4TH ADVENTURE – THE CORRUPTED FOREST
The typical buzz of the Bard's Tavern was like music to the Party, who, amidst roasted pig and mugs of beer, enjoyed the beauty of the waitresses uninterested in the jests of ugly and dirty adventurers.
"So, weren’t you ever afraid that the red dragon would kill us all and turn you into dragon treasure?", Donovan asked Megalomagna.
"Nah. As a matter of fact, I was dragon treasure once upon a time", the sword replied.
"And how did that happen?", Bosco asked, surprised.
"For some reason I can't remember, a blue dragon managed to add me to its treasure", it continued. "But blue dragons are a pain in the ass, I tell you. This one, in particular, was grumpy and ill-tempered".
"Weren't you afraid of never getting out of there?", Korvac asked.
"The dragon's lair wasn't all bad; boredom was what killed me. And since that blue lizard didn't like a good conversation, he couldn't stand hearing my magnificent ideas and buried me at the bottom of the treasure pile. That pissed me off a lot!", Megalomagna said.
"Good thing you don't need to breathe!", Donovan joked.
"One of my greatest qualities is my impeccable oratory", Megalomagna said. "It took that from me for at least 50 years. I didn't let it slide: I cursed and insulted that fat lizard so much that I think that's how I developed my Taunt ability".
"Very interesting this ability to learn new skills of yours", Kharius added.
"Why, did you think you were the only one who could expand your repertoire? Joke's on you; I don't even need a grimoire!", the sword said.
"And tell us, how did you escape from there?", Donovan asked, curious.
"From the lair? Oh, it turns out blue dragons are quarrelsome and territorial, you know? And this big lizard was picking fights with a copper dragon that had made a lair nearby. Copper dragons are those boastful talkative pranksters and...".
The Party looked at Megalomagna with a mix of mockery and disbelief.
"What are you looking at? I'm telling you, copper dragons are like that! But blue lizards are stronger, so the copper dragon asked for help from some doofus adventurers like you".
"Mind your words, Butterknife", Bosco said.
"Soft-ass hobbit...", Megalomagna muttered. "Anyway, the doofs killed the blue lizard and took all the treasure for themselves, which made the copper dragon furious. All that considering it never knew about me; now imagine how it'd feel finding out it missed a magnificent sword like me!".
"I swear I try to have patience with you", Donovan told Megalomagna.
"What are you complaining about, Dollyvan? Look at you, level 18, AC -3, 1 trillion HP, you look like a damn final boss!", Megalomagna exclaimed.
"What are you talking about, you crazy sword?", Donovan asked, confused.
Distracted, the Party didn't notice that a mist had formed around the table they were sitting at. Kharius was the first to sense an increase in humidity and a peculiar rain-like odor.
"Mist, here?", Kharius questioned.
"This mist is filled with magic", Megalomagna asserted. "Identify yourself, misty being".
"Greetings, adventurers", a deep and solemn voice echoed in the minds of all Party members. "I am a Mist Dragon. My name is irrelevant".
"Rude", Megalomagna interjected.
"Don't interrupt the dragon", Donovan reprimanded.
"Your deeds are becoming known", said the dragon. "That is why, albeit reluctant, I come seeking your help".
"If a dragon seeks our help, it must be something serious", Korvac pondered.
"A green dragon has corrupted the forest where I live", the dragon said. "That's why I summoned a creature with the purpose of purifying it".
The Party waited in silence, eager to hear what the dragon had to say.
"It seems one is not always as wise as one thinks...", the dragon mused. "My intentions, although good, caused more destruction than anything".
"Mist dragons never get straight to the point...", Megalomagna grumbled.
"Perhaps it was a mistake to seek your help. I’d better leave", the dragon said, weary.
"Wait!", Kharius exclaimed. "Please, tell us what happened".
"The forest has been destroyed by the creature I summoned. Elves, Ents, Sprites, Gnomes, all lost their homes because of it", the dragon vented. "Because of a bulette".
"It must be a very big and strong creature", Bosco said. "What do you need from us? To get rid of it?".
"Yes. It is known as the 'landshark', and it's a terrible monster. There is a good chance that not even you can destroy it".
"Those are excellent news...", Bosco sighed.
"I'm sure we can handle it", Donovan declared, standing up from his chair.
"Remember: there's a green dragon at war with me because of this. By accepting my request, you'll be at war with it too", the Mist Dragon said.
"This will be a great opportunity to test our skills", Donovan said, polishing Megalomagna with a tissue. "We already have a red dragon on our tail; fighting a green dragon will be a good challenge".
"You are exactly as I thought you would be. Brave and foolish", said the Mist Dragon.
"We’ll take that as a compliment", Donovan replied. "Where is this forest?".
"Misty Forest", said the Mist Dragon. "Be careful. In what is left of the forest, only the strongest and most voracious creatures remain".
With that, the mist dissipated.
"The dragon won't even accompany us?", Megalomagna complained. "What a daring creature!".
"Stop complaining, or I'll throw you into a barrel of beer until you drown" Donovan said.
***
“Think about a coincidence, huh? Megalovania here was involved in a dragon fight in the past, and now we have to deal with another one", Bosco said.
"Look here, you shrimp. Megalovania might be a cool name, but my name is MEGALOMAGNA, for the love of the gods. Can't anyone get a name right around here?", the sword complained, indignant.
"I don't want to worry you guys, but I felt a pit in my stomach when that Mist Dragon appeared", Donovan confessed. "I hope I don't regret not taking that Dragon Slayer sword".
"Look at me, buddy! Who said you need a dragon slayer? I AM your dragon slayer, and I'm good for killing any dragon, not just slimy green lizards! Keep being a good vassal to me, and you'll be rewarded. I might even grant you a bigger bonus one day!", Megalomagna exclaimed.
"We’ve reached a point where no one understands what you’re saying anymore, you crazy sword", Donovan said. "Come on, there's no time to waste. We have the honorable mission of helping a Mist Dragon. That's not for just anyone!".
"Where are we going, exactly?", Korvac asked. "I have no idea where Misty Forest is".
"West of High Moor, south of the Delimbiyr River", Kharius said with conviction, and everyone looked at him with curiosity. "It's an Elven Kingdom. The fact that Misty Forest, protected by my ancestors, was destroyed by a single monster worries me".
"I'm more worried that we'll have to face it", Bosco said.
"We're more prepared than ever", Donovan said. "And if we want to face calamity-level monsters capable of destroying entire states like green or red dragons, we have to be able to defeat this landshark".
"I still think this Mist Dragon is just lazy", Megalomagna interjected. "It's definitely capable of defeating this bulette without our help".
"But it asked for our help, and Mist Dragons don't ask for help for no reason. I'm sure we'll reap good rewards", Kharius pondered.
"That's if you don't end up as bulette food!", Megalomagna said and laughed.
***
PARTY STATUS (QUEST START)
DONOVAN STRIDE (Warrior/Human) - LVL 18
* Strength: 16 (+2 damage)
* Dexterity: 13
* Constitution: 15 (+2 HP per level)
* Intelligence: 9
* Wisdom: 10
* Charisma: 10
* HP: 154
* TAC0: 3
* AC: -3 (Gold Dragon Scale Mail AC -1 / magical shield +2)
* Attack dmg: 1d8+5 (+7 against wizards) – attacks twice per round
* XP: 172.750
KORVAC THE BLESSED (Cleric/Human) - LVL 17
* Strength: 12
* Dexterity: 10
* Constitution: 13
* Intelligence: 10
* Wisdom: 18 (pearl of wisdom +2)
* Charisma: 14
* HP: 87
* TAC0: 7
* AC: 4 (chainmail +1)
* Attack dmg: 1d8+1 (heavy mace +1)
* XP: 167.750
SPELLS:
* 1st circle: Cure Light Wounds (7x a day)
* 1st circle: Detect Evil (6x a day)
* 1st circle: Protection from Evil (4x a day)
* 2nd circle: Augury (5x a day)
* 2nd circle: Resist Fire/Resist Cold (5x a day)
* 3rd circle: Dispel Magic (4x a day)
* 3rd circle: Cure Disease (4x a day)
* 3rd circle: Remove Paralysis (4x a day)
* 4th circle: Cure Serious Wounds (5x a day)
* 4th circle: Neutralize Poison (4x a day)
* 4th circle: Divination (2x a day)
* 5th circle: Cure Critical Wounds (4x a day)
* 5th circle: Raise Dead (3x a day)
* 5th circle: Flame Strike (2x a day)
* 5th circle: Dispel Evil (1x a day)
* 6th circle: Heal (4x a day)
* 6th circle: Conjure Fire Elemental (2x a day)
* 6th circle: Forbiddance (1x a day)
* 6th circle: Blade Barrier (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Resurrection (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Restoration (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Holy Word (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Regenerate (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Gate (1x a day)
ITEMS:
* Pearl of Wisdom +2
* Ring of Fire Resistance
-----------------
KHARIUS BLOODMOON (Wizard/Half-Elf) - LVL 16
* Strength: 10
* Dexterity: 14+2 (Half-Elf bonus)
* Constitution: 12
* Intelligence: 16+1 (Half-Elf bonus)
* Wisdom: 13
* Charisma: 14
* HP: 45
* TAC0: 12
* AC: 3
* Attack dmg: dagger 1d4+1 / short bow 1d6+1, +3 against evil creatures
* XP: 216.850
ITEMS:
* Wand of Magic Missile (5 charges)
* Short Bow +1, +3 against evil creatures
-----------------
SPELLS:
* 1st Arcane Level: Magic Missile (6x a day) – 8 missiles
* 1st Arcane Level: Detect Magic (5x a day)
* 1st Arcane Level: Burning Hands (4x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Levitate (5x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Melf’s Acid Arrow (5x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Knock (1x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Fireball (4x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Lightning Bolt (4x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Haste (3x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Charm Monster (4x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Enchanted Weapon (3x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Ice Storm (4x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Remove Curse (1x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Conjure Elemental (4x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Feeblemind (3x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Cone of Cold (4x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Hold Monster (2x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Chain Lightning (4x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Stone to Flesh (2x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: True Seeing (1x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Antimagic Shell (1x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Mordenkainen's Sword (2x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Limited Wish (1x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Prismatic Spray (1x a day)
* 8th Arcane Level: Mind Blank (1x a day)
BOSCO TUMBLEFOOT (Thief/Hobbit) - LVL 16
* Strength: 14
* Dexterity: 17+2 (Hobbit bonus)
* Constitution: 14+2 (Hobbit bonus) – (+2 hp)
* Intelligence: 12
* Wisdom: 14
* Charisma: 12
* HP: 87
* TAC0: 8
* AC: 2 (cloak of protection +2)
* Attack dmg: 1d6+1 (short sword +1)
* XP: 167.850
ITEMS:
* Slippers of Spider Climbing
* Wand of Fire
***
UPDATED PARTY BELONGINGS
* 16.550 gold
* 11.450 silver
* Star Emerald (10.000 gold)
* 7 healing potions (2d4 hp healing)
* 1 potion of poison
* 2 potions of invulnerability
* Bag of Devouring
* A page from the Testament of Jade
* A Potion of Gaseous Form
* Magical Shield +2 (Donovan)
* Gold Dragon Scale Mail AC -1 (Donovan)
* A Chainmail +1 (Korvac)
* A Heavy Mace +1 (Korvac)
* A +2 pearl of wisdom (Korvac)
* Ring of Fire Resistance (Korvac)
* A short sword +1 (Bosco)
* A Cloak of Protection +2 (Bosco)
* Slippers of Spider Climbing (Bosco)
* Wand of Fire (Bosco)
* A Dagger +1 (Kharius)
* Wand of Magic Missiles-5 charges (Kharius)
* Short Bow +1, +3 against evil creatures (Kharius)
***
“A caravan, again?”, Bosco complained.
“What did you expect?”, Donovan retorted. “Flying griffons?”.
“Well, not that much, but at least something less bumpy”, Bosco grumbled.
“This is more than enough for us”, Korvac admonished. “Remember we are adventurers, not tourists”.
“Okay, holy moly, you’re gonna burn me at the stake or what?”, Bosco complained.
“Don’t mind them, Bosco”, Kharius said with his usual friendly tone. “Humans tend to believe they know everything”.
“You’re half-human too, you know?”, Donovan said, and they laughed.
After a moment of silence, Donovan spoke again. “I think we have changed a lot compared to our last caravan ride. Common monsters like bullywugs, goblins and the like will refrain from messing with us now”.
“Maybe you’re the monsters now”, Megalomagna said.
“Your spells are centered around fear and despair, so you have no moral grounds to say anything”, Korvac retorted.
“Well, let’s leave the banter for later”, Donovan said, effectively interrupting them. “We’re here. And the forest definitely turned into a wasteland. What kind of creature does that?”.
“A very hungry one”, Kharius said.
“I can hear the sound of someone or something fighting”, Bosco said, raising his hands.
“Oh right, you have great listening abilities, don’t ya?”, Donovan said.
“Just be quiet for a second!”, Bosco said, angry. “Yes, there’s a fight going on. At least one of them is a person”.
“Let’s go!”, Donovan rallied.
Venturing into the devastated forest, navigating through fallen trunks and sharp bushes, the Party finally found the source of the noise that Bosco detected: a person, with an appearance similar to Kharius but feminine, was fiercely battling against two horrendous creatures. Hunchbacked, with large arms equipped with enormous claws, the monsters had skin that seemed rubbery, with a green-gray coloration, and horrifying faces. Upon seeing the Party, the female warrior showed no intention of asking for help, but it was evident that her attacks were not proving effective. Meanwhile, her arms and legs were bleeding, and her breathing was heavy.
“Oh no. Trolls. Here we go again”, Megalomagna complained. “Now EEEEEVERYONE is gonna call me the Troll Killer again”.
“We need to help her!”, Kharius yelled, ignoring Megalomagna. It was clear that he was worried because he identified her as a half-elf, like himself.
“Let’s go”, Donovan said calmly to the Party, and assumed a flawless fighting stance.
2 Trolls appeared.
Troll 1
HP: 35
AC: 4
THAC0: 13
Atks: 1d4+4/1d4+4/1d8+4
XP: 3.000
Troll 2
HP: 39
AC: 4
THAC0: 13
Atks: 1d4+4/1d4+4/1d8+4
XP: 3.000
MOIRA TLACHTGA (Druid/Female Half-Elf) – LVL 10
* Strength: 8
* Dexterity: 13
* Constitution: 10
* Intelligence: 14
* Wisdom: 16
* Charisma: 17
* HP: 38
* TAC0: 12
* AC: 6 (studded leather armor)
* Attack dmg: 1d6+1 (club +1)
SPELLS:
* 1st circle: Animal Friendship (animal)
* 1st circle: Detect Evil (all)
* 1st circle: Locate Animals or Plants (animal)
* 1st circle: Entangle (plant)
* 1st circle: Create Water (elemental)
* 2nd circle: Charm Person or Mammal (animal)
* 2nd circle: Know Alignment (divination)
* 2nd circle: Slow Poison (healing)
* 2nd circle: Speak with Animals (animal)
* 3rd circle: Create Food and Water (creation)
* 3rd circle: Plant Growth (plant)
* 3rd circle: Hold Animal (animal)
* 4th circle: Call Woodland Beings (animal)
* 4th circle: Neutralize Poison (healing)
* 5th circle: Animal Growth (animal)
* 5th circle: Animal Summoning II (animal)
ABILITIES:
* Can identify plants, animals, and pure water
* Can pass through overgrown areas
* Can learn the languages of woodland creatures like centaurs, dryads, elves, fauns, gnomes, dragons, giants, lizard men, manticores, nixies, pixies, sprites, and treants
* Is immune to charm spells cast by woodland creatures
* Can shapechange into a reptile, bird, or mammal up to three times per day
Donovan will attack troll 1. Rolled 4 and 4. Hits. Dealt 1d8+5. 1d8+5: 9, 13.
Troll 1 is reduced to 11/35 HP.
Troll 1 will retaliate. Rolled 14, 4, 11. Missed.
Korvac casts Conjure Fire Elemental. Rolled 93 on a 1d100. An efreeti has appeared. It has hatred in its eyes but bows to his caster nonetheless.
Efreeti
HP: 35
AC: 2
THAC0: 11
Atk: 3d8
Kharius casts Melf's Acid Arrow on Troll 1. Rolled 13. Hit. Dealt 2d4: 6.
Troll 1 is reduced to 5/35 HP.
"Bosco, use the wand!", Kharius shouted.
Bosco will use the Burning Hands function of his Wand of Fire. Rolled 19. Hit. Dealt 6 dmg.
Troll 1 burned to death.
Troll 2 is enraged. It attacks Donovan. Rolled 1, 4 and 14. Missed.
Donovan attacks troll 2. Rolled 11 and 8. Hits. Dealt 1d8+5. 1d8+5: 9, 9.
Troll 2 is reduced to 21/39 HP.
Korvac commands the efreeti to attack troll 2. Rolled 13. Hit. Dealt 3d8: 12.
Troll 2 is reduced to 9/39 HP.
Kharius will cast Burning Hands.
Troll 2 is burned to cinders.
"I suppose I should say thanks", said the woman. "I'm Moira, a druid that protects...or should have protected...this forest".
"Save the introductions for later", Megalomagna said. "There's a HUGE life form coming at us".
Heavy stomps could be heard until a large reptilian head became visible amidst the trees. Then another head became visible. Then another.
"Hydra!", Bosco shouted.
More heads kept appearing until 12 could be counted.
"What a monstrous creature", Korvac said, incredulous.
"Now that's where the fun begins, brothers! Let's not rest until all those heads are on the ground!", Donovan shouted.
"This guy is enjoying himself too much...", Bosco mumbled.
A hydra has appeared!
Hydra (12 heads)
* HP: 96
* AC: 5
* THAC0: 9
* Atks: 1d10 (12 times)
* XP: 50.000
Initiative:
* Party 2
* Hydra 9
ROUND 1
4 hydra heads attack Donovan. Rolled 16, 1, 14, 5. Two Hits. 2d10: 16.
Donovan HP 138/154
4 hydra heads attack Korvac. Rolled 7, 2, 14, 14. Three Hits. 3d10: 16.
Korvac HP 71/87
2 hydra heads attack Bosco. Rolled 14, 10. Two Hits. 2d10: 15.
Bosco HP 72/87
Party initiative:
* Bosco 6
* Donovan 6
* Korvac 5
* Kharius 4
Bosco attacks. Rolled 14. Hit. 1d6+1: 3.
Hydra HP 93/96
Donovan attacks. Rolled 20, 5. Two hits. 1d8+5. 1d8+5: 6, 14.
Hydra HP 79/96
02/12 heads have been severed.
Korvac commands the efreeti to attack the hydra. Rolled 17. Hit. 3d8: 17.
Hydra HP 62/96
04/12 heads have been severed.
Kharius attacks with his short bow. Rolled 10. Hit. 1d6+1: 6.
Hydra HP 56/96
05/12 heads have been severed.
END OF ROUND 1
* Donovan 138/154 HP
* Korvac 71/87 HP
* Bosco 72/87 HP
* Kharius 45/45 HP
* Hydra 56/96 HP
ROUND 2
4 hydra heads attack Donovan. Rolled 13, 4, 8, 12. Two Hits. 2d10: 5.
Donovan 133/154 HP
3 hydra heads attack Korvac. Rolled 20, 6, 15. Three hits. 3d10: 23.
Korvac 48/87 HP
Bosco attacks. Rolled 12. Hit. 1d6+1: 4.
Hydra 52/96 HP
Donovan attacks. Rolled 2, 8. Two hits. 1d8+5. 1d8+5: 13, 6.
Hydra 33/96 HP
07/12 heads have been severed.
Korvac commands the efreeti to attack the hydra. Rolled 10. Hit. 3d8: 15.
Hydra 18/96 HP
09/12 heads have been severed
Kharius attacks with short bow. Rolled 7. Hit. 1d6+1: 2.
Hydra 16/96 HP
10/12 heads have been severed.
END OF ROUND 2
* Donovan 133/154 HP
* Korvac 48/87 HP
* Bosco 72/87 HP
* Kharius 45/45 HP
* Hydra 16/96 HP
ROUND 3
2 hydra heads attack Donovan. Rolled 18, 11. Hit. 1d10: 4.
Donovan 129/154 HP
Bosco attacks. Rolled 14. Hit. 1d6+1: 7.
Hydra 10/96 HP
Donovan attacks. Rolled 17, 2. Two hits. 1d8+5. 1d8+5: 12, 7.
12/12 heads have been severed.
The hydra's body, relieved of its heads, wanders aimlessly, agonizing in pain until it grows numb and falls to the ground, dead.
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating the trolls and the hydra. Each member earns a total of 56.000 XP for the defeated monsters in this encounter.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 172.750 + 56.000 = 750 XP in total.
* Donovan Stride has advanced from level 18 to level 19.
* Donovan Stride's max HP increased by 1d10+2 = 3.
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 167.750 + 56.000 = 750 XP in total.
* Korvac the Blessed has advanced from level 17 to level 18.
* Korvac the Blessed's max HP increased by 1d8 = 5.
* Korvac the Blessed has learned the spells Protection From Evil, 10' Radius and Symbol
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 216.850 + 56.000 = 850 XP in total.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 167.850 + 56.000 = 223.850 XP in total.
Updated Stats:
* Donovan 133/157 HP
* Korvac 48/92 HP
* Bosco 72/87 HP
* Kharius 45/45 HP
-1 Burning Hands (Kharius)
-1 Melf's Acid Arrow (Kharius)
-1 Conjure Fire Elemental (Korvac)
One of the hydra's heads coughed up an oddly shaped bit of roughly polished rock.
The efreeti has disappeared.
***
“Wow! That was awesome!”, Donovan said. “That creature was, like, taken from a myth or something”.
“It is a mythical creature, warrior”, Moira said. “And there was no reason for you to kill it”.
“No reason?”, Bosco asked while picking up the stone, examining and pocketing it. “What should we do, then? Accept our fate of becoming 12-headed hydra lunch?”.
She sighed. “All I'm saying is that hydras are not evil creatures. It's just like an animal, but a very aggressive one”.
“Well, too bad”, Donovan said. “It's kill or be killed in the wilderness. By the way, why were you fighting trolls by yourself? You know they regenerate even if you cut them to pieces, right?”.
“Yet surprisingly, you cut them to pieces and they died for real”, Moira observed. “What are your secrets, humans?”.
“Not all of us are humans, Moira”, Kharius said. Moira blushed at the sight of the half-elf.
“Uhh, w-who are you?”, she stuttered. “I've never seen you around here”.
“Being what I am makes things a little more complicated. I'm neither a person from the woods nor from the urban areas. That's probably why I became an adventurer”.
“Guys...this talk is nice and could bear fruit for you two, I'm really sure, but this isn't the time. We have a landshark to fish”, Bosco said.
Moira was about to lash out at Bosco for what he was saying, but upon hearing the word 'landshark', she paralyzed.
“Are you here for the bulette? Is that what you came for?”, she asked, nervous.
“Uuh, yes”, Donovan said. “I'm not allowed to disclose who sent us, but I guess I can tell you this much”.
“You’re all crazy”, she said. “That creature is unstoppable. Unreasonable. Like a natural disaster”.
“Well, we’ll see about that. Many would say this hydra was unstoppable too, don’t you think?”, Donovan replied, to which she had no answer.
As they turned to leave, Moira spoke again. “Thanks, I guess. For saving me, and for trying to save this forest. There are a few things you need to know about the bulette if you don’t wanna die to it. First off, they are fond of hobbit flesh. They are great burrowers, and will probably attack you from underground with its fearsome mouth before you can even blink. Their carapace is extremely tough. And last, but not least, they are fast and can jump very high. If it tries to jump on you, DON’T LET IT. Unless you wanna die”.
“Wow, that was quite a lecture”, Bosco said. “I can’t say I liked hearing it, but I guess it’s better to know things than to be ignorant”.
“Exactly”, Kharius added. “Thank you, Moira. May we meet again”.
“Farewell”, she replied, and to everyone's amazement, turned into an eagle and flew away.
“Druids are awesome, aren’t they?”, Bosco said, poking Kharius with his elbow.
“They are protectors of wildlife, Bosco”, Korvac interjected. “They don't have dirty thoughts like the ones you're having now”.
“Well, I for one agree with Bosco”, Donovan argued. “I think Kharius and her make a great couple”.
“FOR THE LOVE AND HATE OF ALL GODS OF CREATION, PLEASE STOP TALKING”, Megalomagna yelled, startling everyone.
“What’s wrong with you, Meggie?”, Donovan asked, amused.
“Don’t swear in front of me, sword”, Korvac admonished.
“You seem to forget there’s a creature capable of eating an entire forest somewhere around here. I don’t want my end to be in that creature’s stomach!”, Megalomagna complained. “Now take your roles seriously and SEARCH for it before it comes searching for you”.
“Don’t take charge as if you were leader of this Party!”, Donovan said. “Unlike you, we need to rest a little after a fight”.
“Well, I hope you've rested enough for a week, then. I can sense life forms in the vicinity, again. I told you to be careful, you slobs!”, Megalomagna complained.
The sword’s concerns proved correct. A commotion could be heard, and four enormous beetles with horn-like projections on their heads suddenly appeared before them.
“Rhinoceros Beetles!”, Kharius shouted.
“To battle!”, Donovan rallied, raising Megalomagna.
4 Rhinoceros Beetles appeared!
Rhinoceros Beetle 1
HP: 80
AC: 2
THAC0: 9
Atks: 3d6/2d8
XP: 5.000
Rhinoceros Beetle 2
HP: 82
AC: 2
THAC0: 9
Atks: 3d6/2d8
XP: 5.000
Rhinoceros Beetle 3
HP: 85
AC: 2
THAC0: 9
Atks: 3d6/2d8
XP: 5.000
Rhinoceros Beetle 4
HP: 89
AC: 2
THAC0: 9
Atks: 3d6/2d8
XP: 5.000
Initiative:
* Party 10
* Rhinoceros Beetles 8
The Party attacks first.
ROUND 1
“Allow me to dispose of those giant insects quickly”, Kharius said, making it clear with his gestures that he was evoking an equally powerful and dangerous fireball.
Kharius casts Fireball.
The rhinoceros beetles must save vs. spell (8) to reduce damage to half:
* Rhinoceros Beetle 1: rolled 1 (failed)
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2: rolled 4 (failed)
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3: rolled 8 (saved)
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4: rolled 14 (saved)
Rolling for damage (16d6): 61.
* Rhinoceros Beetle 1 reduced to 19/80 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2 reduced to 21/82 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3 reduced to 55/85 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4 reduced to 59/89 HP
“Good one, but they still need some chopping”, Donovan said and charged towards the humongous insects.
Donovan attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 1. Rolled 5 and 16. Two hits for 1d8+5 each: 6, 9.
* Rhinoceros Beetle 1 reduced to 4/80 HP
Korvac casts Flame Strike on Rhinoceros Beetles 2, 3 and 4.
The rhinoceros beetles must save vs. spell (8) to reduce damage to half:
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2: rolled 15 (saved)
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3: rolled 1 (failed)
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4: rolled 13 (saved)
Rolling for damage (6d8): 30.
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2 reduced to 6/82 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3 reduced to 25/85 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4 reduced to 45/89 HP
Bosco attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 2. Rolled 3. Missed.
Rhinoceros Beetle 1 attacks Donovan. Rolled 2 and 13. One hit for 2d8: 7.
Donovan suffers 7 damage.
Rhinoceros Beetle 2 attacks Bosco. Rolled 17 and 13. Two hits for 3d6 and 2d8: 16, 14.
Bosco suffers 30 damage.
Rhinoceros Beetle 3 attacks Korvac. Rolled 11 and 4. One hit for 3d6: 9.
Korvac suffers 9 damage.
Rhinoceros Beetle 4 attacks Kharius. Rolled 6 and 18. Two hits for 3d6 and 2d8: 13, 5.
Kharius suffers 18 damage.
END OF ROUND 1
* Donovan 124/157 HP
* Bosco 42/87 HP
* Korvac 39/92 HP
* Kharius 27/45 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 1: 4/80 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2: 6/82 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3: 25/85 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4: 45/89 HP
-1 Burning Hands (Kharius)
-1 Melf's Acid Arrow (Kharius)
-1 Fireball (Kharius)
-1 Conjure Fire Elemental (Korvac)
-1 Flame Strike (Korvac)
ROUND 2
Kharius attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 1 with short bow. Rolled 6. Missed.
Donovan attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 1. Rolled 18. The giant beetle’s carapace breaks and, as the creature falls, a great amount of fetid green fluid leaks out.
Donovan attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 2. Rolled 12. In the same fashion, the giant beetle’s hard shell couldn’t withstand the powerful slashes of Megalomagna and fell.
Korvac attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 3. Rolled 6. Hit for 1d8+1: 3.
Bosco attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 3. Rolled 16. Hit for 1d6+1: 2.
END OF ROUND 2
* Donovan 124/157 HP
* Bosco 42/87 HP
* Korvac 39/92 HP
* Kharius 27/45 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 1: crushed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2: smashed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3: 20/85 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4: 45/89 HP
-1 Burning Hands (Kharius)
-1 Melf's Acid Arrow (Kharius)
-1 Fireball (Kharius)
-1 Conjure Fire Elemental (Korvac)
-1 Flame Strike (Korvac)
ROUND 3
Kharius attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 3 with short bow. Rolled 9. Hit for 1d6+1: 4.
Donovan attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 3. Rolled 15 and 17. Two hits for 1d8+5 each: 8, 12. The giant beetle shook violently and fell.
Korvac attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4. Rolled 3. Missed.
Bosco attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4. Rolled 6. Missed.
Rhinoceros Beetle 4 attacks Kharius. Rolled 3 and 5. Missed.
END OF ROUND 3
* Donovan 124/157 HP
* Bosco 42/87 HP
* Korvac 39/92 HP
* Kharius 27/45 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 1: crushed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2: smashed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3: destroyed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4: 45/89 HP
ROUND 4
Kharius attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4 with short bow. Rolled 17. Hit for 1d6+1: 5.
Donovan attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4. Rolled 18 and 14. Two hits for 1d8+5 each: 7, 7.
Korvac attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4. Rolled 14. Hit for 1d8+1: 3.
Bosco attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4. Rolled 20. Hit for 1d6+1: 4.
Rhinoceros Beetle 4 attacks Kharius. Rolled 15 and 19. Two hits for 3d6 and 2d8: 10, 7.
END OF ROUND 4
* Donovan 124/157 HP
* Bosco 42/87 HP
* Korvac 39/92 HP
* Kharius 10/45 HP
* Rhinoceros Beetle 1: crushed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 2: smashed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 3: destroyed
* Rhinoceros Beetle 4: 19/89 HP
ROUND 5
Kharius attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4 with short bow. Rolled 16. Hit for 1d6+1: 7.
Donovan attacks Rhinoceros Beetle 4. Rolled 13 and 2. Two hits for 1d8+5 each: 6, 11.
The giant beetle crashes into an enormous tree and its head splits in two. It is dead.
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating the four rhinoceros beetles. Each member earns a total of 20.000 XP for the defeated monsters in this encounter.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 228.750 + 20.000 = 248.750 XP in total.
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 223.750 + 20.000 = 243.750 XP in total.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 223.850 + 20.000 = 243.850 XP in total.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has advanced from level 16 to level 17. THAC0 adjusted to 7.
* Bosco Tumblefoot max HP increased by 1d6+2: 8.
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 272.850 + 20.000 = 292.850 XP in total.
UPDATED STATS:
BOSCO TUMBLEFOOT (Thief/Hobbit) - LVL 17
* HP: 42/95
* TAC0: 7
* AC: 2 (cloak of protection +2)
* Attack dmg: 1d6+1 (short sword +1)
* XP: 243.850
***
“This was harder than fighting the hydra”, Donovan said, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
“Common rhinoceros beetles can carry things 50 times their own body weight. No wonder these giant versions could pack such a punch”, Kharius observed.
“We should heal and get out of here quickly”, Korvac said. “This forest is dangerous”.
“AT LAST SOMEONE HEARD ME!”, Megalomagna yelled, to everyone’s dismay.
“If you agree it’s dangerous, then stop screaming!”, Bosco complained.
* Korvac casts Cure Serious Wounds on himself. Rolled 2d8+1: 9.
* Korvac casts Cure Serious Wounds on himself again. Rolled 2d8+1: 9.
* Korvac drinks a healing potion. Rolled 2d4: 2.
* Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on Kharius. Rolled 3d8+3: 14.
* Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on Kharius again. Rolled 3d8+3: 21.
* Korvac casts Cure Critical Wounds on Bosco. Rolled 3d8+3: 18.
* Korvac casts Cure Light Wounds on Bosco. Rolled 1d8: 5.
* Donovan 124/157 HP
* Bosco 65/87 HP
* Korvac 59/95 HP
* Kharius 45/45 HP
* -1 Burning Hands (Kharius) – 3 uses left
* -1 Melf's Acid Arrow (Kharius) – 4 uses left
* -1 Fireball (Kharius) – 3 uses left
* -1 Conjure Fire Elemental (Korvac) – 1 use left
* -1 Flame Strike (Korvac) – 1 use left
* -1 Cure Light Wounds (Korvac) – 6 times left
* -2 Cure Serious Wounds (Korvac) – 3 uses left
* -3 Cure Critical Wounds (Korvac) – 1 use left
* 6 healing potions (2d4 hp healing)
***
The Party, after understanding that standing still would only attract more monsters, decided to venture into the forest in search of the dreaded bulette.
"We shouldn't have let that druid go", Bosco said. "She was our best chance of finding that monster".
"Why do you think we need her?", Kharius asked. "Just look at the ground, and you'll find huge footprints that probably belong to the monster".
"How can you know they're his?", Bosco retorted. "That hydra had huge paws too".
"Because I'm not just looking at the footprints. Look at the trees around, the remains of animals, the earth. The bulette is a voracious omnivorous animal that devours everything in its path".
"And hydras are carnivores, is that what you mean?", Korvac asked.
"Exactly. Even a 12-headed monster wouldn't eat everything in its path if it’s not in its diet", Kharius lectured.
"So you think this bulette is nearby?", Donovan asked. "The druid said it can hide underground".
"Our best compass is this chatty sword here", Kharius said, pointing to Megalomagna. "Tell it to detect life around us, and we'll know if it's nearby".
"First of all, I'm not a compass, and I'm not a detector of anything", Megalomagna interjected. "And you should be ashamed of depending on me like this in a mission that wasn't even brought about by me. I have nothing to gain coming here with you".
"But you have a lot to lose if you don't leave with us, Megalomagna", Donovan said. "Cooperate with us, you have only to gain, believe me".
Grumbling, the sword focused on detecting life within the largest perimeter her magic allowed.
"There are several signs of life around us. None of them is as huge as the hydra's. Head northwest. I think you'll find something useful there", Megalomagna said.
Following the sword's advice, the adventurers headed northwest until they found a less devastated area of the forest. Scattered around the area were narrow burrows that not even a hobbit could pass through.
"Who are you?", a thin voice asked, and the adventurers felt a breeze passing by them.
Suspicious, the adventurers remained silent. A stronger wind passed by them again.
"I'm asking who you are", the voice repeated. "If you came with bad intentions, I'll know. If you lie, I'll know".
Kharius raised his hand to the rest of the Party as a signal that he would lead the conversation.
"We come in peace. We don't want to harm you", said the half-elf.
"A half-elf? A half-elf wizard? A powerful half-elf wizard!", the voice said, in an even higher pitch.
"We're on a mission", Kharius declared. "There's a creature devastating this forest, and it's our duty to eliminate it".
Silence reigned for more than a minute. The Party members exchanged confused glances.
"What creature are you talking about?", the high-pitched voice asked.
"Bulette. Or landshark", Kharius replied.
Suddenly, a figure resembling a small elf, about half a meter tall, with brown hair and blue eyes, became visible just in front of the Party.
"A brownie!", Bosco exclaimed, surprised.
"Shhhhh, quiet, noisy hobbit!" the brownie said, with his index finger in front of his mouth. "Nowhere is safe in this forest anymore!".
"What is your name, Master Brownie?", Kharius asked.
"I am Doby", the brownie replied. "And you, powerful half-elf wizard?"
"I am Kharius. These are Bosco, Donovan, and Korvac".
"Aren't you going to introduce me? You self-centered wizard", Megalomagna complained.
"And this chatterbox sword that doesn't know when to stop talking is Megalomagna", Kharius said, annoyed.
"You have a talking sword?", Doby asked, surprised. "Give me a minute", he requested and flew toward one of the burrows.
A few minutes later, several brownies, maybe a dozen, came out of the burrows.
"This is my family. Boby, Coby, Foby, Goby, and Hoby are my brothers. Flender is my father, Megner is my mother. Megnira is my aunt, and Megy, Migy, and Mogy are my cousins".
"A wonderful family", Kharius observed.
"Doby told us that you came to send the landshark away", Flender said, the one Doby pointed to as his father. "He told us he believes you are strong enough".
"I have no doubt that we are, sir", Donovan intervened. The older brownie looked him up and down.
"Maybe you are…Alright! I have a proposal to make. Deal with this landshark, and we will give you a reward!", Flender said.
"Father, you can't go promising things like that!", Doby scolded.
"If they can defeat the landshark, it will have been worth it!", Flender replied.
"We accept the proposal", Donovan answered. "You don't even need to tell us what the reward is; it was our mission to defeat this monster from the beginning".
"We’ll believe that you are as good as you seem", Doby said. "Please, find this monster before it destroys what's left of this forest."
***
"Okay, now what?", Bosco asked. "I thought the brownies were gonna tell us where the landshark is".
"I pointed you toward a point of interest", Megalomagna said. "If you use that tiny brain of yours, you'll remember when I said none of the life forms I sensed were as great as the hydra's".
"Stop arguing", Korvac said. "There's someone ahead".
"It looks like a person, but it isn't moving", Donovan observed.
Suddenly, a bizarre creature the size of a large badger, but with the face resembling a canine's and several legs leapt in the direction of the person, passing right through him.
"An illusion?", Kharius muttered, as the Party crouched between the bushes to hide from the monster.
"Yes", a stern voice said, startling the adventurers. "Now come with me if you don't want to become aurumvorax food".
As the adventurers turned around to look for the source of the voice, they had only the time to witness a humanoid being perform a few gestures while muttering words before all of them became invisible.
"An invisibility spell that can affect several people?", Kharius muttered.
"Hush, brother. That little devil has excellent senses".
The affirmation proved correct, as the party could still hear the creature's wild snarl.
"This is not gonna be enough", the mysterious man said, and the party could hear him muttering words again.
Suddenly, the terrain changed shape, looking, instead of a forest, like a dense maze filled with a thick fog, in which not even the greatest hunter could find its prey.
"That was a powerful illusion. One only a specialist would cast. Just who are you?", Kharius asked, troubled.
"You will know in time, brother. For now, just tell me; how nice is it to have an illusionist in your party?", the man said as he lifted the invisibility spell, revealing the figure of a male elf with a pale icy blue skin, silvery white hair and green eyes.
"A moon elf!", Kharius exclaimed. The elf smiled in silence.
"Very nice, especially when that illusionist saves us from a savage beast with multiple claws", Kharius said, lightheartedly.
"You have an elven sense of humor, despite having human blood", the moon elf said. "Now let's get out of the aurumvorax's territory or it will eventually find its way to us".
The moon elf led the Party through the devastated forest until they reached a mansion in the middle of the woods.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"Is this also an illusion?", Donovan asked.
"No, this is very much real. But only because I want you to see it. To everyone else these are ruins in the middle of a devastated forest", the moon elf said. "Come on in", he said and gestured for them to go on ahead.
Upon entering the mansion, the adventurers realized it wasn't as opulent on the inside as it seemed from the outside. Made entirely of wood, the building had a few bedrooms and restrooms but only one dining room, which contained a modest wooden table around which four other people were seated. One of them was already acquainted to the Party.
"Moira", Kharius said, surprised.
"She was the one who told us about you", the moon elf said.
"This looks like an important meeting", Bosco pondered.
"The meeting hasn't started yet", Moira said, standing up. "The presence of your Party was a requirement".
"Before we start, allow me introduce you to this council. You already know Moira. These are Lisara, Turiel and Elendir", the elf gestured towards a female and two male moon elves. "And I am Maedros".
"I knew it", Kharius said. "You're nobility".
"My ancestors were", Maedros replied. "I prefer to live a simpler life".
"It is time, Maedros", the moon elf identified as Elendir said.
"Right. Listen, adventurers", Maedros said with a serious tone. "We know why you're here. We know a Mist Dragon made the terrible mistake of summoning a bulette to undo the work of a Green Dragon and ended up having to ask you guys for help".
The Party members exchanged glances, surprised.
"What you don't know is that killing the bulette won't solve the problem. The root of all evil will still remain", Maedros continued.
"Are you talking about the green dragon?", Korvac asked.
"You shouldn't treat that dragon as a normal enemy. It is a vile entity that has enslaved many of our kind and of other creatures of the forest. Its existence has become unacceptable".
"So you're asking us to kill it", Donovan said.
"We are asking you to join the fight", Moira intervened. "Both the bulette and the green dragon need to be exterminated. You know those brownies you have met earlier? They are the only ones left. The rest of their kin has either been corrupted or destroyed".
"I could say that applies to virtually every species that used to live in this area", Maedros added.
"So this is not a quest anymore. This is a matter of life and death. If we do nothing, many will perish. Is my conclusion correct?", Donovan said.
"I see your friend doesn't like wasting time", Maedros said to Kharius.
"I guess I can't blame him, given the situation", Kharius replied.
"So are we agree...".
"GUUUYS, sorry to interrupt your lovely chat, but there's a big life form surrounding us for a while now", Megalomagna shouted, interrupting Maedros.
The moon elf exchanged glances with the others.
"Did your sword...".
"It is time to destroy that bulette!", Moira rallied, effectively interrupting Maedros again.
He sighed. "I suppose we can trust your...sword".
"Yes you can", Donovan said firmly.
Upon hearing that, Maedros nodded and made a few gestures along with a few words. Strangely, nothing happened.
"You three, stay here" Maedros told the other elves. "As for you, come on or I'll leave you behind", he told the Party and hasted towards the door.
Outside of the mansion, the Party cautiously scanned the surroundings but Maedros went straight to the open area, looked around and opened his arms.
"You said I could trust your sword!", he yelled in protest.
Out of a sudden, an enormous creature, 3 meters tall and 4 meters long, broke to the surface and snapped the moon elf between its jaws.
"Maedros!", Kharius screamed.
"Calm down and prepare for battle", Moira said, her eyes fixed on the monster.
Kharius couldn't understand how Moira could act so coldly at the sight of a comrade being killed, but he was clearly missing something. As he gave a closer look at the monster's jaws, he noticed Maedros figure distort and fade until it vanished completely.
"Was that also an illusion?", Donovan asked.
"Yes", Moira said. "He can't join the fight right now but he left us this gift".
"Quite a gift, indeed", Korvac said. "I wouldn't want to get caught in those jaws".
"A marvelous strategy", Kharius muttered to himself. "He knew the creature was a burrower, so he sent a body double in his stead to attract its attention and eliminate its greatest advantage over us: the surprise effect".
"That's great and all, but the monster is coming at us!", Bosco shouted.
A bulette has appeared!
Bulette
* HP: 80
* AC: -2/4/6
* THAC0: 11
* Atks: 4d12/3d6/3d6
* XP: 30.000
Initiative roll
* Party 4
* Bulette 10
The bulette attacks first.
Bulette attacks Donovan. Rolled 9, 17, 15. Two hits for 3d6 each: 6, 12.
* Donovan 106/157 HP
Party initiative
* Bosco 4+2
* Korvac 5
* Moira 5
* Donovan 2
* Kharius 2
Bosco attacks. Rolled 15. Hit for 1d6+1: 2.
Bulette HP 77/80.
"Don't attack its crest, it's nearly impenetrable!", Moira shouted, to Bosco's dismay.
"You should have told me that sooner!", he complained. "Where should I attack it then?".
"The eyes. It's your best bet", Moira replied.
"Well, the one I'm bringing out will have no trouble going for the eyes", Korvac said.
Korvac casts Conjure Fire Elemental. Rolled 46 on a 1d100. A 12 Hit-Dice fire elemental has appeared. It lashes violently with its fiery arms, but remains loyal to its caster.
Fire Elemental
* 12 HD
* HP: 39
* THAC0 9
* Dmg: 3d8
* +2 or better to hit
Moira casts Call Woodland Beings.
"What did you do?", Korvac asked, after listening to Moira's call for help.
"Reinforcements", she said curtly.
"Meggie, your help is very much welcomed here", Donovan said to Megalomagna.
"Of course, just say the words", the sword replied.
"Please?".
"Words! Plural!".
"Is it really necessary?", Donovan asked, annoyed.
"Do you want my help or not?".
Donovan sighed and held Megalomagna up in the air. "Oh greatest, smartest, sharpest sword in the bunch. Help me out with your unparalleled power", he declared in a bored tone.
"That lacked enthusiasm, But I'll let it pass since it is your first time. But I'll remember that if you call me Meggie ever again".
Megalomagna casts Strength. Donovan's strength has increased by 1d8: 4. Donovan's strength has increased to 20, akin to a stone giant's. Attack rolls +3, Damage bonus +7.
Now we're talking!", Donovan shouted, as the surge of power ran through his body.
Donovan attacks the bulette. Rolled 14 and 4. Two hits for 1d8+10 each: 15, 11.
* Bulette HP 51/80.
Kharius casts Prismatic Spray. Rolled 1d8: 4.
* 4th Ray – Green - Save vs. poison or die; survivors suffer 20 points of poison damage.
Bulette throws a save vs. poison (8): rolled 1. Failed.
The creature stumbles as if struggling to stay awake, but ultimately falls, motionless.
"That was anticlimactic", Megalomagna said. "I had even a speech prepared".
"That was too easy", Kharius said.
"But it's true", Megalomagna retorted. "This crispy meatball is dead".
"But then...", Donovan was interrupted by an earthquake. The adventurers exchanged worried glances when another monstrosity, even bigger than the first, broke to the surface, going straight towards Bosco.
"Bosco!", the Party screamed.
Bosco will try an extreme acrobatic feat of dexterity to evade the bulette's deadly bite. A roll with a -4 penalty is required. Rolled 4. Saved.
“Megalomagna! Why didn’t you warn us there was a second landshark?”, Donovan yelled.
“Because there wasn’t, I swear! This creature came out of nowhere!”, Megalomagna yelled in return.
“Strange…”, Kharius muttered.
“Well, no matter. We have killed one, we can kill another. I’ve just warmed-up anyway!”, Donovan shouted. “And you, Bosco. Stay back, okay? Remember what Moira said about these monsters being fond of hobbit flesh”.
“How could I forget?”, Bosco said, getting up and dusting off his clothes. The bulette growled at him, furious for having lost the opportunity of getting an easy meal.
Bulette
* HP: 150
* AC: -2/4/6
* THAC0: 9
* Atks: 4d12/3d6/3d6
* XP: 50.000
Initiative roll
* Party 6
* Bulette 9
The bulette attacks first.
ROUND 1
Bulette attacks Donovan. Rolled 9, 12, 13. Two hits for 3d6 each: 9, 13.
* Donovan 84/157 HP
Party initiative
* Korvac 10
* Moira 9
* Bosco 5+2
* Kharius 7
* Donovan 3
Korvac commands the fire elemental to attack the bulette in the eyes (AC 4). Rolled 5. Hit for 3d8: 12.
* Bulette HP 138/150
Heavy stomps could be heard in the distance.
“My reinforcements have arrived”, Moira said with a smirk in her face. The one responsible for all the noise soon became clear: a huge tree-like creature, with a thick, textured, brown bark and arms gnarled like branches, approached Moira with long but steps.
“Took you long enough”, Moira told the enormous figure.
“I’m getting old, so it takes a while for me to walk”, the creature said slowly. “By the way, since I’m your elder, you must respect me as such”.
“Yes, yes”, Moira replied, lightheartedly.
“I see you have found people willing to fight the beast”, the creature said, looking at the bulette. “But why is there another one lying on the ground?”.
“Apparently there are two of them”, Moira answered.
“But this is most unheard of”, the creature said.
“Guys, would you please leave the conversation for later?”, Bosco asked, struggling to keep himself hidden from the landshark.
“What a tiny little hobbit!”, the creature said”. “I’m an Ent. Ents take a long time discussing things before leaping into action”.
“Well, that monster is destroying your forest, I think that’s plenty of reason for you to leap into action right now!”, Bosco retorted.
“Fair enough, little hobbit. You are smart for your size”, the Ent replied with a grandpa-like smile. But the fearsome creature did not show the same sympathy towards the bulette.
Ent
* 12 HD
* HP: 55
* THAC0 9
* Dmg: 4d6
Ent attacks the bulette. Rolled 14. Hit for 4d6: 16.
* Bulette HP 122/150
The bulette feels the blow but stands its ground.
Bosco will try to hide from the bulette’s sight.
Kharius will cast Lightning Bolt. Bulette must save vs. spell to avoid half damage (10). Rolled 10. Saved. Rolling 16d6: 59/2 = 29.
END OF ROUND 1
* Bulette HP 93/150
* Donovan 84/157 HP
* Bosco 65/95 HP
* Korvac 59/92 HP
* Kharius 45/45 HP
* -1 Burning Hands (Kharius) – 3 uses left
* -1 Melf's Acid Arrow (Kharius) – 4 uses left
* -1 Fireball (Kharius) – 3 uses left
* -1 Prismatic Spray (Kharius) – no uses left
* -1 Lightning Bolt (Kharius) – 3 uses left
* -1 Flame Strike (Korvac) – 1 use left
* -1 Cure Light Wounds (Korvac) – 6 times left
* -2 Cure Serious Wounds (Korvac) – 3 uses left
* -3 Cure Critical Wounds (Korvac) – 1 use left
* 6 healing potions (2d4 hp healing)
ROUND 2
The bulette will use a special leap attack on Donovan with a +2 bonus to attack roll. Rolled 15. Hit for 3d6 four times: 39.
Donovan has been pinned to the ground by the bulette and cannot attack.
* Donovan 45/157 HP
Korvac commands the fire elemental to attack. Rolled 14. Hit for 3d8: 12.
* Bulette HP 81/100
Ent attacks the bulette. Rolled 17. Hit for 4d6: 16.
* Bulette HP 65/100
Bosco will try to backstab the bulette. Rolled 14. Hit for 1d6+1 = 4*5 = 20.
* Bulette HP 45/100
The bulette releases Donovan and howls in pain. Donovan is seriously injured.
Kharius casts Cone of Cold. The bulette must save vs. spell to avoid half damage (10). Rolled 7. Failed. Rolling 16d4+16: 45.
* Bulette HP 0/100
The bulette is wounded and battered, but will attack Bosco as retaliation for the backstabbing. Rolled 6, 3, 18. Two hits for 4d12 and 3d6: 32, 12.
* Bosco 21/95 HP
Bleeding profusely, breathless and without the strength to continue fighting, the bulette collapses and falls to the ground with a heavy crash. The adventurers stood in their places, ready to resume fighting in case the creature was still alive.
“It’s over”, Megalomagna broke the silence. “Life has left this one”.
“Your sword has a heart of ice”, Moira said.
“I think it doesn’t have a heart at all”, Donovan said, his laughing interrupted by the sharp pain of a few broken ribs.
“Let’s rest at Maedros’s house”, Moira told the Party. “Mr. Wiseoak, I have no words to express my gratitude”, she told the Ent.
“You don’t have to thank me. I thank you for giving me the chance to fight those who destroy my home”, the Ent said, and after bowing in a very human-like way, it left.
The Fire Elemental has vanished back to its plane of origin.
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating the Bulettes. Each member earns a total of 80.000 XP for the defeated monsters in this encounter.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 248.750 + 80.000 = 328.750 XP in total.
* Donovan Stride has advanced from level 19 to level 20. THAC0 has been adjusted to 2.
* Donovan Stride's max HP increased by 1d10+2 = 7 (164).
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 243.750 + 80.000 = 323.750 XP in total.
* Korvac the Blessed has advanced from level 18 to level 19.
* Korvac the Blessed’s max HP increased by 1d8 = 7 (99).
* Korvac the Blessed has learned the spells True Seeing and Sunray.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 243.850 + 80.000 = 323.850 XP in total.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has advanced from level 17 to level 18.
* Bosco Tumblefoot max HP increased by 1d6+2 = 8 (103),
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 292.850 + 80.000 = 372.850 XP in total.
* Kharius Bloodmoon has advanced from level 16 to level 17.
* Kharius Bloodmoon max HP increased by 1d4 = 4 (49).
* Kharius Bloodmoon has learned the spell Prismatic Wall.
***
DONOVAN STRIDE (Warrior/Human) - LVL 20
* HP: 164
* TAC0: 2
* AC: -3 (Gold Dragon Scale Mail AC -1 / magical shield +2)
* Attack dmg: 1d8+5 (+7 against wizards) – attacks twice per round
* XP: 328.750
KORVAC THE BLESSED (Cleric/Human) - LVL 19
* HP: 99
* TAC0: 7
* AC: 4 (chainmail +1)
* Attack dmg: 1d8+1 (heavy mace +1)
* XP: 323.750
SPELLS:
* 1st circle: Cure Light Wounds (7x a day)
* 1st circle: Detect Evil (6x a day)
* 1st circle: Protection from Evil (4x a day)
* 2nd circle: Augury (5x a day)
* 2nd circle: Resist Fire/Resist Cold (5x a day)
* 3rd circle: Dispel Magic (4x a day)
* 3rd circle: Cure Disease (4x a day)
* 3rd circle: Remove Paralysis (4x a day)
* 4th circle: Cure Serious Wounds (5x a day)
* 4th circle: Neutralize Poison (4x a day)
* 4th circle: Divination (2x a day)
* 4th circle: Protection From Evil, 10' (1x a day)
* 5th circle: Cure Critical Wounds (4x a day)
* 5th circle: Raise Dead (3x a day)
* 5th circle: Flame Strike (2x a day)
* 5th circle: Dispel Evil (2x a day)
* 5th circle: True Seeing (1x a day)
* 6th circle: Heal (4x a day)
* 6th circle: Conjure Fire Elemental (2x a day)
* 6th circle: Forbiddance (1x a day)
* 6th circle: Blade Barrier (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Resurrection (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Restoration (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Holy Word (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Regenerate (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Gate (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Symbol (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Sunray (1x a day)
-----------------
ITEMS:
* Pearl of Wisdom +2
* Ring of Fire Resistance
-----------------
BOSCO TUMBLEFOOT (Thief/Hobbit) - LVL 18
* HP: 103
* TAC0: 7
* AC: 2 (cloak of protection +2)
* Attack dmg: 1d6+1 (short sword +1)
* XP: 372.850
-----------------
ITEMS:
* Slippers of Spider Climbing
* Wand of Fire
-----------------
KHARIUS BLOODMOON (Wizard/Half-Elf) - LVL 17
* HP: 49
* TAC0: 12
* AC: 3
* Attack dmg: dagger 1d4+1 / short bow 1d6+1, +3 against evil creatures
* XP: 372.850
-----------------
ITEMS:
* Wand of Magic Missile (5 charges)
* Short Bow +1, +3 against evil creatures
-----------------
SPELLS:
* 1st Arcane Level: Magic Missile (6x a day) – 8 missiles
* 1st Arcane Level: Detect Magic (5x a day)
* 1st Arcane Level: Burning Hands (4x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Levitate (5x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Melf’s Acid Arrow (5x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Knock (1x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Fireball (4x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Lightning Bolt (4x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Haste (3x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Charm Monster (4x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Enchanted Weapon (3x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Ice Storm (4x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Remove Curse (1x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Conjure Elemental (4x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Feeblemind (3x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Cone of Cold (4x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Hold Monster (3x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Chain Lightning (4x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Stone to Flesh (2x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: True Seeing (2x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Antimagic Shell (1x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Mordenkainen's Sword (2x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Limited Wish (2x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Prismatic Spray (2x a day)
* 8th Arcane Level: Mind Blank (2x a day)
* 8th Arcane Level: Prismatic Wall (1x a day)
-----------------
* 6 healing potions (2d4 hp healing)
***
“God, it’s nice to lie down for an hour or two”, Donovan vented as the Party took a well-deserved rest after a death match with the bulettes.
“I don’t know how you can relax after being almost crushed to death by that monster”, Bosco said. “It was even bigger than the first one!”.
“Which is why your rest is so well-deserved”, Maedros said. “The appearance of a second bulette took us all by surprise”.
“And after all those preparations you had made…”, Kharius said, disappointed.
“My illusions were not in vain, brother”, Maedros told him, tapping his shoulder. “They helped you evade the first bulette’s surprise attack and learn how they attack from underground”.
“That is true”, Kharius acquiesced.
“So what do we do now?”, Donovan asked, getting up. “Are we supposed to go after the green dragon in its den?”.
“That would be crazy”, Moira interjected. “That monster is cunning and devious. It has certainly filled its den with traps and guards”.
“Actually, there’s a great chance that it is not in its den”, Lisara said, joining the conversation.
Everyone looked at her, not knowing whether they were more surprised by her dazzling elven beauty or her surprising statement.
“Lisara is right”, Maedros said. “Green dragons tend to have a spy network encroached in its territory, and by now it already knows the bulettes have been killed. It knows how dangerous you guys can be, so I doubt it will come at you head-on”.
“That’s not good news. Not a long time ago, we traveled along with a red dragon passing as a good and benevolent creature just to reveal itself in the end. By my experience, anyone of us here could be the dragon in disguise”, Bosco said, suspicious.
“Bosco, you can’t accuse anyone without evidence, especially people who have helped us!”, Kharius admonished.
“That’s a fair accusation, given the circumstances”, Maedros said. “I invite you to use whatever means necessary to make sure we are telling the truth”.
“You can leave that to me”, Korvac said, holding his holy symbol.
Korvac has cast True Seeing.
Scanning the surroundings, Korvac sees nothing out of ordinary with the Party or their friends. Moira, Lisara, Turiel and Elendir - and even Maedros, a master illusionist, were not impersonating anything.
However, Korvac noticed there was a mist surrounding them, and quickly realized that was not normal.
“The Mist Dragon is here”, Korvac said, without moving a finger.
“You are certainly clever, adventurers”, that same powerful voice that requested the Party’s help spoke once again.
“Mist Dragon, we have completed your request”, Donovan said. “However, something’s come up. You told us the forest had been corrupted and you were purifying it. That the forest dwellers have lost their homes. But you never mentioned those forest residents were dying at the hands of the landsharks”.
“There were more bad apples than good apples in the tree”, the Mist Dragon said with a cold and emotionless voice. “I had no choice but to take the tree down”.
“You could have done it yourself and prevented many lives from being lost”, Kharius interjected, furious. The mist became cold as ice.
“I am much older than you, half-elf”, the Mist Dragon said. “If you think you're the guardian of justice just because you saved a few brownies, know that many others perished because you were sleeping, having dinner, or drinking beer with the townsfolk".
Kharius was about to curse the dragon when Maedros intervened.
“Let’s cease hostilities at once. Mist Dragons are centuries-old creature that can have motives that don't fit our standards”, the moon elf said.
"They surely don't fit", Korvac said.
"Irrelevant", the Mist Dragon retorted. "What matters is that the bulettes have been killed. You can leave the green dragon to me".
"No, we won't!", Moira exclaimed. "If the green dragon is the root of all evil, then we will not back down, not even for you".
"Foolish druid. You know I could summon a third bulette anytime I want, don't you?", said the Mist Dragon.
"A third?", Bosco asked. "The second bulette...was that you as well?".
"I guess there is no reason for me to lie", the Mist Dragon said. "I did that because I wanted your treasure...especially that sword".
"You again?", Donovan yelled to Megalomagna. "Will it be just a matter of time before a gang of dragons take us down because of you?".
"It's not my fault that I'm so...irresistible", Megalomagna said, chuckling. "But you shouldn't forget what that storm giant told you that day: you don't need a dragon slayer as long as you have me. Bring them on, and I'll help you take them down".
"As long as I do your bidding", Donovan retorted, annoyed.
"I don't ask much: just kill a few spellcasters now and then and pamper me. Be a good sport", Megalomagna said.
"I've come to realize killing you all is more trouble than its worth", the Mist Dragon said, interrupting Megalomagna's incessant babbling. "That's why I'm offering you two options: one, you leave Misty Forest and I'll personally get rid of the green dragon; two, you come along and give me support while I fight it".
"I want a third option", Moira said, confident. "We will fight together as a team, and we will share the spoils of victory as a team".
"I don't mean to offend you, protector of nature, but it is not reasonable for someone like me to treat us equally", the Mist Dragon said.
"Forget about reason", she said. "The green dragon has to be destroyed, and we will do it with or without your help. Those are our terms".
The Mist Dragon chuckled a little. "It has been a while since I've been confronted by mortals like that. Very well. I know where the green dragon is. Prepare for the fight, and I will reach out to you telepathically when it's time".
Upon saying that, the mist vanished.
"Is the dragon still here?", Maedros asked Korvac.
"No. It's gone", the priest replied.
"Do you think we can trust the dragon?", Maedros asked Moira.
"No. But we'll pretend to play to its tune until the time is right", she answered. "Dragons are greedy, and that is their greatest weakness".
Just as the mist dissipated, someone knocked on the door, startling everyone. Upon opening it, Maedros spotted the small figure of a brownie.
"May I see Mr. Hobbit?", the brownie said with a high-pitched voice.
Maedros called for Bosco, who, surprised, came for the door.
"Doby! Good to see you! We have good news, the bulettes have been killed!", Bosco said, relieved to see the brownie was safe.
But Doby kept a sad expression on his face.
"What's wrong, buddy? Didn't you hear what I said? The monsters are dead, we killed them with our own hands! They're not gonna terrorize your forest anymore", Bosco said, holding the brownie by its tiny shoulders.
"The green dragon is still out there, Mr. Hobbit. And it's on a witch hunt right now. It seems one of its evil informants told it the same thing you're telling me right now", the brownie said, and tears rolled down his eyes.
"Why are you so sad, Doby?", Bosco asked, distressed. "Is your family...".
"They had to leave the forest", the brownie said, bursting into tears.
"Good god, you almost killed me here, Doby! So they are alive, right?", Bosco said. The brownie nodded.
"Then everything is gonna be alright. We will defeat that green dragon and your family will have their forest back. You see those big guys in there? They're strong! Not as strong - or smart - as me, but still strong".
Doby chuckled a little and wiped his tears. "You promise you're gonna kill the green mean lizard?".
"Promise!", Bosco exclaimed, with a hand in his chest.
"All right! Then here's the reward we promised you for defeating the landshark", Doby took a copper coin from his pocket and gave it to Bosco.
"Is that the reward?", Bosco asked, frowning. The brownie laughed out loud.
"Of course not, silly! That was just a prank. The reward is here", and Doby untied a leather bag, the size of his body in length, from his back. From inside the bag, Doby pulled a beautiful golden bastard sword.
"What in the world is that, Doby?", Bosco asked, baffled.
"This is my family treasure. It's yours now", Doby said.
"No way! I can't accept it! Just look at that, it's probably worth more than my life! Forget it, Doby, I mean it!", Bosco exclaimed.
Doby's eyes watered again.
"You're risking your lives for us over and over again and you tell me this piece of steel is worth more than your life? What about ours then?", Doby asked.
"I...didn't mean it like that", Bosco answered, embarrassed.
"Just hold the sword. Please", Doby pleaded.
Taking the sword in his hand, Bosco immediately realized it wasn't a common piece of equipment. Despite having the size and appearance of a bastard sword, it was light, maybe even lighter than his already magical short sword.
"What kind of sword is this?", he asked, puzzled.
"That is a Sunblade. It is especially good against anything evil", Doby said proudly.
"That is awesome, Doby!", Bosco exclaimed.
"And that is not all! If you hold the sword aloft and say the right words, it can even cast a powerful spell called Sunray!".
"And what are the words?", Bosco asked.
Doby cleared his throat and held his hand up high as if holding an imaginary sword.
"HOLY MOLY SUNNY DOBY!", he screamed.
"Really?", Bosco muttered in complete disbelief.
***
"You have been gifted quite a treasure, Master Bosco", Maedros said, impressed by the Sunblade's beauty.
"Just call me Bosco. And yes, Doby is awesome. This was his family treasure".
"Brownies are very intelligent, and especially fond of hobbits. He knew you were the perfect person to have it", Maedros pondered. "And now you have yet another reason to be coveted by dragons!".
"Please don't remind me", Donovan vented. "Do you guys have a barrel somewhere? I think I'm gonna dump this chatterbox in there and leave it".
The moon elves looked at Donovan and tilted their heads, confused.
"Don't say this crap like you were actually doing it", Megalomagna admonished. "You like feeling strong like a giant, don't ya?".
"Your relationship with your sword is rather...unique, Master Donovan", Maedros observed.
"It wasn't like this in the beginning. This piece of steel has the ability to make you wanna argue! I think it's turning me into a chatterbox too!", Donovan said, and everyone laughed at the comically absurd situation.
As their laughs faded, they turned to Moira.
"So, what's your plan?", Donovan asked.
"Plan?", Moira retorted. "Who said I have a plan?".
“What?”, Bosco yelled. “What about the 'play to the Mist Dragon's tune' story you told us?”.
“Well, we’ll have to do that if we want to find the green dragon, right? What else can we do until it's time to fight?”, she retorted.
“I hope you have rested enough, adventurers”, the Mist Dragon's voice could be heard. “The green dragon is coming for you”.
“Guys...I sense trouble”, Megalomagna said. Suddenly, something crashed heavily onto the mansion. The roof was torn apart and heavy dust filled the air.
“Everyone out!”, Maedros screamed, coughing.
As the Party left the mansion, they could finally see the perpetrator of all evil deeds that happened to Misty Forest: a huge, more than 15 meters long with an equally long tail, green winged dragon up in the air, with hatred in its eyes and an almost palpable bloodlust.
“You worms have caused enough trouble in my forest”, the dragon said with a fearsome guttural voice. “I'll make you pay dearly, especially those with elven blood!”.
"Come at us, you accursed green lizard!", Maedros shouted. The dragon roared, enraged, and its belly grew a bright green, indicating it was charging a breath attack.
"Brace yourselves, everyone!", Donovan shouted.
MAEDROS (Illusionist/Moon Elf) – LVL 18
* Strength: 8
* Dexterity: 14
* Constitution: 11
* Intelligence: 18
* Wisdom: 14
* Charisma: 17
* HP: 42
* TAC0: 11
* AC: 3
* Attack dmg: dagger 1d4+1
-----------------
ITEMS:
* Elven Chainmail +2
-----------------
SPELLS:
* 1st Arcane Level: Change Self
* 1st Arcane Level: Phantasmal Force
* 2nd Arcane Level: Hypnotic Pattern
* 2nd Arcane Level: Misdirection
* 2nd Arcane Level: Improved Phantasmal Force
* 3rd Arcane Level: Wraithform
* 3rd Arcane Level: Spectral Force
* 3rd Arcane Level: Invisibility, 10-foot Radius
* 4th Arcane Level: Improved Invisibility
* 4th Arcane Level: Phantasmal Killer
* 5th Arcane Level: Advanced Illusion
* 5th Arcane Level: Demi-Shadow Monsters
* 6th Arcane Level: Veil
* 6th Arcane Level: Mislead
* 7th Arcane Level: Sequester
* 7th Arcane Level: Mass Invisibility
* 7th Arcane Level: Simulacrum
* 8th Arcane Level: Screen
* 9th Arcane Level: Weird
Green Dragon
Age 6 (Adult – ~200 years)
HP: 250
AC: -2
THAC0: 7
HD: 13 (+2 hit die modifier)
Atks: 1d8/1d8/2d10 (claw/claw/bite) or 12d6+6 (breath - every three rounds)
XP: 150.000
ROUND 1
The green dragon will attack from afar with its breath weapon. All the affected must save vs. breath weapon or suffer 12d6+6 damage = 50. A successful save will reduce damage by half.
* Moira (12): 19 (saved)
* Maedros (7): 8 (saved)
* Donovan (4): 7 (saved)
* Korvac (10): 18 (saved)
* Bosco (12): 4 (failed)
* Kharius (7): 14 (saved)
* Moira reduced to 13/38 HP
* Maedros reduced to 17/42 HP
* Donovan reduced to 139/164 HP
* Korvac reduced to 74/99 HP
* Bosco reduced to 53/103 HP
* Kharius reduced to 24/49 HP
“Is everyone alright?”, Donovan yelled after withstanding the green dragon’s poisonous gas breath with relative ease. The green dragon was astonished, for it had been more than a century since anyone would suffer his breath attack and survive to tell the tale.
“Are you surprised, dragon?”, Donovan taunted. “You may be a fearsome creature, but let me prove you wrong in one thing: you’re not the most frightening guy in the room now!”.
The dragon growled but refused to come down.
Kharius casts Prismatic Wall. A vertical, shimmering multicolored plane of light akin to a wall appeared. The wall flashes with all colors of the visible spectrum.
“I thought you were gonna cast something to bring the dragon down”, Bosco told Kharius.
“This is going to be our trump card, my friend”, Kharius said, confident. “Leave the brawl to our warrior friend and his talking sword”.
“I think it’s up to us to bring that fat ugly lizard to the ground”, Donovan told Megalomagna.
“You’re lucky that I’m so pissed”, Megalomagna retorted.
Megalomagna casts Taunt. Green Dragon throws a save vs. spell: 10. Saved.
The spell has no effect.
“What a formidable opponent”, Maedros vented.
“We will make it understand that staying up there is a bad idea”, Korvac said, holding his holy symbol.
Korvac casts Flame Strike. Green Dragon throws a save vs. spell: 11. Saved for half damage. Rolling 6d8: 17.
* Green Dragon HP 133/150
Maedros drinks a strong healing potion. Healed 2d8+1: 9.
Maedros HP 26/42 HP
The Green Dragon is furious for being hit with fire.
“You not only refuse to die but also harm my scales. I’ll never forgive you vermin!”, it roared and dived towards the adventurers. In the middle of its flight, an even bigger dragon, this time one with blue-gray skin with metallic silver flecks that sparkled in sunlight, tackled it, sending it flying towards a mountain.
“You’ve done well, adventurers”, the dragon said. “Are you in condition to keep fighting?”.
“It’s the Mist Dragon”, Moira said. “It really came”.
“From now on, call me Steamburn”, the Mist Dragon said.
Steamburn (Mist Dragon)
Age 8 (Old – 450 years)
HP: 350
AC: -3
THAC0: 5
HD: 15 (+4 hit die modifier)
Atks: 1d4+1/1d4+1/2d12 (claw/claw/bite) or 10d6+9 (breath - every three rounds)
Steamburn will attack the green dragon with a breath attack. The green dragon must save vs. breath weapon or suffer 10d6+9 damage = 41. A successful save (4) will reduce damage by half. Rolled 14. Saved. Suffered 20 dmg.
* Green Dragon HP 113/150
“Why you…”, the green dragon snarled. “You act aloof and segregationist but in the end you were just waiting for a chance to take me down”, it said to the Mist Dragon.
"You corrupt everything you touch, Cthugh", Steamburn said. "It's time you leave this forest forever!".
"Even if you kill me, I will take all these elves with me!", the green dragon roared.
The green dragon Cthugh will try to attack Maedros.
"Megalomagna, this is the last time I ask of you: give me strength!", Donovan pleaded.
"I'll allow it only because I like those elves", the sword replied, and its blade shone a very bright purple.
Megalomagna casts Strength. This spell will concede 1d8+2 strength points to Donovan due to his strong desire to protect someone. Rolled 6+2: 8.
Donovan's strength has increased to 24, akin to a storm giant's. Attack rolls +6, Damage bonus +12.
Donovan will try a feat of strength. Rolled 13. Success.
To everyone's amazement, Donovan stopped the green dragon in place by grabbing its enormous claws with his newfound strength. Feeling that anything was possible, he held the dragon firmly and wrestled it onto the ground.
"Now that's something you don't see every day", Kharius said, jaws dropped.
"This is our chance", Bosco shouted. "Let's engage it while it's on the ground!".
Bosco will attach Cthugh with the Sunblade. Rolled 20. Hit for 1d12+4: 12.
* Green Dragon (Cthugh) HP 101/150
"How is this human so strong?", Cthugh said, wounded. "And why can this small vermin pierce my scales?".
"You messed with the wrong folks, Cthugh", Steamburn said. "Your arrogance will be your demise".
"Look at you, pretending to be virtuous. You're no better than me!", Cthugh retorted.
"Keep talking", Kharius said as he performed the gestures for a spell. "I have a gift for you in return for everything you have done".
Kharius casts Lightning Bolt. Cthugh must save vs. breath weapon or suffer 17d6 damage = 63. A successful save (7) will reduce damage by half. Rolled 18. Saved. Suffered 31 dmg.
* Green Dragon (Cthugh) HP 70/150
Korvac casts Flame Strike. Cthugh throws a save vs. spell (7). Rolled 3. Failed. Rolling 6d8: 34 damage.
* Green Dragon (Cthugh) HP 36/150
Moira will attack Cthugh. Rolled 10. Missed.
"This beast's scales are too tough for me", Moira said, panting.
"Give up, worms", Cthugh sibilated. "I'm better than you in every aspect. A higher existence!", it shouted and, sinking its claws on Donovan's arms, delivered a powerful bite on his shoulder.
Donovan suffers 1d8/1d8/2d10 damage: 5, 7, 17.
* Moira: 13/38 HP
* Maedros: 26/42 HP
* Donovan: 110/164 HP
* Korvac: 74/99 HP
* Bosco: 53/103 HP
* Kharius: 24/49 HP
Donovan can attack only once. Rolled 16. Hit for 1d8+15: 22.
* Green Dragon (Cthugh) HP 14/150
Cthugh let out a horrendous howl of pain.
"Bosco, your sword is the key here", Donovan said. "It's time to conquer!".
Bosco attacks. Rolled 17. Hit for 1d12+4: 13.
* Green Dragon (Cthugh) HP 1/150
"Even if I die, none of you will live to tell the tale", Cthugh snarled and its belly turned bright green again.
"Everyone, behind the wall! Now!", Kharius shouted.
Cthugh uses its breath weapon.
Prismatic Wall's green power activates. Cthugh must save vs. poison or die. Rolled 19. Saved. Cthugh suffers 20 damage.
"Blocking my poisonous breath will do you no favor, half-elf. In the end, I will rip you all apar...".
The green dragon suddenly ran out of breath, and its claws, firmly sunk on Donovan's shoulder, relaxed.
Silently, the colossal creature sprawled across the battleground, its emerald scales marred by deep gashes, smoke curling from its scorched wings and lightning scars, like fractured veins, adorning its body.
"It seems this big lizard's scales will not be useful for a smith now", Megalomagna said, breaking the silence.
"Time and place, Meggie", Donovan said. They stood in silence until the Mist Dragon, Steamburn, spoke in a sad voice.
"It is a shame that such a majestic creature had to be brought down. But let's not regret it. This monster was responsible for the death and suffering of many creatures of the forest. I vow to protect it better from now on", Steamburn said, solemnly.
The Party has emerged victorious, defeating Cthugh, the Green Dragon. Each member earns a total of 150.000 XP for the defeated monster in this encounter.
* Donovan Stride has accumulated 328.750 + 150.000 = 750 XP in total.
* Donovan Stride has advanced from level 20 to level 21.
* Donovan Stride's max HP increased by 1d10+2 = 9 (164+9).
* Korvac the Blessed has accumulated 323.750 + 150.000 = 750 XP in total.
* Korvac the Blessed has advanced from level 19 to level 20.
* Korvac the Blessed’s max HP increased by 1d8 = 4 (99+4).
* Korvac the Blessed has learned the spells Atonement (5th) and Exaction (7th).
* Bosco Tumblefoot has accumulated 323.850 + 150.000 = 850 XP in total.
* Bosco Tumblefoot has advanced from level 18 to level 19.
* Bosco Tumblefoot max HP increased by 1d6+2 = 4 (103+4).
* Kharius Bloodmoon has accumulated 372.850 + 150.000 = 850 XP in total.
* Kharius Bloodmoon has advanced from level 17 to level 18.
* Kharius Bloodmoon max HP increased by 1d4 = 3 (49+3).
* Kharius Bloodmoon has learned the spell Wish (9th).
***
"What the hell happened there?”, Bosco asked. "The green dragon puffed gas from its mouth and suddenly dropped dead".
"Trump card, remember?", Kharius said. "I knew the dragon would try its breath weapon against the wall. I just wasn't able to cast it beforehand, since the monster crashed onto Maedros's mansion without a warning. I'm just glad there have been no casualties because of my decision".
"You've done well, brother", Maedros said, putting a hand on Kharius's shoulder. "When I felt I had no means to help against that fearsome monster, you demonstrated great mastery of the arcane arts".
"That means a lot coming from you, Maedros", Kharius said. "I'm pretty sure you could perform some deadly illusions that would scare even a dragon".
"Well, I restrain from using it unless strictly necessary", Maedros replied. "Somethings cannot be unseen", he said with a sad smile, indicating that using fear to kill can damage even the caster's Psyche.
***
"Okay, now I think it's time we talk about the green dragon's treasure", Bosco said out loud.
"Treasure? Oh, treasure, yes! Of course there was treasure. I actually...plundered Cthugh's den after it went searching for you. Its guards were weak after all", Steamburn said, appearing embarrassed.
"So?", Moira joined.
"All right, here are the items I have found", the dragon said, pulling a bunch of items from a pocket dimension.
"Is that all?", Donovan asked.
"O-of course it is!", Steamburn said, nervous.
“Those are cursed”, Korvac said. “All of them”.
“How dare you?”, Steamburn asked, not very convincingly outraged.
“A cursed sword, boots of dancing, a backbiter spear, even a shield that attracts missiles towards its wielder!”, Korvac said, genuinely outraged.
“You can’t tell they’re cursed just by looking at them”, Steamburn retorted.
“Tell me, Master Steamburn, have you ever heard of a spell called True Seeing? Exactly the one that revealed your presence when you were in mist form? Combine it with Detect Evil and not even a master illusionist like Maedros here could hide the truth from me”, Korvac declared, more confident than the Party has ever seen him before.
“Just how greedy can dragons get?”, Moira vented, disappointed.
Defeated, the Mist Dragon sighed. “I guess there’s no fooling you. Here is the real treasure”.
A bunch of items and coins were tossed by Steamburn in front of the adventurers. Korvac could now see this was the real deal.
The following items have been presented by Steamburn:
* Roll 1: 73 (Armor or Shield) – Chain Mail +2
* Roll 2: 42 (Staff) – Staff-Spear +4
* Roll 3: 19 (Potion/Oil) – Potion of Extra-Healing
* Roll 4: 88 (Weapon) – Flail +3
* Roll 5: 56 (Dust/Stone) – Incense of Meditation (Priest)
* Roll 6: 5 (Potion/Oil) – Potion of Dragon Control
* Roll 7: 31 (Scroll) – Scroll of Water Protection
* Roll 8: 38 (Ring) – Ring of Invisibility
* Roll 9: 59 (Miscellaneous) – Quaal's Feather Token
* Roll 10: 49 (Cloaks and Robes) – Cloak of Displacement +2
* Roll 11: 60 (Miscellaneous) – Deck of Many Things
* Roll 12: 69 (Armor or Shield) – Scale Mail +1
* 17.000 copper coins
* 8.000 silver coins
* 4.000 gold coins
* 6.000 platinum coins
* 18 gems (3 Emeralds; 2 Opals; 2 Diamonds; 1 Ruby; 1 Sapphire; 1 Jacinth; 1 Black Sapphire; 1 Black Opal; 1 Oriental Amethyst; 1 Oriental Topaz; 1 Oriental Amethyst; 1 Oriental Emerald; 1 Fire Opal; 1 Star Sapphire; 1 Star Ruby).
“That dragon has really made a fortune”, Donovan said, impressed. “Okay now, how should we share it?”.
“Nothing interests me more than gold and precious gems”, Steamburn said, more honest than usual. “But I’ll let you have them all if you give me your intelligent sword”.
“Nice try, but no”, Donovan retorted bluntly. “Megalomagna stays with me”.
“Hmmm. All right, I will not insist. But I must warn you: that sword is bound to attract attention from higher beings. Higher even than me. By keeping it, you are assuming the risk”, Steamburn said, as stern as Mist Dragons can be.
“I’m willing to take the risk”, Donovan said without a second thought.
“Isn’t he a good boy?”, Megalomagna said.
“I’m not a boy, you lump of steel!”, Donovan replied, annoyed.
“I’ll take this Feather Token”, Moira said.
“The ring of invisibility suits me well”, Maedros said.
“I will take the Scale Mail, the Staff-Spear, all the gems, gold and platinum, and especially this Potion of Dragon Control that I don’t want to see falling in the wrong hands”, Steamburn said.
“Wait a minute, isn’t that too much?”, Bosco complained. "You said you wanted only gold and gems".
“Leave it, Bosco”, Kharius said calmly. “I’ll even give you this magical deck of cards, Master Steamburn, if you allow us to stay with the rest”.
“Agreed. You are an intelligent negotiant, half-elf”, Steamburn said, then transferred all its newfound treasure into its pocket dimension and turned to mist, which quickly dissipated.
The Party earned the following items:
* Chain Mail +2
* Potion of Extra-Healing
* Flail +3
* Incense of Meditation (Priest)
* Scroll of Water Protection
* Cloak of Displacement +2
* 17.000 copper coins
* 8.000 silver coins
***
“Before we leave”, Kharius said, “Maedros, may I have a word?”.
“Of course, brother! What is it?”, the moon elf said.
“That spell you used to fool the bulette…”.
“Mislead. It’s a good spell when you need a decoy”, Maedros said, before Kharius could finish.
“Yes. Would you teach me that spell…Master Maedros?”, Kharius said, bowing before the moon elf. Maedros left out a lighthearted laughter.
“You don’t have to call me master for such a simple thing, brother!”, he said. “Of course I’ll teach you the spell. It’s actually less than a challenge for an advanced mage such as yourself”.
“You flatter me too much”, Kharius said, stern as ever.
“I’ll write the spell down on your grimoire. Use it well, okay? With your intelligence and skill, you can make wonders with it!”, Maedros said, not making any efforts to hide his happiness.
Kharius has learned the spell Mislead.
***
The caravan journey back to the city had been peaceful for the Party until smoke could be seen in the distance. The closer the adventurers got to the city, the thicker and higher the smoke became.
"I don't like this smoke", Bosco said. "It's too close to our city."
"It's our city that's on fire", Korvac said, clutching his sacred symbol. "And it wasn't an accidental fire. I'm sure someone caused this tragedy".
"The Bard's Tavern...", Donovan muttered.
"These flames are magical", Kharius said. "Dragon flames".
"Ruin!", Donovan exclaimed.
Arriving in the city, everything the eyes could see had been destroyed by the flames. The Tavern had burned to the ground, and even the Wizard’s Tower was scorched, though still standing due to the magical protections he, always cautious, maintained.
Searching for survivors, the Party came face to face with the Wizard himself, whose concerned features, upon looking at the adventurers, became cruel and enraged.
"YOU! YOU'RE THE GUILTY ONES!", the Wizard screamed. "Look at what you've done to my city! A damned red dragon destroyed my city, all because of your cursed sword!".
"What are you saying, Wizard?", Donovan questioned. "How can you blame us for the deeds of an evil dragon?".
"It doesn't matter if it's evil or not. This city had always been peaceful until you showed up with that sword. Now get out of here before I send you to the Nine Pits of Hell!", the Wizard yelled.
"This cannot stand", Bosco said. "We’ve got to get revenge against this infernal dragon".
"Yes, and that's exactly what we'll do", Donovan replied. "It seems Steamburn was right... Megalomagna really attracts a lot of attention".
"If you want to fly high, Donovan, you need to use my power to your advantage", Megalomagna said. "All I can promise is that my blade will always be sharp".
"Very well", Kharius said. "This will be the last battle in which I fight on the same side as you, sword. If Donovan wants to keep using you, I won't stop him. But your power doesn't seduce me. I prefer a peaceful life where innocents don't have to pay for my decisions".
"That's the talk of the weak", Megalomagna said.
"Kharius is right", Korvac interrupted. "We have gained a lot because of the sword, but having our city destroyed isn't worth all the treasure in the world. It's our moral obligation to fix this problem and ensure it won't ever happen again".
"All I can guarantee is that this dragon will pay for what it did", Donovan said. "When you're ready for this battle, you know where to find me."
PARTY STATUS (END OF THE QUEST)
DONOVAN STRIDE (Warrior/Human) - LVL 21
* HP: 173
* TAC0: 2
* AC: -3 (Gold Dragon Scale Mail AC -1 / magical shield +2)
* Attack dmg: 1d8+5 (+7 against wizards) – attacks twice per round
* XP: 478.750
ITEMS:
* Scroll of Water Protection
* Potion of Extra-Healing
* Gold Dragon Scale Mail AC -1
* Magical Shield +2
-----------------
KORVAC THE BLESSED (Cleric/Human) - LVL 20
* HP: 103
* TAC0: 7
* AC: 3 (Chain Mail +2)
* Attack dmg: 2d6+3 (flail +3)
* XP: 473.750
SPELLS:
* 1st circle: Cure Light Wounds (7x a day)
* 1st circle: Detect Evil (6x a day)
* 1st circle: Protection from Evil (4x a day)
* 2nd circle: Augury (5x a day)
* 2nd circle: Resist Fire/Resist Cold (5x a day)
* 3rd circle: Dispel Magic (4x a day)
* 3rd circle: Cure Disease (4x a day)
* 3rd circle: Remove Paralysis (4x a day)
* 4th circle: Cure Serious Wounds (5x a day)
* 4th circle: Neutralize Poison (4x a day)
* 4th circle: Divination (2x a day)
* 4th circle: Protection From Evil, 10' (2x a day)
* 5th circle: Cure Critical Wounds (4x a day)
* 5th circle: Raise Dead (3x a day)
* 5th circle: Flame Strike (3x a day)
* 5th circle: Dispel Evil (3x a day)
* 5th circle: True Seeing (2x a day)
* 5th circle: Atonement (1x a day)
* 6th circle: Heal (4x a day)
* 6th circle: Conjure Fire Elemental (2x a day)
* 6th circle: Forbiddance (1x a day)
* 6th circle: Blade Barrier (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Resurrection (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Restoration (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Holy Word (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Regenerate (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Gate (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Symbol (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Sunray (1x a day)
* 7th circle: Exaction (1x a day)
ITEMS:
* Pearl of Wisdom +2
* Ring of Fire Resistance
* Flail +3
* Chain Mail +2
* Incense of Meditation (Priest)
-----------------
BOSCO TUMBLEFOOT (Thief/Hobbit) - LVL 19
* HP: 107
* TAC0: 7
* AC: 2 (cloak of protection +2)
* Attack dmg: 1d12+2 (+4 against evil)
* XP: 473.850
ITEMS:
* Sunblade +2, +4 against evil creatures
* Slippers of Spider Climbing
* Wand of Fire
* Stone of Controlling Earth Elementals
-----------------
KHARIUS BLOODMOON (Wizard/Half-Elf) - LVL 18
* HP: 52
* TAC0: 12
* AC: 1 (Cloak of Displacement +2)
* Attack dmg: dagger 1d4+1 / short bow 1d6+1, +3 against evil creatures
* XP: 522.850
ITEMS:
* Wand of Magic Missile (5 charges)
* Dagger +1
* Short Bow +1, +3 against evil creatures
* Cloak of Displacement +2
-----------------
SPELLS:
* 1st Arcane Level: Magic Missile (6x a day) – 8 missiles
* 1st Arcane Level: Detect Magic (5x a day)
* 1st Arcane Level: Burning Hands (4x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Levitate (5x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Melf’s Acid Arrow (5x a day)
* 2nd Arcane Level: Knock (1x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Fireball (4x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Lightning Bolt (4x a day)
* 3rd Arcane Level: Haste (3x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Charm Monster (4x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Enchanted Weapon (3x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Ice Storm (4x a day)
* 4th Arcane Level: Remove Curse (1x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Conjure Elemental (4x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Feeblemind (3x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Cone of Cold (4x a day)
* 5th Arcane Level: Hold Monster (3x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Chain Lightning (4x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Stone to Flesh (2x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: True Seeing (2x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Antimagic Shell (1x a day)
* 6th Arcane Level: Mislead (1x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Mordenkainen's Sword (2x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Limited Wish (2x a day)
* 7th Arcane Level: Prismatic Spray (2x a day)
* 8th Arcane Level: Mind Blank (2x a day)
* 8th Arcane Level: Prismatic Wall (1x a day)
* 9th Arcane Level: Wish (1x a day)
***
UPDATED PARTY BELONGINGS:
* 16.550 gold
* 19.450 silver
* 17.000 copper coins
* Star Emerald (10.000 gold)
* 6 healing potions (2d4 hp healing)
* 1 potion of poison
* 2 potions of invulnerability
* Bag of Devouring
* A page from the Testament of Jade
* Potion of Gaseous Form
* Magical Shield +2 (Donovan)
* Gold Dragon Scale Mail AC -1 (Donovan)
* Potion of Extra-Healing (Donovan)
* Scroll of Water Protection (Donovan)
* Chainmail +1 (Korvac)
* Heavy Mace +1 (Korvac)
* Pearl of Wisdom +2 (Korvac)
* Ring of Fire Resistance (Korvac)
* Chain Mail +2 (Korvac)
* Flail +3 (Korvac)
* Incense of Meditation (Korvac)
* Short sword +1 (Bosco)
* Cloak of Protection +2 (Bosco)
* Slippers of Spider Climbing (Bosco)
* Wand of Fire (Bosco)
* Stone of Controlling Earth Elementals (Bosco)
* Dagger +1 (Kharius)
* Wand of Magic Missiles-5 charges (Kharius)
* Short Bow +1, +3 against evil creatures (Kharius)
* Cloak of Displacement +2 (Kharius)
EXPERIENCE TABLE
CLASS
Warrior (Human):
Cleric (Human):
Thief (Hobbit):
Wizard (Half-Elf):
LEVEL 13
15.000 XP
20.000 XP
35.000 XP
50.000 XP
LEVEL 14
30.000 XP
40.000 XP
60.000 XP
80.000 XP
LEVEL 15
50.000 XP
70.000 XP
90.000 XP
125.000 XP
LEVEL 16
75.000 XP
100.000 XP
150.000 XP
200.000 XP
LEVEL 17
100.000 XP
140.000 XP
225.000 XP
325.000 XP
LEVEL 18
150.000 XP
200.000 XP
300.000 XP
450.000 XP
LEVEL 19
225.000 XP
275.000 XP
450.000 XP
600.000 XP
LEVEL 20
300.000 XP
350.000 XP
650.000 XP
800.000 XP
LEVEL 21
400.000 XP
500.000 XP
800.000 XP
1.000.000 XP
LEVEL 22
600.000 XP
750.000 XP
1.000.000 XP
1.250.000 XP
LEVEL 23
900.000 XP
1.000.000 XP
1.250.000 XP
1.600.000 XP
LEVEL 24
1.400.000 XP
1.750.000 XP
2.000.000 XP
2.300.000 XP
LEVEL 25
2.000.000 XP
2.500.000 XP
3.000.000 XP
3.250.000 XP
LEVEL 26
3.000.000 XP
3.750.000 XP
4.250.000 XP
5.000.000 XP
LEVEL 27
4.500.000 XP
5.500.000 XP
6.000.000 XP
7.000.000 XP
LEVEL 28
7.000.000 XP
8.000.000 XP
9.000.000 XP
10.000.000 XP
LEVEL 29
10.000.000 XP
12.000.000 XP
14.000.000 XP
16.000.000 XP
LEVEL 30
15.000.000 XP
17.000.000 XP
19.000.000 XP
20.000.000 XP