Battle for Kazragun

[Silanon]

As the sorcerer mentions his ancestry, Io musters him for a long moment. "The Golden One spent many years travelling through human lands. Always watched the happenings there carefully, worried about any changes. You might want to visit the south some day - we have libraries full of books and scrolls, maybe he left something behind when he travelled northwards. A gifted one certainly would get access."

Examining the two objects, Baird quickly learns one thing - the magic wielders who made them were able to cast spells far beyond his comprehension.
[low-roll on both rolls]

As you muster the orb, the elf takes a look herself. "It seems to show different locations and beings, maybe you're right with the scrying. I know similar objects from the south, that show the user happenings from the past and from distance. They usually take someone to direct their thoughts, to tell the orb what to show to them. In the south, the high-druids travel the lands to be familair with any place they might want to see later - maybe if you try to see a place you've already seen, it'll show you something useful."

 

[Silanon]

For a moment, you put your findings aside, enjoying the warmth of the fire and a substantial meal. With Gordib still unconscious, and the falling night around you, you silently agree that staying here is the best course of action - for now, there seems to be nothing around to be feared. You prepare whatever there is to be prepared for the night, look for the human scout to make sure he'll be fine, and then gather once more around the crackling, burning branches. You notice how Io takes out a woodcarving knife as well as a piece of wood with it, slowly working on it to form a piece of art. As she does that, she begins to speak, in the calm voice of someone who knows how to tell a story.

"Earlier, you asked who the golden dragon is, and why he is not free, as he should be. Once upon a time, there were five beings, living in this part of the land. Some of them had been sent by their deities, others came on their own to change things. Way before the human kingdom was formed in the south, they showed the local tribes how to live, each of them in their own way. We do not know who came first, or last - it might be that they all arrived at the very same time, or with centuries in-between them. What is clear, however, is that they never completely agreed - whenever two of them allied to get the upper hand, it was a matter of mere decades until they disagreed and turned against each other.

You saw four of their images downstairs in the tree of the guardian, and witnessed the power of the fifth. The first one to name is the Harbinger: He brought civilisation itself to these lands - he visited the local tribes, be it lizardmen, elves, or others, and told them how to live in peace. He gave them laws to follow, places to meet, and showed them where they would find the best spots to settle down. The second one is the Warden, one with the swamps. She taught them to live at peace with nature, how to survive in this unwelcoming place. The shamans and druids of these lands all based their knowledge upon her words. Thirdly, the Dancer gave them their language - to tell stories at the fire, and share your wisdom with others. She taught them what it meant to be free, and that helping others should always come first. The forth one, unnamed in the tales, had freedom in his mind as well. However, he longed for blood and war, and told the tribes how to fight and spill blood. The sword dance of the elves, the rage of your kind" - she looks up to Veskassdak for a moment - "it's all based on his mind. The fifth one, the kraken, never took many actions. He preferred to live in the depths of the ocean, only acting whenever the balance was in danger. It's hard to say what his plans really are - but they certainly are long-term. He only entered the swamps himself once, and that is when the dragon came northwards as well." She pauses for a moment, seeing if there are any questions, or if the lizardman has anything to add to her description.

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak sighed as the mammal telling the tale of the images in the tree cave stopped her tale and looked at him expecting him to add to it.

He knew he should since this was important for the others to know. Thus he began, "My tribe hasss talesss of four that came to ssswamp, but by different namesss know them. Long ago lizardfolk were vissciousss and sssavage. Hunted without mersscy on all who crossssed their path. Cared not if their prey talked or not. Prey wasss prey. One day one we call lawgiver came. Lawgiver ssshowed that sssome thought prey were not prey. Lawgiver ssshowed new way and lizardfolk no longer were feared in ssswamp. Lizardfolk now had lawsss to give them ssstructure and counsscil of eldersss to sssettle disssputesss.

"After many ssseasssonsss came another we call harmonymaker. Harmonymaker ssshowed how know ssswamp and make ssswamp sssurviving part of lizardfolk life. Lizardfolk sssoon underssstood plassce in ssswamp and only hunted when needed otherwissse lizardfolk harvesssted plantsss that sssussstain lizardfolk when hunting wasss ssscarssce.

"Time passssed and one day came yet another we call passstssspeaker. Passstssspeaker gave lizardfolk way to keep passst alive in talesss that grew asss time passssed. Each tale wasss told to teach hatchlingsss how important lizardfolk way of life isss to ssswamp and how ssswamp is important to lizardfolk.

"Lizardfolk lived in peassce and harmony with the ssswamp and thossse that are not prey in ssswamp, but thisss led to the mossst horrific time for the lizardfolk. Sssoon lizardfolk became weak becaussse way of peassce learning. Lizardfolk forget how protect tribesss from enemiesss. Some tribesss vanisssh during thisss time. Killed by mammal incursssionsss into ssswamp looking for treasssure lizardfolk never cared about. Mammalsss not care that lizardfolk had no treasssure. Mammalsss thought lizardfolk hid treasssure and killed tribesss for not giving what tribe did not have.

"Thisss lasssted for more ssseasssonsss than what lizardfolk care to tell. Then came the lassst, one we call warbringer. Warbringer ssshowed lizardfolk what lizardfolk had forgotten. Warbringer ssshowed lizardfolk how to protect tribesss from mammalsss with weaponsss, clawsss, and teeth. Warbringer ssshowed how to tap into sssacred ansscessstor blood to give ssstrength and fury. Warbringer knew that lizardfolk are proud people and would protect ssswamp from invadersss. Now lizardfolk have balance between war and peassce. Ssstrong enough to protect, but not use ssstrength too much they threaten other ssswamp peoplesss. Lizardfolk way is now peassce and protection.

"Warbringer alssso ssseeded lizardfolk ssso one day, when arisssesss need, lizardfolk king would be born to unite tribesss in the ssswamp and keep ssswamp sssafe for any who dessserved sssafety from thossse who wisssh harm to lizardfolk and ssswamp. It isss told in ssstoriesss that only few lizardfolk kingsss have appeared long ago during dire timesss. Each time tribal ssshaman would sssee omensss and portentsss about one lizardfolk. Ssshaman would have that lizardfolk omensss and portentsss ssshowed asss one to be nexsst lizardfolk king travel far to gain wisdom and ssstrength, and in doing ssso that lizardfolk would grow, mentally, ssspiritually, and physssically. Then he would return to ssswamp and unite tribesss. United tribesss would then follow lizardfolk king and protect all tribesss from thossse that ssseek to dessstroy all. Lizardfolk kingsss are giantsss among lizardfolk, but they protect ssswamp from all until die.

"Thessse are the talesss told to hatchlingsss and are part of hissstory of my people. Me do not know if nexsst lizardfolk king already born or will be born. But now, am on a journey given me by my ssshaman, Daraness. Gain wisdom and ssstrength while travelling with kassu and maybe kassu hope me. If nexsst lizardfolk king me be, hope worthy of warbringer am me."

 

[Silanon]

The elf certainly seems to consider the possibility of you being a king - by the looks of it, she does not like the thought too much. "For someone from the south, it is hard to understand how you can glorify a creature like that so much. For centuries, my people live in peace, and we never missed the sounds of battle. That said, I know that my relatives here thought similarly - it might just be the necessity." She pauses for a moment, then continues.

"Anyway, the warbringer, as you call him, did exactly what you might expect - he brought the cruelty of war and the chaos of battle back, all those things the others had tried to overcome. Needless to say, they weren't too fond of it. For once, all four of them allied together, to overcome the common threat. They sentenced him to be chained to the rocks of a cavern deep underneath the swamps, so that he would never ever disrupt their plans. But there were two major problems within this plan: First, the warbringer was stronger than any of the others - and even when the kraken left the sea to fight him four-on-one, they could simply not overcome his strength. Thus, they called for aid, and the Golden One listened to their call. The dragon managed to weaken the foe enough for the others to prevail - but he was caught in the very same magic that banned the warbringer into his cave. Secondly, his reach longer than expected - even from there, he managed to gain control over weaker beings, slowly corrupting the world once more.

From what I know, the Warden tried to solve the problem once for all, without the approval of the Harbinger. The war we witness is what followed from that - for now, it looks as if the Harbinger decided the battle. But the dancer wants the dragon to be free once more, the Warden wants her revenge, and even the kraken might want to interfere - I doubt we've seen the end of it just yet, even though it looks as if the order will take control of Kazragun without hesitation."

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

After hearing both sides of the story from Veskassdak and Io, Baird decided to add his take to the story. "If anyone didn't hear my conversation with Io and Wren, I'm descended from a gold dragon," Baird points to the amulet he now wears around his neck, "Quite possibly this one. Originally, I never knew of my ancestry until I was accosted by a thug and needed to defend myself; there's also a family legend that explains this. Long ago, a gold dragon encountered a young female wizard in her 27th year as she was reading outside on the grass. Curious, he went into human form and went to talk to her and was pleasantly surprised. She possessed charisma, wit, and surprising knowledge for her age; she also rebuffed him too. Excited by the challenge of a human refusing a disguised dragon through speech rather than sword he left and would return several times over the course of 3 months, each time learning more about her and she him for his human disguise. Eventually she enjoyed his company, as did he, and conversation oblivious to the fact that he was a dragon; she simply thought he was a spellsword. Unfortunately, she was captured by bandits and was to be sold into slavery, but the dragon's fury, while in human form, was swift as he fought his way to her eventually reaching her as she was held hostage by the leader. He demanded that the spellsword drop his blade or he would plunge his into the female's neck. Truly worried for her, he dropped his sword and kneeled in front of him seemingly ready to sacrifice himself for her. However, this dragon was cunning as when the leader saw an opportunity to eliminate this spell sword, he pushed the wizard aside and rushed at him. Seeing the leader fall for his ploy, the dragon grew claws, fangs and roasted him with a breath of fire. Turning to the wizard, he spoke, "I'm sorry I have been lying to you about who I am, I was afraid that you would reject me for simply being a dragon; I will not bother you anymore." As he turned his back she rushed to him and hugged him from behind, "Now it is you who is blind for I have always known that you were a dragon. However, for a dragon to bend his head for the sake of others, for that you have earned my love for real." At that point the two fell in love and conceived one of my ancestors. Everyone would then believe that the wizard's child's father was a spellsword and not a dragon and when he left, she was sorry to see him go, but gave the false story that he had fallen in battle. As Baird finished the story he addressed the group again, "That's why when I saw this amulet with its' scale and writing, as well as hearing the voice and feeling its' magic It felt so familiar to me.
Silanon Sherwood Dicer Psychie

 

[Psychie]

Renna nods slowly. "Best to have the scale pendant in your possession. No need to upset your ancestors by having someone not of your blood carry it. Both of you have powerful tales to tell, and Veskassdak, perhaps you will be the one to claim the throne of your people, if your gods will it. So Baird, are you going to develop more of the abilities of a dragon? How long ago was it that this union between the dragon and your human ancestor happen?"

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

"I could not say how long ago the union was as the exact time was lost in the storytelling of this legend; all I know is that nobody outside our family ever knew of this so you all are the first to hear of it. For the dragon abilities, however, I can grow claws and speak draconic currently, but I believe that as time goes on, I may develop more abilities.

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak adjusted himself to a little more comfortable position and spoke again, "My kind do not glorify warbringer. Warbringer wasss cruel to lizardfolk. But from the cruelnessss we learn what had been forgotten. To consssider one to be worthy of warbringer isss to make sscertain warbringer not return to give more cruel lessssonsss. Thisss way to be worthy isss to make sssure warbringer ssstay away. Only unworthy bring attention of warbringer. To hear warbringer captive makesss me feel better. Hopesss he ssstay captive for all time."
He then reached for some more cooked fish and a good bite from it.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren lets out a nervous laugh. "Remind me not to be unworthy, then! I certainly don't want to come to the attention of powerful beings like that is not what I want. Heh. For myself, I am . . . on the run. From a family that is trying to control me, and make me marry a man that I despise. So, I came here, looking to make my own way in the world, and not be a piece of property to be used to make babies for a fat, pompous windbag. So! Here I am, trying to stay alive and make the world a better place."

 

[Psychie]

Renna looks at her with curiosity. "I had thought you looked familiar. Tell me if you would, what is your true name?"

 

[Sherwood]

A deep sigh slips out. "Gwendolyn Rae, daughter of the Lord Entrid Rae." She flips her pale hair back from her face and looks at the paladin in the eye, then to the others. "If my fiancé ever comes for me, I will no go back with him. Hell, I'll marry our dragon blooded over there before I ever let that happen."

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird's face went red as Wren, otherwise known as Rae for short, mentioned she'd marry him over her fiancé. "Uhm well... I uh." He coughed before continuing, "I'll help you stop him if anything, I do have quite the silver tongue though. And besides," Baird grinned for a second, "Don't want to annoy the progeny of a powerful dragon I suppose."
Psychie Sherwood

 

[Psychie]

Renna laughs. "I can officiate if you'd like?" She gives a wicked smile at the scandalous looks she gets from the two. "I can almost hear the wedding bells now..."

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Baird's face went as red as fire and his face seemed to get hotter as Renna did nothing to help alleviate the situation, even making it worse. "I don't want to talk about this any further please." He had gotten looks of appreciation before, but when it came to reciprocating those, he was abysmal at that.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren lets out another laugh, face bright red. "Lets not start to plan our honeymoon just yet. I'm not ready to settle down for anyone, no offense."

 

[Sherwood]

Wren grabs a stick and pokes at the fire a bit, before finally giving off a sigh. "Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but its late and we are all beaten up and need some rest. I'll take the first watch. Everyone, try and get some sleep, and we'll see to our wounds in the morning and check to see if we need more divine healing for Gordib or if he'll recover on his own."

 

[Psychie]

Renna glances over at the sleeping man. "He won't die, not from his wounds, at least. Iomeade only knows what may happen due to the possessing spirit in him. But, I will gladly accept your offer to take first watch. Wake me in a few hours so I can take the middle." With that, she leans back and tries to get comfortable, closing her eyes to get some much needed rest.

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Having calmed down a bit, Baird also speaks before resting his head on his bedroll. "I would take watch if I didn't use a good deal of my spells already for the day, but if push come to shove, I'll take third watch.

 

[Psychie]

Renna gives Baird a thumbs up, then rolls over to go to sleep.

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak spoke up when the watches were volunteered for, "Baird need watch third take not.Watch morning take me. Ressst well."

With that Veskassdak curled up close to the fire for warmth and soon was snoring with an alligator-like hiss. Not loud enough to make sleeping difficult for the others, but loud enough to let the others feel safer knowing he was there.

 

[Silanon]

The night passes without any disturbances - the surrounding swamp is quiet, as if taking a deep breath before the turmoil begins once more. You all find restful sleep, and two of you happen to experience rather lively dreams.

The first one is Wren: Once more, you see the chamber you've been in today, though it looks different - the floor is clean, made out of wooden tiles, and there are no signs of the blood magic performed here. You see a male elf kneeling between the different images, likely the one you found dead in the midst of the room - at least, his inks look similar. He then stands up, opens the chest with the very same key, and takes out a single tooth just like you found them in the pouch. The scene changes - you recognize the tree from earlier, though this time, it is still surrounded by trees, and no palisade is to be seen. Goblins and orcs seem to be all over the place, with half a dozen defenders trying to keep them at bay. One of them is the elf you saw - as one of his brothers falls, you can see him fall back a few steps, throwing the tooth in between the attackers. A cloud of smoke seems to come from it, slowly forming the shape of a giant alligator - it takes no time to orientate, instead pouncing at the attackers, killing them without any resistance. It only fades away when all orcs and goblins are dead, the elf respectfully bowing in gratitude for the support.

Secondly, Baird has a similar experience. As you dream, you walk on a path through the swamps, slowly approaching a puddle that, for some reason, is different than all the others around. You feel all-powerful, your magic lets dead trees put forth buds. Your skin, covered by golden scales, makes you invulnerable, and the greatsword on your back seems to have no weight at all as you unsheathe it. Someone is waiting for you - a woman, though not an elf or human. She has hooves instead of feet, claws instead of hands, and a pair of long, twisted horns starts at her forehead. Bat-like wings are on her back, her leathery skin is covered with dark drops, as if she just took a bath in the muddy water. As it seems, she was busy sharpening the two hooky blades in her claws, but stops as you get closer. You know her name: "Preparing for war, Shaona?" You can feel how your tongue forms the words, and yet it is not your voice that speaks - instead it is the one of the dragon you heard earlier in the chamber, though stronger, and without any concern in it. "I won't simply watch while you fight our fights" is her answer. As she moves, she is swift as the wind, each step as if she'd dance through this world. Once again, you hear the dragon's voice as you answer. "A long time ago, I promised someone to never fall a second time. I won't disappoint her again." As she smiles, your vision fades. When you wake up, you cannot help but notice the warmth of the amulet on your skin.

With Renna probably sleeping rather close to the wounded man and Veskassdak taking care of the last watch, both of you are the first to notice how Gordib starts to move - as he finally wakes up and opens his eyes, he seems oddly absent-minded, neither reacting to sounds nor anything else for the time being. Instead, he tries to stand up, but his movements seem to lack any coordination - needless to say, he does not succeed, falling back and breathing hectically. Io, leaning against one of the trees a few feet away, musters his movements from safe distance, seemingly trying to understand what the best course of action might be.

 

[Psychie]

Renna rises quickly, partly to make sure that Gordib doesn't hurt himself, and partly to make sure that he doesn't start attacking anyone of the party. She places her hands on his shoulders and calls out his name, looking at his face for any signs of recognition or awareness that might indicate his mind is still his own.

 

[Sherwood]

Wren starts to wake slowly, lying in the relative comfort of her bedroll, thinking of the dream/vision she had during the night. Interesting. If these teeth all do what I saw in my dream, they will be quite useful indeed!

Then, the sudden motion of Gordib and Renna's quick motion jerked her back out of the hazy half-sleep fog she was in. Leaping to her feet, her hands go to her blades, but she doesn't draw them yet. "What's going on? Is he still possessed by that evil spirit? Has his mind left him for good?"

 

[Silanon]

Gordib shows no sign of hostile behaviour - and doesn't try to stop Renna from grabbing his shoulders, either. Mustering his eyes, you can see no sign of the evil being that possessed him earlier. That said, you don't notice much else, either. His gaze seems empty, as if only little of the man is left inside of him, an empty hull that barely remembers how to move. Maybe the Warbringer tore his mind apart as he left, or his intellect is on hiatus until it can handle the prior happenings properly. Either way, you are pretty certain that your divine spells alone won't make a difference in this case. As you call out his name, he reacts, however, pausing in his movements when hearing the somehow familiar word. That's the only sign of recognition you manage to get out of him for now, though.

 

[Dicer]

Veskassdak was ready to pounch to protect the camp from the mammal called Gordib when he moved suddenly, but seeing the armored female mammal called Renna stay his movement, he waited to see what was going to happen. When he saw Gordib's empty eyes, a chill went down his spine. He had become cambutren, an undead in the words of the mammals. However he didn't give off the smell of the not living, so he must still be alive.He would wait to see if his eyes returned to normal or if he went all the way to cambutren. He hoped for the former. He would dislike having to harm the mammal again, but if the need arrives. Well, if it happens he would do what was needed no matter how distasteful.
Having made the decision, he asked, "Isss him sssafe?"