HotDQ - Marpenoth 23, 1489 DR

To Harold the Half-elf. "OK, make sure you report to the Governor. I’ll stay here and make sure the mill is secure."

Upon hearing Bartholomew one of the guards chimes in, Uh we had orders to instruct you ALL to return to the keep. We should be find to hold the mill till dawn.

Con save

You all suffer one level of exhaustion as it is now late into the evening (approximately 2am or later).

You return to the keep uneventfully but are immediately met by the fiery haired Dwarf, Castellan Escobert.

We've got good news and bad. The good news is it looks like the majority of the raider's forces have begun to withdraw from the town. It looks like we may make it through this. As he says this though, he lowers his head briefly before continuing, Follow me.

Escobert leads you back up to the top of the parapet and points towards the west and slightly south towards a glow in the sky,
The church didn't fair so well though. About 20 minutes after you all left to save the mill we saw it. The bastards lit the whole damned building on fire. We don't know if there were any survivors but we know there were at least 2 dozen folks holed up in there.

As he is about to continue one of the guards runs near and says, Castellan! Come quickly!

From the darkness, a creature strides in to the dim light of the dying fires around the keep. Although it is shaped roughly like a human, it is at least seven feet tal, its skin is covered in blue scales, its fingers bear wicked claws, and its face has the muzzle and reptilian eyes of a dragon. The creature stops about eighty yards from the main gate of the keep and scans the walls. A line of kobolds fans out behind it. With their spears, they prod four human prisoners in to the dim light. You can make out a woman, a teenage boy in a blood-soaked tunic, and two children. Then the half-dragon creature hails the keep.

Defenders of Greenest! This has been a successful night, and I am feeling generous. Do you see these four pitiful, useless prisoners? We have no need for them, so I will trade them back to you. Send out your best warrior to fight me, and you can have these four in exchange.

With little time to soak the information in, one of the guards rushes forward to see and screams out Laura! He immediately turns and makes for the steps to head down.

Escobert tells a pair of guards to restrain him quickly.

What are you doing? Thats my sister! My nephews!

Castellan attempts to calm him down when Governor Nighthill appears, speaks briefly with the Shield Dwarf and then turns his attention back to you.

Sergeant Markguth, though brave, is not in his right mind to attempt this fight for his family and would surely die. My friends, you've demonstrated your prowess all through this frightful night. I realize this is an awful burden to ask you to bear, but any of you has a better chance to defeat that horror than my milita have.

"I will do it Sah. It is my calling. I will defend this town with my life if necessary. Blessed be Bahamut."

The Dragonborn steps forward.

Actaeon nods his head to Bartholomew, Good luck, Sah. then turns to Langdedrosa, Hey, you didn't happen to bring Rezmir along did you? Maybe Frulam, or BogLuck?

With that, Harold is going to find a nice perch where he can watch the scene. He preps an arrow, and awaits the proceedings.

"I have nothing to help you. Good luck, my friend."

The blue half-dragon scoffs at the Dragonborn in front of him.

This is all you’ve got. An afterthought of a false god. This will be easier then I thought.

Langdedrosa steps forward wielding a great sword and wearing splint mail armor. He stands, sword in hand, at the ready. Your move metal joke.

Since Actaeon didn't get an answer, he is going to lay down against the nearest stone or tree he can find, and rest.

As Bart is about to exit the Keep, he is stopped by Bertram, one of the Clerics rescued earlier in the evening. He grabs the brave Dragonborn and says, Son, you don't look so hot, let me help you out. Bertram holds his holy symbol and casts Cure Wounds (Heals 10HP)

Bartholomew nods his thanks for the heal and approached the half-dragon. The walk is a long and lonely one, but he tells himself it must be done. He feels no need to make small talk, and the attempted insult rolls off his back. After all, he’s had to deal with enough insults from his comrades. He feels prepared for the ordeal.

When the half-dragon invites him to attack he doesn’t hesitate... he mutters a quick prayer to Bahamut (ooc: bonus action, shield of faith +2 AC) and swings his blade that simply has seen too much action recently...

The Blue Half-dragon cockily attempts to sidestep Bartholomew’s swing. The blade catches him with the blunt edge of the blade against his armor. Not doing much physical damage, the Paladin showing clear signs of his exhaustion from the evenings activity, it still seems to have taken the cult leader somewhat by surprise. He gives Bart a little smirk before turning towarss the keep and addresses those watching. You disappoint me. Sending this wyrmling out to fight me. He turns back to Bart and says Care to try again? He stands there waiting your advance.

Bartholomew is frustrated at the antics of the leader, and says so. "You call me out to fight you and then jump around like a cowardly jester. Stand and fight if you have any honor." Bartholomew has been a soldier for a long time and he recognizes he is being toyed with. The fact that the foe is heavily armored and is attempting to dodge his blows is a cowardly way to fight, and the paladin knows he has slim chance of striking him. Nonetheless, he accepted the challenge and how he behaves now is a matter of honor. Not to mention he promised to protect the village. He swings his sword again hoping for a lucky strike guided by Bahamut.