Frack shivered at the sight of Vera's shadowy face. He hadn't previously noticed how sinister she looked, although he wondered now how he could've possibly missed it. He was glad Procz was there. It reassured him that his choice of allies was acceptable, even if a bit short of law-abiding. I mean, if I can't trust Procz's judgement, then who can I trust?

The dwarf who spoke to Vera was familiar to Frack, but he couldn't think of how. Maybe a junk dealer down on the slopes or another salvager. He wondered if the dwarf would recognize him.


OOC: Frack rolled so low on history that he's convinced himself that he knows this dwarf, but in reality they've never met.
02:37, Today: Frack rolled 6 using 1d20-1.  HIstory. Who's that dwarf?

Procz mind was far too occupied with what was being said to pay attention to the dwarf's face and any connections it might bring to past events. He rode up to Veracity's side and listened; concentrating on not going into a coughing fit; which might ruin her intimidating presence.

"I some preliminary questions." said Procz. "Firstly, can you identify the man behind the mask? What was the Dragonfather's real name? Furthermore, did he get orders from someone? Did you get the impression the Dragonfather was atop the food chain, so to speak?" Procz suspected it could be hard to identify the charred remains in the construct dragon's belly.

Procz has Keen Mind and +6 History, so my natural 1 brings me up to 7...

"Well, isn't that positively fascinating.  If it's a race to the prize, one wonders why you lot took the time to putter a miserly flotilla out to this old island?  Surely you didn't need everybody to fetch this beauty."  She hooked a thumb at the clockwork dragon looming menacingly behind her, awaiting Baern's next command.  "How'd you plan to outrace Crock, putting yourselves behind like that?"


"Lower Slopes, good good.  Pray tell, where specifically in the Slopes is this treasury hidden?  Who are the scavengers?"  Veracity suspected that it must in J.P.'s turf, because that seemed the only explanation why Crock hadn't moved yet.  As she listened to this answer, Vera conspired across the psychic link to Baern and Vecaal, [Heads up that I'm playing these shitheels for info and to see how they might be useful to us.  Take none of what comes next at face value.  Let our new pals know.]

Continuing her pacing, the shadow-shrouded tiefling asked, "I'm curious... What part was the dragon meant to play in the plundering plan?  Were you expecting to square off against Crock in the Slopes, and demonstrate Tiamat's power?  This beauty wasn't made for subtle work, am I right?"  She gave a comradely chuckle, as if it were a grand idea to conduct a pitched battle in the streets the Sparks called home and leave it a burnt-out ruin.  She stopped to regard the dwarf and put on a show of giving serious consideration to his offer of alliance.

Veracity's purple lips curved into a smile and she said, "Hmm.  Now that you mention it, perhaps we could be of use to one another.  Do you speak for what remains of the Descendents, friend?  Here and shoreside?  What could your people bring to this party?"

---

History to see if I recognize this dwarf:

• 17:34, Today: Veracity rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  History.

Deception to play like we're on their side:

• 17:35, Today: Veracity rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Deception.

Also Insight to gauge whether dwarf-pal is pulling our leg or leaving out anything important (OOF):

• 17:35, Today: Veracity rolled 4 using 1d20.  Insight.

Kreo backed up Veracity's pistol cocking with his own, tilting his horned head this way and that to consider the dwarf and try to see what he could discern

OOC: History 12, Insight 10, so not a lot

Pausing, he scanned over the cultists to see if any were in danger of expiring

OOC: a 10 on Medicine too! Now that hurts, that's a skill I'm actually proficient in!

Frack adjusted his helmet in thought, staring at the dwarf. Linys. That's his name. Linys from the salvage yard. I sold him a giant rat's foot for five coppers. He said he knew a wizard who could use such things. I probably should've held out for a silver, but he seemed pretty fixed on price... Wait a second. Wasn't Linys missing a tooth? This dwarf's got all his. Maybe it isn't Linys. Hmmmm. Yeah. Definitely not Linys. But I wonder how much he would pay for a giant rat's foot.

"Sure... he got orders from Tiamat. Other than that? No way. You'd have to be top of the food chain to earn a mask like that one, wouldn't you?

Speaking of, I'm afraid I can't give you a name or face. That's the point of the masks and hoods. It's all anonymous. Or, used to be," the dwarf added as fiddled sadly with his own fallen hood.

The dwarf again laughed a little too enthusiastically at Veracity's joke. "I can't rightly say. Wasn't my plan. Need to know basis, and all that. Seemed like maybe Crock's people weren't ready to move just yet. Was just the vibe I got. Dragonfather was maybe a little eager to use the dragon, since we got her up and running. Maybe wasn't strictly speaking necessary.

I speak for..." he looked again to the others, who were making a point of not looking back. "Well, myself. Can't say what the others will do. But I'm a loyal soldier. If you have Tiamat's favor now, who am I to gainsay the Dark Lady?"

Vecaal hissed mentally to Vera and Baern through the Whispers, frustrated.  The dwarf was a toady, saying whatever was needed to save his own skin.

[If he doesn't know the 'where', who would?  The Dragonfodder (Vecaal took great humour from Vera's pun) can't be the only person who knew where to go.  I don't believe it.]

The shadowed pirate Veracity crossed her arms as the dwarven cultist rambled.  She idly tapped the twin-barrel flintlock pistol against an elbow, counting off each equivocation, excuse, and confession of ignorance.  It was difficult to tell the difference between lies and the blather of a useless toady.

The tiefling turned a sidelong glance toward Vecaal and psychically whispered, [Dragonfodder!  Bravo, but I resent being out-punned.  At least my audience didn't hear.  I don't believe it either.]  Veracity turned back to the cult spokesman, let out a long-suffering sigh, then said, "Shiver me timbers!  You, my friend, are either admirably tight-lipped or even less competent than I gave you credit for.  Pity."  She paced another few steps, then stopped and asked the cultists as a whole, "Sure that's how you all want to play this?  You lot are already a liability, and now you're giving me not a single, solitary use for you."

Veracity deftly twirled the flintlock around her finger three times, then caught it and announced, "My patience runs thin, so here's how this is gonna go.  I'll ask one question, and the first one to tell me what I want to know gets to go home.  The rest get to burn for Tiamat.  B, if you'd bring our new clockwork companion in closer?"  She called toward Baern, then beckoned the dragon to loom ever closer to ensure the cultists got a good look.  "Last chance.  Ready?"  During the very deliberate pause that followed, a magical whisper reached Procz's ear alone (Message cantrip), *If you'd like to offer an alternative outcome, Constable, feel free to interject.  All I'm after is answers, and don't mind being talked out of a pretense to get them.*

At last, Veracity barked with hard-edged command, "WHERE ARE THE BLOODY RELICS?!"

---

Intimidation with advantage from Baern dragon-assist:

• 21:24, Today: Veracity rolled 24 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 19,14.  Intimidation (dragonvantage).

This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Thu 23 Nov 2023.

Veracity's threat cowed the cultists into silence, with even the previously talkative dwarf hanging his head. At last one of them stood, and even before he lowered his hood to reveal an angular face marked by red and gold tattoos, he was recognizable from his size as a goliath. "None of us know. That much should be obvious. The only one who did is in the belly of the dragon now. Though I imagine if you keep threatening, you will eventually convince one of these cowards to serve you up a lie that will stave off his death."

The goliath thumped his chest. "I will not be that coward. But you ask what use are we, so I will give you my thoughts, which are all I have to offer.

Dragonfather wanted to act quickly because he believed Crock Cognelius had a line on the Athenaeum as well. So it seems to me that is where you could find the information you seek."

Kreo: You've stabilized three of the fallen cultists.

Baern watched the exchange, tight lipped and wary.

[Don't think we're getting a better answer than that. They don't know nothin'. Only one who did is inside the dragon. Speak'n of...]

Baern patted the dragon's belly and pointed to a bare spot on the floor. "Cough it up," he demanded.

Bidding the dragon to regurgitate

Baern watched the automaton wretch for a moment before turning to Crajeon. "What's your say in this?" he asked. "They didn't show you no mercy, but you ain't them. What do you want?"

Frack watched nervously as the pirate threatened to shoot whomever didn't answer. This didn't seem to be following the Path to the humble goblin, and he prepared to step in when the goliath thankfully replied, hopefully cooling the pirate from her bloodthirsty threat. As the conversation continued, he noted that Kreo was aiding some of the fallen cultists. Frack decided that was more along the Path than shooting captives, so he joined the satyr with that. Looking for any cultists that might still be alive, he knelt beside them to administer what relief Tyr may bestow upon them.

Frack will Lay on Hands 3 hp to any cultist that may still be breathing. No, he won't be smart enough to disarm them first.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Sun 26 Nov 2023.

Kreo prayed out loud for a moment, focusing his intention as Baern ordered the mechanical dragon to cough up the swallowed foe

OOC: cast guidance on myself, then use Medicine (roll of 18) to help if the coughed up person is in need of saving/can be saved

The firbolg, his rage fading, looked at his former friends with a mixture of pity and contempt. "Too many to kill 'em all," he grumbled. "And, I suppose they weren't all bad. Would have been nice to say something when the Dragonfather made to kill me, but, well, I can't say I would have done any different in their shoes. They're a pious bunch, and I respect that."

Baern nodded as though that settled the matter and turned his back on the cultists to inspect the dragon once again.

"Can't do it, can you girl?" he said with a sigh. "Can't imagine this is the first bloke that got stuck in your gullet though. Ilga must have planned for a way to get them out..."

He started to circle the construct, tapping at likely junctions with the back of his knuckles.

Tinkering check 17 to identify an access panel on the dragon; 20 if Kreo's guidance can be redirected to Baern since 'coughing up' appears to not be an option.

12:04, Today: Baern Snagglehorn rolled 17 using 2d20+1, dropping the lowest dice only.  Tinkering.

Baern, you can identify that there's nothing as simple as an access panel. There's a port into a tank into which kerosene can be poured, but nothing nearly large enough to permit access to a body inside. Two options:

1. You could quickly break the dragon open, in a way that would make putting it back together again a rather expensive and time-consuming proposition;

2. It would take you at least an hour to disassemble it properly and at least another hour (and a fresh Tinker's Tools check) to reassemble.

Still lending what aid he could to fallen descendants, Frack couldn't help but peek at Baern as he rounded the clockwork dragon. He considered how much the mechanical wonder would fetch from the Buyer. He didn't really didn't understand anything bigger than a hundred, but he suspected the dragon's worth as more than that. Perhaps even two one hundreds. Or something that he heard of once when he was young: a thoundsind! Whatever that was, it was a lot.

Baern sighed and pressed his palm against the construct's long, sinuous neck.

"I'm sorry, girl. I don't see how I can take you with us."

Breaking the construct open felt akin to throwing a rock at a stained glass window, but there didn't seem to be anything for it. Leaving the dragon intact in the possession of the cult was not an option, and flying it out of the city was an equally dangerous proposition.

"Gearlord help me," Baern muttered. "Lets get this over with."

Opening up the construct. Baern will also take possession of any critical components to make it harder to repair without the group's involvement.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Mon 04 Dec 2023.

Kreo stayed close by to channel guidance into Baern should he need it, glad he was choosing to wreck something rather than leave a weapon in the Descendants hands

OOC: guidance!

Baern began disassembling the dragon, pocketing several critical - and complicated - components of its engine that stood between him and the contents of his stomach.

Vecaal was the first to notice the glances passing between the remaining cultists. This dragon was the closest thing they had to an avatar of their god upon the Mortal Plane. They had submitted when it appeared that avatar had chosen the interlopers, but now that those interlopers were defiling said avatar - the avatar which had won the interlopers the first round of the battle - they were ready to go out in a blaze of glory to defend their deity.

We're back in combat - or at least, you're about to be on the receiving end of combat.

There's no time for negotiating here. You all notice this a split second before the cultists start casting, just in time to strike first against them, if you so choose. There are six up here (not counting Crajeon, who has so far been loyal to you) and more unaccounted for in the basement.

Everyone gets an action before the cultists launch their attack. The dragon, now disabled, is not available to assist you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:01, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

The emblem on Kreo's shield glowed as he moved his spellcasting hand, trails of energy forming like rivulets which arced and then burst out

"Let's all pull together here."

Vecaal, Frack and Baern felt the power resting on their shoulders, a guiding hand of the worker which wanted to help them succeed

OOC: Bless on the above. Spell is concentration, up to a minute, as long as I have it going you guys add d4 to saves and attacks

"Oh we're doin' this again, are we?" Baern growled, stepping out from under the bulk of the disabled construct with Bessie gripped tightly in his hands. "Fancy yer'selves luckier this time around? Well lets have a go then..."

For a little man, Baern could move surprisingly quickly and he was upon the nearest cultist before the man could fully get his bearings.

"It didn't have to be this way you daft bellend."

When Bessie left her mark on you, you felt it.

Bonus: Rage
Move to engage
Attack hits AC 25 for 19 damage (before bless)

11:29, Today: Baern Snagglehorn rolled 19 using 1d10+4+2+1d6+2.  Damage.
11:27, Today: Baern Snagglehorn rolled 25 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  Attack.

Vecaal shook his head slightly as the signs began to show in the faces of the cultists they'd interrogated, warning them with sharp teeth and a tongue that dipped in and out to taste their intentions on the air.  But he was no deterrent in the face of their avatar being ravaged.  That was something he had not considered, that a mechanical construct could so ensnare their devotion.  A real dragon he could understand, but this?  This was just...sad.

"No, you stupid, uhhh," he sighed, while not shying away from teaching them the lesson they seemed desperate to ignore.  When Baern surged into the group Vecaal picked one beside the fractious gnome and directed his smoky blades there, hoping to protect Baern from being surrounded.

OOC:
As we had them lined up for questioning, envisioning them still being gathered together roughly.  Attack from distance cultist within 5 feet of Baern, but not the one he is attacking.

Attack action - psychic blade
Bonus action - 2nd psychic blade
Move - resume cover from before
One hit for 12 dmg.

17:10, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Attack. Hit
17:12, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Attack.  Miss
17:12, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 1 using 1d4.  Bless.

17:11, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  Damage.
17:11, Today: Vecaal Alifras rolled 6 using 2d6.  Sneak attack damage.

Die roller remains more fractious than Baern! :)

Frack hadn't the brains of Sprazzle Cognelius, but he didn't need them to recognize a second uprising from the cultists. And all this after he and the Satyr actually helped them! Some thanks for Tyr's blessing!

Frack drew his jagged scimitar and followed the wrench-wielding gnome into the fracas, readying his shield to protect them both. It didn't really look like he needed much protection, but things had a way of changing quickly. That, he knew from experience.

Move adjacent to Baern.
Action: Attack with scimitar - hit AC22 for 6 slashing damage.
Reaction: Intercept attack vs. Bearn if needed.

23:26, Today: Frack rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Scimitar vs. cultist.
23:26, Today: Frack rolled 4 using 1d4.  Bless.
23:27, Today: Frack rolled 6 using 1d6+4.  Slashing damage.
23:45, Today: Frack rolled 11 using 1d10+2.  Intercept attack on Baern (if necessary).

Procz had been deep in thought contemplating these complicated affairs. He had nodded when it came to the subject of destroying the dragon construct. Although a part of him cherished the ingenuity of it, it was far too dangerous to fall back into nefarious hands. Besides, it did not contain a living spirit, such as his own companion Zúm. And it was not a real dragon. It could have had the same properties and abilities while shaped entirely different.

When the cultists started stirring, the kobold constable realized they were in for another fight. Did they not realize Procz was more of a dragon than this collection of metal and fire? To prove the point, he roared and spewed ice and frost over their attackers like the dragons of old (albeit a very small one).

Move: Close
Bonus: Draconic Cry: Until the start of your next turn, you and your allies have advantage on attack rolls against the enemies that could hear you.
Action: Cast Dragon'S Breath for 13 cold damage on as many cultists as possible without hitting companions. Dex 14 save for half.

A goliath cultist was the only one to answer Veracity's threat to reveal annoying humility that none of them knew the Athenaeum's location.  The tiefling groaned loudly and threw up her hands in exasperation, then resumed pacing.  She grumbled, "So few bones among you lot that I can scarcely justify the kerosene it would take to barbecue."

Veracity looked on as Baern attempted to convince the dragon to spit up the Dragonfather, and was dismayed to hear that it wouldn't be possible.  "We're not leaving without that mask, so do whatever you need, B."  Even more dismaying, they'd need to break the dragon open to get it!  This did provide a solution to the unfortunate reality that they couldn't realistically bring the dragon back to the Slopes without drawing excessive heat, and they couldn't leave it for the cultists.  When they returned she intended to look into dragon hangars so they might return with Ilga to repair the beast and then properly claim her.

It turned out that disassembling the dragon was a blasphemy too far for the pitiful cultists, who made to defend their idol.  Incredulous, she asked the hostile zealots, "Truly?  This is what you mean to die over?  I suppose you do have some bones, then, but still lacking for brains."  The pirate-garbed tiefling stepped back and fixed a severe gaze upon one of the attackers and barked, "Run along, wyrm-wannabe!"  Her voice filled her victim with existential fear and an overwhelming need to flee for dear life!

---

• Move back to put fighty teammates between self and the cultists
• Cast Dissonant Whispers on a cultist that's standing by allies.  DC 14 Wisdom save or take 6 psychic damage and must use reaction to move as far as their speed allows away from me.  Half damage and no forced movement on a save.
  • If the cultist is made to move, it'll provoke opportunity attacks from allies!

19:13, Today: Veracity rolled 6 using 3d6.  Dissonant Whispers.