"I feel exposed here on this trail. If there are more orcs coming to check on the ones we just killed, is there a better place to meet them?" asked Russel.

"There may be, but I think our better path is to keep moving.  Though it may make sense for us to approach our destination from a slightly less direct route.  It's probably not hard to predict where we're going, as there's not a lot else out here.  If we can make our route less predictable, that reduces the risk of an ambush.  We should prepare for one anyhow though.  And we should pick our camp sites with care."

Any new rolls needed for the next leg of the journey?

Almost hesitantly, Spriggy made a suggestion. "We could always try making the journey as animals and take the paths that animals can travel. I doubt they would expect that." Himself and Buckthorn could shapeshift, and Spriggy knew a polymorph spell that could affect Russel and/or Gorrid. "If we travel as animals, we would only really be limited by where our goats can go."

He doubted his friends would be too keen on his idea, but figured he would offer it as an option regardless.

The paladin's eyebrows rose, but he didn't immediately reject the notion.  "What sort of animals?  Could we fly?  Become something big enough to carry the goats?"

"Theoretically, you could become any creature you can imagine. Or at least any creature I can imagine. Doubt the goats would enjoy being carried, but that is also a possibility, I think."

The knight's eyes got a bit bigger, then he grinned.  "How good are you at imagining dragons?"

Spriggy returned Gorrid's smile. "Have you ever met anyone who can't imagine a dragon?"

---

I am going to wait before actually casting the spell so that Russel and Buckthorn have a chance to chime in too.

Buck incurs a slight blush at Spriggy's mention of his abilities. He's reluctant to chime in, but quietly adds "I could scout ahead of the path we choose. I'm afraid I suffer from a ... small imagination." The last words hesitantly finding their way out with a fair amount of disdain.

Russel considered Spriggy's offer, "Certainly sounds like something they wouldn't expect. Is flying a good idea? We could get there faster but if the spell ends while we are in the air, that would be bad. I'd do it if the rest are willing. Walking into an ambush sounds worse."

Spriggy, Gorrid, make an Int roll, just to see how good you know your dragons...

11:37, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,1.  How well Spriggy knows dragons. 

quote:

11:25, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 7 using 2d6 ((6,1)).

Dragons are big nasty flying things best avoided by sensible soldiers...

Dragons are, academically, divided between the 'lesser drakes' (wyverns, drakes, linnorms, and so on) and the 'true drakes'. While lesser drakes can be found in all parts of the world (if you search for them), the true drakes are the stuff of legends, leading many to question whether they really exist or not.

In fact, the best source of information on true drakes comes from the orcs, who claimed they used to live in the Sunblight Wasteland. According to the more civilized orcs, the wilder tribes deeper into the desert keep dragon bones as symbols of their status, with the strongest tribe owning the largest skull.

Spriggy shared what he knew of dragons with the group, then said, "I think we should try flying in as a dragon. The orcs will probably soil themselves if they spot a dragon flying through the sky and give us a lot of space." Spriggy wasn't positive that that would be the orcs' reaction, but thought it would be a likely one.

"I think the spell should last as long as we need it to, Russel, so long as I don't try to cast any other magic spells in the meantime. So, should I cast the spell on one of you two?" He was hoping either Gorrid or Russel would volunteer themselves to be the dragon.

"Are you not able to transform all of us?  Or is the notion to transform one of us, the others ride, and then carry the goats in the claws?

In any event, I suggested it, so I'm willing."  He sort of hoped he didn't have to carry both goats and team mates.  If he dropped a goat, he could live with himself.  If he dropped a teammate, that was another question entirely...

"Having climbed into second and third story windows before, I should not have any problem with heights as a flyer," stated Russel.
"Just how big of a dragon can you make one of us? Would carrying everything be a strain?"

"Hopefully you don't end up as a boney trophy." Buck contemplates, mulling over Spriggy's impromptu lesson on dragons in the lands of orcs. "I wouldn't need a ride." he adds, trying to be helpful.

Spriggy did his best to address the questions his companions had. "I could theoretically cast my spell multiple times, but it is quite mentally taxing to sustain the magic. So if I cast it a second time, the first spell would almost certainly end. So effectively, I can only cast it on one of us. Luckily though, like Buckthorn, I should still be able to transform myself separately. Which means only one passenger and two goats will need to be carried. As for how big of a dragon I can make, I am not sure. Let's find out!"

After taking a moment to let the goats know what was about to happen, Spriggy walked over to Gorrid to cast his spell. He thought it best to transform Gorrid because he thought Russel's skills at climbing in windows might make the man better at holding on tight than Gorrid in his armor would be. That, and Gorrid probably had more innate strength pre-transformation to spare for lifting his soon-to-be passengers.

Spriggy pulled in magical energy from all around, collecting as much as he could. He placed one hand on Gorrid's shoulder, letting the magic pool into him. He mentally molded Gorrid's spiritual form like clay, urging it to take a new shape. A shape his outer form would strive to match. It was very similar to how Spriggy's own shapeshifting operated, except also not. He was not calling upon an existing dragon spirit, but moreso making a forgery of one.

As his spell completed, he looked up to see what type of creature Gorrid had become.

---

Spriggy is casting Polymorph on Gorrid to turn him into a dragon. I am trying to make a big strong flying dragon, but I will let our GM decide just how big, etc. Maybe a sulfurous yellow in color?
15:31, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 7 using 2d6+3 ((1,3)).
I will forget the spell.

For reference:

quote:

Polymorph - Level 5 Enchantment

Description:
Your touch reshapes a creature entirely, they stay in the form you craft until you cast a spell. Describe the new shape you craft, including any stat changes, significant adaptations, or major weaknesses. The GM will then tell you one or more of these:

-The form will be unstable and temporary
-The creature’s mind will be altered as well
-The form has an unintended benefit or weakness

This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Fri 03 May.

Gorrid feels somewhat disoriented, as everything around him seems to shrink and move down. When the transformation finishes, you have one less paladin, and one new big dragon in the party... for now. Spriggy can feel the energy drain out of him quickly, and he won't be able to maintain the spell for more than an hour or so.

An unremarkable brown and black speckled bog wren, absolutely miniscule in comparison to the newly sprouted dragon, curiously flies a few circles around the massive creature before setting down on a scrubby and near-barren bush by the goats.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Mon 06 May.

"HOLD THE GOATS.  THEY WILL FLEE OTHERWISE.  THEN CLIMB MY TAIL AND WE SHALL MAKE HASTE.  AT MINIMUM, WE SHOULD BE HARD TO TRACK."

The voice was immense and caused ripples in the sand, but though obviously dangerous the mammoth creature did not seem to pose an imminent threat.

Russel jumped into action and secured the goats for the new dragon to carefully grasp.
After that he climbed on and tried to settle into a spot where he had a good grip, while not feeling he was going to be split in half by the back ridge.

Spriggy also helped with the goats. Once they were secure, he said, "Let's not waste any time. I will hold the spell for as long as I can, but the sooner we get there the better. I will fly along behind."

With that said, Spriggy willed his body to take the form of a bird. He had two to choose from. A swan and a vulture. Of the two, he figured a vulture would look less out of place. Black feathers covered the bard's body except for his head and legs. Those both became bare and wrinkled. He shrank to about half his original height as the transformation completed. Spriggy flapped his vulture wings, ready to follow the enormous dragon through the sky.

---

Shapeshifting to vulture:
13:37, Today: Spriggy Glompgut rolled 9 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 2,6.  Shapeshifter - to vulture.

You set out into the sky, toward the volcano's caldera. You're barely out of sight of your camping ground, when you spot the orc's air patrol again. The moment they see Gorrid though, they turn back and fly off as quickly as they can.

Spriggy struggles to maintain the spell, growing more and more tired as you climb the mountain, but thankfully you reach your goal before the transformation wears off.

As Sir Gorrid resumed his shape, the others could see his face was drenched with sweat and he was breathing heavily.  Apparently the flight had required a good level of exertion.

Wiping his brow with his hand, the aged knight gazed up at the spectacle before them.  "Friendly-looking place...  Does anyone know anything about those who reside here?"

quote:

10:16, Today: Sir Gorrid of Torr rolled 10 using 2d6+2 ((5,3)).

What should I be on the lookout for?
What here is useful or valuable to me?
Who's really in control here?