19980502 Round6

<H1> Round 6: Death of a Dragon </H1>
<BR><P>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
</P>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TH> Name </TH>
 <TH> Profession and Level </TH>
 <TH> Player </TH>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Borgar Evenhand </TD>
 <TD> 6th Dwarven Cleric </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kieran McTernan </TD>
 <TD> 4th/3rd Half-Elf Cleric/Mage </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Prince Donner </TD>
 <TD> 5th Human Fighter </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Grackle </TD>
 <TD> 5th/5th Half-Elf Fighter/Thief </TD>
 <TD> Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Colin </TD>
 <TD> 6th Human Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Ansrak </TD>
 <TD> 5th Human Thief </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Previously on "The Donner Party" </H2>
<P>
When we last left our heroes, they were making their way back to
Kennetar, attempting to avoid the assassin party they assume to be
on their trail. Fortunately, just as they were about to collapse
from exhaustion, they ran into Borse, a solitary Plateau adventurer
whom they had met earlier.
</P>
<BR><P>
<H2> Session Summary </H2>
</P>
<P>
At the point we met Borse, we were ready to collapse from exhaustion.
We had been up for nearly a full day after two combat situations and 
no rest. After some discussion, we decide to rest for four hours,
allow Kieran to memorize a Mount spell to carry the unconscious and
the dead, and continue on. Fortunately, our rest is peaceful.
Fearing that the assassin party is still on our trail, we quickly
pack up and continue hiking. After a few more hours, Grackle contacts
Seledan, who teleports to our location and takes the party (and the
rest of the rescue party) back to Aquataine.
</P>
<H3> Back in Kennetar </H3>
<P>
We find ourselves back in Seledan's chambers. He tells us to remain
in his room. Immediately, two sentinels (who were posted outside the
door) enter to guard Donner. After a few more minutes, Seledan 
returns with Moda, some other security people, and a pair of Zeus
priests (serving as EMTs). Moda immediately begins questioning the
people who are not cleared by Aquataine security (i.e. Borgar and
Kieran) about their background and intentions. More importantly, he
asks if either of them recognize the following names:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> Shivishan Blackhand
<LI> Siman Jed
<LI> Bolcus
<LI> Ciarda Ac-leah
<LI> Vorn Kalak
<LI> Gorath
<LI> Krodol Blood-drinker
<LI> Tsevek Dys (of Kennetar)
</UL>
<P>
After replying to Moda's satisfaction, the new guys are cleared. In 
the meantime, the other clerics are tending to the unconscious and 
wounded party members. Eventually, we are provided quarters and
allowed to rest (and get XP in the process). Donner tells us that
we should prepare ourselves to face the dragon once again. <Groan>
</P>
<P>
 [Note: Since we got XP, I think the important note is that Colin
	 made 7th level as a fighter. The fact that he would now
	 get two attacks a round would become important later.]
</P>
<P>
 <B>Sidebar:</B> Donner has Seledan scry on the shadow dragon. It
	 appears to be invisible and flying north.
</P>
<P>
 <B>Sidebar:</B> Donner goes to the High Priest of Zeus (Father Joseph
 Corwyn) and asks about Restoration (for himself) and Raise
	 Dead (for Ansrak). Unfortunately, the price of Restoration
	 is too high, but Father Corwyn suggests that there may be
	 other means, such as wishes or the Star of Rillithar (back
	 in the elven homeland) may be possible. Donner also
	 discovers that raising Ansrak will require the sacrifice
	 of one year from the life of a volunteer. Fortunately,
	 Grackle is willing to do so.
</P>
<P>
 <B>Sidebar:</B> Grackle sacrifices a part of his life to get Ansrak 
 raised. Moda is there to question Grackle and Ansrak
	 about the head of the Guild, Tsevek Dys.
</P>
<H3> War Council </H3>
<P>
The next day, Moda briefs us on the latest intelligence. Seledan is 
in the audience with us. There is a nervous looking person next to
Moda. Moda begins by mentioning that Aquataine intelligence has been
attempting to determine who is threatening the royal family. He also
mentions that the plot is centered on the Plateau and some agency has
been guiding the troubles centered on the Plateau. He then introduces
Jimi, a spy who has recently returned with much news. Jimi provides
the following information:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> Gorath is apparently a divine creature. He is believed to be
 the brother of Grummsh, and was buried in an Eog (Adamantium)
 deposit in the Ironforge (aka Red) island.
<LI> Someone told the dwarves about the Eog and where to dig. This
 person is Shivishan Blackhand--a rogue agent of the Guild.
<LI> Jimi has overheard Shivishan talking to Ciarda. Apparently,
 Shivishan is an "agent" (roughly speaking) of the lower 
 kingdoms, while Ciarda is an agent of the Plateau. During this 
 conversation, Shivishan called Ciarda "judge".
 <BR>
 <B>Player Note:</B> The Judges of Unerring Wisdom were one of the
 three evil alignments (LE, IIRC), which were part of the Dark 
 Pact. Their ruler is the Magister (who is thought to be part of
 the ruling family of the Imperium)--whom we assume is the one who
 has sent the assassin party after us.]
<LI> Bolcus, who works for the Jarl of the City of Brass, is the 
 wizard leading the Cloud Giants. Ciarda delivered something
 to Bolcus.
<LI> While finding out who took Donner's father, Jimi discovered 
 that Blackvault is controlled by Vorn Kalak (the original(?)
 name of the Lich King), and run by Siman Jed.
</UL>
<P>
In conclusion, it appears that there are many "second in 
command"-type people who are working together for evil causes. The
entire plot seems to originate from the Imperium. However, during
our discussion several other items get mentioned (source attributed
in brackets):
</P>
<UL>
<LI> [Jimi] Each of the agents used phrases like "this body will do 
 for now" or "we'll get a better one later". (!)
<LI> [Ansrak] There is a client of the Guild of Kennetar by the name 
 of Angelique, who is offering a great deal of money for
 information concerning the four swords of King Grith.
</UL>
<P>
After this briefing, Seledan attempts to convince Donner to take the
throne of Aquataine. He says that Donner must give up his father for
dead and take the throne, making their threats useless. During this
conversation, Donner discovers that his brother has been increasing
the kingdoms assets (i.e. money) by demobilizing the army (the ones
to be used to assault the orcs) and through trade across the lake,
since ships move much faster than wagons using the lakeside trail.
Donner tells Seledan that he would prefer to see his father rescued.
</P>
<P>
In the meantime, we get the potions from the assassin party 
identified: Speed, Giant Strength, Extra-Healing (2), Fire Breathing.
Donner also has Seledan scry on the dragon again. It appears to be
resting. We discuss several plans, including attempting to pilfer
the dragon's items and simply assaulting the dragon. At best, Seledan
will drop us off near the dragon, but cannot stay around to see it to 
conclusion. Unfortunately, we cannot think of a reason the dragon
will not simply fly off or assault us from the air.
</P>
<H3> Discussion with Karolinth </H3>
<P>
Later than evening, we are escorted out of the palace to talk to
Karolinth, the Naga of the Lake. While talking to her, Donner 
discovers the following:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> Concerning the Sunken City
 <UL>
 <LI> Lake people live in the city.
 <LI> There are two societies of lake people:
 <UL>
 <LI> Those who live near the surface are playful. Regard people
	 as toys. They call themselves Nixies.
 <LI> Those who live in the city, and the bottom of the lake
	 are larger and more savage.
 </UL>
 <LI> Those who live in the city now have always lived on the
 bottom of the lake. They occupied the city after it "sank".
 <LI> When the city sank, the water in the lake actually rose to
 bury the city. Many boats were destroyed in the city's
 collapse.
 </UL>
</UL>
<P>
When Karolinth asks Donner how he is doing, he mentions the shadow
dragon. She responds: "I haven't talked to a dragon in a long
time." (!) Donner inquires further:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> Karolinth talked to the dragon when the elves were around, but
 the humans weren't. [Note: By my notes, this means <B>at least</B>
 940 years ago. To paraphrase Sewer Urchin: "Definitely 
 Ancient".]
<LI> The dragon mentioned something about "Evil would happen in a
 few centuries" and that he/she "would go to the Highlands to
 prepare". [More Notes: The Darkness occurred about 350 years
 ago, meaning the dragon had a sense of things about 600 years
 ahead. Also, presumably the Highlands are the ancient name
 for the Plateau. From Bruno, we know that there is a good
 dragon fortress in the Parapets.]
<LI> When the dragon toured the lake with Karolinth, he/she took
 the form of a golden serpent. (!)
<LI> The dragon went by the name Raevin.
<LI> Despite the raw power of dragons, Karolinth considers humans
 the most dangerous, due to their tenacity and numbers.
</UL>
<P>
 <B>Sidebar:</B> During this time, Robert and I compared notes about the
	 four swords. Ansrak's knowledge comes from various
	 shop talk around the Guild:
	 <UL>
 <LI> The four swords are of each type (short, long,
	 bastard, two-handed). [Joke of the Day: No one made a
	 broadsword?] - The name of the water sword is "Hydra",
	 which conflicts with the name Marden gave us. [Note:
		 Kyle's only comment was: "Isn't that interesting?" My
		 only response was to pull my hair out in frustration.]
	 </UL>
</P>
<P>
Karolinth overhears this discussion and mentions that there is a 
hydra in the falls at the base of the plateau. At the time the Naga
heard of it, it had eight heads. However, the lizard men claim that
the hydra has twelve heads (i.e. Lernaeran hydra). [Note from Ray:
Even the one Heracles had to slay only had nine heads. <Sigh>] On a 
final note, Karolinth mentions that shadow dragons originally came
from the Underdark.
</P>
<P>
Upon hearing this, Donner believes that the dragon is unused to 
flying long distances and is convinced that it may be too tired to
fly any further. So, the plan is to go invisible and wait nearby while 
Grackle checks out the harness the dragon is using to carry its
treasure. Donner doles out the potions (Fire-Breathing to Ansrak
and Speed to Colin).
</P>
<H3> Round 6: Fight! </H3>
<P>
We teleport there and the fun begins. Several rounds pass (five by 
my count) as we spread out and wait for Grackle. Suddenly, the dragon
appears and wing buffets Grackle to the ground. Colin (soon to be 
known as "the Cuisinart") drinks the Potion of Speed (4 attacks/round).
</P>
<UL>
<LI> <B>Round 1:</B> The dragon hits Grackle with two claws and a bite,
 who falls unconscious.
<LI> <B>Round 2:</B> Moving at double speed, Colin charges up and
 attacks the dragon, hitting it once. Donner charges up. Ansrak
 breathes a 50-foot long cone of flame along the dragon's backside.
<LI> <B>Round 3:</B> Colin hits exactly [Note: The dragon's AC is -6].
 Kieran casts Magic Missile, which appears to affect the dragon.
 The dragon tears into Colin.
<LI> <B>Round 4:</B> Colin misses (two of the misses are by one) but
 Donner hit the dragon. The dragon tears into Colin again. It
 is obvious Colin cannot take much more.
<LI> <B>Round 5:</B> Colin delivers the killing blow before the dragon can 
 attack.
</UL>
<P>
Inspecting the dragon, we find that there are four large pouches. 
Grackle and Ansrak inspect each one. They conclude Pack 1 and 2 are
trapped, pack 3 is not trapped, and Pack 4 is inconclusive (Ansrak
believed it trapped, Grackle did not). While removing the packs,
Pack 4 opens and Ansrak is struck blind. We check out the pack and
find our armor and weapons, including Dirgir. The rest of our items,
including the Ring of the Silverveils (with the Teleport) must be in
one of the other packs.
</P>
<P>
We decide to put some distance between ourselves and the now-dead 
dragon carcass, but not before Colin manages to dig out a dragon's
tooth. After a few hours, we see yet another party of gnolls. In
addition, there appear to be ogres with displacer beast "pets".
They appear to be making their way towards us, when we realize that
we are upwind.
</P>
<P>
After some discussion, we attempt to open the packs. Grackle disarms 
the trap on Pack 1. There appears to be two rings (one really evil 
looking) and a flying carpet (discovered by Donner), which we are
unable to figure out how to use. While attempting to disarm Pack 2,
Grackle is struck blind. Inside are many gems, jewelry, and platinum
and mithril coins. Kieran opens Pack 3, which is not trapped, and
finds the rest of the party's stuff.
</P>
<P>
We conclude that Donner can take one shrunken person (Kieran had a
Reduce) and two other members, stranding two. Borgar and Kieran
volunteer, since Grackle and Ansrak are both blind, and the reduced
Colin would be the biggest weight reduction. The people to teleport
leave all their mundane items, while Donner leaves the flying
carpet.
</P>
<P>
Left alone, Borgar and Kieran leave behind the platinum coins (about
3000) and mundane items, but take the mithril coins, gems, jewelry, 
and the flying carpet. We crawl away, and hear the gnolls have 
discovered the money. The noises get louder (which we assume to be
argument over how the money is divided :) ). Eventually, we are forced
to try the carpet again. Borgar unrolls it and Kieran attempts to push
and command the carpet--which fails to move. When Borgar pushes,
the carpet begins to move. [Note: I feel compelled to comment that
Matt figured out the key--"I unrolled it, so I can command it!"] 
Both climb on and Borgar commands the carpet to fly away.
</P>
<P>
Eventually, Borgar and Kieran fly up, get their bearings and see a
large gorge to the north and the edge of the Plateau to the west. 
They fly over the edge and land in civilized territory.
</P>
<H2> Conclusion </H2>
<P>
As Jim mentioned, things finally went our way. Things off Donner's
"To Do" list:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> Find the four (now three) weapons.
<LI> Save the dwarves from the giants and get their help against the orcs
<LI> Kill Shadow Dragon
<LI> Return to Aquataine and claim throne (just kidding John)
</UL>
<HR SIZE="4" WIDTH="60%">
<H2> Ray's Comments </H2>
<P>
I have to comment on at least the following:
</P>
<UL>
<LI> Colin "The Cuisinart" hit the dragon almost every round
 of combat (despite needing an "18" to hit).
<LI> Ansrak cooking the dragon's ass with the full Potion of Fire 
 Breathing without harming the other party members was well done.
<LI> Borgar figuring out how the magic carpet worked saved my ass.
 To quote myself: "Borgar is becoming the <B>man</B>!"
</UL>
<P>
And a special thanks to Celeste for showing up and keeping us alive.
</P>
<P>
My favorite quote:
</P>
 Ray: We're now 3-3 against the dragon.
 Kyle: Yeah, but you won the tiebreaker.
<H2> For Next Time </H2>
<OL>
<LI> What are the gnolls/ogres/etc. doing on the plateau? And where 
 are they headed? They are too organized to be a random event.
<LI> We have some treasure division to do. I know that we don't really
 have "personal" magic items, but there are some things
 (such as the magic books), which will need to get used (assuming
 we have time).
<LI> Get Seledan to put another Teleport in the ring before we forget.
 And let's find out what level he is so we know our actual weight
 limit.
<LI> We should find out about "Angelique" and if that's
 simply an alias for one of the previously mentioned agents for
 evil.
<LI> Blackvault? I'm assuming that a rescue party is going to get
 sent.
<LI> Maybe we can send a quick message to the elves asking about the
 Restoration? (I'm thinking the Temple of Hermes in Aquataine
 might have a fast messenger...)
<LI> Finally send a message to the dwarves letting them know that the
 Teeth are clear (finally). Borgar and Kieran can actually send 
 the message. [Note to Matt: Borgar can write the message, Kieran
 can use the Messenger (2nd level Priest) spell to get the message
 to Home (Father Cullaim).]
<LI> Tallying up experience points.
</OL>
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
<P>
</P>
<P>
Base Experience: 
</P>