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Post by Uthganyon on Feb 2, 2014 21:25:51 GMT
From the Journal of Tsaroth Moonwane: Excerpt I
I ran across many miles in the form of a wolf. How I longed for the knowledge of true wild shape shifting! To feel the senses of the animal, to stay in their form for hours on end...and not just wolves but great cats, bears, and even birds. What joy it must be to fly! But alas I have not yet gotten close enough to the goddess for such power. Instead my wolfskin and speed enchantments lost potency somewhere outside Alton and I had to purchase carriage rides the rest of the way to Kalamon. Twenty gold coins given to some idiots whose horses do all the work? Societies and their gold...what nonsense. I care not for it, yet I must be frugal with what little I have, as many nights will be spent in these cities.
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My second carriage arrived in the city of Kalamon today. I am anxious around people and the massive structures they build, and this city is one of the pinnacles of human "achievement." Looking up to the tops of some of the tallest buildings makes my head spin, my knees weak. It is not the height that gets to me, for I have slept many nights at the very edge of the deepest ravines in the north. I believe it is just the feeling of an insect about to be squashed I suppose. Then there are the mobs of people. Why did I arrive so early?
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The hour has come to make for the castle, to attend my "father's" funeral. I am still torn with my decision to attend this. I spent very little time with the man, and he showed me no love. A few snippets of wisdom perhaps, but nothing more. Still...there is something drawing me to this event I cannot explain. Much like how I felt when speaking to some of the strangers I had met in my recent time in the southern regions of Lomar...the half dark elf, the young black garbed rider. Whatever the reason, I have come this far. I will don my ceremonial (uncomfortable) black robes and then make for the castle.
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If my penmanship suffers writing this passage it is because I now journey at sea. The rocking of this vessel is making me nauseous. If that weren't enough then there is this drunken fool of a bard singing and clamoring about! This Hugo, the lawyer, says the drunk is my kin, as are several of the other imbeciles on this ship. He says too that one of this band of bastards, myself included, must one day become ruler of my father's land. The King back in Kalamon had clearly devised some plot to kill or perhaps only imprison my father, and likely take his holdings for his own. I believe this King to be cursed in some way as well, given that I am certain he had fangs. Oh what a joke this all is! None of us are fit to lead- and possibly lead a revolution at that!
A Thane will be made, in only five years’ time... The drunken bard could be Thane. The slob half orc, who seems more concerned with his stomach then anything, could be Thane. The young black rider who probably has not yet seen much more than twenty winters- what fodder he will make for politicians! Then there are the two ranger types, a man and a female half elf...they probably would have the same issues as me being restrained amongst politicians and indoors making laws instead of out amongst the wind, the trees, or the stars. I suppose I possess the wisdom and the keen intellect of a ruler, I am charismatic to my animal and fey friends...but no, people are different. I could not trust them. I would not belong. That leaves the mysterious half drow. I sensed a strength in him, and he is one who surely has known suffering. But would humans even accept him to live amongst them let alone lead them? It matters not for he has not made the journey it seems, and is likely slain. I doubt all of these fools will even survive the harsh winters, or roving bands of monsters the Dinge is home to. I pray to the Goddess that I underestimate this band. One thing is certain- this is going to be an interesting five years.
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We were tested upon arrival in Thel Dinge. I cannot feign surprise, given how everything else has gone. For the foe to be goblins was a surprise however. Normally goblins of the region are scattered and could not come together in numbers enough to sack a town such as this. We had learned later from some of the locals that they may be in league with The White Banner. Shalshara protect us!
I offer my praise onto her that she lent me a strong company to battle these vermin. The ever faithful Etherys battled the little bastards with me till the end, ripping them apart with his flashing claws. The Awakened Ones crushed them underfoot and then aided us considerably in refortifying the wall. The most surprising thing however was the rabble that I am with actually made the suggestion to use the walking trees for such purpose, I think it was one of the ranger-ish types originally. Not only that, but the group showed surprising skills in the fight. The behemoth Rex uses his rage to fuel him in battle, but yet it doesn’t consume his shrewd battle tactics. Some of the goblins who tasted of that rage…well, it ended up how one would imagine. The dark rider Tyrial and the half elf woman Jibblette both handled their mounts with skill and their swords and bows with even more, often leading the charge with their added speed. The drow Malekith was an excellent scout. When not backstabbing unsuspecting goblins, he was finding oak trees for me to awaken and setting deadly traps to hold off the goblins while we strategized. The other ranger, Xalaram wearing that dashing hat was often the voice of reason, and compromise. I thank him for suggesting the use of existing rubble to block the walls when others were going to chop down beautiful, living, ancient trees. I hope that the power they all witnessed in the Ents might key them into the reasons why one should not chop such a tree down. Use what it provides but do not utterly destroy it. Anyway, of course there was perhaps the biggest surprise of the battle- one drunken bard named Yolo. While still, I believe, thoroughly intoxicated enough that had I but breathed too deeply when near him would have fallen to the ground in a catatonic state, he demonstrated some skill with his blade. More interesting though was there seemed to be some sort of influence in his obnoxious ballads beyond simply inspiring. Magic I would suspect. I believe the battle had a sobering effect at least on his instincts, and his awareness of situation.
And so who would have known it! This band of fools I travel with is actually quite competent… at least against goblins. Then of course the battle came to its end, and the thrill of the moment died down… we all realized we would be living and travelling amongst each other again. Yes, it will be a long five years indeed.
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Post by Uthganyon on Feb 14, 2014 15:52:13 GMT
From the Journal of Tsaroth Moonwane: Excerpt II
As I returned to the human settlement I was greeted by the half elven woman Jibblette. She was looking into taking residence in one of the abandoned homes along with a young child she had apparently decided to look after. I hope she took no offense... I had been weary from my journey to the oak woods outside of town and the work I had done tending to it, and I may have been more gruff even than normal. Especially so around the child. I have even less experience dealing with the children of humans and the other “civilized” races than I do with the grown ones. The only prior time I had dealt with a human child... well, lets just say he was a handful, and I left with a several less whiskers in my beard. Jibblette probably thinks I am insane, as after I acknowledged the child, she had spoken to me and I merely stood there, unable to speak. (//ooc I had a bit of an issue with my pc) In truth I was merely lost in thought. After looking further, the child rekindling in me memories of my lost younger brother and sister on my mothers side. Where are they now I wondered? I have always suspected they are no more, perished or kidnapped in the raid that killed my mother and most of our brethren. I pray Shalshara has them at her side, to dance under the moonlight for all eternity, as they had in the grove as children.
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Upon clearing my thoughts I entered the center of town as I had noted an unusual amount of crows about. The oldest of them addressed me with the usual too-fast-to-understand speech of many smaller animals, however after I told him to slow down I was able to converse with him. He gave me tidings of grave news indeed. The crows had actually released a horde of once frozen undead creatures in an attempt to provide themselves with an easy meal. They had witnessed the unwavering mob slaughter others no doubt, probably before being frozen. Clearing away the mental image of the crow's exclaimed love of squishy parts especially eyeballs, and it later devouring my own, I convinced myself the bird was merely being a bird. I was able to solicit the bird to work for me, or at least for the Goddess, and scout the horde's progress then report back to me.
I awaited the crow's return, when a great explosion of magic erupted not twenty paces from me and a few of the other thanes who had gathered in town. When the dust settled, there stood a snow-white skinned girl clad in shining armor and leading a pair of huge oxen. It was at the same time that she began telling the others who she was that the mischievous crow returned to report. I only discerned bits and pieces of who the girls was as I was trying to concentrate on the language of the crow- She was Annadoria, and apparently yet another of my “well traveled” father's lineage.
I informed the other thanes of the attack from the north, and that there was little time to prepare.
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The undead came in waves through the north gate. When the first had struck I called to the Goddess to awaken one of nearby oak trees to help us in defense. I also called out to Etherys and the noble cat arrived to fight the perverse invaders. Some sort of mishap (or was it?) with acid severely burned the Treant, as well as brave Etherys, and several of my kin. I could not witness exactly what happened as one of the undead was pressing me reluctantly into melee. However as I heard the various cries of pain, I decided to end this confrontation immediately and I invoked the power of the earth's inner fire, releasing lashes of flame to incinerate the foul creature in front of me. By the time I could focus on the main fray, poor Etherys was no more... his death returning his spirit to that other world, where I pray he will recover after a day or two of rest. The treant was hurt, but not mortally, and it along with my capable siblings destroyed the remaining undead.
The second wave then struck and the mysterious pale girl Annadoria called upon her god to put fear in to the unholy things, and most fled back out of the gates. Well, well, this one could be an asset after all despite her youth. We stalked the fleeing dead ones into the open field outside and systematically destroyed them. As we walked back into the village, my new youthful sister then asked if the Awakened One was in need of healing. To which I responded that it would return to its tree form shortly, knowing myself that it would recover its wounds, and regrow its burned bark in that state. Given my own curative magics were already spent, and bandages would do little for it, I could offer the creature no comfort until it returned to its dormancy. I failed to communicate that to her properly I think... damn my lack of social experience with humans. She called out to her god and healed some of the creatures injuries. She must indeed be a priestess or cleric, and definitely of a god much different than my own. Despite our different faiths, I could see now that she was compassionate. I had come to think most people were not, especially of creatures other than their own type, but this one as well as a few other of my new siblings seemed different. I quickly dismissed my joy at seeing this, as many other humans I have known have done similar friendly gestures only as a setup to treachery. Still... the girl, with her powers, was definitely an asset to the group indeed.
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After the battle, the lawyer Hugo had summoned us together for a meeting at the tavern- humorously named “The Frozen Treat.” I tossed the idea around in my head, for my own amusement, that perhaps the crows had etched that sign in anticipation of their expected feast.
We held council with Hugo to discuss the direction Thel Dinge might take in the coming days. The people had no way to sustain themselves, as is typical with people. They rely on others to make available food, water, and other necessities like wood for a warming fire. Perhaps I should not be so critical, as they are mostly women who's role until now was to look after the children. It is, I suppose, not entirely their fault, and I'm sure many will be quite capable once shown some skills.
The new girl Annadoria was meanwhile looking desperately for a place for her oxen, and more importantly for the goods they carried. The others seemed annoyed by her lack of interest in the meeting, and offered no aid either. I for one had no ideas where these people would choose to place such goods. As a druid of the wilderness, I most often only own what I can carry on my person. I also had not been staying in the settlement very much either, and didn't know much about where things are. I had been spending most of my time just outside town in the oak woods where I feel more at home. I wished I could help her, whether because I was grateful to her for what she did for my tree-friend, or simply because her powers were very useful and I didn't want her to up and vanish as abruptly as she arrived... I am not sure, still, how I feel about her or any of this group. Whichever reason guided my tongue, I spoke out to try to get someone to help her. Finally Hugo suggested she place her things in the barrel in the back of the room. She was not thrilled by this notion though, as she carried books of some great importance. I wonder if she is perhaps a priestess of the God of Knowledge... who, it is said, value books and knowledge more so than these other people value gold.
Once we actually got down to the business at hand, a halfling and his brutish minotaur friend entered the building. The halfling seemed to have knowledge of some valuables that might be good for trading, however the catch was that these valuables were lost along with his sister. Once again my inexperience dealing with many races of the structured world caused me to anger someone- I mistakenly suggested to this minotaur that he might converse with the oxen while he waited, having thought that since they were so similar, they might have something in common. Good places to graze or something. It dawned on me when the giant stared at me with a cold look in his eyes, that I offended him, and that he probably could not, nor did he desire to, talk to oxen as I could. I will have to make amends with him later I suppose.
We had decided to pursue the halfling's offer, however I was suddenly drawn to the faint hooting sounds of a very panicked sounding owl outside the inn. The bird was asking for my help I was certain, though I could not make out what the specifics were from within the building. I quickly stood up and whispered to Hugo that I would need to depart as something had come up. I went outside and spoke with the owl, Screech he was affectionately dubbed by the fey, who informed me of another horde of undead gathering near my favorite oak woods and threatening the surrounding wild areas. I thought to perhaps gather some of my siblings for help, but thought better of it. They would likely need the entire group to deal with whatever they might encounter looking for the missing halfling girl. No the fey and animals of the oak wood and wilderness around Thel Dinge were my responsibility, and I would deal with the threat. I would find some allies, being that I knew of a bear, and several wolves nearby, and would have plenty of strong ancient oak trees to choose from to awaken.
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Some fey and animals had, no doubt in service to the Mother, come to try to slow the group from spreading its defilement, even giving their lives. The mass of undead that gathered there was different then the one that attacked the town. They included faster moving skeletons and some fearsome ghouls in addition to the zombies we fought. (//ooc I wonder where I got that inspiration- ED *wink*) The slower moving animals and some wingless fey could not out pace these new creatures as they could the shambling zombies.
I located one fey who could, easily, out pace them- a quickling sprite and sent her to find the bear and wolf pack and try to get them to help. The creature sped off on her amazingly fast feet. I immediately channeled the powers of Shalshara through my oaken staff into a mighty old oak, awakening it to serve alongside me. The brute yelled in a deafening roar and charged into the nearest skeleton, smashing it apart with its thick limbs. I quickly realized though that the lumbering treant couldn't destroy them fast enough to save some of the other outmatched defenders. I told the Awakened to instead try to pick up and hold the other creatures up in its high arms and branches, such that the undead could not reach it. The dead couldn't do much damage to the hard exterior of its oaken body, and it still managed to kick and stomp at a few slower zombies.
As they undead pressed in around me I found myself wishing Etherys could come forth to guard me whilst I cast my magic. Instead, I enacted a spell of speed, then darted further off. With the animals and fey safely out of the way I then unleashed one of my most powerful spells on the undead... massive roots from the surrounding trees reached out to grab some creatures and hold them fast. I gestured again towards another group and vines growing off some of the nearby oaks became like living serpents and likewise ensnared these undead. As I looked around for any sign of the wolves or bear, a ghoul that wasn’t snared walked with unwavering hunger toward me. I enacted an invocation of earth fire and lashed it with flames. It stood there smoldering for a moment apparently intelligent enough to know it was covered in flames, and I swung my stave, blowing its already charred flesh apart like burnt leaves.
Things were getting dire... I did not have much magic left. The Awakened could not hold me up in its arms with the others still perched there, not to mention the treant could not remain awakened for long. The entanglement spells would soon diminish as well, releasing the whole of the remaining horde back upon me... things were looking dire indeed.
I smashed the nearest charging skeleton apart, my lack of strength behind the blow did not matter as the blunt weapon shattered the bones of its spine and ribcage. But moments later, the vines and roots holding the majority of the things fell free...
I began to run about with my heightened speed and try to distract them from swarming over the treant and taking it down along with his precious cargo. The creatures weren't taking the bait. They began trying to scramble up the giant, even climbing over each other, to taste of the living flesh above.
I prepared myself to fight to the bitter end, when I at last heard the piercing howl of the alpha wolf.
The rest of the pack came bounding in like ghosts in the night. Leaping and tackling undead before tearing them up on the ground. The alpha male made his way to the fight and the huge wolf demonstrated a savagery rarely seen, mercilessly biting and ripping the throat of a ghoul before its head finally fell free. The quickling must have had trouble rousing the sleeping bear, but it was no matter, the wolves and the treant's stomping finished the remaining dead in short time. As the last fell I slumped down against the base of an oak and sat, thoroughly exhausted, for several hours.
I wondered then how my siblings fared on their important quest...
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Post by Uthganyon on Mar 4, 2014 15:50:21 GMT
The Journal of Tsaroth Moonwane: Excerpt III
The evening ended with a heart-pounding, desperate, fight for survival. It began, however, with the usual boring political dealings that have defined my time as a Thane thus far. (//ooc character's opinion, not mine) Sure there have been some adventures of late, some battles, but it seems I have been talking of money, and resources, political and strategic alliances, much more often than I have put my staff, or magic to use. I have spent more time in the morass of law making, than I have running free in the wilds with Etherys. I feel as if the edge is slipping from my instincts... and I now understand why my Father often forsake his responsibilities to go out and adventure.
This particular meeting had already begun when I finally arrived from my travels to the oaken wood nearby, which also had come fewer these days despite its proximity to the town. I was able to slip into my seat without drawing too much attention, as my kin and the halfling Biggs were already heatedly bickering about something. I knew nothing about what they spoke of, as I had not traveled with my siblings on their quest to aid the halfling, and I could tell that it was in regards to that.
I sat in silence for most of the meeting, simply trying to digest what was argued, and to try to make an informed decision. When I heard the suggestion that the halfling receive a seat at our table in order to pay off this debt we apparently owed him, I witnessed several of my kin spew forth harsh words like the steam of a geyser that had been dormant for many years. Having no emotional attachment to this case, I decided to voice my thoughts. I said that I felt it might be wise to hear the halfling out. If anything to gain his (and more importantly the people's!) confidence, but also to keep in close where we might keep an eye and learn of his true intentions. In any matter of the town we would outweigh his vote, so long as we remained in good relations with each other. My suggestion fell on deaf hears, or was drowned out by the avalanche-like sound of louder voices, though, and I was relieved when Hugo suggested we speak in private on the matter. Though this suggestion too seemed to not have much of a calming effect on my brethren, but it gave me the confidence that the lawyer would support. I rose to my feet and told them to join me as I walked to one of the chambers off the main hall. Of course, to my embarrassment the door was locked, and the dramatic move lost some of its effectiveness. Locked doors... bah, a druid has no need to lock anything. Another thing I must come to terms with in this new realm for me. Hugo once again spared me some awkwardness, and he suggested the kitchen as a possible meeting place.
Once everyone had gathered in the kitchen, I wasted no time. I asked for a quick synopsis of the issue at hand as I had to make sure I had understood the whole story. Xalaram gave me the short version, and I was reassured I was on the same page as everyone. Once again I decided to try to go ahead and speak, before the others could start. I was, after all, clearly the eldest. Several of my kin are very sharp, but I believe I am also the wisest and most cunning. (//simply in terms of my character ;-) I did not have experience with the politics of people and their towns, nor was I charismatic around people. I had however, resolved many disputes amongst the fey and animals of my natural realm. I once convinced a very menacing bear to share a chamber of his cave with a soon-to-be mother badger, who's home was destroyed by an errant wizard's fireball.
Anyway, the thoughts I laid out seemed to be echoed by Yolo, as well as Tyrial, and the sisters. The seat would be added, not exchanged, and the debt would be settled. Malekith and Rex still had worries about trusting the halfling, and given the nature of their cultures, I would imagine they would be less trusting of others than even me. I understood how they felt, but my intuition on the matter told me this would work... lets hope it is right.
Before settling back down into the hall, one of the town sentries informed us of a band of gnolls gathering outside the west gate.
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Indeed there was a group of dark furred gnolls, Flinds rather, outside seeking audience with 'The Winter Witch.' We were unaware of such a person in town, though my thoughts went to my strange young sister Anna, with her magic, strange snow-white skin, and tribal-ritualistic (from my limited knowledge) ways of her people. To our surprise the mother of Xalaram came forth. Xal had earlier departed on some personal mission of his own, and I did not question him. She suddenly seemed more than a simple woman, more than just somebody's mother. She had a focused will and boldly strode right up to the powerful Flind without fear. She calmly told him of a root that might ease his young one's ill. Something sparked in my head... I suddenly felt cold... and I never got cold from the weather anymore. I suddenly felt...distant... from my own body. It was different than the feeling I get when I polymorphed into a wolf or a tree. My mind itself seemed to suddenly be journeying somewhere else... then I knew only darkness.
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When my consciousness returned, I was... home. How can this be? I could not even remember the location of the grove I grew up in as a boy. And there was...Mother! My young brother and sister as well! I shouted out to them, but they did not hear me. I began to think about the sense of it, here I was a grown man, and yet my family who I had not seen since... that terrible day. I knew it as soon as my childhood friend Boromire spoke to my mother. “Tsaroth is out with the stag” I heard. The last time I had seen my friend he had tried to tell me of ill tidings and strange men who sought...a Winter Witch.
I had not witnessed the raid as I was out with my friend and later mentor, the white great stag Karinok. I would later learn that this was my salvation, else I would be dead along with my family and friends. To see it play out before me, though I could not understand how, ripped me to my core. The men of my father's town attacked with savagery. My druid kin defended our home, calling for lightning to strike the men, turning into powerful animals, and finally swinging their simple weapons against the mail of these seasoned killers. I felt powerless, I could not aid them. It was hopeless anyway. My mother and poor young brother and sister were slain so brutally. I had hoped my siblings had survived as I saw no sign of them when I had returned later that evening. Now I surely knew the truth. Only the most powerful healer could have saved them... and such power in my grove perished along with my mother and the arch druid. Their small bodies must have just been completely consumed by the pyre that burned so hot in the center of the rune stones, rather than escaping as I held out hope for. I knew that later I would return to the carnage, feeling lost. The only thing I had to link to my family was the oaken staff of my mother, which she had carved as I watched, then enchanted by the power radiating from the eclipse a few years prior. No fire could incinerate its magical wood, and so it remained amongst the ashes of my family. Mother had taught me the intonations needed to unlock its real powers, well beyond the simple use as a weapon, and it would allow me to harness the latent powers in plants, especially oak trees. One day I would use those powers in vengeance, I swore, as I rejoined Karinok and walked out of the grove, never to return.
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Little did I know that I had this day come full circle. The day after those tragic events Karinok, in the guise of a regal white sorcerer, had led me to the Thane, my then unknown father, and told him of my orphaning. I must respect the fact that my father took me in then... but oh how the irony now stings knowing that men of Thel Dinge had carried out the deed! I do not know if these men acted alone or if they were sent by my father. Perhaps I will never know. Now, just as ironically, I was leading a band of seasoned fighters back to the region of my grove, at the behest of the Winter Witch for a magic McGuffin root. I had this feeling I could not shake of another tragedy, waiting to happen, at that grove.
We found the grove to the north and the lake it sat next to. Within a short time we found a series of caves apparently leading under the lake... the Witch had stated the root must be there. I was beginning to remember the region, though I did not recognize what creature might have made such huge tracks leading into these caverns. When Jibblette, a skilled tracker, suggested dragons, I was taken aback. They were not here when I was a boy. As I searched for some sign or memory that might clue us in as to how to proceed... I saw an apparition. It was me, only 20 years before. Perhaps the goddess had created such a vision to guide me. I cannot be certain and will meditate on that idea over the next few days. What it did give me was a mindset of courage, of fearlessness, perhaps even wreck less abandon. My family was completely destroyed, there was no reunion with my siblings waiting for me, I knew that now. I no longer feared death... what did I have to live for? Death would merely be the reunion I so desperately sought.
As we regrouped near one of the cave mouths, my companions discussed strategies to scout the dragon's lair for the sacred root. I thought about it for a moment... could this be a silver dragon, and thus helpful to goodly races? I recalled all of the lore I had read on the region recently and one thing stood out: My father had slain a white dragon. These were most likely its kin. Whites, though not overly intelligent, are viscous, primal killers. Perhaps I could use those two attributes to our advantage. I volunteered to venture in along with Anna, who was the only one who knew the language of dragons. I knew too though, that all dragons, even less intelligent whites also knew many other languages, especially of the region they lived.
We stepped into the cave, and I noticed that my other siblings had all followed along. I was for a moment feeling trepidation at this notion... I knew that dragons could sense presence in their lairs... and with many people invading the chances were higher that we might wake a sleeping dragon. I quickly dismissed the feeling and did not say anything, as I also felt comforted that we had each of our unique abilities working together. Any stealth we might attempt was futile anyway, as not a few moments passed and we were engaged by several dragon hatchlings... very much awake.
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Now this is where the “fun” began! The tiny dragons snapped with viciousness, their small teeth like needles piercing flesh. Their breath felt cold enough to freeze the blood inside one's heart... and these were the weakest of white dragons! The fighters of our group were brave indeed facing the creatures toe-to-toe. I did what I could to heal them, and also lash out with the fire of the earth at the wyrmlings, knowing that it would be the bane of these creatures. We defeated the monsters, however with great cost. Tyrial, having bravely taken on many of the creatures alone, was dead. I was surprised to feel extreme sadness at this. I did not realize I had grown to enjoy this group so, if only as companions and not true siblings. Regardless I indeed felt saddened. However our enigmatic young sister Anna, seemed to not be daunted by the passing... she began working on some chant or prayer to her god. Within moments brave Tyrial rose to his feet! I had heard she possessed the power to raise the dead, but to witness it in person! I decided I must look into this power from my own goddess, perhaps one day when I had grown in my connection with her. After all, what would we do if young Annadoria had been the one lying cold on the stone floor?
We pressed onward and within moments my suspicions were confirmed- the booming voice of a much older dragon reverberated through the cave and warned us of our impending doom. I knew then that more would perish, perhaps with no return this time, unless someone did something drastic. I asked aloud if we should make a stand here where we could invoke hit and run tactics, and not allow the beast place where she could fly. I shouted out to the beast promising Her demise if she faced us, as we were the children of the Dragon Slayer! If she moved against the town we would defeat her. Before any could respond to my plan, the great mother of white dragons then appeared, clamoring into our midst with fury and frost. My kin mostly fled for the exit, and I could not blame them. To flee might be the only chance against such a foe.
However I wished that they had remained at least in the cave, if anything long enough that we might try an idea I had. I had read a tale once of a treasure hunter and his group. He had faced certain death when a supposed sleeping dragon was not so asleep. So that they could escape he played on the beast's greed. He led the dragon away from its hoard, and then shouted to his companions “When the beast chases me out, move in and steal as much as you can!” The dragon decided to protect its riches, and the band escaped unscathed. However it would only work if there was another group to steal it. This dragon would know that my companions had fled the cave.
I knew that if Freezerburn was not delayed, in some way though, she would simply fly out and destroy my kin before they could get very far from the cave. I had the root in my possession, but that was not as important as my companions surviving I felt. I saw brave Rex likewise stood against her for a moment, likewise buying time for the others to escape. He did not last long though, her slashing claws ripped him multiple times and he fled after taking all he could.
I was alone against her. I heard one of my siblings shout out that I was a fool for being so bold against her and mentioning the town. No, I thought, you are the fool for not taking my distraction and getting the hell out of the area. This dragon knew of the town, where else would a band of humans and demi-humans have come from in these barren parts? Surely our father had slain her mate, and she would know he hailed from Thel Dinge. I stared at the beast trying to appear not afraid. Part of me was not... what did it matter if I perished? My real family was completely gone, I had nothing to live for, no hope of a reunion with the only people who ever loved me. However when facing the likes of a huge dragon only a few paces from you, even the fearless quickly find fear. I quickly spit out the words telling the beast we had an offer for her, her children had attacked us, and we only defended ourselves. She did not buy it. Whites may be less intelligent than most dragons, but she also had dealt with humans slaying her family in the past...this was personal. Seeing my ruse was futile, I quickly summoned forth the essence of a dire badger, and it materialized into being right in front of the now charging drake. The little animal held her off for only a moment, but it bought me time enough to flee down a side corridor. I would draw her down a side passage and then escape, or die, hopefully buying my kin enough time to have gotten to safety.
I heard her footsteps, I heard her promises of pain and slow death... I had lingered long enough. I decided to make for a different exit however it was blocked by another group of wyrmlings. Their speed and numbers would be more difficult to pass unharmed than the lumbering giant of a mother. I was bleeding and ready to pass out from the pain of my current wounds. What the hell... I offered a final prayer to Shalshara and ran back the way I had come... back toward Freezerburn.
As I neared the beast, I had a lifesaving idea. I knew that dragons could sense things in their lair. I figured it might be similar to how a bat uses sound bouncing off objects to find its way blindly. I used my mothers staff to enact a barkskin enchantment hoping it would partially conceal my heat signature to the beasts sight, as well as protect my flesh from her raking claws. I ran as close as I could next to the cold cave wall. I opened up my cloak like a giant wing in towards the center of the tunnel. Somehow, it worked. As I ran past the monster she slashed at my open cloak instead of me. The exit was now open just around the corner. Without looking back, expecting killing breath at any second, I dashed free of the cave.
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My kin had grouped close by seeming to be confused why the beast had not come at them yet. I cursed as I saw this, but continued running, lacking the stamina to even speak at this point, and knowing we had only one chance, I ran toward Thel Dinge... or more importantly toward the Oak Woods.
I reached the towering oaks and quickly sat down to rest and regain spent magic. Then I chose the mightiest looking tree I saw... and I awakened it.
I charged back to the north toward my siblings and, I imagined, the furious dragon. She must have just arrived and I immediately ordered the huge Ent to attack. The two titans grappled in an epic, earth-shaking clash. My kin and I meanwhile attacked the now distracted dragon. Within moments we now had turned the tide, and the she-drake turned and fled as fast as her legs would carry her, apparently the Ent had torn her wing, and she could not fly. She promised to return and bring death, and I did not doubt her.
We had more pressing matters though. The survival of the young Flind depended on us getting the McGuffin root back to the chieftain.
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Making for the town as fast as we could, we arrived and gave the magic root to the gracious father. He promised us 500 furs and we felt the start of a great relationship. Another unusual ally in this unusual quest we found ourselves involved in.
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