Adventure Notes – The Discovery 26

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After defeating the undead mage (a deathlock) and the two demons the mage pulled out from the Abyss (see Session 25), a circlet that the undead mage wore, clanked to the floor – and as the party examined it (without touching it) – they noted it had five dragons on it – and each of them was a representation of the Chromatic Order, which were known to be the evil dragons of the world
Sindri casts several cantrips until all the effects of the Wild Magic from the Hollowing had all worn off
Avacyn comes running back, heaving, explaining how she’d found the three potions – thankfully, that had not broken! – when she fell down the stairs and asks if she missed anything. Both Sindri and Hartmut (who went down last session) scold Avacyn with a piercing gaze
Sindri looks at the circlet on the floor – and taking note of the five dragons – tries to recall if he’d heard anything about such a thing. He suspects it’s a Crown of Dragons, which allows the wearer of the circlet to communicate with a designated dragon. Sindri recalls, nearly 500 years ago, if history is to believed, the evil dragon goddess, Thyamat selected mortals to be dragon riders in an attempt to destroy elves.
Sindri explains how the circlet was used to communicate with dragons, worn by specific dragon riders
Twilight smiles and asks if that means they get a dragon friend
Sindri emphatically shakes his head, and explains further that it’s Chromatic Dragons – which are the “evil dragons” of the world
Sindri reaches into his pouch and pulls out a bandana and cautiously ties the bandana around it without touching it. He heaves a deep sigh of relief.
“Anything else?” Sindri asks
“We just had to come down here and close this portal,” Hartmut looks at the portal which he’d glimpsed into not too long ago.
“Looks like the undead mage turned the portal into something darker than it was intended for,” Twilight adds.
Avacyn looks around and sighs, “Did I really miss the whole fight?”
Twilight laughs
“So the Carrion Crawlers, back at the library,” Arhian comments. “There must be more dead buried down here – that’s what drew them here no doubt. Where ever those dead are, that’s probably where the undead mage crawled out from. Chances are either the Hollowing or the damn Beholder magic wakened him from his death. We should tell Heima to make sure to check on the corpses down here. Could be that the magic is somehow reviving them. That undead mage,” Arhian points, “may be the first of many.”
The party makes their way back to the 90 foot rope that they must climb to scale the cliff side
After some extended effort, the party manages to finally climb over the cliff side – with Sindri casting Feather Fall to spare Avacyn from plummeting 70 feet down. Once everyone is over the ledge, Avacyn and Arhian take a rest, having struggled the most. From there they make their way through the cavern and reach the dreaded spiral stairs.
Everyone stares at Avacyn who had critically failed last time
Hartmut quickly scales the stairs (Natural 20!) while Arhian and Rettniss tumble down the stairs taking some more damage. Arhian takes this time at the bottom to quaff some potions; before they proceed to climb up the rest of the stairs. Sindri shouts from the top, “I am out of spell slots! Stop falling!”
Eventually everyone makes it to the top of the staircase and knocks – and Heima shows up to open the door magically from the other side. The party nearly falls through the doorway, eager to be out from beneath the Mage’s Tower.
“How did it go?” Heima asked, seeing the party, eager to get out from beneath the tower. He admits he was concerned when the door closed behind the party and he heard what appeared to be a loud sound – as if falling down the stairs.
“That was Avacyn,” Twilight gestured with a nod of her head to their half-orc companion who raised her hand sheepishly and waved to Heima, showing off her dented armor which looked as if it’d gone through an incredible battle… when in truth, it’d been from the damage falling down 90 feet down a slippery spiral stairway.
Arhian explains that they fought an undead mage; and describing its abilities, Heima identifies the undead mage as a Deathlock. Arhian goes on to explain the large, orangutang like demon – which Heima identifies as a Barlgura; and finally, Arhian wraps up the encounter describing the giant demonic fly, which Heima identifies as a Chasme. Heima asks if there was any identification found on the Deathlock to determine who it might have been in its previous life.
Sindri reveals the circlet that was recovered after the Deathlock had been defeated. Gazing down at the Crown of Dragons, Heima reaches down, fearlessly and picks it up – gazing it it. “This would be Sumar Owlwise. He was long, long, long before my time – one of the few Dragon Riders that had even been captured and turned over to the Mage’s Tower, because he was a wizard – unlike the other Dragon Riders of old, who appeared to be Knights. Heima explains that Sumar was turned over to the Mages – and questioned, but Sumar refused to speak. He was confident the green dragon, to which he was bound, named Bauzaine, would come to his rescue – but the Mages used magic to keep him hidden. When the Mages… ended Sumar… his corpse never rotted. It was as if it had remained in some form of suspended animation – and the circlet on his head could not be removed. His body was eventually brough here when many of the powerful mages came to the Ivory Coast, with new magical items that were being found. I assume the magic that was released – the white light event – helped break the circlet’s power – so when he was defeated this time, the circlet’s bond to his body was finally broken and his soul banished to the Abyss, where it richly deserves to be. But with the news of the dragon attack by a white dragon in Spire’s Edge… an undead black dragon in Lakefront (see The Arrival Session 11)… a black dragon spotted outside of Stonehow (see The Arrival Session 07)… the red dragon sighted outside of Redtone… (see The Adventurers Session 50)… the blue dragon who attacked Drastor in the Gold Coast (see The Adventurers Session 69), who like Sumar, was also guided by a dragon rider… and the rise of dragon worshipping fanatics and cults, as you have all mentioned (see Discovery Session 19), I fear that Sumar’s resurrection was no chance accident.”
Heima’s concern is easy to read; before he tries to regain his composure and looks at Twilight and rediscovers his smile and says, “The mages have almost unwound the cursed lyre – it shouldn’t take more than a day or two now to complete.” Twilight nods and thanks him.
Heima looks at how beat up the party looks and knows they need to rest. He smiles faintly at them all and explains, “As you might imagine, Shorkin Eversky, owner of The Moon’s Shadow is still very upset with all of you and has banned you from returning to his inn. As such,” Heima reaches into the sleeve of his robes and removes a sealed parchment, “I have made arrangements for you at an Inn here in High Ridge called Anzenna.” (Arhian and Hartmut recognize it as the word ‘safe haven’ from Eibrikku – also called Ka’larian in some areas – the native tongue of the Seven Kingdoms of Utsukkuen – which makes sense, since Heima had mentioned that he was a native from there as well, and as such would have connections to other businesses in High Ridge who are natives from the seven kingdoms as well).
Heima says, “If I find out anything more about the Sumar or the Dragon Riders, or if we finish removing the curse from the lyre, I will look for you there.”
Twilight asks about healing potions and Heima mentions Caraus Stonestream‘s shop again; and Twilight nods explaining they’d taken a few hits and she’d forgotten the odd Rock Gnome’s name whom they’d just met (see Session 24)
Arhian points to her leg and looks at Sindri expectedly.
Sindri looks at Arhian, “What’s that?”
“When you urinated on me,” Arhian growls.
“Why would I have urinated on you?” Sindri asks, not recalling when he’d been overcome by the need to be a wolf and try and mark Arhian as his territory and began “dominating” Arhian’s leg
“You thought you were a wolf,” Arhian explains. Sindri looks at the others who all confirm with a silent nod of their heads. Rettniss shrugs and says, “I was a sheep.”
Sindri, still not sure if he believes it, casts Prestidigitation on Arhian’s robes admitting it does smell like urine (see Session 25)
Twilight and Rettniss go to Caraus’ shop Stonestream’s Dreams
Caraus greets them, “Well, well, well! If it isn’t my favorite customers! You’re missing a few of you? How many healing potions will you be needing today?”
Twilight smiles, “All of them.”
“All?” Caraus asks and looks, “well, the lot of you and your friends bought quite a bit last time. I’ve not had a chance to fetch more Whistle Leaf. I only have twenty potions on me right now.”
“We will take all of them,” Twilight repeats.
“We get that special discount, right?” Rettniss asks, reminding Caraus of their previous deal.
Though they have not come to his shop without a note, the Rock Gnome laughs, “Yes! Of course! I did call you my favorite customers did I not?”
Caraus offers them for 30 gold a piece – a true discount from their normal 50 gold a piece!
Arhian, Hartmut, Avacyn and Sindri shows up at the potion shop as well
- Rettniss purchases: 3 potions
- Arhian purchases: 3 potions
- Sindri purchases: 2 potions
Hartmut says he’s good on potions but asks Caraus if he knows where he can go in High Ridge to purchase some arrows
Caraus explains the weapon vendor in High Forge is Sten Sunforge and his shop is known as The Sunforge
Hartmut explains he’s headed for The Sunforge, and Arhian explains that she will accompany her friend to The Sunforge
Meeting with the human, Sten – Hartmut asks about the cost of a bundle of arrows – and Sten explains he sells a bundle of 20 arrows for 1 gold. Hartmut then purchases two bundles of arrows from Sten.
Everyone eventually begins making their way to the inn that’s been reserved for them in High Ridge by Heima known as Anzenna.
Coming out of the Inn is an all too familiar figure – a human, tall, robust, white flowing beard, red and white robes…

He looks frantically until spotting the heroes – he rushes by several people who don’t even seem to notice Nikalos until he reaches the heroes, panting
“Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you both for hours! Came here when I finally found out Heima had seen you and sent you to the Inn – but I kept checking the Inn and none of you had arrived or even checked in! I am in desperate need of your help! You were great help before!” (See Session 5 and Session 16)
Sindri explains he’s mentally exhausted (no spell slots) and Nikalos explains that there’s no need to worry – they can rest on his sleigh when he takes them to Frost Peak which is a town near the very top of the very mountain which Ridgecrest lays itself again
The party agrees and Nikalos escorts them to where he’d left his sleigh
Before they board the sleigh, Sindri pauses and asks, “Wait. Where are we going and why?”
Nikalos explains, “Well, as you all know – I deliver gifts to children – and some adults, who act like children – during this time. However, something has happened at Frost Peak. Something very strange is going on there. I wish I could describe it – but I think it’s something you will need to see for yourselves.”
Arhian asks, “You mentioned it was at the top of the mountain – and it was called Frost Peak? Do we need to purchase more… appropriate clothing?”
Rettniss asks, “Where is the nearest tailor?”
Nikalos explains, “Oh, there’s one near by – it’s a tailor shop called Swift. A young blond tailor, who is very cheery and chipper named Taylor greets the party. (DM Note – the person playing Rettniss is an admitted “Swiftie” … “Swifty”… Anyway, a Taylor Swift fan… so this was a quick, fun joke to throw in there…)
Rettniss and the others enter the shop, which is run by a young, blond female humor named Taylor Songswift, who admits with a name like that she seemed destined to be a bard; and does, because people expect it of her, sing from time to time at The Moon’s Shadow and welcomes the party to come by and see her perform once the construction on the Inn is complete – she shares how – according to the story – someone had started a large fire inside one of the rooms on the lower floor.
Taylor fits them all in lavender colored clothing (DM Note – Another one for Rettniss, as a Taylor Swift reference) and charges the party 20 gold per outfit – but the outfit is incredibly well fit, snug, and feels almost like second skin
They thank Taylor and exit the shop where Nikalos is waiting patiently
As soon as each of them step into the sleigh – they immediately feel completely rested
The sleigh pulled by reindeer take off into the air and spiral around the mountain, over and over, the air growing thinner and thinner and colder and colder by the moment

Finally reaching the base of Frost Peak, Nikalos stops and explains that he can’t go any further – the party will quickly see what’s wrong
The party makes their way up the path towards the village at Frost Peak, and almost immediately see what’s wrong – people are standing about – but no one is moving
Drawing closer they can see the people seem frozen in place – but much to their shock and horror – their terrified eyes are darting around – indicating that though they appear frozen – they’re clearly alive
The further the party ventures forward, the colder it seems to get; and they all agree that the bitter cold is not normal – it’s almost as if it’s a magically emanating cold that’s coming from all directions
Sindri tries to think if he can recall anything that might do this – but the growing cold rattles his bones and freezes his brain – he’s unable to think clearly

Rettniss points up ahead, through the falling snow – pointing out that there’s a group of people – all who appear to be frozen – standing in a circle – as if they’d gathered there for a reason. The party moves up to the circle of frozen people – and discovers the same thing – each of them seem frozen – but their eyes are darting around frantically. Arhian notices that something seems to have been uprooted from the center of the circle – because there’s dirt and mud mingled with the snow there – and a fairly large and messy hole
As they examine the hole – a white light appears in the sky and slowly descends – and the party is in awe of what they see… an angel?

With Lavender skin and purplishish wings too… See Rettniss? SEE?

His gaze falls on Rettniss as his angelic voice whispers, yet still heard over the howling, increasing cold, “I had thought that perhaps one of you – a druid – might find their way here. I had hoped that someone of your talent – a caring for nature – would be among those who answered Nikalos’ call.”
Sindri whispers, “Apparently this angel doesn’t know Rettniss.”
“So says the one who keeps burning down trees, forest gnome,” Rettniss hisses back
The Angel goes on to explain, “At one time, the oldest tree of Frost Peak grew here in this spot – and the people gathered around it to celebrate it – because they called it the Mother Tree to which gave birth to all the other trees here on Frost Peak so that these people could build their homes. During this season – I would descend and sit on the top of the Mother Tree and shed my light and blessing to the people of Frost Peak. However, not long ago – a white dragon known as Snowclaw, who had tried to claim this mountain peaks as her own – was driven away time and time again – so she returned when she was more powerful – and cursed this town. Using a magic she created what is known as an animated dragon breath and breathed it upon the land – the people were frozen – but the true threat, strangely enough – was the animated dragon breath had actually given life to a vastly large snow man that the children had spent weeks building together… Snowclaw’s way of corrupting something made by the purity and joy of the children of Frost Peak… the corruption of this animated dragon breath, being a snow man seeped into the soil – and the mother tree, who in truth was a treant – became corrupted by the evil that flowed. I need you to find and destroy the snow man…”
Sindri and Rettniss look at each other and smile, since both are experienced with fire
Sindri then asks, “Where can we find the snow man?”
The Angel explains, “He’s almost impossible to find.”
“Well that’s going to make it difficult,” Hartmut said. “Got a general direction?”
The Angel shook his head, “I have been trying to track him. However, when he moves through the snow – he leaves no tracks. However, when it hears things – it breaks off… miniatured snow men to attack, distract and delay any pursuers… so if you see miniature snow men, you may be close.”
Rettniss asks, “Do we need to worry about Snowclaw?”
The Angel shakes his head, “Having finally cursed the people of Frost Peak, Snowclaw has entered her cavern and is slumbering. I would recommend staying away from her cavern. Ideally she will sleep for many years, hibernating. But to awaken her would awaken her fury. But, though Snowclaw slumbers – know that up here, this far away from large cities – nature has grown powerful. Be aware of large polar bears, wolves who breathe frost, and most deadly of them all – the yeti, which even when you’re aware of them – are virtually impossible to see in the snow.”
The Angel taps each of them on the forehead and gives them a visage of the snow man…

The Angel departs and Rettniss explains that she will lead the way – and begins marching in a direction – heading into the forested snow capped mountains. It’s about an hour when a light becomes visible in the distance – and as the party rushes – they quickly realize they’ve made a large circle (Critical Fail by Rettniss!)

Twilight sighs and says, “Let me try it.” And they begin moving back into the woods – and within seven minutes of venturing into the woods – suddenly notices that there’s no nature sounds except for the sound of them breathing – suddenly tiny snow men emerge from the snow!

The sight of the miniature snow men shock Rettniss and Sindri

The others leap into action, with Arhian kicking and punching the swarm of miniature snow men
Twilight lands a Thunderclap that destroys several of the swarm – but also emits an echoing thunderous sound one hundred feet away from her… drawing the attention of the very thing that Angel warned her lived this high up in the mountains…
The swarm of miniature snow men begin to swarm all over Twilight
Hartmut tries to help Twilight, but with the snow still falling, it becomes more and more difficult to tell what’s a miniature snow man and what’s just snow – and as such – Hartmut attempts to take out one of them at her leg – and it turns out to simply be a clump of snow – so he damages her knee (Natural 1 – Critical Fail)

Twilight gestures at the miniature snowmen swarming around her and screams at Hartmut, “You’re hurting me more than they are!”
Avacyn charges in and begins swinging wildly – and begins chopping the miniature snowmen down

Rettniss who is looking at the carnage of snowmen as Avacyn “curb stomps” the snowmen into the show suddenly lets out a scream as her back is filled with pain and warm, red blood, runs down her back
The shock sends Twilight stumbling backwards, which pops the knee Hartmut had just hit, and Twilight screams in pain – missing a round (Natural 1 on new Initative)

Bending the knee has never felt so horrible

The thunderclap has drawn the attention of a yeti…

The party attempts to fight the yeti, but it proves difficult, using the snowy terrain to its advantage; however, even as the yeti seems to be holding its own, the party is also doing well – as the yeti tries to stun Twilight with a chilling gaze, but she’s able to shake off the effects immediately (successfully saved)
However, yet again – it is Avacyn who ends the fight – making the snow white yeti crimson in color with yet another critical hit…

And right behind the yeti – assuming the creature would have taken care of the heroes – the twisted snow man makes his appearance – towering 15 feet tall
It touches Rettniss – freezing her (DM Note – Rettniss had to leave and wasn’t able to finish the session – so this was an easy way to take her out of the action)
Twilight is able to land a Faerie Fire spell on the snow man glowing magenta in color
The Snow Man looks at the party and pulls a large snow ball from itself – and tries to call Avacyn – before opting to throw the snowball at Avacyn – hitting her in the face

Sindri casts Fireball but the Snowman is quick – but still takes half damage

Avacyn however, who isn’t aware the fireball is coming fails to get out of the way (failed save) and takes the full damage of the fireball
Twilight then casts Bane to impact the Snow Man’s ability to avoid magic saves
The Snow Man manages a critical hit on Avacyn shortly after

Then it continues to claw and hits Avacyn with yet another snow ball to the face
Hartmut attempts to throw a healing potion towards Avacyn – but the frozen finger tips of Hartmut make it slip out of his fingers – Avacyn tries to dive for it, however doesn’t reach it and it shatters against the cold floor – and Avacyn finds herself prone
Sindri ends the Snow Man’s existence with Scorching Ray blasts
The treant appears, having sensed the destruction of the snow man – and the party convinces her to return to Frost Peak
The party returns to Nikalos after escorting the mother tree back to the center – and all of the people of Frost Peak are free of the snow man’s curse
The party makes their way down to Nikalos who gives them a ride back to High Ridge
When they land – Nikalos reaches into his bag and says, “Arhian! I have a gift here for you!”
- Snowball Terrain Changer You throw a magical snowball (3 charges per day; recharges at sunset). When thrown, it turns the area into a snow filled difficult terrain, except for those you choose (up to 5).
Nikalos reaches out, “Oh this gift has your name Avacyn.”
- Enchanted Snowglobe Take An Action to Shake the Snowglobe – any enemies in a 30′ must do a save (DC is equal to your Dexterity Score). Any who fail are swept off their feet, and must spend their next turn standing. They also take 2d4 Cold Damage if they fail.
“Hartmut,” he says, “this one is yours.”
- Quarter Staff of the Evergreen The staff always exudes a fresh pine scent while being held in someone’s right hand. The staff also hides the tracks, while being held in the right hand, making any attempts to track the target done at Disadvantage.
“And little Sindri, this is yours.”
- Candy Cane Staff Take An Action to Unleash One Stripe From the Candy Cane Staff to Grapple an opponent within 30′ feet. DC is your Intelligence or Wisdom (Player’s Choice)
“And Twilight, this is yours,” he says handing her a gift.
- Bells of Jingling Take An Action To Ring The Bells – Any enemy within 30′ of you must make a Constitution save (DC is equal to your Constitution Score). Anyone who fails, spends the next turn dancing and singing.
“And for my unfrozen Rettniss,” he hands her a gift.
- Enchanted Nutcracker Take An Action to Active the Nutcracker. Has the same stats as a Pixe (and attacks with only a Longsword – https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/17020-sprite )
DM Note – It’s the same chart of 12 gifts (12 days of Christmas! Anyone get it?) to see what each person got

The World of Kne'Urth

Adventure Awaits.

Adventure Notes – The Discovery 26