Red Hand of Doom - Session 51: Slaying Turgarun the Blue

August 9-10

The day after the battle, Dameron cast Word of Recall on the Morninglory Temple. Camwise cast Scrying on the Black Bolt and then the War Duke but could not scry on either.

Camwise advised Captain Ulvert, "I have been looking into our old friends in Songdale. They are as elusive and cunning as ever. I have no evidence of a plot or nefarious activity, but they've taken more steps to conceal their activities.” He explained their prior dealings and the hostile takeover of St. Gregory’s church to the north. “I have no proof of a plot brewing, but the hairs on my back are up. I know we are hurting in Brindol and have sent a caravan east through the baron’s land as of late. I fear for their safety…not in blood but in infiltration. When the caravan returns, I'd advise having all available guards screen every townsfolk that returns. These assassins are shapechangers and can assume an innocent’s identity. Please be on your guard, captain. I cannot stress this enough, Captain. They haven't played their cards yet, and I am certain on my parent’s grave that they are holding a hand."

That night, Gruffudd held a Heroes’ Feast for the Daring Friends.

In the morning, Dameron shared his Premonition: Time is short, but the battles are long and many. Then he gave a speech to the nobles and citizens of Brindol.

"Nobles and citizens of Brindol, today we gather in the shadow of victory, yet aware of the darkness that still looms. The hordes of the Red Hand have been poisoning our wells for too long. They tried to invade our lands and steal everything that we cherish. But standing united, we have pushed the invaders from our walls, and they have been vanquished, scattering back to the holes they crawled out of!

Unfortunately, this victory comes at a great cost. Even in defeat, they are stealing from us. In a foul ritual, they are stealing the very souls of our fallen loved ones and delivering them to the Fane of Takhisis. The souls of our friends, our families, our neighbors, and even our pets! They’re stealing all of them.

But we will not let this stand. We will put an end to this soul stealing. We have pledged to journey to the Wyrmrest Mountains, to the very heart of darkness, to rescue the stolen souls and bring justice to those responsible. We will face Turgarun the Blue, Azarr Kul, and even Takhisis herself if need be.

And I swear we will not falter. We will not fail. For we carry the light of St. Aster with us, and it will guide us through the darkness. We will stand strong…unbreakable in our resolve.

My Daring Friends and I—I have the best friends, the bravest friends, the greatest friends—we will march into the shadows with hope in our hearts and the light of justice in our souls. Let us show the forces of darkness that we will not be intimidated; that we will not be defeated.

For Brindol! For the souls of our fallen! For the light of St. Aster!"

Soon after, Camwise teleported the Daring Friends, along with Rezyrius, to the Wyrmrest Mountains.

Balthasar addressed the head of the tribe. "Keeper of the light, I return bearing both triumph and dire tidings. The Red Hand lies fractured, their Wyrmlords defeated, yet their foul ambitions persist. Our path now leads to the Fane of Takihsis, where Azar Khul, the heart of their corruption, festers. To venture further, we require the wisdom of our order and any aid you can bestow. Knowledge of the enemy's defenses and blessings of strength are paramount if we are to stand against the shadow of the Dark Queen herself. Will you guide me once more so that we may extinguish this threat for all time?" Balthasar made a prayer to Aurelios at the sacred altar they have for him.

Camwise added, “Hello everyone! I am Camwise Gnarly, Balthasar’s wizard! It is my understanding of Drakkenwhyte customs that all warriors of lore fight alongside a mage! It has been a grand adventure with your tribesman, and I am happy to report on his efficacy and archive his great deeds in service to the vale!”

Proud of his accomplishments, the clan welcomed Balthasar back. They were aware of the great dragon that guarded what was once one of the holy ruins they maintained, and they were very concerned about how it could be confronted. That there was further evil being performed within the ruins of past glories stirred them. They offered to lend aid against the threat.

In exchange for tribute, the young silver dragon, Nozralyth Argenstrong, agreed to assist them.

The clan revealed that the Fane had multiple levels with secret passages.

As Camwise was attempting to scry on the entrance to the Fane, Balthasar noticed something unseen flying in the sky and shoved Rezyrius and Camwise next to Gruffudd. A roar erupted from the sky, frightening everyone except Balthasar, Dameron, and Jaervellios. Turgarun appeared with a blast of Arc Lightning that killed two drakkenwhyte. After casting Bless on his companions, Dameron hid in a tower. Balthasar cast Fly and leaped into the air. Turgarun dipped down and blasted Nozralyth with Lightning Breath. Moving to the top of a tower, Jaervellios shot Turgarun with an arrow. After casting Haste on Balthasar, Camwise moved to find cover. Duckling for cover, Rezyrius shot Turgarun with an arrow. Gruffudd prepared to Fire Bolt. The drakkenwhyte spread out and sought cover. Leaping into the air, Nozralyth disappeared.

Dameron stepped out from the tower just long enough to cast Aid on himself, Balthasar, and Camwise. Nearing Turgarun, Balthasar quaffed his Potion of Hill Giant Strength. Swooping down, Turgarun tried to strike Balthasar. Jaervellios and Rezyrius each shot Turgarun with an arrow. Gruffudd mounted Nozralyth as she swooped by and grabbed Camwise in a claw before rising into the air.

Dameron Cast Death Ward on himself. Engaging Turgarun, Balthasar slashed thrice into the ancient dragon. Turgarun raked Balthasar with a claw. Jaervellios shot Turgarun with an arrow. Camwise maneuvered to Nozralyth’s back and gave her a Potion of Greater Healing. Rezyrius shook off the fear. Using a gem, Gruffudd summoned an air elemental, which caught Balthasar, who was knocked down from Turgarun’s Wing Attack. The drakkenwhyte shook off their fear. Nozralyth dashed higher into the air.

Dameron used his Pearl of Power. Reengaging Taruran, Balthasar slashed thrice into Turgarun, sidestepping the ancient dragon’s tail swipe. Turgarun breathed Lightning Breath on Balthasar, the air elemental, and Nozralyth and her riders. Jaervellios shot Turgarun with an arrow. Camwise bloodied Turgarun with an Acid Arrow. Rezyrius shot Turgarun with two arrows and climbed to the top of a tower. Gruffud fed Camwise a Potion of Greater Healing. The air elemental chased Turgarun. Nozralyth maneuvered Camwise closer to Balthasar. Turgarun breathed Lightning Breath on Balthasar before taking off toward her lair.

The Daring Friends followed along with Reyzrius, Nozralyth, and the Drakkenwhyte. After an hour, they reached his lair outside the Fane. The 80-foot-high cave was filled with hoards of treasure.

Gruffudd cast Pass Without Trace. Rezyrius sprinkled Dust of Disappearance on himself and the Daring Friends. Balthasar drank a Potion of Heroism. Camwise cast Fly on Balthasar, who used a scroll to Haste himself.

Balthasar entered with the drakkenwhyte on the right, while Nozralyth entered to the left with Camwise and Gruffudd. Dameron held back.

As Nozralyth flew into position with Gruffudd and Camwise on her back, she was distracted by the lair’s mirages. Turgarun burst from the stone beneath Balthasar and some nearby drakkenwhyte. Jaervellios shot the ancient dragon with an arrow. Turgarun tore into Balthasar with claws and fangs. The drakkenwhyte swarmed Turgarun with spears, javelins, and swords. The ground quaked beneath them, killing most of the drakkenwhyte. Appearing, Camwise blasted Turgarun with an Acid Arrow. Dameron dashed into the cave. Balthasar slashed thrice into Turagun. Jaervellios shot Turgarun with an arrow, and Misty Stepped across the hoard to the right ledge. Nozralyth blasted Turgarun with ColdBreath. Using his staff, Gruffudd slowed Turgarun with Flesh to Ice. The air filled with a humid mist. From hiding, Rezyrius shot Turgarun with an arrow. Lightning Breath electrocuted everyone in the cave, leaving only two drakkenwhyte standing who landed the final bows on Turgarun.

Turgarun’s ghostly form appeared briefly before being pulled into the Fane. Fearing a similar fate and satisfied that Turgarun was dead, Nozralyth departed after sifting through the treasure hoard and taking some art pieces.

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