Grotto and the Temple, Arthur and Agnes, Cedron's Healing, and the Battle of Kurinost

07 Newkolt 349 AC

Note: The Temple of Kiri-Jolith is based on "The Ghost Blade" from the 3rd edition Dragonlance Campaign Setting Sourcebook, modified for level and to fit the plot of our current campaign.

AT THE ABANDONED TEMPLE OF KIRI-JOLITH

A wide smile crosses Grotto's face seeing the heroic elf. "This must be their war god of this temple. It warms my heart seeing him kill the filthy goblins!" Grotto thinks. Grotto inspects the statues carefully, looking for a spot the new found horn may fit to open up a secret path.

He moves from statue to statue, searching for a niche where the horn would fit. The tiles, those which still remain intact at least, begin to glow. Light runs along the design and creeps into the statues which shift and step down from the pedestals before raising their weapons.

EN ROUTE TO THE DRAGON ISLES

Arthur's eyes drift toward the horizon as if he could see the distant streets of Lankhmar through the clouds.

“I grew up in that city,” he began slowly.

“Lankhmar… No matter where you are in it, there’s always something burning — fires for cooking, for warmth, for trade. The air is thick with spice, fish, smoke, and ambition. It’s not a gentle place. It never was.”

He gave a small, thoughtful chuckle. “The streets wind like a snake. One turn takes you past marble balconies and merchant palaces, the next through alleyways so tight you can barely breathe. It’s a city of shadows and light living side by side — beggars and nobles, priests and thieves, soldiers and dreamers. Everyone moving fast, watching their backs. It teaches you to be sharp… or it swallows you whole.”
His gaze softened, eyes distant with memory. “But… when spring rolls in, and the sea breeze finally clears the smoke, the city changes. Banners flutter over the plazas, songs spill from every tavern, and for a few short weeks, it almost feels… beautiful. You see children playing in the streets, the smell of baked bread and citrus drifting through the air. For a moment, Lankhmar breathes. And so do you.”

The war that claimed my friends, that scared my face, my family that I left behind, the people.i helped save...
Arthur went quiet, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. Then he exhaled, his voice gentler than before.

“But as much as that city shaped me… it isn’t my home anymore.” He strokes her scales, a faint, warm smile tugging at his lips. “Home isn’t a place of smoke and stone now. It’s… you. Wherever you are—that’s where I belong.”

IN COUNCILOR SUMMERWALKER'S WAREHOUSE ~ NOW SERVING AS RA'ZIIR/SHADOW/KYSEK'S COMMAND CENTER

Cedron continues treating the Elves. He overhears the other healers asking about Grotto and Arthur. He turns to them “If anyone hears anything about our dwarf and knightly friends, please have them report to me. Arthur is well-behaved, but there is no telling what mischief that dwarf will stir if his head is not on straight.” Cedron says aloud while he works.

AND, LASTLY, IN KURINOST...

Shadow scans the sky, searching for the vanished dragon. He picks the green dragon's receding form climbing further skyward. He gives chase but the injured wyrm quickly outpaces him.

He orders his elemental to fly from ship to ship to set their sails on fire so the vessels won't be usable against the elves.

Kysek places his scroll back in its place. “The dragons here seem rather skittish. I’m beginning to wonder just how many there actually are that they flee so abruptly. Or could it be what they’re trained to do? Perhaps they have healers somewhere?”, Kysek ponders. “Are we certain we want to take on an entire army right now? I guess we do?” The thief waits for enough soldiers to come out into view and casts chain lightning. His eyes focus on the leading ranks of the approaching soldiers amd quickly discerns chained and shackled elves being pushed forward through the ranks.

He takes to the air, flying invisibly toward the approaching army, trying to pick out someone who looks like they are in charge so he can dominate them with a mind control spell.

Ra’ziir quuckly chants, "Vera Visus." As the spell takes hold, Kysek and the retreating dragon become visible to him. His fireball detonates, well behind the flying reptile, causing many of the advancing warriors to duck and cover despite the distance between them and the explosion.

The Bladesinger follows up with a quickened spell of flight and sends his elemental forward into the city to unleash violence upon the gathered masses of troops. Arrows are loosed and spears are hurled at the advancing flame beast.

He then launches himself high into the air to gain a better vantage of the forces of the Dragon Queen and gives chase to the dragon. The streets are rapidly filling with more troops emerging from commandeered homes and shops. Ranks are forming as soldiers line up for battle.

Raven concentrates on his mindlink as he starts stripping the coat off of the slain minotaur sergeant, "There are too many civilians at risk. We need to withdraw and come back with an actual plan."

Roars echo through the night sky as three more dragons appear in the distance and start flying toward the city.