Adventure Note - Slay the Dragon, Save the Princess
Tova
A note arrived at the Syndicate asking for adventurers. It claimed that a beloved Princess had been stolen by a red dragon in the Graypeak Mountains, and that the dragon had flown south toward the smoke after taking her. The sender did not leave their location, fearing the message might be intercepted, but said we would know where to return Princess once we found her.
The group that answered was Theoden, a human paladin; Mika, a human warlock; Vernel, a small clockwork-looking construct warlock; and me.
We traveled toward the smoke in the Graypeaks. Theoden was able to tell that the signs looked like red dragon activity, which was impressive, especially considering he was also dealing with the aftermath of some hag nonsense that had left him completely bald. I had met him before and let me say this clearly: he had very good hair. The messy, handsome sort. A terrible loss. I may have had a small reaction to hearing the word “hag,” but I kept that to myself. Mostly.
After a few hours, we reached a river of flowing lava and found a large number of kobolds. I cast Web and caught several of them, which made their attempt to swarm us much less effective. We dealt with them and continued onward.
Further in, we found writing in Draconic, which I was able to read:
“I was carried into a dark room and set on fire. I wept, and then my head was cut off. What am I?”
A charming riddle, really. Horrible imagery, but charming. The answer was “candle,” and once that was handled, a boulder moved and allowed us deeper inside.
Before reaching the final chamber, we heard two distinct sounds: something flapping, and something hooved. Inside, we found the red dragon, and also a very cute white goat wearing a collar with a tag that read: Princess.
So yes. We did slay the dragon and save the Princess.
During the fight, I cast Spellfire Flare at the second level. The final flare struck with all the control and force I could pull through my spellfire, and the dragon fell. I will admit, that felt excellent.
We recovered Princess safely, along with 43 gold and a few small items and trinkets. Better yet, saving Princess earned us 50% off a food or drink item at Peeking Farms, which may be the most wholesome reward I have received so far.
A successful job. A dead dragon. A rescued goat. A tragically bald paladin. Discounted refreshments.
Honestly, a very fine day’s work.