Eli’s Game: Session 1

Party Members: Dave and Tilly
Location: The Frozen Wastes

Summary:
After being sent to the Frozen Wastes by the Library of Jakardia to investigate some ruins, a Tortle was sent to let us know that the Library was being attacked on the orders of a new power in the North: a crazy dragon! After listening to his solilquoy about how underappreciated he was, we decided he (name: Larry) had to come with us to seek out the dragon (who we had to find in the next 60 minutes). After glancing around for goat bones, we found an annoying kobold who said we’d be eaten by his “”big powerful new god.”” Since he was annoying, we killed him and caused a bunch of kobolds to appear and be mad at us. They called the dragon down on us, but the dragon didn’t seem too interested in killing us right away because she had bugs in her teeth and the kobolds weren’t good at getting them out. After offering to give us a favor (not really promising to stop attacking the library with her armies, but close enough), we cleaned her teeth and chose to take the quest she was giving us, which coincidentally had something to do with the ruins. 

After burning a living sacrifice (goat, not Larry), we managed to get inside the ruins without dying. But there is some serious necromancy magic going on, with spells and traps and creepy magical beings and even a little old library older than the Laxavis Wars. Tilly wasn’t able to find out much, cuz she failed magic class and books are boring. So we left Larry in the library and went to explore the area “”Magical Storage: Do Not Enter”” only to find a dragonborn head on a door with a creepy dried out beating heat floating inside a room. The heart mesmerizes its victims and looks like it needs some blood to seem healthy again, so we closed the door on it and decided to take a short rest before dealing with it again.

Anything others should know:
The Library of Jakardia is being attacked by strange beasts and armies of kobolds. The dragon hates the Library of Jakardia because they were mean to her after her request to take their magic scroll. We chose to go on a quest to find a scroll that would make bugs really big so the dragon could remake it into something that would make her really big.

We learned that if someone eats part of the World Dragon, they might gain super powers, but with the World Dragon being dead, it might not work. Deluded by future glory, Tilly and Dave are on a quest to find the “get bigger” scroll so that the dragon might have a shot at replacing the old World Dragon and save the world.

Stuff we found:
The dragon has some shiny bags that make stuff, so we got 2 vials of venom, but not much other than that. We are still looking for the scroll.

Eli’s Game: Session 2

Date: 7/8/2021
Party Members: Gildrim, Kruchurk, Kaede
Location: Frozen Wastes

Summary:
We were brought in by the dragon to retrieve the enlarging scroll. We faced a beating heart that took one of our party members’ blood and after exiting the room briefly to try to perform a (failed) interrogation on the dragon, we found that it had retreated into a room with poisoned moss and a pillar. We broke the pillar to find the scroll and repurposed some of our belongings to get past the poison and the heart’s hypnotic beating a second time, where the dragon killed the heart and flew us to their lair to collect treasure. Currently at the lair, we’re being attacked by giant wasps and told to protect a scroll that, when consumed, makes the eater larger- but only if they’re insects – while the dragon is fending them off.

What Others Should Know:
There is a wasp swarm that also wants the enlarging scroll, and they’ve found us and are attacking us.

Items Uncovered:
We got to choose some of the dragon’s hoard, including a shiny sword, a bracelet-shield, and dirt armor that turned into a dirt bag.

Eli’s Game: Session 3

Date: 7/15/2021
Party Members: Berel, Dave, Kaede, Rhogar, Isma
Location: Frozen Wastes

Summary:
The wasp swarm attacked us at the dragon’s lair and managed to take the scroll. The dragon wants us to retrieve this scroll and bring it back, hoping that she can enlarge and retrieve the powers still left in the six and become the new world dragon. The swarm fled for the Library of Jakardia, and we boarded a boat to follow, accompanied by Larry the Tortle and several kobolds the dragon told us were of varying incompetence.

What Others Should Know:
The wasp swarm has the enlarging scroll and is at the Library of Jakardia.

Items Uncovered:
None yet, but the dragon will grant us each a favor if we succeed.

Hannah’s Game meets every Wednesday from 2:30-5:00PM. Visit our information page to register your character, read the Player’s Guide and join our Discord!

Hannah’s Game: Session 1

Date: 06/23/2021
Party Members: Wyvern, Asterion, Brainard, Duar Penrose, Fattus Cattus, Kovri of the Cinderrocks
Location: West Reach

Summary:
Our group went with Fignillius Applebaum to explore the supposed origin of all kobolds. On the way, we encountered a group of what appeared to be some sorts of fire elementals (fire chicken, fire snake, fire newt things, etc.) which according to the kobolds in the lava tubes, had begun to come through “door doors.” Inside of the warren, we found that “door doors” are created by some sort of rocks that kobolds can digest and use to form pretty powerful magical items. These door door jewels create a (you’ll never guess what) doorway to another part of the world. Fignillius took many of the door door jewels with us, but was stopped from taking kobolds as test subjects (mainly by the adventurers, because that’s kind of messed up).

What information might people on other adventures want to know?
Door door jewels allow for transportation across parts of the world (further investigation might need to be done to see their limits), and door door jewels seem to be the reason that kobolds have appeared on so many continents even without sea travel. It also appears that kobolds’ digestive systems create these jewels, and it might be worth it to look into how any genus could create such powerful magical items simply by eating rocks. Also, Fignillius Applebaum might need to be checked up on how ethical his practices are.

What items of interest were brought back?
Many door door jewels, which can be used to create portals by tapping on them a few times, and the adventurers each brought back a “feeling lucky” coin (https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/3355624-feeling-lucky) and a “g-fuel” potion (https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/3363330-g-fuel).

-report submitted by Kovri of the Cinderrocks

Hannah’s Game: Session 2

Date: 06/30/2021
Party Members: Dave, Dimensionjumper28, Wyvern, Destroyer10130 (Kevin), Sjette, and Forgoyten Link.
Location: West Reach

Summary:
We were sent by the Library of Jakardia to assist the goblins in creating a new defense system that could function without magic, and to bring back information about said system. The goblin developing the system, Brzzt Ingledot, gave us a list of items necessary to complete the defense system he said we should acquire. The list goes as follows:

4-5 tons of bauxite (from Hilder’s Mining Co)
Either dephlogisticated air (from Hpesoj Yeltseirp) or oxy genes (from Reisioval Tnerual-Enoitna)
Rod of Cooling — maybe in the attic?
Ring of Warmth — Lfideln’s Antiques
Popperthingamajig (from Kcid Rednaxela)
Bounceroos (from Elliaduoh Eciruam)
Alset coils (from Salochin)

We first followed the directions to retrieve the Rod of Cooling from Brzzt’s attic. We did not find the rod there, but we did find some blueprints for what looked like nautical mines, and a note that said “”18 inches long, but don’t touch the ends. Middle switch changes intensity,”” as well as another note directing us to look in the basement of the steel foundry we met Brzzt in, which was alarmed and marked “”Do Not Enter.”” Inside the basement, we found a lot of thick black smoke, and the Rod of Cooling, which was unstable due to tampering with its arcane glyphs. We then obtained the Ring of Warmth from Lfideln’s Antiques, with Kevin buying a chair from there. After that, we obtained the Bounceroos from Elliaduoh’s workshop, in exchange for Kevin’s chair. and the Alset (Tesla) coils. Then we acquired several Bouceroos, which we discovered were weaponizeable. Finaly, we procured the bauxite while resolving a miner’s strike, as well as purchasing the formulation for Oxy Gen (pure oxygen). We presented these items to Brzzt Ingledot, who assembled them into a spherical device, within which was a box with a switch on one side. Kevin stole that component, to present to the Library of Jakardia. 

What Others Should Know:
The defense system the goblins are making appears to be a nautical explosive device, and somebody deliberately tampered with the Rod of Cooling we found.

Items of Interest:
The box with the switch.

Hannah’s Game: Session 3

Date: 07/07/2021
Party Members: Firenze, Reler, Klag, Fattus Cattus, and Goldstar
Location: Bracorax, in the East Reach

Summary:
We looted a tree house which was owned by smugglers. Then we went onto a boat and saw that there were crates below deck that were silenced from the inside and could hold a large creature. Another ship came up ahead and we started fighting. To end, 3 creatures that were the cargo of our ship (the things in those soundproof crates) escaped and are now on deck.
(NOTE: The party also decided they hate the Head Librarian and decided to kill him if they ever see him. Because “he’s annoying.”)

What Others Should Know:
We met a little bird child that is with us now and he said his name was Punkiedory however we knew he didn’t tell us the truth. But he is traveling with us now.

Items Uncovered:
We have 5 potions of poison resistance and 5 potions of healing and a broom of flying activated by a command word:JINGLEBELLS. Someone also stole Scroll of Origami Armor.

Hannah’s Game: Session 4

Date: 07/14/2021
Party Members: Athaeos the Willbreaker, Eggsbenedictsociety, Fattus Cattus, Klib (Bo), Shadowhunter(eli)
Location: West Reach

Summary:
After containing the displacer beasts the party met with people from the library of jakardia and were sent to recover a unknown item from the dragonborn citadel. After sneaking in by hiding in the boxes that contained the displacer beasts, the party met with a dragonborn acolyte that helped them distract the guards and two party members started to scout ahead. They discovered a library full of religious texts. The kobold was offended by these texts and set the library on fire. meanwhile, the other party members released the displacer beasts and managed to sneak past while the guards fought them. They discovered a secret passage and entered it as thousands of years of history burned behind them.

What Others Should Know:
There is a small cult that rules dragonborn society and worships an unknown deity named Ouranos.

To The Bottom of Things (Ella’s Game) Session 1

Date: 06/24/2021
Party Members: Asterion, Brainard, Sophos, Harbatos, Kaede
Location: Orosea Isles

Summary:
Our group went to the Orosea Isles to investigate a fish that had been attacking the locals. We located where the fish had been attacking and defeated it. One of the locals (the librarian) told us that the fish was of an ancient species that was supposed to be extinct and he wanted us to find out how the fish had survived.

Anything others should know:
Nothing in this adventure really effects other parts of the world.

Items of Interest:
There was a rapier that gives you extra move speed and makes enemies want to attack you instead of other people and a crossbow that acts as a grappling hook if you get a 10 or more on a d20 roll.

To The Bottom of Things (Ella’s Game) Session 2

Date: 06/30/2021
Party Members: Rhogar, Aughus, Harbatos, Kaede
Location: Orosea Isles (and the surrounding ocean)

Summary:
Our party talked to the librarian, who suggested we descend to the bottom of the ocean, and visit the goblins, who were pioneering the technology to do so. We spoke with an inventor who was prototyping a lobster-like submarine, and after descending through the ocean with it and defeating creatures, stumbled upon a grate guarded by a dragonborn. We defeated the dragonborn and descended through the tunnel below the grate and found the dead World Dragon in the cavern beneath.

Anything others should know:
At the bottom of the ocean, there’s a grate – possibly goblin built, and it opens to something like a mine shaft. At the very bottom of the shaft is an enormous cavern containing the World Dragon, who is dead. We found that there was a wound in its body, and it appears to be at least partially as the result of a bite.

Items of Interest:
A moon touched greatsword, a shield of warmth, a bag of holding, and many potions, including those allowing someone to remain under water with high pressures without taking damage.

A Growing Suspicion (Ella’s Game) Session 3

Date: 07/14/2021
Party Members: Asterion, Harbatos, Artemis, Sophos, Brainard, and Aughus
Location: Summalt

Summary:
Two representatives of the High Council appeared through a portal to bring us and the dragonborn we encountered to the High Council Island for further questioning. Once there, we were delivered a strange note from an anonymous “friend” by a kenku who claimed he had been approached by a tall figure and told to deliver it to us. According to the note, Saphara Clethinthiallor (the dragonborn representative on the High Council) has been hiding information from the council, and that she and the Dragonborn Priesthood have been conducting illegal investigations. We spoke to Drizzik Rezzenson, representative of the goblins and a close friend of Rep. Clethinthiallor, who knew little about the strange happenings but was interested in finding the truth. We agreed to relay any information we may find back to him, and later that day, during a High Council meeting, attempted to sneak into Rep. Clethinthiallor’s chambers. However, we were noticed by guards that Aughus fought off while the rest of us attempted to investigate the room. Inside, we were attacked by a powerful golem that we also had to defeat before searching (*cough* looting *cough*) for clues. Though we didn’t find much, we did discover notes she had been keeping on the adventurers traveling around Ritenus, as well as robes and a mace that indicated a much higher position in the Dragonborn Priesthood than we initially thought. We ended the session just as Rep. Clethinthiallor herself entered the room. Dun, dun duuuun!

What Others Should Know:
Supposedly, Rep. Clethinthiallor has been intentionally hiding information from the High Council, including information about a yuan-ti warlord. The Dragoborn Priesthood also seemingly has a big part in this cover-up.

Items Uncovered: We were able to loot a bunch of stuff from Rep. Clethinthiallor’s chambers, including a bracelet that transforms into a shield, a brooch that can sprout spider legs, and some sort of extendable arm device (all goblin-made), as well as several vials of poison, notes on the various quests happening around Ritenus, and a whole lot of money! We were also given two typewriters that can communicate magically with a third in possession of Rep. Rezzenson.

A Tangled Web (Ella’s Game) Session 4

Date: 07/08/2021
Party Members: Rhogar, Atemis, Harbatos, Kaede
Location: Summalt, the High Council Island

Summary:
After Breaking into Saphara Clethtinthiallor’s office, she arrived, Interrogating and semi-figuring out what they were doing there. While talking, the Party was able to persuade her into revealing the truth about the world Dragon. After talking with her, the party went down and talked to the Goblin High council Member. The party arrived at the staffroom, learning about where to check for the mysterious 8 foot tall being. After learning about bribes being taken at the dock/port, they discovered that Tibian Tidebreaker and Salan Terriex were giving out bribes. The Party proceed to find a secret passage, that lead them to a sentient owlbear named Airru. After meeting her, they learned that she was one of the six who injured the World Dragon, and by eating some of his flesh Airru gained bounds of Wisdom. Airru the explained that Tibian Tidebreaker was giving information to to her, and Salan Terriex was smuggling goods. They also learned of the deepest secret of the Dragonborn, that they have another World Dragon Egg. Airru also told of three others of the six, a swarm of wasps that became more Dexterous, A shapeshifter who has an increased Intelligence and is in the Library of Jakardia, and a Fallen God who is suspected to be Tt’ubokyul. After returning and Informing the Dragonborn High Council Member, she said that she may forgive Airru of causing the World Dragon to be dying, as she wishes to help him recover and heal.

What Others Should Know:
There are six beings who consumed Ouranos, A swarm of Dexterous Wasps, An Intelligent Shape Shifter, and that Tt’ubokyul is infact one of the seven. Airru is a sentient Owlbear that lives under Summalt, and gained wisdom, and it is unknown of the other two. The Dragonborn God is Ouranos, the World Dragon, and Salan Terriex is smuggling trade goods.

Items Uncovered: There was a poison made of distilled Greenroots that was recovered from Airru, who brewed some herself.

Finn’s Game: Session 1

Date: 06/29/2021
Party Members: Artemis, Athaeos, and DAVE
Location: East Reach

Summary:
We arrived on a boat at the beautiful jungle island of Tulch in a port at Karnashbok. From there, a guide took us on a path to see Doroks, the Lizardfolk high council member in the capitol city. He told us to look at some Yuan-ti disturbances and find out why they’re pushing into Lizardfolk territory and how to stop them. We then got on a rowboat and went on a river to the edge of Lizardfolk territory. We fought a pack of velociraptors, defeated them, and found a friendly-looking Yuan-ti named Kluy’bottu, who gave us some information on a nearby warlord camp. We went, scouted it out, and began to attack it. Kluy’bottu cut down 2 guards in quick succession, then the session ended.

Anything others should know:
There is a group of pacifist Yuan-ti living on Tulch in a mountain in the south east.

Items of Interest:
Kluy’bottu has a fancy scimitar, but we did not get any items yet.

Finn’s Game: Session 2

Date: 07/02/2021
Party Members: Jerome, Link, Tigger, Luis, and Artemis
Location: Tulch; in the East Reach

Summary:
Picking back up during combat, a purple orb appeared and sucked in Athaeos and Dave before spitting out four new adventurers; Jerome, Link, Tigger, and Luis. Together, we were able to kill most of the guards while Kluy’bottu dueled with a yuan-ti warlord. The battle ended with Kluy’bottu killing the warlord, at which point we realized that he was not just a simple outcast. He was actually Tt’ubokyul, the disgraced yuan-ti war god, somehow still alive after 200 years. We were all gifted magic items and were “graciously” spared in thanks for our help. Since we’re unable to teleport or send messages due to some sort of jammer in Tt’ubokyul’s possession, I guess we’re staying around for the party!

Anything Others Should Know:
Tt’ubokyul is still alive! And he is planning to take down the other warlords to unite the yuan-ti and conquer first the lizardfolk, then march on Praxlarr.

Items of Interest:
A Scroll of the Wild was also spit out of the purple orb, and we all got new magic items courtesy of Tt’ubokyul. These include a Bracelet of Clammy Grasp, Boots of Questionable Stealth, a staff called Flamelash, the Showoff’s Rapier, and a few swords made of tinfoil with a 1/100 chance of insta-killing certain enemies.

Finn’s Game: Session 3

Date: 07/06/2021
Party Members: Athaeos the willbreaker, and Dave
Location: Tulch; in the East Reach

Summary:
We escaped the Yuan-ti camp that was recently taken over by Tt’ubokyul, acquiring two items from him. We temporarily banished Tt’ubokyul, so we could escape with 4 Lizardfolk prisoners. We ran away, Yuan-ti pursuing us. We ran away during a speech about how Tt’ubokyul and the Yuan-ti we’re going to attack the pacifist Yuan-ti who live on the mountain.The Yuan-ti caught up to us, so we had to quickly hide, but one of the Lizardfolk kept running. His location and health remain unknown. The area we hid in was home to a shambling mound, and we had to fight it. We destroyed the monster, but Athaeos took heavy damage. We tried to set up camp and sleep, yet quickly realized there was someone spying on us. We threatened to hurt them if they moved, and interrogated them to see who they were.

It turns out, she was one of the Yuan-ti who lives on the mountain, and was quite an inventor. She had a prosthetic tail, and a robot with her that she had made with technology she had dubbed “arcanotech”. We told her that Tt’ubokyul was back, and she yelled, frightened. Suddenly, we saw lights approaching in the distance, signifying that the Yuan-ti were coming back around to look for us. We ran away together, eventually setting up camp for the night. The next day we went to the mountain and talked about how we would defend the place from Tt’ubokyul, where she then handed us a weapon that we could use (the IKELOS_SR_V1.0.2) and showed off her other devices. She then told us how we could get more magic power crystals so she could charge more robots to fight Tt’ubokyul’s army with. We traveled to a cave so we could get the crystals, but someone followed us. Then we encountered Tt’ubokyul, who shot at us and offered to not kill us if we left the island for good. Dave then shot Tt’ubokyul with the IKELOS sniper. Then, a purple chaos portal appeared and Tt’ubokyul got sucked into it. Athaeos threw his brick into the portal. We found the entrance to the cave and climbed in.

Anything Others Should Know:
Tt’ubokyul and his warriors are attacking other Yuan-ti tribes to gather control so they can fight the lizardfolk.

Items of Interest:
The Brick of Loyalty (currently flying around ritenus trying to get back to Athaeos), A Magic Jammer, and the IKELOS_SR_V1.0.2

Finn’s Game: Session 4

Date: 7/13/2021
Party Members: Athaeos, Dave, and Kovri
Location: Tulch; inside a large, winding magical cave

Summary:
Athaeos and Dave, joined by Kovri, entered into a cavern that they were sent to to find magical crystals. Inside, they find and kill a few giant wasps, a Babau, and several Myconids. Going further into the cave system, they encounter a strange sight: Several figures enthralled by a pool of water, in which memories can be seen replaying on loop. The light reflecting from the pool makes the creatures seem like people; Tabaxi and Firbolg. On one of the walls, a carving can be seen; a poem, written in common. When read, the cave wall opened up, revealing an ominous passageway…

Anything Others Should Know:
Under at least Tulch, but maybe other islands, there is a great amount of ancient magic and creatures never seen on the surface. Also the poem had a lot of lore.

Items of Interest:
A pair of Ethereal Boxing Gloves were found attached to a large glowing mushroom. The Brick of Loyalty has yet to return…

The Poem on the Wall

Far above, far below. Those who heed my magic; to the former or latter will fall.
Take all that is needed, though before you do, to my story; be enthralled.
There were Six most powerful beings who took. They rule their own domain.
My essence shields them from the gods, a mortal must be their bane.

On this very island; the Strength Six lies.
Long years of waiting, so soon, to arise.
Dexterity is everywhere. A hive-mind, conglomerate.
Though be warned, many sit beyond this wall. They will not listen to anything moderate. Constitution lies away in the cold.
Only a threat if approached, by one who is stupid, and bold.
Wisdom and Intelligence are much closer than thought, but do not cower.
They are not warriors; they are more; holding great seats of power.
The last one seems normal; they are an enigma.
So always watch your back, or be blinded by charisma.

To know is to win. Always gauge your enemies power.
You mustn’t fail, or it is all they will devour.

Adonis awoke in a world where they were entirely alone. They stumbled into an unknown world, a unique being forged between the gaps in the world from one plane to the next. In this world they were strong, they were nimble, they were crafty. And then they learned of beings of great power, and they went looking for their own power. The last they were seen was on the Island Cretus, right after the annual Moon Festival, held in honor of the Asprotavros, the White Bull goddess of the mountain-dwelling Minotaur. When they left, the magic began to die.

Peak of Mountains, or Peak for short, is a Rogue Tabaxi from Cretus, who left the Onyx clan, a fierce clan of Tabaxi at the edge of the jungles and the foothills, in clear sight of Knossos, the Minotaurs’ main city. Ever since Peak was little, every year during the Minotaurian Moon Festival that welcomed outsiders, he would look up to the peak with wonder at all the peoples from across Retinus who came to seek blessings from within the labyrinth. When he left home at a young age, he vowed to see every society and every island. But one day he brought a stranger home, a stranger who called himself Varias. A stranger who entered the sacred labyrinth on the night of the Moon Festival and betrayed Peak’s trust by taking that which was not given. 

A year later, as the magic begins to die and the Council sends out a secret missive, Peak must work to err his ways and find the mysterious stranger. He will need a crew of brave adventurers as he starts with his only clue – a name that he believes is Varias’s true identity: Adonis.

Erica’s Game begins Tuesday, July 6, from 5:00-7:30. Register Your Character to begin playing.

Teaser for Finn’s Game beginning 6/29:

Janrax rips through the dense brush of the jungle. It’s getting closer. He keeps running, not looking back. The rumbling grows louder and louder. Leaves and branches fall off the shuddering trees. He trips on an outstretched root and goes tumbling to the dirt. Giving up, he looks back. Emerging from the bushes is a beast far deadlier than any.  Janrax resigns to his fate and sits upright. “You’re dead! You died 200 years ago! But I guess that could never stop you.” Janrax sighs. “May our kind reign supreme once more. Don’t fail us again”. Janrax bows his head as a sword is lifted above it. The milliseconds feel like hours, but in an instant, the sword cuts through Janrax’s scales and neck like a leaf through the wind. His head topples off. The figure looks down upon his fallen enemy and hisses. “Three to go”.

Finn’s Game will run from 10:30-1:00 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Register your character to play!

Medeur shivered, flicking water droplets off of his cloak. In the hours before dawn, the forests of Bracorax were enveloped by a thick, shadowy mist. On any other day, he might have found the sight beautiful. Calming, even. It was home. But today, the shadows seemed just a bit too long, the trees a little too close together for him to relax. He shifted his bag uneasily, brushing off some more condensation. Afterall, he certainly didn’t want to find out what would happen if he got important spell components sopping wet.

“Restless, are we?” Medeur nearly jumped out of his feathers. How was Master Igam always so quiet?! Medeur wasn’t even sure that putting a bell on the man would do anything, as he already wore plenty of accessories. “Are you perhaps looking to bolt before we get to our destination?”

“Of course not, Master Igam!” Medeur tried not to wince at the loudness of his voice, which barreled through the air with all the grace of a charging minotaur. “I’m merely excited for my first mission! It’s not everyday that one gets to monitor the sealing place of the Great Many.”

He was lying, of course. Everyone knew that being assigned to Mt. Caligenix was the worst. Despite containing a dangerous entity, no activity had been sensed there for ages. It was simply boring, and cold, and gloomy, and far away from the nice comfy confines of Medamu. Why couldn’t he have been assigned to the sunny Orosea islands like Stellix? He had heard that the Tortles were very nice too…

Unaware of his apprentice’s musings, Master Igam gave a cackling laugh, smacking Medeur on the back with one of his wings. The metal charms he wore jangled jarringly. Medeur nearly winced. Why was everything so loud today? “I suppose the first real assignment is always exciting. I still remember being sent to Praxlarr back in the day…” Here, Master Igam paused, and Medeur mentally prepared himself for another one of his tangential stories. It wasn’t that they were bad, they were just sooooo long. And confusing. And full of names and references he didn’t get.

Mercifully, Master Igam seemed to hold himself back. With a little shake, he continued, “I wouldn’t expect too much. Remember, we’re merely here to touch up the seal. And those ancestors of ours did know what they were doing. Twins willing, Vespata isn’t escaping anytime soon.”

Medeur nodded, and after a few moments of waiting for a reply (in vain), Master Igam left – darting ahead to talk to another one of the magicians journeying to the outpost this morning. They were closer to the mountain now – Medeur could dimly make out its presence through the mist. The sight, ghostly and surreal, made him uneasy for a reason he couldn’t quite pin down – so Medeur looked down and focused on not tripping instead. Putting one foot ahead of the other, he listened to the quiet sounds of the forest and the Master Igam chattering about spell components and casting times and other things up ahead.

At least, until the world suddenly became still.

Startled by the sudden lack of noise, the rest of the group members had stopped too. When Medeur looked up, he saw heads swivelling, heard questions on the tips of tongues. But before anyone – not even quick-talking Veloq – could get half a word out, the ground began to shake. For what seemed like an eternity, powerful waves caused the earth to rise and fall. Trees fell in the distance, the soft thuds carrying through the air. Medeur hoped no one was hurt as he stumbled about, trying to keep his balance.

And then it was over. Medeur looked for Master Igam as others picked up dropped satchels and adjusted bags, intending to ask him what that was all about. However, he found that the man wasn’t looking around at all, instead fixated on the sky. Medeur looked up too. Amidst the dissipating mist, he could make out a group of…somethings, dark splotches against the lightening sky. Are those…birds? That would make the most sense – but Medeur had never seen birds so small on Bracorax before. Before he could get a better look, they dispersed like dandelion seeds in the wind, and he’s left blinking their afterimages out of his eyes. What in all of Ritenus???

“W-we should go.” Master Igam’s voice, a few pitches too high and abruptly shaky, cut through his reverie like a flash of lightning. On the edge of his vision, Medeur could see the other members of the party pause too, even though the words weren’t loud. He couldn’t blame them – he too felt a shiver run down his spine. Master Igam was a lot of things – talented, proud, daring. But he was never timid. Never…whatever he was now. Despite what had just happened, this was the most disturbing thing he had seen this morning. Medeur didn’t like it. He didn’t like it at all.

Amidst the sudden explosion of whispers and murmurs, Master Igam took a deep breath, seeming to gather his thoughts. “Well.” His voice was significantly closer to normal now, though still not quite loud. “Well!” He repeated, booming over the chatter. “What are we doing standing around? There’s things we need to do, and we need to hurry, hurry!” With that, he began to shoo the other members forward, with urgent little waves of his wings.

Medeur hurried forward at his insistence, still confused. “What? Why? What’s the rush?”

The rest of his words died in his throat at the look in his master’s eyes. It’s hard to pin down, but for a moment Medeur thought he saw fear. Master Igam was never afraid.

“Didn’t you see where those…things…were coming from, silly boy?” Master Igam gave Medeur a significant look, as if he were missing something both very important and very obvious. He didn’t see why the origin of the…birds…had any relevance – wouldn’t wildlife be disturbed by an earthquake anyways? Still, he thought back. There had been the dark figures, but behind them there was…

Oh.

“Mount Caligenix?” Medeur hoped he was wrong. He really really did. Because if he was right…then everyone would be in deep trouble.

“Yes.” His master’s answer was short and clipped. “You’d better pray to the Twins that the seal isn’t broken. Now hurry!”

Medeur does, almost tripping over a root in his haste. Yet there was something else that caught his attention. Amidst the sounds of the party, those of ruffling feathers and shifting bags, he thought he heard something else. A buzz, quiet but persistent.

Medeur tried to ignore it, but the sound wormed into his brain anyways. It got louder, and he suddenly felt as if he was being watched. It was such a distinct feeling that he could almost see the observer in his mind’s eye – multifaceted eyes, slicing jaws, deadly pincers —

But when he turned, eyes flashing, there was nothing. Just trees, mist, and the sound of his breaths.

Note: by order of Thera the Firebold, the original account has been rewritten to omit any personal opinions I included in the notes. It’s fine – it only took me two hours to rewrite it and make copies. I will get rid of this one later. No one’s gonna see it anyways.
-Thirik

Account of the proceedings of the June 18th Emergency Session of the High Council

In attendance: Rep. Sanctus Ignitori (presiding), Rep. Saphara Clethtinthiallor, Rep. Drizzik Rezzenson, Rep. Sreelasa Calentia, Rep. Doroks The Defender, Rep. Foojya the Blizzard, Rep. Salan Terriex, Rep. Icaridne, Rep. Litor Vadu, Rep. Tibian Tidebreaker, Ambassador Nados Quickfin, Ambassador Graskin Blubberfold, Thera the Firebold, and Grurrom Kindel.
Notes taken by: Thirik Cartax

12:03 – Meeting is called to order by Rep. Ignitori. Roll is called; Ambassador Angla noted absent, all others present. Rep. Ignitori begins reviewing the notes from the previous meeting. Notes that I wrote, by the way. Seriously, who calls an emergency meeting then spends ten minutes reading about agricultural disputes?

12:09 – Rep. Rezzenson interjects with a request to forgo the remainder of formalities due to the emergency status of the meeting, and expresses a desire to know the reason that the Council had been summoned. At least someone on this council has some practicality.

12:10 – Rep. Icardine seconds Rep. Rezzonson’s request, expresses a desire for a short meeting.

12:11 – Rep. Ignitori abbreviates the opening procedures and yields the floor to Thera the Firebold of the Library of Jakardia.

12:12 – Thera the Firebold gives an account of a recent discovery of a research team at the Library of Jakardia of a roughly person-sized borehole drilled deep into the earth. The team’s investigation of the depth of the borehole revealed that it travels far deeper than should be possible, apparently piercing to the center of the world. A descent into the shaft resulted in the discovery of a vast cavern at the bottom, occupied by what appeared to be the comatose form of a colossally huge dragon. The magical signature of the dragon was extraordinarily powerful, and seemed to indicate that its life force is somehow linked with the fundamental weave of magic. Further magical examination located six severe injuries across the body of the creature, apparently resulting from the removal of pieces of the being’s body. Experts from the library determined that the wounds are fatal. Thera finishes by postulating on potential effects of the dragon’s death, including the potential collapse of the material plane or failure of magic.

12:20 – Several representatives begin speaking at once. Rep. Ignitori tries and fails to establish order. This is chaos. Clethtinthiallor is yelling just to be heard.

12:22 – Rep. Clethtinthiallor requests a brief recess for the purpose of gathering her thoughts. Motion is passed by informal consensus, and the meeting is adjourned for 10 minutes.

12:32 – Rep. Ignitori calls the meeting back to order. Opens floor to discussion.

12:33 – Rep. Tidebreaker requests clarification on the wounds themselves – inquires as to whether they all originated from the same source, or whether they were caused by different weapons.

12:34 – Thera the Firebold confirms that they each appeared to be caused in a different manner.

12:36 – Rep. Clethtinthiallor requests that the details of the discovery be kept confidential, due to the potentially distressing nature of the news. Figures that she’d say that. Sometimes I wonder why the Dragonborn send a representative at all, since they so clearly don’t want to share power.

12:37 – Rep. Calentia objects to Rep. Clethtinthiallor’s motion on the grounds that the public deserve to be made aware of events that may affect them. Sreelasa’s the only one here with real integrity. She’s the smartest, too. Why does she let Icaridne stay in charge?

12:38 – Rep. Clethtinthiallor reaffirms her position, describing hypothetical scenes of mass panic and conflict that could result from revealing the information.

12:40 – Rep. Foojya expresses disagreement with Rep. Clethtinthiallor’s line of reasoning and seconds Rep. Calentia’s opinion.

12:41 – Rep. Vadu suggests that the matter be put to a vote. 

12:44 – Votes are counted. Rep. Clethtinthiallor’s motion passes 7 to 2; Rep. Calentia and Rep. Foojya are the dissenters, and Rep. Vadu abstains. The Library’s discovery is officially made confidential to all except the Council and those directly involved.

12:46 – Rep. Doroks inquires as to the Council’s next course of action. 

12:48 – Rep. Clethtinthiallor proposes a motion that the investigation into the dragon’s corpse be given into the hands of the Dragonborn Empire. Wow. And I thought she was being bold before.

12:49 – Several representatives informally express disagreement to Rep. Clethtinthiallor’s motion. Rep. Tidebreaker points out the danger of giving any one genera authority over such a monumental discovery. Yeah, no one likes that idea. I don’t know what Clethtinthiallor was thinking; usually she’s more subtle than that.

12:51 – Motion is put to a vote. Motion fails with a vote of 8 to 2 against; Rep. Clethtinthiallor and Rep. Rezzenson vote for, while all others vote against.

12:55 – Ambassador Blubberfold suggests that the Eastern Tritons may be willing to combine investigations with the High Council in exchange for the free sharing of information in regards to what he dubs the “World Dragon”.

12:56 – Rep. Terriex points out the fact that the High Council currently has no formal investigative team available.

12:57 – Rep. Rezzenson suggests that the High Council representatives could “poke around” themselves. It is unclear whether or not he is joking. I don’t know what to make of this guy, but if any of them were going to run away and become an adventurer, it would be him.

12:58 – Rep. Calentia proposes that the High Council could employ the services of freelance mercenaries (colloquially known as “adventurers”) to track down the killers of the “World Dragon”. 

This conversation is a mess. Everyone’s talking over each other and arguing. I’ll try to record the main points people are making, but I haven’t seen a more heated debate than that time the Council caught a Kenku inventor experimenting with airships.

12:59 – Rep. Tidebreaker objects, indicating that individuals with the ability to kill such a powerful being would likely be very powerful themselves, and therefore dangerous to apprehend.

1:00 – Rep. Icaridne points out that the alternative is allowing such individuals to roam unchecked.

1:01 – Rep. Tidebreaker concedes the point.

1:02 – Rep. Foojya expresses the concern that freelance mercenaries may have dubious moral codes, rendering it difficult to fully trust them.

1:03 – Rep. Terriex responds with the point that those with a “less rigid interpretation of the law” may be able to gain access to information others couldn’t.

1:04 – Rep. Vadu suggests requiring frequent reports from the mercenaries in order to ensure that their activities align with the High Council’s goals.

1:05 – Rep. Clethtinthiallor states her firm opposition to the idea of hiring outside help,  stating instead that the Council’s own task force should be sufficient.

1:06 – Grurrom Kindel points out that the Library of Jakardia has a decent staff that could investigate.

1:07 – Rep. Rezzenson expresses his doubt that the Library would be willing to report directly to the High Council rather than operating autonomously. He’s…not wrong, yeah. We won’t. 

1:08 – Rep. Ignitori agrees with Rep. Rezzenson, proposes putting the matter of hiring adventurers to a vote. Finally! How can it take them so long to get around to 

1:09 – Vote is taken. Motion passes at 6 – 4; Rep. Clethtinthiallor, Rep. Rezzenson, Rep. Foojya, and Rep. Tidebreaker vote against, while everyone else votes in the affirmative.

1:13 – Rep. Ignitori, Rep. Tidebreaker, and Thirik Cartax assigned to draft a recruitment notice. I’ll probably have to do all the work, as usual. They don’t seem to realize that I work for the Library, not the Council.

1:15 – Rep. Clethtinthiallor makes her disapproval of the decision known, requests that she be given a copy of every report as soon as it comes in. Council informally agrees. Anything to get her to stop complaining, I guess. She does seem genuinely worried, though. When Thera first read her report she looked like she was going to throw up.

1:17 – Rep. Ignitori reads a final summary of the day’s decisions. Like we weren’t all here for it. It’s not like I have time to waste!

1:20 – Meeting formally adjourned.

This teaser was written by Hannah Lee, Theme Master for the 2021 D&D Super Dungeon. For details concerning the upcoming Super Dungeon, visit our web page.

First, they crawled out of the sea, weak limbs adapting to their first steps, ears twitching against the wind’s whispers,  eyes wincing and delicate skin peeling from the sun’s unfiltered spears cast through a vast blue sky. They could not speak then, but there was a touch of the magic on them already, a frail connection to a creature they only dreamed of in the dark chill of night: a vast slumbering beast beneath the deepest crevasse of the ocean.

These dreams changed as they changed. Some lost their scales and grew feathers. Some bristled with sparse hair, then grew sleek and slender to match the lengths of shadows beneath their forest homes. Generations passed and the touch of magic that made them look at the world with terror and emotion eventually saturated into their bones and brains and gave them… words.

Captivated by the power and beauty of their own forms, they found new ways to explain their own beginnings: a white bull mother crested out of the ocean waves, a cackling goddess with long fingers and the glint of dice between them, a moving speck of light that cast life into each animal and tree and rock to watch them grow. The stories they told entangled with their connection to the old one’s magic and gave shape to gods with freedom and wills of their own. These gods loved the storytelling mortals, but felt danger in every passing moment–a danger they could not explain, but threaded into their very existence. This fear brought them to open portals into the chaos beyond the Material Plane and create their own safe havens, their own children, their own worlds. Tenuously, they siphoned power and gave back only what the storytelling mortals asked of them. They needed that power, they reasoned.

They needed to save it for themselves.

For deep beneath the surface of this new and shining world, the old one slept. And as long as the old one slept, there was always a chance he’d wake.

Until the day the Six came into being–and everything began to die.