(S023) Red Dragon Ambush

Traveling in Reginald's glamoured carriage, the party survives a fiery ambush by the young red dragon Almandine and arrives in the floating city of Forlione.

📝 Session Summary

The Wild Cards were called The Menagerie by some until they came up with the name The Wild Cards.

• Barlo: A grizzled tabaxi barbarian who has been doing some work for a network that one should be wary of.
• Bastion: An orphan human who spent his life studying magic and blades, even though his elder pushed him away from the sword. He replaced Reginald.
• Calliope: This bardic faun joined the party late when she needed to find help to save her homeland.
• Reginald: A leonin cleric who was off to show his family's royal background and would later find out there were secrets leading to him becoming a king.
• Sas: A tortle hermit was given an item of power and a quest.
• Shadow in the Snow: This tabaxi got a coin, and her curiosity set her on a path.

🎬 Scenes

• Scene 1: Barlo's Backstory — From The Bronze Canyon in Kampos. Gave up Tabaxi name, "Smiles". Help move people. On way to Eushia to help Black Road with a client. Currently on ship near Carrune.
• Scene 2: Bastion's Backstory — When Bastion Bladesinger was very young he lost both of his parents to a plague. He took care of himself as he taught himself how to use the rapier his father once wore. He lived in Dyrt and watched all of the great knights. He also had an interest in the ways of magic and he wished he could do both – use swords and excel in magic – like many elves he had heard about.
• Scene 3: Calliope's Backstory — Calliope was born into the nestled highlands of the Oraniad Mountains. The Skola Vale, wild and free, blessed by the gods and inhabited by whimsical Satyr and Faun. Deep within it among the lush valley, reside the Dawngreets, a long generational line of storytellers and lore keepers.
• Scene 4: Reginald's Backstory — He was born at home, a modest-sized mansion where his family lived a modest means – even though his father could never stop talking about how they were royalty and yet this was the only lands they currently possess. His childhood was generally a happy one full of several friends. He was an only child.
• Scene 5: Sas' Backstory — Sas was born on the continent of Oth'Mar – a content mostly inhabited by Tortles and is far to the south of the Carrune Isles.
• Scene 6: Shadow's Backstory — Deep in the snowy mountains high in the north, there lived a large group of Tabaxi, The Blinding Wild Clan.

📜 Missions & Quests

• Completed:
  • Established individual party origins and initial connections to the world of Dierde.
• Active / Discovered Threads:
  • Barlo's ties to the smuggling rings and the Black Road.
  • Bastion's mysterious past and fallout with Grognard.
  • Calliope's quest to save the Skola Vale.
  • Reginald's pursuit of his family's royal mint commission and claim in Neyer.
  • Sas's vision of the Cat Goddess Bast and journey to find her lost lands.
  • Shadow's golden coin and mystical calling from her clan shaman.

NPCs

S023: Red Dragon Ambush

Date: 2021-12-18

Short

The party returned to the Yawning Portal and delivered a mysterious letter and box to Durnan, who cryptically accepted it and rewarded them with ten gold pieces. The Elder of the Dawngreets, sensing an approaching snowstorm and concerned about spies tracking the party, gave them magical amulets for protection before they departed in Reginald's enchanted carriage. During their journey, the Elder of the Dawngreets revealed to Bastion that his rare Bladesinging abilities came from his spirit being touched by an elf during reincarnation, and through a magical reading, she disclosed that his powerful parents had served a king who might have been involved in their deaths. The camp was suddenly attacked by a young red dragon named Almandine, who unleashed devastating fire breath that knocked both Bastion and Sas unconscious. The party fought desperately, with the Elder of the Dawngreets, Leonin guards, and other party members landing crucial blows until the bloodied dragon declared the fight not worth it and fled into the snowstorm. Through a ritual using the dragon's blood, the Elder of the Dawngreets learned that Almandine had been paid by a warlock connected to whoever caused Skola Vale's disappearance, and she admitted her powers were weakening without Skola Vale.

The party traveled for seven days, during which the Elder of the Dawngreets taught Bastion elven meditation techniques that he successfully mastered, allowing him to rest in a four-hour trance. They finally arrived at Forlione, the Kingdom of Lights, a majestic floating castle-city in the rainforest populated by Leonin and other animalistic races. Reginald greeted them warmly, though he appeared aged and stressed from ruling, and hosted a grand feast that magically enhanced the party's vitality. He presented three investigation options: an orc outpost involved in attacking Skola Vale, Skola Vale's grounds themselves, or Skullport in Wideberth where a knowledgeable contact resided. Reginald explained that while his uncle Zirin Shadowtooth had been interfering with the party, Zirin Shadowtooth was not responsible for Skola Vale's disappearance but had merely exploited the situation. His mage agreed to attempt crafting a magical amulet for Calliope using the troll hearts the party had collected, and the party retired to rest and decide their next course of action in the morning.

Summary

The party returned to the Yawning Portal at nightfall after getting tattoos and visiting the apothecary. They found Durnan at the bar and delivered a mysterious letter and box they had discovered on the body of a dead dwarf in a tree. Durnan accepted the package cryptically, stating it was "about time" he received it, and rewarded them with ten gold pieces. When pressed about its contents, he refused to reveal anything. The box itself was empty when they checked.

The Elder of the Dawngreets, sensing an approaching snowstorm, urged the party to depart immediately. Before leaving, she provided each party member with a magical amulet to protect them from being tracked by scrying magic, explaining that they had been attracting spies. The party boarded Reginald's royal carriage, which proved to be far more spacious on the inside than its exterior suggested, filled with plush and comfortable accommodations. As they left town, the carriage's appearance magically transformed to look like a poor, downtrodden vehicle, while the Leonin guards accompanying them shrank slightly and their clothing changed to resemble ordinary travelers through magical disguises.

After traveling for some time as snow began to fall, the Elder made camp off the road. The carriage magically transformed its interior to provide beds for everyone. While some party members chose to rest inside, Bastion remained by the fire with the Elder of the Dawngreets. She questioned him about his unique Bladesinging abilities, which were extraordinarily rare for anyone who wasn't an elf. Bastion explained that he had been raised by a wizard but preferred fighting, so he had found a way to combine both disciplines. The Elder revealed that his ability came from his spirit being touched by an elf during reincarnation, an extremely rare occurrence. She mentioned the last known human Bladesinger who had wielded a legendary sword called Whistler during a great conflict known as the Last Awakening.

The Elder then took Bastion's hand and performed a magical reading, her hand moving mysteriously through the air. She revealed troubling information about his family background, telling him that his parents had been very powerful individuals who served a king. Most disturbingly, she suggested that this king might have had something to do with what happened to his parents, though they had indeed died of sickness as he believed. Bastion thanked her for sharing what she could discern about his mysterious past.

As the Elder stood and stretched, she suddenly sensed danger and warned the party. The sky flashed red and the smell of sulfur and pumice filled the air as a young red dragon swooped down from the snowy sky. The creature's swept-back horns and spinal frill were silhouetted against the falling snow as it descended upon the camp. One of the Leonin guards immediately threw his spear, which found a soft spot between the dragon's scales and pierced it. The battle had begun in earnest.

Inside the carriage, Artie the owlbear panicked at the sight of the dragon and tried to flee into the woodline, but Calliope managed to grab and calm him. From outside, Sas conjured a skeletal hand of ice that grabbed the dragon's throat, while Shadow marked the beast and fired arrows at it. The dragon unleashed a devastating cone of fire breath that swept across the camp. Bastion and Sas were both knocked unconscious by the intense flames, while Shadow managed to partially shield herself behind the carriage but still suffered terrible burns.

The party fought desperately to survive. Barlo raged and his snout transformed into a draconic form as he attacked with his maul, though his strikes glanced off the dragon's scales. Calliope cast healing magic from inside the carriage, bringing Sas back to consciousness and attempting to distract the dragon with magical insults. The Elder of the Dawngreets unleashed powerful magic that caused the dragon's scales to briefly disappear in one spot, injuring it, and sent healing butterflies to restore the wounded party members. The Leonin guards fought bravely with their weapons, landing several blows. Shadow summoned a healing spirit in the form of a transparent owlbear and continued firing arrows that found their mark. Bastion, once revived, sent streaks of magical energy into the dragon that made its eyes turn red with anger.

After taking significant damage from the combined assault, the bloodied dragon declared "This isn't even worth it" and took to the air. As it flew away, Barlo and the guards struck at it one final time, with one guard managing to clip it and draw more blood. Barlo desperately tried to shoot the fleeing dragon with his crossbow from over a hundred feet away, but his bolt fell short and accidentally killed a bird instead. The dragon flew off into the snowstorm and disappeared into the distance, leaving the battered party behind.

In the aftermath, Shadow and Bastion collected scales that had been knocked off during the battle, while Bastion also gathered some of the dragon's blood in a glass vial. The Elder of the Dawngreets performed a ritual using the blood on the ground, her hand transforming in an unsettling way as she worked her magic. Through this ritual, she learned the dragon's name was Almandine and that he had been paid to attack them by a warlock who had promised him information. She explained that like all red dragons, Almandine was a loner who craved power and wealth. Most concerning, she revealed that whoever had sent the dragon appeared to be connected to whoever had caused Skola Vale's disappearance. She also admitted that her powers were weakening due to the loss of Skola Vale, which had caused some of her spells to fail during the battle.

The party continued their journey for seven days and nights. During this time, the Elder of the Dawngreets taught Bastion about elven meditation, explaining the curse of elven reincarnation and their banishment from their god's heaven. She suggested he try meditating instead of sleeping, believing he possessed this elven ability due to his spirit being touched. Bastion successfully entered a meditative trance for four hours, experiencing random memories and waking fully rested. Shadow practiced tattooing on pig skin while Barlo worked on his lockpicking skills. The landscape gradually changed as they traveled, the path varying from solid roads to dirt tracks as the rainforest grew thicker around them. Through breaks in the foliage, they caught glimpses of a massive mountain ring with a spectacular waterfall and what appeared to be a floating castle.

Finally, they arrived at Forlione, the Kingdom of Lights. The majestic city was a large castle-like structure that seemed to float in the middle of the rainforest, surrounded by mountains and filled with floating lights that gave it an ethereal quality. The population consisted primarily of Leonin, along with various other animalistic races including bird-people, rabbit-like humanoids, and Tabaxi. The guards took the damaged carriage away for repairs, noting the burnt sections from the dragon attack.

Reginald emerged to greet them, looking finer than when he had traveled with the party but also noticeably aged and stressed, with more gray in his hair from the burden of ruling. He warmly embraced each party member, including meeting Calliope for the first time as Bastion's replacement. He led them to a grand feast that magically strengthened them, making them immune to disease and poison while enhancing their vitality and wisdom. Over the meal, Reginald discussed the crisis of Skola Vale returning to the Feywild and the Elder of the Dawngreets's weakening powers. He presented three options for investigation: an orc outpost three days away that had been involved in attacking Skola Vale, the grounds of Skola Vale itself about twelve hours away, or a place called Skullport in Wideberth where a knowledgeable gentleman resided. He mentioned that his uncle Zirin Shadowtooth had been interfering with the party and apologized for bringing them into this dangerous situation, though he clarified that Zirin Shadowtooth was not responsible for Skola Vale's disappearance but had merely taken advantage of it.

Calliope asked about skilled crafters who might be able to create a magical amulet. Reginald consulted with his mage, who agreed to attempt the difficult task using troll hearts the party had previously collected. The mage took the hearts and promised to do his best despite never having crafted such an item before. Reginald offered the party rooms in his home to rest and told them to decide their course of action in the morning. The party retired for the night, with Bastion successfully using his newfound elven meditation ability to rest for four hours, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in their quest to restore Skola Vale.

Scenes

Delivering the Mysterious Letter

The party delivers a mysterious letter found on a dead dwarf to Durnan at the Yawning Portal, who cryptically accepts it and rewards them with 10 gold pieces.

• The party returns to the Yawning Portal at nightfall after getting tattoos and visiting the apothecary.
• Durnan is found at the bar.
• The party presents Durnan with a letter and box found on a dead dwarf in a tree.
• Durnan accepts the letter, stating it's 'about time' he received it, and rewards the party with 10 gold pieces.
• Durnan cryptically refuses to reveal the contents or significance of the letter, saying he'll send Slivery on it.
• The party checks the box and finds it empty.

Departure and Magical Preparations

The Elder urges the party to depart before an impending snowstorm, providing them with magical amulets to protect against scrying, and they board Reginald's royal carriage.

• The Elder expresses urgency to depart due to rolling clouds and impending snow.
• The Elder provides each party member with an Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location, advising them to attune to it to prevent scrying.
• The Elder reveals that she and her guards are also wearing such amulets to keep scrying orbs from tracking them.
• The party boards Reginald's royal carriage, which is magically larger on the inside than it appears from the outside, with plush and comfortable accommodations.
• As the carriage leaves town, its exterior magically shifts to appear as a poor, downtrodden vehicle.
• The guards accompanying the Elder shrink slightly and their clothing transforms into that of ordinary travelers through glamour weaves.

Travel and Camp Setup

The party travels in Reginald's glamoured royal carriage and sets up camp as snow begins to fall.

• The party rides in the carriage as snow starts to pick up.
• After traveling for some time, the Elder suggests making camp off the road to avoid getting lost in the snow.
• The guards set up a fire and tie the horses to trees.
• The carriage magically transforms its interior to provide beds for everyone.
• Barlo chooses to sleep inside the comfortable carriage.
• Shadow, Bastion, and Sas remain outside by the fire.

Bastion's Heritage Revealed

The Elder of the Dawngreets discusses Bastion's unique Bladesinging ability and reveals troubling details about his family's past.

• The Elder of the Dawngreets questions Bastion about his Bladesinging vocation, explaining its rarity outside of elves.
• Bastion explains he was raised by a wizard but preferred fighting, so he learned Bladesinging, which normally only elves can do.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets explains that Bastion's ability comes from his spirit being touched by an elf during reincarnation, a very rare occurrence.
• She mentions the last known human Bladesinger who wielded a sword called Whistler during the Last Awakening.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets reads Bastion's hand through magic, revealing his parents were very powerful and served a king.
• She suggests that the king might have had something to do with what happened to Bastion's parents, though they did die of sickness.
• Bastion thanks her for the information about his mysterious past.

Dragon Attack

A young red dragon suddenly attacks the camp with devastating fire breath, severely injuring multiple party members.

• The Elder of the Dawngreets senses danger and warns the party as a red flash appears in the sky with the smell of sulfur and pumice.
• A young red dragon swoops down from the snowy sky to attack.
• A Leonin guard throws a spear that pierces between the dragon's scales, injuring it.
• Sas casts Chill Touch, manifesting a skeletal hand that grabs the dragon's throat for necrotic damage.
• Artie, the owlbear, panics and tries to flee into the woodline, but Calliope successfully grabs and calms him.
• Shadow casts Hunter's Mark and fires an arrow, but it deflects off the dragon's scales.
• The dragon unleashes a 30-foot cone of fire breath, dealing 50 points of damage.
• Bastion and Sas are knocked unconscious by the fire breath.
• Shadow takes 25 points of damage but remains conscious due to partial cover from the carriage.
• Bastion makes his first death saving throw, resulting in one failure.

Fighting Back

The party and their allies fight desperately against the red dragon, with healing magic keeping them alive.

• Barlo rages, his snout transforming into a draconic form, and attacks the dragon with his maul, but both strikes glance off its scales.
• Calliope casts Healing Word on Sas from inside the carriage, bringing her back to consciousness with 7 hit points.
• Calliope attempts Vicious Mockery on the dragon, but it fails to affect the creature.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets casts a powerful spell that causes the dragon's scales to briefly disappear in one spot, injuring it.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets gives Bastion 2 hit points with a healing spell, though she seems disappointed it wasn't more effective.
• A Leonin guard strikes at the dragon with his longsword but misses.
• Sas heals herself at level two, restoring 15 hit points.
• Shadow casts Healing Spirit, creating a transparent owlbear spirit that heals Bastion for 5 hit points.
• Shadow fires two arrows at the dragon; the first deals 15 piercing damage and the dragon looks bloodied, but the second misses.

Dragon's Retreat

The wounded dragon decides the fight isn't worth it and flies away into the snowstorm.

• The dragon uses its fire breath again, hitting Barlo for 25 points of damage.
• Bastion casts Magic Missile at level three, sending blue and green streaks that hit the dragon, making its eyes turn red with anger.
• Barlo strikes the dragon with his maul, splintering small scales off its body.
• Calliope casts Healing Word on Bastion and then Vicious Mockery on the dragon, dealing 2 psychic damage and imposing disadvantage.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets heals Sas, Shadow, and Bastion for 5 hit points each with magical butterflies.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets attempts a powerful death spell in Sylvan, but it fails to affect the dragon.
• A Leonin guard lands a significant blow with his longsword, cutting the dragon's leg.
• Shadow's arrow misses the dragon.
• The dragon declares 'This isn't even worth it' and flies up into the air.
• As the dragon flies away, Barlo and the guards get attacks of opportunity, with one guard clipping the dragon.
• Barlo attempts to shoot the fleeing dragon with his crossbow but misses, accidentally hitting a bird instead.
• The dragon flies 160 feet away into the snow drift and disappears.

Aftermath and Dragon's Identity

Following the dragon's retreat, the party collects scales and blood while the Elder of the Dawngreets reveals crucial information about their attacker.

• Shadow and Bastion collect dragon scales from the battle site; Shadow finds two and Bastion finds four.
• Bastion collects some of the dragon's blood in a glass vial.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets examines the dragon's blood on the ground, performing a ritual with her hand.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets reveals the dragon's name is Almandine and that he was told to attack them, promised information by a warlock.
• She explains that Almandine, like all red dragons, is a loner who craves power and wealth.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets expresses concern that her powers are weakening due to the loss of Skola Vale, making some of her spells ineffective.
• She suggests a connection between whoever paid the dragon and whoever caused Skola Vale's disappearance.
• Bastion recalls lore about orbs that can control dragons, particularly evil ones, noting their rarity and historical obscurity.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets reveals that Almandine believes one such orb lies in a dwarven mining community on Uesha, but it doesn't actually exist there.
• The party discusses that red dragons typically live near volcanoes and magma, suggesting Almandine's lair is somewhere in the northern mountains.

Journey to Forlione

The party continues their seven-day journey to Reginald's kingdom, with the Elder of the Dawngreets teaching Bastion about elven meditation.

• The party travels for seven days and nights after the dragon attack.
• The weather varies between cold with snow and clearer conditions.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets discusses elven meditation with Bastion, explaining the elven curse of reincarnation and their banishment from their god's heaven.
• She explains that elves don't sleep but enter trances where they briefly experience their lost heaven.
• The Elder of the Dawngreets suggests Bastion try meditating instead of sleeping, believing he has the elven ability due to his spirit being touched.
• Bastion successfully meditates for four hours, experiencing random memories and waking fully rested.
• Shadow practices tattooing on pig skin during the journey.
• Barlo practices lockpicking during the journey.
• The path varies from solid roads to dirt paths as they travel through increasingly thick rainforest.
• The party catches glimpses of a large mountain ring with a waterfall and a floating castle.

Arrival at Forlione

The party arrives at the majestic Kingdom of Lights, a floating castle city populated primarily by Leonin and other animalistic races.

• The party arrives at Forlione, the Kingdom of Lights, a large castle-like structure floating in the middle of a rainforest.
• The city is surrounded by a mountain range with a large waterfall and filled with floating lights.
• The population is about 90% Leonin, with various other animalistic races including Aarakocra, rabbit-like humanoids, and Tabaxi.
• The guards take the damaged carriage away for repairs, noting the burnt pieces from the dragon attack.
• The party enters the main gates of the grand castle at the city's center.

Reunion with Reginald

Reginald greets the party warmly and hosts a hero's feast while discussing the crisis of Skola Vale and potential courses of action.

• Reginald appears looking finer than when he traveled with the party, but aged and stressed with more gray hair.
• He greets each party member with hugs, including meeting Calliope for the first time as Bastion's replacement.
• Reginald leads the party to a grand hero's feast that grants them immunity to disease and poison, advantage on Wisdom saving throws, and 2d10 additional maximum hit points for 24 hours.
• Reginald discusses Skola Vale's return to the Feywild and the Elder of the Dawngreets's weakening powers.
• He presents three options for investigation: an orc outpost involved in attacking Skola Vale (three days away), the grounds of Skola Vale itself (12 hours away), or Skullport in Wideberth where a knowledgeable gentleman resides (about a week away).
• Reginald mentions his uncle Zirin Shadowtooth has been interfering with the party and apologizes for bringing them into this situation.
• Reginald clarifies that his uncle is not responsible for Skola Vale's disappearance but has taken advantage of the situation.
• Calliope asks about skilled crafters for jewelry, specifically to make an amulet of health.
• Reginald consults his mage, who agrees to attempt crafting the amulet using troll hearts provided by the party.
• The party hands over the troll hearts to Reginald's mage, who promises to do his best despite the difficulty and cost.
• Reginald offers the party rooms in his home to rest and tells them to decide their course of action in the morning.
• The party retires for the night, with Bastion successfully using elven trance meditation for four hours of rest.

Memorable Moments

"This isn't even worth it"
— Almandine

The young red dragon decides to flee after being severely wounded by the party

The red dragon's fire breath knocks both Bastion and Sas unconscious in a single devastating attack, dealing 50 points of damage to each

The dragon's opening attack nearly wipes out half the party in one breath

Barlo attempts to shoot the fleeing dragon with his crossbow, rolls a critical hit, but misses the dragon entirely and kills a bird instead

Desperately trying to finish off the retreating dragon from 120 feet away

The Elder of the Dawngreets reveals that a king might have had something to do with what happened to Bastion's parents, though they died of sickness

Reading Bastion's hand through magic and uncovering his mysterious family background

NPCs

Durnan

The proprietor of the Yawning Portal tavern. He cryptically accepts a mysterious letter from the party that was found on a dead dwarf, stating it's 'about time' he received it. He rewards the party with 10 gold pieces and refuses to reveal its contents or significance.

Elder of the Dawngreets

An Archfey traveling with the party in Reginald's royal carriage. She possesses powerful magical abilities including glamour spells, healing magic, and the ability to read a person's past through touch. She provides the party with Amulets of Proof Against Detection and Location to protect against scrying. During the dragon attack, she casts spells to heal and damage the dragon, but reveals her powers are weakening due to Skola Vale's disappearance. She can discern information from dragon's blood through ritual magic, which she uses to learn the attacking dragon's name is Almandine and that he was paid to attack them.

Leonin Guards

Two guards accompanying the Elder of the Dawngreets and the party. They drive Reginald's royal carriage and are disguised by glamour weaves to appear as ordinary travelers. During the dragon attack, they bravely fight with spears and longswords, with one successfully piercing the dragon's scales and another landing a significant blow on its leg.

Almandine

A young red dragon who attacks the party's camp with devastating fire breath. Like all red dragons, he is a loner who craves power and wealth. He was paid by a warlock who promised him information about orbs that can control dragons. He believes one such orb lies in a dwarven mining community on Uesha. After being severely wounded by the party, he declares the fight 'isn't even worth it' and flies away into the snowstorm. His lair is likely somewhere in the northern mountains near volcanic or magma areas.

Arktos "Artie"

Shadow's owlbear companion who panics during the dragon attack and tries to flee into the woodline, but is successfully grabbed and calmed by Calliope.

Reginald

The king of Forlione, the Kingdom of Lights. He appears more aged and stressed than when he last traveled with the party, with more gray hair from the burden of ruling. He warmly greets the party with hugs and hosts a hero's feast for them. He discusses the crisis of Skola Vale returning to the Feywild and presents three investigation options. He apologizes for his uncle Zirin Shadowtooth's interference with the party and clarifies that while Zirin Shadowtooth has taken advantage of the situation, he is not responsible for Skola Vale's disappearance. He offers to have his mage attempt to craft an amulet of health using troll hearts and provides rooms in his home for the party to rest.

Reginald's Mage

A sorcerer in Reginald's service who is consulted about crafting an amulet of health. He agrees to attempt the difficult task using troll hearts provided by the party, acknowledging the magical investment required and promising to do his best despite never having made one before.

Zirin Shadowtooth

Reginald's uncle who has been interfering with the party and taking advantage of the situation with Skola Vale, though he is not responsible for Skola Vale's disappearance itself.

Items

Mysterious Letter and Box

A letter found on the body of a dead delivery dwarf in a tree, delivered by the party to Durnan at the Yawning Portal. The box that accompanied it is empty. Durnan seems to have been expecting it and refuses to reveal its contents or significance to the party.

Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location

Magical amulets provided by the Elder of the Dawngreets to each party member. They require attunement and protect the wearer from being targeted by scrying magic or magical scrying sensors. The Elder of the Dawngreets and her guards also wear these amulets.

Reginald's Royal Carriage

A luxurious carriage belonging to Reginald that is magically larger on the inside than it appears, with plush and comfortable accommodations. It possesses a glamour that transforms its exterior to appear as a poor, downtrodden vehicle when traveling for stealth purposes. The interior can magically transform to provide beds for everyone. The carriage was damaged during the dragon attack, with burnt pieces from the fire breath.

Glamour Weaves

Magical clothing worn by the Leonin guards that can transform their appearance to look like ordinary travelers, shrinking them slightly and changing their attire. This is expensive magic typically used by royalty, similar to bulletproof cars for rich people.

Glamerweave Cloak

A magical cloak worn by Calliope that can change its pattern as a bonus action. During the dragon attack, she uses it to camouflage herself by making it look like snow. This is an item that Calliope has, but it is not mentioned in the provided name dictionary.

Dragon Scales

Small scales flecked off the red dragon Almandine during the battle. Shadow collected two scales and Bastion collected four after the dragon retreated.

Dragon Blood

Blood from the red dragon Almandine, collected by Bastion in a glass vial after the battle. The Elder of the Dawngreets uses some of the blood on the ground to perform a ritual that reveals the dragon's name and recent history.

Frostbrand

A magical weapon that Shadow has attuned to, which provides protection against fire damage even when not actively wielded, reducing the damage she takes from the dragon's fire breath.

Troll Hearts

Hearts from trolls that the party previously collected and sent back to Reginald. Calliope presents these to Reginald's mage as material for crafting an amulet of health. The mage takes them and promises to attempt the difficult crafting process.

Orbs of Dragonkind

Ancient, rare artifacts described as spheres of glass that can summon and control dragons, particularly evil ones. They are said to be sentient and attempt to influence their wielder to do their bidding. These items are so rare and buried in history that many believe they're just legend, like Bigfoot. Almandine believes one exists in a dwarven mining community on Uesha, but the Elder of the Dawngreets reveals it doesn't actually exist there.

Whistler

A legendary sword wielded by the last known human Bladesinger during the Last Awakening. The blade is said to call to true, powerful Bladesingers who are worthy to wield it. The Elder of the Dawngreets mentions this sword when discussing Bastion's rare heritage.

Table of Hero's Feast

A magical feast provided by Reginald that grants the party immunity to disease and poison for 24 hours, advantage on Wisdom saving throws, and an additional 2d10 maximum hit points for the same duration.

Locations

The Yawning Portal

A tavern where Durnan works as the proprietor. The party returns here at nightfall to deliver a mysterious letter found on a dead dwarf.

Roadside Camp

A temporary camp set up off the road in snowy conditions where the party was attacked by the young red dragon Almandine. The guards set up a fire and tied horses to trees here.

Forlione, the Kingdom of Lights

A majestic floating castle-like city in the middle of a rainforest, surrounded by a mountain range with a large waterfall. The city is filled with floating lights and populated primarily by Leonin (about 90%) along with other animalistic races. Reginald rules this kingdom from the grand castle at its center.

Wideberth

An area mentioned by Reginald as containing Skullport, about a week's journey away from Forlione.

Skullport

A location within Wideberth where a gentleman who knows what happens on Uesha resides, presented as one of three investigation options by Reginald.

Skola Vale

A location that has returned to the Feywild, about 12 hours away from Forlione. Its grounds are one of the investigation options presented by Reginald.

Orc Outpost

An outpost about three days' ride from Forlione, close to where Skola Vale is located. The orcs and goblins there were probably involved in attacking Skola Vale.

Spells

Chill Touch

Cast by Sas during the dragon attack, manifesting as a large, icy skeletal hand that grabs the dragon's throat, dealing 12 necrotic damage and preventing it from regaining hit points until Sas's next turn.

Hunter's Mark

Cast by Shadow on the red dragon to enhance her attacks against it, though she later loses concentration on the spell when knocked unconscious.

Healing Word

Cast by Calliope multiple times during the dragon attack to restore hit points and revive unconscious party members. She uses it at level two to bring Sas back to consciousness with 7 hit points and later to heal Bastion.

Vicious Mockery

Cast by Calliope from inside the carriage, attempting to insult and distract the red dragon. Her first attempt fails to affect it, but her second attempt deals 2 psychic damage and imposes disadvantage on the dragon's next attack.

Healing Spirit

Cast by Shadow, creating a transparent owlbear spirit that heals creatures who start their turn in its space or move into it for the first time. It heals Bastion for 5 hit points when first cast.

Magic Missile

Cast by Bastion at level three, sending five streaks of blue and green magical energy that automatically hit the red dragon, causing its eyes to turn red with anger.

Glamour Magic

Used on Reginald's royal carriage to transform its exterior appearance to look downtrodden and on the guards' clothing (glamour weaves) to disguise them as ordinary travelers.

Death Spell

Attempted by the Elder of the Dawngreets against the dragon, speaking the word for 'death' in Sylvan, but the spell fails to affect Almandine and causes her to wince.

Healing Magic

Cast by the Elder of the Dawngreets, manifesting as magical butterflies that heal Sas, Shadow, and Bastion for 5 hit points each. She also casts a weaker healing spell on Bastion earlier that only restores 2 hit points, disappointing her.

Scale Removal Spell

Cast by the Elder of the Dawngreets during the dragon attack, causing her hand to transform with stretching flesh. The spell causes the dragon's scales to briefly disappear in one area, allowing her to injure it.

Blood Ritual

Performed by the Elder of the Dawngreets using the dragon's blood on the ground, allowing her to discern the dragon's name (Almandine) and aspects of its recent history, including that it was paid to attack them.

Classic

Last we left off, our party delivered a mysterious package to Durnan at the Yawning Portal before departing Waterdeep under urgent circumstances. The Elder of the Dawngreets, sensing danger and the approach of spies, gifted each member with protective amulets against scrying magic before they boarded Reginald's enchanted carriage. As snow began to fall and the carriage transformed its appearance to avoid detection, they made camp along the road where the Elder of the Dawngreets revealed troubling truths to Bastion about his rare Bladesinging abilities—his spirit had been touched by an elf during reincarnation, a phenomenon not seen since the legendary wielder of Whistler during the Last Awakening. More disturbing still, she suggested that the king his powerful parents once served may have had something to do with their deaths.

Their rest was shattered when the sky flashed red and a young red dragon named Almandine descended upon them in a devastating assault. The beast's fire breath knocked both Bastion and Sas unconscious, while Shadow suffered terrible burns trying to shield herself. Through desperate teamwork—Barlo's draconic rage, Calliope's healing magic, the Elder's reality-bending spells, and the Leonin guards' precise strikes—they managed to wound the dragon enough that it fled into the snowstorm. The Elder's blood ritual revealed the attack had been orchestrated by a warlock connected to Skola Vale's disappearance, and more troubling, that her own powers were weakening without Skola Vale's presence.

After seven days of travel, during which Bastion learned to meditate like the elves and experienced the curse of their reincarnation, the party finally arrived at Forlione, the magnificent Kingdom of Lights. Reginald greeted them warmly despite the visible toll that ruling had taken on him, and over a magically-enhanced feast, he presented three paths forward: investigate the orc outpost that attacked Skola Vale, examine Skola Vale's grounds themselves, or seek knowledge from a mysterious gentleman in Skullport. With his mage attempting to craft Calliope's requested amulet from troll hearts and comfortable rooms provided for the night, the party now rests, preparing to choose which thread of this dangerous mystery to unravel first.

Middle English

Harken well, ye gentle folke,
To tales of valour true and bold;
Of heroes brave who journey'd far,
Through perils manifold!

At Yawning Portal's threshold wide,
They brought a letter seal'd with care;
Old Durnan took the box and coin,
But secrets would not share.
The Elder of the Dawngreets did warn of spies,
And gave them amulets of might;
In Reginald's enchanted coach,
They fled into the night.

By campfire's glow the Elder spoke,
Of Bastion's spirit touch'd by Fae;
His parents serv'd a king of old,
Who led them to their grave.
Then from the snow-dark'd heavens fell,
Almandine with fire and dread;
The dragon's flames did strike them down,
And left them near to dead!

With magick, steel, and courage true,
They drove the beast away in flight;
The Elder's ritual reveal'd,
A warlock paid for spite.
Through seven days they travel'd on,
To Forlione's floating keep;
Where Reginald, now aged and worn,
Did bid them feast and sleep.

Three paths lay before them now,
To find Skola Vale and set things right;
The orc outpost, Skola Vale's own grounds,
Or Skullport's hidden light.
With troll hearts given to the mage,
And rest within the castle walls;
They steel themselves for what may come,
When morning's clarion calls!

Snarky

When last we left our party, they'd just survived a dragon attack, which honestly feels like a Tuesday at this point. After delivering a mysterious empty box to Durnan (because nothing says "quest reward" like ten gold pieces for a box full of absolutely nothing), the Elder of the Dawngreets hustled everyone out of town faster than you can say "incoming snowstorm." She handed out anti-scrying amulets like party favors, because apparently our heroes have been attracting spies like Barlo attracts bad crossbow luck.

The journey to Forlione was going smoothly—Bastion discovered he could meditate like an elf, Shadow practiced her tattoo skills on pig skin, and Barlo worked on lockpicking (presumably so he could open boxes that actually have something in them). Then a young red dragon named Almandine decided to crash the camping trip, turning Bastion and Sas into crispy adventurers with one breath attack. After a desperate battle featuring draconic transformations, ice hands, healing butterflies, and Barlo accidentally murdering an innocent bird, the dragon basically rage-quit and flew off. The Elder of the Dawngreets's blood ritual revealed someone connected to Skola Vale's disappearance had hired the dragon, because of course they did. Now safely arrived at the floating Kingdom of Lights, Reginald—looking significantly more stressed and gray—has laid out three investigation options over a magically strengthening feast. Time to decide: orc outpost, Veil grounds, or Skullport?

Limerick

They delivered a letter with care,
To Durnan who sat at his lair.
Ten gold was their prize,
For the box (empty inside),
While amulets saved them from scrying's dark glare.

In Reginald's carriage they rode,
Through snow as the winter winds blowed.
The Elder of the Dawngreets read,
Bastion's past (filled with dread),
Then a dragon attacked on the road!

Young Almandine breathed out his fire,
The party's situation grew dire.
But arrows and spells,
Made the dragon farewell,
As he fled from their rage and their ire.

The Elder used blood for her spell,
A warlock had paid him quite well.
Skola Vale's disappearance,
Led to this interference,
And powers were fading, she'd tell.

To Forlione at last they arrived,
Where Reginald's kingdom had thrived.
Three paths lay ahead,
To find Veil's lost thread,
While Bastion learned how elves survived.

Exported from GMAssistant on 2026-08-16