B1E13 The Ancient White Dragon Arve
Donobis (Tiefling paladin, Bill), Mareshi
(human Cleric, Tony), Draggo (Dragonborn Barbarian, Brian), Thokk
(half-Orc Warlock, Duane), Knott (Firbolg Druid, Matt), Fabian
(1/2 elf Bard, Goeff)
Once again, we rode the
whale Angajuk in search of another pirate ship reportedly overflowing with
treasure. Along the way, conversing with the orb of Professor Skant, we learned
more about the fallen city Ythryn and the codex held by Auril. Confirmation
she too was afraid of the bestial Tarrasque.
The pirate ship turned
out to be a dragon horde currently guarded by kobolds and an Ice Troll. It took
fire to quell its restorative ability long enough to be killed and beheaded. With
threats removed, we explored and marveled at the treasure pile of gold and
silver. Who was the first to pocket a coin?
The flapping of wings
preceded the “THUD” landing of the ancient white dragon Arveiaturace
(ar-vay-AH-chur-us) upon the deck. Landing SO hard her wizard rider Meltharond fell off.
It was Donobos who braved
the encounter with the cataract-blinded dragon who still conversed with her
long dead wizard companion. “Meltharond, what is this non-human creature that
dares my gaze?” The Tiefling truthfully denied touching the treasure without
admitting he couldn’t say as much regarding his unmentioned allies. He even
offered aid getting Meltharond back in his saddle, which required the dragon to
bow and allow Donobos to climb her back. Using deck rope, he secured the wizard
in the saddle and poured water that quickly froze to lock the ropes and rider
in place. During the conversation, Arve told how the frost queen Auril kicked
the dragon out of her home in Reghed Glacier, “I suspect she tries to keep something
secret.” Could it be the fallen city Ythryn?
All polite conversation
ended when Knott came forth wearing a tricorn hat proclaiming to be the ship
captain. The ruse was up that Donobos was alone. All scattered when the dragon
sucked in a breath of cold air and blasted the deck with a sheet of ice,
resealing the door to the captain’s quarters. A tossed gold coin distracted the
dragon giving all a chance to make a run for it. A summoned dire-wolf sprinted
in the opposite direction temporarily leading the dragon away. Mareshi climbed
out the aft-castle window and sprinted toward the hole in the ice to call forth
the whale. All ran across the ice with the flapping of wings announcing the
closing threat. Donobos was the last aboard as he called out over his shoulder,
“I’m off to do your bidding to gather abilities to confront Auril so you can
reclaim your home.”
It was the orb voice of
Prof Skant who offered our next destination, “Perhaps you should interview the
Arcane Brotherhood wizard Vaelish
Gant held in the Revel’s End prison. Hear what he knows of Auril’s
plans.” Turns out the megalomaniac mage was SO full of himself, he boasted in
his knowledge. He too believed Auril hides something in the Reghed Glaciers,
“In my research, I tracked down the lost flying city to that area, home of the
white dragon.” He admited his criminal activities in Bryn Shander was meant to
destabilize the economy so HE could step in and win over the city as its
savior.
Next stop: Easthaven and the buried tower
Next Episode:
In Knott's defense he only came out of the forecastle because it looked like Donobis was struggling with getting the mummified wizard back in his saddle. Knott wasn't going to leave Donobis alone to face the dragon. It's unfortunate that the Dragon didn't recognize the rightful captain of the ship. Knott had on the Captain hat which obviously makes him Captain.
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