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We D&D- Tyranny of Dragons Part 2: The Rise of Tiamat #24b Strike Team 1 Part 2 A Ton of Undead.
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 7949470" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>We D&D.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #55 The Rise of Tiamat #14a Lord Albert Ramsbottom Volmer.</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 10</strong></p><p><strong>Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 10</strong></p><p><strong>Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 10</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 10</strong></p><p><strong>&</strong></p><p><strong>Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 10</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Secondary PCs.</strong></p><p><strong>Left at 8th Level- we’ll get them back if (and when) they’re needed later on.</strong></p><p><strong>Derek Pilch (played by Jackie) Male Human Druid Lvl 8</strong></p><p><strong>Hard Bonk (played by Rob) Male Half-Orc Monk Lvl 8</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Harald Hardaxe (played by Pete) Male Shield Dwarf Fighter Lvl 8</strong></p><p></p><p>This is session #55 of our game, but only session #14a of The Rise of Tiamat scenario.</p><p></p><p>So, lots going on in this session- including the results of my in between sessions scheming, but we’ll get to that.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers of the First Light have defeated Chuth, and have captured Wyrmspeaker Neronvain (he’s a frog)- they’ve rescued the Elf prisoners from the Dragon’s lair, and also taken everything they can find (of worth).</p><p></p><p>Including the Green Dragon Mask.</p><p></p><p>Not!</p><p></p><p>The Mask they have is a fake (of sorts) but the PCs are unaware of this.</p><p></p><p>So, what happens next?</p><p></p><p>Well, now’s the time for my scheming to take form.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers head back out of the Dragon’s lair the way they came in, only to be confronted on exit by a host of armed and armoured Elves, many of whom have clearly only just arrived- lots of them are still mounted on their Giant Eagles- still circling, it’s quite a reception.</p><p></p><p>Intimidating?</p><p></p><p>The PCs quickly ascertain that all is well- the Elves are incredibly polite, several of them appear to be high ranking folk but there’s little conversation- that is until King Melandrach and his son Prince Alagarthas suddenly appear (they teleported in). At which point all of the Elves present genuflect before their King, and then prompted by King M cheer and congratulate the Brothers of the First Light.</p><p></p><p>Victory!</p><p></p><p>The Dragon is DEAD!</p><p></p><p>Huzzah! (only in Elven).</p><p></p><p>That’s nice- the Players seem to be genuinely pleased (although a mite suspicious- why/how are this lot here?) that someone’s congratulating them.</p><p></p><p>Drink and food are offered, and accepted, also Healing Potions are distributed, there’s an odd party-ish atmosphere, although the PCs are not really joining in- just being polite. Then the royal twosome, accompanied by their guards, get the PCs on their own, and in private- into a nearby clearing in the woods.</p><p></p><p>Then the conversation really gets going, King M wants his missing son back, his younger son- Neronvain, he knows his child is still alive, and his advisers are certain that (somehow) the PCs have him.</p><p></p><p>They have- he’s a frog at the moment.</p><p></p><p>The PCs however are (mostly) not keen to play ball, they want to know the whole story- what the hell is going on here? How is it that the Green Dragon Mask wearing Wyrmspeaker is King M’s son, and shouldn’t they have been told about this before they were sent on this mission?</p><p></p><p>The PCs (or at least those that are bothered by such things) are not best pleased with the Elven royalty- they’ve been played again, somehow.</p><p></p><p>King M tells a sad tale- Neronvain, his second son- destined not to inherit, jealous of his older (implied, better/more competent) brother- frustrated by an accident of birth, he turned to the dark-side. Neronvain swore to destroy the Misty Forest and everything in it- including (especially) his family- note, this fits in with the things the PCs have read in Neronvain’s journal. He was banished from the kingdom, that was three decades past, but now he’s back, and a member of the Dragon Cult… and King M and Prince A are filled with shame.</p><p></p><p>The PCs don’t have access to a Zone of Truth spell (Lummins has no magic left) but all of the them believe the story (good rolls, and its true- I should know, I only put it together last week).</p><p></p><p>King M however doesn’t want the truth to get out- he does however want his son back, to punish/deal with as he decides.</p><p></p><p>He’s prepared to pay.</p><p></p><p>Just to say at the outset several of the PCs are disinclined to acquiesce to the King’s request, mainly because they’re pissed that the Elves lied to them- they could have killed Neronvain?</p><p></p><p>More chatter follows, the upshot of which is a better explanation of events- King M, it seems, suspected that Neronvain was involved with the Dragon Cult but did not share his concerns with Prince A- basically, he didn’t want him to know, such is/was his shame. So, when King M later discovers that Prince A has hired the PCs to slay Chuth and the Wyrmspeaker in the Misty Forest, well- he did everything he could to get here in time. Not that King M or Prince A knew where Chuth was laired, the Elven eagle riders found the Flying Lighthouse, and then started searching from there.</p><p></p><p>Basically, the royal Elves have a reasonable explanation for everything.</p><p></p><p>Again, I’d schemed this out between sessions, I made it very convincing.</p><p></p><p>Lummins really wishes he had access to a Zone of Truth spell, so I give him one.</p><p></p><p>In fact, it’s King M that comes up with the idea (after I, your glorious DM got fed up of Rob/Lummins going on about not having access to the spell). An Elven Priestess is sent for, she has a scroll of Zone of Truth (funny that). King M presents the scroll to Lummins (I’m a DM that listens) and the Priest of Lathander fires up the spell- the King & Prince are telling the truth- everything they have said previously is repeated, it’s all true.</p><p></p><p>Remember, as a DM you are often called on to explain (strange/odd) things and/or events in retrospect- what just happened? My advice is always to try to buy some time (if you can) unless you’re particularly agile with the chatter. You can pretty much justify anything given enough time to figure out a semi-convincing story.</p><p></p><p>And at last we get down to the nitty gritty…</p><p></p><p>King M offers the Brothers everything they want provided they hand Neronvain (the frog) over, and then swear to keep the secret.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and by the way I realise that Neronvain only remains in frog form while Watt continues to concentrate on the Polymorph spell (up to 1 hour) but I’m trying to paper over the cracks here- so, I forgot- silly me, and the PCs were too wrapped up in the action to question it.</p><p></p><p>Anyway…</p><p></p><p>The Brothers go for King M’s deal.</p><p></p><p>Eventually.</p><p></p><p>After they’ve added a few more items/conditions to their list of demands.</p><p></p><p>This is what they get away with-</p><p></p><p>a) King M’s unconditional support in the Council of Waterdeep.</p><p></p><p>b) King M’s apology to the Great Dragon Council for the Dracorage Mythal, and the payment of reparations.</p><p></p><p>c) Money (1,000gp each) & magic (mainly the Healing Potion cupboard restocked, plus a few extras- nothing to break the game, although Watt gets another Arrow of Dragonslaying out of the deal).</p><p></p><p>d) A future favour (for Lux).</p><p></p><p>e) A squadron of (12) Elven Eagle-Riders to be based in the Flying Lighthouse.</p><p></p><p>f) A company of (25) Elven Archers- guess what, also to be based in the Flying Lighthouse. Bloody Tracy Island!</p><p></p><p>g) Some sort of medal (mostly for Sgt Bobby, he’s a vain bugger) to be presented at the next Council of Waterdeep.</p><p></p><p>h) An opportunity to preach and bring the Light of Lathander to the ‘heathen’ (his word) Elves for Lummins (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail).</p><p></p><p>i) A bunch of magical crossbow bolts for Hotlips (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail).</p><p></p><p>j) A bevy of Elven beauties for a night for Sgt Bobby (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail).</p><p></p><p>k) More money- an extra 1,000gp each for Sgt Bobby & Watt (both negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail).</p><p></p><p>l) More money still- an extra 5,000gp in gems and a Wand of Detect Magic for Lux (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail).</p><p></p><p>There, that’s everybody’s secret out.</p><p></p><p>Eventually the deal is agreed, and Neronvain (the frog) is handed over, still squeakily ribbitting in his sack.</p><p></p><p>Note the above action- mainly the negotiating of the deal (save the bits that were tagged on later via e-mail) took us the best part of an hour to play out. Another observation, when the sessions are frantic the Players are, well… frantic- they seem to be keen to get lots done, after the action (post coital) they’re infinitely more relaxed and get much less done.</p><p></p><p>There was a lot of giggling (joy etc.) afterwards, the PCs/Players figure they’ve hit the semi-jackpot- Wyrmspeaker taken, Green Dragon Mask acquired, lots more loot and cool stuff for their castle.</p><p></p><p>They’ve been gulled.</p><p></p><p>And so…</p><p></p><p>With the help of King M’s mages, the Flying Lighthouse is contacted and directed to the PCs present location, the Brothers rest up (and LEVEL UP!) while they’re waiting for its arrival. In the meantime, the Elves set about fulfilling their side of the deal. Note, the Elven royalty (including the royal frog) however departs almost immediately- they have places to go and people to see.</p><p></p><p>In truth it wasn’t my finest bit of theatre, but I think the PCs (mostly) believed me, or else they didn’t suspect my motives. I got away with it- not neat, but hey-ho, the wheel turns… and just to say I convinced the Brothers that King M and his crew would be interviewing Neronvain- if there’s any new info then they’ll be the first to know. That was part of the deal.</p><p></p><p>So, next up- Level 11.</p><p></p><p><strong>Brothers of the First Light.</strong></p><p><strong>Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 11</strong></p><p><strong>&</strong></p><p><strong>Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 11</strong></p><p></p><p>The Players always love it when they level up, and for some reason they seem to like it more if it happens mid-session, it feels naughty.</p><p></p><p>Then back aboard the Flying Lighthouse, the Elven archers and eagle riders are also quickly moved in- King M, it seems, is as good as his word.</p><p></p><p>That said all is not well aboard the Flying Lighthouse at present, the source of the upset is very quickly shown to the Brothers of the First Light.</p><p></p><p>In the Upper Courtyard, situated in the shadow of Blagothkus’ Tower, is a small tent- the kind of thing usually inhabited by a fortune teller, or similar, at a fete. The tent just appeared here last night sometime; the PCs are informed by an irate Blagothkus (Cloud Giant owner of the Flying Lighthouse). The colours of the small tent are rather sombre- black and red, and what’s worse the structure is surrounded by a twenty-foot diameter force shield which has thus far proved impenetrable- the Cloud Giant’s fists failed to even make a dent in it. He isn’t happy, but it gets worse- there’s more to the story.</p><p></p><p>Several small folk- they look like dumpy (Victorian/Dickensian attired) Human-ish child-like urchins, have at various times exited the tent to bury their night soil just to the rear of the canvas construct. The urchins blithely ignore all else…</p><p></p><p>Which is the primary source of Blagothkus’ ire.</p><p></p><p>They’re burying their excrement in his courtyard.</p><p></p><p>You may be thinking- why the big production? Well, it’s because I’m trying to keep the action/event tap on constant here- there’s always going to be something going on (believe me) until the false Green Dragon Mask gets handed over to the Harpers in Waterdeep. Until then I intend to keep the PCs/Players very busy.</p><p></p><p>So, back to the funny-looking little tent.</p><p></p><p>Of course, the dumpy Human-ish child-like urchins change tack as soon as the Brothers of the First Light turn up, actually the action starts when POOF! and hovering at Lux’s shoulder is Fast Eddie (her recently acquired messenger Imp) who gabbles that “Lord V, has arrived…”. This event- even before we get to the performance that follows, is enough to raise the temperature of, well… all of the other PCs/Players.</p><p></p><p>Lux has been keeping secrets again.</p><p></p><p>So, Lux (Sandy) explains (very briefly) that she has been in contact with a respectable gentleman called (let me check my notes…) Lord V… for- Volmer, who it seems wants to help us (the Brothers et al) with our Dragon (Cult) problem.</p><p></p><p>What’s the catch, the rest of Brothers want to know?</p><p></p><p>Ah, funny you should ask, the thing is- Lord Volmer is a Devil, Lux is unsure of what variety.</p><p></p><p>Lummins (Rob) and Watt (Jackie) are aghast, and angry, and… all the usual stuff. Sgt Bobby (Pete) is tres amused- it’s not him getting in trouble for once. Better still, it’s Sandy (Lux) getting in trouble this time. Sandy (Lux) is usually the one making trouble (for Pete/Sgt Bobby). Hotlips doesn’t give a stuff about events (as Sandy also plays the Halfling Rogue).</p><p></p><p>Then the production.</p><p></p><p>The force field surrounding the tent audibly pops, fizzles briefly and then disappears, as half-a-dozen of the odd-looking urchins troop out of the tent- one has a kazoo, another a xylophone, yet another a large skull with marbles in it (maracas). The other three (non-musical) urchins line up to attention between the tent and the Brothers.</p><p></p><p>The music starts up, an instrumental (and yet strangely moving) version of ‘Bright Eyes’ (by Art Garfunkel).</p><p></p><p>Remarkably the PCs (and Blagothkus) wait the entire song out.</p><p></p><p>At which point ducking and striding from the tent comes a nine-foot-tall stick-thin Human wearing top hat & tails, as befitting a Victorian Gent about to depart for the theatre.</p><p></p><p>The nearest odd-urchin introduces the new arrival.</p><p></p><p>“Laydees and Jellyspoons, may I present- Lord Albert Ramsbottom Volmer, Legion Commander of the Seventy-Seventh Screaming Damned Nation.”</p><p></p><p>The very tall and dandy Lord V smiles like the cat that has got all of the cream (all of it- every single drop) and then addresses each of the PCs by their full names and titles, including a few extra titles and epithets that the DM throws in just to make clear that Lord V has been watching them (the PCs) right from the very start.</p><p></p><p>Sgt Bobby Markguth of the Greenest Guard, who bested Cyanwrath- at the second attempt.</p><p></p><p>The Radiant Lummins of Lathander, whose luminescence will be forever remembered by the Ice Hunters of Oyaviggaton.</p><p></p><p>That kind of thing.</p><p></p><p>So, Lord V’s a gent, but he has edges- sharp edges.</p><p></p><p>Next up Lord V invites the Brothers into his canvas abode with the following words, “To mark this auspicious occasion, I have made a quiche…” Then he ducks into the tent.</p><p></p><p>The odd-urchins signal for the Brothers to follow.</p><p></p><p>Which, eventually- after a little more squabbling, they do.</p><p></p><p>The rest… well, the rest is chatter- it was the front (the set-up) that was important… it got the PCs/Players hooked into the moment.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers of the First Light learn the following-</p><p></p><p>1) Lord V (‘please call me Albert, or Bert… if you like’) is very polite, very patient, and tends to explain things at length. He’s a diplomat, in every sense of the word, and a gentleman, of course.</p><p></p><p>2) He’s also a Bone Devil- at one-point Lummins loses his cool and does his ‘consorting with Devils’ etc. speech (Priest’s, sheesh), at which point Lord V reveals his true form, a skeletal hunched giant with a nine-foot-long scorpion like tail (complete with stinger). Remarkably, even in his true form, he is dressed to go to the opera.</p><p></p><p>3) The tent is much bigger on the inside (natch) and with many more rooms.</p><p></p><p>4) There’s a buffet, with quiche, and little sandwiches- as promised.</p><p></p><p>5) The quiche is to die for.</p><p></p><p>6) After the Brothers have overcome their prejudices, a little, Lord V explains that he represents an ‘external agency who wishes to remain anonymous’, and who also wishes that the present ‘status quo, vis-a-vis the Tiamat-situation, be maintained’. To make clear, in non-lawyer speak, his client would prefer it if ‘Tiamat continued to rot in Hell, where she belongs’. To this end Lord V’s client would like the Brothers of the First Light to consider taking a meeting with another ‘concerned party’, to wit a representative of Szass Tam, the High Lich Lord ruler of the Red Wizards of Thay. It seems the Red Wizards of Thay and the Brothers of the First Light share a mutual enemy. Which comes as news to several of the (slower) Players.</p><p></p><p>7) The enemy in question is, of course, Rath Modar, the as-it-turns-out renegade Red Wizard. The Brothers really don’t like Rath Modar, and so there’s that…</p><p></p><p>Eventually, when the PCs start to run out of things to say and ask Lord V, the meeting comes to a neat conclusion. The Brothers are not wholly convinced, they’ve agreed (after a little advice from the friendly DM- nice of me) to take the matter to the next Council of Waterdeep meeting and ask the sage leaders there what they think- Red Wizard allies, it’s an odd thought.</p><p></p><p>There is however one other oddity to report, during the prolonged chatter Lord V casually remarks to Sgt Bobby that he ‘likes his sword (Hazirawn)’, and when pressed adds- ‘made in Thay’, with a knowing wink.</p><p></p><p>Which, of course, arouses Sgt B’s (Pete’s) suspicions, the big Fighter however cannot pry any more info from the Devil- what was that all about? Well, you’ll find out later (at about the same time Pete did, you’ll see- more of my scheming).</p><p></p><p>And so, the PCs eventually depart Lord V’s tent.</p><p></p><p>Which remains in situ, the force field goes back up- although the Brothers of the First Light can come and go here as they please (which several of them discover later, mostly much later- after the session has finished, via e-mail).</p><p></p><p>Lux makes three trips back to ask follow-up questions of Lord V during the next two days of travel to Waterdeep.</p><p></p><p>The Bone Devil has other (e-mail) visitors, it seems even Priests of Lathander have Devilish questions.</p><p></p><p>Just for info Lord V, and his entourage et al, were just a version of one of the Additional Encounters in the module- Devilish Demands.</p><p></p><p>Next up, and while still en route to Waterdeep- remember I’m keeping the Brothers entertained (and occupied) here, Marflub (sorry ‘M’) reports in- the Toadalyser has an answer. Oh, but just to remind you that I told the PCs (in session #51) that they could post a question on every even numbered session for the Toadalyser boys (Ice Toads) to work on.</p><p></p><p>In session #52 the PCs asked, “Where will the ceremony to summon Tiamat take place?”</p><p></p><p>Well, the answer’s in- “Best guess- in a volcano.”</p><p></p><p>Which results in many more questions- M (for Marflub) explains that after interviewing the PCs extensively he was taken by the fact that several of them remembered seeing a carved depiction of Tiamat emerging from a volcano. This in the chamber in which the Brothers fought and captured the Half-Blue Dragon, Cyanwrath.</p><p></p><p>This insight produces giggles, several of the Players are just now remembering back to this event- the volcano with Tiamat emerging from it was indeed examined and commented upon by them at the time.</p><p></p><p>The Brothers are impressed with M (and the DM) and the Toadalyser.</p><p></p><p>However, M and his team have no actual idea where the volcano in question is situated- it could be anywhere on the Sword Coast. Still, the data gathering/analysing machine works, and the PCs are going to report this back to the council.</p><p></p><p>Then, we’re in Waterdeep, and it’s time for another (very late, as is becoming usual) break in play, and the inevitable Pizza (which I am getting heartily sick of).</p><p></p><p>More in the next bit, although not much more- this was a very relaxed (slow) session, odd sometimes levelling up can take a hellishly long time, particularly when there’s spell selections to be contemplated. Of course, I attempt to get the Players to do their reading and make their selections ahead of time but do they… ever. Not much.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 7949470, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]We D&D.[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #55 The Rise of Tiamat #14a Lord Albert Ramsbottom Volmer. Brothers of the First Light. Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 10 Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 10 Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 10 Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 10 & Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 10 Secondary PCs. Left at 8th Level- we’ll get them back if (and when) they’re needed later on. Derek Pilch (played by Jackie) Male Human Druid Lvl 8 Hard Bonk (played by Rob) Male Half-Orc Monk Lvl 8 Sgt Harald Hardaxe (played by Pete) Male Shield Dwarf Fighter Lvl 8[/B] This is session #55 of our game, but only session #14a of The Rise of Tiamat scenario. So, lots going on in this session- including the results of my in between sessions scheming, but we’ll get to that. The Brothers of the First Light have defeated Chuth, and have captured Wyrmspeaker Neronvain (he’s a frog)- they’ve rescued the Elf prisoners from the Dragon’s lair, and also taken everything they can find (of worth). Including the Green Dragon Mask. Not! The Mask they have is a fake (of sorts) but the PCs are unaware of this. So, what happens next? Well, now’s the time for my scheming to take form. The Brothers head back out of the Dragon’s lair the way they came in, only to be confronted on exit by a host of armed and armoured Elves, many of whom have clearly only just arrived- lots of them are still mounted on their Giant Eagles- still circling, it’s quite a reception. Intimidating? The PCs quickly ascertain that all is well- the Elves are incredibly polite, several of them appear to be high ranking folk but there’s little conversation- that is until King Melandrach and his son Prince Alagarthas suddenly appear (they teleported in). At which point all of the Elves present genuflect before their King, and then prompted by King M cheer and congratulate the Brothers of the First Light. Victory! The Dragon is DEAD! Huzzah! (only in Elven). That’s nice- the Players seem to be genuinely pleased (although a mite suspicious- why/how are this lot here?) that someone’s congratulating them. Drink and food are offered, and accepted, also Healing Potions are distributed, there’s an odd party-ish atmosphere, although the PCs are not really joining in- just being polite. Then the royal twosome, accompanied by their guards, get the PCs on their own, and in private- into a nearby clearing in the woods. Then the conversation really gets going, King M wants his missing son back, his younger son- Neronvain, he knows his child is still alive, and his advisers are certain that (somehow) the PCs have him. They have- he’s a frog at the moment. The PCs however are (mostly) not keen to play ball, they want to know the whole story- what the hell is going on here? How is it that the Green Dragon Mask wearing Wyrmspeaker is King M’s son, and shouldn’t they have been told about this before they were sent on this mission? The PCs (or at least those that are bothered by such things) are not best pleased with the Elven royalty- they’ve been played again, somehow. King M tells a sad tale- Neronvain, his second son- destined not to inherit, jealous of his older (implied, better/more competent) brother- frustrated by an accident of birth, he turned to the dark-side. Neronvain swore to destroy the Misty Forest and everything in it- including (especially) his family- note, this fits in with the things the PCs have read in Neronvain’s journal. He was banished from the kingdom, that was three decades past, but now he’s back, and a member of the Dragon Cult… and King M and Prince A are filled with shame. The PCs don’t have access to a Zone of Truth spell (Lummins has no magic left) but all of the them believe the story (good rolls, and its true- I should know, I only put it together last week). King M however doesn’t want the truth to get out- he does however want his son back, to punish/deal with as he decides. He’s prepared to pay. Just to say at the outset several of the PCs are disinclined to acquiesce to the King’s request, mainly because they’re pissed that the Elves lied to them- they could have killed Neronvain? More chatter follows, the upshot of which is a better explanation of events- King M, it seems, suspected that Neronvain was involved with the Dragon Cult but did not share his concerns with Prince A- basically, he didn’t want him to know, such is/was his shame. So, when King M later discovers that Prince A has hired the PCs to slay Chuth and the Wyrmspeaker in the Misty Forest, well- he did everything he could to get here in time. Not that King M or Prince A knew where Chuth was laired, the Elven eagle riders found the Flying Lighthouse, and then started searching from there. Basically, the royal Elves have a reasonable explanation for everything. Again, I’d schemed this out between sessions, I made it very convincing. Lummins really wishes he had access to a Zone of Truth spell, so I give him one. In fact, it’s King M that comes up with the idea (after I, your glorious DM got fed up of Rob/Lummins going on about not having access to the spell). An Elven Priestess is sent for, she has a scroll of Zone of Truth (funny that). King M presents the scroll to Lummins (I’m a DM that listens) and the Priest of Lathander fires up the spell- the King & Prince are telling the truth- everything they have said previously is repeated, it’s all true. Remember, as a DM you are often called on to explain (strange/odd) things and/or events in retrospect- what just happened? My advice is always to try to buy some time (if you can) unless you’re particularly agile with the chatter. You can pretty much justify anything given enough time to figure out a semi-convincing story. And at last we get down to the nitty gritty… King M offers the Brothers everything they want provided they hand Neronvain (the frog) over, and then swear to keep the secret. Oh, and by the way I realise that Neronvain only remains in frog form while Watt continues to concentrate on the Polymorph spell (up to 1 hour) but I’m trying to paper over the cracks here- so, I forgot- silly me, and the PCs were too wrapped up in the action to question it. Anyway… The Brothers go for King M’s deal. Eventually. After they’ve added a few more items/conditions to their list of demands. This is what they get away with- a) King M’s unconditional support in the Council of Waterdeep. b) King M’s apology to the Great Dragon Council for the Dracorage Mythal, and the payment of reparations. c) Money (1,000gp each) & magic (mainly the Healing Potion cupboard restocked, plus a few extras- nothing to break the game, although Watt gets another Arrow of Dragonslaying out of the deal). d) A future favour (for Lux). e) A squadron of (12) Elven Eagle-Riders to be based in the Flying Lighthouse. f) A company of (25) Elven Archers- guess what, also to be based in the Flying Lighthouse. Bloody Tracy Island! g) Some sort of medal (mostly for Sgt Bobby, he’s a vain bugger) to be presented at the next Council of Waterdeep. h) An opportunity to preach and bring the Light of Lathander to the ‘heathen’ (his word) Elves for Lummins (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail). i) A bunch of magical crossbow bolts for Hotlips (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail). j) A bevy of Elven beauties for a night for Sgt Bobby (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail). k) More money- an extra 1,000gp each for Sgt Bobby & Watt (both negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail). l) More money still- an extra 5,000gp in gems and a Wand of Detect Magic for Lux (negotiated later, in secret, via e-mail). There, that’s everybody’s secret out. Eventually the deal is agreed, and Neronvain (the frog) is handed over, still squeakily ribbitting in his sack. Note the above action- mainly the negotiating of the deal (save the bits that were tagged on later via e-mail) took us the best part of an hour to play out. Another observation, when the sessions are frantic the Players are, well… frantic- they seem to be keen to get lots done, after the action (post coital) they’re infinitely more relaxed and get much less done. There was a lot of giggling (joy etc.) afterwards, the PCs/Players figure they’ve hit the semi-jackpot- Wyrmspeaker taken, Green Dragon Mask acquired, lots more loot and cool stuff for their castle. They’ve been gulled. And so… With the help of King M’s mages, the Flying Lighthouse is contacted and directed to the PCs present location, the Brothers rest up (and LEVEL UP!) while they’re waiting for its arrival. In the meantime, the Elves set about fulfilling their side of the deal. Note, the Elven royalty (including the royal frog) however departs almost immediately- they have places to go and people to see. In truth it wasn’t my finest bit of theatre, but I think the PCs (mostly) believed me, or else they didn’t suspect my motives. I got away with it- not neat, but hey-ho, the wheel turns… and just to say I convinced the Brothers that King M and his crew would be interviewing Neronvain- if there’s any new info then they’ll be the first to know. That was part of the deal. So, next up- Level 11. [B]Brothers of the First Light. Lummins (played by Rob) Male Half-Elf Cleric of Lathander Lvl 11 Lux (played by Sandy) Female Human Warlock Lvl 11 Watt (played by Jackie) Male Human Bard Lvl 11 Sgt Bobby Markguth (played by Pete) Male Human Fighter Lvl 11 & Hotlips Houlihan (played by Sandy) Female Halfling Rogue Lvl 11[/B] The Players always love it when they level up, and for some reason they seem to like it more if it happens mid-session, it feels naughty. Then back aboard the Flying Lighthouse, the Elven archers and eagle riders are also quickly moved in- King M, it seems, is as good as his word. That said all is not well aboard the Flying Lighthouse at present, the source of the upset is very quickly shown to the Brothers of the First Light. In the Upper Courtyard, situated in the shadow of Blagothkus’ Tower, is a small tent- the kind of thing usually inhabited by a fortune teller, or similar, at a fete. The tent just appeared here last night sometime; the PCs are informed by an irate Blagothkus (Cloud Giant owner of the Flying Lighthouse). The colours of the small tent are rather sombre- black and red, and what’s worse the structure is surrounded by a twenty-foot diameter force shield which has thus far proved impenetrable- the Cloud Giant’s fists failed to even make a dent in it. He isn’t happy, but it gets worse- there’s more to the story. Several small folk- they look like dumpy (Victorian/Dickensian attired) Human-ish child-like urchins, have at various times exited the tent to bury their night soil just to the rear of the canvas construct. The urchins blithely ignore all else… Which is the primary source of Blagothkus’ ire. They’re burying their excrement in his courtyard. You may be thinking- why the big production? Well, it’s because I’m trying to keep the action/event tap on constant here- there’s always going to be something going on (believe me) until the false Green Dragon Mask gets handed over to the Harpers in Waterdeep. Until then I intend to keep the PCs/Players very busy. So, back to the funny-looking little tent. Of course, the dumpy Human-ish child-like urchins change tack as soon as the Brothers of the First Light turn up, actually the action starts when POOF! and hovering at Lux’s shoulder is Fast Eddie (her recently acquired messenger Imp) who gabbles that “Lord V, has arrived…”. This event- even before we get to the performance that follows, is enough to raise the temperature of, well… all of the other PCs/Players. Lux has been keeping secrets again. So, Lux (Sandy) explains (very briefly) that she has been in contact with a respectable gentleman called (let me check my notes…) Lord V… for- Volmer, who it seems wants to help us (the Brothers et al) with our Dragon (Cult) problem. What’s the catch, the rest of Brothers want to know? Ah, funny you should ask, the thing is- Lord Volmer is a Devil, Lux is unsure of what variety. Lummins (Rob) and Watt (Jackie) are aghast, and angry, and… all the usual stuff. Sgt Bobby (Pete) is tres amused- it’s not him getting in trouble for once. Better still, it’s Sandy (Lux) getting in trouble this time. Sandy (Lux) is usually the one making trouble (for Pete/Sgt Bobby). Hotlips doesn’t give a stuff about events (as Sandy also plays the Halfling Rogue). Then the production. The force field surrounding the tent audibly pops, fizzles briefly and then disappears, as half-a-dozen of the odd-looking urchins troop out of the tent- one has a kazoo, another a xylophone, yet another a large skull with marbles in it (maracas). The other three (non-musical) urchins line up to attention between the tent and the Brothers. The music starts up, an instrumental (and yet strangely moving) version of ‘Bright Eyes’ (by Art Garfunkel). Remarkably the PCs (and Blagothkus) wait the entire song out. At which point ducking and striding from the tent comes a nine-foot-tall stick-thin Human wearing top hat & tails, as befitting a Victorian Gent about to depart for the theatre. The nearest odd-urchin introduces the new arrival. “Laydees and Jellyspoons, may I present- Lord Albert Ramsbottom Volmer, Legion Commander of the Seventy-Seventh Screaming Damned Nation.” The very tall and dandy Lord V smiles like the cat that has got all of the cream (all of it- every single drop) and then addresses each of the PCs by their full names and titles, including a few extra titles and epithets that the DM throws in just to make clear that Lord V has been watching them (the PCs) right from the very start. Sgt Bobby Markguth of the Greenest Guard, who bested Cyanwrath- at the second attempt. The Radiant Lummins of Lathander, whose luminescence will be forever remembered by the Ice Hunters of Oyaviggaton. That kind of thing. So, Lord V’s a gent, but he has edges- sharp edges. Next up Lord V invites the Brothers into his canvas abode with the following words, “To mark this auspicious occasion, I have made a quiche…” Then he ducks into the tent. The odd-urchins signal for the Brothers to follow. Which, eventually- after a little more squabbling, they do. The rest… well, the rest is chatter- it was the front (the set-up) that was important… it got the PCs/Players hooked into the moment. The Brothers of the First Light learn the following- 1) Lord V (‘please call me Albert, or Bert… if you like’) is very polite, very patient, and tends to explain things at length. He’s a diplomat, in every sense of the word, and a gentleman, of course. 2) He’s also a Bone Devil- at one-point Lummins loses his cool and does his ‘consorting with Devils’ etc. speech (Priest’s, sheesh), at which point Lord V reveals his true form, a skeletal hunched giant with a nine-foot-long scorpion like tail (complete with stinger). Remarkably, even in his true form, he is dressed to go to the opera. 3) The tent is much bigger on the inside (natch) and with many more rooms. 4) There’s a buffet, with quiche, and little sandwiches- as promised. 5) The quiche is to die for. 6) After the Brothers have overcome their prejudices, a little, Lord V explains that he represents an ‘external agency who wishes to remain anonymous’, and who also wishes that the present ‘status quo, vis-a-vis the Tiamat-situation, be maintained’. To make clear, in non-lawyer speak, his client would prefer it if ‘Tiamat continued to rot in Hell, where she belongs’. To this end Lord V’s client would like the Brothers of the First Light to consider taking a meeting with another ‘concerned party’, to wit a representative of Szass Tam, the High Lich Lord ruler of the Red Wizards of Thay. It seems the Red Wizards of Thay and the Brothers of the First Light share a mutual enemy. Which comes as news to several of the (slower) Players. 7) The enemy in question is, of course, Rath Modar, the as-it-turns-out renegade Red Wizard. The Brothers really don’t like Rath Modar, and so there’s that… Eventually, when the PCs start to run out of things to say and ask Lord V, the meeting comes to a neat conclusion. The Brothers are not wholly convinced, they’ve agreed (after a little advice from the friendly DM- nice of me) to take the matter to the next Council of Waterdeep meeting and ask the sage leaders there what they think- Red Wizard allies, it’s an odd thought. There is however one other oddity to report, during the prolonged chatter Lord V casually remarks to Sgt Bobby that he ‘likes his sword (Hazirawn)’, and when pressed adds- ‘made in Thay’, with a knowing wink. Which, of course, arouses Sgt B’s (Pete’s) suspicions, the big Fighter however cannot pry any more info from the Devil- what was that all about? Well, you’ll find out later (at about the same time Pete did, you’ll see- more of my scheming). And so, the PCs eventually depart Lord V’s tent. Which remains in situ, the force field goes back up- although the Brothers of the First Light can come and go here as they please (which several of them discover later, mostly much later- after the session has finished, via e-mail). Lux makes three trips back to ask follow-up questions of Lord V during the next two days of travel to Waterdeep. The Bone Devil has other (e-mail) visitors, it seems even Priests of Lathander have Devilish questions. Just for info Lord V, and his entourage et al, were just a version of one of the Additional Encounters in the module- Devilish Demands. Next up, and while still en route to Waterdeep- remember I’m keeping the Brothers entertained (and occupied) here, Marflub (sorry ‘M’) reports in- the Toadalyser has an answer. Oh, but just to remind you that I told the PCs (in session #51) that they could post a question on every even numbered session for the Toadalyser boys (Ice Toads) to work on. In session #52 the PCs asked, “Where will the ceremony to summon Tiamat take place?” Well, the answer’s in- “Best guess- in a volcano.” Which results in many more questions- M (for Marflub) explains that after interviewing the PCs extensively he was taken by the fact that several of them remembered seeing a carved depiction of Tiamat emerging from a volcano. This in the chamber in which the Brothers fought and captured the Half-Blue Dragon, Cyanwrath. This insight produces giggles, several of the Players are just now remembering back to this event- the volcano with Tiamat emerging from it was indeed examined and commented upon by them at the time. The Brothers are impressed with M (and the DM) and the Toadalyser. However, M and his team have no actual idea where the volcano in question is situated- it could be anywhere on the Sword Coast. Still, the data gathering/analysing machine works, and the PCs are going to report this back to the council. Then, we’re in Waterdeep, and it’s time for another (very late, as is becoming usual) break in play, and the inevitable Pizza (which I am getting heartily sick of). More in the next bit, although not much more- this was a very relaxed (slow) session, odd sometimes levelling up can take a hellishly long time, particularly when there’s spell selections to be contemplated. Of course, I attempt to get the Players to do their reading and make their selections ahead of time but do they… ever. Not much. [/QUOTE]
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