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18:40, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons.

Posted by EruFor group 0
Toben Ironsprings
player, 1513 posts
Human
Scholar
Tue 13 Nov 2018
at 23:40
  • msg #600

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Toben pulls out his journal and begins thumbing through the page. "Tear, tear." He flips through a few more pages. "Tear! Here we are. A tear from a being of evil shed as it turns to good and captured in the chalice. The chalice, of course, refers to a chalice of elfin make from the 1st Age, the first item. We also have hobbit made carving and the blood of an Ulairi."
Klale Tsolo
player, 1179 posts
Human
Fighter
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 00:04
  • msg #601

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

How about a tear from the lady herself?
Ryland Vance
player, 371 posts
Human
Bard
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 02:38
  • msg #602

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

"Could it have been that simple all along?".
Ano
player, 790 posts
Human Monk
AC17(FF14, T17) HP 70/99
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 03:12
  • msg #603

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

We tried that before you left.  She said here tears would not work. Ano seems visibly agitated I think we have an idea about what was causing people to change.  I think you should join us at the council with the young dragons in order for us to avoid repeating information and using up time.  We have a few days before we need to leave,  and I feel we have not been told whole truths.
Eru
GM, 1071 posts
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 14:05
  • msg #604

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

The group rejoins the circle of dragons.

Draugion, in particular, looks around in wonder.  The dragons are not the only sight to behold, though nearly a hundred of them collected together like this is certainly something out of elfin legends.  The 'Withered Heath', as Toben referred to it, is not withered here at all.  Though they had flown over a portion of this enormous valley that would fit that description - a place where Windfang had said the evil, elder dragons lived - this place is verdant, thriving.  It is a rolling plains dotted by copses of trees, bushes, flowers, and even lakes and rivers.  To the south only a few yards, is the base of a mountain range - the Grey Mountains.  Within those mountains is a dwarven-made entrance to a cavern system that leads no doubt to an industrious dwarven town within.

The dragons themselves are similar in size to Windfang.  None are larger than an oliaphaunt, though they come in a wide variety.  There seems to be an inner circle that Windfang is asked to join.
Toben Ironsprings
player, 1515 posts
Human
Scholar
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 14:54
  • msg #605

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Toben meanders his way through the impressive maze of dragons to find a seat close to the inner circle. He takes note of all the various types of dragons he passes by, or as best as he can, before finally finding a suitable place to sit within acceptable visual and earshot range of the meeting.

He leans over to Ano, "This sight gets more impressive every time I see it. No doubt, Windfang will share with the others what we encountered on our journey."
Windfang
NPC, 32 posts
Dragon
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 15:08
  • msg #606

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Windfang takes his seat near the center.  "G'day all.  There is a lot to tell, though I think Ryland would tell it betta.  He and Toben witnessed more than I.  When we arrived in the Grey Havens, I was almost immediately attacked by somethin' in the bay.  We had a tussle, but I came out on top after a while.  Those...things, the Vile'ek, don't like sound, especially song."  He chuckles and several other dragons chuckle along with him.

"Anyway, I took up the search for our friends here and by the time I'd found them, they'd rescued some prisoners and summoned a big baddy that we managed to flee.  After one more battle with a rather large flying Vile'ek, with a little help from some warriors from Gondor, we returned here.  The freed prisoners returned to Gondor except for Draugion who looks to join up with the party."  He turns to Ryland and Toben with a grin that asks 'how did I do'?
Ryland Vance
player, 373 posts
Human
Bard
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 16:11
  • msg #607

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Ryland nods to Windfang. He steps out a few paces and picks up the story. "Ladies and dragons" he says, giving a low bow. "The vile'ek, as we were told they are called, stem from an unknown origin. I surmise they're hundreds of years old, given that when forced to revert out of their unnatural state, many became the likes of beings not seen for nearly an age: hobbits and elves. As Windfang said, they strongly dislike music; a discovery that yours truly pioneered as we fought back scores of the beasts. Well.. Mostly me, but I digress! I believe it to be something more akin to the positive energy of cheer and spirit, and not so much my virtuoso playing. Their strikes seems to drain the very cheer from ones soul - though admittedly this observation is mostly second hand, as it takes more than an amalgamated monstrosity of concentrated doom and despair to outsmart your friendly local bard. But again, I digress. At the center of it all there was some shadowy evil that we couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. I would like to presume it to be the source of these beasts, but I can neither confirm no deny at this time. As we made our valiant egress from the city of gloom, we were in fact chased by an incredibly large vile'ek, big enough to blot out the sun. We assaulted it with both wit and expertise, never giving quarter and accosting the thing until it shrank back into submission. The disturbing part about it all was what was underneath the evil outer shell. It appeared to be a Balrog. Something too like elves and hobbits, not seen for many, many years. But even still, Balrog or not, the wicked and sniveling thing knew when it was beaten, and back to the shadows it went, flame and all before our final glimpse showed the Vile'ek sickness reclaiming its body underneath. I do not claim to know the full strength of the enemy, but I can say that bit is great, and it is terrible".

Ryland gives a quick nod and steps back to his position.
Toben Ironsprings
player, 1516 posts
Human
Scholar
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 16:26
  • msg #608

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Toben smiles to himself and looks down at the ground. Under his breath, he says "It's a blessing you are humble, Ryland, otherwise that speech might have gotten a bit out of hand."
Ryland Vance
player, 374 posts
Human
Bard
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 18:40
  • msg #609

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Ryland whispers back "It's a gift, really".
Ano
player, 794 posts
Human Monk
AC17(FF14, T17) HP 70/99
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 23:09
  • msg #610

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

As Ryland finishes Ano whispers back to Toben The sight has become less awe inspiring to me as of late.

Ano moves to the center of the council ready to speak before them.  To recap for those who have just returned, over the past number of days Klale and I have been helping the young dragons in their fight against the elder dragons.   We have been through many battles most of which are not important to what we discuss today.  Recently we decided the best way to proceed would be to attack individual elder dragons in their lairs to cut down their numbers.  This went well enough with the attack on the war dragon despite our losses.

Yesterday we moved to attack a storm dragon in its layer.  When we arrived we found the dragon rendered virtually helpless due to a terrible sickness.  Its body was being consumed by a growth that had almost completely enveloped the dragon.  With few options we put the dragon out of its misery.

Before we could leave four elder dragons arrived with a rider.
With this Ano turns to Toben It was Aashera.
She seems to be in charge of the elder dragons.  We were able to talk with them briefly.  According to her the dragons serve Melkor.  He wants to enter into our world in order to stop a being they refer to as The Other.  It is The Other who is responsible for the corruption of beings and I assume the Vile'ek you saw.  She told us that song could help to remove the corruption from affected creatures.


Ano raised his voice to address all the dragons listening his tone becoming almost angry We also spoke with the elder dragons.  We will meet with them in 3 days to discuss what we know of The Other and talk about ending this fight. Until that time there will be no acts of aggression from either side.  Make sure that happen.

I also heard some interesting details I feel were left out when we arrived.  They told me that it was the Song of fire who pushed the young dragons to enter the elders territory and the young dragons who made the first attack.  Is this true?

Ryland Vance
player, 375 posts
Human
Bard
Wed 14 Nov 2018
at 23:21
  • msg #611

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Ryland leans back in to Toben. "This is getting good. The stuff of legends even".
Lucifariel
Thu 15 Nov 2018
at 02:14
  • msg #612

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Many of the dragons have surprised looks on their face.  Some even outrage.  Lucifariel, the Light Dragon holds out a claw to forestall their angry comments.  Once the gathered dragons have quieted, he turns back to Ano with a calm expression, though there is an edge to his voice.  "No.  It is not true.  We appreciate that you are upset, but we also appreciate that you have asked rather than accused.  I would ask in turn that you consider the source of this 'new' information.  Also, consider, why would a servant of Eru Iluvatar do that which is evil?"
Toben Ironsprings
player, 1517 posts
Human
Scholar
Thu 15 Nov 2018
at 03:39
  • msg #613

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

A distinct look of surprise washes over Toben's face at the mention of Aashera. With all the information revealed in such a brief period of time, it seems to be the only thing that really sticks. "Aashera? She's still alive? I don't quite understand. She's the dragon master? How? Why? I would have never thought she would turn down that path."
Ano
player, 795 posts
Human Monk
AC17(FF14, T17) HP 70/99
Fri 16 Nov 2018
at 14:25
  • msg #614

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

According to her, her only path is to stop The Other from its goals.  She seems to be in charge of the elder dragons in some way but I dont know if she is the dragon master we have heard about.  We had little time to discuss events but she will ne at the meeting between the elders and us.
Toben Ironsprings
player, 1518 posts
Human
Scholar
Fri 16 Nov 2018
at 14:32
  • msg #615

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

"I'm afraid we have even less time than we expect. According to Gwaelind, we only have about 36 hours left to help Delunaur. After that, he believes our window of opportunity is gone. We need to convene with them and see what sort of options we have. We need that tear."
Ryland Vance
player, 376 posts
Human
Bard
Sun 18 Nov 2018
at 05:10
  • msg #616

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

"I'd also like to point out that the whole "enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing sounds good in conversation, but in actually practice?.. I've had enough daggers pointed at my back to know there is always a catch. The bad ones don't just wake up one day and decide to save the world. Couple that with the enemy's forces trying to raze Therion and pillage the countryside? No tactical value there in my opinion, to a being that claims it wants what we want. This whole situation reeks of treachery and setup. With the dark stars tied to Morgoth, and the damage they've managed to inflict as well, I get the distinct impression we're being fed half truths. The elder dragons are just icing on the sweetroll".
Klale Tsolo
player, 1181 posts
Human
Fighter
Sun 18 Nov 2018
at 08:36
  • msg #617

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Klale says I'm out of idea. Let's go talk with Delunaur and Gwaelind.
Ano
player, 796 posts
Human Monk
AC17(FF14, T17) HP 70/99
Tue 20 Nov 2018
at 07:55
  • msg #618

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

I agree Ryland.  I dont like the idea of dark forces entering the world.   The elder dragons seem to be under control as long as we feel we can trust Aashera.  But we still have some time before we have to deal with that meeting.  let us see if we can't figure out this business with Delunaur first.
Ryland Vance
player, 377 posts
Human
Bard
Tue 20 Nov 2018
at 13:27
  • msg #619

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Ryland motions towards the cave where Delunuar should be staying. "Shall we then?".
Toben Ironsprings
player, 1519 posts
Human
Scholar
Tue 20 Nov 2018
at 14:57
  • msg #620

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Toben nods. "Yes, let's. We need to fill them in on what we know." He begins making his way to where the Maia were staying.
Klale Tsolo
player, 1183 posts
Human
Fighter
Tue 27 Nov 2018
at 23:39
  • msg #621

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

Klale has a thought to share with the dragons. Do you know of a dragon who is, say out for herself or himself, with little heed for how her or his actions affect others?
Georrasque
NPC, 25 posts
Dragon
Geomancer
Tue 27 Nov 2018
at 23:57
  • msg #622

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

"Sounds like the elder dragons."
Klale Tsolo
player, 1184 posts
Human
Fighter
Wed 28 Nov 2018
at 05:09
  • msg #623

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

So, could we target one? By the way, are any of you worried about, to put it this way, turning evil when you reach a certain size?
Eru
GM, 1107 posts
Thu 18 Apr 2019
at 19:14
  • msg #624

Chapter 8: Running with the Dragons

[Sorry I missed this last question, Klale.]

The dragons shake their heads 'no'.  All agree they are free-willed and choose who to serve, both the elder dragons and the younger.
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