Dragon fight
The group, having struggled and failed to break Cryovain's concentration on gathering the magic from the lair and Icespire Hold itself, were now faced with the possibility of imminent destruction as the dragon prepared to unleash a blast of magic at them, far stronger than anything they had yet seen.
With only moments to spare before the blast, Effie, concerned for the life of Idris, concentrated on doing something she had never attempted before, and in his hand the dagger she was bound to started to grow in size, not quite managing to get as large as she had intended, but still, in his hand he now held a shortsword.
Cryovain, almost looking wrong with the sheer force and volume of the magic it had gathered, the frigid energy almost crackling through the scales, arches its neck back, and then lets out a huge breath. Unlike the previous breath attacks it had used, it was no fog of freezing air, but a highly condensed power that came out like a beam of brilliant light, blasting forward hitting everyone except Pine who was behind it. The beam kept going as the dragon seems to lose control of such concentrated magic, and it arcs up and around thousands of feet away, so powerful in fact that the avalanche which had just started to fall after the crack of Pine's teleportation, was halted by the wall of ice that the blast left in place. For the moment at least.
In the face of such vast power, one so powerful as to be able to stop an avalanche, all the group that was hit by it became frozen in the pure frigid devastation of that power, all except Zenari. She had hidden behind the wall of the tower, but even that gave way under the vast force of the magic being hurtled their way. The huge blocks of stone, ones that had held for hundreds, even thousands of years, exploded inwards at the sheer force of the blast and although she did not become encased in ice like the others, the damage of the blast would have killed her except for the ward that flared to life. Pine had earlier placed a blessing upon her, a ward that denied her from crossing the doorway between life and death, and instead she clung onto life, barely, but Zenari remained alive.
The vast amount of power that the dragon had just unleashed had taken an appalling toll on the it. It was left gasping, barely clinging to life. Dragons were creatures of magic, and it had just expelled so much of it in that blast that it was struggling to sustain itself, having harmed itself in an incredibly destructive way in the last ditch attempt to kill the group so it could survive. The power of the blizzard around, affected by the magical energy, battered against the magic Pine had been holding to tame it, and broke through, the temperature dropping around them, the winds picking up as the weather turned frigid and hostile, more so than before.
Zenari stood amongst the rubble, her own wild magic flaring, flames started to lick up her fingers and arms, but it did not harm her, as it danced over her skin, healing it a little before settling into a shield of fire around her. In her hand, she grasped the staff of Talos and pointed it at the dragon, sending a shaft of lighting directly towards it, the power glancing off and cracking the ice around both Falcon and Idris on the way. Cryovain's cry of pain echoed across the mountains surrounding them even as she stepped across the ice, the shield melting it as she went, and pressed healing into the one armed ranger, his form flickering and multiplying as the wild magic continued to surge.
Shrieking in fury, Cryovain swipes its tail, attempting to knock the cleric behind him off the keep, but missed. The battle was not going well for the dragon, and those huge wings started to beat, magic drawn in to direct the winds to attempt to help lift it into the air.
Pine, fearful of the dragon disappearing before his task was done, clawed his way up the back of the dragon and called forth his spiritual guardians, the shadowy wisps of death swirling around him. He spoke then, and despite the howling of the storm around them, despite the chaos and desperation of the battle, his voice came out calm and clear.
"The Three demand your death."
His tone held an inevitability of that demise, that even to a dragon it chilled down to the very marrow of its bones, as if those words held power from beyond the mortal realm.
With Pine clinging to his back, Cryovain launched himself into the air even as Falcon managed to rouse Siax just enough to bring him back to consciousness. No matter that the dragon tried to dislodge the cleric from its back, Pine clung on, the frigid weather around them only feeling more so as the wind whipped past.
With Falcon's help, Siax staggered to his feet, assessing the battleground before moving quickly to the treasure pile in the centre, already nocking a phase arrow as he takes in the fleeing form of the dragon. ["Now who's a coward,"] he goaded the dragon, even as the arrow flitted in and out of reality before embedding itself into the back of Cryovain's skull doing critical damage. "Here's another! You're going down!" he shouted, as he drew back the bow, murmuring to it "Keep it up, you're doing great!" He did not expect to get an answer from it, but determined and confident, the bow thought back to him, "WE are doing great!". The arrow hits the dragon, hitting in exactly the same place, widening the crack in the skull that had already been made before continuing on deep inside.
High in the sky, Cryovain, the white terror of Icespire Peak, was felled by that arrow. The huge body of the dragon fell from its flight, no life to sustain it, and it tumbled from the sky. With Pine still clinging to its back.
In those moments as Siax looked on with dawning horror as he saw their cleric fall with the dragon, Zenari managed to heal Idris, the chaos rolling through her unexpectedly, dispelling previous magics on her, and healing her entirely, all her sorcerous power returning to her call. There was more to it, but nothing she could make out in those moments. Idris, meanwhile, got himself up and went over to where Tokk was lying, still clinging to life having clawed his way back from unconsciousness, his broken leg useless, and helped heal the half-ogre enough to continue.
But things were not looking good for Pine. With the angle the dragon had initially fallen, there was no way he could jump to safety, and it was a long way down. He had no magic that could aid him, no charge of the teleportation spell to do so either, and he knew that when he hit the ground, there would be no saving him. The spirit guardians still whirl around him, and in them he sees hints of the Three figures that seem to be watching him intently.
"Do what was promised," Myrkul says to him as he plummets down through the air with the corpse of the dragon, and in that moment, he understands what he must do. There was no saving himself, but he could still potentially manage to uphold his bargain. With the wind howling around him, the velocity of the fall trying to rip him away from the corpse, Pine starts to desperately dig through one of the many lacerations that had only become worse in the death throws of the dragon's life.
It was difficult, so very difficult to find purchase to claw his way through dragon hide, some of the most resilient hide around. His claws seemed to do little at first, but between those and the tearing claws of the spiritual guardians that still circled him, he managed to claw his way inside the corpse, and deeper, until he found the heart. Knowing he only has moments left, he savagely forces himself forward and sinks his teeth into the heart of the dragon.
Only moments later, the corpse of Cryovain and its passenger, Arctic Wind Through Pine, hit the ground at the base of the Icespire Peak with a mighty crash.
Death of Pine and the Deal with the Three
Returning to Axeholm
After ensuring that Pine was all right, the group made their way back to Axeholm. Siax had seen the avalanche break through the dragon's ice wall when he and Falcon were making their way down the mountain, and it was decided that Tokk, who had chosen to stay behind at Icespire Hold with the treasure, along with the terrified rogue from the Hand of Neverwinter who had been making a dash for it down the hill during the battle, had no chance of surviving that event.
[dragon to rest, and bones?]
And so, weary but triumphant, the group made the journey back towards Axeholm and the hope for some respite in its halls. Pine's journey was less burdened in more ways than one, for not only had he completed the task successfully for his Gods, but most of his belongings had not survived the fall. He was, however, alive, in a manner of speaking, and belongings could be replaced.
As they moved, Falcon dug around in his backpack and brought out something to show the group. "I didn't want to leave this," he told the group, "in case the cycle started again." In his arm, he held a dragon egg. Unsure whether the dragon could be brought up not to be a threat, and wary of others knowing about it, the group decided to keep the egg for now, and keep it a secret from others. Idris, hoping to hatch and rear it in future.
When they get back to Axeholm, they find a thriving outpost. The people there have become quite organised, and have elected the mayor and leader of the Phandalin crew; [Sharna Quirstiron]. She had been the head of the Miner's Exchange from Phandalin.
As the weeks passed after they returned, most of the people, hearing the news of the dragon threat having been dealt with, would head back to Phandalin to reclaim and rebuild their homes and businesses. However despite this Axeholm remained open, with some deciding to stay there instead, such as [Nundro Rockseeker] who had been looking to settle in a dwarven stronghold for most of his life, and [Sharna] who is working with others to build up Axeholm to return it to what it once had been: a centre of trade.
The people of Gnomegarde had emerged to help with rebuilding the dwarven city. Factoré found her calling in diplomacy between the two cities, able to work to helping find a middle ground between the whimsical and distractible attitude of Gnomengarde, and the more serious outlook of those from Axeholm
Over time the group would notice that their defeat of the dragon had had a marked effect on their lives, not only in the triumph of succeeding, but in a more fundamental way. Each of them had gained a mark upon their body that was reminiscent of dragon scales, and they also were also wield a small measure of draconic power.
During this time Siax would seek out Nundro in order to get an expedition up to Icespire Hold in order to investigate the history and culture of the Keep itself, along with any knowledge about the guild there. Nundro was only too happy to do so, especially with the promise of the dragon's treasure that still resided there.
Pine spent most of his time while in the city carving. He claimed
one of the rooms that had been mostly cleared out, and carved a stone
pedestal with his magic and tools that held the image of the three figures
on that cloud of shadows coming in through the doors of Axeholm
Below it were the words:
Axeholm,
Cursed and corrupted for [number] years,
Was freed on the 25th day of Tarsakh, 1592,
By the will and actions of
The Dead Three
The rest of the room was a shrine with three separate altars, each one holding its own stone icon. One for Bane, one for Myrkul, and one for Bhaal.
Zenari, over the same period of time, has had her faint green aura start to come back again, but it is weaker than it had been in the past since the event that happened with the quari. She does not know what it means. There has also been no sight or sign of the assassin.
Who did get in contact though, was the voice of Zatharius through a telepathic message to her.
"Greetings Zenari. It is I, Zatharius. I have been brought back under considerable expense, and residing in Candlekeep. I do not know if you know this, but the person who slaid me is after you. If you can, we should speak, for I know more about your condition."
You have all heard of Candlekeep. It is a legendary library to the south of where the group is stationed by at least a couple of days on horseback. It is where all the grand wizards and archmeisters, and so on, reside. It seems someone brought Zatharius back to life, and when they do that without a body, the original body disappears. No one gets into Candlekeep without a sizeable donation in the form of artifacts, interesting books etc. Once someone does gain admittance it is generally a very useful place to be allowed into.
Zenari does not know whether to believe that this is Zatharius, considering the assassin had managed to trick them through messages before, although as she thinks about it, she becomes convinced that it is.
Idris would have helped around Axeholm during the time there, and then aided in rebuilding Phandalin. He also sought out [Geldryn Foehammer] to see if he could repair his sword, after it had been shattered by Cryovain. Geldryn was renowned for working with magical weaponry. It was good news, for after looking at the part of the shattered sword Idris still had, and at the shortsword that housed Effie he carried, he thought he might be able to combine the two. Extra metal was needed, and so Idris's shield was needed for that and the holy symbol on it, and the gold ore he'd mined with Tokk for embellishments. Eventually it was to become a greatsword, although it would take time. It was decided that Idris would work with Geldryn on the blade, as he had been interested in smithing for a long time.
When everything had settled down sufficiently, Siax could be found writing a long letter to his father for the first time in a long while. He had been in Sword Coast for months, and had heard nothing, and had sent nothing in return.
Lord Neverember
After a couple of weeks, the group followed the people out of Axeholm and back to Phandalin. The town is slowly being rebuilt, and no matter the destruction all around them, the group are hailed as heroes. It was during this time that there was a cry from one of the scouts that someone was coming.
A large and beautifully appointed black and gold carriage drew close to the town and entered, along with a contingent of guards. From that carriage a handsome older gentleman emerges, his clothing rich and expensive and hosted a large medallion of office around his neck and shoulders. Idris recognises the person as Lord Dagult Neverender, the Lord Protector of Neverwinter.
"So! What has happened here? We heard great tales coming from Phandalin. Who was responsible for the slaying of the dragon?"
Idris would introduce himself, and the rest of the group as well. At hearing the Doyro name, Lord Neverember seemed satisfied and pleased, for the Doryu name carried a great deal of weight and importance in the nobility of the land, attributing the group's success to Idris's leadership skills.
From behind Lord Neverember, one of the guards flipped up his visor and showed himself to be one of Idris's cousins, [Dynasius Doryu], son of his uncle, [Hugo Doryu]. "Well, well well. Of course it's you, Idris," the words coming out in a mild but good natured ribbing. "I didn't realise it was you out here, but yah, it makes sense."
The two cousins caught up while the rest of them, including Lord Neverember, who seemed to be used to his guard acting without restraint in this way, listened on as Dynasius complained about his own task during the last month. Healing those of the plague compared to the excitement of actually killing a dragon was not held nearly in as high esteem in Idris's cousin's mind.
Still, the group listened as they were told that the plague there was not natural in origin, as it resisted magic. The situation was now under control though. It seemed that in light of the city starting to reopen in the aftermath of the plague, Lord Neverember was going out to check on the lands surrounding the city in order to reestablish his presence in the domain he was tasked to watch over.
"Yes, Yes," Lord Neverember said, halting the somewhat juvenile conversation from his guard that he had been tolerant of up to that point, "I recognise some of your insignia, ranger" he points at Siax. "I do not recognise the others, but I've heard the stories. Heroes. I've come here to invite you formally to join the Lords Alliance as protectors. An honorary title, but with some benefits. It's to recognise your status in the realm. I also wanted to…" he looks around, "perhaps speak to you privately. Do we have perhaps a room or the house of the… Mayor? I don't know how small towns work."
The mayor's house is there, but it's not in good condition. Instead Idris, who had been helping rebuild Phandalin, would lead them to a currently unoccupied but secure dwelling in order to continue the conversation.
"Okay. What I say here does not escape these walls, you understand?" Lord Neverember continued. "I know who I have told, and so if it comes out I will know that you have leaked it. But what you have done, your actions here have been more good than you could possibly imagine. The plague we are experiencing in Neverwinter has been directly attributed to those Talos fuckers. There is a war going on, people, and frankly I want you on my side."
This was news to the group, and it was Siax who questioned the statement, having seen no evidence of war.
Very intentional you see. They've attacked in numerous places all at once. I do not know what their main aim is. In neverwinter they unleashed a plague beyond anything we've seen before. Here, I've been told they were summoning a storm that you've put a stop to. We've lost all word from Luskan up north. They are planning something, but they are still hiding in the shadows to do it. It's still a war though. No marching boots on the field, but something worse."
"Who? Who is the war with?"
"Now, you look like a smart fellow. I'd tell you that the cult of Talos that you've encountered, but they're not normally this proactive. I feel something is using them. Something is organising them. What it is, we don't know yet. I've sent word to Waterdeep, and they have no idea either. We will find out though."
It was then Idris who spoke up, memories of what he had found out from the shipwreck coming to mind. "I've heard about the cult of Talos. Actually a cousin of mine, was secretly a spy, was investigating. Apparently a figure named [Gadreel] is supposed to be the leader, but that's all I know."
"We know this name. Gadreel. Apparently a woman of some large proportions has been raiding and destroying shops down under the name of Gadreel." Lord Neverember pauses, looking over them all, before continuing. "I'll lay it out for you all. There's a small town to the south of here. Leilon. I wish to give you this town. It would be yours to govern and protect until this blows over. There's a keep outside of town that would be completely yours to do with as you will. All I ask is that you keep that area safe." The group would not have to do the daily civil duties, but act more as military rulers. Whoever is staying in the keep is in charge of protecting the town. "It is next to the… what's the name of that swamp?"
"The Mere of Dead Men," Pine would say, his voice cutting through for the first time since the man had appeared.
"Yes. Yes, that's the one. Dreadful place, but I guess there's a town next to it."
Pine, wanting to check whether this was a good idea, considering he had no knowledge of what the Three were planning in the Mere, would reach out to his Gods. Almost instantly Myrkul would answer in his mind, his voice feeling like a far more direct connection than he has had before.
"Yes, come to the Mere. Observe our work. The next steps shall be revealed there."
Focusing his somewhat unnerving red gaze on the Lord Protector, Pine would tell him that he is not interested in aligning himself with a group like the Lords Alliance, but despite that, it is his intention to take down the Cult of Talos in the area.
"Oh, listen, the title is all well and good. It's more an honorific. As long as you are willing to fight these people, I'm all good with that. I'll put my considerable backing on your side."
Siax does not appear keen, suspicious of the Lord Protector's intentions, but Lord Neverember does not remind one of the former mayor, Harben Wester, of whom Siax was not fond. He looks almost like a lion of a man. He has the confidence, and perhaps a little of the look of one. What he says does seem like the truth of it, for he seems quite frustrated and angered at these cultists, and he wants to fight them. They get the feeling that this is a person who generally gets what he wants, so he is being quite forceful. Siax does get the feeling he is hiding some things, but not what those things are. He is a stone wall, a consummate politician, and gives little away. He is definitely a more honest version, a braver version of the deceased mayor of Phandalin was, but he has secrets.
Seeing Siax's hesitation to agree, he would push off the wall and lean forward and lightly brush Siax's arm to get his attention, and then nod to him to show his support of the plan to move to Leilon, having received the direction from Myrkul. He trusts his Gods to grasp things about both the situation, and the Lord Protector, that he does not.
"I know, I know. I've worked with you adventuring types before. You need to be free or you'll go mad. But just go there. Meet the people. No constraints. Message me, see what you think after you've seen the area, and we'll see what happens after that. All I know is that where you guys are, sorry, you people are, things I want keep happening, so I just want to put you in the right place. The Keep is still yours to use though, even if you deny the titles that come with the allegiance to the Lords Alliance, the people will not see it so, and they will use them. I'm afraid that is a bit out of your hands. You've gained quite the reputation for yourselves, if you are not aware. Yes, this area is a bit of a backwater, but your tales and deeds have spread far and wide."
Siax would take that comment as a bit of an insult, and would say, "If it wasn't for the good folk of this backwards town, and their stoic determination to fight back when no one else would help, then we wouldn't be having this conversation."
"Hmm, yes, of course. Citizens of the Sword Coast: Stern stuff."
"More than you know."
Siax's challenging and somewhat intimidatingly determined gaze towards the Lord Protector washes over him as water over a river stone. "As you say." This man has survived the politics of both Waterdeep and Neverwinter, and is unlikely to be cowed by a small town ranger, no matter how skilled.
[Zenari's decision is not made at this time]
The conversation finished soon after, with Idris agreeing to look after
the town of Leilon, and the group were left to discuss their
options. Idris's cousin found him afterwards, and told him that he
would join them temporarily with some guards to reinforce the town.
It was decided that Factoré, who had been working as a liaison between
Gnomegarde and Axeholm, would join them in order to help buttress the
town's defences and as an advisory role. Falcon also agreed,
considering it would be some time before he could rebuild a lodge for
himself, especially as his own physical ability had been reduced with the
lack of an arm. There was some discussion between Factoré and Siax
about creating a prosthetic arm for Falcon, but it would take time to make
and test it out. Geldryn Foehammer also agreed to move to Leilon
with them, as working on Idris's blade would take a not insignificant
amount of time. Siax also asked Nundro, but the dwarf was unwilling
to move, not with him and Gundren having looked for a dwarven stronghold
for so long, and his brother being buried there.
Preparing to move south, what was just a band of strangers at the start, are now closely knit adventuring party. But more, even, because they have given so much for each other. They have literally risked death to save one another. A group of friends gets ready to head down south to find out more about what is occurring in the Sword Coast, and find out how they can use what they have, to put things right. Whatever 'right' means for them. And thus closes the first chapter of the group that came to be known as the Heroes of Phandalin. What will their future adventures be? Well, we may find out. But what's for sure is that their names will go down in legend.