"I'm leavin' on a jet plane" - or - "It's time for me to fly" ... Round 6, DM DEH Thursday January 17th, 2002 12:53:20 PM
Unless you intend to take on the archers and their company, there are no other opponents in the area not neutralized. With the last group of attacks, it is becoming clear that you are running out of time. You hear the thunder of marching boots once again in the distance. Even 2 great dragons and a group like the Storm Dragons will not be able to defeat such a trained group of warriors and mages. A'tath is almost free as well. Amazing that someone could be so strong as to break the hold of magic constructed by a great master of magic such as Bigby. It is unclear if our group of heros could take him out even if he was alone! Additional gates begin to appear farther back from the dais area. They are coming for you. The dragons allow all to climb on that will do so. The priests of Alemi get on Oratai. The wood from the stage outside the antimagic zone is burning pretty good now as it has been hit with magic flames from all the spells. It creeps toward your position. Your turn...
Jus Thursday January 17th, 2002 1:24:59 PM
Jus shoves the ropes into his pack and climbs onto the Gold Dragon. Letting out a whoop of joy, Jus exclaims, "I wish my brothers could see me now!"
Nonam Thursday January 17th, 2002 1:36:46 PM
Nonam climbs onto Sturdavent, readying a counterspell for anything that comes from the army [Dispel Magic if the actual counterspell is not memorized].
Qualde d20+12=25 Thursday January 17th, 2002 1:47:57 PM
Singed by the backlash of her own spell (saved for 1/4 damage with 25), and overwhelmed by what she sees as her goddess' betrayal, Qualde is oblivious to the arrows that strike her. Numbly, she follows Jus, clambering up Sturtavent's side with none of her usual grace. The drow finds a seat, but makes no move to hold on or otherwise secure herself for flight.
Cantos Thursday January 17th, 2002 2:11:42 PM
Cantos scrambles up on the Gold Dragon's back behind Qualde. Seeing that she is not really ready Cantos wedges himself firmly in and then readies to steady the drow if she seems to slip."Hold on Qualde you'll fall if you are not watching."
Gareth Thursday January 17th, 2002 4:41:58 PM
Once everyone else is aboard a dragon, the warrior tries to use his winged boots to get a perch up on Oratai but dicovers they are not working. He uses the old-fashioned method and climbs. "So much for being dragons..." he mutters as he looks out over the archers from his new vantage point.
Addinein Thursday January 17th, 2002 4:53:17 PM
Addinein takes one final look around at the carnage. Taking his time, he makes sure that all the allies are quickly climbing upon the dragons' back. Should anyone be falling behind, Addinein will have expedition retreat ready.
The Good Guys, Round 6 Thursday January 17th, 2002 8:42:45 PM
As everyone gets ready to ride, the three priests of Alemi pray. Whatever they did - if anything - is not apparent. Oratai says gently, "Time to go..." Sturtavent holds still as he cannot breathe this round, he cannot cast due to the antimagic field, and there is nobody close enough to attack. He whispers so only those on his back can hear. "Prepare for aerial combat. I doubt we get out of here so easily."
The Bad Guys, Round 6 8d100(30+21+62+21+78+35+52+61)=360 d8=1 108d20(12+10+10+19+2+17+11+17+14+12+3+19+12+13+17+11+9+19+18+11+9+8+6+15+3+7+17+12+6+11+15+11+6+16+14+5+10+1+17+6+19+18+9+17+20+19+15+9+5+20+16+19+9+16+1+13+4+11+3+4+15+11+7+14+18+18+18+13+6+5+4+12+6+16+13+11+9+ Thursday January 17th, 2002 9:22:17 PM
As the archers see what you're up to both captains give their commands. A total of 800 arrows rain down on your position this time, 360 of them shot well enough to have a chance at hitting you. About 200 of them strike the dragons, but the remainder home in on those climbing on board. 17 of them tear into Sturtavent who winces but does not move. 14 imbed themselves into Oratai and she too does not move, allowing those who intend to climb on get situated. 8 of them strike Priest #1, 5 hit #2, 5 hit #3, Cantos takes 9 arrows for 32 DMG, 5 hit Gareth for 21 DMG, Tericus takes 9 arrows for 46 DMG, 2 arrows hit Jus for 15 DMG (Note, when climbs on Sturtavent his shield spell stops working), 7 arrows drive into Nonam for 33 DMG, Qualde get struck by 10 arrows for 58 DMG, and Addinien suffers hits from 5 arrows for 25 DMG.
The mages are holding, apparently waiting for the dragons to leave the antimagic field.
Here's your coat, there's the door, what's your hurry? d100=55 Thursday January 17th, 2002 10:23:22 PM
The vast majority of allies in the crowd area are gone. The others will be out of sight before the army closes in. More guards and archers begin to flank your positions as they pour out of the newly open gates, they will be ready to fire next round. There are probably 600 soldiers in or near the square and there are many more coming.
With a look and a nod both Sturtavent and Oratai leap into the air. They both - as if in unison - roar with a sound that shakes the ground. About half the archers lower their bows in awe. You do well to remember to hang on youselves. As they clear the antimagic zone you can tell that magic leaves the dragons as they both cast spells. Then they split, one moving east and one moving west over the city. In the square you can hear both A'tath and his sword cursing and screaming as they are unable to stop the escape. Coming so close to his target and not succeeding in the kill will not be forgotten any time soon.
As they clear the buildings at the side of the square the mages cast - one at Sturtavent and one at Oratai. Again they each cast Meteor Swarm. The balls of flame reach the edge of the buildings at each side of the square and abruptly stop - and explode. Looks like the dragons cast walls of force out of the direct line of sight of the mages so they wouldn't see them and adjust. Many archers are engulfed in flame and the buildings explode into a raging fire (what's left of them after the initial explosion). As you quickly exit the area you cannot really tell how many soldiers were wounded or killed but surely the number was quite large. The dragons gain altitude and you see there is pursuit from several summoned flying monsters and flying adventurers of various kinds. After only a little time though the dragons quickly leave them behind since not many beings can keep up with a dragon who is pressing for speed. Especially when the pursuit is not whole-hearted. Really now, who wants to catch an ancient huge dragon carrying able adventurers and face one on one combat - much less two on one?!?
The dragons turn south and head straight over the edge of the first plateau. After the city is far from sight the exhausted dragons join and take turns leading to save energy. The adventurers look over their mighty mounts and see that much blood is still gushing from their many wounds. In a short time though the priests have them patched up looking good as new. The dragons even have time to cast healing on their passengers. After about an hour of flying straight south, the dragons do something interesting. They each cast 2 spells. The first incantation turns them invisible and the second creates a duplicate image of them continuing to fly South as if to the sea. There is almost no time lag between the 2 spells. Sturtavent tells you the illusions will last long after they are seen heading out over the South Harbor into the sea. You also hear them mutter enchantments that the mages know is protection from scrying.
It's then that you turn west a while and then north. You skirt the 2nd plateau and pass far west of the 2nd Plateau lifts at South Dangdrum. You continue to head north and back east a bit into the monster preserve area. As Lake Wellogy is seen on the horizon you drop out of the sky into an area of hills and canyons. After circling a couple of times to be sure it's safe, the dragons land lightly in a well covered area. After you dismount and turn visible again, you see that you have actually passed through an elaborate illusion of a canyon wall. There stands a large castle built into the real canyon wall. The entrance is not elaborate but after you hear the unrepeatble complex passwords spoken in maybe two dozen unknown languages it's clear that not many could approch even if they stumbled upon it.
The place is not terribly large but it houses everyone comforatbly. The dragons see to the closing of the entrance, go to areas specifically designed for each of them, and collapse. The priests show you to a rest area you can use, assuring everyone that they are completely safe. They join you on closeby beds and quickly fall asleep too.
Tericus Friday January 18th, 2002 9:34:05 AM
Basically looking like a pincushion, Tericus cast heal on himself and offers to heal anyone else before he goes to sleep.
The Morning After... Friday January 18th, 2002 11:25:32 AM
You wake up and prepare your things like you've done hundreds of times before. The priests create meals for everyone - except the dragons of course. Even though it seems like you should relax a few days after such an event that you've come out of, there is simply no time. Once everybody is prepared to leave, Sturtavent and Oratai both join you in their human form. Sturtavent speaks "My dear friends! We owe you our lives. Not a debt to be taken lightly. We will speak of that later though. We have called an event to which you cannot come I'm afraid - a council of dragons. All the Dragon groups of the old consortium and most every major dragon in the entire realm are coming together to discuss the storm that is brewing for us. This includes dragons of ALL colors! You, on the other hand, must return to Floating City. I strongly suspect that you will be declared criminals by the Plateau City council so I would recommend you not go there right now. I also fear you are not yet accepted by many of the existing dragon groups and given the circumstances we cannot afford unneeded strife, which is why you cannot come with us. We'll deal with that soon enough - but not now. Once again you have proven yourselves true to your calling. You are becoming quite a powerful force indeed! We will be in touch soon, Storm Dragons."
Oratai and Sturtavent bid you farewell and then teleport away. The priests tell you they are staying for a time. As per your directions from the Overlord, you have a report to deliver...
Nonam Friday January 18th, 2002 6:47:16 PM
Nonam enters, ready to go. If it weren't for his unusually good spirits, he'd look exhausted. "Anyone have one of those rest potions left? I found the library and spent most of the night studying. Very nice; very rewarding."
Jus Friday January 18th, 2002 6:52:15 PM
Jus returns, also ready to go. He tells everyone of his morning: he woke up early, even for an elf, to try to find someone [preferably one of the dragons] to help him work on combining his magic with his fighting. He thought of several good ideas and will try to work them out when he gets a chance.
Gareth Friday January 18th, 2002 7:30:35 PM
The warrior shakes the cobwebs out and joins the others. After the dragons leave and the others assemble he says, "Well, I guess our time as dragons was short-lived. At least Sturtavent still likes us. I suppose we'll see what the Overlord thinks. We at least owe him a report. Perhaps we can hang out there in the Big Float for awhile. Nonam, you ready?" He waits to be teleported away.
Cantos Friday January 18th, 2002 8:14:25 PM
Cantos wakes up refreshed and goes looking for the others, "Well so much for being heroes in Plateau City for awhile," Cantos chuckles. "I guess we better head to the Big Float and turn in our report."
Going Home Saturday January 19th, 2002 10:47:50 AM
Nonam gets the group back to the Floating City without incident. It doesn't seem like many people in the city are speaking about the events in Plateau City yet, probably because there hasn't been enough time yet. When you get to the Overlord you find him waiting for you. After you deliver your report he broods over the information awhile. Finally he looks up and says "Sounds to me like you won't be going back to Plateau City any time soon. For the record, the Plateau City Council has declared you outlaws. I've already been contacted by them with demands to turn you over - something I summarily rejected. You, of course, are welcome to stay here indefinitely. Having you here will help in our defense with all the stuff going on. I would suggest you get some rest and prepare yourselves. If the dragons are meeting it means trouble is brewing. I'm sure you will be involved. And with the evil tack the Plateau City Council is taking, I would venture to guess you'll have visitors in the form of bounty hunters.". After a few more minutes of discussion, you depart for your home. A place it looks like you will be seeing more of.
[It's been fun guys. I think JK will be taking up the reigns again next week. If not I may do a couple more days. Hope you enjoyed]
Qualde Saturday January 19th, 2002 2:19:36 PM
Qualde parts from the group after their meeting with the Overlord. She returns home hours later, battered and bloodied as if from another battle. She seems frenzied as she seeks out her friends, and her eyes blaze red with anger. "Caeroldra is become strange to me," she declares, "and her Church, wrong. No more will I serve!" The drow tears her holy symbol from her brow and dashes it to the floor, then slams out of the room.
Over the next little while, she can be found in spare moments either meditating alone, or at Alemi's temple.
JK Monday January 21st, 2002 8:17:14 AM
I'm back, but I've got a little catching up to do. Hopefully, I'll get the dm post done before noon, and then I'll get back into the habit of posting in the am. Thanks David and John.
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