Kervenlyth’s Secret Notebook

[kervenlyth-blog]

She’s a Kobold Queeeeen

So we met Yusdrayl and were able to gather some more information. Meepo guided us past some kobold outposts, and we met their leader in her throne room. She sat on a somewhat makeshift throne, but part of it was the remains of a dragon statue the held a key in its mouth (what does it go to? considered trying to borrow the key, but decided it wasn’t worth it--wary glances at me from the party helped). The key information we gained from Yusdrayl and Meepo during the discussion were as follows:

1. They want us to help recover their dragon (named Calcryx) from the thieving goblins

2. The group we were sent to find came through here some time ago and ventured deeper into goblin territory but were not heard from again

3. The apples apparently come from some “outcast” from a “twilight grove” on a lower level of this complex

We agreed to help them find their dragon in exchange for safe passage and information, but I’m pretty dubious of helping these fanatical creatures. I guess it’s not too surprising to stumble across a dragon cult with all the Draconic themes in the art and architecture here, but I think the best we can hope for is some kind of rough tolerance.

[kervenlyth-blog]

Kobolds and Dragons

So, we’ve begun our exploration of the ruins here. I’ve been able to demonstrate my worth to the group by locating and disarming traps here and there. There are obvious signs of dragon iconography throughout this place, and we began to find signs of living things besides some giant rats.

Eventually, we ran into a kobold named Meepo. Apparently, some goblins stole the creature’s pet dragon that they worshiped--a practice typical for these draconic fanatics. He promised the group safe passage if we spoke with his clan chief, Yusdrayl, and help them recover their dragon, who, I assume, also has a name. He led us through passageways while shouting, “Ticklecorn,” which appears to be some kind of reptilian safe-word for this group.

Likely, we’ll learn more about our quarries and this apple business from their leader. Hopefully, Caravelis won’t shoot its throat out before we learn what we need.

[kervenlyth-blog]

“Citadel” journey

We traveled to the nearest settlement to the Sunless Citadel to make contact and do a bit of research. Nothing special uncovered or happened except a bit of drunken behavior by Kelisim. We reprovisioned thanks to Del’s family connections, and headed towards the ruin (it feels wrong to call it a “citadel” in its current state).

Along the way, Greenleaf decided to scout ahead and was almost slain by some twig blights. Maybe that will humble the woody snob.

Probably not.

Dee keeps asking “innocent” questions about non-human races, but it’s coming across with super racist undertones.

When we got there, we had to descend into a canyon to reach the entrance to the submerged complex. I slipped, and Sojourn caught my hand. Apparently, she has wings. Huh. And they work. I’ll need to keep an eye on her and figure out more of her background and capabilities.

More later—time to go inside.

[kervenlyth-blog]

Today the king and I met some interesting people.

There were two kids: Dee, a too-innocent human girl who seems like a shut-in, and Sojourn, a tiefling weirdo who clearly has some secrets and reminds me of something or other... Both require further observation.

There was one of those stereotypical Wood Elves names Caravelis Greenleaf, whose self-importance is only outweighed by his obsessive desire to murder goblins (read: “greenskins”). Other than a wary eye and some annoying snide racist comments (about both me and, well, everything not wood-elf), he seems mostly harmless.

There was a smelly (whether by choice or negligence) drunk monk named Kelisim. He seems capable of both holding his own in drinking and brawling.

There was also an old face I haven’t seen since the academy. Delimas of house Thann, the cleric of Lathander, is a kind man I met years ago at a (courtesy) welcome reception in Silverymoon. He made me immediately, but didn’t seem to be alarmed at my (ahem) “new persona.” It was nice to see a friendly face, but it brought complex emotions and memories of the life I abandoned.

Besides our new companions, we also learned of some recent issues with a nearby family who lost a few relatives in a nearby ruin known as the Sunless Citadel (tower sunk underground years ago—natural disaster?). One of the family asked us to find and recover, if possible, the lost adventurers or at least their house signet ring.

Most interesting, though, was another tale linked to the ruin that claimed that once a year a magical apple (artifact-level power?) grew underground which could heal and lengthen the life of whoever consumed it. I found the tale fascinating, and, whether true or not, it merits further investigation.

Some critics from Fergal’s past career assaulted us, but our new companions helped us deal with them. We depart tomorrow as a new party to venture to the “citadel.”