Yorryn Quartermaster of the Hand

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====== 2021.03.16 Elementals and Vampires! ======

Apparently, we kills a bunch of dragons:
>Killed an adult black dragon
>Foiled a possible plot to kill the grey lady
>Helped a young girl realize her dreams of marriage
>Had a rocking good time with some locals 
>Killed 2 adults red dragons

We are in LongBarrow, where we fought the dragons.  I pulled out a dragon slaying arrow and hit a dragon with it (saved).  I pulled the GreyLady out of the bag as well.

PhineasTristillian pulls down some walls with magic that helps stop the fire spreading.  BonifaciusHolyfeather alone saves the lives of at least 6 people.  By the evening, everyone in the party and LongBarrow are exhausted and laying around the fields, recovering.  Half of LongBarrow is a smoking ruin.  JeranSteele, RyujiHakima and GeldarTheBard are also there.

----
Next Day

I wake up and notice a fire. GeldarTheBard and PhineasTristillian accompany me.  We find a large forest fire heading towards LongBarrow.  GeldarTheBard flies back to warn LongBarrow.

I find an old campsite (actually I get lost). I wonder on and find the western front of the fire.  I see shapes in the flames.  I see small fire beasties helping the fire.  I hightail it back to LongBarrow.  There are villagers preparing for the fire in the fields.  I tell them about the fire beasts.  I tell them we will deal the the magic.

I head on into town (GeldarTheBard gives me a ride on his pegasus).

The townsfolk ask BonifaciusHolyfeather to help move wounded into the garrison.  The leader of the town has opened his home to the refugee.  GeldarTheBard sees licks of fire leaping ahead of the fire (fire elementals, dozens of them)!

++++ Geldar and the Elemental Talk |
  * GeldarTheBard (in primordial): What are you doing here
  * elemental: making fires
  * G: Why
  * E: Fire is it's own reward
  * G: Could you go over there [away from village]
  * E: murmer amoung themselves
  * E: What are you offering
  * G: What would you like
  * E: Got any lava
  * G: fresh out.
  * E: It's really cold here.
  * G (cast firebolts at one):
  * E: No, we're fine.
  * G: Anything besides lava?  What about a large explosion"
  * E: Explosions are good.
  * G: Would go to that way if I do the explosion.
  * E: I would, but don't know about the others.
  * G: Would you talk to them, and I would make an explosion for all of you if you go over there?
  * E: Hey guys!  Come on Guys!
  * Larger fire elemental comes out and smacks it "Get back to work"
++++

PhineasTristillian moves over to where GeldarTheBard is talking with the Elementals.  He takes aim at the larger elemental.

I find RyujiHakima and tell him about the fire beasts.  We head back toward the fire.  JeranSteele and RobTheBot follow along, as does BonifaciusHolyFeather.

++++ Fighting the Fire Elementals |

PhineasTristillian aims his weapon at the elementals.

* GeldarTheBard tries to reason with them.
  * E: fire must go that way.
  * G: Who told you?  Maybe they are wrong.  We could help you.
  * E: Help?  Ok, you burn down village.
  * G: Who told you to burn down the village.

BonifaciusHolyfeather prepares a spell.

* G: Oh, I see you are under a compulsion, I could free you from that?
  * E: No, got to make fires now.
  * G casts dispel magic.  The elemental disappears.
  * G: Hey guys, these things are summoned, I just dispelled it.

(actually a fight has started)
  - Round
    - ...
    - BonifaciusHolyfeather moves and summons a Shield of Faith
    - I hide and create an illusion of myself.
    - JeranSteele casts protection from the elements on himself
      - RobTheBot holds his action.
  - Round
    - PhineasTristillian aims at one of the elementals
      - His target sucks up the nearby fire and doubles in size.  This is happening all around us.
      - PhineasTristillian fires at it (the bullet passes through it, but the cold causes a temporary hole--that closes back up).
      - He shoots it 2 more times.
    - GeldarTheBard inspires BonifaciusHolyfeather with a small song.  He casts Synaptic Static and a few of the elementals.
    - I shoot at one (and miss).  I move my double closer.
    - BonifaciusHolyfeather casts blade barrier, blocking out all but two of the elementals.  GeldarTheBard is still inside (even though he is riding ShadowfaxThePegasus).
    - Elementals
      - A couple of the elementals pass through the wall (taking damage on the way).  
      - A couple smaller ones go around the left side and stay outside the blade barrier.
      - A couple of little ones spend their actions getting big.
    - JeranSteele shoots at one with his mithral musket, lasering off pieces (the wounds don't seal up)
  - Round
    - PhineasTristillian shoots one 3 times.
    - GeldarTheBard casts Hypnotic Pattern on several of them outside the Blade Barrier.
    - I move my double closer, pull out my rapier and slice the elemental menancing me.
    - BonifaciusHolyfeather goes to touch one, but stumbles a bit and misses.
    - Elementals
      - The ones charmed by GeldarTheBard are trapped in the Blade Barrier and take damage.  A couple of them snap out of it and move inside.
      - The other one stands still (hypnotized).
      - Elemental attacks me.  GeldarTheBard insults it.  It feels bad, but it still hits me.  Burns me and sets me on fire.
      - Elemental attacks PhineasTristillian.  Hits.
      - A couple attack BonifaciusHolyfeather.
    - JeranSteele casts Haste on himself.  Drinks a potion, and moves twice.
    - RyujiHakima attacks the elemental in front of me.
  - Round
    - PhineasTristillian "It's getting a little too hot for me" and misty steps away from the elementals.  Shoots over RobTheBot at an elemental, destroying it!
    - GeldarTheBard moves back.  Casts hypnotic pattern (but catches RyujiHakima and BonifaciusHolyfeather in it--who save).  3 of the elementals, however, do not save.  He moves closer to Ryuji and Bonifacius.
    - I move myself and my illusion near another and stabby stab it.  But I burn, because I am **ON FIRE**.
    - BonifaciusHolyfeather tries to dismiss the largest Elemental, but it resists (it flickers out to the elemental plane of fire, but comes back).  He moves back away (he was surrounded by elementals).
      - Blade Barrier goes down.
    - Elementals
      - Attacks (but misses) BonifaciusHolyfeather.
      - Attacks my double (passing through), then me (GeldarTheBard taunts it: you little spark, you attacked and illusion! You're so dumb!" and it //misses//.  However, anther one hits and now I am **MORE ON FIRE**.
      - Attacks PhineasTristillian, but misses.
      - Attacks JeranSteele, setting him on fire.
      - Attacks RyujiHakima and burns him
    - //JeranSteele turns into a **Red Dragon**.//  He turns his (newly) terrible visage on the elementals.  Two save, the rest are frightened of him.  He rips into one of the elementals with his terrible claws and destroys it.  He flies over to where BonifaciusHolyfeather is and attacks the big one there (he is a **//Hasted Dragon//**).  He rips another one.
    - RyujiHakima casts a spell (increasing JeranSteele's initiative).  Attacks an elemental.
    - JeranSteele does a wing attack.  Knocks BonifaciusHolyfeather and RyujiHakima down, along with several of the elementals.
  - Round
    - PhineasTristillian shoots one, and knocks it down.  Then he shoots two more rounds into it on the ground.
    - GeldarTheBard casts Hypnotic Pattern again.  All but 1 of the elementals fails.  RyujiHakima fails, but BonifaciusHolyfeather and PhineasTristillian save.
    - I roll away and hide, putting my self out.  I loose the illusion, though.
    - BonifaciusHolyfeather goes to RyujiHakima and casts a healing spell.
    - Elementals
      - Misses GeldarTheBard
      - Attacks RyujiHakima but GeldarTheBard does cutting words, and it misses.
      - Many attack PhineasTristillian.  RobTheBot tries to deflect the one that hits, but it hits anyway.
    - JeranSteele rips into one with his claws and teeth.  Destroys it.  Flies over and attacks another (**//Hasted Dragon!//**).
    - RyujiHakima wakes up (because he took damage).  Buffs JeranSteele and then attacks one of the active ones (hitting twice).
    - Tail Attack: hits the big one.
  - Round
    - PhineasTristillian is burns a lot.  He misty steps away and puts out the fires. 
    - GeldarTheBard heals PhineasTristillian.  He mocks one of the elementals.  It literally hurts it's psyche.
    - Tail Attack: Hits the big guy (almost puts it out).
    - Tail Attack: Hits the big guy (more damage)
    - I cast Spiritual Weapon and kill the big guy.  I shoot at one and do a little damage.  I take cover behind the rocks.
    - BonifaciusHolyfeather casts a spell that does not affect them.
    - JeranSteele hits 3 times, ripping one apart two of them.  Moves and attacks again (**//Hasted Dragon!//**).
    - Elementals
      - The one JeranSteele attacked wakes up and attacks him.  But he's immune to fire.
    - Tail Attack: hits the one that attacked him.
    - RyujiHakima attacks that one, doing some damage.
    - Tail Attack: kills it.
  - Round
    - PhineasTristillian shoots three times (but his gun jams at the end).  He quickly unjams it.
    - Tail Attack: hits that one.
    - GeldarTheBard: "Your mother was an ice cube." He attacks it with Spiritual weapon and destroys it.
    - I climb up and hide in a tree, aiming at the two ensorcelled elementals.
    - BonifaciusHolyfeather casts sacred flame.
    - JeranSteele claws and bites the active elemental and destroys it.  Moves over and grapples the last elemental (but it wakes back up).
    - Elemental attacks JeranSteele (but he is immune).
    - RyujiHakima runs up
  - Round
    - PhineasTristillian shoots the last one.
    - GeldarTheBard mocks it
    - I shoot it to death.
++++

----

The fire starts to die out.  About a half mile from LongBarrow.

We walk out of the forest covered in ash and cinders.  The mayor gives us drinks from his golden cup (local tradition for heroes).  We are tired, but the inn swells with refugees.  "We will rebuild and replant"  "No dragon will stop us".  GeldarTheBard inspires them with song.  I look around the crowd to see if anyone is acting strange or out of place.  I see a well dressed man at the end of the bar.  He has ordered multiple drinks.  He is not a townsperson.  He is talking with people in the crowd, and has an incredible smile (he has a gold enameled breastplate).  He sports the heraldry of HighTower.

++++ We meet Sir Keldan Highheart |
GeldarTheBard comes closer to me and listens.  He sees incredible smile (SirKeldanHighheart) gives a gold coin to the bartender.
  * G: It's on me
  * S: What amazing good cheer
  * G: my name is geldar
  * S: I have your third album
  * G: Who are you?
  * S: I am SirKeldanHighheart
  * S: Well met.
  * G: What brings you to a small town on this least auspicious evening
  * S: I have been sent to collect the King's Hand and bring them to HighTower
  * G (shows his badge).
  * S: Why bless my shorts, you're actually one of those hands!"
  * G: We have been in town
  * S: What good look, I'm looking for the King's Hands and I meet one!
  * ...
  * S: Orders a few rounds for the house (the town, really).

(BonifaciusHolyfeather is at the Guardhouse, tending the wounded).

We gather at a table with SirKeldanHighheart.
  * KH: I was sent to take you to HighTower castle (LakeCastle).
  * Me: What was that castle named
  * KH: LakeCastle.  I'm sure it's a double entendre.
  * G: smooze smooze
  * KH: I have to drink a lot of beer.
  * G: smooze smooze
  * KH: I'm told I have an excellent voice.
  * G: Let's perform some of my oldies together
  * KH: I'd be honored
++++

They perform for the crowd, and SirKeldanHighheart hams it up.  Not much dynamic range, but he can follow them as long as they are just as written.  Together, they are just amazing!  Couple of guys in the crowd "They sound just like Geldar!  Great cover band!"

++++ Jeran has a talk with Geldar |
JeranSteele pulls GeldarTheBard aside.
  * JS: Sorry about the fight.
  * G: No harm no foul.
  * JS: of course, you are right.  As long as there's no bad blood.
  * ... nicy nicy
  * ... nicy nicy
  * G: That Dragon trick is amazing.
  * JS: I can only do that so many more times.  Maybe we should be better prepared.  Didn't know there were that many of them.
  * G: We would have prevailed anyways.
  * JS: Thank you for your confidence.
++++

JeranSteele goes outside and turns back into a dragon and enjoys it.

++++ Sir Keldan Highheart annoys Phineas |
PhineasTristillian heads to bed, but SirKeldanHighheart point him out: "When I say High you say Heart!"  "Come on, I'm pointing at you"
  * SK: If I don't miss my guess, you are a son of Elden
  * PT: Yes.
  * SK: It might be your clothes, etc. etc., but I am sharp and notice these things.  How do you find yourself in the KingsHand?
  * PT: I was raised by elves.
  * SK: Elves, slaves in [[EldenEmpire|Elden]], right?
  * PT: 
  * SK: You are some sort of spy, for the [[EldenEmperor|Emperor]], right?
  * PT: No.
  * SK taps nose
  * PT (that's a rude gesture), "That's a little much"
  * SK: "When I say High, you say Heart" and disappears off into the adulation of the crowd.
++++

PhineasTristillian goes on to bed.

++++ Undead are about! |
BonifaciusHolyfeather is brought a girl in a coma.  They found her out in the fields.  He checks her condition.  She on the verge of becoming a zombie.  She is dying right now, and when she does, she will be a zombie.  He calls upon his god's healing for her mortal wounds.  Then he tries to restore her, and her fever subsides.

Where did you find her?  In a southern field (all the attacks have been coming from the north; towards [[Trogdor]]).  He asks for JeranSteele and RyujiHakima, who arrive shortly.  BonifaciusHolyfeather shows them the girl, and tells them she had undeath.  He is worried the next wave is coming.  JeranSteele: do you know exactly where she was found?  The villagers will show them there to look for clues.

They go inspect the field.  JeranSteele uses an item to enhance his abilities (fox's cunning).  He checks around and finds a single set of heavy boot prints leading off to the south.  The field is full of small plant sprouts, no features (bushes, rocks, etc.) near the field.  He does find a locket on a leather thong where the girl was laying.  The plants in the immediate area is dead and withered (almost in a perfect circle).

Inside the locket, they fine a small picture of a woman's bust.  Lots of hair on top of her head held in place by a fancy comb.  They look at picture, then JeranSteele tries to get behind the picture.  He finds a small pressed blue flower.  He gently scoops them out and holds it in his hand to protect from the wind.  BonifaciusHolyfeather recognizes it is a posy (a la "pocket full of posies"--has a sinister association with plague).

They go back to question the girl, but she is in a deep healing sleep.  They will let her sleep and check in the morning.  BonifaciusHolyfeather: Just in case, can we manacle her?  JeranSteele with have RobTheBot look over the girl.  They call me over and I get some manacles out of my bag.  RobTheBot will wake BonifaciusHolyfeather when she wakes.
++++

----
Next Day

++++ Bonifacius questions Lira of Longbarrow |
BonifaciusHolyfeather finds her resting.  Her eyes open.  They are incredibly bloodshot.
  * BH: What's your name?
  * L: I'm called [[LiraOfLongBarrow|Lira]].
  * BH: I'm Bonifacius
  * L: Am I in trouble?
  * BH: No, but we have some questions.  The manacle is for your protection.
  * L: Ok.  So if I answer questions, I don't have to wear manacles.
  * BH: Not if you aren't going to harm the villagers
  * L: No!
  * BH: I'll take themoff
  * L: I chased my dog, Oliver out into the field.  I ... I saw a man standing in the field watching the fires.
  * BH: Do you remember anything else
  * L: I never saw his face.  He had 3 big arrows coming out of his; what do you call that--Quiver?
  * BH: Do you remember his face?
  * L: Well he had a hood ... But then I saw a flash of red.  His eyes were red!  Then I got sleepy.
  * BH: Can you turn your head
    * Checks for vampire bites.  He finds puncture wounds on her neck.
  * BH: Oh my dear, those wounds look most painful
  * L
    * Reaches up and touches them
  * BH:
    * Heals them.
  * L: They're just scabs.
  * BH: Do you know where your parents, or husband is?
  * L: Oh, I have a husband.
++++

Sends her back to the inn.  BonifaciusHolyfeather sends RobTheBot to get JeranSteele.  BonifaciusHolyfeather is pacing.  Tells JeranSteele she was attacked by a vampire.  JeranSteele asks if she will be a problem (makes fang motions).  BonifaciusHolyfeather describes the man with 3 arrows.

JeranSteele seems to think of the vampires as vermin.  BonifaciusHolyfeather describes them as the are here (you know, smart, dangerous, etc.).

++++ Discuss what to do about the Vampires |
The rest of the party shows up.  They tell us about the vampires.  We all know that about 10 years ago the master vampire was killed and his "children" reverted, with many of them dying.  Most believe all vampires are dead.

GeldarTheBard: If this thing is around, we must hunt it down and destroy it.  It's too dangers.
JeranSteele: We could check the villagers.  Should we do it openly?
BonifaciusHolyfeather: I'll do medical examinations.  We should tell the king, though.  We should have more info first.
GeldarTheBard: I will write it in the book, so the KingOfMorcant will know.
++++

SirKeldanHighheart shows up: "What are we doing."  BonifaciusHolyfeather checks him out (no bites, but great hair).

We spend some time admiring his hair.  HelmetHair.

SirKeldanHighheart would like us to go to HighTower.  We have stuff to do here.
...
GeldarTheBard points out that thing seem to befall people going to HighTower.
SirKeldanHighheart: My Head is here.  But what you just said: Way over my head.

Some talk about whether or not HighTower uses fire and dragons to protect the realm.

++++ Interrogation of Sir Keldan Highheart |
We would like to cast a truth spell.  
  * We ask him if HighTower employs dragons. (I just really don't know).  
  * Fire?  (Yes, of course, we forge with it, burned a witch or two).  
  * Living fire (Not sure what that is)  
  * Are you a vampire (No, more like a [???] soul)  
  * A simulacrum? (Maybe).  
  * If there is anything beneath the surface (12 out of 13 times, nothing) 
  * And the 13th time (usually not good.  Not supposed to talk about that).  
  * Something that might hurt us (1 out of 13 times.  The 13th one, has his own ideas, the 12 fear him) Is that who wants us to come to HighTower (I don't know, they behave as one, I just can't tell you).  
  * Who gave you the order (HighTower)  
  * What was the wizard's name (He had the seal.  I don't know which one, I'm not required to know).  
  * Describe the seal (Sort of a tower on a cloud, castle in the sky) 
  * How many pieces are we supposed to arrive in (all the pieces, one pieces, how many pieces do you come in)  
  * ?? (the former, honored guests).  
  * do you have your orders (yes, i'm just not supposed to show them to anybody).  
  * Why don't you recite them (I don't think I will) 
  * Why not (I was ordered to explicitly not share my orders.  Is there a reason why you wouldn't come to your trusted neighbors to the north).  
  * But how can we trust you (I don't need to know the orders you have from the king) 
  * [quick talking about extra orders] (He is very confused).  
  * Do your order specify a time frame (As soon as possible was implied).  
  * If as soon as possible, it's not possible to do it today.  I suggest you go to the inn and take a day off (I'm forced to agree with you.  But I'm supposed to be with you, so it's sort of a chicken and egg thing.  I'm going to go to the inn. You guys catch up later.  Good Talk)

SirKeldanHighheart leaves.
++++

We call over the mayor and BonifaciusHolyfeather checks him (clear).  He figures out we are looking for vampires.  We ask about nearby running water.  No permanent streams.  Just on the other side of the mountain, there is a large lake.  Mayor points out the vampire would need shelter from the sun.  Couldn't be more than 15 miles away in any direction.  GeldarTheBard brings out a map of the area.  He asks where the vampire might hide.  We bury our dead at StoneSpyre.  In the mountains, there are DwarvenRuinsOfLongBarrow.  We discuss what to do.

++++ Jeran warns Highheart |
SirKeldanHighheart shows up and asks to help.  Then he asks to talk to JeranSteele and RyujiHakima.  JeranSteele talks to him alone.  Vampires.  I've dealt with them before.  After the vampire, there will be another thing.  I recommend you just leave it all behind.  It's known that there is always something to do before you go to HighTower.  You know (grrrr [finger motions]).  JeranSteele marches him out into the village.  JeranSteele shows him the scorched houses.  It may seem inconsequential to you, but we will take care of our people.  We will get to HighTower on our own time.  We will not ignore the needs of our people.

* KH: I see it.  Really, it's terrible.  But is really better to just go.
  * J: Your mysteries will not be mysteries forever.
    * Slaps his cheeks
  * KH: I liked the part with the fire
  * J: <narrows eyes>
  * KH: Oh, I said something wrong.  Let's wind it back to where we both liked it <finger guns>
++++

JeranSteele: he is trying to dissuade us from helping.
GeldarTheBard: I think we attracted the danger.
BonifaciusHolyfeather: If we leave, will the vampire leave.  We could defeat the vampire then leave.
RyujiHakima: There are threats here.  But they are growing.  It feels like magic ... very coincidental.  But now that we know there is a threat, it seems we must follow our responsibilities.  We must choose head or heart.

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Yorryn Quartermaster of the Hand

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