Three days of preparation later and they had set up three ballistae and used log spikes to create obstacles to restrict the monster’s movement as well as a mote to slow it's progress. The monster would likely be half dead before it even reached the party. Or at least that was the hope. Since the monster comes at night that meant staying up late and having torches lit to see it coming.
They heard the cracking of wood as either a tree or a log spike got destroyed and Racknar was able to get a good look at the monster thanks to his night vision. It didn't look at all like a traditional black dragon from the books. Its scales were either black or a really dark green, it dragged its body on the floor as it moved with stubby legs. It was an ugly thing that looked like a mix between something like a crocodile, alligator, komodo dragon, or girls monster but blended with a bobby mudfish. The reptile had various aesthetic and functional fins on its body and webbed claws.
The monster has obvious gills on its body and was clearly amphibious and built to live in swamps, marshlands, and muddy areas. It didn't seem to have wings of any sort and it moved in a wavy waddle across the land in a similar way to a crocodile. Racknar scratched his head for a bit. “Well it's not a dragon exactly, so we don't have to worry about it flying. It's a drake. A cousin of the dragon. We might have to still worry about a breath weapon, but it can't fly.”
Marionette let out a sigh of relief. “Good, because our anti-air capabilities are somewhat lacking.” Racknar nodded “Also a young drake is considered less of a challenge then a young dragon by one rank thanks to no flight or legendary resistance. Not sure how the latter of those would translate to real life. You probably wouldn't notice it activating.” Mari sighed “Again, no idea what you are on about.”
Racknar shouted the order as soon as the monster was in range. “Fire the ballistae!” And the three ballistae were fired. Two of the three landing hits. Then the people operating them start to reload. Something that unfortunately takes time. “Thirty two” Racknar thinks to himself “We need to hit one thirty five total. As usual I'll assume average damage for weapons and average health for monsters.” Shortly after the bolts hit the target, Davy casts a spell that causes a burst of loud noise in its face. “Shatter!” He shouts as the spell is cast.
“Twelve. Forty four.” After the spell hits, Krys fires three arrows and Mari throws three daggers. Two of the arrows and one of the daggers simply bounce off the monster's scales. “Seven. Fifty one.” The creature still has some distance and has to crawl closer. It opens its mouth and spews a high pressure stream of acid in the direction of the ballistae but can't reach it because of the distance and obstacles in its way.
The ballistae reload and take aim as the party launches a second round of attacks. Davy mutters something in Deep Speech and causes a twenty foot blob of darkness to appear right in front of the monster. The village can hear strange whispering coming from the blob. Racknar recognized the spell as Eldritch Hunger and felt it might not have been a good idea to cast it publicly. It was a good spell that would slow the creature and do continuous damage, but it was also practically exclusive to the Warlock class.
Krys and Mari again launch ranged attacks with arrows and daggers. Two arrows and three daggers strike true with the final arrow missing completely. “Twelve. Sixty three.” The creature continued to move, slower than before. Racknar spots ice spreading across the parts of the body sticking out of the dark blob. “Six. Sixty nine.” Even with its reduced movement it's able to move most of the way through the blob but its tail is still in the blob. “Three. Seventy two.”
“Again!” Racknar orders as all three ballistae fire a second time then start to reload. All three hit. “Sixteen. Eighty Eight.” Krys and Mari make another round of ranged attacks. All of them bounce off its scales. Davy uses a bit of magic to move the blob to the monster's head, the edge being just out of melee range of the defenses and over the mote. The monster continued to move through the blob, it got within melee range of the defenses and swiped at the ballistae taking them out before firing its acid breath. It takes out two of the buildings, missing the adventurers. “Nine. Ninety seven.”
Racknar was able to dodge the claws and even save the villagers thanks to having ropes tied around them beforehand that he could pull. “Get out of here, run to safety. You've done more than enough. It's time for the professionals to handle this.” The two villagers run away. Krys fires a volley of three arrows, one of them landing. Marionette is suddenly on the monster's back, she makes two slashes at its back. “Nineteen. One hundred six.”
The monster roars as two sets of wings unfold from its back, having looked like find or gills and were easily missed. It opens its wings and takes to the sky. “Shit.” It then fires acid down on the party. Marionette was unaffected because of her position and Krys was able to dodge it completely by turning into shards and moving to another building before reassembling. Racknar, Davy, and Ariagoria took a glancing blow from the acid, their bodies and non magic clothes taking some damage. Ariagoria cast a healing spell on herself and Davy, only able to cast it twice since she had not moved.
Racknar grumbled “Damn it! I'm the only one without any ranged options.” “Wait… The leftover bolts from the ballistae.” He moved to the ruins of the weapons and picked up two of the large bolts. He channeled his rage and with all his might threw them both like spears using all four of his arms. They both strike the wings causing it to fall back to the ground. “Sixteen thanks to fall damage. One twelve.” The dragon got to its feet and made two swipes at Racknar with its claws. It missed its first attack and slashed with the second leaving a solid gash in his abdomen.
Davy fired some purple magic energy at the dragon. No words or fancy motions. “A cantrip. Six. One eighteen.” Mari made two new slashes at its back, cutting into it, then getting bucked off by it flailing. “Sixteen. One twenty four.” Krys fires two shots but both reflect off the monster. It breathes acid on the group, hitting everyone in the party. Racknar was in melee range so he didn't need to move. “Two attacks, two off-hand attacks. Two more attacks from fury of blows.”
Racknar made his attacks, all six hitting. “Sixty seven. One Ninety One!” The monster roars, its ugly face made uglier with deep gashes but it was somehow still alive. It slammed its claw into Racknar and sent him flying into a building. Davy then hits it with another purple energy bolt followed by three arrows and daggers from Mari and Krys with one hit each. “Nine. Two hundred.” The dragon finally falls dead.
Racknar pulled himself out of the rubble and walked to the group. “That… hurt.” Racknar's upper left arm was dangling by a thread and nearly amputated. He looked at it and yanked it off. Ariagoria shouted at him. “What are you thinking?! I'm not at a high enough level for restoration that I can grow a new arm! Doing it in the city is expensive!” The illusion on Racknar dispelled showing his true form since the ring was on that hand. “It'll grow back.”
Krys and Ariagoria jump a little in surprise, Mari and Davy don't. Ariagoria noticed this. “Wait… you two knew?!” Mari put out the hand with the ring. “His ring was made by my father. Once you know it's an illusion you can set through it.” Davy simply responded “The Berserker class is known for not using armor, so I suspected it was an illusion. That narrowed down what animal he could be that gets natural armor. Also, I'm a telepath.”
Ariagoria sighed. “Well I guess I'll have to get used to it. This entire party is made of freaks and weirdos. So what if you are a bit weirder than we knew. Better get that ring back on before we let the villagers know what's up though.” Krys nodded in agreement. Racknar saves the arm and goes over to the dragon’s corpse. “I'm going to get as much out of this body as possible. Claws, teeth, various organs, scales, bones. You'd be surprised what you can make with dragon bits. Strange that it doesn't look like the traditional art from the books. Well, unless you consider the Swamp Dragon from the book with biome based dragons. It does somewhat resemble that. Makes sense.”
The group works together with the villagers to rebuild the village and harvest the dragon. Any edible meat is smoked and preserved to be gifted to the village. Anything else of use is loaded up into a carriage to be taken back to Flowers. Once everyone is ready Racknar addresses the party. “I'll be selling off the organs, teeth, and claws then splitting the coin with you. The bones and scales can make like but surprisingly durable weapons and armor. So naturally we'll hit the blacksmith once we have all the coins. I think I'll make new clothes for those that use lighter or no armor.”
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The group nodded in agreement and the party made its way back to Flowers using the closest Yggdrasil gate. When they turn in the quest they make sure to show proof that it was a young black dragon and get a nice bonus. After that they sell all the parts they don't need to use and go to the blacksmith. Combining the scales from the black dragon and black iron spider's silk from Racknar they're able to create high quality light and medium armor for everyone except Racknar who can't wear armor. He does make a silk outfit for himself that isn't technically armor but due to the weave of spider's silk would act similarly to bullet resistant apparel.
The party all get new dragon bone weapons, with Ariagoria getting a crossbow and bolts to add to her mace to give her a ranged option. Davy, being a caster, gets a nice new staff to be his casting focus. With the money the party has they are able to get a ring and cloak of protection for everyone in the party with relative ease. Racknar even picks up a belt of bull’s strength to magically make himself slightly stronger and boots of cat's grace to slightly improve his ability to dodge.
The rest of the party also get themselves boots of cat's grace and Krys gets themself gloves that slightly improve accuracy. With the bulk of their money spent on magic items and blacksmith commissions, the party was nearly broke. Marionette shuffled her feet. “So I guess we need to take another quest.” Racknar shook his head. “Got to stop at Da Vinci's workshop first.”
Marinette crossed her arms. “We're broke, how are you going to get anything from Da Vinci of all people.” Racknar chuckled “Let me handle that.” He then led the party to the workshop. Once there he knocked on the door extra hard. “Lisa, it's Racknar. I've got a gift for you as promised.” It took a while but eventually a beautiful young woman opened the door. Looking like she came straight from the Mona Lisa painting.
“A gift. For me? Whatever could it be~” she uses a swooning voice but jumps back when Racknar puts his severed arm in her face. “Oh, right. Of course.” She lets the party in and sits them at the lounge. “Café, tea?” Racknar waved his hand. “I just need a safe place to molt and don't have the coin to spare on a private room. You wanted to watch me molt so this is your chance.”
Mari was a bit confused. “I don't understand what's going on.” Racknar puts his hand out and gestures to Lisa. “This is the reincarnation of Leonardo Da Vinci. The Leo that goes to parties and stuff is her twin brother.” Ariagoria then asks “Then what's with you two having an agreement?” Racknar explained “She wants to study me because I'm one of a kind. In exchange I get magic items or artifact commissions.”
Davy perked up. “Ah, so it's strictly scientific. That means she's single~” Ariagoria granny slapped Davy. “Have some restraint. Pervert.” Davy rubbed the back of his head. “That really hurts, you know.” Lisa got up and walked to the door. “I'll set up an area to sleep for you all. Consider that your payment.”
While Lisa was making arrangements Mari caught her alone. “Hey Lisa, in addition to being skilled with magic and painting you are also a craftsman as well right?” Lisa nodded “I'm also a skilled physician. Did you need something?” Mari shuffled “Well normally I'd ask my father for adjustments but in this case it's something sensitive I couldn't ask him for.”
Lisa looked at Mari. “Your father is Giuseppe, right? A skilled mage and craftsman. So I assume it's not a skill issue.” Marionette takes off her ring of illusion. “I want you… to make me a woman.” Lisa bluntly responded “I don't think either of us are properly equipped to- oh, right. That's the problem. I see. I'll do what I can to… give you the equipment you want. I'm guessing you've asked because you have someone in mind to use it with?”
Marionette looked away in embarrassment. “N-not exactly. I just want to be prepared for when I do. I am at the age where I am becoming curious and interested in such things and can't do anything about it as I am.” Lisa sighed “Normally I wouldn't modify someone else's work, but I'll make an exception under a single condition.” Mari suddenly becomes extremely determined. “Whatever it is, I'm sure I can handle it.”
Lisa looks her right in the eyes and says “Should you find yourself looking at the equipment of a mutual friend of ours, I'd like as detailed a description of its appearance and possibly texture as possible.” Mari gave Lisa a blank expression, but this could have easily been because of her doll face since the illusion was not restored. “Seriously?” She did her best not to give way her exact emotion in her vocal tone. Was she exasperated by the request, or embarrassed?
After a pause Mari agreed to the terms. “Sure, whatever. Why not.” They shook hands. Once the sleeping arrangements were made Lisa got to work on Mari’s body modification. Then after those were finished went over to Racknar to observe him molt. Taking notes the entire time. The next day, Racknar wakes up nice and healed. Lisa was there, waiting. “Morning Racknar.”
Racknar sat up. “Morning Lisa. Did you need something?” Lisa sighed “Nothing I need. But there is something I want~” she winked. Racknar grunted “Funny. Real funny. Maybe if you bought me an alcoholic beverage first.” Lisa smirked “That could be arranged~” Racknar rolled his head a bit. “You really enjoy messing with me, don't you?” Lisa chuckled “What can I say, gal gets lonely sometimes when she's got nothing but her craft. I don't exactly get friendly visitors often, and fewer still that know my secret.”
Racknar got out of the improvised sleeping area and stretched out. “I’ll only warn you once, tease me too much and I might just do something about it.” Lisa easily quipped back “Don’t threaten me with a good time.” Racknar sighed “Okay, that one's on me. How's everyone else?” Lisa made her way to the door. “No one else had any major lasting injuries so the cleric was able to heal everything. I try to keep an open mind but looking at Charity does freak me out a bit. She seems like a nice girl, but it can be hard to overcome a previous bias.”
Racknar nodded. The depictions of demons have remained somewhat consistent since Da Vinci's time. “Well if there are no other pressing matters I have a new list of magic items I'd like for myself and my party members. More accurately, a list of enchantments for the ones we have. It'll likely be a nice long while before we encounter a better material for weapons and armor.” Lisa smiled. “I have a few things in mind. You have nine weapons across the five of you not counting throwing daggers. A satchel of infinite daggers for the rogue and a quill of infinite arrows for the ranger and cleric. Though since she uses a crossbow I guess it would be a quiver of infinite bolts.”
Racknar nodded and Lisa continued. “You don't really have a ranged option and although you likely won't get as much out of it as a ranged attacker, a way to access infinite javelins could come in handy. As far as enchantments for weapons, I'll think about it more.” she paused briefly “Oh, and the mage asked me to let you know that Mari’s main weapon isn't daggers but rather two halves of a large set of shears. He said to tell you that they “would likely count as short-swords mechanically”. Whatever that means.”
Racknar chuckled “Just that they do more damage on average. It has to do with a strange habit of mine that would be difficult to explain to you.” Lisa scratched her head “Whatever. Anyway, not counting any enchantments, the four items would be twelve thousand silver assuming I get the lowest quality version of each one. If you want the highest quality versions that's triple the price. Thirty six thousand silver. Three hundred and sixty gold. Enough to buy a solid plot of land and build a manor on it.”
Racknar took a moment to think. He knew in the books there were four grades of the different infinite ammo items. The lowest grade just gave you the ammo. Each grade after would be a plus one magic item with a max of plus three. That bonus applies to both accuracy and damage. An increase of a flat plus three damage was definitely a great addition for ammo since it could stack with the weapon enchantment and any coating put on the ammo like poison arrows.
Lisa started tapping her foot. “Well? Let me know what you want so we can discuss payment.” Racknar grumbled “It's really hard to turn down a chance to get extremely high grade magic gear this early without actually spending gold. I just wonder what kind of study you could do that would be worth well over three hundred gold coins.” Lisa looked around, then at Racknar “Well this area is nice and private. I'd say a nice up close and personal examination is easily worth a hundred gold.”
Lisa paused and then continued “I've seen what you can do with your thread and I know a thing or two about how black iron spider thread normally works. I'm going to give you something to drink for several days, then you weave me an outfit after that. The outfit alone would easily be worth another hundred if things go as planned. You can make me two. As for the remainder… sixty gold… I want an in depth examination of your mouth as well. I'd like a better look than I got last time. Plus some stories of your childhood. How you grew up in this life.”
Racknar let out an exasperated sigh. “For the first examination you mentioned, do you mean what I think you mean?” Lisa nodded. After a pause Racknar let out a second sigh. “We can start with the mouth examination. I'll split up the stories with part of it before we leave and the second when I drop off the outfits.” Lisa rapidly clapped with excitement and let out a sound of glee as she practically skipped her way to Racknar.
She gently pulled at Racknar’s fangs; prodded his mandibles and teeth; pulled, poked, and prodded at his tongue, and even rubbed it between her fingers. Taking notes after each part of the examination. She even took a sample of venom and webbing while she was at it. “This'll likely compare to a normal black iron spider, but you could never be sure unless you test it. Your tongue is a bit rougher than a normal humans and even has little fleshy barbs on it. It's definitely interesting.”
Racknar cleared his throat. “Right. Now that that's done, do you want me sitting or standing for the second examination?” Lisa put her hand on her chin. “Dealers choice, whatever makes you more comfortable.” Racknar sat down with his legs slightly spread. “Just to let you know, I'd be blushing if I could.” Lisa giggled as she got down and brought her face closer to the natural armor codpiece. “Don't worry, it's all purely scientific.”
Racknar did a head roll. “The facts won't change how awkward this feels for me. I mean, just think of it from my point of view. I've got a very beautiful woman in close proximity to my man parts and she's going to be handling them.” Lisa blushed a little. “R-right. Sometimes I forget how conventionally attractive I am. My previous self as a young man would find me sexy. Anyway… how do I gain access here?”
Racknar shuffled a bit in his seat “Normally it just kinda… opens on its own. Maybe try… rubbing on the codpiece.” Lisa nodded and put her hand on the solid object. “It feels almost like… a hairy pumice rock.” She gently started rubbing on it for a bit. “Is this… doing anything?” She then hears a popping noise as the crack in the middle opens a bit. Once fully open Lisa is able to start her examination. Racknar turns his head and mostly looks away out of embarrassment.
Lisa moved her head back and forth with her hand on her chin. “I see… interesting.” She places her hand into the opening causing Racknar to jump slightly with a yelp. “Your hands are cold as ice.” Lisa apologized “Sorry. Let's see what you are working with exactly.” She started moving her hand. Racknar stammered a bit “A-are you trying to get me hard?” Lisa nonchalantly responded “Well yeah, if I am to get a proper examination I need to observe it in its active state.”
Racknar growls a bit and sarcastically says “Why don't you keep going till you get a sample while you are at it?” Lisa looks him right in the eye and gives him a devilish smirk “I mean if you're offering~ How could I refuse~? I'd even be willing to show you a little something as incentive as well as payment~” She continued to tease him. “If I knew you were going to be like this, I wouldn't have agreed to it.” Lisa laughed “Right, sorry. I'll try to be professional. It's just difficult when I have such an impressive beast right in front of me. And I don't just mean the throbbing mass in my hands.”
Racknar chuckled “I'll take the compliment.” Lisa then took some notes. “Well I got what we've agreed upon. Definitely distinct from a human’s but nothing like a spider's from what I know. It's fascinating. I know it was just a joke before but now that I think about it I really wouldn't mind a sample.” Racknar looked down at his equipment, ready and waiting to be used. “Purely for science? I guess I could get you one myself. Though it would be a shame to not take full advantage of the opportunity in front of me.” Racknar then blinked half of his eyes in a strange attempt to wink. Lisa laughed “Oh so now you are the one being a cheeky tease.”