December 2018 (326 U.C., end of Hunter's Moon)
In the year 326 U.C., a small band of child slaves was purchased, loaded within a cart, and were being shipped westward. At least, to all outward appearances, this was what was happening. In reality, Ugg the Half-Ogre of Dragon's Den had sent the "merchant" southward to purchase young slaves with the intent of setting them free. At least, this was the way things should have gone......
On the third day of their journey, our young heroes-in-the-making were set upon by lizardfolk of the Ssillass Swamp after being forced to turn westward due to the war between Nephidia and the Northern Alliance. Though they escaped, the fellow slave being transported with them, an older gentlemen selected as a teacher for the youngsters and the caravan guards were killed ensuring they could escape. All that would remain is the caravan master and our youngsters.
The journey northward from their location was fraught with more peril than the party knew. As they were very inexperienced, without even a profession, they survived to reach Xulin when they truly had no right to be alive. This proved especially true as a Galeb Dur had thrown rocks with the intent to drive them out of its claimed territory... nearly killing the young Demitirri in the process.
Though the initial thought was to remain in Xulin, after learning the full story behind the caravan master's actions and what awaited them in Dragon's Den, it was decided to continue onward for the eastward travel to Dragon's Den. The journey took many days indeed, but finally the party would arrive in Dragon's Den.
As the caravan master pulled their battered wagon into the Arena grounds, the large Half-Ogre would meet with the party. From there, the party was given a home to reside in, and each party member was given routes to personal growth and success as citizens of Dragon's Den.
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Ardel the Barbarian's following two years were spent in the Arena, training under Ugg's tutelage as he desired to become a strong "pit-fighter" sort of character. It was during this time, actually during his second true fight, that Ardel first shifted into bear form, showing that he was a member of the Bear Clan of Barbarians. Afterwards his birthmark took on a silver hue and became more of a tattoo than anything else. On his arm the imprint of a bear paw formed, marking him as part of the Bear Clan and serving as "proof" to other tribes. After this he fought once more, facing another Barbarian, only to discover too late that he, too, was a Were-bear. After being trounced thoroughly, the two would speak only to discover that the two of them were the last of their tribe... the others having journeyed to the east in search of a new home with the mountains.
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Demitirri of the Dunia Tribe would spend the following two years within the Druid's Grove of Dragon's Den. While here he would spend much time learning of the natural world around him, of the lands he currently inhabited, and the wonders known. It was then that he made the choice to go against what was the norm for a Leonine Felian and turned away from the warrior's life to become a Druid of the Earth. Demitirri would spend extra time throughout his day-to-day life in teaching and training his faithful warthog, Bebop.
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Ryukane Jurou of the Dragon Islands held a particular personality within him. Smaller than the others, more cautious, and far less trusting, he soon found himself under the wing of Regis of the Lord's Council. Becoming somewhat cold to others outside of his new family, Jurou would take to his studies and training with a fervor... forging himself into a rogue with many talents. His desire for revenge upon all who drove him into slavery and his family to ruin and death.
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Tiewaz, the youngest of the crew, would soon learn that he was different even from the Felian and Werebear. He would discover in the most disconcerting of ways that he was a Half-Dragon. Waking one morning he would scare the hell out of Ardel when, overnight, he had metamorphosed into something completely inhuman. Tiewaz's studies in the School of the Arcane had hit a roadblock. The magic was there. He could feel it. He knew the ways to shape it and call upon it.. but something within was simply not making the required connection in order to make it a reality. Though he would continue to study, he took up a job as a scribe as well in order to pay for his day to day expenses.
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After a harrowing journey from Nephidia to Dragon’s Den, the party has officially been welcomed and accepted as citizens of “the Den” as residents refer to it.
Now, 2 years have gone by for our young heroes-to-be. Various individual endeavors have kept all busy, but the apartment they share has proven to be a boon for all... granting stability, a sense of community, and truly allowing the party to bond on a deeper level and understand each other better. They all had that initial bond that kept them together of course (mainly the shared journey here as well as the fact all share an apartment). As they’ve grown to understand each other better, they have also learned the driving forces that push them each forward.
Over the course of the 2 years they have taken the time to witness many events that make up the “norm” for Dragon’s Den. From the weekly Arena battles that serve as entertainment, to the quiet meditation or religious observances that seem to happen every first day of the week… the city itself has an ebb and flow all its own. Children attend schooling until midday before returning home for apprenticeships, chores, or the play depending on their individual situations. The Lords of the Den are constantly coming and going without notice on diplomatic trips to Trademeet or the Kingdom of Raran… even to far-flung Xulin from time to time. By midday the market it bustling with activity as area farmers and craftsmen hawk their wares. Shops seem to close by nightfall, allowing families to spend the evenings together. From time to time a shop will be open later for some sort of activity (such as anniversary sales and the like). During Rulefest the citizens are dressed in handmade outfits, dressed as the various Gods and Goddesses of Solinar, depending upon their race and current desires (many honor all the Gods… though some honor one alone).
The world as a whole has begun to undergo changes as well. Reports of fighting between the Swamp and Xulin have begun to spread throughout the city. It is said that the Swamp itself is now at war with itself and seems to have split into two factions. Hushed whispers of Yuan-Ti fighting the Lizardfolk and Dragon of the Swamp have begun spreading as well. Nothing is known for sure… but those are the rumors. Nephidia has ceased sending troops northward for the time being, but it is sure to start again without notice. Trademeet has been assisting with the defense of the south, along with Dragon’s Den. Currently the Soldiers are back in garrison except for the few rangers and scouts that stayed in the south to keep watch. A new hamlet called Riverspot has sprung up just south of Waterton. By all reports it’s a quiet little place with Halfling and Human residents.
One evening as they are gathered around in the kitchen area while eating their evening meal… and a knock at the door draws everyone’s attention........
January 2019 (328 U.C., 1st Day of Spring's Light) by Ardel
Gather around! Gather another round, the mead flows like the tale!
It begins on a night with good food that warms the soul and strengthens the body. The MoonStone Dragons feasted on the Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties, when worried emissary for the Den’s chiefs came a knocking on the door. The grand rulers need the MoonStone Dragons venture across the land to be their eyes and discover the mystery Xulin.
Sent across the land the MoonStone Dragons first met foul Kuo-toa. The wretched aquatic beasts attacked during the MoonStone Dragon’s sleep. Tie Waz the dragon man, ever vigilant alerted the group.
Dimitri called upon the powers of the land and blinded one, and sent his warboar to wreak havoc on the beasts. Jurou, the Shellan (Bee Sting), used his expertise to down a foe. Ardel smashed one with a mighty strike and ran across the beach to prevent the vile Kuo-toa from killing their faithful baggage donkey from being torn apart. As Ardel strode across the beach, several more Kuo-toa appeared. The Shellan dropped another. One was going to stab Ardel from behind, so the Shellan loosed two bolts. Ardel dived so they would hit the treacherous beasts, not fast, enough one of the arrow got Ardel in the end.
Therefore, to sleep the party went again. Again, the dirty Kuo-toa attacked, in numbers. The Shellan began his work of death again, while Tie Waz occupied the beasts. Ardel threw himself into the fray to distract the Kuo-Toa leader. Dimitri used the wrath of his god Grumbar to ensnare many of the creatures in their own seaweed. Such was the wrath of Dimitri that one was pulled into the fire to burn for his actions. The seaweed frothed in the water as well as on the land wrapping up those close the water. Ardel was engulfed as well. As the Kuo-toa, melted back to call for help Ardel burst for the seaweed and roared mightily. Shaken and not wanting to face more ire the Kuo-toa fled.
Scouting along they found a shimmering wall of Eldritch energy that went along as far as the eye could see. It killed all living animal with an electric shock that encountered it. From the Ocean north and rounded like a titanic gem it wrapped around to the west. To find its extent, the MoonStone Dragons followed it up into the mountains. All along the way Jurou chronicled, measured, and tested the properties of the wall while teaching Ardel the letters.
Immediately it was noticeable that these mountains were different. The maze like trail through the crags changed. Finally, almost as if they were forced, they entered a massive cave. Dimitri and his warboar immediately noticed a great threat! With a wet tear scream, a displacer beast eyed them with blood lust. Dimitri cast a dazzling effect to blind the creature. It only really angered it. With a massive leap, it landed in between Dimitri, the warboar, and Jurou. Tie Waz and Ardel charged the beast with war cries echoing through the chamber. The supernatural nature of the beast protected it from the mighty warriors and their weapons passed through without effect. Jurou however earned his title Shellan. His bow sang and the arrow struck true! Deep in the monster’s chest the arrow sank. With a yowl of desperation and rage, the beast leapt at Shellan and with its two eviscerating tentacles lashed through his armor, but the beast bite hard on Shellan left should with a crunch of bone and sinew. Tie Waz and Ardel leapt at the monster swinging away until Ardel crushed its skull with his mace. The warboar was protecting their faithful donkey. Dimitri ministered to the fallen nigh dead Jurou.
Ardel and Tie Waz conducted a quick search of the creature lair, found two hapless bodies, and prepared to give them a proper burial. While Dimitri aided Jurou to keep him from passing to the nether world, he noticed a deeper, angrier, hungrier pack lord! While the heroes were, flush with well-earned victory they had to consider the near-to-death compatriot whose body could not withstand the wounds of his dear friends. Therefore, they left in haste.
Guarded by simple spoon-trap wards of the Ardel they stayed in a cave with a fresh stream and nursed the frail Jurou back to health. Ardel prepared a bracing and hearty meal for them all. The next day was also spent recuperating from their harrowing adventure and discussing their options. Armed with the knowledge that they had of the Eldritch Wall of Force that surrounded Xulin, they felt they needed to make the long return journey to Dragon’s Den.
However, the gods, or to be precise a god, was not through with them yet. The twisting labyrinth continued to change. Finally, the passageways through the mountain lead them to a large open area that contained a Temple. About the temple were massive flagstones inscribed with arcane sigils. Only through the vast knowledge of Tie Waz did they figure out that the sigils were Abyssal letters. The party left immediately and were tried by hours more of twisting paths that changed and led them back to the temple area.
Faced now with a puzzle, the MoonStone Dragons put their wits and knowledge to the test to cross to the temple. With Ardel’s wisdom the scholarly knowledge of Tie Waz, Dimitri’s connection to the very stones, and the cunning of Jurou they solved the puzzle.
Waiting at the top of the temple on a massive stone throne was the dragon god, Rune Sword, Eliphasilantix. The being greeted them by name and gave each advise on their journeys through life. Tie Waz and Dimitri were told they were nigh the last of their lines. Tie Waz was told that he would have to make a choice as to what life he would take, Dragon or Human. Jurou was told that his own family betrayed his and that it was his cousin, Sho, was responsible. Ardel who felt alone in the world was told that he had a sister that is being held by the Raven tribe of the greenskins. The god’s final pronouncement was they they were all family. Hence, the Dragon god command MoonStone Dragons existence.
Eliphasilantix teleported back to Dragon’s Den where they made their report to chiefs of Dragon’s Den. Through Jurou’s patience and Tiw Waz’s knowledge, Ardel learned his letters and began to study the Mysteries of Ellana. With little in the way of thanks from the Dragon Den leadership, the MoonStone Dragons gained little but the knowledge given by divinity they prepared for their next grand adventure.
So one last mug of mead! Remember the Dragon Named! Tell the tale to all! When this tale is told more will come!
March 2018 (327 U.C., end of Rainfall) by Demittrri
So Regis gives us proposal to check on some “unknown” issues to the west with the promise of better equipping us to deal with the said unforeseen issues. Since we had nothing better else to do, we accepted.
First, we were taken to an armory where we received some special items. Rockhead received a massive mace, a chain shirt, and a magic Mug of Plenty. Shellen received a suit of Elven Chain, and a short bow; Tie Waz a spear and a magic sack. I was given enchanted armor, a club that does extra damage to the undead, and a bag of boulders, which was right my alley! In Grumbar’s name!
The next day, Rockhead, Shellen, Tie, Lancelot and I headed west to the hills we were at a while ago…I still have nightmares about the displacer beast. We and found a magic wall with the sigil
of Elliphis. We passed through the magic wall and cleaned up the area where we faced the displacer beast. Rockhead skinned the beast and hand out trophies of teeth and claws. Outside the huge cave we heard the sound of dragons fighting. Tie Waz wanted to go outside to see what the fighting was about. I yelled, “Why do you do these things?!”
We managed to find a pool of water that turned into whirlpool upon Tie activating a dragon symbol. I detected a magic aura about the water so I figured it was a passage to another location. Due to the others being a bunch of jackelopes, I jumped in first—leaders lead! I told Lancelot to stay behind but he didn’t listen. I hate when others are indecisive—it’s even more annoying than getting my fur wet. Once we made it to the other side, we found ourselves in some ruins. We were met by hordes of skeletons, which posed no problems. We eventually got to a room with an undead sorcerer who gave us some problems. I thought a rolling ball of fire would do him in…unfortunately, he was impervious to it and used it against my team. Unfortunately for him, Rockhead is a bruiser. He was quickly dealt with. Immediately after the fight, we went into another room with a more skeletons led by a skeleton warrior. Here’s what I don’t understand…why, for the love of Grumbar, does the werebeast in the group not go after the warrior?! Everybody else was jacking around with these frail skeletons while this monster was hanging around taking swings all willy nilly. I saw the issue with the current tactic and charged the warrior with Lancelot at my side. I yelled, “For the Dunia!!!” as I struck a mighty blow to the warrior, but he returned the favor two-fold nearly killing me. The warrior apparently forgot about Lancelot who ended his life soon afterwards. My mighty monkey saved my life and for that he will get extra chickens to eat! Just wait until he grows full size! Shellen stated that we needed to rest before we made anymore moves. I quickly agreed. As Shellen, Lancelot and I were settling down, the clown crew duo of Rockhead and Tai decided to go through another set of doors to an outside area where a bearded demon occupying a stone throne waiting for us. I yelled, “Why do you do these things??!!” Crickets….
Here I am with two spells left and still nursing my wounds from the previous fight. The demon was upset about being locked away for eons by the dragon god mitzleplix…I think that’s his name. The demon said, “blah blah…I’m mad…blah blah blah…I’m going to kill you!” But here’s the best part…Shellen responds, “So, are you coming down here or are we supposed to go up there?” It was so funny that I forgot that I was in a bad way for a few seconds. We carefully approached and the battle ensued. I summoned everything I could to distract him, but it was to no avail. My earth elemental did strike first blood though! Anytime we would surround him, he would teleport somewhere else. Shellen was having serious problems with his bow for some reason. Eventually, Rockhead transformed into his beast form and attempted to wrestle him which was probably the coolest thing I’ve seen to date. I mean, if you’re a bear…be a fekkin’ BEAR! Once the demon was worn down (with Tie Waz primarily being responsible), he summoned another demon. To our fortune, Rockhead was too much for him and we prevailed.
Rockhead such a double-edged sword. It’s hard to hate him as much as I want to. Upon being victorious, Rockhead bashed the stone throne to bits while the rest of us recovered.
April 2018 (327 U.C., beginning of Sping's Light) by Tiewaz
As the adventure continues, we entered the ziggurat and come to the resting place of a long dead king or something. Who knows how long ago really, I mean... he was just a rocky, human looking thing. We looted his resting place afterwards anyways... he won't need it.
After we looted it, we found a gem under the body and a fancy crown on the body itself. The crown was used to open a way deeper into the tomb while the gem we soon find out released the Flesh to Stone spell that was cast on the people in the trophy room we discovered.
Making the decision to do so, we first freed a Dwarf who attacked Jurou in his confused state. After coming to his senses we found out his name was Thorgrim, who is from a time far in the ancient past. We asked if he has a clan which caused him to yell. "ME CLAN," before quickly running off.
Next we woke up a catfolk that looked like Demittri. We found out he was the founder of the Dunia Tribe, a person named Mufono. Sometime during his ordeal. he had lost an arm against something powerful. After we bandaged him a bit and asking questions on what happened to him. (No new info was given to us due to him being confused still, but hey good news is that Demittri finally found his idol, I think. Maybe his clan will now rise again.)
Next we was going to wake up the orc, but Mufono just melted him, so that was out of the question I guess. So the next target was the Human who was missing a foot. We discovered he wasn't all that old, was named Hargoon, and seemed to be part of Ardel's clan. We asked him what happened to the Bear clan, but not even he knows. But it seems he was a fresher victim, so the Bear Clan might still be nearby in the mountains. He did tell Ardel to listen to the moon to find the clan and his sister, which I guess is some mystical, divine thing.
After we gave Mufono and Hargoon food and water, we then freed the Halfling we found there. Once freed we found out he was from the time where the Univeral Calendar was introduced. We also learned he was a healer, a Cleric who follows the Halfling Goddess of Friendship, Cyrolalee.
Next we woke up the rocky human and a Genasi who we couldn't understand. He could barely understand us but lucky Aris can and we found out he speaks Celestial. After we talked, we found out he was a barkeeper of a long dead kingdom and his name was Tarun. We also found out the dead king was his king so we now know where he is from.
After we talked to all of them and got all the info we could out of them, gave them all food and water, we then decided to send them to Dragon's Den. We sent a message ahead of time then we gave them the teleport stones we had. We sent them on their way, however Tarun stayed behind and Aris gave Jurou the ability to speak Celestial.
After that we set up camp to rest, Thorgrim comes back not saying much. I just offered him food and water and then we finished up setting up camp. Tarun falls asleep next to his king's resting place. (We forgot to close the lid too... oops.) We asked Thorgrim if he wanted to come with us deeper into the tomb, but all he did was grunt, so I guess that's a yes? He went to sleep shortly after and the rest of us did as well to get ready for the next day.
To Be Continued....