Housekeeping.

A lot happened in to the characters in parts 18 & 19, so before I continue with the campaign, I need to do a little bit of housekeeping, mostly updating the character sheets but also making sure that the two threats, (the Dragon Queen and the army marching north) are also up to date.

The Characters

Derowen the Ranger. Currently on 13xp will gain +4xp next downtime. She has only 7hp remaining (max 16). She found a bronze neckless (non magical) which she wears around her neck and a magical longsword (+1 damage and sword of wonderment ToA page 257).

Hedrag the Fighter. Currently on 15xp will gain +6xp next downtime.
He has 13hp remaining (max 16), His Luck is down to 10 and he has 1 reroll left. He found a tin ring (30sp), an ancient Helm known as Storm Caller and a fine waterproof wool cloak (150sp value).

Morwen the Magic User. Currently on 15xp will gain +7xp next downtime. She is currently on 13hp (max 16), Her DDM is now at 5 and she has 1 reroll left.
She found a Spellbook containing the spell Conclave of Wind & Sky, also a scroll (Rain of Stone spell).

Peran the Rogue. Currently on 15xp he will gain +4xp next downtime. He is on 15hp (max 19). He has found a double finger ring depicting fish, (50sp value), and 55sp.

Threat Levels.

The Dragon Queen threat. Due to Morwens dreams this threat level increases by 1 so is now at Threat Level 3 and has become active in the world.

The Army Advancing North threat. The is still no activity from this threat so it remains at Level 0 and this threat is currently inactive.

Betrayal of the Dragon Queen cont.

The storm.

As the companions leave the ruined old tower a violent and unnatural storm blows up. Strong winds circle around them lifting snow and ice up from the ground while driving hail, some the size of a fist, into the ground, Thunder and lightning fill the now black sky.

Each character must make a Luck(Dex) check or be thrown from their horse (50% chance horse also bolts) and take 1d4 damage..
Derowen needs 12 or less on d20 rolls 3, pass. Luck down to 10.
Hedrag needs 10 or less and rolls 18, fails. Roll to see if horse bolts =49, No. Takes 1 damage (down to 12hp).
Morwen needs 11 or less and rolls 13, fails. Roll to see if horse bolts = 25, No. Takes 2 damage (down to 11hp).
Peran needs 14 or less and rolls 8, Pass. Luck down to 10.

Heckle the Owl just disappears from the area, Scraps just stands and barks loudly at the sky. All four horses rear up and the companions struggle to control them. Morewn and Hedrag are thrown from their mounts, both land fairly softly and somehow manage to keep hold of their steeds, just stopping them from bolting. Calming their horses, both fallen riders manage to remount.

Morwen does not need to do a sense magic check, the air is so full of magic she automatically senses it.

“What sort of wild storm is this!” exclaims Hedrag.

“This is no natural storm, magic created it” yells Morwen, finding her voice almost drowned by the thunder and the barking Scraps.

They decide to head back to the tower to seek shelter inside but before they can, a lightning bold strikes the tower which begins to collapse.

Hedrag raises his shield to try and protect himself from the hail. Seeing this, Morwen takes the Dragon Mirror from her horses pack and tries to use it to deflect the hails from her face. The mirror seems to begin to draw the storm to it, consuming it. With one last enormous clap of thunder, the storm stops, and thin late winter sunlight trickles through the trees like a wash of watercolour. Where the old tower once stood now remains only rubble.

Derowen turns away from the tower, “I don’t now who or what created that storm but I think its time to leave this place before they do something else”.

Travel through Wistwood to Siltwater.

Consult the bones. Do they have an encounter? No, Fortune.
Read the Signs. Picture of a small sailing boat, Wind.

The companions pick their way between the trees that make the Wistwood. They travel northward for about 10 miles until they happen upon a river.

They follow along the banks of the river for a few miles when they happen upon a small sailing boat, just big enough to accommodate the four of them and their horses. Peran has the Watercraft Skill, so the party decide to take the boat and continue their journey up river to Siltwater. With Peran’s boating skills and aided by a strong, almost unnatural wind, the little boat makes great progress.

As darkness begins to fall, they find a quiet grassy shore to moor their little boat for the night. Peran decides to get out his fishing rod and see if he can catch supper for them all.

I get Peran to make a Wis(Watercraft) check. Great Success. He manages to catch fish for them all.

With enough fish for a small feast, the part risk lighting a small fire on which to cook them. Thankfully the fire does not attract any unwanted attention and once the fish are cooked they quickly douse the flames.
With full bellies, they board the little boat and try to get some sleep, taking turns to keep watch throughout the night.

Question. Does anything happen during the night?

Consult the Bones – Greater Yes, Fortune
Read the Signs – Night, Companion, Bonding, Loyal

Morwens Dream.

As Morwen drifts into a deep slumber, her surroundings on the small boat dissolve into a vivid dream. She finds herself standing at the edge of a beautiful, ancient city enclosed by ornate towers and walls, the air humming with an electric energy. Before her, a magnificent dragon of emerald and gold emerges from the city gate, its scales shimmering in the twilight. The dragon’s eyes, a brilliant shade of sapphire, lock onto hers with an intense but gentle gaze.

In the dream, Morwen feels an overwhelming sense of familiarity and kinship with the dragon. She extends her hand, and the dragon lowers its massive head, allowing her to touch its smooth scales. As their connection deepens, the dragon speaks in a voice like a distant thunderstorm, yet with a warmth that envelops her soul.

“Morwen, your journey is intertwined with that of your companions. In our bond, you will find strength and wisdom,” the dragon intones. “Remember, loyalty is not merely a choice but a sacred duty. Together, you and your companions are capable of great deeds, as long as you trust in one another.”

The scene shifts, and Morwen finds herself flying on the dragon’s back, soaring above vast landscapes of mountains, rivers, and valleys. With each powerful wingbeat, she feels the bond with her companions growing stronger. She sees visions of their shared battles, moments of laughter around the campfire, and instances of unwavering support during the darkest times.

As they glide through the skies, the dragon’s voice echoes in her mind once more, “Cherish the bonds you have forged, for they will be your greatest source of strength. Loyalty and companionship are the true treasures of your journey.”

With these words, the dream begins to fade, and Morwen awakens on the small boat, the gentle rocking of the water beneath her. She feels a renewed sense of purpose and an unbreakable connection to her companions, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with loyalty and steadfast friendship.

After a nights rest each character regains 1hp, except Morwen who regains 2hp

In the morning the party continue their river journey. After only a few hours they reach the lake of Siltwater, and, on its far shore, the city of Vorngard.

Darowen is now on 8hp (max 16)
Hedrag is on 14hp (max 16)
Morwen is on 15hp (max 16)
Peran is on 16hp (max 19)

To be continued.