Kairo-uonar allows Toben and Ryland to climb up.  Ferb scrambles up as well.  Shock has a little bit of trouble with Klale, but Gwaelind helps with a bit of wind.  Ano follows and is seated behind the blacksmith.  With admonitions to relax, that the dragons knew how to keep the riders aboard, they launch into the air.  Gawelind and Delunar follow on wind and wings.

The flight from the mountains to the west started cold and stayed that way even when the dragons glided down out of the mountain tops.  Though the wind whistled past at a rapid pace, the dragon's were able to project their voices through the air and their bodies so that they could be heard.  It did not take long before the passengers realized their normal speaking voices could be heard by the dragons as well, if not each other.

Kairo-uonar and Shock explained to their respective riders that the trip would take two days.  Their path to the Withered Heath and even the Heath itself were in the northern reaches of the world and remained cold.  However, they explained, a couple of the volcanoes ringing the Heath had become active in recent years, so it would not be unbearable within the maw of those mountains surrounding it.

At the end of the next day, the dragons landed near a pleasant lakeside.  The water was clean and clear.  Fish swam near the surface, oblivious to the predators lurking on the bank.  The dragons helped create a solid campfire out of stones and limbs from a copse of nearby trees.  They also supplied fish - lots of fish - for dinner.  Once the food was well on its way to being finished, the pleasant ambiance turned to talk.

Delnuar takes a seat on a nearby flat rock.  She takes a delicate first bite of one of the fish and her eyes rise in surprise.  With a smile, she devours the fish with gusto.  Four more follow.  By the time she is sated, Gawelind is chuckling.  She gives him an embarrassed smile and deflects by turning to the adventurers.

"You have questions for me.  I am ready to answer.  No lies this time."

[ I'm assuming the trip had breaks...otherwise...stinky poo.]

Klale thanks the dragons and takes the opportunity to wash himself and his clothes, and see to his armor and weapons. He is happy to eat and eat and eat and then sleep and sleep. However, he is awake for the questions; he apparently has a lest one, but waits.

Ano sits with the others and eats little.  After thinking for some time he asks the question  he has been holding into since the battle. He looks at Delunaur "Before we fought the discord you referred to us a dragon masters.  What did you mean?"

Delunar tilts her head.  "I sense the power of the dragon in you, Ano.  There is fire and earth flowing through your spirit.  You have the ability to tap into the spirit of dragons and draw on that to do wondrous things.  Though you will not 'control' dragons, as you might infer from the name, you will master the dragon spirit within yourself and connect to any others you may come into contact with should they allow that connection."

She closes her eyes and reaches out a hand for Ano's.  "May I?  I'd like to know a little more about the dragon you have already connected with.  It is a powerful one."

Ano holds out his hand. " He was young.  His name was Kornari"

Delunar grasps Ano's hand gently.  Her eyes go wide and her grip becomes more firm, even slightly painful.  A nimbus of flame explodes around her, surrounding her, but not harming Ano or anyone.  "It cannot be!  The spawn of Smaug lives!  Duath'gur was hiding something."  She lets go of Ano as the flames die down, a deep frown on her face.  "Kornari, you say?  What happened to him?"

Klale becomes alert but waits for Ano to speak.

Ano hangs his head "he was lost to us.  We do not know what became of him after one of our battles"

"Perhaps your dragon friend is at the Heath. Tell me, does the place function like some sort of migratory area? Dragon kind are driven by instinct to the place, like water fowl to the south lands?"

Similar to the others, Toben takes his time recovering from the journey and cleaning up. He spends an inordinate amount of time by the water after freshening himself up. Perhaps in meditation, possibly contemplating all that transpired in the recent weeks, or maybe he was just staring blankly out over the water. Whatever the case may be, well into the conversation the others were having with Delunaur, he rouses himself, grabs some of the fish provided, and joins everyone else.

"Thank you for providing our meal", he says as he tosses a healthy portion to Ferb. "I couldn't help but overhear mention of Kornari. He was quite a character, wasn't he, but we lost track of him shortly before reaching the Duke's castle."

He looks over to the fiery lady. "What sort of connection do you think Kornari has to Duath'gur?"

Shock stands at Ryland's question and stomps toward him.  She lowers her face to his to speak.  "We are not birds, little man.  We do not...migrate."  The dragon holds her face there for a moment longer, a matter of emphasis.  Then she returns to her spot near Kairo'uonar and very much like a cat, circles a few times before settling in.

"The Withered Heath is no longer what its name suggests.  Once we were freed from the Dark Fang's power, the dragons began to transform the Heath into a land more to our individual tastes.  We have quite literally moved mountains to accommodate all of us, allowing each of us to have our own territory.  Now, the land has multiple biomes within the mountain barriers.  We have stayed in the Heath because if mankind knew we still existed, there would be war.  Most of us have rejected wholesale the desires of the Dark Fang, and so wonton killing is no longer in our nature or desires.  We stayed in the Heath for your protection."

Delunar listens to Shock speak.  When she is done, she turns to Toben.  "I am unsure of what the connection is, though based on what I learned from Ano, I imagine it was not pleasant for Kornari.  We - that is, the other Dischords and I - knew that Duath'gar was the most powerful among us.  Yet he seemed far beyond the power of a Maia.  His favor with my master was ill at best, so we concluded that power did not come from him.  My conjecture is that somehow Duath'gur was drawing power from Kornari in some way.  However, a young whelp - even the scion of Smaug - would not explain the enormous strength Duath'gur has compared to the rest of us."

Delunar looks back toward the Soul's Rest Mountains and takes a deep breath before letting it out slowly.  "I would have defeated that avatar, but it would have taken me some time to do it.  It is difficult for you to imagine what that means should you face the real Dischord of Earth.  It is likely that he would have simply turned you all to stone with a thought and have done with you."
This message was last updated by the player at 01:23, Thu 19 Oct 2017.

Toben nods as Delunuar as she speaks. "Given the circumstances surrounding both Ceven's and Kornari's rescue from Duath'gur's grasp, perhaps the imbalance in power is the combination of the two. Maybe even more? There's no telling how many other higher beings he could be siphoning energy from."

Ryland shrinks back ever so slightly from Shock's advance, though meet's her stern gaze with a smirk. "It was purely a question of academia, not one meant to offend. It's not like I have a manual for the where's and the why's of dragons after all".

Kairo'uonar chuckles.  "Perhaps you should write one, friend Ryland."

"Perhaps I shall" says Ryland, pondering the thought and rummaging through his things only to come up short handed on a means to record and document.

"So, if we're speaking candidly here, can you tell us more about what we're up against? Melkor, Duath'gur, Basarshakath, some unseen trickster of minds." He looks at Delunaur and Gwaelind and asks, "What roles do you two play in all this? Frankly, I thought we were going to have a much bigger problem with you, Delunaur."

Kornari was small when imprisoned. He has not been unfriendly to us, though he was mulling over how we might serve hem when he came to rule the world. He many have thought he was unique; we dindn't know otherwise. He has fought for us a few times between appearances. It's been quite a while since we've seen him. I don't know how fast dragons grow, but it seems to me he sprouts as spring weed, with a weed's toughness.

I bode we'll meet him...nature is nature—copper, iron, tin are different—But there's something to friendship and making one's own decisions too.

"Delunar is not your enemy.  If anything, she has been an inside source for us working against the Fallen One.  She-"  Gwaelind's voice is not angry, but definitely passionate.

Delunar placed a gentle hand on Gawelind's arm to stop him.  "It is a fair question that the young wizard asks.  As to my role in all of this, I had been an enemy, second only to Duath'gur in might in service to my master.  I relished in destruction and when we were locked away at the end of the first age during the War of Wrath when our master was cast into the Void.  When my master began his return into the world, we were freed from our prison.  Unsure as to what Eru Iluvatar would do, we bided our time, waiting to sabotage whatever efforts the Creator made."  Her eyes were cast down, guilt and sorrow evident on her face for her part.

"When the Stars came to Middle Earth, we were ready.  As they took mortal forms, we altered their entry into the world, caused them to crash and then imprisoned them through various means.  Duath'gur was the captor for Ceven and Gwaelind, but I was Gwaelin'd jailor.  I taunted him almost daily, but he returned my hatred with love..."  She looked over at Gwaelind who took her hand and smiled encouragement.  "Love won me over, but I was still chained to my master.  So I had to continue a charade as a servant looking for a way to be freed.  The dragon, Uoanar, presented that opportunity in the tome you now hold.  It contains a rite that will free me from my service and grant to me one single choice.  An act of free will the Ainur don't typically have after my master's betrayal.  I will chose to bind myself eternally to Eru Iluvatar if He will forgive my transgressions and welcome me back as a Maia."

Toben sits quietly and listens to her speak. He thinks upon her words for a while before responding. "I feel that your intentions are true and sincere. If I can, I will help in your transition back to the light, to become the Song of Fire once more. Though this tome is cursed, it appears that perhaps some of us are not affected by its protection."

He looks over to Shock, the one who first told him about the dark magic protecting the book. "When Torak first inspected the book, I expected the worst, but nothing happened. I looked through it as well to the same avail. It was risky, but it paid off. I'll need help with the translation in order to know how to proceed."

Delunar holds up a hand.  "Oh, I'm not the Song of Fire.  Never was.  Naurel is the Song of Fire.  He's with the dragons in the Heath.  We're about to met him.  But...thank you.
 Thank you for believing me and for your help."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Mon 23 Oct 2017.

"You never had me fooled, even for a minute. I've always believed in you, from first sight. I said to my self, I said 'Ryland Vance, that there is an absolutely beauti- benevolent being in front of you, with a fire that will illuminate the brilliant pyres of our enemies, and the hope for us all'. Or.. something like that, rather".

21:33, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 21 using 1d20+13.  bluff

Delunar gives Ryland a half-smile.  "You're incorrigible.  You know that, right?"  She folds her hand in Gwaelind's and leans again him as she continues to answer Toben.

"I imagine that the curse you sense on the tome is aimed at beings like myself, the very ones who would seek to use it.  If you read the instructions to us, Gwaelind and I can help you prepare the ritual without having to read the tome ourselves."

Toben nods. "Is this something you expect we should do here, or wait until we reach the Heath?"

"A ritual of this power will require time, security, and supplies we simply do not have in this place.  We should get some sleep and proceed to the Heath.  The dragons there, at least those Shock is aligned with, will provide protection enough and supplies."  He looks around at the group and then at Delunar.  "I will keep watch this night with the dragons.  Please, get rest while there is rest to be had."

Ano makes his way over to Toben. "perhaps we should ask Kairo'uonar about some of the things we found in his father's horde.  He may have some idea about what they are.

Ryland looks down at the banjo sitting next to him and recalls he has no idea exactly what it does, and nods in agreement with Ano.

Klale follows the excellent advice; it's been a long and somewhat eventful day.

Toben nods in agreement. "He would certainly have some insight, however, the only things I collected was the tome and this crystalline key." He pulls out the key used to unlock Kairo.

"I don't exactly recall what everyone else took from that room. It was all quite a blur."

Ano digs in his pack and pulls out a mask and 3 metal rods "I have these"

"Say, Kairo" inquires Ryland. "Could we bother you to have a look at what we've found? Certainly if anyone knows about these items it would be you".

Kairo'uonar rises and walks over to Ryland and the others.  He lowers his head to examine the items.  "Hmm, these are from my father's horde.  I honestly never met him or saw his horde, but perhaps I can still help.  Let me see the rods."

When Ano holds up the rods, the young dragon's eyes narrow.  He obviously does not know the words he reads.  "Jakartis, Malfandar, Dragonhaste?"

"Those are the names of dragons, artificers who learned from dwarves and elves in the second age.  Prisoners most likely.  Those rods are very old."  Shock does not bother to open her eyes as she explains.  "Hold a rod in any place in the air or on the ground that you want and speak the name on the rod with a will for the rod to remain as you have positioned it."

Toben puts the book away for the time being and takes a better look at the crystalline key. "Aside from the obvious, it appears to be some sort of polymorphic skeleton key. Is there anything else you can make of it?"

Shock peers closely at the key.  Then, with Toben's permission, casts a number of spells at it, including a pretty impressive lightning bolt.  Each time, the spell seems to shrink or fade as it touches the key, leaving the key unharmed, unchanged even.  "Very interesting.  That is a powerful artifact.  I'm not sure what all it does, and an identifying spell won't work on it.  The key negates magic of all types.  However, it may have a magic of its own not affected by the anti-magic field surrounding it.  Such a key would negate any magic binding a lock the key is inserted into.  A marvelous treasure indeed."

Her eyes narrow contemplatively as she reluctantly hands the key back to Toben.

Tobe nods appreciatively. "Certainly explains how it freed Kairo." He thinks for a moment, and even eyes Klale. "Imagine if such a thing was forged with a suit of armor or shield."

Ryland produces his banjo. "Pardon, Shock. Could you tell me anything about this? We identified it had some sort or another magic property when we found it, but figuring out what it is, is far beyond my skill".

The blue dragon moves her head over to Ryland and peers at the banjo.  "It's got some kind of strong enchantment capability, but I don't recall any lore that fits this particular device.  Perhaps if you were to play something on it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Mon 30 Oct 2017.

Ryland runs his fingers along the strings, getting a feel for the instrument. "It's not quite what I'm accustomed to, but I believe I can work with this. Here's a little tune by the famous bards "Crossbows and Petunias", called Paradise City".

18:39, Today: Ryland Vance rolled 31 using 1d20+13.  perform check

The song is a rousing song, even if a little one dimensional on a single instrument.  The effect, however, is evident to everyone.  A slight red glow surrounds all those present except the dragons and the Maiar.  The music washes away doubt, confusion, and makes everyone feel as if they could take on a horde of evil together.

[Effectively it grants everyone Ryland's CHA mod as a bonus to Attack (including spell attacks), Will Saves, and Skill Checks involving INT, WIS, or CHA.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:04, Thu 02 Nov 2017.

"That's quite the little ditty." Toben walks over to Ryland and takes a quick look at the instrument. "That'll certainly come in handy for one of your talents."

He looks back to Gwaelind and Delunaur. "I'd like to start understanding this text a bit more. Which of you would be best suited to help translate this tome as I start going through it?"

"Neither.  The curse would affect either of us because of our nature."

"I was under the impression the curse would only be set off if you opened and read it. Do you think me reading it aloud and you translating my words would set off the curse?"

"Hmmm.  That is not a chance I'd like to take here.  I imagine you could copy the text and I could help you translate it that way.  Your scribing would have to be exact, though."

Toben nods. "Understood. We can follow up on this more once we get to the Heath."

"Unless there are more questions, you folks should get some sleep.  Delunar and I will stand guard, though the dragons will no doubt remain aware of their surroundings whether they sleep or not."  Gwaelind gives a nod of respect to the dragons.

Shock gives a toothy smile in confirmation.

Satisfied with the answers they received Ano spends a bit of time meditating before bed.

Toben nods. "I see a lot of long nights up ahead, might as well stock up on sleep for the time being."

"Agreed" says Ryland as he unpacks his bedroll and settles in.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Wed 08 Nov 2017.

The night passes uneventful, but there is a strange mixture of fear and peace in the camp.  Two dragons, a Dark Maia, and the Song of Wind represented so much power that it was difficult to conceive of anything attempting to attack the camp.  Yet that same power held so much unknown quality backed by legends that did not lend themselves to favor any but Gawelind.

Nonetheless, the morning came with biscuits, sausage, and eggs for those who ate such, and a more plant oriented variety of berries and tubers for anyone else.  The food was courtesy of Shock, who turned out to be something of an amateur spellcaster among other things.  She advised that she and Kairo had eaten their fill earlier and it was not a sight anyone here likely wanted to witness up close.

Sated, the group takes to the sky once more to finish their journey.

The Grey Mountains rise starkly into the sky, a gloomy, inhospitable range covered in snow almost half way down their slopes.  As the dragons fight for altitude in the biting air, the Ered Mithrin as Shock refers to them, curl around north and south, cradling the hidden vale beyond in a wall of solid rock and snow.  Clouds obscure any sight of the valley until just before the dragons reach the western edge of the mountains.

The clouds part like a veil removed from the eyes.  Shock and Kairo'uonar enter an angled glide.  A verdant land filled with grazing wildlife, beautiful fruit trees, and winding pristine rivers rises up.  Now and again, a dragon of varied color and size lays out in the sun or hunts among the herds.  There are no other predators present and no signs of humans.

Off in the distance, there is a dark stain at the westernmost portion of the Heath.

Shock lead the group down to the ground along the southern edge of the enormous valley.  There, a good-sized cave opens down into the ground with a gentle slope.

"Welcome to the Withered Heath and my home."  She sweeps her hand around at the cave in an inviting gesture.  "The Heath, up through the Third Age, was called the Withered Heath.  It was a blasted land where little grew and dragons bred as sometimes slaves and sometimes allies of the Dark Fang's minions.  Smaug rose up in the Third Age and ruled before the Lonely Mountain drew him to his doom.  When Sauron, the servant of the Dark Fang and master of Mordor - that which is now called Mordûn - was slain, the dragons regained something of their free will.  Many of us saw the ultimate end of evil and chose instead a different path."

Shock walked into the cave, expecting everyone to follow as she spoke.  Globes of light appeared in recesses as the cave descended into darkness, glowing a faint blue.  "We extended the valley another hundred and fifty miles making it an even five hundred.  The Ered Mithrin once was part of the Ered Engrin, what you would call the Iron Mountains.  During the War of Wrath, the Ered Engrin were all but destroyed.  We raised the Eastern edge to the Mithrin to seclude the Heath while we turned it into what you see now.  Then...then we left the world of men alone and allowed ourselves to fade into legend."

Shock arrives at the back of the cave, which has shrunk from nearly sixty feet in radius all about, to not quite twenty.  Here, the cave becomes a tunnel that still slopes downward.  About sixty feet in, the tunnel levels off and comes to a crossway.  The path to the left looks smaller, made for more human-sized creatures to move about in.  To the right is some sort of underground grotto complete with a small lake.  The glowing balls of light are sprinkled about and steam comes off the surface.  Ahead, the tunnel continues in dragon size until the light no longer reaches.

"The left branch will be for you while you stay here.  I'm sorry that it is not finished yet, but I had not expected to have smaller guests for some time, and then only dwarves.  There are four rooms and basic furniture, but not much else.  I will take Kairo'uonar to get settled in to his chamber then return to see how you are faring.  Any questions about your lodging before I depart?"

Toben speaks up. "As we arrived, I saw many other dragons in and about the land. What sort of precautions do we need to follow in order to avoid unpleasant confrontations? We can't assume all of them will be as hospitable as you, can we?"

Klale says Thank you for your kindnesses and hospitality. The darkness to the west...please tell us about it.

Shock turns to Klale first.  "That is where the dragons who kept to the old path live.  We do not venture there and they do not venture here and there is peace.  They are few, but older and vicious."

She turns to Toben then.  "The answer to your question is related.  The dragons in the east have chosen a better path.  You might not call it 'good', not quite, but it is not a path of evil, either.  They will find you curious, a novelty, and some might play a bit too rough, but they will not intentionally maim or kill you.  If you are unsure of yourself, remain in my lair and you will be safe."

"I could use a short walk to be honest. I'm a bit sore in the saddle from the ride here. I wont stray far".

"I'll go with you, Ryland. I won't stray from the beaten path, but the allure these other dragons have is too great to resist. The knowledge they must have..." His voice trails off.

Klale is restless and say. I'm a smith by trade. While we're here for a bit, maybe, is there anything like a smithy or even an anvil around here?

"The dwarves have a small town set up about ten miles west of here.  They have a small forge there among other things.  You might find information there that is more from your perspective.  They also have better fare than perhaps I can offer."  The dragon offers no means of travel and no other information.  Perhaps it is the mindset of one who can travel ten miles in as many minutes.  Without further ado, she disappears down into the main cavern and away from the humans.

Kairo'uonar looks at her, back at the humans, then back at Shock.  He shrugs and grins a toothy dragon grin and follows the blue down into the dark.

Thanks. After he drops unnecessary gear and doing any freshening up, he tells others where he is going (and/or leaves a note). Then he sets out—nothing like a ten-mile hike in plate armor to keep a fellow in trim.

Once outside the cave and back in fresh air, Ryland surveys his surroundings. He asks Toben "Where to, oh captain my captain?".

Ano followed along with the others wanting to see more of this place as well.

The group starts the long walk toward the dwarven town.  About two miles into their trip, though, they are approached by a strange wagon driven by a dwarf.  Two sleek looking lizards of a size with horses are hitched to the wagon.

The dwarf pulls alongside the group and reins in the lizards.  "Well I'll be an orc's uncle.  Men from th' looks o' you!  Finally found yer way t' th' dragon lands, ha' ye?  If yer headin' mah way, I'd be happy t' gi' ye a ride, lads."

Klale considers. He laughs. A generous offer Master Orc'sUncle! My legs tell me they's had enough workout today. I'm Klale Tsolo, a blacksmith by trade...and now a warrior formed by events. The big man hoists himself onto the cart.

The dwarf allows everyone to climb aboard.  "'old on back there, lads.  These si'gama ain't 'orses.  They really git up 'n go!"  At the word 'go', the dwarf cracks his reins and the lizards dart off.  Unlike horses, they take little time to reach maximum speed.  The lizards are long and slender, like a skink or anole.  However, their legs are far longer, almost bird-like and made for running.  The front legs are almost as bulky as the back indicating an almost constant four-legged existence.  Their green coloring is shot through with faint stripes of red and an irregular pattern of blue highlights.

The dwarf, who introduces himself as Gorn, is rather young in terms of dwarves.  His beard barely makes it below his shoulders.  It's dark chestnut with what might be plant stains of green streaking it.  His hair is a brighter auburn color, short and wild atop his head.  He doesn't say much beyond his name, though as the wind is thunderous at the si'gamas' pace.

A little more than ten minutes later, the wagon pulls into a small group of buildings.  It isn't even large enough to call a village or town.  There are maybe five buildings all told, two of them made of stone and built on to the northern side of the mountains.  The other three are sturdy, one story affairs made of some seriously dark - almost black - wood.

However, in the middle of the two stone buildings, there is a cave entrance.  Now and again, a dwarf will stride in or out, gear of all manner surrounding them.  Many of them are singing some kind of working song they all seem to know.

"Welcome t' th' Depot.  I'll be headin' back th' way I came in three hours if y' need a ride."

Klale gets himself down, goes up by the dwarf, and says Thank you Master Gorn.

He walks up to a dwarf who is checking out the big man and says Good day. I've heard there probably is a smithy here.

The dwarf eyes Klale up and down...more up than down.  "Aye, there's a forge.  It's inside."  He tosses his head back toward the large cave entrance.  "Why?  Need some work done on yer fancy armor?  It's dwarven work.  Cost ya a pretty coin."

Klale grins. Not exactly. Before I put on this fancy armor, I was a smith by trade. So I'd like a look at your forge and maybe seek permission to do some work there. And, of course, workers there doubtless could teach me something. As yo see, I've a hammer with me, but no other tools.

The dwarf's eyebrows disappear into his considerable hairline.  His tone and body language become a bit more respectful, especially at Klale's display of humility.  "A blacksmith?  Aye, I kin see it.  Ya 'ave th' build for it.  Head on in, take th' second tunnel t' th' righ'.  Head tha' way 'till ya feel th' heat an' follow th' sound o' hammers.  They never cease.  Best to ya, lad."

"Pardon, Master dwarf, but would there be a tavern or pub in the area?".

Thank you Klale returns. He follows directions and comes upon....

Toben thinks back to his youth when he was an apprentice smith and then chuckles at the notion. Not even twenty-one years of age and yet his "youth" and childhood seem so long ago. With his days sweating around a hot forge a distant memory, he asks about more arcane matters. "Aside from any first-hand knowledge from the dragons themselves, would you know of any arcane archives or libraries for magical teachings in the area?"

"Aye, the Copper Nugget is inside as well.  Third tunnel on th' left, first stairs down, to yer righ', then fifth left, two rights, a long hall, and th' copper adorned knocker on th' left."

The dwarf frowns at Toben.  "Magic?  Do ah look like an elf, boy?"  Shaking his head and grumbling, the dwarf wanders off.

"Well if anyone needs me, I'll be attempting to win over the locals in my own way". He strides off, banjo in hand, whistling low to himself.

The forge is not just a small hollowed out side cave.  It's enormous.  The dwarves have spent considerable effort to create a multiperson workspace with enormous bellows, firepits, anvils of all sizes, and tools in exorbitant number.  It's a blacksmith's paradise.

There's even a dragon, slightly smaller than Shock, who wanders around examining the work and occasionally blowing on a fire with a stream of liquid heat.

A dwarf - covered in soot and wearing a heavy apron - walks over to Klale.  He lifts his work goggles and pats a small fire in his beard with a heat-proof glove.  He stares up at the big human.  "Are you human, or half-giant?  Nevermind.  What ken I do for ya?"

Ryland makes his way through the warren of tunnels.  The dwarf may have told him true on the directions, but the twists and turns of the tunnels themselves were more than he let on.  The bard is forced to stop several times for directions again, but finally arrives.

The Nugget itself is a large establishment with dwarf-sized stools, tables, and bar.  The tables surround a central bar raised about two inches off the main floor.  It runs left to right in the main room.  Tunnels lead off left and right at the ends of the bar into other parts of the establishment, though Ryland enters from the 'front'.  On the far side there is a small raised platform with room for tables, but empty at the moment.

There are at least thirty dwarves currently eating and drinking in the Nugget.  This number seems constant, though the individuals are walking in and out at a relatively constant rate, maybe one or two every few minutes or so.  Behind the bar is a strange looking dwarf with his hair tied back, a patch over one eye...and no facial hair.  He wears an apron over a bulky wine-colored shirt.  His build is more slender than those around him and his movements are quick.

Nope.  Wait.  It's a girl.

Ryland saunters over to the bar, hoping the one good eye doesn't notice his surprise when he realizes it's a she. "Ah, pardon, ma'am? I take it you're the owner of the establishment?".

"No."

As Ryland and Klale go of on their own Ano nudges Toben "let's go take a look around.  Maybe we can find what your looking for"

Toben nods in agreement, "Surely someone around here is trained in the lost art. If nothing else, we can at least make sure Ryland doesn't get himself into trouble." He nudges Ano back.

Klale replies Just human...'least my mother didn't tell me different. By trade, I am a smith, one who lived far from here. With my companions, I'm involved in events which may determine what life throughout Arda will be like. I've been privileged to learn of Dwarven Glyphs, and fortunate enough to have forged Glyphs of the Feather. I know of other Glyphs: Protection, Combat Reflexes, Arcane Deflection, and others. I would learn more...for that matter, while my companions abide here until called, I'd like to learn whatever you have to teach...and to put my mind and body to work.

The dwarf's eyes go wide.  "I'd call ya a liar, lad, bein' human and claimin' ta forge glyphs, but there's no way you'd know wha' a glyph was unless ya had tha' ability.  Truly this is an age o' wonder."  He removes a mit and holds out a thick hand to Klale.  "Forgemaster Hammersong, at yer service."

The dwarf's eyes go wide.  "I'd call ya a liar, lad, bein' human and claimin' ta forge glyphs, but there's no way you'd know wha' a glyph was unless ya had tha' ability.  Truly this is an age o' wonder."  He removes a mit and holds out a thick hand to Klale.  "Forgemaster Hammersong, at yer service."

"Well could I ask who is in charge then? I'm just seeking permission to play a little", he holds up his banjo, "Maybe provide some entertainment for the weary and weathered".

"If ya keep it lively, you can play on th' stage.  Drag it down, and I'll throw ya out on yer ear."  She glares at Ryland with her one showing eye.

Ano and Toben wander through the warrens of the town and get lost several times.  There are something close to three hundred dwarves and a few dragons of younger ages and a rainbow of colors.  There are no mages to speak of and more than a grumbling references to the legendary missing elves.  One of the dwarves, a slightly less grumpy one, provides directions to the forges and mentions something about glyphs and runes.

One thing that is prevalent in the entire area, the dwarves haven't been here long and they are preparing to fight.  Soon.

Ano and Toben wander through the warrens of the town and get lost several times.  There are something close to three hundred dwarves and a few dragons of younger ages and a rainbow of colors.  There are no mages to speak of and more than a grumbling references to the legendary missing elves.  One of the dwarves, a slightly less grumpy one, provides directions to the forges and mentions something about glyphs and runes.

One thing that is prevalent in the entire area, the dwarves haven't been here long and they are preparing to fight.  Soon.

Toben absorbs as much of the information as he can from the dwarves on what might have been an otherwise fruitless search. He finally makes his way back to the forges where Klale is busy working with the forge master.

Klale enfolds the dwarf's hand, firmly but not crushingly. Klale Tsoolo, at yours, Forgemaster Hammersong. I had some friends who helped and instructed. Since you are a forgemaster, perhaps you'd kindly treat me as an apprentice during my visit.

Toben looks over the forging facility with amazement. The size, the efficiency, the craftsmanship all exceed his expectations. He tries to catch the forge master at some point. "The work ethic of you and your people is quite impressive, Forgemaster. What is it that you all prepare for?"

The forgemaster shows Klale a workspace and supplies of basic metals.  "Show me what you can do."

An hour later, Toben and Ano arrive.  Looking irritated that he was stopped from his busy schedule, the forgemaster nevertheless stops to talk to another human.  "You must be friends wi' Klale.  Not too many humans come 'ere.  We're dwarves.  We like th' forges.  What ken I do for ya?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:22, Tue 21 Nov 2017.

Toben nods. "That's right, we can here with Klale. I can't help but notice that you all appear to be gearing up for something big." He says gesturing to all the hustle and bustle of the forge. "If it's to fight against the darkness we've seen growing over the past several months, then perhaps you might be interested in a proposition I have for you."

He pauses a moment for some sort of acknowledgment from the Forgemaster, but the dwarf just stands there waiting for the young mage to get on with it. "The forges you have here are magnificent in their own right but imagine the wonders that could be created from a forge born in dragon fire and magic. The things you and yours could create would almost rival items of legend."

"You human or elfkind?  I'd be a fool t' say magic has gone out o' th' world.  We were there when th' Coldheart's minions attacked Moria.  I didna see you or yer companions, but I saw wha' ya did for th' dwarves.  Now we have a human glyph maker and a wizard.  Truly the Creator looks down on us in our time o' need.  Let me know what ya need and we'll do it. "  His tone transforms from grumpy hesitation to a respectful hope.

Toben chuckles. "I am human, but just because the elves have left doesn't mean all the magic left with them." His eyes glimmer briefly and from his fingertips sprout four earthen shards. They rotate in the air for a moment before he dismisses them with a wave of his hand. "I'll need one or two of your master forge builders, consent from the dragons, and possibly some assistance from Delunaur. It'll take time, but I think we can make this happen."


"We haven't heard of any new from the Gonnhirrim since we left. I'm curious, how has Durina and her kin fared since we left the mountains?"

Hammersong puffs out his chest.  Then he gives Toben a smile and a hearty pat on the side of his shoulder "With th' help of a certain group o' heroes we turned th' tide o' tha' battle.  We routed 'em and wiped out nearly half their forces.  We only lost a few tha' day. "

DRAFT: Assuming success

Klale examines the setup. He hefts the tools, checks the forge, and strokes the metals and coke with fingertips and his eyes. Chromium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, tungsten, vanadium...all good. The coke is high-quality too. You have excellent refiners, and this area must be rich in ores. Now, with your permission, I'll make you a helmet. Klale places his hands on Hammersong's head, takes them off, and holds them in position to create a muscle memory. He then does other by-hand measurements.

Setting to work, he creates the headpiece of two layers (hardened inside and corrosion-resistant outside) and sets it aside. He then crafts thin pieces of various shapes: Nose guard, cheek guards, and thin slats. The slats he weaves so the resulting piece and serve as a nape guard. He then forges the these pieces onto the helmet.

His friends' arrival does not distract him, nor does the passing by of curious dwarves.

Meanwhile, Hammersong has returned with the padding that makes the helmet snug.

And now Hammersong has one sample of what this human smith can do.

Toben grins ear to ear. "There wasn't a doubt in my mind that you'd win the day, but it still does my heart good to hear it."

"As for the forge. If you can give me a name or two for the construction, I'll talk to Shock about which dragon would be best suited for the job."

Hammersong looks the helmet over and nods appreciatively.  "Best human work I've ever seen, lad.  Well done!  This, this is up there with our own craftsmanship.  There might be a few things we can teach ye in terms o' techniques, but I cannae find any flaws in th' workmanship itself.  You will make a fine apprentice.  After a few weeks o' trial work, I dunnae see why ya cannae make journeyman.  Here, take me mark."  He hands over a coin with a stylized hammer and lyre on it.  "No one 'ill give ya grief over usin' the forge.  Today, make whate're ya like.  Tomorrow, just afore th' sun rises over th'eastern horizon, be here and th' real work'll begin."

After Klale has gone, Hammersong turns back to Toben.  "Blessed by th' Creator, that one is.  Look, you know yer magic th' way I know mah forge.  But I'd be remiss if ah didnae tell ya to include tha' one in wha'ever plans you have t' upgrade me works here.  Grugraed Bluntgrip an' Dalon Hillshield will do for wha'ever else ya need by me kin.  As for dragons, we ha' th' best forge dragon you'll ever meet already.  His dragon name is long and obnoxious to pronounce, bu' he took on th' name Bellow when he started workin' 'ere.  He's th' large young red over tha' way."  About that time, a red dragon slightly smaller than Shock breaths a short jet of fire into a forge.
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:25, Tue 21 Nov 2017.

"Klale? Yes, he's been touched by the very Maia of earth, Ceven. Aside from his skill at smithing, he's saved all of our lives more than once with his skill as a fighter too. As soon as everything is in order, I'll be sure to include him as well."

Toben jots down several notes in his journal, taking note of the names given. "Thank you for your time. I'll be sure to keep you informed of our progress. I can't wait to see how this all turns out!" He sounds almost giddy with his last sentence.

Klale nods and proceeds to make a smooth human-sized steel mirror with four handles on the back—two near the top for hanging and two halfway so the mirror can be held. He explains Just a wild hunch, but sometime this may be wanted.

He thanks Hammersong and finds out where a place to eat is. Once there, he asks about a place to sleep...early to bed for tomorrow may be long day.

Meanwhile, in the Copper Nugget, Ryland sits up on the stage, picking away at his new banjo. The barkeep instructed lively, and he has quite a few tunes that are just that.

Take 10 Perform: Stringed Instrument - 23

Ryland plays for two hours.  The dwarves come to enjoy the music and the atmosphere livens up.  More stay than go and eventually the girl behind the bar brings Ryland a plate of delicious looking foodstuffs and a glass of wine.  She winks but does not try to break Ryland's concentration by talking to him.

Klale wanders in a bit later and orders some food for a couple of silver.  It's expensive, but the food is good.

For those who wish to stay here, there are rooms available at 5 gp/night.  Those rooms have a similar invention that Duke Therion had, indoor plumbing.  There is a sink set in a wide stone counter, a washtub that even Klale could fit in comfortably, and both with hot and cold water in virtually endless supply.  There is also an oversized bed made of stone, more of a very wide shelf.  On request, mattresses, pillows, and the like can be had.  There is also complementary simple meals served in the room twice per day, morning and evening.  For more complex fare, though, one would have to head to the Nugget.

The time is now approaching for the wagon driver, Gorn to head back toward Shock's lair.

ZZZZZZ

[I assume Klale has money; I've not been keeping track.]

Before leaving, Toben asks Gorn whether or not he'll be returning tomorrow. "Lots to do early in the morning. If not, I can just stay here."

Ultimately, Toben decides to stay at the inn so that he can get an early start collecting requirements for the new forges.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Thu 23 Nov 2017.

"Aye, lad.  Twice a day.  Once in th' mornin'.  Once in th' evenin'.  You'll know I'm 'ere with all th' extra bustle o' goods bein' moved about.  What abou' yer friends?  Any o' them need a ride back?"  He looks into the tunnel in case any of them are about to emerge.

{Need to know Ano and Ryland's plans for the evening.}
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Fri 24 Nov 2017.

Ano says that he will head back with Gorn and let their dragon friends know that the others are staying in the dwarven town for now.

Before he leaves he takes two of the metal rods from his pack, the ones marked Malfandar and Dragonhaste, and hands them to Toben "Can you make sure Klale gets one of these.  I'm sure you can find a use for them."

Toben nods and takes the rods. "Of course. Also, while you're there, let Delunuar know where she can find me if needs be."

Ryland pops by as Ano and Toben are exchanging items. His gait is slightly wobbly. "Ladsh, I'm in my element right now. No shtaying in dampk ol' cavesh tonight" he says with a grin.

Toben rolls his eyes and throws his arm over Ryland's shoulder. "I'll get a room at the inn, and you're staying with me tonight."

[Klale did request, and receive, bedding. FYI: He has 10 ranks in proper tucking.]

Ryland winks and leans in close to Toben and whispers, feigning leaning on him. "Only an act my friend. How else is a fellow supposed to properly run the table at cards?".

The rest is thorough and all wake refreshed.  On the morning wagon, Ano returns with news that a place is set up to attempt to free Delunar if Toben is free to come back and begin the ritual.  Five dragons have congregated at Shock's lair to help in the attempt.  Gron will be leaving in two hours after unloading his morning supplies.

The dwarves and dragons requested to help upgrade the forges will be around constantly, so there is no hurry for that, though the longer it takes to get them ready, the less forging can be done for whatever preparations are going on.

Ryland, who played until the bard closed, has been requested back by lunch to continue playing if he is free. 

Klale, today, anything you make, you will get paid for.  1/4 the selling price for labor.  Materials are provided.  Your current glyphs will bring 1000 gold each.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:13, Sun 26 Nov 2017.

Ryland lets the establishment know he intends to make it back in time for the lunch crowd if he can, but needs to reconvene with his "troupe", and sets out to meet up with whomever he can find that may be around to get word on the day's plans.

Toben takes the news from Ano and scribbles a few more notes in his journal. "Excellent. I'll start getting things moving here then head back this evening. I imagine it'll take a bit of time before the forges are ready to be fired and bound."

He spends the morning rounding up Grugraed Bluntgrip, Dalon Hillshield, Bellow, and Klale before explaining the plan. "Forgemaster Hammersong and I have been discussing plans for a new type of forge. One that will help outfit your men with the power to decimate any Valaraukar that muster the courage to march against you. With your craftsmanship, " he nods toward the dwarves and Klale, "your dragon-fire, " he bows to Bellow, "and my enchantments, we will forge new arms and armor of legend. How long will it take for new forges to be ready for the fire?"

The Gonhirrim are excited about the upgrades and many more than just the two help clear out space and get things ready.  However, they have their own work to do and once the preliminary work is done, they return to it.

Now the first forge is ready to be upgraded and the dragon, Bellow, is always around.  It is up to Toben and Klale at this point.

But first, Toben has to go about identifying the gems in his possession not yet identified, unless he chooses to use on already identified.

Klale lays out the tools and stretches, readying his muscles. Hammersong is there to kibitz.

Ryland manages to catch Toben and Klale prior to their work beginning, to give them a quick heads up as to where he'll be. He informs the two he'll remain at the Copper Nugget, to work the crowd and glean rumors and details they might not otherwise be told. He wishes them the best of luck with their forging, makes a tiny request for a ring that makes him even more impossibly handsome than he already is, and with a sly grin bids them adieu.

Toben selects the small red ruby (enchanted with [Evocation] Continual Light) from the parties cache of gems. "Yes, I think this ought to suit our needs." He walks over to forge and affixes the gem within the notch carved out by the forge crafters.

Toben takes a moment to prepare the enchantment to bind the dragon fire, the gem, and the forge together. "At your leisure, Bellow."

The dragon breaths a well controlled, focused ray of dragon fire into the forge.  Klale and Toben begin to work their respective parts, Klale with a hammer to shape the forge, the anvil, and the various tools associated with it.  Toben to place the gem, help with the shaping, and to infuse the magic.

Through hours of work, sweat, and ashes covering everyone in a dark grey grime, the attempt is completed and a beautiful work of art emerges from the effort.  All the dwarves have gathered and comment in low, non-disruptive tones.

Once finished, the forge looks more modern, sleek, and efficient than even the dwarven versions recently built all over the massive cavern.  Additionally, it has  a slight red sheen to it that cannot be account for by the glow of forge fires all around.  Inside the kiln, the fire burns in a steady glow.

{All weapons, armor, or other items created at this forge have a +1 magical enhancement if no specific enchantment is applied to them.  Without expending xp, +1 equivalent enchantments from the evocation school may be applied to the equipment instead.}

Toben encourages all the crafters to give the new forge a try, Klale especially. "Perhaps give HardTime a little extra kick. If the forge works out well, and time willing, maybe we could get a second one up and running to add more defensive properties to items."

Klale makes sure to thank Bellow and any others who helped.

[I may not post again until Saturday. The post may be long. Also, dear eru, Klale is wondering about the feasibility of reforging Hard Time. ]

Once the forge is readied, Klale, in his turn, works there. At first, he essays works suggested by the dwarves and considers their advice and possibly emulated their examples. He asks questions and perhaps makes suggestions suggests either by his experience or by thoughts that occur.

As he works, from time to time, he recites, talking to pitch with the sound of his actions as accompaniment:

   Learn the lore of the blacksmith's art.
   First forge my body, mind, and heart.
   Extol the earth that yields its store.
    Praise persons who refine the ore.
   Foster the fire that makes all pure.
   Welcome water that quenches sure.
   Aspire the air as it is true.
   Thanks to all these and my tools too.
   Wield my work with spirit full free.
   Craft each creation to best be.

When he's ready, he takes Hard Time and shows it to the dwarves and Bellow, and explains how it was crated. Then he sets to work to reforge it after receiving advice.

"Fine work Klale. I'm anxious to see what else the forge masters can make  here." Toben's posture slouches a bit, clearly exhausted from the energy spent helping fortify the forge.

"Tomorrow is going to be a long day if we aim to do another one, but two is probably all I can muster."

The Gonhirrim are well pleased with the new forge.  To celebrate, they offer to buy food and drinks for Toben and Klale at the Copper Nugget.  Ryland is there to provide entertainment.  It's a late lunch and gives both craftsmen rest and hearty sustenance.  They are left with a few hours of daylight to do as they wish.

Ano remains with the dragons back at Shock's lair.

After eating and relaxing with thanks, Klale goes back to the forge, continuing to work and learn. When it's time, he'll reforge Hard Time; the sword's new name will be Stake.

Bellow notices KIlale's shield with the dragon image ans says....

[Thanks, Ano!]

"Nice shield."

Thank you Klale replies.

Toben wakes up a little later than usual but surprisingly refreshed. He heads back down to the forge and tries to gather up the same group of people that helped the day prior. "I know you all are busy and anxious to get back to work, but I wanted to gauge level of interest in another forge similar to the one we created yesterday. This one here, " he points to the new one glowing with evocation magic, "was built with evocation or combat-related magic. It will certainly take you all a long way in terms of creating some really interesting weapons, but I'd like to offer something that will provide protective measures as well. If everyone's up to it, I suggest a second forge enchanted with abjuration magic."

The Gonhirrim are impressed by the beauty of the forge, but working on another so soon is up for discussion.

"'Tis a great thing you've done, lad.  A real fine lookin' forge.  But we've not actually made anathin' wi' it yet.  Give us a few days t' test 'im out.  See wha' he has t' offer.  T'would be a shame for you an' th' others t' go through all tha' trouble and we cannae even use it t' do anathin' special, more than th' other forges we already made."  The Forgemaster pats Toben on the shoulder in appreciation and nods over at Klale.  "Yer friend, there, is doin' a right mighty work.  He will be th' first trial.  That sword o' his is a wonder o' craftsmanship.  Now 'e intends t' improve on it.  Let's at least see 'ow it turns out, aye?"

Upon consideration, Klale "donates' the metal of his hammer and redoes it so it's harder and has a new shape: Cross peen. He also creates grillwork to encase the upper half of the handle.

Then He removes the hilt of Hard Time and recite4s the material he used for the blade itself. After consultation with the dwarves, he sets to work restraining all haste.

Toben chuckles slightly. "I suppose I'm a bit overzealous. Your recommendation is fair though, let's give it a couple of days and see how it produces. In the meantime, I'll return to Shock's lair and see what I can do about our friends over there."

He will spend the rest of the day looking over the forge and its operations to ensure all their work the day prior behaves as expected. When next Gorn arrives, he'll ride back with him.

While Klale continues in his element, the comfort of the forge, Toben and Ryland return to the dragon's lair.  Once there, they find Ano and the Maiar in separate portions of the cavern system meditating or conversing in low tones.

Delunaur looks up at them expectantly, but it is Gwaelind who speaks.  "How is copying of the tome coming, friend Toben?"

"Still a work in progress." He says as he hands over a stack of parchment. "There are still several days remaining, depending on how much uninterrupted study I can manage, but there is still a small amount the two of you can safely translate."

Based on concentration, it should take Toben another 3 days to finish transcribing the tome.

Klale's work in the forge is all-consuming perfection.  As he works, more and more Gonhirrim gather round him to watch, granting him a respectable space to work.  They whisper in awed, hushed tones as the master smith reforges the blade of his already impressive weapon.  It is the first to be forged on the new works and shows off its power well.

Once the blade is done, thee full days have passed. The metal is reattached to the ancient hilt and the moment Klale grips the handle, fire bursts from the metal to envelope it in a flickering sheath.  Many of the Gonhirrim ask to test the heat of the flame and remark that it is not so intense as the forge fire, but adds an extra sting to it.

As he gets a feel for the blade, Klale wonders what other things he might eventually do with the fantastic sword.  As he considers the dragon, Shock, the flickering sheath vanishes to be replaced by the crackling of electrical discharge running up and down the blade instead.

Toben spends the next three days holed up in his cave within Shock's lair.  Though the second magical forge beckons him, the tome becomes the priority.  The more he transcribes, the more engrossed in his work he becomes.  Though translating it is beyond him at the moment, nor something he wishes to attempt, he does gain a certain feel for the patterns of the language.

At last the tome is finished and, lacking someone of equivalent skill able to verify, Toben believes his work to be perfectly transcribed.

Ryland pops in on Toben. "How goes it".

Setting the last page of what is already a sizable stack of parchment, he looks up at Ryland and smiles. "Just finished." He leans back in his chair and exhales a satisfactory sigh of relief. "I can't make out much, but the patterns seem to make sense. Once the Maia start to translate, I might even be able to connect the dots myself with any other texts we come across."

He scoops up the stack of parchment, binds it with twine, and puts the original away for safe keeping. "Let's go see if they can make sense of all this."

Klale smiles for the first time in three days. he says Eru, if You're paying attention, may this sword serve Your purposes. He looks at the dwarves and Bellow. And thanks be to Aulë for the existence of this craft.

He sheathes the sword and looks around. Anybody have some water handy? I've a mighty thirst. And some jerky; I've sweat a lot. Then let's talk about what's nest to do.

The Gonhirrim provide Klale with water.  They all want to ask questions and talk shop, exchanging details about technique, tools, and about the sword itself.

~~~~

The Maiar can be found in a small, underground garden.  Sunlight filters in through gaps in the ceiling and crystals refracting it down to the ground.  A quiet little water flow passes from one wall to a wide, shallow pool at the front of the room.  Midway, there is a gazeebo of seamless, shaped stone.  It is delicate and beautiful, with depictions of flowers and trees never seen by the world of men.

Gwaelind is dressed in loose clothing reminiscent of Ano's gi, though of an off-white color bordering on actual yellow.  He speaks in low tones, passionate and intense about something.

Delunaur's ash-white hair is tied back in a loose tail.  Her dark skin a contrast to all the light and life throughout the cavern.  Her pitch clothing looks like it might even stain the stone with contact.  Her eyes are down and she appears to be crying.

Upon seeing the two already engaged in something personal, Toben stands off in the distance and intentionally clears his throat but does not approach them.

"Come in, Toben.  It's alright."  Gwaeling waves the young sage over.

Delunar wipes her cheek.  The tears are a strange sight on the ash-black cheeks.  She pushes a strand of the white hair back behind her ear and smiles demurely.  "We were just talking about the ritual.  Melkor's power calls to me stronger each day.  I hope you have good news."

Toben holds up the bound, translated manuscript. "As good of news as I can provide. It took a few late nights, but the tome has been completely translated. Either of you should be able to look over it safely now. Fortunately, the language is becoming less foreign to me, I might be able to pick up a few things if you allow me to join you in reading over it."

Gwaelind holds out a hand.  "May I?"

Toben smiles, "Of course. I am curious about something though." Before handing the book to Gwaelind, he asks one final question.

"I understand that the ritual will break her tie to Melkor, but what does that actually mean? Is she reconnected to Eru then or does that make her a free-willed Maiar? A Maiar without a master, if you will."

Gwaelind looks stunned by the question.  "I-"  He blinks several times and looks and Delunaur.  She doesn't seem to know either as she shakes her head and shrugs.  "I don't know, Toben."

A little surprised at Gwaelind's response, Toben places the book in his hand. "Perhaps this might provide an answer then."

"Let us have a look, then."

Over the course of hours, the three individuals pour over the words transcribed by the young scholar.  The work is long, and after the days already spent transcribing, to now translate exhausted Toben.  However, once the task was completed, the ritual was distilled down into two parts, gathering needed items of which there were four, and performing the ritual which would involve at least four of the Songs of Iluvatar to perform.

The four items were:

A chalice of elfin make from the 1st Age.
A carving from a hobbit.
A tear from a being of evil shed as it turns to good and captured in the chalice.
The blood of an Ulairi.

Ryland strolls in from around the corner of the entry way. "Looks to me like you're in need of one serious lore master" he says with a grin. "Fortunately for you my schedule is completely clear for the next few months, and of course Toben, I'd be happy to help. Why, hello there Del". Ryland winks on the side that Gwaelind isn't, and then gives the Maiar of Air a polite nod.

Weary and stretched quite thin, Toben looks over to Ryland. "We've got quite a shopping list. Anything here sound familiar? What in the world is a hobbit or an Ulairi?"

Both Maia look at each other then back at the mortals and shrug.  "There are some things I do not know as I have just arrived.  This physical form is not limitless and that includes the knowledge it retains.  Some things might be too small a detail for me to have kept as I fell.  That, and the dark weave that turned my descent into a fall and subsequent capture..."  He smiles sheepishly.  "There are holes."

Delunaur allows a slight laugh at Ryland's antics, rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

At Toben's question, she looks upward in thought, then back to the scholar.  "I have been trapped since the middle of the 2nd Age.  I know nothing of the world beyond that.  Both those words are foreign to me.  They are not part of...part of my master's forces now."

Ryland cracks his knuckles. "A hobbit, dear friends, was a little person of sorts. They lived in smelly, dug out holes on the side of hills in a place called the Shire. I have a general idea that the region would be West of the Misty Mountains, though how far of I'm unsure. And speaking of the Misty Mountains...North and West of Gondor and the Misty Mountains is a wildlands. Nobody goes there and those who do, don't come back.  Vicious animals patrol the forested areas and even the trees are said to attack travelers. I've personally never been there, but if memory serves me well, the two entities, both hobbits and ulairi, would be somewhere in the same corner of the world - though how far a part is anyone's guess. It's a fairly broad swathe of land, but it is at least the right direction".

Ryland pauses for a bit. "Though, we may have larger problems on our hands than going on a hunting trip and archaeology dig. There is a being, out where the dragons who've chosen to remain in darkness live. His name is Voroch Hastir, and he is organizing them for a hostile take over of The Heath. This unfortunately, isn't the worst of it. There is a stirring in the bowels of the earth. Something large, like an army of darkness, seeks to burst forth and strip life as we know it from the land. The dwarves say it will come from all directions, and that the race of men will be the first to fall. They don't have faith that we can rise to the occasion and do battle with the darkness".

Toben raises an eyebrow. "Little people? If they still exist, do you know much else about them? Can they be bargained with for such an item? Have your travels given you any information about the ulairi other than they hail from the west?"

The mental strain getting the better of him, he decides to take a seat and rest a moment. "As for the latter, I'm afraid we may need to pick our battles. Ceven sent us out to gather all the Songs that still sing for Eru. I'm not sure we could be successful at both given that time races against us."

"Delunaur does not have much time, gentlemen.  As Melkor grows stronger, her ability to resist him diminishes.  Eventually she will revert to who she was before we met."  When Delunaur silently begins to weep again, he pulls her to his shoulder and holds her.  "Ceven would understand and agree with you helping turn one of the Dischords.  It has exactly the same effect as finding one of my siblings."  His voice has a lot of passion in it and something else, an edge to it that is something akin to a cloth at the worn stage just before it starts to unravel.

"No, I agree Gwaelind. The quest ahead to gather the items and complete the ritual takes precedence over the plight of the dragons. However, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't relay all that I've discovered. And to answer your questions Toben, unfortunately all that I've shared is what I know. I like to pick up the remaining bits of information along the way. Secrets always have a way of revealing themselves, and the ancient world is no exception to the rule".

"Well, Delunaur was just crying, do you think her tears would suffice for one of the four components? She is, after all, teetering between dark and light."

Delunaur herself speaks up.  "These rituals are usually very precise.  It read 'A tear from a being of evil shed as it turns to good and captured in the chalice.'  I have not turned from evil and my tears are not out of remorse as I turn to good.  Nor do we have the chalice.  This would be a cart before the horse situation.  I cannot turn to good without the tears but we need the tears as I turn to good."

"I see. Yes, precision seems key here. So would this imply they couldn't even be your tears? Even if the ritual did bring you to tears upon breaking from Melkor grasp, we'd need the tears prior that."

Toben rubs his temples as he lets out a sigh. "Sounds like the first order of business is to find an appropriate chalice, in the event we witness such a tear-jerking moment, we will be able to capture them."

"Any idea where to search for such a thing?  Valinórë has left Arda and taken the elves with it.  Where would we search for such an item?"  Gwaelind seems confident that the answer to his question is available, but it is easy to see that hopelessness is weighing down on Delunaur.  With each new item read, her countenance had fallen.  Now, her head remained buried in Gwaelind's shoulder.

Ryland has had a finger in his chin, deep in thought for the past few minutes. Suddenly his eyes light up and he blurts out "The Grey Havens! Of course. Any elvish ruins are likely to have been plundered time and time again, but the Grey Havens are supposed to be further west of the Shire. Which would be in the vicinity of where the ulairi are supposedly found. If there's any elvish ruins unravaged by thieving hands, the Grey Havens is it".

"Grey Havens? I don't recall ever hearing of that place. How long do you expect it to take us to get there and how much time do we have before it's too late to perform the ritual?" The second question directed more towards the Maiar than Ryland.

Dulunaur wipes her tears and sits up.  "I-I can hold off for a little while longer.  Maybe a couple of weeks if I stay here in this lair.  I need to stay away from my master's forces, though.  They provide a link back to him and the pull grows stronger.  Gwaelind's presence has the opposite effect."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Sat 30 Dec 2017.

"If one of the dragons would be willing to give you a ride, you might make it in a few days."

Toben nods. "I was thinking the same thing. Ryland, would you mind speaking with Shock. She might know the way, if not, she might know one who does."

"If we leave tomorrow, I'd like to wrap up some business, if possible, with the dwarves. Another forge should help their preparations for the coming darkness."

"Of course. I'll get right to it". Ryland gives a polite bow to everyone and exits to go find Shock.

Shock is lounging in one of the caves toward the back of her lair.  It is filled with metallic looking stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.  She is conversing quietly with Kairo'uonar.  When Ryland enters, she beckons from the back of the room.  "Welcome, Ryland.  What can we help you with?"
This message was last updated by the player at 04:20, Sun 31 Dec 2017.

"I come seeking information, if you don't mind giving me audience. We've a rather difficult task at hand, and require passage to a place known as The Shire. I was wondering if you knew anything about it, the surrounding areas, as well as a place called the Grey Havens. We need to gather a few specific items, and though my knowledge of the north western regions of the land is limited, I'm fairly confident that it is where we'll find what we seek".

Shock stares at Ryland for a moment, then snorts.  Dragons are hard to read, but this comes across as possibly a sign of frustration.  She rises to all fours and starts gracefully for one of the exits.

Kairo'uonar follows looking a lot less like the cat that Shock portrays and more like a playful, energetic puppy as he hops about, still growing accustomed to his freedom.

Shock leads the two of you into another cavern, larger than any other and filled with exits, small - for dragons - alcoves in the walls for resting or hiding things, and a rather pitiful treasure pile.  Dragon hordes, such as the legends tell, are enormous, floor to ceiling coins, tools of warfare, art, and the like.  Her pile would barely make a bed for her and is mostly coin.

She does not head for the pile.  Instead, she launches into the air to an alcove about halfway up on one side of the cave.  There she disappears over the lip for a moment.  Papers shuffling and wood sliding on wood can be heard.  When she is done, she hops off the ledge and glides back down to the ground.  "Open this."  She hands a large leather tube to Ryland.  The tube has a wooden cap at the end that unscrews.  "Please be careful.  It is one of my more prized treasures."

Ryland slowly and carefully opens the leather case, and slides out the contents to inspect. He asks wryly, looking around "I don't suppose you have hobbit carvings and elvish goblets laying around while we're at it" he says, smiling.

Shock looks around at her things.  "I only have three cups that would fit the description of 'chalice'.  Two were gifts from the Gonhirrim.  One is a simple wooden affair with some ornate trim from human lands, a gift from another of my kind from long ago.  I do not know what a...hobbit is."

The contents of the scroll case is a large map of some unknown area.  The writings are in a flowing script that Ryland has never seen.  Each detail of the map is exquisite in detail.  Mountains rise on both the eastern and western edges of the map with all manner of rivers, forest lands, and the like in between.  On the west end of the map, the mountains are split by a large bay, almost a gulf.

Eventually, Ryland does recognize enough landmarks to understand that the far east side of the map is the western Misty Mountains.

"By the stars... I didn't think a map this old would exist anymore. Shock, I'm speechless. Would you mind if I transcribed a smaller copy?".

"Not at all.  There is a small polished rock you can use as a table over there.  You will have to provide your own parchment and writing stylus, though.  I don't keep such things around for obvious reasons."  She points to a flat stone boulder that is as polished as any marble and flatish with only a slight bowl feel to it.

"I also have an idea of how you might get to where you need to go with minimal time.  Travel afoot for your kind would take too long and the Dischord does not have such time available to her."

Ryland nods and returns the map to its case, and sits it down on the "table". "I'll go retrieve the required materials" he says as he sets off in a hurry.

It is easy enough to expend an hour, with or without Toben's help, to make a workable copy of the map.  It's not exquisite like the one Shock produced, but it has all the details right and will get those going where they need to go.

The dragons, the Maiar, Ano, Toben, and Ryland all meet together in the treasure cave after the map is done.  Shock drops down from one of the ledges as the humans enter.  "You will need to find Windfang.  He will be able to carry you swiftly to the west and back within the time allotted.  His cave is near the boundary of the evil dragons and the Dragon Master where the Heath is still withered.  Follow the mountains along the south and his cave will be in the mountains just before the land changes.  Windfang is a straw-colored dragon with light blue and white highlights.  He also has...feathers."  She says the last as if it is some kind of deformation or social faux pax.

"One thing, Windfang is not that big.  He can only carry two of you."

Toben looks at Ryland and then others. "I guess we should decide which two ought to go then. Ryland, with your knowledge of lore and ability to talk your self into anything, you seem well suited to go. That just leaves one more spot." His last statement hangs in the air.

"I would volunteer myself, but I'm not much in a fight if it came down to that. How long of a journey is it to Windfang's cave?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Thu 04 Jan 2018.

Hope to do reaction to above conversations tomorrow.

Klale presents Ryland and Toben with helms and their sleevéd mithril chain shirts [Hope I remember right.]. His companions hold up the wonders, which are padded on the shoulders (so the shirts sit easier on them), they see what seems to be a threaded pattern covering the front. I incorporated a Glyph of Protection into each, Klale explains. Until their poser is exhausted, they make the armor better and absorb some damage you would otherwise take. I choose the glyph for myself and you because they do not fade from time passing.

INFO

Glyph of Protection

This glyph provides several benefits to the wearer of the armor.

-AC bonus equal to the smith's ranks in Glyph Forging up to 5. So 5
-DR = to the smith's ranks in Glyph Forging/2.  Magic weapons bypass DR. So 5
-Bonus to all saves equal to the smith's ranks in Glyph Forging/5 up to 5. So 2

The glyph lasts until the armor takes damage equal to the smith's ranks in Glyph Forging x3. So 15  Armor takes damage if the wearer takes damage, but also if the attack is within the AC range of the armor.  For example, if I am wearing armor with a glyph that has a total AC bonus of 10 (5 natural +5 glyph) and I have a DEX mod of +2 for a total AC of 22, then any attack rolls higher than a 12 but equal to or less than 22 will be considered damage to the armor.  (The armor doesn't actually take damage, but is considered damage for the purpose of the spell.)

I think the AC, all things considered, would be +7. Need help figuring stats out. Would hope strumming failure, arcane failure would be 1%.

Toben holds up the shirt and stares at its brilliance for a moment. "This is exquisite, Klale. Really quite remarkable. I don't know what to say." He removes his cloak and slides the shirt over his head. "And it fits perfectly as well."

He walks over and clasps Klale's forearm. "If I am to leave to help Ryland fetch the ritual items, I'll make sure to help get that last enchanted forge up and running before we do. It's the least I could do for such a fine gift."

When Klale learns of this Melkor's "somehow" ongoing assault on Delunaur, he regards the Dischord. "Lady, I have little understanding of your plight except that this Melkor is trying to get you to do or feel in ways you would rather not...as my grandfather would say..."if you had your druthers." But I do have some ideas: First, realize this creature is not your master but a trouble-making failure who, devoid of friends and friendship, resorts to bullying. And, second, grow toward what you want to be. You have the power of choice; choose that which leads toward your true desires. So there's some advice from the lips of a mortal...maybe not good...if not, devise yourself better."

Klale strokes his beard. "And third...well, this Melkor's got to be working on you some way. Maybe he's like fly buzz around you head. Then, with your permission, I'll measure your head and craft a kind of helmet. Shouldn't hurt and might help."

---------

Klale presents Delunaur with metal headgear complete with nosepiece with bridges under the eyes to the body. The edges are of one solid run. The rest looks woven...metal bars interweaving, and, in some places with ends projecting out a finger's breadth. The whole somehow has an aura of tension. Klale explains "Each strip, or bar, is magnetized. Sometimes I've welded attractive ends; sometimes, opposing. So there's a dance between harmony and a coming together and dissonance and desire to part. The projections, I hope, lend this dance depth. Please try it on."

-----------

Klale readies himself to travel as guard for Ryland and Toben. "I won't be able to ride with you. I'll do what I can here. ... I miss Xarini; comes a time when a man wants to feel welcoming arms and a hot meal at labor's end."

"Thank you Klale."  Delunaur tries the helmet on.  After a several minutes of conversation she looks over at Gwaelind and shakes her head sadly.  "I don't know that it's helping.  I'll keep it on, just in case, but at this point..."  She turns to Klale.  "You have to understand, Maiar are not beings of choice.  We are creatures designed for a purpose.  When Melkor corrupted my brethren and I, he bound us to him.  While I am far away, the outright control diminishes.  I fear, were he to stand before us and order me to kill Gwaelind - whom I love - I would take my weapon in hand and do it with gladness.  Even now, that control is being asserted.  Soon, I will need to be bound.  Once the control is complete and my rebellion is finished, I will need to be killed."

The Maiar and the dragons shake hands with the humans as they depart for the Gonhirrim town on the wagon.

Once there, the Gonhirrim, Bellow, Toben, and Klale prepare to cast the second forge.

{I will need equivalent rolls again, gentlemen.  Same as last forge.

See msg#3 in this thread: link to a message in this game}

With all the contributors from the last forge gathered for the second time, Toben addresses them all. "I know you've all been hard at work doing your ancestors proud at the forges, and with the coming darkness, I wanted to make sure you all have the tools at your disposal to make the most of the time before it arrives. A second forge, similar to the first, but this one specializing in protective magic."

Toben reaches into his pouch and pulls out a small amethyst gem with a faint purple glow. "We can begin whenever you're all ready."

Klale lends his help and expertise to Toben (+12+2=+14). No help on Arcane.

Again the Gonhirrim and the dragon, Bellow, follow Toben and Klale's lead in the casting of the new forge.  Practiced now, with a better handle on what is going on, the forge is completed in much less time than the first.  There is a ruddy sheen to the rock of the forge and the fire itself is a deeper red like that of a dying fire.  However, the flame burns just as hot.

When done, all involved do not feel quite as exhausted as last time.  Nothing that a nice late lunch and cool drinks can't slake.  The meal and drinks are, of course, on the Gonhirrim.  As the party of now four eats, drinks, and prepares for the next step in their adventure.

The Gonhirrim will, from time to time, come up and speak to Toben and Klale, thanking them for their hard work and the marvelous forge.  However, as the group settles into planning, their faces looking more serious, they are left alone.

As they eat and drink, Toben catches Klale up on everything that transpired regarding the ritual. "Looks like we might have a lead or two on some of these items, but we'll need to meet with Windfang first. According to Shock, he's fast but can only carry two passengers."

"If only two can go with this Windfang, the rest if us would be well suited to looking for the next Maiar.  I have been informed that the dragons of the west have with them a dragon master called Voroch Hastir.  He may have similar powers to the ones I posses and may even be one of the discords.  If so I think it likely that they hold Naurel the song of fire

"Sounds like you'd be well suited to investigate this Voroch Hastir then? It also seems like you'll need more muscle on that venture than the one Ryland is leading. Might I suggest Klale go with you, while I join Ryland?"

"A splendid idea, If I do say so myself, and I do. Oh, and Master Klale, your gift is humbling and splendid to say the least. I'll wear it with pride. Ano, one thing of note that I gleaned from the patrons of the Copper Nugget about this Voroch fellow, is that while the dragons look to him for leadership, he doesn't control them. I'm not sure how much information you yourself were able to gather, but that tidbit stuck out to me like a sore thumb. If even the slightest seeds of dissent could be sewn among their ranks, it would prove crucial to your cause. Our cause, rather. Do mind yourself out there though, you and Klale both. I wont be around to play aerial support" he says with a chuckle. "Ah, pardon my interruption, Toben. It seems returning to my old dive has dulled my manners".

When Ano and Klale are left behind, Klale discusses the dangerous situation with the dragons and dwarves. Object: to formulate a cogent plan.

With the forges in full swing, many of the young, non-aligned dragons come to the dwarven town to see the wonders.  A full thirty of them appear at one time, and per Klale's desires, a makeshift battle council is formed.

Among those present are Shock, Bellow, and Kairo'uonar for the dragons.  Galim Stormhammer, who leads the Gonhirrim in the Heath, stands with several of his fellow dwarves.  Ano and Klale represent the humans.

Galim opens the discussion by laying out the issue.  "Older dragons, evil in purpose an' power, but few in number threaten t' take over th' Heath an' make it withered once again.  T' do this, they must wipe out th' non-aligned young ones who outnumber them five t' one.  Their only asset beyond th' obvious is Voroch Hastir, of whom we know nothin'."

Shock speaks next.  "The evil dragons grow bolder.  They fly five to a wing now with Voroch riding.  Just this morning, they came as far as Lake Wysterion.  Seven of our own fled at first sign, so none were killed, but if they hunt us down like that and pick us off in small numbers, we will not last against them.  I give us three days at most before they are bold enough to attack and kill if we don't come up with a plan to ward them off."

Klale asks for details about the evil dragons' attack tactics. He thinks about it and begins drawing in the dirt. It seems you have numbers on your side. How about this, he says. Making up a team of two, or any even number, you start by flying even with each other with distance between. If an evil dragon, or team of dragons stars chasing one side, the chased dragon(s) turn toward the path your friend(s) would take. The friends turn toward the attacked dragon(s). Than the friends are on the attacker(s)' tail(s). He uses his hands to help explain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thach_Weave  (Thatcher Weave)

After discussion, the dragons practrice. {one hopes the unaligned dragons will realize theirt collective peril and cooperate.

Discussion turns to whether the dwarves should march into the hostile territory to destroy nests or strongholds.

The dragons murmur among themselves, but sound impressed by the tactical advice.  They agree to test it among themselves in the east before giving it a go against the elder dragons.

The Gonhirrim hear Klale's further suggestions of attacking nests and grow excited.  "While th' youngsters draw 'em off, we can sap their lairs.  Even if th' dragon survives an' returns, th' moment they enter their lair, it'll collapse on top o' them.  Not even an elder dragon can survive a mountain on 'is 'ead."

"This will only work, once or twice," a large golden dragon says.  It's voice has something of Shock's timbre to it allowing the humans to realize the dragons is female.  "After that, we will have to come up with a new tactic.  We cannot repeat this nineteen more times."

Klael says I don't understand ab out the nineteen more times. Even so, we have numbers, and working once or twice will change the odds. If they start to vary their tactics, we vary ours. It seems to me that the basic strategy is to concentrate attacking power while using bait and flight for defense.

Another dragon, light blue with red highlights and horns, replies to Klale.  When he speaks, his voice sounds hollow, ethereal and bubbly, like shallow rapids.  "There are twenty elder dragons.  One hundred and twelve non-aligned.  We could collapse one, maybe two, before we would have to change tactics.  Any more and we risk the lives of our Gonhirrm friends."

Klale asks Why are the non-aligned nonaligned? And I guess it would be good to make a list of the numbers and sizes or capabilities of all the known local dragons and whoever else will be, or might be, involved.

The blue and red dragon, Molfistarion by name, responds to the request for numbers.  "There are 20 elder dragons.  Each retains the power they had in youth, but have gathered much more.  They fall into five general categories, elemental natures that reflect their heritage: eldritch, storms, plague, war, and death.  They have great size and strength physically in addition to their inherent magical abilities."

"Of the non-aligned, we are not so broad in our power, though we are physically faster and more agile.  Our magic is more focused, but there is strength in that purity that the elder dragons gave up.  Shochraos'altiui, for example, is lightning.  We have night, fire, lightning, smoke, steam, acid, earth, metal, crystal, water, ice, flora, animal, sonic, wind, light, and arcane.  We do not divide so evenly as the elder dragons.  For example, we have ten night, seven lightning, but only one flora, animal, and arcane.  That also means, should we lose those latter, that line is gone forever."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:31, Sat 27 Jan 2018.

"We are non-aligned, Klale Tsolo, because we do not choose any side except ourselves.  We serve no one.  Not Melkor, not the Creator, nor any mortal master.  We rule ourselves, do what we believe to be right without reference to another's moral paradigm.  In truth, we are aligned.  We are aligned with each other, with the dragons you see represented here, and no other.  All we want is to be left alone and to leave the world alone."

So flora, animal, and eldrich stay our of battle. For the rest, the foe will not leave you alone. Figure out how you can best work together to defeat the foe, using guile and numbers. Then, when this is done, set boundaries. The realm within, when Melkor is, I hope, taken care of permanently, for the dragons and dwarves in harmony for, I hope, as long as the world endures.

We should practice and ready ourselves so as to respond to the next attack. If possible, it would be good to let the foe penetrate and then swoop in from the sides.

Ano had been listening to the different sides speak for a long time now and the idea of large scale war seemed so alien to him.  " Can we afford to wait for their next attack or should we be hitting them at their home where it will hurt.  We have the numbers and the speed,  if we all work together we can do this.  "  he turns to Klale and asks "could you and the dwarves create something we could use to ground the elder dragons.  If they can't fly then we gain that much more advantage"

I've no idea how to ground elder dragons. I remember Kornari on the ground...most impressive, but mayb e elder dragons wouldn't be so nimble. Others may have ideas.

Anyway, there needs to be practice and the forming of teams. Also, I think it might be wise if the Gonhirrim made advanced bases with supplies. We have the rest of today, tomorrow, maybe the day after tomorrow. The n we must be ready. Ano, it there's an incursion, I thing all of us should invade. It will be hard, though; this I fear is a war to the death.

"You ground a dragon by taking out a wing."

At Klale's suggestion, the Gonhirrim start loading up for establishing forward bases at the edge of non-aligned territory.  These will be built within cave that have relatively small egresses so that the larger dragons will have a hard time getting in to them.  They have several already mapped out that will work, with entrances far enough from the main cavern that a larger dragon could not practically get through.

The dragons all launch into the air to spread word and begin maneuvers far to the east away from prying eyes of the evil dragon's servants.

While the locals prepare, Gwaelind arrives.  He appears nervous, and keeps looking back toward the east where Shock's lair is located.  "Ano, Klale, I haven't much time.  I wanted to offer these to all of you, but I was too intent on Delunaur.  My blessings to you will have to suffice."

"Ano, I imagine that your skill set will be helpful in the air as much on the ground, especially against this other Dragon Master, whomever they may be.  To you, I give the gift of flight.  You can fly as fast as the fastest dragon and outmaneuver all but the best of them I imagine, though I cannot say that I've seen every dragon in flight.  Such ponderous creatures in the air, I know that I cannot be far off."

"Klale.  I imagine that your battle will be on the ground exclusively.  You already have those wonderful boots, and I recommend that you never take them off.  However, should you find yourself being suffocated, you will not be without air.  To you I give the everbreath.  So long as you remain faithful to the light of the Creator, you will never lack for breath."

A brief zephyr passes through the area right outside the Gonhirrim town.  The two heroes feel the energy of the wind suffuse them.

Ano takes a knee in front of Gwaelind, head bowed low.  "Thank you for this honor, we will see to it that the darkenss will not prevail."

He stands and looks the Maiar in the eyes. "Do not worry about your love.  My friends will find a way,  they have not let down any of the songs yet.  They will save her.  Be with her and know that the mithrail shields will protect you"

Klale bows his head and says Thank You. He then holds out his hands to take Gwaelind's hands in his. Friendship. May it come to pass that we mortals will act so you may fulfill your proper functions. I judge You were as intent on Delunaur. as You shoudl be. One more thing: Remind Delunaur that fire needs air, and pure air make for pure fire.

Gwaelind takes Ano's shoulders and gently beckons him to rise.  "I am not the Creator, Ano.  I'm just a fellowservant with you.  You give us much hope."  He returns the firm shake from Klale, his own strength not far from Klale's.  "Thank you both.  I will tell Delunaur.  May the Creator light your path in the darkest of times."

The dwarves are preparing to head west and set up forward bases.  The dragons are practicing Klale's maneuver and more.  Neither group appears to have a designated leader.  The closest is the Gonhirrim forgemaster, and he is not military.

The dragons, for all their knowledge, seem young and inexperienced in any kind of warfare.

{What will Ano and Klale do specifically?  Head with the dwarves, the dragons, their own thing?}

Klale watches the dragons and will debrief them. It doesn't take long for the host to realize that organization is essential. They gather to discuss matters; and, surprisingly, look to Klale for his ideas.

He scratches his head. "Well, you all are, I think, more powerful and able than I in many way. Still...well...we humans enjoy thinking up things So...for what it's worth....

"You twenty elder dragons team up by twos. As you maneuver the way I've suggested, or however the situation warrants, whichever is to the right is the leader. Whoever is to the left takes advantage of whatever the one to the right is doing. I don't know your powers, but think that each team should have different abilities.

"Of you non-aligned—and please keep in mind that you are fighting for your freedom...Melkor may seem to offer freedom but he desires above all that every other being become his slaves—form teams of three. Two act as we discussed, with the right-side one in control. The third should be the one who can fly highest. You will stoop from above; for all I know, you may be able to and on, or his the foe's back. If something like that happens, the other two go for the wings or neck. Should you be able to force a foe to the ground, feint. When the foe's attention is on one, the other strikes.

"Oh, and reserve some, the fastest, for scouts.

"Let all remember that this is a war to the death, above all, the death of this mysterious Voroch Hastir. And remember that victory means that all future dragons should learn by heart the roll of your names.

"The flora, animal, and eldritch can follow the Gonhirrim and carry messages. Remember that your first duty is survival."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Wed 24 Jan 2018.

The dragons nod and whisper and for all that they are so much larger, act like new teenaged recruits in an army.  They perform wonderfully in the aerial practice, taking to heart Klale's words about the seriousness of the situation.

At one point during the practice, they offer to take Ano and Klale into the air, to see what it is like and perhaps give them perspective to come up with new tactics they would not normally conceive of on the ground.  Since the evil dragons have a rider, it might behoove the non-aligned to have at least one as well.

The Gonhirrim contingent has set out, thirty dwarves in groups of five, to establish forward bases in the base of the mountains that form a sort of barrier to the western Heath. {see map I will provide}  They move in such a way as to hide their numbers from scouts above.

Also, a small contingent of warriors from the Gonhirrim stationed in the Lonely Mountain arrives, prepared to battle as well.  They number forty and are grizzled veterans.

Klale replies When it comes to it, I've been advised to stay on the ground. However, for practice.... I'll ride. Here's the idea: When the evil dragons put for the their strength, we want them to make progress, driving "our" dragons back and and away, thinking they have you scared. then you come at them from the sides and above. The ones who were fleeing turn. The idea is to surround them, creating confusion in their ranks as they attempt to turn to meet all the threats. I'll pretend to be  Voroch Hastir, assuming he's riding a dragon. Ano, you can judge how it's going. It may be you should be riding when it comes to battle. The question for me if whether I stay below the battle or go with the Gonhirrim. I incline to the latter, for where the aerial battle will take place is unknown. It would be hard for me to get there.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...#Tactical_deployment

Klale reminds the dwarves to take the mirror. The smith has a hunch that it will prove useful.

Three days later, the Gonhirrim are all in place.  The young dragons begin a series of theatrics in small groups will others remain hidden in clouds at much higher altitudes.  During this time, Klale and Ano - who rides with one of the groups not posing as bait and using his belt to ignore the cold of such a high altitude - get to see the majority of the non-aligned dragons.

{Non-aligned dragons:

Lightning (7) - led by Shock
Smoke (5) - led by a dark, intense dragon names Ys'shathas
Steam (2) - a mated pair: male - Molfistarion; female (not fighting) - Sshor'sissanei
Acid (7) - led by a female Hissayathar; light green and soft yellow in color
Earth (8) - flightless dragons but tough; range in color from black to dirt brown; led by an imposing male named Brockard
Metal (20) - various colors including precious metals; led by a reddish colored iron named Iyrex; claws and teeth can cut through dragon scale
Night (10) - black to midnight colors; led by Coalara; capable of imposing darkness
Crystal (3) - seemingly clear scales of different colors; immune to magic and most energy types; led by Vixtaeroc
Water (9) - blue with light blue horns and highlights; led by Hydron'aquarius; immune to fire
Ice (10) - white with light blue horns; weak against fire, but able to cause major icing problems for flyers, even by touch; led by Frostbite
Flora (1) - not fighting; Hyacinth
Animal (1) - not fighting; Rabbit
Sonic (5) - violet and purple colored dragons; musical sounds as they move; pleasant to be around; capable of deafening roars, muting or deafening opponents; lead by Starsong
Wind (12) - golden colored dragons, usually led by Windfang; currently led by Zephyrim
Light (5) - various colored dragons; led by Raydia; laser breath, scintillating scales, capable of illusions and blinding opponents
Arcane (1) - not fighting; Rubix}

There is allegedly a fire dragon that runs with the non-aligned, but he's not been seen in a couple of months.

The first set of bait dragons is a trio of Ice dragons playing and pretending to not realize how close they are getting to the elder territory.  Ano is in the clouds with one set of three: the leader of the Smoke named Ys'shathas, Molfistarion, the Steam who spoke so much during planning, and Shock, whom Ano rides.  They circle high above dark clouds to the north.

Another group of three including Hissayathar who leads the acid, Zephyirm, leader of the Wind, and Coalara, leader of the Night dragons, hides to the south.

On the ground, Earth dragons have dug temporary caves further east where the dragons plan to bring down one of the elder.  Twenty dragons of various kinds hide in these makeshift tunnels waiting to spring out and capture or slay the elder dragon.  Klale is among these.

The Gonhirrim wait much closer to elder territory, holding off on plans to attack the lairs until this first foray into engagement with the larger, evil dragons.

When the assault comes, it comes fast.  Three elder dragons dart out of the high perches of the mountainous barrier separating the Heath from the Wither.  Shrieking in fear that is all too real, the Ice dragons claw at the air attempting to get away.

The dragon master is not with these three.

Just before the elder dragons catch the Ice, the six others come diving in free fall for them.  Blasts of electrical energy, wind, and sound slam into the lead dragon which Shock says is a War Dragon full of spikes, bladed scales, fangs, and claws.  It fumbles in the air under the assault giving the Ice a chance to swoop around and hit it with ice enough to burdent it.  Its wings frozen in a glide, it heads toward the ground about three miles short of the Earth dragon ambush.  The Earth dragon scout sees it go down and relays that to the rest of the ground forces who look to Klale for guidance.

Seeing the trap sprung, the other two elders - an Eldritch and a Plague - turn about and flee.  The younger dragons want to pursue and take out a second dragon, but seem to expect Ano to advise them on this course of action.

Let's hope it can be kept down. Run at a speed that let's you have breath when you get there. Move!

[I figure that Klale can ride one of the earth-bound dragons.

Ano nods to the other dragons "Take them.  Work together,  focus on the plague dragon if you think you can avoid it's breath.  I don't want to see what he can do to you guys"

On the ground, the Earth dragons leave their hideaways at a dead sprint, the largest scooping up Klale on the run and plopping him on his back.  Feline-like bodies several times in size move them forward at near 70 miles an hour or more sustained the entire way.  Something in the earth itself gives them speed.  The other kinds, the ones with wings, choose to fly.

~~~~

In the air, Shock and three others - Ys'shathas, Molfistarion, and Zephyirm - outpace the rest.  At first, the larger dragons are able to stay at a given distance from these, but soon, they begin to tire and slow.  The exuberant youth, on the other hand, see their chance and redouble their efforts, gaining ground swiftly.  The five that lag behind also push harder, but they are no match for the four in the lead for speed.

~~~~

As soon as the Earth dragons and their friends arrive, they find themselves face to face with an angry War Dragon who has just shaken the last of the ice from his wings.  Before he can leap into the air and attempt a getaway, two of the Earth dragons pounce.  Four others circle around using some kind of minor magic to reach out with the ground and anchor the big dragon.  The last of the Earth dragons that chose to fight, stops back a few yards to let Klale down and wait for an opening.

The War Dragon slams into the ground again, then rips its wings out from under the two who pounced, flipping them through the air.  As the other young dragons - the fliers - arrive, it tucks its wings in and extends razor sharp spines along its back.  "Clever trap, little ones.  I shall have to relay your temerity to the other elder dragons.  We should have cleansed the Heath of your foolishness a long time ago."

It tears a forearm out of the meager spell binding it and flicks the rocks at one of the fliers, causing it to panic and fall to the ground.  The War Dragon chuckles.  "You want to play with the big dragons, eh?  Let's play."  Its eyes glow red and its claws grow three times in length.  It whips its tail back and forth a couple of times before raising it into the air and extending a bevy of blades from the tip like some kind of lethal flower blooming all of a sudden.

Klale advances with shield and sword. Impressive display. You have things backward. These dragons were minding their own business; it was you who attacked.

The War Dragon tilts its head and peers down at Klale, who only comes up to right below its knee.  "What's this?  A Man?  Ho HO!  That is...about the saddest thing I think I've ever seen."  He looks around at the rest of the dragons who seem a bit cowed by his words.  "You are so desperate that you ally with a Man?  One Man?  HA!  HAHAHAHAHA!"

Klale shrugs. As is said, "Desperate times call for desperate measures."* And among us humans uniting to rid themselves of a tyrant, "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we all shall hang separately."** Those who surround you now, it's plain to see that they have a healthy respect for your prowess. Maybe they'll be daunted enough so they'll leave, letting us to have a tête-a-tête. Of course, that means defeat and death sooner or later. Tough choice. by the way, how much fun is it to scare and hurt those who have not yet reached your size?

* https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki...r_desperate_measures

** Franklin

Ano shouts down to Shock "If you think we  can take them without leaving the others too far behind then we should attack."    He hunches low to lessen the effects of the wind and prepares to join in the fight as they close distance.

"You will die first for your impudence, Man."  The War Dragon casually swats at Klale with a claw, the way a cat might swat at a mouse it's not really interested in, but hasn't killed yet.  The claws, like two-handed swords screech across Klale's armor, which protects him from immediate death, but not from taking some cuts where the claws find openings.

The half-effort does not knock the big blacksmith away, though, leaving him an opening as the dragon follows through the swipe with a step toward the nearest Earth dragon, leaving Klale below its right armpit.

{21:24, Today: Eru, for the NPC War Dragon, rolled 41 using 1d20+34.  Attack vs. Klale.
21:26, Today: Eru, for the NPC War Dragon, rolled 13 using 2d8+5.  Damage vs. Klale.
Movement - 10' step forward.}

Shock nods and the four lead dragons speed ahead.  They ignore the Eldritch dragon and swarm the Plague dragon.  It is a soupy-green with yellow and black bumps all over its skin, which is leathery like an alligator's rather than truly scaled.  Molfistarion digs his claws into the neck and opens his mouth to release an intense jet of steam at the Plague's head.  Shock lands at the rear where the ridged tail leaves the larger dragon's body.  The tail immediately starts twitching and smoking as amps of electricity pour into the Plague's back end.

Ys'shathas and Zephyrim both grab on to the wings, but only for a moment.  Zephyrim does something then laughs and lets the rushing wind strip him away.  The Smoke dragon on the other wing, hangs on for longer and breaths on the appendage.  A translucent quality spreads across the wing from where the shadowy breath hit.  Ys'shathas still clings to the wing, but it doesn't seem to be catching air any more as it beats ever more frantically.  The Plague starts to plummet with three smaller dragons still attached to it.

The Eldritch dragon slows its own forward motion and looks down at its troubled companion.  It opens its mouth and a bright purple cone of energy blasts out, enveloping the Plague dragon and everyone connected to it.  The lightning stops and the Plague's wings catch air again, allowing it to soar.

At that moment, Molfistarion and Ys'shathas both let go.  The latter is born away by the wind like smoke in a hurricane.  Molfistarion vomits and plummets back first toward the ground.  Only Shock is able to hold on.  "I don't feel well, Ano."

Klale strikes up into the armpit, trying to hit a tender spot so he can get at a tendon. His first stroke makes an opening and burns; his second effort achieves good results, also burning, and reminds the war dragon that it is not invulnerable.

[If by some miracle, the dragon fails either saving throw, it's held for 10 rounds.]

Damage 1: 2+1+4+1= 8   Danage 2: 11+1+4+5= 24
22:53, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 6 using 2d8 with rolls of 1,5.  Fire Damage.

22:52, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 13 using 4d6 with rolls of 1,1,6,5.  Probable Damages.


After looking at the chaaracter sheet, I took 20s. Klale has a +17 and +9 to hit. I figure the first hit and the second did also because it used the opening from the first hit.

22:51, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11.  Confirm Critical.

Klale's decisive strike catches the War Dragon right in the joint between foreleg and chest.  The damage is not extensive, but it does distract the dragon, causing it to miss a step.  The other dragons are on it immediately.

The War Dragon gives a considerable effort, despite the setback and the odds against it.  It slays four dragons before the others bring it down with Klale's help.  At the very last, it's head slams into the ground, it's eyes staring at Klale in disbelief as it exhales it's last and dies.

During the fight, Klale's glyph protected twice him from the momentary attention the War Dragon gave him.  Not once did it turn its fiery breath on the human, and the claws individually were not all that threatening.  One bite and an inadvertent tail swipe hurt, though.  {87 Damage beyond Glyph}

None of the dragons made it through the battle without at least one serious wound.  The sixteen left help one another limp home.  Only five can fly with any assurance of reaching their destination.  Most seem to have the fight knocked right out of them.  None will touch the four fallen.  Toward the end of the battle, it looked like the dragons fought to survive, knowing that if they fled, the War Dragon would hunt them down one by one and kill them as it had their companions.

One of the Earth, a younger one by the name of Georrasque, offers Klale a ride back to the Gonhirrim town.  It is unknown what happened to the dragons in the air with Ano.

{Waiting on Ano to post.}

KIlale's armor is a wreck, and he may bear scars from his wounds. Fortunately, while they look bad none are disabling. It goes hard, but it can be done. Take justified pride. We'll learn from this and do better next time. Unless you object, I want to return and take some hide of this ancient one. I have an idea.

Georrasque, thank you.

"Apparently physical contact is out of the question,  can you make attacks at a range.  Maybe we can still take him,  but not with the other dragon backing him up.  perhaps we should pull back."

Shock looks down at Molfistarion and over to the Eldritch dragon eyeing her in turn.  "He waits for us to do anything and then he will attack.  I am alone, Ano.  I cannot take him, even with my lightning breath.  Our only move at this point is to do nothing and give those we left behind time to catch us."

She looks down again as Molfistarion slams into the ground.  His wings spread out across the grass in a wide fan as if he were taking a sun nap.  There is no movement.

Ano looks down at the fallen dragon beneath them feeling great sadness.  "Alright,  fall back to the others."

Once back and his wounds tended, Klale asks for a debriefing. After the dragons have spoken, Klale offers his opinions. He also offers his idea: The war dragon's hide, if it's backed in a way that keeps its shape, would make a good shield. In particular, it would protect two earth-bound dragons from aerial attack.It also might be possible to use parts of it to protect individual dragons. What think you? And, of course, I'm ignorant of whether it's acceptable to put parts of a fallen enemy to such uses.

Shock falls back as the others approach.  The impasse allows the Plague dragon enough time to recover well enough to disengage and head home.  With Molfistarion down and the others sick or too slow, the hope of following and engaging the two elder dragons is gone.

With heavy hearts, the young dragons return to base.

~~~~

Upon Klale's suggestion, Shock explains, "we have no compunctions against using whatever resources are necessary to drive the evil dragons out of the Heath or destroy them altogether.  We can drag his body here and the Gonhirrim can do what they need to with it.  But we must see to Molfistarion's body, first."

It seems whatever illness the three dragons experienced who touched the Plague has worn off.  Zephyrim wants to lead thirty young dragons out to recover the Steam Dragon's body.

Ano speaks up. "May I join you in recovering his body?  It was my fault that sthis fate has befallen him.  I will do what I can to help. "

"I'll talk with the Gonhirrim. And we might make plans, guessing what the evil dragons will do in light of what has happened. In light of what the dragon we killed said, I'm thinking they will attack or perhaps feint in their turn. Not a probable since they're arrogant. Still, there may be a mind beyond theirs at work, one spoken of."

{what's-his-name (or her?)]

Zephyrim lowers himself down so Ano can board.  "We will be back in a couple of hours with Molfistarion."  He and twenty nine other dragons launch into the air headed west.  Shock stays behind to work on tactics.

"I agree that the elder dragons will likely attack.  My fear is that if they attack now, in full force, we could not stand against them.  A direct confrontation with all of them is out of the question."

{Melkor is the primary controller of the evil dragons directly.  They are not under the control of one of the Dark Maiar whom they will view as equals.}

But are you faster? And it's interesting that, if they could slay all of you why have they not done so? One reason is that they hope to subvert some of you.

"We are faster.  If we are out in the open.  What I mean is that if they attack while we are recovering, they will thin our numbers and tip the balance against us.  Then it is just a matter of attrition."  She ponders Klale's last comment for a moment.  "There have been no serious attempts at subversion that I am aware of, but perhaps they will try after we have lost sufficient numbers."

The dragons fly for a short space before they pass over the remains of the War Dragon.  It has not moved.  The time to reach the body of Molfistarion is a bit longer, and when the group arrives, the land next to an indention that indicates where he fell.  There is no sign of the body.

Zephyrim growls.  "They must have him."  He hangs his head.  "I suppose in a way it is fitting considering what we intend to do with Kaashing'draksik."

Another of the wind dragons draws Zephyrim's attention.  "They come!  All of them!"

Off in the distance, nine large winged figures approach from the west.  They are moving rapidly.

The few dragons already on the ground begin to run and launch into the air.  Those already flying have circled away and head in multiple directions save west.  Zephyrim waits for Ano to climb aboard.

Ano runs and leaps using his ability to fly to help launch him onto the dragon's back.  "go.  We must warn the others."

When they are close enough Ano will light a smoke stick hoping to warn the others.

Zephyrim surges into a run picking up speed before launching into the air.  By the time he does, the elder dragons have covered half the distance between him and their original position when first sighted.  At this distance, Ano can see a humanoid figure riding on the head of the largest dragon, the one in the center.

"I do not know what we hope to accomplish.  If we flee, they may take out the town.  If we engage, they will slay so many of us, we will not recover as a race.  The dragons of Arda will perish out of the land, save perhaps for them."

A young dragon comes rushing in to where Klale and Shock are conversing.  "Zephyrim and Ano return!  Ano is holding up a smoke signal!"

Klale exits to meet Ano and Zephyrim.

It is only Zephyrim and Ano.  None of the other young dragons are with them.

Off in the distance, there is a small line of flying creatures, perhaps birds.  However, the way that Zephyrim is flying, it is probably a lot worse - the worst case scenario in fact.

As they get close Ano leaps from the dragons back and flies straight to Klale "They are coming.  Prepare to defend"

Klale turns to Zephyrim. Get to the other dragons. If the word is passed and all band together to attack, some of you will live. Otherwise, e3ach of lyou will die. May good fortune ride with you.

He urns to Ano. Everybody in the town should get into the forge cave. There We'll make a stand. He gives a great shout. EVIL DRAGONS ARE COMING. EVERYBODY INTO THE FORGE CAVE!

The Gonhirrim do not scream and panic.  They make an orderly retreat into the cave and on to the forge.

Outside, Zephyrim approaches the ground.  "Do you wish to be dropped off or stay with me, Ano?"

The elder dragons look to be a little over a mile out.

"I will stay with you, friend Zephyrim.  Climb.  Let us find a vantage point from which to consider tactics."  Ano settles himself in his seat for rougher flying as the dragon soars higher with furious beats of his wings.

The elder dragons arrive at the town.  Two of them land while the rest circle high above.

The larger of the two that landed, another war dragon, sends a stream of fire down the large opening into the underground village.  The jet lasts for a few seconds and thoroughly bathes the primary cavern with fire.

Deeper within the cavern, the heat washes over the Gonhirrim.  Only those in the forge itself barely feel any difference.

"Come out you ratsss," the war dragon growls.  "You wanted to fight.  Then let's fight."

Klale works on repairing his armor while the Gonhirrim get as safe possible. If the dragon's hearing is good enough, it hears hammer strokes.

The dragons outside level imprecations, threats, and rewards to traitors in a constant stream.  This continues for about an hour then silence.

While Klale continues, perhaps a dwarf uses a spyhole to survey the situation.

Ano speaks with Zephyrim looking down at the scene below.  "We need to rally the other dragons as quickly as we can.  Can we quietly gather everyone together to make an attack."

One of the Gonhirrim reports back.  "They've not gone.  They're sittin' right outside, starin' a' th' sky.  Th'others still fly o're our 'eads."

Zephyrim nods and heads north toward the mountains.  Ten minutes of flying brings the two into a small, hidden cavern too small for one of the larger dragons to enter.  Inside there are fifteen dragons of various types, mostly metallic, cowering.

"The elders have gathered at the Gonhirrim's town."

One of the silver speaks up, fear tinging her voice.  "All of them?"

"Yes.  And we are scattered about the Heath."

"Now is the time that we must fight back.  It will require losses but I don't see what other choices we have"

Heat, hammer, engrave.....

The dragons seem to wilt at the idea of a number of them dying.  Several mumble that there are already so few of them.  Zephyrim's voice cuts through their despair.  "We are dragons, not mewling rats.  We will gather our forces at Windseeker Peak.  From there, we will attack at the Gonhirrim village and drive them back.  Remember the tactics that Klale Tsolo taught us.  We will prevail.  Our numbers far exceed their own.  Learn their strengths and avoid them.  Learn their weaknesses and exploit them.  They are ten.  We are more than a hundred."

The lead wind dragon's words are a cuff to the ear of the younger dragons present.  The lower their heads in silence.  When he finishes speaking, the leave the cave one by one to spread word of the meeting at Windseeker Peak.

As Klale wraps up his glyph work, the dragons outside let go with another jet of flame and begin another round of taunting.  This time, the war dragon starts clawing at the tunnel leading  deeper into system, opening up the way for his larger mass.

A thick but gentle hand alights on Klale's forearm and a familiar voice brings him out of his contemplation.  "Tha's beautiful work, lad.  Ye've done fine work indeed here a' th' new forge.  Nessy sends her blessin's by th' way."

[There are also the grounded dragons.]

Klale's face is a study in Joy and Wonder—and desperate wish fulfilled. "SARIS! How did you...how is Nessy? And...." A dwarf hand the big man water and sufficient salt for Klale to replenish what was lost by sweat. He drinks. and sighs.

"Saris, I'm badly scratched and nicked up and crave healing. Ther'es a war dragon I these folks must face or...most of us...die."

He makes plans with the dwarves that can help. "I'll be facing the dragon. If you can, attack the sides. If there's a chance, stab or hew at the genitals."
....

Klale dons his armor (with help) and takes up shield and sword. He advances, but first he prays: Any Power for the Good listening and caring, I deem that which I am to attempt is altogether righteous. I fear I am man-proud, but I hope not too proud to welcome help. May it be granted.

"Easy, lad.  Let's ge' those wounds tended first."  She touches Klale on each limb and in his chest allowing waves of golden light to pass across his skin.  Wherever the light touches, the wounds erupt with golden energy, then close up, leaving only faint scars.

"Before ya rush off t' face such a mighty foe, perhaps a blessin' first?"  She hands Klale a pair of gauntlets embedded with two brown stones of exquisite cut.  "Try those on.  They should fit.  Ceven made them t' order for Nessy t' give t' you."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Mon 05 Mar 2018.

By this time, the younger dragons have gathered at the proper location.  From there, Zephyrim leads them in a large flight a hundred strong toward the Gonhirrim village.

Thank you for your words of encouragement back there Zephyrim,  I don't know how this day will turn out but I didn't see the elder dragons giving us much choice but to fight" he looks up and down the line of flying dragons "We should spread the word,  if anyone encounters the plague dragon we should resort to indirect attacks only.  avoid physical contact"

The younger dragons spread word from wing to wing, then to those who join them on the ground several miles out.

"What of you, Ano?  I fear what could happen to a Man should you come in contact with such a foul creature. "  Zephyrim glides along almost as if he is trying to delay the inevitable.

"Its a risk I have to take.  We are in this together and I fight with you no matter the risk.  Shock left me with a trick that should help though." Ano lifts off Zephyrim's back and begins to fly ahead of the dragons willing them to follow.

The dragons see the tiny man lift off and soar ahead and it gives them courage.  They beat the air more strongly with their wings.  Those below increase their stride and soon the southern mountains come into view.

Four of the elder dragons sit in a small circle outside the Gonhirrim cave entrance.  Twelve more circle above.  A small humanoid figure sits on the largest of the elders, a War Dragon of immense size.

{On the ground:

1 War
1 Storm
1 Plague
1 Eldritch

In the air:

4 War
4 Storm
1 Plague
3 Eldritch}

The elder dragons see the younger approaching and wheel toward them, forming a line.  Those on the ground do not move.

Klale dons the gauntlets with thanks. He gathers up his courage and advances to face the dragon. When he is near enough to confront the war dragon (shield held, sword pointed down), he speaks conversationally. My apologies for my tardiness. I was getting dressed so I could greet you with due politeness. ... I must say, your efforts are impressive. Sharp claws and all at work. By the way, I thought I heard you calling upon rats to come within your reach, small meals for one so mighty. Anyway, here I am to greet you, though I lack a tail such as rats—and you— have. And I did hear something about about fighting. Dangerous, that. Personally, I prefer getting along so I can do my work. I'm a blacksmith by trade. You, you could earn an excellent living as a quarry operator, a logger, or a constable, and so on.

"Insolent fool.  I will destroy you!"  The dragon thrusts its head forward and a great gout of flame erupts from its mouth, engulfing Klale.  The torrent of flame immolates the area around the blacksmith catching the ground and various bushes and small trees in on fire to be consumed in seconds.

The dragon turns away chortling, not even bothering to see what remains of the impudent little Man that had dared address it.

Ano falls back so he can speak with Zephyrim for a moment "Looks like they see us, lets use our numbers to hit them as hard as we can.  Try to land attacks when the enemy is focused on others, and tell the crystal dragons to run interference on the eldritch dragons, im hoping their resistance to magic will be enough to turn the fight."  Ano surveys the battle field for a moment and looks concerned "We need to be careful, i only see sixteen elder dragons, there are some missing"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Thu 08 Mar 2018.

As Klale is entombed in flame, the younger dragons make their attack.  The crystal dragons focus on the eldritch, and have signficant success.  Two of the elder dragons, an eldritch and a storm are torn from the sky with shredded wings.  The ground dragons pounce on them.

The sheer numbers work in favor of the younger dragons for the moment, but the two on the ground do not leave their position to aid the elders.

Before Ano leaves Zephyrim's side he calls out to him. "Be careful out there.  I'm going to find the plague dragon and try and take him out. "    Ano takes off among the chaos to find the plague dragon.

As the dragon starts to blow fire, Klale holds his shield before his face, stops breathing, and closes his eyes. As he feels the effects begin to wane, he hurries to attack the dragon at the base of its tail, aiming for soft parts. (he's sardonically amused but also warned by this example of the dangers of overconfidence.)

As he rushes forward under the dragon's head, the dragon's eyes grow wide in surprise that Klale is not only still alive, but clearly unaffected by the dragon fire.  Its right foreclaw streaks forward to grab Klale.  The blacksmith bats the claw aside with his shield and uses that momentum to strike at the dragon's bracing left foreclaw.  The strength of the attack is more than anticipated as the blade slices clean through causing the dragon to forward.  Its face plows a deep furrow into the ground.

Twice more he combines a thrust and a slice when each thrust is successful. When he's done, he moves by the back leg opposite of the way it turns.

By then, the dragon is either paralyzed by the power of the sword, shocked by the loss of limb and blood, or dead.  It does not move.

Using lightning for the +1
. 6 saves at DC 17 or be stilled for 5-15 rounds.
 To Hits are 37 and 5 31s.
(4+1+2)*2 for 14. 5+6+2 for 13. 4+2+2 for 8.
3+1+2 for 7. 1+2+2 for 5. 2+1+2 for 5.

16:01, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 27 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 10.  Confirm Critical.

16:00, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 32 using 12d6 with rolls of 4,1,5,6,4,2,3,1,1,2, 2,1.  Possible Damages.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:16, Sun 11 Mar 2018.

Klale's devastating attack spurs the younger dragons into a frenzy of activity.  As the blacksmith stands there with gauntlets gleaming the color of dark honey, they put his maneuvers into action.  Larger dragons are led on merry chases only to be ambushed from the side multiple times by their younger adversaries.  Two more elder dragons fall to the ground, too injured to fly.

The eldritch dragon takes a deep breath and exhales, catching Klale in the blast with its anti-magic effect.  But when the gauntlets continue to gleam and Klale turns toward it rather than trying to flee, the dragon scrambles like a cat that didn't land on its feet to get away from the human juggernaut.  With almost amusing clumsiness it stumbles into the air trying to take off.

{Eldritch dragon uses breath weapon as its attack and flees as its move provoking an AoO from Klale.}

Meanwhile, in the air, Ano spots the plague dragon from before.  It does not see Ano as it is busy tormenting a young water dragon.

As the dragon shifts to take to the air, Klale is able to use his sword to some effect, even if dragonhide is tough. He scores twice  at the base of the tail, perhaps even slicing a v-shaped chunk into it...which may lead to continuous bleeding.

That done, he backs off and crouches low, expecting a possible kick or tail swipe.

5 saves vs. DC 17 or be held.
(3+2)*2 = 10  12  = 22

21:23, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 28 using 10d6 with rolls of 1,2,6,4,2,1,3,1,4,4.  Damages.

21:22, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 26 using 1d20+17.  Confirm critical.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Sun 11 Mar 2018.

Ano streaks towards the plague dragon aiming for a spot on his back near one of its wings.  He lands hard on its back as he focuses his energy into his hands.  He makes two slashing motions using the sharp backs of his gauntlets to try and make a deep gash.

Ano takes 15 on 2 attacks.
So 25 and 20 to hit.
19:11, Today: Ano rolled 17 using 2d10+8

The eldritch dragon, shedding blood like rain, makes it into the sky as it shrugs off the effects of Klale's sword.  It does not attempt to join the battle.  Instead, it flees due west, flying low and fast.

~~~~

Ano's attack is surprising to the plague dragon, but not sufficient to cause much damage.  The dragon looks back at the annoying gnat between its shoulders but doesn't even bother to swat it.  Whether it is confident in its natural defenses to make Ano sick and fall off, or just considers him too small to be a threat, it continues after the water dragon.

Purplish claws dig dip into the back of the smaller prey.  Where the claws touch, the skin immediately puckers with boils and shrivels with disease.  The wing's beat weaker and the struggles grow less as the plague dragon holds on.

Klale looks at the tow remaining dragons on the ground. He also looks to see if any unaligned ground dragons are coming. And the dwarves are....

The dwarves remain in their caves, though there is some heavy clanking and grinding sounds coming from inside.  The two dragons on the ground fight viciously against their land-bound foes and at the moment, they are holding their own.

[Hope I have4 this right]

Klale, finding it easy to run, sprints toward the nearest enemy dragon. He slams into a front leg at its knee, hoping to break it. Whether or not, he transfers his attention to the neck. He stabs and slices straight...so strong he feels that he tries to avoid any twisting of his blade.


Choosing fire for the burn effect.
19:11, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 38 using 12d6 ((2,2,5,4,2,1,3,5,1,5, 5,3)).
Adding 2+15 to 2-6 blow. save 5 times at DC 17 or be held.

(2+2+15)*2 = 38  5+4+2+15 = 26  2+1+2+15 = 20   3+5+2+15 = 22
1+5+2+15 = 23   5+3+2+15 = 22   Total damage if I did it correctly: 151

Ano pulls a metal rod from his belt and jams it as far as he is able into the wound he made in the dragons shoulder, trying to bury it fully.  He takes a couple of steps towards the head of the vile plague dragon "This is for Molfistarion" Ano prepares to take to the air again as he shouts "JAKARTIS"

The fallen elder dragon waging war on the ground so confidently is suddenly collapsed to the ground as its leg gives way.  A moment later a deep gash appears in its neck.  It isn't fatal, but the dragon freezes, a look of shock on its face.  The younger dragons waste no time and tear into it, slaying it in seconds.

~~~~

In the air, the plague dragon wrenches around as if caught on something at the wing.  The wing itself tears from the dragon's shoulder and flutters away.  With only one remaining appendage, the dragon can no longer fly.  Instead, it chooses to tuck the remaining wing and plummet to the ground in the midst of battle against the remaining elder dragon.  It lands in a cratered heap of three younger dragons.  Two lie dead with broken necks.  The third struggles weakly, but its body is covered with sores and boils and it soon ceases its struggle.

With the other elder dragons gone, the last elder dragon sits back on its haunches and lowers its head in surrender.

Klale strides forward until the dragon can get a good look at him. While doing so, he tries to figure out what kind of dragon it is.

It is the other Plague dragon.

Klale says loudly and distinctly What will you vow, and by what or whom, that will save your life?

Ano takes of into the sky looking for any dragons who are having trouble in the fight

The rest of the elder dragons have decided to beat a hasty retreat.  Their wings are powerful and soon they outstrip the smaller, more agile dragons.

On the ground, the plague dragon dips her head toward Klale.  Her voice is cloying in its attempt to be submissive.  It fails to keep the condescension completely out of its tone.  "I bow myssself to your merssssy and beg you for my life.  In exssschange, I will tell you whatever you wissssh to know."  Her voice is almost bifurcated into a sibilant whisper and a deep, resonant bass.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Mon 19 Mar 2018.

Klale beckons to the allied dragons to gather nearby. Mercy is not mine to give, and I note that you made an offer, not a vow. I also have a feeling that you realize you're a being of power. I don't mind, because that is true.

When other dragons gather and surround the plague dragon, Klale says Now, if you care to, repeat your offer so those whose space you invaded can hear. They are your judges...and remember, we shall consider what you do here and now, and what you probably will do in the future...assuming you live.

[If dwarves are present, they also have a say.]

Several of the dwarves come out of the cave to see what is transpiring.  The Plague Dragon narrows her eyes and looks around.  "I have said my peace.  Take my offer or slay me.  Do not presume to torture me with your incessant talking."  Even as far as they are, the lesser dragons look a bit peaked near the elder dragon.  One of the dwarves cough, but no one else speaks.

Klale nods—and strikes! He hews at the neck just behind the head (and holds his shield at guard).

Using fire Save 6 times at DC 17 or be held.

(5+1+2+15)*2 = 46   6+6+2+15 = 29   4+4+2+15 = 25   6+5+2+15 = 28
5+1+2+15 = 23   3+6+2+15 = 26  177 Damage

15:56, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 4 using 1d20 with rolls of 4.  Confirm Critica.

15:55, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 52 using 12d6 with rolls of 5,1,6,6,4,4,6,5,5,1, 3,6.  Damages.

Taking their cue from Klale, the younger dragons attack as well, largely with breath weapons and a few with spells, spines, or boulders.  Only a couple attack with claw or bite, and immediately regret doing so as several fall back ill.  One even begins to vomit uncontrollably, scorching the ground with fire and acid wherever the rain of excrement falls.

Moments later, the execution is done and the elder dragon lies in pieces, corrupting the ground with its blood.

For their part, the Gonhirrim stand well back near their cave and do not participate in the gruesome task.

Klale cleans his sword. He remarks "If this dragon had caused me to believe it would not do harm any more, and if it weren't a plague dragon; it might be alive. Thank you for helping execute it. There is more to do. The smith looks around. Remember, always, that this is you r land. It's up to you—dragons and Gonhirrim to keep it...and to be stewards of it. And remember also that others have other lands which should be theirs. ...as for this meat, it should be burned..and all had best keep upwind of its reek. As for me, this might you have seen probably is temporary.

"There is more to do; dragons that would do you harm remain. Some brave Gonhirrim have traveled to help dispose of them. I suggest we go to complete the task. It will be to the death though one can hope that one or more of them will repent their evil ways."

"What are you suggesting, Klale Tsolo?  That we attack now?  We have lost thirty four dragons of our own, either in death or to injury or illness.  The odds have evened more in their favor and we did not have to deal with a Death Dragon today.  Are you certain this is the right move?"

Ano flies down to land beside Klale "Well done,  you really turned the tide down here.  We must be careful going forward.  there was no sign of the death dragons or the dragon master."

"Thank you. What information have you to relate?

"There is no certainty in war. If not now, when? Remember that some Gonhirrim are trapping the foes' lairs. We need to give them time. But maybe we can demonstrate...give them reason to think we're attacking but in actuality ready to defense. Even if they're wary, their attention will be drawn. By the way, tell me of the death dragon."

As the dragons regroup, many are bringing the injured and sick to the Gonhirrim caves in hopes that someone can do something for them.  Dragons tend to return to their lairs and sleep until their natural healing deals with whatever ails them, but that requires decades of time, if healing indeed happens.

Thankfully, Saris Morian is there with the power of Nestael.  She sets up a kind of triage for the dragons to determine who is the worst in order to treat them first.  While she and the Gonhirrim work, the dragon leadership gathers around Klale and Ano to continue the planning.

With Molfistarion gone, leadership falls to a light dragon.  He is small, fast, and covered in white scales that reflect a subtle rainbow of colors as he moves.

"My name is Lucifariel.  Death dragons are the most subtle and vicious of all the elder dragons.  They typically keep to themselves and hunt alone.  Yet when they have joined the elder dragons, those are the times we have lost territory.  Together against the others, we are strong and can win as you saw.  If the death dragons join the other elder dragons, we cannot."

"A death dragon breaths an invisible cloud of energy.  It drains the life out of any caught within causing them to wither in body and mind.  In many ways, it is like forgetting who you have become, a form of amnesia that works in reverse.  You remember the earliest, easiest things, but forget the most recent, all that you have learned in the past few days, weeks, months, and years.  Their claws and teeth are poison, infecting us with darkness that is impossible to cure save for sunlight at noon or the light from our own breath.  To touch them is to fall weak as if caught in an enfeeblement or exhaustion spell.  Only hours in sunlight can restore the person."

"Death dragons only come out at night.  They are as hard to see as smoke or night dragons, though they are the largest of all the elder dragons.  Vathwrack the Eater of Worlds is the largest, deadliest, and the leader.  He has learned how to become invisible until the moment he attacks."

Klake nods. Then, for a start, we attack in a morning. Now, what happens to them if their breath is blown back onto them?

The dragon ponders for a moment.  "Dragons are typically immune to their own breath except fire.  Only fire dragons are immune to that.  They would be immune. "

Sounds reasonable, but I was hoping. Still, I have an idea.... [Klale asks for a ride to where the maiar of Wind [forgot name] is. Could he create enough wind to blow back a death dragon's breath?

Gwaelind is back in Shock's cave.  It will take about half an hour round trip if on a dragon.  Shock offers to go, because she wants to check some things in her cave.  Once there, she disappears while Klale speaks to Gwaelind.

He finds Gwaelind in the same place he always is, at Delunaur's feet, singing softly to her as she sits silently in her chains.

"I can create a few crystals for you that would have that effect.  All you need do is crush them and speak the words 'anwar alagos' and they will create a momentary mighty wind.  It will take me fifteen minutes to imbue a crystal.  How many do you need?"

"As many as possible, or as your patience allows. With Your permission, the dragons can have at least one; it will give them courage. They certainly shoudl help with the death dragons."

---

Klale goes back to plan what to do and to relay the good news [I hope]. The ground-based dragons should start out during the day, going as far as they dare and hide to rest. Their mission will be to mob any grounded enemy dragon. Some dragons, the fastest flyers will be sent out as scouts. Then the rest will rest and fly so as to arrive when the sun is one length above the horizon. "Can any of you carry me? Or maybe two, taking turns?"

The group discusses plans to arrive where the death dragons might be when the sun is up. A question: Will the enemy dragons attack at night, particularly the deth dragons?

Gwaelind produces five yellow tourmaline gems the size of the end of Klale's thumb.  Shock brings Klale back and sends another dragon to retrieve the gems an hour later.

The land-based dragons leave, heading for places at the edge of the Wither.  Shock agrees to carry Klale in the morning.

Scouts return with report of one lone elder dragon seen high in the sky and well back over the Wither.  There are no other signs of the elder dragons, especially the death dragons, at this point.

"The death dragons may attack at night," Lucifariel says.  "But as long as we stay hidden, they may not have anything to attack.  Klale, this is all new to us.  Before this, we were at an equilibrium with the elder dragons.  What they might do now is not known to us."

"If only Anannaur'el were here.  The Death fear him."  The new speaker is a young ice dragon.

"Anannaur'el is ever his own master.  He has not been seen for weeks."  Lucifariel's tone is soft with only a hint of chiding in it.  The young ice bows its head and relents.  Lucifariel turns back to Klale.  "Anannaur'el is the only elder dragon in power who aids us.  He is not one of us, the un-aligned, but he is also not one of the elder dragons either, though he certainly has their size and strength.  He runs with us from time to time, though, on our hunts south and west or our explorations in the frozen north.  He is not one we could rely on to fight with us.  Like the flickering flame, he is whimsical as he is fierce in battle."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:11, Tue 17 July 2018.

[out of time; forgot]
Klale goes to one knee before Delunaur. Lady, I hope for Your happiness. We care about you...and please remember: Whatever tries to influence You, You have the power of choice. It may be like a flower in bud. It will grow if you water it with Your will.

Then we will hope, but not rely.

Klale thanks Gwaelind, perhaps by proxy. He discusses who should have the gems [5 is the total?]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Wed 28 Mar 2018.

Klale gives one crystal to Ano, keeps one, and gives three for the dragons to work with.

I suggest we leave, when the lady Saris has done what she can, so as to get there a little after sunrise but stop for rest and sleep sometime along the way.

"What is our plan.  We can attack but we are left with many unknowns.  We have not seen the death dragons or the one they call the dragon master.  I don't think he is one who will be defeated easily."

Klale pauses. I feel we don't know enough to make a detailed plan. I'd say feint an attack ,feint panic, then attack to the death. But that may be what they're prepared for. So...assess as best we can and go all-out. and, for their part, we should consider places where they could ambush, maybe with a death dragon or two coming around our rear. ... On thing...I'm a person with feet on the ground, but the battle will be in the air also.

The dragons agree to meet back at the Gonhirrim settlement just before dusk.  There is talk that the elder dragons might come back and attack then, and they are ready now to make their stand if they must.

Saris comes over, having treated the dragons that still live to the best of her abilities.  "Nestael is wi' me, lad.  I was able t' heal most o' them t' th' point where they will survive their wounds or their disease."  She frowns.  "Klale, only three that I treated are worthy o' fightin'.  The rest need natural healing in their lairs.  I cannae in good conscience le' them go wi' ye.  I hope ya understand."

Then she lowers her eyes to the ground.  "Four o' them I couldn't reach in time.  They're gone.  I'm sorry about tha' in a way I dinnae think I could be for strangers, but dragons...these are noble creatures, an' tha's comin' from a...a dwarf, one o' my kind what faced Smaug over a thousand years past.  I hope ye win 'ere, not just for th' sake o' what we're doin', but for th' majesty o' these creatures, too."

If her counts are true, there are only about 80 dragons fight worthy tomorrow against the remaining elder dragons.  It is not so much their numbers (there are only 12 left of the 20), but the fact that the death dragons are unaccounted for, and the Dragon Master is an unknown.

Thank you, Saris...and please remember to convey my gratitude and fondness to Ceven and and Nessy for the gauntlets...in case...well, we may not meet again. And you, please, stay alive.

It's a somber group that gathers to take what may be their last journey. Perhaps proposes Klale we should travel in four columns, separated so that nothing can get many of us at a time and close enough that three columns can come to the aid of one. We can hope that the dwarves have done some good work or at least are ready to join in.

He pauses When I was a child, I heard tales of great battles and deeds driven  by necessity. What you shall do will have a bold place among them. Let us start...and overcome.

Klale talks with Ano. I'm apt to be busy with dragon-fighting. The Dragon Mastger, whatever it is, can it be some you particularly look for?

"I'll keep an eye out for him.  My best guess is that he will be with the death dragons.  perhaps I can lead him to you so we  an take him together."

Ano bows to Saris "It was good to see you again "

"And you, lads.  Take care ou' there."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Tue 03 Apr 2018.

Dawn approaches and sixty dragons take to the sky, dividing into four columns as Klale outlined.  The far southern column is led by Lucifariel.  North of him, the column is led by Shock who carries Ano.  The last two are headed by Zephyrim, the Wind Dragon, and Kairo'uonar.  Each lead dragon has a windstone from Gwaelind except for Shock.

A silver dragon drops Klale with the Earth and other ground-based dragons before rejoining Lucifariel's column.  There is no sign of the elder dragons, but a representative of the Gonhirrim sappers is there with Georrasque, who now leads the Earth dragons, and by default, all the ground dragons.

"We killed one o' their magic dragons two nights ago.  Took out most o' our forces in its death throes.  No sign o' the other elder dragons, though.  Have yet t' see one o' them death dragons."

The young Earth dragon becomes animated with excitement. "That's great news.  I mean, not about the deaths, for which I am deeply sorry, but that brings them near to half their number we have slain.  If the count is correct, there are only eleven of them left!"

Klalr trembles but does not not weep. It helps, but the cost was great. May all know and praise the courage and steadfastness of the Gonhirrim. now and forever.

Then they are elsewhere. Any guess as to where?

And what of trapping the dragon lairs?

The sapper grimaces.  "It took us a while t' find an' then set up th' one dragon cave.  There were complications tha' slowed us down.  We were only able t' set th' one.  I'm sorry."  He looks down, defeated.

KJlale goes to one knee a cups the sapper's bearded chin, lifting his head. You did all you could. Fie on those who who are less than grateful! One elder dragon the less and one lair trapped is a gain. Now we plan what next to do. What was the area like?

He turns to Georrasque (later). Forgive any ignorance. Folklore I've heard tell that dragons lay eggs. Are there places with such eggs in your area?

"The place was dark, empty except for a few trinkets here and there.  It seemed like the dragon was unlike so many of its kin.  For whatever reason, there was little to almost no treasure.  Just strange markings, almost like a language of some kind clawed onto the walls everywhere."

"Dragons do lay eggs.  The non-aligned were the last of those.  We are not old enough to mate and produce offspring from the mating.  The elder dragons might have some, but we are not privy to such things."  The earth dragon shrugs.

Then there is another frightening possibility: the two Maiar. If we have no better plan, I suggest we hasten to where they are.

As Shock circles the area looking for signs of the elder dragons, she watches Klale converse with the Gonhirrim messenger.  "What do you think they speak of?  Where are the elder dragons, Ano?"

"Sir Klale, we run hither and yon to chase down these elder dragons.  If we return to Shock's lair and the elder dragons are not there, then we will have to return here again.  While powerful, our energy is not limitless.  Such a back and forth will begin to tire us and we will be even more weakened against a superior foe.  Even so, how could the elder dragons have planned this assault and slipped around our advance in a single night?  Why would they target the Maiar?"

Ano looks down on the scene "I don't know but I  am getting a bad feeling.  I'm going to speak with Klale, keep the others on a vigilant look out for any trouble" Ano takes off and flies down towards Klale and the Gonhirrim "What is happening?"

To gain the Dishcord of Fire. You're right about going hither and yon. Anyh ideas how the foe can be found?

The leader of the wind dragons lands along with Shock, who most seem to look to despite her relative youth.  Once the two aerial dragons are caught up on the conundrum, Zephyrim looks toward the Withered Heath.  "Attack a lair.  If there is one thing about dragons that is constant, it's our desire for treasure.  If we began attacking one of their caves, they would know and come running.  Then, our forces could be ready to ambush them."

Klale looks around. I'm agreeable but you dragons are the ones to decide. I'd worry about treasure lust, dead weight until all foes are taken care of. He asks the dwarf Do you know enough about the area to suggest a lair?

"I cannae say for sure abou' wha' we should do, bu' if I had mah way, we'd no' attack th' Eldritch lair.  Th' magic there is downrigh' terrifyin'.  We donnae know where th' lairs o' death be, an' I doubt we'd wanna take them on either.  Tha' leaves storm or war dragons.  There is a war lair no' too far from 'ere."

Klale looks around. Agreeable? And I suggest we have scouts out to avoid surprises as much as possible.

The younger dragons disperse, finding perches to hide up in the mountains surrounding the lair.  There are none of the other dragons about, but Georrasque remains cautious.  He approaches the cavern entrance with as much stealth as he can muster, his steps graceful and silent on the rocks which his hide mimics in color and texture.  Moments later, he disappears into the cave entrance.

About ten minutes pass before he returns to report.  "I was not able to go to far in before encountering sentries.  The war dragon's home is filled with all manner of traps meant to kill an encroaching dragon.  I could sense the metal of a giant axe secreted in the wall to my left not sixty feet within the entrance.  There is metal everywhere and pressure plates are no doubt hidden along the floor.  Beyond that, there are heavily armored trolls and some kind of metal armor that I don't think is alive marching about inside like a patrol."

Perhaps if we carefully set if some of these traps the dragon will come out of hiding." Ano looks at the cave thoughtfully.

Klale relays what he remembers about trolls. He adds Perhaps we can bypass or harmlessly set off traps and dispatch the trolls. As for the metal whatever, quite probbly it is restricted to an area. Metal all around though....

"What do you propose, Klale?  Should a dragon go in with you?  I could go.  I can detect metal, it's shape and location.  As long as they are not hidden by magic specifically from my particular senses, I can tell you where the traps are.  Plus, trolls are no match for me."  He smiles a toothy grin full of a surprising amount of molar-like teeth for a dragon.

I'm still uneasy about the Maia, but I don't know what else to do. The aim is to draw at least one dragon here. I don't know.... Part of me wishes I'd accepted teh dragon's offer, but it couldn't be trusted. And many dwarves are dead.

I have a feeling that if there is trouble the Maia can escape.  If we can draw one of the dragons to us maybe we can get some In for.ation

Decisions made, Klale, Ano, and Georrasque head for the cave led by the dwarf.  Once there, the dwarf refuses to go in.  "I am no' a figh'er.  Just a craftsman.  Wha's in there would ha' me dead in seconds."

The entrance opens to the west toward the Withered Heath.  Looking inside to the east from a hidden position motion catches the eyes of the invaders.  Three large forms, likely trolls, stride past the entrance and are gone.  The entrance to the cave is in some large rounded hill.  Nothing grows on it and the black rock is unlike the more natural rock and dirt around it.  It seems almost metallic, like the War Dragon's hide.

With the dwarf's warning, it is easy to see the hidden axe trap in the north wall.  It is big enough to take out a dragon and would pulverize a smaller victim, if such a small mass could even set it off.

Two minutes later, the three large forms walk past to the north again and are gone.

Go after the trolls and kill them? asks Klale.

"I am wary of that axe trap, Klale.  But I follow your lead.  You have experience I don't."  The dragon crouches down like a cat ready to spring after a mouse.  His thick, leathery hide is almost like stone.  To see him move that way is truly a wonder.

"let's get past the trap first and then when the trolls come back around we can surprise them."

Klale laughs. Maybe I know a little about mechanisms. Anyway, when a trap is obvious, looks for another. Suiting actions to words. The blacksmith nears the trap and examines his surroundings.

Arriving at the cave, it is evident that the trap is not as obvious to anyone who doesn't know it's there.  The look of the trap seems like a natural seem in the large black rock.  However, with the pattern etched on the floor - some kind of horned emblem or seal - being right in line with it, it is most likely a pressure plate.  A big one.

[Perception DC 18 to confirm.  Perception rolls to determine if other traps are there, though without a rogue, DC is pretty high.]

The tunnel open up into a very large cavern to the right (South), but a long tunnel to the left (North).  No sign of the trolls.  You aren't technically inside the cave yet.

Klale purses his lips, nods, and beckons to Ano and Georrasque. It's safe to come up to where I am. I've looked around, and....

19:31, Today: Klale Tsolo rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Search for Traps. Doubtless, this foll holds for all subsequent searches.

Ano moves up to where Klale is standing and takes a look at the area for the trap.

10:43, Today: Ano rolled 25 using 1d20+10.  Spot check.

There are no other traps here that can be seen.  Sunlight wanes rapidly in the immense cave.  There is no sign of the troll patrol.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:22, Sun 22 Apr 2018.

Klale backs out and tries to arrange for light sources, torches perhaps....but who shall carry them?