DL1 Summary

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 1 - The Road Travels East
Session 01 - Out Through the Kitchen

It’s an early autumn evening when Amala, Gaffleknot, and Lirian enter the tree-top town of Solace. The three had met just outside of town and were ambushed by hobgoblins claiming to work for the Seekers and looking for some blue crystal staff. The encounter had left a bad taste in their mouths, as they worried why goblins would be patrolling their home.

Stepping inside the Inn of the Last Home, the trio found the place packed. Seeking out their old table, they found that two of their old companions had all ready arrived and were waiting for them. They were Barlemus the goblin-hating warrior and Daos the half-elven sorcerer. Barl gave Gaf a big hug, and the kender ‘accidentally’ pocketed the warrior’s waterskin in the process. Daos, who now wore pure white robes and carried a strange staff, greeted the group with considerably less enthusiasm. It turned out that Seekers had tried to confiscate Daos’ magic staff outside of town, as they were looking for a blue crystal staff.

Kendra, Marik, and Gimak arrived last. Gimak used a wooden staff for a walking stick. The party got reacquainted and teased each other. Gaf tried to hug Gimak, who wouldn’t have it. Barl was astounded by how much Kendra had 'developed' into a young woman. Daos explained how he had taken the Test at Wayreth and was now a full-fledged magus capable of great power.

While Kendra filled in the others on why goblins were working with the Seekers and what else had happened in the past five years, a pretty young barmaid approached. Barlemus flirted with her, until Kendra pointed out that it was little Tika, who was only 12 at the time the group last left. Barlemus became flustered, so Gaf whispered some advice—to try and impress her with words. Barlemus went into detail with some of his more gory adventures, which rather put the barmaid off. Tika gave Gimak a letter and left to go get the party’s food and drinks.

Gimak read the letter and swore. Marcus had found a new employer and would not be joining them. The dwarf felt it was bad luck, breaking the oath. Most of the party agreed Marcus wasn’t well liked anyway, although Barlemus and Kendra tried to defend him.

The conversation turned to what proof they had found. But all were unsuccessful save one...Marik announced he had found the old staff Gimak carried. Noticing how skeptical they appeared, Marik took the staff and proceeded to give a demonstration. He bopped the kender on the head, which did little to smart a bit. Frustrated, he allowed Kendra to try. She touched the kender with the staff, and suddenly the image of the old withered hunk of wood melted away to reveal a beautiful staff of pure blue crystal. The crystal staff glowed, and Gaf was enveloped in a sky blue light. The wounds he suffered from the hobgoblins outside of town healed, a miracle that has not been seen for over 300 years.

Unfortunately, this miracle was a rather public display, and everyone in the tavern saw it. Tika warned them that the Seekers had been looking for that staff, and there was a big reward for any who knew of its location. Realizing they needed to get out of there fast, Tika handed them the key to her place and the party escaped out through the kitchen.

The party descended down a rope to the ground, but Kendra was too frightened. Daos took her by the hand, and she realized his skin was ice cold. The two jumped out, the frightened woman clinging to the sorcerer. However, his magic staff flared to life, and the two gently floated to the ground like a feather.

Once in Tika’s place, they tried to figure out what to do with the staff. Nobody could agree, and Kendra wanted nothing to do with it. She asked the others to take it and do what they will. Daos asked her to show them how to use it, but she didn’t know. Marik insisted only Kendra could use the staff, because she was the “Chosen One.” He quickly retold the tale of how he found the staff in some ruins. A terrible nightmare, terror on wings, haunted him. He could not remember where the staff was found or any details of the quest. But he did remember a woman’s voice telling him to take the staff to the “Chosen One” and that she would be able to use it to fight the coming tides of darkness.

Kendra, however, had no desire to fight darkness or fulfill any prophecy. As the group argued, the Seeker guards found them and burst inside. There were five of them, all armed. They demanded the party throw down their weapons and surrender. The party did not respond. The guard issued the command again, but still the party would not comply. So a fight broke out.

Daos quickly put one guard to sleep with his magic. The other four engaged with Lirian, Amala, Barlemus and Gimak. Marik defended Kendra, who was paralyzed with fear and surprise. Gaffleknot aided Lirian with some very well thrown daggers. Gimak took a serious blow to the shoulder, but the stubborn dwarf fought on. After Amala and Barlemus dispatched their opponents, the remaining two saw the writing on the wall. They attempted to flee, but Gaf and Lirian cut them down before they could escape.

Kendra healed Gimak lightly while Gaf looted the bodies. After a bit more arguing, the party decided to make a break for it toward Crystalmir Lake. They found a small boat on the shore and stole it, paddling out.

Once out on the lake, Daos noticed that two of the constellations in the sky were missing. Gimak realized the two constellations were those of the old gods, Paladine the Platinum Dragon and Takhisis the Queen of Darkness. The party pondered this rather ominous omen as they paddled across to the other side of the lake.

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 1 - The Road Travels East
Session 02 - Lost in Darkenwood

After crossing Crystalmir Lake, the party found a small cave to hide out in. Inside, they discussed what they should do next. Marik suggested they circle around Darkenwood, taking the road to either Gateway or Haven. Then they could head south to the elflands. Kendra, however, wanted to cut through Darkenwood itself, an idea Marik was very much against. He explained it was haunted and full of strange creatures. Nevertheless, Kendra insisted it would be safer to travel through the wood than to stay on the road.

After some food and rest (Gaf loaned Kendra the waterskin he took from Barlemus), they set out the following morning. Marik refused to take point this time, so Lirian did instead. As they traveled through the Sentinel Mountains to reach the Darkenwood, they saw Prayer's Eye Peak and discussed the white stag (a symbol of hope from the gods) that was said to have appeared here once to Huma Dragonbane, the knight who had once saved all of Krynn from the evil dragons long ago.

They camped on the other side of the mountains, and Barlemus complained that Gimak was slowing them down (his movement rate was 4, due to encumbrance). The dwarf insisted Barlemus carry his pack, as a result. At camp, Kendra asked Daos about his cold skin, and he explained it was a sacrifice he made for more power. He warned her she may be called to make a sacrifice herself one day for the power she has been given. Meanwhile, Marik confessed to Lirian why he was so anxious to enter Darkenwood. He did not believe he could protect Kendra from the dead.

Gaf made a strange concoction for dinner and Gimak did not improve. To take their mind off things, the group sat around the fire and each recited a stanza from the Canticle of the Dragon, which told the history of Krynn and the Cataclysm that struck it 350 years ago.

The following day they headed into the dreaded Darkenwood. The place was thoroughly creepy, but instead of encountering the dead, they heard the sounds of partying and revelry. Lirian and Gaf scouted it out, and came across a group of four satyrs, living it up. After explaining this to the others, Lirian considered the satyrs may be useful in leading the party to safety on the other side of the wood.

When they approached, however, the satyrs were only interested in having fun. The leader, Baach, insisted the group join in, especially the ladies. Most of the party abstained, but Barlemus, Marik and Kendra all agreed to sample some of their Feywine. Annoyed by this delay, Daos had the others set up camp.

The rest of the night was a blur. When Kendra came to, the satyrs were gone and she was curled up between the sleeping forms of Barl and Marik. She couldn't remember a thing. Marik suggested she lost her innocence with all four satyrs, but it's unclear if he was teasing or being serious. Before he could clarify this, eight centaur appeared and surrounded the party.

The lead centaur claimed the Forestmaster wanted an audience with she who wielded the Blue Crystal Staff. The party elected to come peacefully, and so the centaurs gave them a ride to a secluded grove. The Forestmaster, a beautiful and ancient unicorn, greeted them.

The Forestmaster explained that darkness was descending on all of Ansalon. A terrible army of men, goblins, strange beasts known as Draconians, and even dragons (who were said to be extinct) was slowly taking over. And the leader of this dread army? A terrible dark goddess of malice and hatred.

The only hope the world had was if the party headed to Xak Tsaroth, an ancient city (now nothing but ruins) that was destroyed in the Cataclysm. Realizing the heavy burden she bore, Kendra doubted whether she was capable of doing so. The Forestmaster offered them a chance to rest and think it over before deciding.

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 2 - Lost City of the Ancients
Session 03 - Watch Your Step

After a little discussion, the party decided they would head to Xak Tsaroth. The Forestmaster summoned eight white pegasi to carry the Companions there. Awed and excited, they mounted and flew off to the east. But some kind of enchantment covered over them, putting them into a deep sleep until they reached their destination.

The pegasi brought the party to a large swamp on the edge of Newsea and then departed. Lirian in the lead, the party entered the swamp to search for the lost city. When the fiery mountain struck Istar 350 years ago, it created new seas in the devastation. One such sea rushed over the city of Xak Tsaroth, destroying it and submerging half of it. There were small islands of dry land, however.

The party came across a slippery rope bridge connecting two of these islands. Lirian and Gaf managed to cross with no problem, and even in her bulky armor, Amala was able to follow them. Marik went next. When Daos tried to cross, however, he slipped and fell into the muck below. Lirian immediately jumped in to rescue him. Unfortunately, the ripples in the muck caught the attention of eight spiders, each as large as a man. They skimmed across the surface of the water right toward the half-elves.

The party sprang into action, mostly using projectile weapons to attack from the land. A couple boldly waded into the muck to melee, however, including Kendra, Amala and Barlemus (the last who sank and had to pull himself out).

The party was victorious, but Amala was bitten and failed her save, becoming poisoned. While the others discussed how to help her, the poison took effect. Luckily, Amala has tons of HP and survived. Meanwhile, Gaf managed to extract two of the spiders' venom sacs for later.

Moving on, the party came across a bridge of a different kind. It was actually a tall ironclaw tree that had fallen over, forming a natural bridge between two islands. Immediately, Lirian became suspicious and started looking for signs of ambush. She spotted movement on the other side of the bridge and went to investigate herself. Sure enough, four lizard-like humanoids with wings attacked (bozak draconians). Without a thought, Lirian rushed forward to engage them. Amala joined her. Quickly, the pair of warrior women cut down two of the bozaks...only to learn that upon death, they explode, damaging anyone nearby!

Before the rest of the party could react, two more of the bozaks appeared on the other side of the bridge. All of them started casting Web, one after the other. Despite the onslaught, Amala, Gaf and Lirian all made their saves. The others got tangled. While Amala and Lirian fought off their two bozaks, the other two started taking prisoners. One grabbed Gimak and Kendra, and the other grabbed Marik and Daos and tried to flee. Gaf charged to their rescue, scoring two massive hits against the bozak carrying Kendra and Gimak. It exploded, too. However, the other one escaped.

After Amala and Lirian dispatched the other bozaks, they came to help their friends only to learn that two were taken prisoner. Lirian, despite being severely wounded, immediately ran off to find them. However, she could only track the creature until it went into the muck. The others caught up to her, as she cursed herself for letting this happened.

The party searched around a bit, but found no clues. So they had no choice but to proceed and hope they would find their missing friends. Pressing on, they came to a third bridge--but this one was made of wood and appeared very ancient. Despite the fact night was falling, Lirian's eyes still worked quite well. She spotted movement on the other side and assumed it was more draconians.

Whispering to Barlemus and Amala to follow, she charged. The two baaz draconians on the other side were quite stunned at the sudden attack. The party quickly cut them down, realizing that these draconians were different than the ones before--instead of exploding upon death, they turned to stone. Fortunately, both dracs were finished off by projectiles (Gaf's sling and Gimak's crossbow), else the party's swords would have been caught in the stone, trapping them.

Up ahead, the party spotted the flickering lights of torches. Lirian and Gaf scouted ahead alone to find some kind of encampment. There was a large bonfire, several huts, and a bamboo cage containing two prisoners. However, there was also a large black dragon, wings outfolded!

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 2 - Lost City of the Ancients
Session 04 - The Greatest Gift to Man

Gaf and Lirian remained hidden within the draconian camp, observing. Gaf decided to be bold and sneaked over to the bamboo cage, confirming Marik and Daos were inside. Their hands were bound, and Daos had a mouth gag. The kender slipped in a dagger next to Marik, so the rogue could work at freeing himself.

Gaf then returned to the others while Lirian sneaked forward to listen in on the draconians interrogating Marik. After hearing enough, Lirian rejoined the others, as well. As Gaf had filled them in, they began discussing strategy. Gaf wanted to use the spider sacs he acquired from the huge spiders to poison the dragon. When Lirian dismissed this idea, the kender decided to take matters into his own hands.

Gaf sneaked back into the camp and approached the dragon. However, upon close examination, he realized the so-called dragon was just a model made of wicker and wood. He also realized one could climb inside it, so he did so. By moving about and shouting into the funnel in its mouth, he made it appear the dragon was alive and speaking. This panicked the draconians, causing them to flee in all directions. Hearing the commotion and realizing Gaf was missing, the others charged back into the camp.

Gaf started to get a little carried away with his charade, and Barlemus charged the 'dragon' in hopes of slaying it. The others freed Marik and Daos. Gaf then used his flint and steel to set the dragon on fire and escaped. Barlemus, believing the dragon had been killed, launched into a victory song. Everyone ran to the north until they felt they had put enough distance between them and the camp.

By this point, it was getting quite dark. Lirian chewed out Gaf, and Gaf explained what had really happened, putting quite a damper on Barlemus' victory. The party continued on, coming across a large stone obelisk that had fallen down and formed a bridge. Daos read the script carved on it, and realized they were entering the city proper of what was once Xak Tsaroth.

The city was in ruins and only a single building remained standing. Before the building loomed a large well. As the party approached, everything went deathly quiet. A huge creature with scales as black as night flew from within the well and roared--it was a real black dragon and its dragonfear blanketed the party.

Kendra may a beeline for the building. As Barlemus and Amala had no ranged weapons, they covered her escape. Gaf ran for cover while the others scattered and started pelting the dragon with ranged weapons to little effect. Once Kendra was inside, she called to the others. The rest of the party started withdrawing, but Marik remained behind to cover them. He decided to face the monster that had been haunting his nightmares.

The dragon recognized the rogue as the one who stole the Blue Crystal Staff. Taking in a deep breath, she blasted him with her acid breath. Then, laughing manically, she returned to the well.

The others gathered around the remains of Marik, saddened and in shock. Daos remarked that the dragon had only been toying with them--she easily could have destroyed them all. Kendra tried to use the staff to help Marik, but it only flickered slightly. Pleading, begging and even praying, Kendra asked whoever was listening--whoever was behind the power of the staff--to bring him back. The staff responded, using the last of its energy to restore Marik to life.

The party dragged the rogue inside and realized the place looked to be some kind of ancient temple. Marik came to and told them that 'she' was waiting for them in the next room. Kendra stepped into the next room to find a shrine with a statue of a woman inside. To the surprise of the party, the statue came to life and spoke to them.

She called herself Mishakal, one of the Seven Gods of Light. Most of the party was stunned. After everything they had been through, they had finally found what they sought--a living goddess stood before them.

Kendra asked Her why She had chosen Kendra of all people. Mishakal explained that Kendra has a good heart, filled with love and compassion. Mishakal was the goddess of healing, mercy, and life. Whether Kendra realized it or not, she had been following Mishakal's teachings in her heart her whole life.

Mishakal then told them the truth of the old gods. The gods had not turned their backs on man after the Cataclysm. Rather, it was man who turned their backs on the gods. But now, Krynn was about to face its greatest test and the people would need the truth of the real gods to have any hope to survive. Deep under the temple, in the dragon's lair, were the Disks of Mishakal. If the party could retrieve this artifact, it would serve as proof of the gods' return and might turn the tide of the war sweeping across Ansalon.

The goddess told them She would continue to look after them, and would recharge the Blue Crystal Staff. Then the statue transformed back into unliving stone, its arms curved as if it once held a staff. Kendra slipped the staff into the statue's hands, and it regained its glow.

After Kendra healed everyone up and recharged the staff again, they decided to camp in the temple. It was safe, they knew. Mishakal would protect them while they rested.

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 3 - Descent into Darkness
Session 05 - Gully Dwarves

Everyone awoke the next morning feel rested and refreshed, the best night of sleep they had been allowed since they left Solace. Although this was only days ago, it certainly felt like months had passed. While the others broke camp, Gaf immediately began exploring by throwing open random doors. This led him to discover a small chamber holding three baaz looking over a scroll. The baaz chased the kender back to Mishakal's Room where they were easily cut down by the party. Gaf quietly pocketed the scroll, telling nobody of it.

The kender's further exploration revealed a group of gully dwarves--disgusting, stupid, and filth-ridden people--trying to claw their way behind the walls, as they believed there was treasure there. Upon noticing the party, they all fell to the ground, groveling and crying for mercy. Kendra assured them the party meant them no ill will. They were so grateful, they drew her a very crude map to show her how to reach their king, the Highbulp Phudge. They then ran off.

With the Staff of Magius lighting the way, the party found a spiraling staircase bringing them underneath the ancient temple. Taking one path, they came across a room with no floor. There was a chest sitting on the other side of the thirty foot wide pit. The party speculated, but could think of no safe way to cross, so they backtracked. Taking another path, this time they came across a line of gully dwarves that seemed to be patiently waiting for something. The party heard a whip crack, and the line started moving forward.

Sending Gaf ahead to scout out the situation, the kender returned to tell them there was a giant black pot on a chain that two baaz were filling up with gully dwarves. Sending their warriors in waves (Barlemus and Amala first), the PCs started attacking. Amala slew her opponent, but Barlemus' tried to escape into the black pot. The warrior jumped after him. Their combined weight, along with the weight of the gully dwarves, dropped the pot down below the level they were on.

Looking down the hole the pot had descended, the party could see nothing but swirling mist and darkness. Gaf volunteered to climb down the chain and find Barlemus. However, he did not realize the chain was 700 feet long. After an hour of climbing down, he was still only about half-way to the ground. His arms and legs ached terribly, and had he not been immune to fear, no doubt the vertigo of being up so high would have sent him into a panic.

Unable to wait for the kender any longer, the party started piling into the other black pot that had served as a counter-weight to the first. Daos remained behind, though. The combined weight of Kendra, Lirian, Marik, Amala and Gimak caused the pot to practically plummet to the ground. Meanwhile, poor Gaf, clinging to the other chain, was pulled all the way back to the top in seconds. He collapsed in a heap at Daos' feet.

Meanwhile, the big black pot crashed to the ground, jarring the occupants. The party found themselves in what could only be the buried city of Xak Tsaroth. A patrol of draconians, led by one in black robes, demanded the party's surrender after surrounding the pot. Barlemus was nowhere to be seen.

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 4 - Lair of the Dragon
Session 06 - Gaffleknot's Ghost

The Baaz surrounded the black pot the party stood in, and called for their surrender. Not about to give up yet, Lirian leaped forward to attack. The others quickly followed suit. Even Kendra swung about the Blue Crystal Staff, caving in heads.

Meanwhile, seven hundred feet above, Daos checked on Gaffleknot. Taking hold of the kender (and getting pick-pocketed as a result), he jumped down toward the party. The Staff of Magius ensured they landed safely, and the two jumped into combat, as well. Daos cast a sleep spell to knock out two of the draconians.

Once the battle was over, the party decided to find someplace to hide. They quickly got lost, though, and found themselves on the far edge of the city ruins in an area that appeared abandoned. They decided to find a place to hold up and send Gaffleknot, invisible courtesy of Daos' magic, to scout around. Gimak found a building that wasn't too much of a hazard and the others waited inside, chatting, while the kender did what he did best--got into mischief.

First, Gaffleknot discovered that the two Baaz that were left alive had woken up and gone to report to their superior. The superior, however, was quite drunk. He mentioned something about the 'captain' being kidnapped by some gully dwarves, then passed out. Disgusted, the two Baaz decided to split up. Gaf followed one to a large underground river. When the Baaz used its wings to glide over it, though, the handler gave up and backtracked.

The kender decided to start mapping out the place mentally, which turned out to be more difficult than it sounded. Eventually, he came across the dragon Onyx, giving orders to a draconian and a number of Aghar. The dragon insisted they find "her" or else, then returned to her lair. The draconian split the Aghar into groups and send them in search parties. Gaf wasn't sure who they were speaking of, but decided to get away from the scene.

However, he spotted some movement behind a waterfall and investigated. He found none other than Barlemus, protecting a blonde plainswoman. Gaf announced his presence, fooling the fairly slow warrior into thinking he had died and was now a ghost. Gaf led him and the woman, Sunstar, back to the others. The only obstacle on the way were two Aghar, looting the dead Baaz they had fought earlier. Gaf scared them away, however, with his ghost routine.

Once the party was reunited and the invisibility dispelled, the party debriefed Barlemus and Gaf. Barlemus explained that he found some draconians attacking Sunstar, and decided to help her escape. She said all of her people, a tribe known as the Que-Shu, were wiped out. Only she and a man named Raven-eye remain. They were held near the dragon's lair, but Sunstar managed to escape. She also explained that there once were many more draconians in the city, but they have shrank in numbers considerably as many were sent to hunt for the Blue Crystal Staff.

The party decided they would help Sunstar rescue Raven-eye before taking on the dragon, but first they needed to meet with the gully dwarves in hopes of learning some kind of weaknesses the dragon may possess. The map they had received from the Aghar was all but useless, so they hoped they would just come across some and could ask for directions. So they set out, with Gaf leading the way.

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 4 - Lair of the Dragon
Session 07 - Meeting Magpie

When we last left the party, Gaffleknot was supposed to be leading the group toward the gully dwarves. The kender was easily sidetracked, however, and instead led them to the ruins of a tower. Poking around the ruins, Gaf discovered that two archways that had somehow survived the cataclysm were actually magical portals to elsewhere in the city. Stepping through one, he found himself in a room with five ghosts. One of the ghosts, a clerk, mistook him for someone named Kathal and insisted he pay his taxes. Lirian quickly stepped in, grabbed the kender, and dragged him back out again.

Not letting this hinder him, Gaf then went into the other archway and found himself in a room filled with thousands of useless clay tokens. Noticing some writing on the wall, he retrieved Daos to translate. Amala ran after him, worried. Daos confirmed that the sign just read "Treasury." Having a flash of insight, Gaf convinced Amala to gather as many of the clay tokens as she could. Then he ushered her and Daos into the other portal, paying Kathal's taxes (500 of the clay tokens). Their unfinished business finally complete, the ghosts vanished.

However, the kender had it in his head that the ghosts were supposed to hand over some kind of treasure as a reward for paying taxes. Disappointed, he concluded the 'treasure' must be hidden in another room, and ran off again. He discovered a new area of the city and Lirian wondered if perhaps it was a secret passage to the dragon's lair. After a bit of exploring, though, the party realized they had actually been transported some 500 feet over the city. They had gone back the way they came! Annoyed with the kender's time wasting, the others returned through the portals and decided Lirian should lead the way instead.

After some wandering through the city, they came across a very swift river that was pouring into a giant hole in the ground. Despite the danger, Gaf and Lirian wanted to cross it. And due to some amazing rolls, they were successful. The rest of the party was reluctant to risk it, however. So Gaf and Lirian went off on their own to scout. While the others stood around doing nothing, these two explored the western portion of the city and discovered a secret door to some kind of messy bedroom. Concluding the bedroom must belong to gully dwarves, they returned to the party and reported their findings (crossing the river again to do so).

However, rather than returning there, the party opted to continue along the river and hopefully find a safer place to cross. Instead, they came across what was once the Palace of the Guard. Exploring the area, Gaf found a mural of a map of the city hidden under some moss. Daos was able to read the locations of several areas on the map, including the Great Plaza, Hall of Justice, and the Treasury Tower where the party was earlier. While the party looked at the map, Gaf slipped away to explore the building further on his own.

When the others realized he was missing, some grew frustrated. Daos convinced the others to continue on without the kender, reasoning he would turn up later. Consequently, the kender became rather lost and completely separated from the others.

After further exploring of the city, the party came across a bunch of sleeping gully dwarves in a dark room. When Lirian spoke outloud, the Aghar awoke and panicked. Goldmoon was able to calm them down, convincing them she was a princess who needed an audience with the Highbulp. One of the Aghar, a female named Magpie, agreed to lead the party to the Highbulp, as she was charmed by Kendra's soft voice and golden hair.

Magpie showed the party through the various abandoned buildings until they reached a hallway decorated in the most gaudy manner possible. Magpie spat at some snoozing guards who were supposed to be protecting the place, then led the others into the Highbulp's audience chamber.

Meanwhile, Gaffleknot tried to figure out where his friends went.

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 4 - Lair of the Dragon
Session 08 - The Disks of Mishakal

Kendra and Lirian step forward as representatives of the party to speak with the Highbulp. They explain they wish to know information on the dragon. The Highbulp complains of the dragon and the draconians, saying things were better before they came along. Thus, if the party agrees to kill the dragon, he will tell them of a 'secret way' to reach the dragon's lair that even Onyx does not know about.

The party agrees, so the Highbulp has Magpie show them the way. The friendly gully dwarf takes them to a hidden room with a trap door that leads into some kind of sewer pipe. The party jumps or climbs down, finding themselves partially submerged in water. Following the tunnel, they reach the end and spot a sewer grate above them.

Carefully, Lirian climbs up alone. Soundlessly, she removes the grate, and finds herself in the dragon's lair. Onyx lies atop a pile of treasure, snoozing softly. As quiet as a ghost, the half-elf sneaks around, finds the Disks of Mishakal, and retrieves them. She then drops them down to her companions and climbs back down the tunnel.

Their mission accomplished, the party treks back to where they left Magpie and with her help, climb back out. Lirian is eager to get going, but Kendra reminds her they promised Sunstar to rescue Raven-eye. Reluctantly agreeing, she decides to send a small group to save the plainsman, while the rest of the group hides out in the treasury they discovered earlier (with the teleporting arches).

The rescue group consists of Sunstar, Amala, Barlemus and Gaf. Rushing off, the plainswoman leads the way. As it turns out, Raven-eye is being kept in the same building that Onyx slumbers in. Thankfully, they don't need to enter the lair itself, though. Gaf takes point, as he can see better. The party runs afoul a pair of Bozak guards, but easily dispatch them. Gaf finds Raven-eye's cell, unlocks the cage, then frees him from his manacles by lockpicking.

Raven-eye is in touch shape, and has apparently been tortured. But the thought of freedom reinvigorates him. However, during the reunion between he and Sunstar, Gaf sneaks off. He finds a room chock full of tens of thousands of more clay tokens. Digging around in them, however, he discovers a shining shield, a fine pair of throwing daggers, a pair of gloves of excellent quality, and a red book he suspects may be a mage's spellbook.

Amala finally realizes the kender is missing, and tracks him down. Upset, she insists they get going. As the party makes their way back to the plaza, though, they hear an earth-shattering roar.

Onyx is awake. And she's not happy.

[Daos]

Dragons of Despair
Chapter 4 - Lair of the Dragon
Session 09 - Kendra's Sacrifice

Kendra sat in the treasury, clutching the Blue Crystal Staff, and worrying about her friends. In the distance, she heard a powerful roar. Marik suddenly rushed in through the magic portal and announced the others were on their way back, but the dragon was right behind them. The others went through to check on them, leaving Daos and Kendra behind.

Daos, however, decided to step through, as well, leaving Kendra on her own. She followed after him and looked down the street, watching as Barlemus and Amala stayed behind to buy time for the others. The dragon easily knocked the two warriors to the ground, then pinned them there with her claws. Onyx then demanded the others bring her the staff and the disks, or she would kill them.

The others were willing to honor the sacrifice of Barlemus and Amala and escape, but Kendra was unsure it was the right thing to do. After muttering a prayer to her goddess, she decided she would face the dragon herself. The others tried to stop her, but the dragonfear paralyzed them. As she approached, the Blue Crystal Staff started to glow. Onyx pried off Amala's helmet and scratched up her face to show she was serious. Barlemus and Amala called out to Kendra, begging her to escape and leave them behind.

Ignoring them, Kendra presented the staff to Onyx, then suddenly lashed out, breaking the staff upon the dragon's hide. It exploded into blue flame and lightning, consuming both Kendra and Onyx and striking out in random directions, like the ceiling. Barlemus and Amala rolled out from under the dragon's claws in the confusion. The dragon fell over dead, and Kendra vanished, leaving behind nothing but the disks. Amala quickly scooped them up, and the party fled through the portal as rocks fell from the ceiling.

Grief-stricken at the loss of Kendra, the party allowed Magpie to lead them back to the temple. Once there, they discovered that Kendra was still alive, and now wearing the vestments and medallion of Mishakal. After rousing her, she explained she was now a true cleric and to demonstrate, she healed Amala's face without the staff. Gimak begged Kendra to teach him the ways of the old gods, much the same way he had once been her teacher.

With everything settled, Magpie returned to her people and Sunstar and Raven-eye headed out to return to the plains and try to rebuild their tribe. The party decided to get some rest, and the next day set out back to Solace in hopes of spreading the word that the gods of light had returned.