including eyewitness accounts of gnolls, living dead, and dragons -- ne'er mind the fact that the eyewitness might be a loon. Plus, is it not the case that we suspect Tanak wandered in this direction, and not north, toward the Temple?”

“Aside from that,” said the Velunese, “Nanoc’s stratagem regarding using Aseneth's powers to enhance my reconnoitering of the site has merit, and if she is able to do so, might be a good idea. Though you are far too soft on the woman, Nanoc, we may as well turn her powers to our advantage. Keep in mind, however, that if these gnolls truly are like ‘dog men,’ mere invisibility may not be enough -- their snouts may alert them.”

Nanoc slapped Danton hard on the back, causing the Velunese to cough loudly.

“Yeah..me soft. Yeah you’re right, I musta had a sof spot somewhere a savin' you from them thugs back in Devamish, Huh? So how many weeks was ya sleepin' wit one eye open til I was able ta earn your trust? Yep I gotta say, Danton, this is the one place you and I seem ta differ. I always think treat people nice, respect, and trust 'em til you see that you can't. Your always a thinkin' so when that guy gonna stick a knife in my back! I may be foolish but I have a lot o' fun not wastin' time a worryin' if everyone I meet is gonna knife me. Danton you never fail ta give me a good laugh. That's why I like ya! You must have a soft spot for foolish barbarians, eh?”

“Quite right, my boy. Quite right. I do have a soft spot for you. You've saved my skin enough times -- and padded my wallet through your strength and antics -- that I'd like to return the favor. But, as per usual, I hath talked overlong, so I wilt sum up. 'Twould seem that the consensus is to stay at the moathouse, query Aseneth, though gently, reconnoiter the site further, avoid the dragon if possible, and attack Chatrilon if he shows his face. Finally, regarding the potion-maker, I agree that he's worth saving if we can find him -- the reward might be considerable, if not in cash, then in potions, which frankly might even be better.”

“Fine,” said Telemachos, “now let’s get over there and see what the lady has to say.”

With Aseneth once again awake and eating a cold meal under her tarp while Xaod continued to watch the road from Hommlet, Danton, Telemachos and Nanoc returned to the camp and broke out their own rations.

“My lady,” began Telemachos, “could you now tell me what exactly happened to my uncle Jaroo?”

Aseneth looked up from her meal and glanced back and forth between the three men sitting around her.

“Like I saying other day, I was finding no magic on old druid—no spell. But he is having great power. I try throwing spell, make him cooperate, but no effect—spell not working. Druid very magic strong—resisting. But what is this meaning, I am not knowing.”

“Guess that magic resistance don’t ‘xactly run in the family, eh Tel?” asked Nanoc with a laugh. “Otherwise maybe ya wouldn’ta gone all weird when the Frog Man zapped ya!”

Telemachos scowled again, but ignored the distraction. “What exactly are you doing here, Aseneth? You’ve never really explained what it is you are seeking.”

Before Aseneth could make any comment, Danton pressed her further:

“Now that we are on the verge of entering yon ruin, the consequences of keeping silent are dire—a party without trust that walks into a perilous place is likely not a party that will remain hale and whole for long.”

The woman was silent for several moments before responding, clearly choosing her words carefully.

“I am coming from city of Rinloru, as I was saying before. This is—was—great city in Aerdy Kingdom before civil war. Then war come, dividing kingdom in two parts, north and south. During war southern armies destroying most of Rinloru, my family and other people running away. War end, but when we were returning home, we find horrible monster in city ruins making all dead—north and south—living again—unlife. Now Rinloru is city ruled by dead. We try destroy all, but they are being too many. Armies cannot destroy dead—not enough soldier after civil war—need magic way destroy.”

Danton, Telemachos, and Nanoc remained utterly silent as the woman spoke. Even Xaod’s attention seemed to have drifted from the road and he gazed at Aseneth as she continued.

“Dead in Rinloru having many powerful artifacts—things of very old power. We need this power of own. From studies I know of elemental cult rising two time here in Verbobonc. Stories say they were having many artifacts of great power. I am hoping find these artifacts, taking to Rinloru, and using destroy dead, taking back city.”

“And just what are these artifacts?” asked Danton. “Surely they would have to be of truly vast power to be able to defeat an entire city of undead! Why the thought alone of such a place is enough to make one shudder!”

“I do not know what might find,” replied Aseneth. “Only know stories, but what other choices are we having? City is lost and maybe whole North Kingdom if dead keep growing. My…city…army sending people over world hope finding artifacts. Others in many place. I am here. Please helping—after other men taking money—you are my only hope.”

“Don’t ya worry, one bit, Aseneth,” said Nanoc. “We’ll find ya something great ta git those nasty undead an’ take yer city back! Now that’s a mission that’d make Kord right proud!”

Although both Danton and Telemachos had watched Aseneth closely and listened for any change in tone or expression that might suggest a lie (sense motive: Telemachos: 14+0=14, Danton: 7+4=11), neither had detected any telltale signs of subterfuge. Leaving Nanoc with the woman and Xaod, the pair walked to the other end of the hilltop.

“An interesting story,” said Danton, “but one that bears further investigation, methinks. Hath you ever heard of this Rinloru during your studies at the military academy in Chendl?”

Telemachos shook his head. “I know about the Aerdy civil war, of course. It was part of the wider Greyhawk wars that shook the whole continent, but the fate of a specific city thousands of miles away? No, I know nothing about that. But I will tell you this, Danton,” he continued, grasping the right arm of the Velunese with a powerful grip, “I will not have this woman jeopardize finding the answer to my uncle's bewitchment and ultimately my father's whereabouts.  I cannot let anything stand in the way.”

Suddenly all the energy seemed to drain from Telemachos and he released his grip, his arm falling to his side. “So many questions . . . more and more questions . . . but all I get are fewer answers.  I fear I will fail."

“Take heart, my friend,” said Danton, clapping Telemachos on the back. “If life hath taught me anything it is that one’s fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, for the worse as they hath lamentably done in both our cases in the past, but also for the better, as we may hope they will one day soon. Now, let us finish our meal and get some rest. And fear not, I mean to investigate Aseneth and her story further when the opportunity presents itself.”

After their cold meal, Nanoc effectively ordered Telemachos, Danton, and Aseneth to go to sleep while he and Xaod took the first watch, announcing that he would wake the Furyondian and the Velunese to take the second watch during the early morning hours. By Nanoc’s decree, Aseneth would be allowed to sleep the entire night.

When darkness came, the temperature dropped significantly, and fog rolled in from the great Gnarley Forest to the east, reducing visibility so much that the road to Hommlet disappeared and only the outlines of the moathouse remained visible in the distance. Nanoc and Xaod walked the perimeter of the hilltop to keep themselves awake and alert, sometimes chatting in low tones about previous expeditions and adventures. Hours later, when Danton and Telemachos took over guard duty, the pair talked mostly of the Furyondian’s quest for his missing father. Sometime before dawn, the rain finally stopped and the fog lifted as the temperature rose.

After another cold meal, the party broke camp and moved down the far side of the hill, away from the moathouse. From there, the group moved to the east, trying to keep to the trees as much as possible while gradually drawing closer to the keep. Finally, when they could go no closer without crossing open ground, the group stopped and Aseneth prepared to cast her invisibility spell on Danton.

“Remember, Danton, “said Nanoc, “you needs ta keep the wind in mind. Long as you stay downwind them gnolls ain’t gonna be able to smell. By my reckonin you oughta approach it from…” The barbarian paused, wetted his index finger with his tongue and then stuck his finger in the air. “From the east,” he continued. “Then just gets close enough ta take a good look and see if’n you see anythin’ . If they do catch your scent, jus’ come runnin back this way. If we see a bunch o’ them runnin’ cross a field we’ll know they is on you and come help you out. I’ll climb that tree I was in yesterday, so I’ll be able ta see pretty good.”

With that, Nanoc stalked out of the grove and made his way across the stream and into the larger copse of trees once again, retracing his steps to the huge evergreen he had climbed the previous day and ascending it once again (climb: 19+10=29). From this vantage point he gazed down into the courtyard of the keep once again, looking for any sign of either Danton or danger. The barbarian could not help but notice the fact that animal life remained totally absent from the entire area surrounding the keep.

After Nanoc left, Aseneth waited several minutes before performing her incantation. When she did so, Danton disappeared before the eyes of all the others. He then stalked out into the open, doing his best to keep track of the movements of the wind on what had turned out to be a cloudy, breezy day (Hide: 2+5=7, Move Silently: 3+7=10).

As Danton crept across the open fields and then approached the south wall of the moathouse, he saw that there were numerous pools of stagnant water surrounding the keep and the stream that flowed around it. As he moved along the western wall, the scout was careful to avoid the muddy areas that surrounding these pools. Near one of the larger ponds, very close to the drawbridge leading into the keep, something stirred in the reeds and Danton heard a faint splash, but he saw nothing and continued on into the keep.

When he reached the path that led up to the drawbridge, Danton saw (search: 19+9=28) that, despite the rain, there were clear tracks of numerous booted feet in the muddy ground. The tracks led towards the keep and were not matched by other sets going the opposite direction. Trying to remain in the grass and reeds to the side of the path in order to avoid leaving such a trail himself, Danton approached the drawbridge.

As Danton had noted the previous day, while the bridge itself was heavily rotted, someone had placed four new planks atop it sometime fairly recently, making the span safe to cross. Danton slipped invisibly across the bridge, through the open gates and into the courtyard. Once inside, he got his best look yet at the ruined place.

Immediately to his left was one of the keep’s wrecked towers. The scout crept over to it and gazed through the gaping hole where a door must once have stood. Inside, it appeared that the tower had once sported a wooden staircase, an upper floor, and a roof, but each of these was mostly gone now, leaving a hollow cylinder, blackened on the inside from some fire from long ago. The ground was mostly covered in wooden, stone, and twisted iron debris, most of it more than a little charred. As far as Danton could tell, there was nothing of value here, nor anything to investigate.

Returning to the courtyard, Danton took a good look at the open area, which was roughly square and sixty feet to a side. Despite the rain of the previous day, he could still see remnants of the long brown smear that Nanoc had described. Moving closer he discerned a curved dagger lying on the cobblestones near where the stain began in the center of the courtyard, most likely the source of the glint that Nanoc had mentioned.

Danton stooped briefly and picked up the dagger for further examination. He noted immediately that the metal was not rusted in the slightest and the edge remained keen. Then, in order to avoid giving away his presence by carrying around a visible weapon, Danton set the dagger back down.

With nothing else evident in the courtyard save for stone, metal, and wooden wreckage from the walls and upper level of the keep, Danton moved carefully towards the great open doors that led inside the structure (Hide: 19+5=24, Move Silently: 6+7=13). As he made his way carefully up the stairs, a foul smell wafted out and assailed his nostrils—the stench of death.

Moving closer to the doorway, Danton’s heart pounded in his chest. Shafts of daylight peeked through the rotten and partially ruined ceiling timbers ten feet above the stone floor of the interior of the keep, providing only the faintest illumination. Danton stood still in the doorway for several moments, waiting for his vision to adjust to the largely dark, shadow-filled interior. It appeared that he looked into some sort of great hall nearly as large as the courtyard. Danton thought he could see several halls or doorways leading off the hall, but much of the room was filled with rubble and heaps of smashed wood, particularly near the walls, obscuring his view of some parts of the hall.

As his vision adjusted, Danton stepped farther into the hall, his feet making the slightest of sounds as they moved across the stone floor. He could now tell that the brown smear from the courtyard continued all the way into the hall and to its center, where the corpse of a man lay. It appeared to be partially eaten. The man wore ochre-colored robes now shredded and smeared in dried blood. A heavy mace had been set across the body. The smell of rotting grew so strong that Danton nearly retched. Across the room, near the northeast corner, lay a second body, which appeared to be in leather armor. A sword, bow, and a smashed quiver and arrows were strewn about nearby.

As Danton stood, taking in the scene and pondering whether to flee or investigate further, his ears (listen: 20+6=26) caught the distinct sound of movement to his right. Glancing that direction, he saw a rock clatter to the stone floor at the edge of a particularly large pile of rubble near the center of the west wall.

Willing himself to freeze in place, Danton listened for any further sound of movement, but heard nothing. After waiting a full two minutes, the scout then withdrew carefully from the hall, inching his way back to and through the great open doors (hide: 5+5=10, move silently: 3+3=6) before turning his back to the place. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, his boots continued to make faint sounds on the stone. And he was only halfway back down the stairs when the attack came.

With the sound of heavy movement on stone followed by the rush of air, Danton spun at the last moment to see a great blue reptilian shape leaping at him out of the darkened hall. It was approximately twelve feet long from snout to tail and it rushed at Danton with its claws, wings and teeth flashing, obviously uncertain as to his precise location and trying to strike out in as many directions as possible at once.

The wings and one of the claws did not even come close, and Danton managed to jump out of the way of the beast’s second claw, but its jaws slashed along his arm (6 damage) and sent him rolling down the stairs with a scream.

***

Although Nanoc could not see Danton, he could hardly have missed the sight of the twelve foot long blue dragon rocketing out of the keep and into the courtyard, slashing in all directions at something it could not see. The barbarian half-climbed and half-dropped (climb 7+10=17) down the tree and began sprinting out of the trees and towards the stream he had to cross in order to reach the entrance to the moathouse.

South and west of the keep, Telemachos, Xaod and Aseneth heard the scream and crashing sounds from the courtyard and they too emerged from cover and began running towards the drawbridge.

[Initiative: Danton: 10, Nanoc: 20, Telemachos: 15, Xaod: 12, Aseneth: 13, Dragon: 20]

When he came rolling to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, Danton froze and lay unmoving, watching the dragon standing atop the stairs as it tilted its ears and snout for any sign of its invisible target. Several moments passed and then the beast leapt again, directly towards Danton, wings, teeth, and claws flashing once again. The Velunese leapt to his feet and ran, preventing the creature from landing on him and avoiding its head and claws, but exposing himself to the wild slashing of the razor-like tips of its wings (6 damage). The impact of the two wings sent Danton flying once again and he crashed into the huge rubble pile near the hole in the north wall.

Realizing he was now leaving a visible trail of blood wherever he went, Danton scrambled farther up onto the pile of stones and then leapt through the gaping hole in the wall and into the moat beyond it, crashing into the water ten feet below with a terrific splash.

As Telemachos, Xaod, and Aseneth ran up the path towards the drawbridge, they heard the splash as something large fell into the water, but they could not see the splash or its source. At the same time, Nanoc came charging into view around the southwest corner of the moat, running flat out and leaping over and between the pools of stagnant water.

“Dragon! Attackin’ Danton!” yelled the barbarian as he approached the others. Just as he was about to reach them at the path just beyond the drawbridge, a huge green shape leapt from the water and slammed into the barbarian, knocking him off his feet. Something sharp pierced his skin (11 damage) and then a great shape landed next to him.

“A giant frog? Now?” exclaimed Telemachos. “I don’t believe it! What’s next, the Frog Man himself come seeking revenge?”

[Initiative: Giant Frog: 13]

Roaring in rage at the distraction from Danton and the dragon, Nanoc was on his feet again in an instant. Next to him was a frog of such vast proportions that it could likely have swallowed any smaller foe whole, but Nanoc paid its proportions no mind. Instead he had at the thing with his axe (attack: 12+10=22; hit; 19 damage), cutting it a terrible gash all along the side of its body. Moments later, Xaod and Telemachos (7+9=16; hit; 11 damage) came to his aid, each slashing his longsword into the huge amphibian. The Furyondian hit the thing so hard in the head that it tilted over on its side and rolled into the moat, dead.

On the other side of the keep, Danton, bleeding badly from multiple wounds, managed to get his head above water as the current carried him around the moathouse. Having never learned to swim, the Velunese struggled (swim: 8+0=8) just to stay afloat as he was swept around the northeast corner of the keep and hauled along the east wall of the structure, struggling to reach the far shore as his wet clothes and the equipment in his pack tried to pull him down.

With the frog dead, Nanoc, Telemachos, and Xaod rushed across the drawbridge with weapons drawn and Aseneth following in their wake. Nanoc drained one of his newly purchased healing potions as he ran (gain 9 hit points) and then threw the bottle into the moat.

When the group charged into the courtyard, the dragon stood in its center, waiting for the four to approach. There was no sign of Danton anywhere, but blood was visible on the cobblestones in several places. With the trio of warriors standing protectively in front of Aseneth, the dragon leapt at Telemachos.

Now that it was not facing an invisible target, the dragon’s accuracy was much greater, and it slammed into the Furyondian with teeth, wings, and claws, managing to draw blood with four of its five weapons (14 total damage).

Telemachos managed to remain on his feet and he, Xaod, and Nanoc all had at the dragon with their blades. However, both Xaod and Nanoc’s weapons (attack: 8+9=17; miss) bounced harmlessly off the creature’s thick scales and only the Furyondian managed to pierce its defenses (attack: 20+9=29; critical hit: 21 damage). From somewhere nearby, Aseneth fired twin beams of magical energy into the dragon. Her attack and that of Telemachos only seemed to enrage the beast further.

On the far side of the moathouse, as all hell broke loose inside, Danton finally gave up on trying to keep hold of all his equipment (swim: 0+3=3) and slipped his pack off his shoulders, allowing most of his gear to fall to the bottom of the moat even as he was carried around the southeast corner of the keep and towards the main body of the Imerydys Run in the distance.

In a veritable frenzy now, the dragon slashed at Telemachos with all of its natural weapons, driving him back and cutting through his new armor again and again (16 total damage). Fighting for his life now, the Furyondian soldier tried to hold the beast off with his blade, but to no effect (attack: 6+9=14; miss). Xaod and Nanoc (attack: 14+9=23; hit; 13 damage) were more effective, each piercing the dragon’s scales on its flanks, while Aseneth hit the monster with another spell, but the beast’s ferocity seemed unbowed.

When the current finally carried Danton past the moathouse and towards the river, the tributary he was in widened slightly and the current slowed, allowing the flagging scout to paddle his way to the southern shore at last (swim: 16+0=16). Grabbing hold of some of the thick reeds that bordered the stream and narrowly avoiding being hit by the carcass of some large creature that floated by, he pulled himself out of the water and collapsed onto the grassy shore.

To the surprise of everyone present in the courtyard, the dragon suddenly leapt into the air, its powerful wings kicking up all manner of dust and debris, nearly wrecking Aseneth’s latest spell in the bargain. The party members briefly hoped the beast might be about to withdraw, but instead it merely hovered, nearly blinding all of them with flying dust and bits of rock, and then went at Telemachos again, this time with its teeth and both hind and fore claws (10 damage). The warrior was only hit twice, but in his wounded condition, this was more than he could take and first his blade and then his armored body clattered to the stone, unmoving.

Xaod and Nanoc both tried to hit the hovering dragon amidst the blinding effects of the dust, but neither was able to tell exactly where the beast was and both missed as they swung wildly (Nanoc 50% miss chance: 59). Amidst the chaos, a magical arrow fired by Aseneth went wide as well.

Outside the keep, realizing all his healing scrolls were at the bottom of the moat along with all of his gear except for the weapons at his sides, Danton struggled to his feet once more and began stumbling back towards the moathouse, where screams and the sounds of fierce combat could still be heard.

With Telemachos down, the dragon next turned on Nanoc. Still hovering, the beast brought all of its weapons, save its wings, to bear against the barbarian, striking him with its bite and two of its claws (20 damage). Xaod was once again blinded by the flying debris, but this time Nanoc was able to see the target right in front of him clearly (50% miss chance: 12) and he swung his axe at it with all his strength (attack: 13+9=22; hit; 21 damage).

Clearly shaken by the half-orc barbarian’s mighty swing, the dragon immediately pounded its wings and propelled itself higher into the air, flying up above the walls, and then over the remains of the main part of the keep, where it landed atop what was left of the keep’s northeastern tower, the highest remaining vantage point on the ruined structure.

As the dust cleared in the wake of the dragon’s withdrawal and both Xaod and Nanoc saw where it had gone, the other man placed his hand on Nanoc’s left arm. To his amazement, the barbarian felt strength and energy flowing back into his body (gain 12 hit points).

“We’d best scatter,” hissed Xaod. “I think I know what’s coming next.”

Sure enough, even as Nanoc and Xaod leapt in opposite directions, the dragon opened his maw and breathed out a long line of forked lightning. With Xaod’s warning propelling him to action, Nanoc leaped and then rolled, avoiding the worst of the blast (reflex save: 20+5=25; success; 10 damage). The barbarian then rolled to his feet, withdrew his already strung bow, and fired off a shot at the dragon (10+7=17; miss). Nanoc’s aim was true, but the arrow caromed harmlessly off the dragon’s armored skin.

Now on the other side of the courtyard, Xaod withdrew the largest longbow Nanoc had ever seen and fired off an arrow of his own. Unfortunately, it simply missed the mark. Evidently Aseneth was still alive somewhere as well, for a magical projectile joined the others fired at the dragon, but with no greater effect.

Outside the keep, Danton watched in horror as the dragon landed atop the tower and a blast of lightning down into the keep. Hoping to be able to aid the others in some fashion, despite his wounds, the scout quickened his pace.

As Xaod and Nanoc continued to bounce arrows off the dragon’s armor (Nanoc attack: 9+7=16; miss), a mass of water formed in the air over the keep and then crashed down atop Aseneth, knocking her off her feet and ruining whatever spell she had been about to cast.

“Dragon is wizard!” screamed the woman as she scrambled for cover behind a pile of stones. Nanoc (attack: 10+7=17; miss) and Xaod fired off yet another volley, but with no more effect than before.

Then the dragon breathed again, this time only at Xaod since the remaining party members were now sufficiently scattered that it could not hit two of them at once. From what Nanoc could see, the armored man managed to avoid the worst of the blast, but the ligntning strike still scorched him and sent him flying.

“Kord, guide my hand!” muttered Nanoc as he let another shaft fly. Whether it was the god of strength or Nanoc’s own muscle that made the difference, one could only speculate, but this time the arrow struck home and pierced the dragon’s armor (attack: 18+7=25; hit; 3 damage). Combined with a hit from yet another spell fired by Aseneth from behind her pile of rocks, the hit was apparently enough to convince the dragon it had had enough. The beast leapt off the tower, flew away from the keep and then quickly picked up altitude and disappeared into the clouds overhead.

Moving north along the western side of the keep, Danton saw the dragon withdraw. He staggered forward, hoping to rejoin the others before his strength gave way or the beast returned.

“Hey, Xaod!” yelled Nanoc, dropping his bow and picking up his axe once again. “You okay?”

“I’ll live,” replied the man, picking himself up off the ground.

“How ‘bout you, Aseneth? You alright? What about Tel? Did ya see what ever happened to…”

Nanoc’s words were cut off by the sight of a man, whom he immediately recognized as Chatrilon Unosh, materializing out of thin air behind Aseneth. Without a sound, save for the rushing of his blade through the air towards the woman’s back, Unosh moved to cut the enchantress down. However, as the man thrust his rapier forward, Aseneth turned at Nanoc’s words, causing the blade to miss by the merest fraction of an inch, catching in her heavy black cloak instead of her back.

Stumbling into the courtyard, still invisible, Danton saw Chatrilon Unosh appear as if by magic directly in front of him. The scout was stunned by the man’s sudden appearance and his equally sudden attack on Aseneth, but he did not hesitate to act.

To the amazement of Nanoc, Xaod and Aseneth, a fraction of a second after Unosh appeared out of thin air, Danton pulled the same trick, materializing and slashing his own rapier into the villain’s back, and with greater accuracy (attack: 13+2+2=17; hit; 7 damage).

[Initiative: Chatrilon Unosh: 9]

All else forgotten, Xaod and Nanoc rushed to aid Danton as Unosh spun to attack him. In a terribly weakened state and with aid approaching, Danton went completely on the defensive, seeking only to hold off the assassin until Xaod and Nanoc could deal with him. Xaod slashed his longsword into the man’s right side, while Nanoc approached from his left (attack: 12+9=21; hit; 8 damage), smashing his axe into the man’s body.

Amazingly, the blackguard survived the two blows and flailed at Danton, but the Velunese managed to hold him off long enough for Xaod to finish the job when Nanoc swung wide (attack: 1+9=10; miss).

When the body of Unosh fell to the cobblestones, Danton’s adrenaline-induced strength finally gave out on him and he sat down heavily on the stones.

“Oh, I feel terrible,” he said to no one in particular.

Aseneth screamed what sounded like a foreign profanity and then smacked Unosh’s body in the head with her long staff.

“Where the heck did you come from?” asked Nanoc, looking at the wet and bloody Danton. “You decide ta take a bath? I thought you were s’posed ta be in here the whole time! An’ where’d that Unosh feller come from either?”

“Tis a long and glorious story, I can assure you,” began Danton.

“Uh, I hate to interrupt,” said Xaod, “but how do we know that drake won’t be back? We’re awfully exposed out here—maybe we should get inside the keep and find some place he couldn’t fit?”

“What about Tel?” remembered Nanoc, glancing about until he saw the spot where the Furyondian fell.

“He is alive,” said Aseneth, “but not awake. I was stopping blood, but no more. Someone must carry.”

“I’ll carry Tel,” said Nanoc. “Xaod, you help Danton. Danton, where we goin?”

________________________________________________________________

Notes for turn 25:

Please send postings for Turn 25 by the end of Friday, September 22nd.

Keep in mind that for the bulk of the party the date is now 11 Lipanj (“Wealsun”), but for Mauser it is still 8 Lipanj.

Items gained this turn: none

Undivided Loot previously gained: none

Items used/lost/destroyed this turn: one of Nanoc’s healing potions; all of Danton’s equipment, save for one set of clothes and his rapier and a dagger, is at the bottom of the moat.

FOES DEFEATED:

This Chapter:

Entire Campaign:

Current Status of the Party:

Nanoc

Equipment: great axe, short bow, silver-plated short sword, masterwork studded leather armor, 46 arrows, 2 quivers, backpack, waterskin, 17 days trail rations, bedroll, 2 sacks, 2 flint & steel, bearskin, tent, 50’ rope, 1 sap, 2 small marble statues, 1 potion of cure light wounds

Gold: 20

Silver: 220

Mauser

AC: 18
Hit points: 31/31
New XP: 0
XP total: 3690
XP needed: 6,000

Spells Available:

0 Level (4): Create Water, Purify Food and Water, Light X2
1^st Level (4* one of these four spells must be a domain spell): Summon Monster I, Cause Fear X2, Change Self
2^nd Level (3*one must be a domain spell): Hold Person, Sound Burst, Invisibility

Equipment: heavy mace, light crossbow, scalemail, 36 crossbow bolts, small wooden shield, backpack, pouch belt, 50’ silk rope, 2 torches, waterskin, flint & steel, 2 holy water flasks, peasant outfit, bedroll, entertainer’s outfit, cleric’s vestment, healer’s kit, 5 days rations, four jade dragon figurines, ½ potion of cure light wounds, 1 sap, 1 unknown potion, scrolls of slow poison, command, cure light wounds, inflict light wounds, unknown tome, morningstar +1, magical orb from the Sunless Citadel

Gold: 10

Silver: 220

Danton

AC: 15 (16 vs. one opponent)
Hit points: 2/14
New XP: 1080
XP total: 4470
XP needed: 6,000

Equipment: rapier, 1 dagger, 1 set of clothing

Gold: 0

Silver: 0

Telemachos

AC: 18
Hit points: -9/32
New XP: 1080
XP total: 4470
XP needed: 6,000

Equipment: splint mail, short sword, 2 daggers, longbow, quiver and 36 arrows, large wooden shield, backpack, large sack, flint and steel, 20 days rations, waterskin, bedroll, tent, 1 sap, Shatterspike (Longsword +1 with special properties), honey and berries

Gold: 65

Silver: 210