Session 16: Nightscale

General Summary

The dragon opened with its scorching acid breath dealing heavy, but luckily not lethal damage to the group. Then it dived under the lake's surface, staying there for a few rounds. This gave the heroes time for regrouping and finding a more suitable position. They retreated a few steps and prepared for the wyrm's next approach. Soon it happened, and another blast of sizzling acid poured over the group members. This time, unfortunately, it claimed the life of Cora the brave halfling sorcerer. Soon, after a few rounds of fierce attacks, it seemed that the terrible creature itself had also sustained a lot of damage, and Nightscale retreated back into its lair.

The Dragon's Bane stayed alert and carefully followed after a while, prepared to deal the final blow. However, it turned out that the dragon had escaped through an underwater passage. Devastated over the loss of another party member and disappointed over the creature's escape, the group did their best to gather the dragon's hoard and get the hell out of there. Among the treasure, Thorbjörn found a trusty new sidekick - Durgeddin's Executioner, a truly epic axe crafted by the master smith himself. While heading back up through the foundry level, the party was once again stopped by the camping duergar who demanded another 'passage fee'. This did not sit well with the already frustrated heroes. Still, after a little exchange of alcohol and gemstones, this encounter had a non-violent outcome. As a bonus, the group got a peek at what the gray dwarves were doing here - using Durgeddin's equipment to forge weapons and armor for themselves. On the next level, the group decided to check out another unexplored area. After opening the makeshift doors made of mud and dirt, they found themselves in a sort of community area for troglodytes. The cave dwellers had set up quite a lair and after killing a few of them, the party decided that they have no further interest in the troglodytes' doings here. In the Mountain Door, the entrance level of the Stone Tooth, the group finally had time to deal with the prisoners left here a long time ago. Unfortunately, this time turned out to be too long and the two women had starved to death. The heroes, in the hopes of finding some more orcish scalps, explored the remaining rooms in the area. In the first one, they found what they were looking for - a band of orcs chilling inside a barracks. No pleasantries were exchanged and a battle followed, with the Dragon's Bane emerging victorious once again. The room seemed like a decent enough place to spend the night in.

20 Flamerule, 1393 DR (Day 21)

The rest went by uninterrupted, but in the morning, someone started scratching the door clearly trying to get in! Damian quickly warned the others and everyone prepared for an enemy attack. Soon after, a massive greataxe smashed through the whole door and Great Ulfe, the ogre wielding the weapon, soon followed. To top it off, his three dire wolf pets also barged into the room. But in the end, the ogre leader had to admit he was no match for the heroes.

Now the coast was clear to explore the rest of the level. The group discovered Great Ulfe's residence and a bigger barracks room with a bit of treasure for their efforts. Shava also had an unpleasant encounter with another dwarven statue, which unsuccessfully tried to poison the ranger. A secret passage was also found, leading back towards the complex entrance, and so the group finally reached back outside. The party searched out a nice and calm place under the trees, where they could lay Cora to her eternal rest. She was sent on her final journey with fond memories and kind words. Now it was time to prepare for the trek towards White Plume Mountain...

Campaign

Tales from the Yawning Portal

Protagonists