Gameplay - The Dragon Who Took Too Little

As you enter the desert, the heat pounds down on you like a giant's hammer, smashing you into the anvil of the sand. The uncertain footing makes you work to move, and you drag yourselves into the furnace.

A hundred grueling paces in, focusing on the stone cairn as it shimmers in and out of focus in the heat mirage, and you find yourself finally there. Hasan stumbles into the rock pile, and it tumbles to the ground, scattering, revealing a pit beneath it. Hasan scrambles for a grip lest he fall into the devouring hole.

Hasan, Dexterity saving throw, please.

"Huh"

Valinar assists Hasan, granting Advantage on his save.

Hasan dangles above a sudden pit, his feet scraping something flat below him. The rocks are hanging from string, clattering in place almost musically.

After a momentary panic, you realize that the pit is actually a narrow, difficult staircase down into the cool darkness. Hasan finds his footing and can either climb out, or explore.

"If we were to smack the rocks... we might have found this so down make sense. Plus I need to get out of this heat for a minute." Hasan stumbles down the stairs.

Ruby is also feeling the effects of the extreme heat, starting to stagger. The stairway is practically a blessing at this point, ao she follows after Hasan, poking a rock lightly with her staff on the way.

Hehsh casts light without really thinking about it. A small white orb hovers above his staff, providing light for 20 feet.

At the bottom of the well, you find a spirit. It appears to be benevolent, a very young child, but not human. Instead, it appears to be a fae of some kind, fiery and hard-skinned.

"Who calls upon the Nac'to Loan?"

"Uh, I guess we do." Valinar replies, then bows smoothly as he regains his composure. "We've come as emissaries the coalition being formed to fight the hobgoblin horde! The Nac'to Loan don't want to be the last to join! No, sir!"

Hasan takes a seat basking in the not heat of the world above.

"Are you worthy of our might?"

"Our? You look like 1 individual?"

The child faces you. "If grammar is your most pressing concern, you have no need." The child starts fading away from your sight.

"First time we met, you pointed a cross bow at me. Now you are nitpicking this nice sentient's word choice. Has anyone ever told you that you make a terrible first impression?" Hehsh steps forward. "We come on behalf of those who live in the valley. They are under attack from a force that will surely threaten you. We were sent to seek your aid so that we may stand together against this enemy."

"We are aware of the hobgoblin threat. You say you represent a coalition. Will you reinforce your words with deeds? Will you accept our test and prove your worth?"

Hasan just leans back and shakes his empty waterskin trying to get the last few drops out of it.