[2024/09/01 14:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: are we ready... Mecha?
[2024/09/01 14:05] Mecha: Yes
[2024/09/01 14:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: then let's begin with our recap... last week, you arrived, and, on hearing a load roar, decided Discretion was the better part of Valour
[2024/09/01 14:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: that was when you ran into a military company on the way to finish Sonja y Ddraig Goch off
[2024/09/01 14:07] Sonja Bikergrrl: and there was a loud crash of a church tower being knocked down and flames as cottages were incinerated, followed by her rather unsteady flight towards Castlepass
[2024/09/01 14:07] Sonja Bikergrrl: right now the military have you while villages stream down the road, yelling and screaming
[2024/09/01 14:08] Mecha: *Thought the military told us to take off.*
[2024/09/01 14:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: and with that recap out of the way GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEETTTIINGS Adventurers! Other players get epic boss fights with BBEGs, you get peasant crowd control.
[2024/09/01 14:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: What do you plan doing?
[2024/09/01 14:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: (The military want some Questions Answered, and an Investigation of the damage)
[2024/09/01 14:12] Mecha: Looks at the guards. "Yes please, let's waste time while Sonja is flying away"
[2024/09/01 14:13] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sergeant Kelly: "Less of your lip! This is a military matter and no one leaves until I find out exactly what happened - and if these people are rebels!"
[2024/09/01 14:13] Sonja Bikergrrl: Kylie? Want to chop anything?
[2024/09/01 14:13] Kylie: I pretend to be slow and not understanding the questions
[2024/09/01 14:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sergeant Kelly: "Just take this ... this. And I want to know just what happened. We're supposed to be finding a mortally wounded dragon... and she just flew off."
[2024/09/01 14:18] Mecha: I just shrug and look at the Sergeant. "No clue what happened there." She sighs."Look we did a job for wizard mcwhatshispants and the goddess Astrid, like we always seem to be doing. Hear him talking about rebels and we came to investigate."
[2024/09/01 14:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sergeant: "There's the village! Get investigating!"
[2024/09/01 14:20] Mecha: We already did and from the looks of it people were running. So we thought to report in
[2024/09/01 14:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sergeant: "Either you go ask the damn villagers or we can take you back in irons!"
[2024/09/01 14:21] Sonja Bikergrrl: And this is when Kylie starts chopping....?
[2024/09/01 14:21] Mecha: Fine, we will go back. But seriously if you were into locking people up, I'm sure there are people you can meet who are into it." She looks to Kylie."Shall we?"
[2024/09/01 14:22] Kylie: Oh yes we shall
[2024/09/01 14:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: Sargeant: "Goddamn wise mouth. One day a giant troll is going to be pulling your lips off and I'll be at my barracks, laughing."
[2024/09/01 14:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: So, to the village?
[2024/09/01 14:23] Mecha nods
[2024/09/01 14:23] Kylie: yes
[2024/09/01 14:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: Approaching the village, you find it... suspiciously specifically damaged. One church steeple on the ground, shattered. Two cottages, flamed with pinpoint precision. And not a single injury amongst the populace.
[2024/09/01 14:25] Mecha: Start looking for people
[2024/09/01 14:25] Kylie: Almost like someone's bestie was pissed off
[2024/09/01 14:25] Sonja Bikergrrl: They're all there, all alive and well.
[2024/09/01 14:27] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha?
[2024/09/01 14:27] Mecha: Any of the kids we ran into before?
[2024/09/01 14:27] Sonja Bikergrrl: d20
[2024/09/01 14:27] D20: Mecha rolls 8
[2024/09/01 14:27] Sonja Bikergrrl: there's one there, at the back, looking nonchalant
[2024/09/01 14:27] D20: Kylie rolls 12
[2024/09/01 14:28] Sonja Bikergrrl: Kylie hasn't seen any of these guys, ever, as far as she can tell
[2024/09/01 14:29] Mecha: I look at the kid for a moment then shake my head before finding the nearest adult
[2024/09/01 14:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: that'll be one of the farmers, still holding a hoe
[2024/09/01 14:30] Mecha: I approach the farmer."Hey there, what's going on?"
[2024/09/01 14:31] Kylie: I threten the farmer to be truthfull or I will axe all their hoes
[2024/09/01 14:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: Farmer: (blinks, looks about): well, it's the dragon, innit? Flew in and flamed our village.
[2024/09/01 14:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: got to admit, Kylies' threat there lacks a certain gravitas
[2024/09/01 14:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: ...unless you mean their women?
[2024/09/01 14:33] Kylie: But I'm a charming dwarf
[2024/09/01 14:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: with 6 CHA?
[2024/09/01 14:34] Mecha: Yeah. Saw that, heard the roar and the flying off. Kind of surprised it's all building damage.
[2024/09/01 14:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: you're smooth like sandpaper....
[2024/09/01 14:35] Sonja Bikergrrl: Farmer: nods: "Yeah, we was lucky, wasn't we? I saw it all! It flew in and flamed the place. Lucky everyone was working in the fields."
[2024/09/01 14:38] Kylie: "That does not sound like the dragon we have met before"
[2024/09/01 14:38] Mecha: I just sigh. and shake my head."Change the story. If Sonja really wanted to do major damage she would have torch the fields too. So since it is just us, how about you come clean."
[2024/09/01 14:38] Sonja Bikergrrl: Farmer: (surprised): "What... you met her? She never said anything about you being friends?"
[2024/09/01 14:39] Mecha: I don't know if we're friends she seems to find us entertaining
[2024/09/01 14:39] Kylie: "And this town worthy BBQ"
[2024/09/01 14:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: Farmer: (recovering): wait... wait, I mean... yeah, guess she missed the fields?
[2024/09/01 14:41] Mecha: She doesn't miss. If she wanted you cooked, you'd be cooked, now who helped her get to where she is health wise? trust me we're about the nicest you're gonna see soon, so this might be your easiest course of action. After all Sonja is my Bestest Buddy
[2024/09/01 14:42] Sonja Bikergrrl: Farmer: looks around at the other villagers milling about, catches the eye of the priest, who comes over. Priest: "My children, what seems to be the problem?"
[2024/09/01 14:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's a -huge- and very bloody ballista bolt in the square...
[2024/09/01 14:45] Mecha: I am going to walk over to it and take a look."Oh that had to hurt."
[2024/09/01 14:45] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's bigger'n a human... and... it's clearly just been removed from a body. It's quite bloody, bits of meat stuck to it, a few red scales....
[2024/09/01 14:46] Sonja Bikergrrl: Priest: "Indeed, the beast was nearly killed outright. It was a miracle she survived."
[2024/09/01 14:47] Mecha: I look at Kylie curiously
[2024/09/01 14:48] Kylie: It seems suspisious that she is injoured and the town is torched and the villagers are all in the field
[2024/09/01 14:48] Sonja Bikergrrl: Priest: "Gods be praised! It was a miracle! "
[2024/09/01 14:49] Mecha: I look at the priest. "Who pulled it out of her?"
[2024/09/01 14:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: Priest: "The blacksmith and a few of the farmers. It was quite an effort."
[2024/09/01 14:51] Kylie: Perhaps the blacksmith needs questioned
[2024/09/01 14:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: Priest: "My children... these are but simple villagers who are good and gods-fearing folk. There's no need for them to be implicated and slaughtered."
[2024/09/01 14:53] Mecha: I believe it. " *Just shakes her head."This is getting more difficult as we go."
[2024/09/01 14:53] Kylie: God fearing, they should be pissed off dragon fearing
[2024/09/01 14:54] Sonja Bikergrrl: Priest: "I think the decision rests with you to either help these villagers, or betray them."
[2024/09/01 14:55] Kylie: Mecha do you think if we torch the rest of the village it would please your bestie?
[2024/09/01 14:55] Mecha: okay, if we're going to decide, we need to whole story.
[2024/09/01 14:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: Priest: "I cannot tell you the whole story. I do not know it. But I can tell you where you can find out all you need to know... Go find Aurora's Crest, in the Celestial Peaks. There, you shall find all the answers you need."
[2024/09/01 14:58] Mecha: All right, until then odds are good some others will come in... not as nice as us so be careful. Also can you point us.. legitimately point us in the direction?
[2024/09/01 14:59] Sonja Bikergrrl: Priest: "Go East, it is one days' travel. Look for Starlight Hollow."
[2024/09/01 15:00] Kylie: Ok lets travel to this place
[2024/09/01 15:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha?
[2024/09/01 15:01] Mecha: I ponder for a moment. "Kylie, I agree let's go to this place but if we are given the runaround you idea could work."
[2024/09/01 15:02] Sonja Bikergrrl: So, off we go... and the countryside is busy today. You keep running across military detachments, infantry columns, wagons hauling supplies or artillery pieces, all heading north.
[2024/09/01 15:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: The soldiers are all jubilant at the prospect of fighting "A last battle against the rebels! After this, with Sonja y Ddraig Goch gone, they'll be all but defeated!"
[2024/09/01 15:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha, Kylie...?
[2024/09/01 15:05] Kylie: And i was looking forward to torching the town looks like they are going to have all the fun
[2024/09/01 15:05] Mecha: Leesha is pressing on.
[2024/09/01 15:06] Kylie: Kylie is moving on as well
[2024/09/01 15:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: okay... it isn't -very- long, before you encounter something.... different.
[2024/09/01 15:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: Along a dusty stretch of the Old King's Road, they are met with an unsettling scene. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the landscape. The air is thick with the acrid scent of charred wood and scorched earth, and wisps of smoke still rise from the ground where a once-proud military column met its fiery end.
[2024/09/01 15:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: You find a desperate sight: remnants of a military column strewn haphazardly along the path. The charred remains of wagons lie shattered and broken. Iron, twisted beyond recognition, creates unnatural shapes amidst the destruction. Looks like you got to see something torched.
[2024/09/01 15:07] Mecha: I start looking for survivors
[2024/09/01 15:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: Burnt carcasess, shredded banners, wrecked wagons.... one survivor, babbling behind a tree. He just keeps repeating over and over: "...the bitch... Sonja y Ddraig Goch... she came... flying... roaring... flaming! We never stood chance! She slaughtered us all..."
[2024/09/01 15:09] Kylie: I look over the remains to loot anything uncharred and usefull
[2024/09/01 15:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: a short sword or two... coupla rations... there's fuck all else that hasn't exploded from heat, melted, or been seared to ash
[2024/09/01 15:10] Mecha: I look at the survivor and come talk to them."Do you know where a nearest regimen is?"
[2024/09/01 15:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: The guy just babbles the same thing over and over. I doubt he's much good for anything after whatever happened.
[2024/09/01 15:11] Kylie: I will attack him with my axe to leave no trace
[2024/09/01 15:11] Sonja Bikergrrl facepalms
[2024/09/01 15:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: you... sure...?
[2024/09/01 15:12] Mecha: Let's get him somewhere safe. I can't leave him like this on his own."
[2024/09/01 15:12] Mecha: ...
[2024/09/01 15:12] Kylie: I am sure there is ony one of him and he would suffer being alone
[2024/09/01 15:13] Sonja Bikergrrl: I got no dog in this catfight... Mecha?
[2024/09/01 15:14] Mecha: There is only one of him, but we can't kill him. Let's keep him with us until we can find the next group of soldiers.
[2024/09/01 15:15] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's not very long before you run across another troop movement. I'm sure they won't be unnerved or demoralized.
[2024/09/01 15:15] Sonja Bikergrrl: As you approach the Celestial Peaks, it becomes increasingly clear that this trail is rather more well-travelled than might be expected. The trail is wide, and has many ruts from wagon wheels.
[2024/09/01 15:15] Mecha: So we dropped soldier boy off and continue on
[2024/09/01 15:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: Along a path regularly frequented by wagons... more than expected
[2024/09/01 15:17] Mecha: As we walk i look at Kylie."What is up with wanting to attack and kill all the time? Is your weapon cursed and forcing you or something?"
[2024/09/01 15:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: In the shadow of the majestic Celestial Peaks, the players find the village is known as Starlight Hollow. Nestled in a lush valley, Starlight Hollow has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, which seem to touch the sky and shimmer with celestial light at dawn and dusk. The village is home to a close-knit community of hardy folk, skilled in mountain lore and survival. The surrounding fields have wheat growing in them, and here and there one can see various water troughs and barns with large stalls, although these structures seem very disused and in ill repair.
[2024/09/01 15:18] Kylie: I havent hit anything all day yet
[2024/09/01 15:19] Mecha: I know but you keep wanting to. Look I'm not judging here, everyone has their own thing but I'm surious."
[2024/09/01 15:19] Kylie: Oh look the town is real
[2024/09/01 15:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: Anyone want to roll a perception check?
[2024/09/01 15:19] Kylie: sure
[2024/09/01 15:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: d20
[2024/09/01 15:20] D20: Kylie rolls 15
[2024/09/01 15:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: +2 bonus
[2024/09/01 15:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: oh well.
[2024/09/01 15:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: You see farms.
[2024/09/01 15:20] D20: Mecha rolls 2
[2024/09/01 15:20] Kylie: warmed it up for Mecha
[2024/09/01 15:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: it's obvious that the farms used to be cattle ranches, but long ago started growing wheat
[2024/09/01 15:22] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha, Kylie?
[2024/09/01 15:23] Mecha: Figure we head in
[2024/09/01 15:23] Kylie: I'm not sure what to do if you dont smash or burn things, so I will try to find town folks
[2024/09/01 15:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: A few villagers here and there go about their business. The local tavern seems busy, The Twinkling Hollow", although... that sign looks new-ish...
[2024/09/01 15:25] Mecha: I get that Kylie I really do but that can't always be the first go to. We can try talking and if it fails then we kick butt, and a lot of it.
[2024/09/01 15:25] Mecha: I look at the people as we go through."Want a drink Kylie? My treat."
[2024/09/01 15:25] Kylie: I will go to the taver, quietly order a dring and just sit at the bar listening to conversations
[2024/09/01 15:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: his cozy establishment looks like it features a warm, inviting atmosphere with, with wooden beams supporting lanterns that mimic the constellations overhead. The walls are adorned with various star maps and local lore about the mountains and the night sky - although some of the latter have clearly been defaced and crossed over. The chatter in the tavern immediately dies to a silence, with everyone sullenly looking at the party with clear hostility. There's the barmaid, looking at the party, a large bald farmer in a leather jerkin sitting with his arms crossed looking at the party in obvious disapproval, and a feral looking man at the back holding darts, looking like he can barely be restrained from attacking.
[2024/09/01 15:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: -silence- as everyone stares at you
[2024/09/01 15:27] Mecha: Looks like they realized we're restaurant critics
[2024/09/01 15:27] Mecha: *Yes that is said in game*
[2024/09/01 15:27] Sonja Bikergrrl: very slowly, chatter starts up, and the barmaid reaches for a tankard. "Ales, good travellers?"
[2024/09/01 15:28] Mecha: I nod."Yes, please and what kind of food do you have?"
[2024/09/01 15:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: Barmaid: "We can do you two plates of blue grankit. I'll bring them over."
[2024/09/01 15:30] Kylie: Yes the best ales
[2024/09/01 15:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: The guy at the back of the tavern starts throwing darts, at an old board hanging from the wall.
[2024/09/01 15:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's an obvious empty stall to one side, where you can sit. There's a huge and fairly crude painting of a dragon on the wall, clearly a red dragon rearing up as if watching over the tavern.
[2024/09/01 15:31] Kylie: OH nice we get to drink with your bestie
[2024/09/01 15:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: perception check, anyone?
[2024/09/01 15:32] D20: Mecha rolls 15
[2024/09/01 15:32] D20: Kylie rolls 17
[2024/09/01 15:32] Mecha: I chuckle a bit. Yep, Bestest buddy live and in painting
[2024/09/01 15:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's a crude painting of a red dragon. You don't notice anything about it.
[2024/09/01 15:34] Mecha: Though to be fair, there are bound to be more red dragons than her
[2024/09/01 15:34] Mecha: We head over and sit down
[2024/09/01 15:35] Sonja Bikergrrl: The chatter is going on again in the pub, and the barmaid brings over two plates of a stew of vegtables and fruits
[2024/09/01 15:37] Mecha: Thank you, I appreciate it." GOnna keep an eye out. there seemed to be some unfriendly looks our way
[2024/09/01 15:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: The farmer starts telling a loud rambling joke about a party fighting ghouls in a crypt, and they nearly fall. At the last, the cleric is slain; they rest and the cleric rises and starts to attack. "Oh great! NOW he turns undead!"
[2024/09/01 15:39] Mecha can't help but laugh at that one
[2024/09/01 15:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: The farmer gets his laughter then wanders over, tankard in hand. "What's your business here, travellers?"
[2024/09/01 15:44] Mecha: A couple adventurers wandering around searching for adventure. Kinda like the job title." She looks around."Heard rumor of a place called Aurors quest or something like that. Figure it could be a fun find.
[2024/09/01 15:44] Mecha: By the way, that joke was very funny.
[2024/09/01 15:44] Kylie: It really was
[2024/09/01 15:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: Farmer: "There's nothing here." He doesn't react to the comment about the joke.
[2024/09/01 15:46] Kylie: Speaks to mecha "That seemed too fast and harsh a denial"
[2024/09/01 15:46] Mecha: Of course not if it were I figure you folks would have signs for it or something. Right now we're just looking fr a rest stop, a bit of ale, some good food, then we go out like adventurers do."He plan for this was to seem both inconspicuous and yet fresh at adventuring that he doesn't expect anything
[2024/09/01 15:46] Mecha: Maybe he heard bad rumors and is trying to help us
[2024/09/01 15:47] Sonja Bikergrrl: Farmer: "I think you should leave. There's nothing here!"
[2024/09/01 15:48] Mecha: Can we finish eating first? Then we will be on our way.
[2024/09/01 15:48] Sonja Bikergrrl: The farmer grunts and wanders off, to get another ale
[2024/09/01 15:49] Mecha: Once the farmer is at the bar I lean to Kylie."I think we're in the right area."
[2024/09/01 15:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: But for what?
[2024/09/01 15:51] Kylie: I think so too, we sould inspect the other buildings for signs
[2024/09/01 15:51] Sonja Bikergrrl: that could be a plan
[2024/09/01 15:52] Mecha: I nod."But for now we finish up and go."Willing to bet word is about to spread about us."
[2024/09/01 15:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: No one seems inclined to stop you as you make to leave
[2024/09/01 15:53] Mecha: I pay and leave a decent tip as we head out the door.
[2024/09/01 15:53] Sonja Bikergrrl: Well... the village is... a village. Building dumped haphazardly, it'd be easy to get lost.
[2024/09/01 15:54] Sonja Bikergrrl: You're -almost- getting lost when the feral-looking dart player is suddenly -there-, hands in his pockets, tunic collar turned up, from some hidden passage or alley or something. "I... I know why you;re here..."
[2024/09/01 15:55] Mecha: Do tell
[2024/09/01 15:55] Kylie: "that makes one of us"
[2024/09/01 15:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: Feral Guy: "I can't stay long... you got to follow the path out of town, but kept left, you hear? Keep left! I better get back."
[2024/09/01 15:56] Sonja Bikergrrl: I'm sure there's no sinister motive here.
[2024/09/01 15:57] Mecha nods."Will do thank you."
[2024/09/01 15:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: Feral guy ducks back into the alley and disappears
[2024/09/01 15:58] Mecha: Shall we head out of town? Kind of sad I couldn't get an ale to go.
[2024/09/01 15:58] Sonja Bikergrrl: well, there's only one path... the one that leads to the mountain.
[2024/09/01 16:00] Kylie: Ok lets follow the path
[2024/09/01 16:00] Mecha: Agreed.
[2024/09/01 16:00] Sonja Bikergrrl: Nestled amongst the peaks, Aurora's Crest could be described as a majestic mountain with shimmering golden slopes that seem to glow at sunrise and sunset, often veiled in gentle clouds, like now, that add an ethereal quality to the landscape. It looks quite beautiful, and yet... there's a certain air of menace. A wide, well travelled trail leads to the slopes. Some way off, there's what looks like a water wheel at the side of a building, but, there is no stream, although there clearly is a stream bed, long since dried up. There's even a bridge or two in sight, leading to the fields.
[2024/09/01 16:01] Sonja Bikergrrl: Anyone want to roll a perception check?
[2024/09/01 16:01] Mecha: "Hey Kylie, want to say, I'm sorry for earlier. I was getting so frustrated by people screwing around with us that I was ready to just walk away and let the wizard and Astrid deal with everything. Seriously I was tired. Still kind of am.
[2024/09/01 16:01] D20: Mecha rolls 9
[2024/09/01 16:01] Sonja Bikergrrl: The stream bed is dusty, dry... has not seen a major flow of water in a long, long time.
[2024/09/01 16:02] D20: Kylie rolls 12
[2024/09/01 16:02] Sonja Bikergrrl: Also, you are being followed by that cat again.
[2024/09/01 16:02] Kylie: Oh that cat has come a long way for a cat
[2024/09/01 16:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: A most puissant puss
[2024/09/01 16:03] Mecha: I stop and turn towards that cat."Oh hell no, who are you cat?"
[2024/09/01 16:03] Sonja Bikergrrl: Cat: "Meow?"
[2024/09/01 16:05] Mecha: And this is why I don't trust you
[2024/09/01 16:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: Cat just looks at you disdainfully, and starts industriously washing her ear
[2024/09/01 16:05] Kylie: Do you expect it to be like Salem from Sabrina
[2024/09/01 16:05] Mecha: Turns to start walking again ."We should set camp before we go too far it. Something tells me we will need a recharge before going in."
[2024/09/01 16:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: The trail is clearly travelled by carts, but there's no settlements out this way, and no industry of logging or mining. There is a fork in the trail; the "main" path leads on, looking like a more direct route to a far away plateau while the left path is much smaller, much less and much more rarely travelled, leading to a side of the mountain.
[2024/09/01 16:06] Mecha: Sabrina? You saw that play too?"
[2024/09/01 16:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: Looks like you get a choice
[2024/09/01 16:08] Mecha: I say we head to the right a bit, set up camp and see what we see. at this location we're an easy target. IF we see something telling us to change direction we can head left
[2024/09/01 16:08] Kylie: the guy said to stay left
[2024/09/01 16:10] Mecha: Yep, but we have been travelling non stop. IF he was telling the truth that might be a dangerous route to camp on. f he was screwing with us then they could also be waiting in ambush,
[2024/09/01 16:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: so... what's the verdict?
[2024/09/01 16:11] Mecha: I still say to the right
[2024/09/01 16:11] Mecha: but it is up to you this time Kylie
[2024/09/01 16:12] Kylie: Lets look at the side the cat prefers
[2024/09/01 16:12] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cat pads to the left, then looks over her shoulder at you. "Mmmrrrwwl?"
[2024/09/01 16:12] Mecha: ohhh good idea
[2024/09/01 16:13] Kylie: Okay left
[2024/09/01 16:13] Mecha: Then left it is
[2024/09/01 16:13] Sonja Bikergrrl: the going gets fairly steep, but still manageable.... when....
[2024/09/01 16:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: You stumble into a large area that has been absolutely blasted, it clearly happened long ago but there is a devastated area a few hundred yards in diameter. There's incinerated tree stumps protruding from the earth like skeletal fingers the ground blacked and burned area, and clearly it's been gouged deeply, with trees smashed aside. There's also small saplings sprouting all round.
[2024/09/01 16:15] Mecha: Holy hell
[2024/09/01 16:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: perception check?
[2024/09/01 16:16] D20: Mecha rolls 8
[2024/09/01 16:16] D20: Kylie rolls 13
[2024/09/01 16:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: Kylie: this looks like it happened last week.
[2024/09/01 16:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha: Something BIG ravaged this place and tore it up and burnt the area, clearly many years ago. The ground is littered with remnants of the rusty, melted weapons and torn leather armor, with bones and some arrow heads scattered about. Clearly about fifty armed and armoured people died here, fighting desperately; about the same number as a military company.
[2024/09/01 16:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: Now what?
[2024/09/01 16:20] Mecha: I look at the saplings and think. Whatever this was happened a while ago. I think we should call this spot for camping. AS long as it has been, this might be a safe place... comparatively"
[2024/09/01 16:21] Kylie: It was like 2 weeks ago so these people might have initially pissed off the dragon
[2024/09/01 16:21] Sonja Bikergrrl: the saplings do suggest this took place.. probably twenty, thirty years ago. An age that seems suspiciously common
[2024/09/01 16:21] Mecha: Either way the threat seems gone for now.
[2024/09/01 16:21] Kylie: Okay lets set up camp here
[2024/09/01 16:23] Mecha: Set up camp, setting a bit of food for the cat while getting food ready for us.
[2024/09/01 16:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: You set up camp in what is essentially an open graveyard. Time passes, hit points and spells are returned... it wasn't overly restful since you heard chitterings outside your tents and range of vision
[2024/09/01 16:23] Sonja Bikergrrl: Despite the fresh sunrise and the display of aurora over the peak... there's still an overlaying air of menace.
[2024/09/01 16:24] Mecha: Figure come morning continue on the path. Feeling better
[2024/09/01 16:24] Sonja Bikergrrl: The path continues up to a small cave, only about fifty feet across and twenty feet high; it is a cavernous space that bears the scars of a devastating internal fire, and presents a haunting landscape of charred rock and ashen remnants with the ground littered with blackened stones. The air of menace and oppressive evil seems to be getting stronger.
[2024/09/01 16:26] Mecha: Gonna keep following the cat. It hasn't steered us wrong yet
[2024/09/01 16:26] Sonja Bikergrrl: oh, NOW you trust the cat???
[2024/09/01 16:27] Mecha: Still don't trust it but it is doing well so far
[2024/09/01 16:27] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cat peers in, and takes a tentative step
[2024/09/01 16:27] Kylie: Follows along with the cat
[2024/09/01 16:29] Sonja Bikergrrl: Not going to take a quick check of the cave first? No one wants to roll a perception check?
[2024/09/01 16:30] D20: Mecha rolls 4
[2024/09/01 16:30] D20: Kylie rolls 13
[2024/09/01 16:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: Kylie: the rocks must be some black rocks, you're sure of it.
[2024/09/01 16:30] Sonja Bikergrrl: Mecha: The fire seems to have come from within. It's clear that there are "shadowed" areas, areas where bulges and outcropping rock "shielded" space from being incinerated.
[2024/09/01 16:31] Mecha: I'm going to move to one of the shielded spaces and try to look deeper inside
[2024/09/01 16:31] Sonja Bikergrrl: as in... -small- bulges and rocks... barely the size of your hand
[2024/09/01 16:32] Kylie: Shouts "hello" into the cave
[2024/09/01 16:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: oh jeez... *facepalms*
[2024/09/01 16:32] Sonja Bikergrrl: are you sure?
[2024/09/01 16:32] Mecha: I'm going to lean against the wall for this one
[2024/09/01 16:33] Kylie: Why does every idea i have meet a facepalm
[2024/09/01 16:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: that's... a question...
[2024/09/01 16:33] Sonja Bikergrrl: are you... -SURE- you want to holler down the cave?
[2024/09/01 16:34] Kylie: Yes
[2024/09/01 16:34] Sonja Bikergrrl: okay... you shout down the cave, you hear echoes dying out... nothing else seems to happen... as far as you can tell.
[2024/09/01 16:35] Kylie: speaks to Mecha "the cave seems empty"
[2024/09/01 16:35] Mecha: Then let's move forward... carefully.
[2024/09/01 16:36] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cave goes a few hundred feet... and halfway, the players find the remains of the body, a once-human figure, now reduced to a charred husk, the armour has been blackened and crisped, resembling the charred exterior of a burnt tree, flaking off in places to reveal a brittle seared skeleton underneath. Jagged shards of metal are fused into the charred bones, a macabre testament to the ferocity of the flame. In some areas, the heat has melted the metal, creating jagged pools of alloy that merge ominously with the stone floor of the cave.
[2024/09/01 16:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: perception check, anyone?
[2024/09/01 16:37] D20: Mecha rolls 18
[2024/09/01 16:37] Sonja Bikergrrl: or, maybe summon a mariarchi marching band?
[2024/09/01 16:37] D20: Kylie rolls 11
[2024/09/01 16:38] Sonja Bikergrrl: Hmm. Not a lot you can tell from this pile of bone and metal.
[2024/09/01 16:39] Kylie: PRoceeds further in the cave
[2024/09/01 16:39] Mecha: Then we keep moving carefully forward
[2024/09/01 16:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cave opens out into a fairly large chamber. The air of some evil is literally overwhelming at this point
[2024/09/01 16:39] Sonja Bikergrrl: The chamber has high ceilings that arch upward, lost in shadow. The shadows of the party stretch over the chamber, backlit from the cave; the very air itself carries a faint, stale scent of dust mingled with the lingering warmth reminiscent of draconic fire. At one side of the chamber lies the remains of two serpentine hatchlings, their once-sparkling golden scales dulled by time and neglect. One hatchling, slightly larger than the other, is curled in an eternal slumber, its wings draped protectively around its smaller sibling. The smaller hatchling, though partially obscured, displays delicate features and delicate, fine scales that hint at the great potential it held.
[2024/09/01 16:40] Kylie: Looks to the cat.
[2024/09/01 16:40] Sonja Bikergrrl: The cat just sits there, looking at the two bodies, blinking
[2024/09/01 16:42] Mecha: Um maybe we should go. these are babies and their mother is either here or coming back.
[2024/09/01 16:42] Sonja Bikergrrl: They're not exactly moving....
[2024/09/01 16:42] Sonja Bikergrrl: in fact, they're covered in dust
[2024/09/01 16:43] Mecha: *Oh wait Thought you were saying there were the two dead ones and then one protecting another as well.*
[2024/09/01 16:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: "draped protectively"
[2024/09/01 16:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: it can do that and be long dead.
[2024/09/01 16:43] Kylie: So the bodies we seen in the cave might have killed them and pissed off moma to cause the cring?
[2024/09/01 16:43] Mecha: What color are they dead dragons?
[2024/09/01 16:43] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's not immediately obvious what killed these hatchlings. Scattered about are fragments of their shells; these hatchlings are barely man-sized and clearly very young. One thing that is clear... they've been dead a long time. The skeletal remains appear almost fragile, but it seems as if traces of magical energy still linger in the air. Occasionally, soft glimmers of light dance across the bones, as if the souls of the young dragons are still striving to unite and break free from their mortal bindings. Silvery threads of mist weave around them, adding an ethereal quality to the tragic scene.
[2024/09/01 16:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: roll perception checks
[2024/09/01 16:44] D20: Kylie rolls 7
[2024/09/01 16:44] D20: Mecha rolls 14
[2024/09/01 16:44] Sonja Bikergrrl: good job you get a +4 bonus to this one
[2024/09/01 16:46] Sonja Bikergrrl: The dragon scales are clearly yellow hued. Their small bodies are long, thin.... serpentine... with the hints of whiskers about the jaws. You can see they're little more than wizened husks of skin and scale over bone. It's immediately obvious that someone slit their throats.
[2024/09/01 16:46] Sonja Bikergrrl: Something else that's becoming obvious? A low snorting, and a rumbling, as if giant bellows were working. Rocks bounce and clatter.
[2024/09/01 16:47] Mecha: What do you think that sound is?
[2024/09/01 16:48] Kylie: Best case senario is your bestie
[2024/09/01 16:48] Mecha: Even with that scenario we either need to leave, or hide
[2024/09/01 16:49] Kylie: I opt to hide to see what happens
[2024/09/01 16:49] Sonja Bikergrrl: Well... Sonja y Ddraig Goch was last seen heading north, to Castlepass... although, the thing that's coming? Is indeed a rather large dragon. "Intruders! You dare come and rouse me from my slumber!?"
[2024/09/01 16:50] Sonja Bikergrrl: Now what?
[2024/09/01 16:50] Mecha: Apologies, we did not mean to rouse you. With your permission we will just leave.
[2024/09/01 16:51] Mecha: But first, could you tell us where we are?
[2024/09/01 16:51] Sonja Bikergrrl: The huge red dragon that comes into sight bares a mouth full of swords the size of sabres. "You rouse me from my slumber... you don't bring the agreed sacrifice? I'll just eat YOU, instead!"
[2024/09/01 16:52] Mecha: Wait, what sacrifice?!
[2024/09/01 16:52] Sonja Bikergrrl: Dragon: "Just who are you FOOLS???"
[2024/09/01 16:53] Kylie: "We are friends to another red dragon and we were doing a wellness check in case it was her"
[2024/09/01 16:53] Mecha: You realize I call her Bestest buddy now ironically, right?
[2024/09/01 16:54] Sonja Bikergrrl: Dragon (GROWLS furiously): "WWHHAATT over red dragon??"this
[2024/09/01 16:54] Mecha: We're here trying to find out more about the red dragon known as Sonja
[2024/09/01 16:55] Kylie: But not the golden Sonja the red one
[2024/09/01 16:55] Sonja Bikergrrl: There's a pause, and then the cave rumbles and echoes with deafening laughter
[2024/09/01 16:56] Mecha: Oh good, we somehow entertained another red dragon
[2024/09/01 16:57] Sonja Bikergrrl: Dragon: "R.... r.... redddddd.... you are IDIOTS! Foolish puny humans! Red dragon! That Sonja of which you speak... what a LOSER! My agents slaughtered her young and then we took over the kingdom! Even now she lies mortally wounded, the humans managed to down her with a ballista, once she is dead my plans will be complete! Not that this will do YOU any good.. YOU will be my breakfast!"
[2024/09/01 16:58] Mecha: *Time to do something incredibly stupid but funny*
[2024/09/01 16:59] Sonja Bikergrrl: rely on Kylie?
[2024/09/01 16:59] Mecha: Before you eat us I wanna whisper a secret about her to you come closer.
[2024/09/01 16:59] Sonja Bikergrrl: The dragon cocks it's head and glares. "Eh? What's this? What secret? You tell me from where you stand."
[2024/09/01 17:00] Mecha: I'm not moving but you need to bring your head down here, Yelling it in this smoky area is hurting and I want to make sure you can hear it clearly
[2024/09/01 17:01] Sonja Bikergrrl: The dragon growls. "I hear you, just as I heard you shouting earlier!"
[2024/09/01 17:01] Sonja Bikergrrl: Kylie? You got any ideas to add?
[2024/09/01 17:02] Kylie: I am going to sharpen my lucky axe incase we are dragon hunting
[2024/09/01 17:02] Mecha: Wasn't me shouting, but with so much smoke and ash and dust around us. Come on, you're gonna eat us, what could we do to you?
[2024/09/01 17:02] Sonja Bikergrrl: Dragon: (growls): You tell secret, then, I eat.
[2024/09/01 17:03] Mecha: *Do they lower their head?*
[2024/09/01 17:04] Sonja Bikergrrl: It's not about to. Red dragons are highly intelligent... this is no bumbling goblin.
[2024/09/01 17:05] Mecha: *Can i jump high enough to get to its face/*
[2024/09/01 17:05] Sonja Bikergrrl: Depends on how close you want to get? It's pretty high up... at least 10-12'
[2024/09/01 17:06] Mecha: *Within smacking distance*
[2024/09/01 17:06] Sonja Bikergrrl: -just- about....
[2024/09/01 17:06] Kylie: Offeres mecha a lift up
[2024/09/01 17:07] Kylie: on sholders
[2024/09/01 17:07] Sonja Bikergrrl: what're planning....
[2024/09/01 17:07] Mecha: The secret is..*Jumps up to smack the dragon on the snout* It's your fucking fault we're in this mess. Sonja does Damage! We get sucked into this whole thing and it's all because of YOU?!"
[2024/09/01 17:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: oh boy.
[2024/09/01 17:08] Kylie: By supprize I swing axe at dragon
[2024/09/01 17:08] Sonja Bikergrrl: The dragon rears up with a roar, and slams her head into the ceiling. Roaring, she bellows: "Minions! To me! Slay these intruders!"
[2024/09/01 17:09] Sonja Bikergrrl: I think you might want to run.
[2024/09/01 17:09] Kylie: I want to hurt it first
[2024/09/01 17:10] Mecha: *She's taking the swing while I'm landing*
[2024/09/01 17:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: ...it's a dragon.... your chances of hurting it before it incinerates are you are slightly above the odds of... something very very unlikely!
[2024/09/01 17:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: d20 if you must....
[2024/09/01 17:10] D20: Kylie rolls 5
[2024/09/01 17:10] Sonja Bikergrrl: do I need to say "miss"
[2024/09/01 17:10] Mecha: *Once landing.*"We should go... now"
[2024/09/01 17:10] Kylie: Runs away
[2024/09/01 17:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: Running feet and chittering comes from behind the dragon, who is shaking her head and roaring
[2024/09/01 17:11] Sonja Bikergrrl: you might want to "sprint"
[2024/09/01 17:11] Kylie: Did the cat run?
[2024/09/01 17:12] Mecha: I'm picking up the pace and hauling ass towards the exit.
[2024/09/01 17:12] Sonja Bikergrrl: Like a scaredy cat
[2024/09/01 17:12] Sonja Bikergrrl: You barrel out of the cave just as a gout of fire roars up after you.
[2024/09/01 17:13] Sonja Bikergrrl: Probably not wise to hang around, and, that's where we'll leave it tonight... where do you plan going next?
[2024/09/01 17:13] Mecha: Away from the cave
[2024/09/01 17:13] Mecha: Good game :)
[2024/09/01 17:13] Sonja Bikergrrl: lol... of course... but... where for next time?
[2024/09/01 17:13] Kylie: I think finding Sojna might be in order next week
[2024/09/01 17:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: last seen flying unsteadily to Castlepass
[2024/09/01 17:14] Mecha: might also be a good idea to see the wizard and Astrid
[2024/09/01 17:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: are you sure?
[2024/09/01 17:14] Sonja Bikergrrl: and... which? :P
[2024/09/01 17:16] Mecha: We will have to see.
[2024/09/01 17:16] Sonja Bikergrrl: no no no... I can't write two separate things!
[2024/09/01 17:17] Mecha: Sonjas first
[2024/09/01 17:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: Kylie? think you said that too
[2024/09/01 17:17] Kylie: yes and im guessing she is at Castlepass
[2024/09/01 17:17] Sonja Bikergrrl: the Battle of Castlepass next week....
[2024/09/01 17:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: expect cinematic fights to the DEATH
[2024/09/01 17:18] Mecha: big question is whose death?
[2024/09/01 17:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: there is, after all, what seems the entire army on the march to finish off Sonja for good
[2024/09/01 17:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: Ah, that'll be between you and the dice gods
[2024/09/01 17:18] Sonja Bikergrrl: I give you the scene... you give me the action ;)
[2024/09/01 17:19] Mecha nods.
[2024/09/01 17:19] Sonja Bikergrrl: Hope you liked that, bit unusual, but... why not :)
[2024/09/01 17:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: jeez well past 1AM
[2024/09/01 17:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: which is actually 2AM
[2024/09/01 17:20] Sonja Bikergrrl: damn time zones...