Sword of Doom #51
Using the pillars, the Company has teleported to the Island of Everwinter. They arrive in a bitter blizzard, learning that Everwinter is well named. A passage from the arrival point leads down to a large oval cavern. Two small and one large passage lead away.
You are able to build a camp fire to help easy the chill. The cave is devoid of life.
Arathnasis, Drakkor and any others going along quickly scout out the side tunnels.
One the small tunnel leads further up into the mountain. It emerges on the mountain face. There is no path at the exit. No way to go but straight down. The second passage winds deeply into the mountain before ends. (The seam the passage ran in simply comes together. No hidden exits there.)
The large passage appears to be more promising. It winds slowly down the mountain at a comfortable incline. After traveling over 1000 feet, the tunnel opens into a huge cave. Many icy pillars support the ceiling 80 feet over head. Vague shapes can be seen within the pillars.
However, the explorer's attention is instantly attracted to the huge, white sleeping lizard filling most of the cave. Their faces pale when they see it. It is around 100 feet long from nose to tail tip.
Quickly retreating, the scouts rush back to the resting cave to reveal their findings.
Spectrum's Comments: For those following the New Frontier's game in the Forum, Everwinter was the island where Kharyna, Lara, & Swanny came from. Everwinter was locked into a perpetual winter by agents of the Cold Goddess Auril. The artifact that created this situation was destroyed by Kharyna, breaking Auril's hold and gaining her hatred. Now it's called Neverwinter, but the records in Karn's Keep were out of date, so the Company thought it was still Everwinter.
SUBJ: Crandor (R) FROM: GM Falcon 07/11/91 S#: 456526
Crandor will all but purr when he hears of the dragon: "It would be a tough battle, but one I think we could win. The dragon obviously has access to the outside, and possibly treasure. More importantly, just possibly the next step in our quest to access that teleportation grid. Though I still maintain we could sail at this point, if the temperature ever warms.." He shrugs, then waits.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 07/12/91 S#: 794714
Arath scowls at the news of the dragon. "I would prefer not to deal with the beast, but it would seem to be a necessity, after all, if it learns of our presence it will certainly try to chase out the invaders to its lair."
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 07/12/91 S#: 502560
Omni's concern is immediately apparent when he learns of the dragon lairing nearby. "I don't like this...I've never heard of a beast that would allow anyone to get so close to its lair, unawares and all. Best to deal with it now before we have it at our backs later on. Crandor, since you're our most experienced ranger, I'd like you to return to the cave with Arathnasis. His elven eyesight is easily the best among us. Make sure that thing is asleep...and alone. And see if there aren't any other entrances to the cave...."
Omni then turns to the rest of the party. "I need to know what we have to work with. Spellcasters, I need to know what you can do to that thing from afar, and any spells you have that will protect someone from cold. Specifics and numbers please, but limit it to what is relevant. Everyone else- who has a bow, and is confident using one? Also...and honest answers on this one... who thinks they can take at least one good shot from a white dragon and remain standing?"
SUBJ: Trithereon FROM: FrankP25 07/13/91 S#: 487881
"I agree. We might as well take care of it now, because as soon as it finds out that we're here, it will definitely try to deal with us. So, as I figure, the faster we take care of it, the better our chances of not having any serious casualties. Let's go stake this thing and get what we need, plus a little booty at that."
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 07/13/91 S#: 795267
"A white dragon. Mother Azrella protect us all! I fear that I have little in a combat sense. I do have four Reduce Colds available. They would offer a measure of protection against its frosty breath. I could protect the attacking warriors with these spells. Otherwise, my abilities lie in healing, not battle."
Without realizing it, I hold on to Perrel's arm throughout the whole discussion.
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Tora 07/13/91 S#: 849554
"Lord Omni, I do not know of this creature you call a white dragon but by the sounds of it, I do not believe I would last long. I do not have a bow either. I will do my best for you as you so order me to do though."
With that I await his orders. I will also ready my katana figuring speed will be more important than the extra damage a magic weapon will do. One day, I will have mastered the broadsword then let these creatures beware.
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 07/13/91 S#: 434672
"Omni, I have a Flaming Sphere and 2 Magic Missile committed to memory. Both of which would work well against a frosty beast. I offer up a quick plan. Myself, Crandor, and Selarin. Will attempt to get around the beast. I will then unleash with my spells. While the others attack from ranged. This will most certainly draw the anger of the beast toward us. Then the rest of you attack from the now expose rear of the Dragon. He will not see you coming."
"After my spells are depleted I can switch to the bow and volley arrows at the beast. I have seen the wild wolves use similar methods to bring down larger creatures. Attack from the rear, and when the creature turns attack from the rear again."
SUBJ: Crandor.. FROM: GM Falcon 07/14/91 S#: 840196
Crandor agrees to go scouting.
When he hears of Arath's plan, he speaks: "Wolfpack tactics work best on dumb creatures. I have never heard legends of dumb dragons. However, Arath's plan does have promise. At the least, one of our groups would get to assault the rear at all times. However, a few notes."
"One, if it doesn't keep turning itself around, then Arath, Selarin(?) and I will be in deep trouble from its continual attacks. Two, anyone behind the dragon might get whacked by its tail."
"Here's an idea. Arath and I, alone, insure that thing is asleep. Then Selarin and we go behind it."
"Next, the next few most stealthy people flank it. The last few clank to it's head."
"Then as one, we attack from all sides. That'll confuse it even more than a simple two-way assault. It'll also give more people an opportunity to attack without reprisal."
He goes off alone, for a moment then. He faces the cave.
Softly, to himself, he speaks:
"Something feels wrong.."
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 07/14/91 S#: 486769
Omni, I have almost nothing that can hurt this creature, save a magic missile, and my staff would do little against it too. I am ashamed that I can not help defeat this foe.(I might have burning hands in my book, so I could memorize it.)
Gathis sits and sulks for the rest of the day.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 07/14/91 S#: 424859
A slight smile comes to my face when I hear of the dragon. At last chance to test out my new magicks!
'I am well prepared for battle, Omni. I have Lightning Bolt in memory as well as a Fly spell. The Fly will greatly help my mobility. I also have 2 Magic Missiles, a Flaming Sphere, Mirror Image and Web. All of which will be of aid. As for myself, I believe my best role in the upcoming fight is to cast Fly on myself and then move about the cavern casting spells at maximum range.'
After a moments thought, I continue on. 'Also, I remember my mentor's teachings on Dragons. Unnatural fear may overcome us when we attack. Lesser men flee at the sight of such creatures. Also, they have some measure of magic resistance. Spells may simply not hurt them. Not a comforting thought.'
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: Count Kill 07/15/91 S#: 818939
"A white dragon?" I ask aloud. "I'm afraid I know little of Dragons other than what they are, what's the difference between a white dragon and any other type of dragon?"
"And what bearing does this thing have on our quest? Is it holding the sword? If not, shouldn't we devote our energies to finding the sword, not attacking overgrown lizards that are sleeping and not bothering us?"
"And if the teleporter sent us here, maybe this things got information for us on where the Sword is, and if we kill it, we'll never find out, will we?"
"There's so many possibilities on what this could be, should we leap to the attack before we investigate them?" I say, while holding Schar's arm.
"If we do go into combat though, don't look at me for much in magic support. My spells are set up to deal with the environment, not the inhabitants."
SUBJ: Selarin FROM: GrooToo 07/15/91 S#: 505528
I harden at the news of the dragon. "Damn lizard. I agree with Arath running isn't going to do any good and there might be a valuable clue inside the lair. I also like the attack-from-all-sides approach inside the cave the dragon will most likely use its claws and bite not its breath but we will still sustain casualties. Given enough time to pray and rest and I could throw a silence spell on the area around the creatures head to ensure it does not hear us , then we could approach and attack without much worry. If that's ok with everyone else."
Then I will listen and pray if my suggestion goes through exchanging silence 15' for slow poison. Then when we Attack I will find a point behind a pillar from which I can fire my bow and dive behind to avoid its breath.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 07/16/91 S#: 397983
'I wouldn't be so sure that this dragon would not be hostile to us. I hear tale that they are very territorial. The fact that we are within it's lair alone would be enough to make it attack.'
After hearing Selarin's remark on changing spells I speak to Omni. 'Are we going to wait until tomorrow? I would think that we should strike before the dragon is awake.'
Sword of Doom #52
Omni asks opinions on what to do after it is learned that a white dragon lives in the lower caves. Faced with the prospect that the only way out, apart from the pillars, is past the dragon, a confrontation seems unavoidable.
Arathnasis and Crandor go to scout the situation out further while the rest of the group talks.
The cave below is just as the scouts said it was. A huge rectangular cavern. Huge pillars of ice appear to support the ceiling. The scouts notice that the dragon would have to shatter several of the pillars to reach the tunnel leading up to the pillars.
The dragon appears to still be asleep at the far end of the cavern.
Daring to move closer, they notice three exits from the cave. One is about half-way into the cave on the left hand wall. It is too small for the dragon to enter.
The other two openings are at the far end of the cavern. You would have to pass the dragon to reach either opening. Both openings appear large enough for the dragon to pass through.
Seeing the pillars now close up, the scouts notice items frozen with in. Some contain treasure, others the remains of past victims frozen for later dinning by the dragon.
There are 17 of these pillars in all.
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 07/18/91 S#: 808108
'My opinion remains unchanged Omni. I say attack before we are attacked. We hold the advantage now. Let's not waste it. Also, consider that we are going to need much gold to charter a ship for our purpose. Dragons are well known for holding gold. Also, I believe, based on the bodies seen in the pillars that we known what happened to the other party. This may just be speculation, but it's very possible.'
SUBJ: Gathis FROM: RAD DWEEBE 07/18/91 S#: 418362
When told of the frozen figures, Gathis wonders if their body functions would start working again if they were to be defrosted...If he gets a chance, he will try to thaw one if they fight the dragon.
In the meantime, Gathis just sits and listens and waits for the time of white heat.
SUBJ: Schar FROM: Schar 07/19/91 S#: 407186
Having little better to do then try and keep warm I huddle closer to the fire.
"Regardless of our course of action, we must make a decision. These horses will not last long under these conditions. The sooner we can head for South Port the better. Hopefully it will get warmer as we travel."
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 07/19/91 S#: 811816
Omni listens to the latest scouting reports with obvious concern.
"There doesn't seem to be that much room to maneuver around the dragon, since he's at the far end of the cave. Still, we can try. The way I see it, we have two potential courses of action. Number One, spread out into roughly three groups, attacking from all sides with sword and spell in an effort to keep the dragon off balance.
"Number Two is more direct. Four of us... Most likely me, Eliza, Drakkor and Crandor...charge the beast while protected by Schar's spells. This would cut down on our potential casualties, while still letting our most experienced fighters hack away. Meanwhile, everyone else would blast away from afar with spell or bow.
"Then, of course, there is the approach of talking to it. That approach is highly questionable at best, as it could give away our chance of surprise...if the dragon is asleep in the first place, that is.
"Well Company...what do you think?"
Omni then leans back to listen to the responses, fingering the ring on his finger restlessly.
SUBJ: Eliza (R) FROM: Tora 07/20/91 S#: 411729
Eliza stands ready for the orders that will hopefully be decided on soon. With luck, she will earn some honor back from those she lost it with but will follow Lord Omni's instructions. Till that time, she stands near Master Perrel and Schar incase something unexpected happens.
If asked what to do, she smiles and says, "Fight like a true warrior should. But your word is my command."
SUBJ: Crandor.. FROM: GM Falcon 07/20/91 S#: 411327
"There are problems with plan two.", Crandor speaks up. "Though it protects all but four, all those bowmen that could be using swords and such might not be able to affect the dragon as much as it could otherwise."
"Plus, we'll be engaging in a mass melee. Though the dragon should be easy to pick out from the rest of us, a low shot could still spear us in the back. Not desirable."
"The surround plan is our best option I think. You and Eliza smack it on the head, Arath and I from behind, and everyone else flank it. One or two spellcasters stay out of it to add artillery to the field."
SUBJ: Arathnasis FROM: Wildchilde 07/21/91 S#: 499855
"I agree with Crandor, Sending 4 of you into frontal combat with a dragon would be foolish. It seems to me would could attack from 3 sides as the fourth would be cut off by a wall. We must also remove anychance of escape for the beast. I say we surround it as best be can then hit it hard and fast. Hopefully we can take it out before serious damage is done."
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 07/21/91 S#: 835308
Seeing Schar huddling about the fire, I sit down next to her, and offer her the chance to cuddle with me if she wants.
"If we're going to attack, might I suggest a sneak approach. The scouts said that there were 17 pillars, why not use those to sneak up on the dragon, rather than rushing forward?"
"We just move from pillar to pillar until we're in close, and then attack."
"This way we might be able to actually get on the thing's back, where it couldn't attack us except with it's bite, and we could attack with freedom."
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Tora 07/22/91 S#: 813451
Other thoughts:
"Could we bluff it? Have everyone surround it, then wake it up. Then our leader can sound like he has no fear of the dragon and ask it to kindly move. Maybe there numbers and the appearance that we don't fear it, will give it second thoughts about attacking us."
"Okay, so you don't like the sound of that. Why do we have to kill it? Could we not try and capture it and get any and all the information this native has on the area. Last time I knew, none of us know what this area is like other than cold. Maybe it could help us?"
"Okay. You don't like that idea either. How about if we attempt to dig under it or bring the ceiling down on it?"
SUBJ: Crandor (R) FROM: GM Falcon 07/23/91 S#: 808736
Crandor listens to Eliza's comments silently, then speaks quietly, yet with a deadly tone:
"For someone who holds honor in such high regard..", he murmurs, "..you certainly fear a stand-up fight."
SUBJ: Raith..I missed you! (R) FROM: Samuel L S 07/23/91 S#: 408914
Sorry I haven't posted for a while, that is part of the reason I start my character's little religious introversion. I am back on the stage now.
After a few weeks of only a few words from Raith's mouth and a slow movement away from hours of silence and meditation, you all begin to see a change as the dragon situation arises.
"Omni, I know I am not new to this adventuring stuff, but I fear I know that talking to this dra-- white dragon would likely be-well, fatal to who ever is doing the talking. I have heard that white dragons are somewhat lacking in the area of intelligence, but all dragons know when a scheme is up. I would suggest more of a surrounding of the cursed beast, with magical and missile backup. I personally would feel a little uncomfortable getting that close to a dragon...at least not now with my limited spell selection."
Raith finishes with a sparkle in his eye. You can almost tell he cannot wait for the day he could battle a dragon, and win.
"My Dear Lady," He says looking up, "are you sure I am supposed to be here, I think I am getting power hungry."
He shakes his head and looks a the ground smiling. "Somehow, I always knew."
SUBJ: Tristan FROM: FrankP25 07/24/91 S#: 84641
"I say our best bet is to attack it from the 3 sides. We could incorporate the pillars in there. It would be best to be spread out as much as possible for strategical and defensive reasons. So, if we could but people in several places we could keep the dragon off-guard with several attacks from several places. I think that is our best strategy."
SUBJ: Mastiff FROM: Mastiff1 07/27/91 S#: 446015
Listening to Argent Spell plan, Mastiff ads his own. "I have a spell in memory right now that might help. I can create an illusionary wall of ice or cave in of ice over the entrance large enough for the dragon. If it believes the illusion he won't be able to escape."
Mad, I have these Spells written down as spells memorized: Phantasmal Force, MM
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 07/25/91 S#: 473459
'My plan of attack remains unchanged, Omni. No matter what stratedgy that you employ, I shall proceed as follows. Cast Shield and Fly before combat begins. My first attack shall be a Lightning Bolt, followed by two Magic Missiles. A Flaming Sphere comes next. I'll hold my Web in case we need to retreat. I have no delusions that it will stop the dragon, but it could slow it down enough to escape.'
SUBJ: Selarin (R) FROM: GrooToo 07/28/91 S#: 513357
My Opinion remains unchanged. Attack from a myriad of directions and use different weapons and effects to keep the white dragon off balance. If we attack in a planned out ambush we should be able to kill it within one or two rounds. I suggest that and area effect spells, such as fireballs, slows or others of that variety are cast at the beginning of the battle for maximum effect. I myself cannot do much in the way of offensive spell attacks but I can shoot quite accurately with my bow. I will shoot at the eyes of the beast and any other vulnerable looking areas first with my magic arrows then when they are used up I will use my normal arrows to pepper the beast until I am depleted the I will draw my sword and shield and attack.
SUBJ: Eliza FROM: Tora 07/28/91 S#: 836433
Hearing Crandor's comment about fearing a fight instantly brings out my katana. I pause though. Blade at the ready, I look towards Lord Omni while keeping Crandor in sight. If Master Perrel or Lord Omni speaks up before Crandor draws his weapon, I will follow their orders. If Crandor gets his weapon out and ready, I will attack with the full intent of regaining the honor this insult insinuates I don't have. If Master Perrel or Lord Omni speak up for this to stop, I will sheath my sword and look Crandor straight in the eye and say in a controlled but angry voice, "My honor was lost before because my lack of skill kept me from fulfilling my duties. I proved at least to myself that it is not my skill that caused me to not keep my fellow from harm but joss. You call into question my courage. I noticed you wanted to attack the trolls from hiding than straight out. The trolls were acknowledged enemies of the group. This dragon is not an enemy at this time. It will be if we attack and I will treat it as such. I have no problems with taking a life or causing harm if I am so ordered or my honor calls for it but life needs to be preserved when possible. In this case, we MAY come out ahead by asking it to be our friend. If you are too cowardly to try it, I will leave all my weapons and armor here and I will go alone to the dragon if Lord Omni believes it may work. I am not afraid of approaching the dragon in such a state, are you if Lord Omni asks you?"
My eyes do not leave his at any time, and I do not back away.
SUBJ: Crandor... FROM: GM Falcon 07/29/91 S#: 475340
Unfortunately, Crandor's weapon does come out first. (Don't worry Omni, did not forget what you said)
"Ooooh, I'm not talking about the peace initiative. I AM talking about inciting a cave in. Doesn't sound very courageous to ME!"
Assuming this is sufficient provocation (he's sure ready enough), he will fight to disarm/subdue.
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 07/30/91 S#: 515572
"Hold it, both of you!" I say, while rising to my feet, and moving between them.
"You're both acting like a couple of children!" I say loudly, but not loudly enough to carry to the dragon's chamber. "If you want to fight, save it for later. Right now, we have more pressing problems."
"Eliza may have acted rashly with the trolls, but we all survived the battle, and removed the trolls from the area in the process."
"There's no reason to cast aspersions on her bravery, as she's proven her courage on various occasions."
"But, you Crandor, you seem determined to keep riding her, as well as all the other women in this group. You've made clear your feelings on women adventuring."
"Remember this though, they are a part of this group, and as such your life might indeed rest on their actions. We're in this together, and we should be trying to help each other, not belittle one another."
"Now, both of you calm down, and if you want to beat each other's brains out, you can do it some time when we're not going to need the group at full strength, instead of when we're just about to invade a dragon's lair!" I say, in the angriest tone of voice anyone in the party has ever heard me use.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 07/31/91 S#: 49264
Omni waits until Crandor and Eliza draw their swords to speak.
"If you two want to kill each other, do it on your own time. I'm not out here in a frozen cave during the middle of a blizzard to watch a duel. Unless I'm mistaken, neither of you came to fight in one. I need two swords that can handle themselves in this fight we're about to enter, and I'm not going to find a replacement out here. Now settle down and forget killing each other, or the first one that moves has to come through me. We will resolve this after the fight."
"Now, as for our plan of attack, I believe a multi-front assault is the best strategy. Crandor, Tristan and Arathnasis will try and circle the dragon, and come in from behind. I'll be taking a more direct approach, along with Eliza and Drakkor, who will both wait until MY signal to attack. Perrel, Schar, and Tristan will be the third attacking group- wait for an opening and then strike. You three are the final group primarily because you're all clerics, and to be honest, I'm more concerned that you're around to patch things up after the fight."
"I left the rest of you out of those groups for a reason. You're all spellcasters, and would probably cave under anything that dragon hits you with. Just do what you do best- hit it with anything you can from afar, then grab some cover. For those of you joining the melee who can cast spells... well, if you get a good spell opening, don't hesitate to take it; use your own judgment. Schar, my guess would be if any group gets hit by that thing's breath, it will be mine. This may sound a tad selfish, but if you don't mind, please use those protection spells of yours on us."
"Well everyone, good luck. May The Sword emerge unscathed, and decorated by the blood of its enemy."
Omni will then see to it that the groups are in position, and quietly lead his forward. Attempting to synchronize himself with the group attacking from the rear, Omni's group will charge in straight for the dragon- making plenty of noise once its awake.
Spectrum's Comments: Next time: The Company in battle against the white dragon!