Gameplay - The Dragon Who Took Too Little

"Same marching order as yesterday?"

MystWynd leads you once again into the forest. By midday, you're at the edge of the valley and you see a climb ahead of you up a steep but safe looking path. At the bottom however, you meet a surprise.

Scores of pixies emerge from the verge, and surround MystWynd, chattering rapidly, too rapidly to hear. Soon, a devilishly handsome one flies forth. MystWynd flits to your side and says, "This is Silverlock, the pixie king. He had agreed to aid you in your fight against the Vermilion Reavers. By ridding the forest of Knotgut the Troll, you have done us a great service."

Silverlock nods.

MystWynd looks at him then says to Hehsh (and the rest of you, too), "The Serpent's Rattle is up top. Climb up but when you get near the top, stay low, and go behind the rattle. You'll see down into the valley I the other side of the ridge. Then you'll understand. We'll wait down here. Return to Silverlock and we will discuss."

MystWynd looks at Silverlock, who nods. The pixies clear a path for you to the trail up the cliff.

Hehsh is tempted to ask what he will understand, but takes the pixies at their word that once he reaches the top of the ridge, he will have all the insight he needs. He makes his way up.

"I've never met a king before, quite exciting." Ruby makes small talk during their ascent, keeping her voice low in case of any unwanted surprises. "Who would've known they even had a king? Well maybe if you're a scholarly type who researches these matters sure, but still what a discovery."

I bet our Valinor has a story about meeting a king."

At the top of the path, you find a ridgeline that is mostly flat and about two dozen places wide. A prominent rock that certainly seems like the end of the tail of a rattlesnake juts out over the opposite side.

The valley below you is a bit higher than the valley you left, and mostly hard pack rock, turning into sand dunes farther inland.

You see an army encampment, hundreds of dun cloaked soldiers, the flash of metal bits, cream colored tents, and a few very large inhabitants: giants surrounding and a brass dragon that dwarfs the Giants. The glint of chains tells of a thick net keeping it pinned in place. A pair of cloaked figures are approaching the camp from your side: your other party members on their mission of infiltration.

"I bet Valinor has a story about eating a king while meeting a king in the town called king." Hasan jests as he climbs the hill.

Seeing the sight at the top of the hill.
"Say that looks almost like..." Hasan says slowly turning to the child dragon.

Atrix and Trev went off on their own secret mission.

Zoboanth hisses, neck low and aggressive. "Mama," she confirms.

Hehsh blood boils at a scorned pride he never new he had. He sniffs the air. "How many do you think there are? Can any of you see one who looks like a leader?"

Ruby gasps, not expecting to easily spot an entire army. "Oh my, how're we supposed to stop so many?"

"Yea that one over there clearly looks like the leader." Hasan says mockingly as he points to one of the smaller looking giants in the distance.

"I'm kidding. I don't think you can clearly get a good bead on anyone of note from this far with out a looking glass or sorts. Perhaps those 2 could provide us with some information?" Hasan points to the 2 party members that looks like their walking away.

"If they don't get slain first."

With some observation and squinting, Hehsh and Ruby are able to identify what must be the command tent. At least, it is slightly larger, and has more activity around it. As to the actual commander, you identify one likely suspect (bodies turn to face when it passes), but details are difficult. A hobgoblin would not be a bad guess, but other similar sized humanoids could also fit what little you can see at this distance.

The encampment is very orderly.

Valinar is uncharacteristically silent as he surveys the encampment. The sight of it brings back uncomfortable memories from the war. Memories he'd rather not share.

"Any ideas? A frontal assault seems pointless. Perhaps we could sneak in at night and attempt to free the dragon?"

"But that pincer move is so classic! I'm sure they'll have guards but night could be the better option. I'm sure them chains need to be both thick and enchanted to hold down such a large creature."

"Possibly even magical." Valinar murmurs.

The pixies below await your counsel, once you've had a chance to view the situation.