Session 12: Of Valor and Fire
General Summary
Back amidst the verdant embrace of Ruby Island, our narrative shifts back to Grabble Grasp, ensconced in his forest "business" when the distant echoes of his companions' voices resonate through the mountain's heart. Serendipitously, a foxhole is in proximity, and upon concluding his errand, he ventures within. Here, he confronts a crossroads within the mountain tunnels. To the left beckons the party's presence, while to the right, the faint scuttling of some entity captures his attention. With determined curiosity, Grabble Grasp elects to veer right, where a peculiar scene unfolds before him—an entangled goblin duo, one seeking assistance from the other entrapped within a cage, an endeavor aimed at overcoming the rest of the party.
In a decisive moment, Grabble Grasp addresses the goblin orchestrating the nefarious plan, unleashing a spell that liquefies the unfortunate creature's visage. The remaining goblin, protesting the ruthless annihilation of innocent adventurers, becomes the catalyst for his own clan's wrath, as they incarcerate him within the confines of his own snare until he alters his perspective. Stirred by empathy, Grabble Grasp extends his compassion, releasing the beleaguered goblin named Rut Bitterfoot. Gratitude emanates from Rut, who, once freed, pledges his allegiance to the party's cause, determined to aid in the downfall of Cindralisk. With Rut's meager belongings reclaimed, this newly formed alliance sets its course back to the awaiting party.
As the party, freshly triumphant over the vanquished goblin camp, encounters this unexpected addition, initial shock pervades. However, Grabble Grasp's affirmation of Rut's loyalty calms the waters, soothing the party's apprehensions. Following a well-deserved respite, the party gears up for the ultimate showdown—the confrontation with the fearsome Adult Red Dragon, Cindralisk. Delving further into the dragon's lair, they chance upon a cavernous expanse aglow with ethereal light, revealing a significant portion of the subterranean realm. Regrettably, the majority of the party, save for Vulcan and Valero, remains oblivious to the looming presence of Cindralisk above, until her fiery breath cascades down upon them from the very walls. This marks the inception of a fierce, albeit abbreviated, clash between mortal might and draconic fury.
The ensuing battle is a symphony of chaos and valor, with each party member contributing their unique skills to the fray. Valero's audacious maneuver brings him within striking distance of the colossal adversary, a feat that plays a pivotal role in the conflict's unfolding. Amidst the frenzied clash, the party's coordinated effort leads them to a moment of triumph, a calculated strike that ultimately seals Cindralisk's fate.
The aftermath resonates with a palpable mixture of pride and exhilaration, for the party has achieved what only a rare few can claim—the slaying of an Adult Red Dragon. Triumph accompanies exhaustion as the party collectively gathers their bearings. Yet, as battle-worn as they are, another chapter unfolds, one of treasure and intrigue. Guided by their anticipation, they uncover a treasure hoard of staggering proportions—filled to the brim with the gleam of gold and platinum, the allure of uncut rubies, and the mystique of arcane artifacts. Among these riches rests a singular, compelling discovery—an unblemished dragon egg, an enigma pregnant with possibility.
As the group contemplates their next steps, deliberation ensues. The decision to carry the egg forward sparks a whirlwind of thoughts and considerations. Amidst the treasures of gold and magic, the party discovers a potent source of trophies—the dragon's relics, symbols of their triumph. Among them, the skull, claws, teeth, and heart beckon, each a testament to their conquest. Yet, the heart, its potency ephemeral, compels them to consume its essence, a feat that leads to unexpected consequences, a symphony of nausea and chaos that ultimately leaves half the party retching.
In the aftermath, Orion's precise manipulation of the draconic anatomy nearly meets a perilous end, averted only by sheer fortune. With rewards claimed and experiences etched in memory, the party exits the cavern's shadow to find solace and recuperation outside the very foxhole that first drew Grabble Grasp's attention. The echoes of their victory reverberate through the air as they rest, their journey having navigated the tumultuous currents of danger, camaraderie, and triumph.
World Date Span: Uktar 1, 1254 - Uktar 3, 1254
Report Date
22 Aug 2023
Primary Location
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