"Let's go, let's go, let's go. Ahahahaha, I'm going to fight a dragon to the death."
Ah, the greater half of Icespire Hold lived up to its name, barracks, armories, a kitchen, war room for strategy etc. Granted all of it was in ruins from the orcs that came to inhabit it followed by Cryovain raiding said orcs and eating some before driving out the others. Destroyed furnishings lay strewn across the dust laced and frost covered rooms. Sharing company with the rust laced armored skeletons of the original warriors that manned the hold. It was a tad sad as I walked around but for my brief moment of sadness I found an elegant looking greataxe so that was neat. After exploring the hold I paused before the spiral staircase leading to the roof. I should prepare for this fight, more so than I already had.
So I once again opened up the Market tab and bought a pair of crampons for two gold pieces. I then sold my regular chainmail and the rest of the rations I had. Okay, now I was ready. The rooftop was enclosed by a three foot high battlement, except in the corners where the wall had collapsed. Cylindrical stone chimneys jutted out five feet above the rooftop but were too narrow for even a halfling to squeeze through. And there he was. The scourge of Icespire Peak. Cryovain, the white dragon. Sixteen feet tall, pure raw muscle and hunter's instinct. Magic and might incarnate in flesh. I wanted to fight him and eat him. I couldn't help but give into my toothy grin, frigid winds be damned! He was asleep! Ha, not for long, sure I could attack him right now, maybe even entrap him and slit his neck but I was a paladin! Not so much a rogue.
[Name; Cryovain, Young White Dragon
CR; 6 (2,300XP)
HP; 133/133
Stats;
Str; 18 (+4)
Dex; 10 (+0)
Con; 18 (+4)
Int; 06 (-2)
Wis; 11 (+0)
Cha; 12 (+1)
Proficiency; +3
Passive Perception; 17
Armor Class;
17 (Natural Armor)
Movement speed; 40ft - 80ft, Burrow- 40ft - 80ft, Flight- 80ft - 160ft, Swim- 40ft - 80ft
"System, play 'Through Struggle' by As I Lay Dying, on loop."
Heavy metal riffs blared into the howling winds as Cryovain's eyes shot open and let out a roar of his own, the floor vibrating as a result.
"LET'S $!#&% ^* GO!" My eyes were stinging and watering from the winds.
Between the two of us I was faster. I managed to pump power into my legs, radiance into my blade and bulldozed forward, slicing my longsword through his pristine white scales with a right diagonal overhead slash at his face! Going for a horizontal return stroke from my left, only to be parried by his right wing talon. I had drawn first blood! LET THE HUNT BEGIN! He roared in my face and unleashed both fang and claw. I parried his bite and the first claw swipe only to take the brunt of another claw swipe from his left, it didn't matter if chainmail was known for its strength against slashing damage, this was a sixteen foot tall death lizard that probably weighed as much as an elephant or more that wanted me dead.
My lower right abdomen was bleeding on the side. Blood for blood. Both of my next strikes were parried by his wings. He bit into my left shoulder and swiped his claws into my right abdomen again, I could feel the frost forming on my left shoulder, chips of ice cracking off the links of my chainmail. Faith and anger as the catalyst I struck forth, he had the insanity to use his beak to parry my blade that time. I used the momentum to perform a horizontal return slice through his upper chest, increasing the smite output.
I gnashed my teeth as I got into a flow, parrying and misdirecting his first two strikes, only for that damned claw attack to swipe at my right side. He must've had a taste for livers or something.
[Warning you are below half health!]
I roared as we traded strikes, my sword glancing off his scales finding no purchase, while his fangs bit into my left bicep, I rammed my fist into his throat for that one. He bit once more into my lower left side, I could taste blood, I was both freezing and burning internally, sweat dripping off me only to freeze as it touched the floor.
[Warning you are below a quarter of your health!]
"YOU MOTHER $%#& ^! TAKE THIS!" I roared as I licked the blood running from my nose.
I flooded my body with every drop of Lay on Hands I had while also performing a smite across this bastard's face. We were both at twenty five HP. That was when he proceeded to go into a rage, fly up and charge his ice breath.
"Every scar upon my scales, every treasure beyond my reach, is a slight that must be answered! INSOLENT HUMAN! YOU WILL ALL SUFFER MY WRATH!"
I was an idiot, I had forgotten that white dragon's shot their breath out like a shotgun blast akin to a cone, not a straight line like a laser. Even with the blessed armor, even as I rolled away I wasn't fast enough, frost rained down upon me as Cryovain landed elsewhere atop the roof. I was fighting to stay conscious at that point.
[Warning you are below a quarter of your health!]
I had only two HP left! I turned off my brain and went feral as I dashed towards the beast. To lose- to $%#& )^ lose here is to DIE! I REFUSE! There is no mercy, only war, it is kill or be killed. And I craved dragon flesh.
[Critical Hit!]
"In the name of God, die monster!"
I had rammed my blade through his chest, through his heart, detonating it with a final smite. I spat out my blood onto the floor, I was actually grateful for the cold for once, it was numbing a bit of the pain, and slowing a bit of the bleeding.
[Cryovain the Young White Dragon has been slain! 2,700XP gained! 2,700GP gained!]
[Congratulations you have gained the Perk; Draconic Senses (Passive); You have blindsight to a range of 10 ft. Within that range, you can effectively see anything that isn't behind total cover, even if you're blinded or in darkness. Moreover, you can see invisible creatures within that range, unless the creatures successfully hide from you. You also now gain advantage on Perception checks.]
[Congratulations you have gained the Perk; Tongue of the Dragon (Passive); You can speak, read, and write the Draconic tongue. You can make your voice audible up to 300 ft away. You have advantage on Persuasion and Intimidation checks.]
[Congratulations you have gained a +2 Stat points!]
[Congratulations you have gained Cold/Ice Resistance 1/100!]
"Sweet."
["One dragon of a domino effect!" Grand Quest has been completed!
Objective 1; Slay Cryovain the white dragon! Success!
Objective 2: Complete all the side quests 14/14 Success!
Objective 3: (?) Complete everything in less than a month! Success!
Reward: Mystery box!, +100% Reputation with the people of Phandalin!]
"Oh, double sweet." I laid down on the floor, letting the winds cool me off. My body was so sore, oh my gosh, my spine. I told my system to turn the music off and just laid there, catching my breath. With a sigh I rolled off and crawled my way over to Cryovain's corpse.
"Serves you right you damn bastard, you nearly killed me."
I gripped his face and dug my fingers into his scales. There was no hoard to be found here, but as we already saw with Azdraka's skeleton sometimes the dragon could be the hoard itself.
"Let's see how much you sell for, baby."
Fifty eight thousand six hundred gold pieces. Nice, now I was truly alone. I slowly but surely got up as time passed on. Dammit I forgot to leave some of his flesh behind to sample. Oh well. I pulled the mystery box reward from out of my inventory, it was a golden cube that was roughly half a foot by half a foot, with white question marks emblazoned upon the center of every face of the cube. I crushed it within my grip. It was a satisfying crunch. Three books materialized in front of me at my feet.
The first book was an optical mess, teals and purples flowing into one another. It was labeled as "Psionics" in golden text, neat. It was sleek and thin like a slab of stone. The second book was black with blood red spatter patterns all over it. It was labeled as "Suffering Empowerment" in silver text, gnarly. The final book was white with repeating patterns all over it. It was labeled as "Replication" in black text.
[You have received the following books; "Psionics" (Legendary), "Suffering Empowerment" (Rare), and "Replication" (Legendary). Would you like to learn them? Y/N]
I pressed the "Yes" button and gritted my teeth as the books turned into golden motes of light and shot forth into my forehead, I screamed. My mind was flooded with flashes of iridescent fractals, blood stained battle fields and mountains of gold and food spawning forth over each other into piles. It came as soon as it went. I was left rubbing my head as I caught my breath.
"S-status; perk sub tab, most recent."
[Perk; Psionics (Active); Locked till Psychic Affinity is completed.
Perk; Suffering Empowerment (1/100) (Passive); Your attacks do 25% more damage when at and below half health, and 50% more damage when at and below a quarter health.
Perk; Replication (1/100) (Active); You can replicate inorganic matter, its innate properties, intricacies and concepts down to the sub atomic particle within a 5ft by 5ft cube. This requires that you are physically touching the object(s) you wish to replicate.]
"Woah. That's awesome, I could have infinite chocolate chip cookies forever only for ten stamina points a go."
I soon got up after that, placed what little dragon meat was left over from selling Cryovain into my inventory and went over to the lesser half of the hold. The Stone Cold gang was still there, they looked rather pitiful stuck in those webs.
"Any chance I can talk you guys into a truce?"
"Go $ %# yourself, as if you ever keep your word with us, you just want the hoard for yourself." Syleen was quick to say with a snarl of a smile.
"There was no hoard, you moron."
"Liar."
I sighed and furrowed my brow. "You all could've been so much better you know that right?"
This time it was Runa who spoke. "Oh joy, he plans on killing us with a speech instead of a sword."
"I could just kill them with my sword. No, murder is wrong." They all shared a snicker over that as they thrashed, trying to get out once more. I simply watched, internally debating whether I should just kill them, leave them, etc. I never got to finalize a choice. An animalistic roar bombarded all our ears. Spikes flew past my ears and sunk into the throats and bodies of Syleen, Brakkis and Jarbal. Jarbal choked to death. I was at three health, I just got done fighting and surviving a fight to the death with Cryovain and now a damn manticore showed up. Neat!
It roared as it pounced on me. I turned around as I slashed an "X" into its face and upper chest. It let off another blast of tail spikes as I ducked and rolled.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Blood red mist swirled around me as I slashed my longsword through its face and head, cutting it up into quadrants. I could hear faint screams from within my mind as I caught my heart from jumping out of my mouth. Suffering Empowerment was a heck of an experience.
[Manticore has been slain! 700XP gained! 700GP gained!]
I sat down on the floor and cupped my face into my hands, glancing at the band of brigands. They were dead, of the four Runa was the only survivor. I harvested the other eighteen tail spikes for future use. There was nothing that I could do for the others, the spikes had ruptured their vitals, I was a healer sure, but not a surgeon or a full fledged doctor, and I was practically spent as is.
"You know what the ironic part is, the webbing would've dissolved after an hour." I sighed and paused as I got back up and walked over to Runa. "Alright let's talk this through like actual people. You're currently restrained, your teammates are dead, you're probably without food and drink at the moment, and you've been stuck up in this hold for Lord knows how many days. And you can't beat me in a fight either even if you were free."
She chose to remain silent.
"You can choose to wait the hour and leave by yourself, live on your own etc, it's your life, or we can break bread and I take you along with me."
"And why the hell would I or you do that?"
"Because you know your likelihood of survival is higher with me than on your own, or compared to your past team."
"As if you could take on a four man team."
"Now I know the cold is getting to your brain, I just fought a dragon and a manticore to the death sweetheart."
She scoffed and sneered a twisted smile. "Not as much as that stupid mouth of yours is."
I stepped away and dragged the manticore corpse outside, shut the door and started cooking up some of that dragon meat to eat. Let it be known that white dragon meat tastes like salmon, with a hint of chicken. Being the maniacal sadist that I am, I offered Runa some rations in the meantime. She denied my offer till her stomach growled for the third time in a row, at that point I got up and spoonfed her, or force fed her, depending on your perspective, but y'know that's just frivolous details aha. It was psychologically punishing for her because I knew she was uncomfortable with what I was doing. But considering I could've just slit her neck instead I think we both agreed this was better for her, much to her chagrin. I couldn't help but grin sadistically as she attempted to glare at me whilst chewing her food. She was cute.
"Alright, those webs should be loosening up any minute now. So let's hear your choice Runa."
"How the hell do you know my name anyway?"
"I'm psychic." I teased.
"You're insufferable is what you are, I didn't ask you to feed me."
"No, but your stomach did. And you did agree to all my points via silence, and practically asked me to spare you with your eyes, not to mention-"
"Shut up already, you talk too much and you're weird. I'm leaving."
Well that was disappointing, but I can't say I was surprised. I didn't attempt to stop her, if she wanted to leave it was her choice to do so after all. I freed the other horses that were all tied up. Scratching Sunfire behind the ears I left Icespire Hold as well, going back to Phandalin. I was tired and needed a nap. By the time I arrived back in town it was eight in the morning give or take.
"Hey Arthur- woah that's a lot more blood than last time. Might want to go wash up and give Alger that mail of yours too."
I grinned and gave a hearty laugh. "Listen up Toblen, you too Trilena! I'm opening up a tab, till the lads of town that the food and drinks are on me, cause the dragon has been slain! Let's go celebrate!"
I went through the town telling them that Cryovain had been slain. The Lionshield Coster, the smithy, Barthen's provisions, The Sleeping Giant Tavern, etc. Soon the town was in a positive uproar. I couldn't help but grin and laugh. I was over the moon practically. Time passed onward as I returned back to the inn, it was around six in the afternoon, the inn was practically packed with people, though not as much as the tavern was. Linene Graywind, owner of the Lionshield Coster, she was a new face for me really, as well as Danar Edermath of Edermath Orchad here in town. Barthen and his clerks were there too. Alger and Maza were there toasting me over my armor. Sildar even gave me a soft smile and raised a glass to me. I couldn't help but blush almost. It felt good to do good, and to be rewarded for it.
I sat down drinking some absolutely delicious grape juice- mmm grape juice- as I pondered over my victories. That second manticore most likely was the mate of the first one I slew near Umbrage hill. Once it learned that its mate was killed it most likely sought revenge after me, or Cryovain, or both. I managed to finish a grand quest, sweet. Maybe now I could relax and run some experiments. I wanted to see if in a land as hostile and polytheistic as Faerun was could a monotheistic faith survive? Could it thrive? There was only one way to find out. I'd need to solidify my connections with Sildar first, that should be easy since we already discussed creating a garrison for the town, or the idea of one at least. I quickly learned that Linene of the Lionshield Coster was a bit of a gossip with a sword of a tongue on her. Folks were not happy with the current townmaster Harbin Wester. An incompetent master at that. To my disgust I learned he was a banker as well.
Yes, I'd dethrone Harbin in the coming election, put forth Sildar, and help transform this town and the surrounding lands into something greater as a means of operation while conducting a faith based experiment. I have the connections secure, or at the very least I'm confident in the ones I have and will make. Now I just needed to solidify my funds for all of this. There was a temple in ruins to Waukeen the Faerunian goddess of wealth and trade to the east of town. I'd make use of that for sure. Since it's already there I won't need to start from scratch. Plus with my new Replication Perk, I wouldn't technically need to buy ALL the materials. Just a starting sum. I decided to discuss some more business with Sildar after finishing my juice.
"So you're serious then about the townguard project, aye that'll take about two months, and you're willing to finance the whole operation, under the clause that I help you deal with the paperwork and become the new leader of town. Do I have that right?" Sildar must've been in high spirits because he smiled afterward, a genuine smile. I don't know if it was the wine or the fact that the town crisis had been averted but I was grateful.
"Yes, all of that, precisely. Together we can change this town for the better. Two years ago the whole coast was in a scramble for the lost mine of Phandelver. Meanwhile Phandalin was caught in the crossfire with those Redbrand thugs, and even lost a town member. But that doesn't have to happen again Sir Sildar. There is still hope. We can still make a difference. We have the power."
"Ah yes… the lost mine of Phandelver, that was back two years ago indeed." Sildar lost his smile, it would seem that he didn't hear the last part of what I said.
"Hear me Sildar, don't let past failures rob you of your future victories. You think yourself weak because of a goblin ambush? Because you're no longer twenty or thirty? Yet you never once stopped exercising your body, never once let go of your hope as passive and restrained as you may have made yourself to be as you stayed in this town. Why? Why, because you're still carrying the soul of a knight! Fight! Fight to become something more until the bitter end!"
Tears were flowing down my face. I started out saying these things for his sake but by the end I couldn't tell anymore if they were more so for myself.
"Arthur boy…"
"Sorry. I got a little passionate there. But I stand by what I said. You're still needed, your dream doesn't have to die just yet, for you or anyone else."
He sighed as a soft smile adorned his lips. "The soul of a knight huh…Well I wouldn't be that much of a knight if I denied the tears of such a passionate man in front of me now would I?"
He stretched his hand out to me and I firmly grasped it with a hearty shake. It was after that Trilena asked to see me.
"Is everything alright Mrs Stonehill?"
"Everything is fine dear…I was just afraid when you first came to our town. That you were secretly some thief prince or a corrupt noble or suicidal even, twice you returned to our inn all bloody by your lonesome on adventures days long. But you still managed to come back, you actually drove off all those orcs and slayed the dragon. You never even asked for the gold back. Oh my gosh when my darling told me of the amount of gold you gave us-" She began to tear up. "I was so overjoyed that we could continue to keep the inn and that maybe it was a sign of good fortune after all, that maybe me and my family and everyone else in town wouldn't have to flee for our lives."
Damn my bleeding heart syndrome, not really, but still. I couldn't help but hug Trilena to console her. She went on and told me that during all this mayhem going on, the Stonehill inn was under financial turmoil and was under risk of being bought from the bank courtesy of the townmaster Harbin Wester. That's when I told her of my plan with Sildar, and that I'd need her and everyone else's support to help Phandalin become an ever greater town. A stronger town.
I spent the rest of that night celebrating till I fell asleep. It was a good day, that one. That night I dreamt of a bearded man floating in the night sky over what looked like a council of people enrobed in gold around a campfire. Ao and the gods…the gods…something greater is afoot to come surely, this I know.
[June 3rd, 2023, 9:00AM/ 1493 DR 9:00AM]
Today was the start of many days and things to come. I had marched my way over to the home of Harbin Wester. I smote my way through the door and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. In hindsight I was operating entirely off my emotions in this moment, not one of my proudest moments.
"You bastard. You coward. You greedy, cold hearted bastard! How can you call yourself a leader or a townmaster when you hide behind lock and key, how is that setting a proper example for your people, the people you don't even actually care for! A leader helps guide his men, not exploit them! You had the gall to attempt to extort a family when the entire town was under threat of death! Have you no HEART? Were the Redbrands not enough for you! Do you let fear rule over your life that much truly? Do you think you can live this way forever without your consequences coming to catch up to you eventually you fool!"
I thrashed him about in my grip as he attempted to explain himself.
I hated him. I hated everything he stood for. I didn't hate him, no, that was wrong. I hated the actions and choices he made. The inhumanity that he embodied and enacted due to human fear. The fear and desperation that led humans to rationalize anything, the kind of human fear that gets exploited by demons and devils, that turns people into monsters. The pain. The greed. So much pain, the Stonehills were a drop in the bucket in his life choices of being a horrid cold blooded banker. I wanted to rip him apart! But that wouldn't truly solve anything in the long run. That was when that still small voice in my mind spoke back up over the sea of hatred I was drowning myself in. "Wouldn't it be better to redeem him than to destroy him? Wouldn't it be better to imagine what good he could do instead? Convict, convict, but do not condemn, it is not your place. Do not mistake justice with wrath or let wrath take its place. That is the point of grace. To cover offenses, to let others and ourselves grow. Do not forget that Arthur."
I grit my teeth and screamed as I threw him back onto his couch and wiped my face clean. "I know it is hard to live in a world of material where all you see is the flesh, blood and bone, but your true enemies are not made of flesh and blood, but of evil and principalities in high places. You have no human enemies."
I ran. I ran, I ran, I ran. All the way to the ruins of the temple to the east of town and I wept bitter tears of pain. "My heart must truly be made of glass."
In the coming days Tibor Wester, his half brother and business partner passed away. Harbin Wester would step down from the position of townmaster, and a town council would be established instead, manned by Sildar Hallwinter, Halia Thorton, Trilena Stonehill, Harbin himself as he was still the only banker the town had, and me as an emergency honorary member. The garrison project was commissioned as well, I of course helped in its construction. I took a break from adventuring while doing that. It was a good summer. It was beautiful, like every summer is by mere virtue of existing. Thank God for the sun.
[August 3rd, 2023, 5:00PM/ 1493 DR, 5:00PM]
The Phandalin garrison had been established! We held a grand opening for it, Sildar and I would take up the lead in terms of training any and all recruits too! I was so happy and excited to start the next morning. I had also managed to level up my Replication perk as well.
Perk; Replication (6/100) (Active); You can replicate inorganic matter, its innate properties, intricacies and concepts down to the sub atomic particle within a 30ft by 30ft square. This requires that you are physically touching the object(s) you wish to replicate. (10 StP)
It came in handy in regards to saving money and time on labor. When asked where all the abundant supplies came from, just flash a smile and say that I was blessed, it wasn't time to tell them the truth yet. I went to go to speak to Sildar in the town hall, only to find both him, Danar surprisingly and even more surprisingly than him, Falcon himself all seated in discussion.
"Ah, Hello everyone, I'm not intruding am I?"
"Just the man we needed to speak to." Sildar nodded his head at me.
"What's wrong?" I furrowed my brows.
"Pell, he's been kidnapped. Xanth suspects it was by Venomfang, green dragon bastard who made a return for prowling the core of the Neverwinter wood. Said he saw glimpses of its hide now and then through the trees." Falcon spoke up, his eyes especially icy. "I've been hunting for days, but that beast eludes me. I need him back Arthur, he's just a boy."
"My daughter has gone missing as well, my orchad half ruined too. No doubt by that very same verdant fiend. I may be old but I can still fight dammit." Daran added, teeth half clenched.
Sildar did his best to appease his friend while I steeled my resolve.
"You have my word that I'll bring them back, alive." I beat my fist against my chest as I took a step back to go immediately look for them.
"Arthur, wait, an enemy can show his hand through his past, Venomfang was said to lastly reside within the ruins of the town of Thundertree to the west of Neverwinter wood. It'd be worth a shot to go investigate there first, but remember that haste can also lead to unnecessary waste."
I gave a salute, walked out and rode off. I could commission some new armor to ensure my safety and survival but that would run the risk of the hostages surviving as well and last time I checked they weren't paladins like me. So to the winds I go. Ensured safety be darned this time!
Near the hills of Mt. Hotenhow was where the ruins of Thundertree lay. The ruins were what one would expect of ruins, grey crumbling shells of stone that were once houses, dust and ash strewn about the streets, etc etc. I walked about with my eyes closed every now and then, tapping into my Draconic Senses Perk. It was akin to having my eyes open anyway despite knowing my eyelids were actually covering them. That's when Sunfire came to a stop in front of a tower. Opening up my eyes I sighed quickly, opening up my status and adding those two stat points to my strength stat. Closing my eyes once more I made my way up the tower until I reached the roof.
I saw Pell and Bertrice Edermath unbound yet mostly passive in a corner. There was still sunlight in the sky but it did little to fight against the fear in their eyes and the tension in the air. They were still hostages after all. Hostages…child hostages. I could hear my teeth clench as my flesh heated up in a rage.
"Show yourself Venomfang! Your tricks won't work on me!"
"Lowly human scum, I will take pleasure in using you to further their torment. The inferior mortal young taste especially delicious when ter-"
"SHUT THE $%#& UP!" I shouted back in draconic tongue.
It snarled before swinging at me. It was invisible but it didn't matter. I slashed another smite fueled "X" into his chest, causing him to stagger and stagger from the shock alone. The thing about green dragons, they're the most cunning and treacherous, and therefore the most cowardly. Unlike white dragons who were arguably dumb but apex hunters, I could see in his eyes he wouldn't be staying. As he made an attempt to flee I dashed forward and pounced onto his upper back grappling him, he fell off the roof before taking flight, roaring as his appearance came into actual view. Pell and Bertrice were probably terrified right now, bless their souls.
He managed to slash my leg with his claws the first time and that was all he could do as he thrashed about screaming. It was akin to riding a bull that could fly, and was moving around like a wasp that could kill six ways to sunday. I missed the first stab but managed to get the second strike in, pumping a final smite into his flesh. I wasn't letting him flee. That was when he arched his whole neck back like a freak with no bones and bit into my left shoulder, I could feel the poison burn and sink into my flesh. Poison continued to flow as my sword skidded off his scales and his claws clashed off my chainmail. We traded wounds once more as I stabbed the blade into his neck.
[Warning you are below half health!]
My left eye closed as he began to fly upward into the sky. Ha, sly green bastard. The poison was making me nauseous and now he was aiming for my oxygen supply. We were three hundred and twenty feet in the sky, I was beginning to visually black out, that's when he let go of his bite he had on me, only to do so again along with another claw strike to add insult to injury.
[Warning you have received a critical hit!]
[Warning you have received a critical hit!]
What an insult to injury it was. I woke up falling in the sky, blood flowing upward from my wounds as I did. I had about whatever amount of feet left before I became a floor stain. I immediately pumped every drop of healing I could into me. My body was on fire from overheating, adrenaline, blood loss, poison, etc. I bought a parachute from the Market tab and began to descend. He took notice and swooped in for the kill as he flew back around. Burning my channel divinity I loaded one last smite, a murmur of a prayer from my lips as I thrusted my longsword forward and impaled it into his heart. I was jettisoned through the tower as we both crash landed. I blacked out fully this time. I was exhausted, nearly died, but still won. Get messed on dragon scum.
[August 4th, 2023, 11:00AM/ 1493 DR 11:00AM]
I woke up in the town hall. I was still alive! I however missed the inn. I was in a bed in the corner, surrounded by Falcon, Pell, Daran, Bertrice, Sildar and a new face I haven't seen before, a blonde elven woman, she was pretty.
"Everything hurts, oh my gosh… Thank you all for being here though, I appreciate it."
Sildar couldn't help but let out a single chuckle of relief at that. "We thank the heavens you're even alive Arthur."
I minimized the notifications I got so I could focus on the people at hand. I went to sit up, my lower abdomen recoiled in pain.
"As much as Tymora smiles upon you sir knight, do take care not to move too much."
"Who are you?" I cast my gaze fully at the blonde elven woman.
"The one who shall be overseeing your recovery of course! Cleric of Tymora, our Lady Luck, at your service, I am Sister Garaele."
She had lovely blue eyes, like sapphires, damn, nearly died fighting a dragon and I got a beautiful lady to nurse back to health, adventuring ain't so bad after all haha.
"I was trailing you from behind as soon as I could, watching you fight that dragon was a hell of an experience Arthur. One might even say you're a mad man, but a good man nonetheless." Falcon spoke up, those icy eyes now akin to blue pools of warmth.
"Mister Arthur, th-thank you for saving me, for saving us." Bertrice spoke up as she gingerly touched my left hand.
"Don't worry about it, it was the right thing to do." I grinned with a wink. "You and Pell were really strong you know, I think I would've cried or fainted if a dragon did that to me."
Her and Pell preened up at this, both sharing a chuckle despite the trauma of last night. I inhaled and flexed my body as my muscles screamed in pain, getting up from the bed, stretching and recalibrating my flesh.
"What did I just say Sir Arthur?"
"Forgive me Sister Garaele, but my joints were getting a bit rusty heh. Ahh, I'm right as rain, I just need a few days of rest." I flashed two thumbs up at the group.
They shared a few chuckles, Sister Garaele with a playful look that practically said "Yes, you don't say?" Daran and Falcon nodded their heads and said their thank yous, Pell gave me a smooth blue rock. I shall keep this rock forever as a gift for my rock collection. Slowly but surely they gave their goodbyes as well till it was just me and Sister Garaele.
"I'll go get a fresh set of bandages, please try to stay in bed."
"Will do Sister, will do."
Damn she was cute. Little heart shaped face, with wavy bangs at the sides cascading down- where was I? Ah yes the system. I pulled up all the notifications I got from before.
[Warning you are at the brink of death!]
[Congratulations you have unlocked Necrotic/Death Affinity 2/100]
[Congratulations you have gained Poison Resistance 6/100]
[Venomfang the Young Green Dragon has been slain! 3,900XP gained! 3,900GP gained!]
[Congratulations! You have reached 7th level!]
[Congratulations! You have gained the Feat; Grappler (Passive); You have advantage on attack rolls against a creature you are grappling. You can use your action to try to pin a creature grappled by you. To do so, make another grapple check. If you succeed, you and the creature are both restrained until the grapple ends.]
[Congratulations! You have gained the Feat; Heavy Armor Master (Passive); While you are wearing heavy armor, bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage that you take from nonmagical attacks is reduced by 3. Furthermore add +1 to your Strength score.]
[Congratulations! You have gained a +2 Stat points!]
[Warning! You have received Organ Damage; Whenever you attempt an action in combat, you must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, you lose your action and can't use reactions until the start of your next turn. Magic such as the regenerate spell can cure your organ damage. Alternatively, someone can tend to the organ damage and make a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check once every day. After ten successes, the organ damage is resolved.]
[Warning! You have received Minor Kidney Failure; When you complete a long rest, you must succeed at a Constitution saving throw DC 15 or gain the poisoned condition until you complete a long rest. Magic such as the regenerate spell can cure your kidney failure. Alternatively, someone can tend to the kidney failure and make a DC 10 Wisdom (Medicine) check once every week. After six successes, the kidney failure is resolved.]
[Warning! You have received a minor scar!]
I fluttered my lips as I lay in bed. Minor scar from the slashing damage, minor kidney failure from the poison damage, organ damage from the piercing damage. Oh boy I was blessed to even walk away with these ones huh. Damn that was a lot. Talk about a mixed party bag post dragon slaying huh haha. Oh but wait there's more.
[Congratulations, you have received 200% Reputation with Gustaff Stellern "Falcon the Hunter". You have reached the rank of Family!]
[Congratulations, you have reached 200% Reputation with Daran Edermath. You have reached the rank of Family!]
[Congratulations, you have reached 200% Reputation with Pell. You have reached the rank of Family!]
[Congratulations, you have reached 200% Reputation with Bertrice Edermath. You have reached the rank of Family!]
"Woah…that's a lot. That's heavy, but endearing." It made me smile before wincing from pain, yeah, I'd definitely need some rest.
[August 20th, 2023, 6:00PM/ 1493 DR, 6:00PM]
I sighed as I got back up from my nap. Sixteen days had passed! Spending so much time recovering honestly made me miss being active. I refused to spend all that time in bed, so I decided to talk more business between the town council on repurposing that ruined temple of Waukeen into a town hospital or something honestly. Or maybe both a hospital and a church for God. A hospital of flesh and souls if you will. I'd definitely need to pray over that. I went ahead and paid the twenty five thousand gold needed to rebuild it. Now it was only a matter of patience. I was finally free to leave town hall! And so I did, going for a walk. The only reminder of my near death fight with Venomfang being the swooping diagonal scar I had upon my outer right calf rising up to near my knee. Not the most aesthetic place for a scar really, but I should be grateful and thankful that I have my leg at all still!
It was a beautiful day! I decided to visit the smithy and couldn't help but smile at Alger and Maza. I teased them that I'd have plans for them in the days to come before I set off for the ruins of Thundertree once more. I had never recovered my sword, what blasphemy. I wasn't prepared for what I would be greeted to though. Nature had taken its course these past two weeks regarding Venomfang's body, I could see that from the bones peeking from within. What I didn't expect was to see Mellow resting underneath his impaled heart. I felt a chill wash over me. Something was wrong here.
"Mellow?" I stopped Sunfire and got off to approach.
She got up gingerly, placed her teeth around the hilt of the sword, and pulled it out. That was when her bones began to crack as she made her way over. Semi transparent flames of gold and frost white flowed forth from her. She was dying once more, or in this case, fully passing on. My eyes got watery as I gripped the blade itself. I could feel the warmth of her breath as she gave my face a final nudge of affection.
"Please, not like this, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't go see you sooner."
"Hush now master, fret not over such things. Thank you for being with an old horse in her final hour. This is the end of my journey, but it definitely isn't the end of yours. You bare the torch now Arthur, carry it well. For everyone's sake."
And with that she disintegrated into bone dust and fell to the soil, only to rise again as an ethereal blue silhouette of her living form, galloping off into the sky. I clenched my teeth not to cry. I shed a tear or two anyway. Sunfire did his best to comfort me, reassuring me that all would be well in regards to her. With a bittersweet sigh I made my way back to Phandalin. It was about eight at night give or take. And honestly I was very glad I had invested in making a garrison for the town you know. I just didn't foresee its use being that immediate. For in having yet to fully reach the town I saw smoke rising from the earth and from the heavens blue death descended.
As I entered the town all I saw was violence and death. Black robed killers and kobolds ran through the streets, hungry for blood and coins. Barthen's Provisions was on fire along with a few other buildings, the townspeople and the newly installed garrison didn't just lie down and take it though. After all, even when I first arrived in this town, the people were rightfully armed.
Without warning, five townsfolk dashed out from between two buildings on my left. A limping man and three young children raced across the street, and a woman carrying a round shield and a broken spear turned and faced back in the direction from which they came. Seven kobolds streamed out of the alley on the family's heels and fanned out around the woman akin to a crescent, who looked determined to delay the creatures for as long as possible.
Though I'd spare her that expense. In fury and rage I leapt from Sunfire, swinging a horizontal strike, the smite practically leaping from the blade in all but a few rays of light. And with its dissipation, the seven heads of the kobolds rolled to and along the dirt.
[Kobold has been slain x7! 175 XP gained! 175GP gained!]
"Head for the garrison base or the town hall now!" I hopped aboard Sunfire again and ran off.
[Kobold has been slain x7! 175 XP gained! 175GP gained!]
[Kobold has been slain x7! 175 XP gained! 175GP gained!]
[Kobold has been slain x7! 175 XP gained! 175GP gained!]
Danar was still alive, Bertrice too albeit injured, Toblen and his family were fine. Barthen was fine, Harbin was severely injured. Sildar was fine, manning the garrison base with Danar. These bastards had attempted to raid the town, I suppose I couldn't blame them, having a blue dragon of that size among them. I could feel my stomach tie itself into knots. …I didn't want to fight that. "I- NO. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BE SCARED, FEAR BE DAMNED TO HELL! But is it really fear to have a survival instinct? Fear? SCREW FEAR, I HAVE THE POWER OF GOD ON MY SIDE!"
These bastards who I soon enough remembered were a part of the Cult of the Dragon weren't having the raid they wanted, they weren't ready for a stalemate. They weren't ready for what I was about to bring out either. I ran to the center of town square, pulled up the Market tab and bought a trebuchet for one thousand five hundred gold pieces. It spawned with a heavy thud atop the soil, crushing a few more kobolds. I yelled at some guards to help load me in and launch me.
"Sir Arthur you've gone mad, there must be-"
"JUST DO IT!"
Soon enough I was launched skyward towards the blue dragon. I was too angry to be scared of it. I landed, making sure to use my longsword as an anchor as I impaled it into its flesh. It proceeded to slam its tail at me like a bullwhip and then use its claws to rake its neck as a means to rip me off. To him I was nothing more than a pest. How quaint, the feeling was reciprocal. I wasn't letting go till I died. I screamed and burnt my body as I squeezed every drop of a miracle out of me channeling divinity into a burst in my blade, stabbing and bombarding it into the flesh of the monstrous blue bastard beast. I was angry. No, that's too simple. I was blood lusted and filled with rage. Filled with hate. A hatred for evil. I had just lost Mellow. I refuse to lose them too, dragons be damned!
[Warning you are at a quarter health!]
"AHHHHHHHH!"
My vision turned red as my Suffering Empowerment Perk kicked in. My ears popped as the dragon roared its final breath and I climbed its nape, using its body as cover as it crashed into the earth upon the outskirts of town, crushing a few more cultists and kobolds underneath. This upheaval gave pause to the siege going on in town for a few seconds, and then the cultists retreated. I nearly fell over as I raised my sword high in the air and gave another shout of victory to raise the town's morale. It worked, as if to further the splendor, gold lightning rained down from heaven striking the corpse of the blue dragon as rain began to put out the fires.
[Lennithon the Adult Blue Dragon has been slain! 15,000XP gained! 15,000GP gained!]
[Congratulations! You have reached 8th level!]
[Congratulations you have gained the Perk; Frightful Presence (Active); As a bonus action, you can manifest your frightful presence. Each creature of your choice that is within 120 feet of you and aware of you must make a Wisdom saving throw against a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier. A creature that fails becomes frightened of you for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. (10 StP)]
[You have gained a +2 Stat points!]
I let out a sigh, the adrenaline was fading and the effects of my exertion were starting to get to me, especially since I just got out of the hospital essentially. I dragged myself back to town square and placed the trebuchet back in my inventory for now.
[August 20th, 2023, 6:00PM/ 1493 DR, 6:00PM]
Time had passed, enough for the town to get back to a semblance of order pre cult attack. I was once again within the town hall. Sildar, Harbin, Trilena, Halia, Danar, and Garaele were all there as well.
"So what's the damage report like?"
"We can always rebuild stores and houses, thank the gods no one was killed, though plenty were still injured." Sildar spoke as Sister Garaele nodded along.
I was brooding. I was bitter. Angry. No doubt they too were shaken, hell, the whole town was. By now it had stopped raining as well, the moon shone in the sky, highlighting the shimmering mist of post rain.
"This is my fault."
Sildar and Danar furrowed their brows and shook their heads. Trilena spoke up. "Arthur what are you on about, you almost died again launching yourself from a trebuchet you pulled out of thin air I might add at the blue dragon for heaven's sake. I'm surprised you haven't gone mad yet!"
"Me, you and everyone else included honestly. That being said, it's still my fault, because I could have done more. I was stupid. I failed to realize that I didn't necessarily need to build, I could already go for pre-built instead. For all the coins I possess, time is not a luxury I can outright buy yet." I let out a sigh. "I'll go about fortifying the town later…so no one died?"
My town friends shared a few subdued concerned looks amongst themselves no doubt. It was then that Sister Garaele spoke up. "No, thankfully, though a friend of mine, I'm afraid, may have gone in a bit over their heads, they tailed the cult as they ran away."
"I'll look for him-"
"Arthur. This is sudden, for all of us. We aren't doubting your power either so please don't think we are. But, I think this time you should really listen to the last thing I say and take it slow. You nearly died fighting Venomfang, remember sometimes haste makes unnecessary waste."
I sighed as I sat down in the chair cupping my face. "Thank you Sildar, I'll keep in mind to be more thorough, less rash, but mark my words Sister Garaele, I'll get your friend back too...in the meantime I need to prepare."
No more hiding my powers. No more masks, only true faces. I rose up and walked towards the edge of town. One freestanding wall worth of Adamantine, with a thickness of six inches, five hundred to one thousand gold per five feet…I was almost sleeping standing up. I shook my head awake and started waking the perimeter and first while making calculations. It took a while since I was waiting for my stamina to refresh. But I managed to finally make a perimeter around three thousand feet long, ten feet tall. And it was made of genuine adamantine. Why? Because I can. And because I refused to let anyone harm this town again. I was exhausted waiting for my stamina to refresh, oh right, I already mentioned that probably. But it was worth it. I was still left with just around twelve thousand gold left give or take too.
Another two thousand gold for a small chapel to God for now, right at the eastern path before the ruins of Waukeen's old temple. I was practically spawning things into creation. The townsfolk who saw me must've been having a field day. I dragged myself to the Stonehill inn and threw myself into bed. I prayed to just knock out and have my sleep. That was when I dreamt of him instead.
A long mane of hair and beard, white as snow. Eyes smoldering like stars, his skin sparkled like diamonds, galaxies drifting upon his chest. Stone tablets were hitched to his left hip. Ao, the overgod of the Forgotten Realms. Standing, floating? Before me in all ten feet of his grandeur. I felt as if I was floating in water. For I was in a sense. I was summoned to the Astral Sea. My soul was as blue as it could be, even the silver cord accompanied me. It was freaky but I was still sleepy until he spoke.
"The waves but a single stone can bring forth never do cease to astound me every now and then."
I shook my head. "What? Hey, you mind explaining to me why the hell the Cult of the Dragon is up and running again? I thought they were solved back in the 1480's."
"Yes normally, however, you are here, your faith is here, your Lord is here. Thus time and space have been meddled with and things are not as cut and dry."
"Our Lord, Ao. I know you said that you serve no one to the other gods and races but we both know that isn't the case since you report to the Luminous Being."
He paused as he gazed at me letting out a "hmmm" sound. "You humans truly are given gifts no one else can possess… in any case yes, He has been watching, as have I. Though with the coming events I will no longer shield you from the eyes of the other gods, His orders."
"So be it, let His will be done."
"They will hate you."
"As if they didn't back on earth? I know this."
"They will most likely attempt to kill you."
"I know."
"And yet you will persist?"
"I will do what must be done. The age of incompetent lesser gods is over."
He stroked his beard and then gazed upward. I felt myself floating once more. Floating…drifting…a sea. A starry sea. A peaceful sleep. Sleep.
[August 21st, 2023, 9:00AM/ 1493 DR, 9:00AM]
["Deeper into the plot we go, deeper towards the dragon god's throne!" Grand Quest received!
Objective 1; Slay/Banish/Prevent Tiamat, goddess of the chromatic dragons from wreaking havoc upon Faerun!
Objective 2: Complete all the side quests 01/?
Objective 3: ?
Reward: Mystery box, +100% Reputation with all parties involved
Penalty for failure; Death, End of the world, etc]
Oh okay so this is the first thing I wake up to, amazing. I walked downstairs to see Sildar, Danar and Sister Garaele waiting for me.
"Oh, good morning everyone."
"Arthur boy you've gone and done it again, I don't understand how but you have, the whole town is in an uproar over those walls you put up, or at least people are saying it was you." Sildar spoke.
"You should've seen the look on Alger's face when he authenticated that they were made of real pure adamantine." Danar chuckled.
"Sir Arthur be honest, are you feeling okay?"
I glanced at the three of them while stroking my cheek. "Huh yeah I guess I did build a whole new perimeter didn't I? Ha, sorry about the abruptness of that, but it's for safety's sake. If you don't want the town's people to go into a frenzy tell them to cast a donation of one gold maximum into the chapel in the east. That'll give them something to do in the meantime… Hnng, yes I'm okay, though I've had worse and better days. I'll be fine soon enough. Now about that friend of yours Sister Garaele, go on and tell me more."
"If you are so confident in yourself let it be so. Ah, right, my friend, Leosin Erlanthar, he…"
"Snuck into the cult as they retreated and you fear he bit off more than he could chew. Sounds about right…Harpers do live dangerous lives." I grinned as her eyes portrayed shock.
"Don't worry, I know I can look clueless at times, act it so as well, but I know certain things, like that Danar also has ties to the Order of the Gauntlet, and Sildar to the Lord's Alliance. I'm grateful for it really, it helps me be reassured that this town is in capable hands. To have a variety of do gooders that is."
"How…"
I continued to grin and point up. "It wasn't exactly common knowledge nor exactly a secret as well, well aside from Sister Garaele's case, but I'll tell you how. My God. Our God. I'll tell you more of my faith when I return from saving your friend. In the meantime, I'm putting my faith in all of you to man things here."
Danar and Sildar shared chuckles at that before Danar spoke up. "It does an elf good to see such youth burn brightly, though don't think we'll let you shine so easily Arthur, we still have our tricks, some you are still yet unaware of."
It would seem I lit a fire inside Danar, good, this town would need that. "I trust you all, now I'm heading out...right after I'm done eating breakfast."
Now if I were evil, actively evil, where would I place my camp where it could be near enough to a town to siege but still strong enough to defend itself within the surrounding area?…Axeholm. I'd be a one man raid squad shooting for a fortress. Honestly, I had no grand master plan this time. Even with nineteen packs of dynamite at my disposal. I was angry once more, maybe I should invest in other adventurers to accompany me… But I also don't want to risk other people getting hurt because of me, whether directly or indirectly. I'm already haunted by the memories I have of the people I've hurt before. I don't like war, or actively hurting others. I don't want to kill other people dammit! Self defense and honor is one thing, active murder, that isn't something a man just walks away from mentally unscathed. Not everyone there would be a full-fledged member of the cult. Many were prisoners, slaves of conquest, new initiates working toward full acceptance, and many others were simple mercenaries, hired to flesh out the camp's strength during raids or if it should come under attack. I could see the smoke rising from the chimneys of the fortress. As well as the kobolds scrambling towards the arrow slits. I cleared my throat as I magnified my voice.
"Hear me Cult of the Dragon, the consequences of your actions are to fall upon you swiftly. Repent now or suffer the end of your lives. No amount of gold or worship to her name will save you then. For the newest you stole to add to your corrupted flock, repent, be still, your freedom is finally arriving. To those who were bought, lay down your arms, I will triple the price of your pay."
Arrows began to fly. I could feel my heart pounding as a sea of kobolds ran towards me. I couldn't help but grin as I drew my blade. Eighty three kobolds for the meat grinder. I swung twice. Sixty six remained, blood rained all over the floor, the kobolds were terrified but were forced to attack anyway from their superiors. Forty four. Thirteen remaining, and done!
[Kobold has been slain x83! 2,075XP gained! 2,075GP gained!]
[Congratulations you have gained the Perk; The Human Harbinger (Passive); You now have advantage when fighting against humanoid creatures.]
[Warning you have received a Critical hit!]
[Warning you have received a Critical hit!]
[Warning you have received Pierced Stomach. When you complete a long rest, you must succeed at a Constitution saving throw DC 10 or gain the poisoned condition until you complete a long rest. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal and regenerate, heals the pierced stomach, or if you spend ten days doing nothing but resting, it heals on its own.
[Warning you have received a Horrible scar!]
My body began to sweat and heat up as the pain now switched back on. I screamed and cursed. I gritted my teeth, and power kicked the severed head of a kobold across the room as the guard drakes and cultists came swarming out the other rooms. The hired muscle knew better than to approach me.
"Come at me you bastards." I could hear my spine crack as I flexed my upper back.
I lunged forward performing a bit of a "slash dash" in a sense.
[Cultist has been slain x6! 150XP gained! 150GP gained!]
Then came the drakes. I sliced through the first one like butter. The others pounced and bit into me.
[Guard Drake has been slain! 450XP gained! 450GP gained!]
[Warning you have received a Critical hit!]
[Warning you have received a Critical hit!]
[Warning you have received Pierced Stomach. When you complete a long rest, you must succeed at a Constitution saving throw DC 10 or gain the poisoned condition until you complete a long rest. Magical healing of 6th level or higher, such as heal and regenerate, heals the pierced stomach, or if you spend ten days doing nothing but resting, it heals on its own.]
[Warning! You have received Organ Damage; Whenever you attempt an action in combat, you must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, you lose your action and can't use reactions until the start of your next turn. Magic such as the regenerate spell can cure your organ damage. Alternatively, someone can tend to the organ damage and make a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check once every day. After ten successes, the organ damage is resolved.]
[Warning you are below half health!]
"OH COME ON ALREADY!" I shrieked practically. I yelled as blood red energy bellowed off me. My abs were positively butchered at this point, case in point the two daggers left embedded in my body, and now this crap from the drakes.
"AHHHHHHHH"
[Guard Drake has been slain! 450XP gained! 450GP gained!]
[Guard Drake has been slain! 450XP gained! 450GP gained!]
[Guard Drake has been slain! 450XP gained! 450GP gained!]
[Guard Drake has been slain! 450XP gained! 450GP gained!]
[Congratulations you have received +10 Stat points!]
[Warning you are below a quarter health!]
Clapping could be heard throughout the halls as a blue half dragon walked towards me. Before they could properly speak I lunged forth at them and cut their head clean off. My guts were hurting ahhh.
"I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!"
[Langdedrosa Cyanwrath has been slain! 1,100XP gained! 1,100GP gained!]
I switched my Frightful Presence Perk on and screamed once more. Suffice to say the camp had been successfully raided and crushed. The prisoners were free, the hired guard rethought their life choices for now, and Axeholm was ankle deep in dragon worshiping cultist blood more or less. Damn heretics.
"You, you listen to me, shut up, I don't care what you have to say right now, I do all this because your friend asked me to. You're coming back with me to Phandalin. Got it."
Leosin, the now freed, yet still beaten half elf monk simply sighed and nodded his head. "What flawless barbarism you managed to display."
"You're welcome."
We rode back to Phandalin, I dropped him off to Sister Garaele and then isolated myself inside the recently built/spawned in chapel I brought into existence last night. My guts were so sore and even more bloody. I prayed to God and blacked out from the pain rolling in waves. Four critical hits back to back. Let it be known that steel is my body. It must be, not being dead yet at this rate.
[August 22nd, 2023, 9:00AM/ 1493 DR, 9:00AM]
"Dammit… I think I might have actually killed another human being." I muttered as I ran my fingers through my hair.
