A/N: And here's the next chapter, and with it be start of a new adventure. what might our heroes be faced with this time?
Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my original ideas.
Chapter 31: A Desperate Plea
Over the next several weeks, our path took us south, following the advice of the locals and sticking to the main road to avoid conflict and/or capture by the Yuan-Ti. Eventually we found ourselves in the small village of Oar's Rest, not much more than a guard post and an inn on the edge of a marsh to the east. As we rested for the evening, the Innkeeper approached us.
"Um, would one of you be named 'Valignatirisk'?" asked the Inkeeper.
:"That would be me," I said.
"We've received a letter for you and your companions," said the Innkeeper.
Narcrath took the letter, and opened it, looking it over.
"Hmm, it seems someone's heard of our exploits, as seeks our aid," said Narcrath, "who lives in the marshes to the east?"
"Mostly various tribes of Lizardfolk," said the Innkeeper, "the usually keep to themselves, with the exception of when they come to trade for various goods. There's some old stories, though, something about a temple built by a cult of demon worshippers. On top of that, well my grandfather spoke of a dragon residing in this area".
"Truly? what kind?" I asked.
"He said its scales were black as night, and rained destruction down on some city that used to stand south of here," said the Inkeeper.
"Thank you for the information," I said.
"It's no trouble," said the Innkeeper.
"So... what exactly were the contents of that letter?" asked Krisyra.
"There's not much more than I've already said. Our aid is being requested for a sensitive matter, one that the sender seems unable to solve themselves," said Narcrath, "It directs us to travel into the marshes, and speak with the Lizardfolk of the Sariven Tribe".
"The Sarivens?" said the Inkeeper, "their decent folk overall, they live pretty deep in, but are always will to aid guide outsiders to safety when needed".
"Well then, I say we aid them in turn," I said.
"I agree," said Lydratir.
"No arguments for me," added Charles.
The next morning we set our, making our way into the marsh. Lydratir took the front, wearing the simple icon which had been included with the letter. Deeper and deeper we delved into the marshlands, until I noticed we weren't alone. Crouched among the branches of the trees and submerged in the waters were a number of lizardfolk. I noticed they were wearing symbols similar to the one that had come with the letter.
"We have received your letter," I said, "How can we aid you?"
One of the Lizardfolk hopped down from his perch and looked us over.
"You are the ones who have been called to aid us?" said the Lizardfolk spotting the symbol Lydratir wore, "I see. Follow".
With that, he signaled for his tribesmen to follow, and we were on our way once more. As we moved deeper into the marsh, a sensation I now recognized washed over me: we'd entered another dragon's territory. After a while we reached the village composed of simple huts where the Lizardfolk resided, and off to one side was the entrance to a cave. The overall mood in the village seemed somewhat sullen, and I could see Lizardfolk carrying similar staves to the one Baeshra used heading for the cave, while others like them came out looking exhausted. Even from here, I could hear the distinct sound of someone... coughing?
We were lead into the cave, and there, lying before us was a black dragon. He was significantly older than me, having likely seen a few centuries already. However, I could also see something was wrong. Portions of his flash were, for lack of a better word, melting. It was almost like his body was degrading into the consistency of an ooze. Surrounding him were the Druids and Shamans we'd seen entering, channeling their powers in an attempt to stave off this condition. As we fully enter his lair, he lifted his head and coughed, before speaking up.
"A-adventurers, that you for answering my summons, I am Vorlianax," he said, "as you can see I have been afflicted with a horrific condition, one which threatens to destroy me".
As I observed Vorlianax's condition I wracked my brain of something my might help. I was sure I'd heard of some reference to a condition on Quoros' library, but I couldn't quite remember.
"Dracooze," said Lydratir, "You're turning into a Dracooze!"
As he said that, I realized where I'd seen this condition described. It was describe in a book on powerful curses, notably ones created by Outsiders. This particular curse was said to have been created by Juiblex, the Demon Lord of Oozes. It is said to progress in a similar manner to a disease, starting out with nothing more than a simple cough, but over time the dragon afflicted with it will have its entire body dissolve into the same material as any ooze, at which point it becomes fully under the Juiblex's control, acting as a powerful servant of the Faceless Lord in the Material Plane.
"I see you have heard of that which afflicts me," said Volianax, "I know that of the far side of this swamp is an ancient temple where the cults to the demon lords once worshipped. If there's anywhere you could find a way to halt, or even reverse the effects of this curse, it would be there".
Vorlainax suddenly had a coughing fit, resulting in a glob of black ichor landing at his feet... and merging into the mass pooling there.
"So, what do you say," asked Vorlianax, "Will you help me?"
I looked around at my companions, and saw them weighing the options. To me the decision was easy: even if Vorlianax after being cured went out and caused destruction once more, it would be far lesser than what would occur if Juiblex got his pseudopods on him. I looked each of my companions in the eye, and saw we were in agreement on this matter.
"Yes, we will search for this cure for you," I said.
"Thank you," said Vorlianax, "one of the tribe's warriors will guide you. One more thing: if you cannot find a way to save me, if my fate is truly sealed, I want you to kill me".
"You want us to," I started to say.
"Don't protest," said Vorlianax, "I'd rather die on my own terms than become the puppet of a demon!"
"I... I promise you," I said, "We will be everything in our power to aid you".
"That's all I can ask. Get going... I need to rest," said Vorlianax.
With that, he laid his head down, and let the healing energies from the lizardfolk shamans wash over him, slowing his condition's progress. Soon after, one of the Lizardfolk who'd guided us here stepped up.
"I am Garurt," said the Lizardfolk, "I am to guide you to the temple and aid you"
I looked him over, noting the spears, javelins, and axes he carried, as well as the markings painted on the crest atop his head. I could tell he'd seen his fair share of battles.
"Well then, it's good to have you along," I said, "you certainly know this region better than we ever could".
"Let's not waste time then," said Garurt, "we should on our way".
With that we set off, heading out into the depths of the swamps.
A/N: A new objective lies before them, to stop the spread of a horrific, demonic curse. The Dracooze is a monster I actually came up with (Though the ideas probably been done before). Now here's a question: Given the same scenario, what would your characters or players choose to do? In any case, Next time: Our heroes continue through the swamps, See you then!