Chapter 20: Coming Dawn

[Jeff]

Kal moves about, Streko following, and both looking around. Kal finds the reunion of his friends a bit distracting, in a good way. Even better, he feels an inner spark of familiarity: Tangat! His life companion is much too far away for him to communicate with through their telepathic link, but he can at least feel his presence. It's good to be firmly on the same plane again. So Kal spots nothing besides those giant footprints, which Streko can see as well.

But as the dawn widens, and the light grows steadily brighter, the wildlife of the jungle sounds like it's coming more awake as well.

A very large winged animal soars into view from above the canopy. Like a tauth, but larger, something big enough to bear a small rider like Streko . . . and big enough to dive and try to scoop up prey the same size. Kal is reminded of the Talenta Plains by the very sight of it, and can easliy envision a masked rider scouting out some potential enemies. Though, of course, this glidewing has no rider. Streko knows he should be wary. But it lets out a croak as it looks down upon you, flying out over the water.

Melethos on the rock looks out at the river itself, in both directions, and sees no sign of any ship. Just more distant winged shapes, nothing especially alarming. He also notices a pair of giant turtles down on the beach, slowly emerging from the river and onto the bank. They are either completely unaware of Melethos and his friends, or simply don't care. Their shells are impressively colorful; he's never seen the like.

"Is that the chest?" Histra calls out to Kal and Streko. "And is everyone well?"

Shorak swims toward the shore, and just as he's setting foot on the rocky sand, something catches his eye with a flicker of its own light: Kal's staff, shaped to resemble tongues of lightning at the top. Partially in the water.

Adamant is glad to see that Calirataia is merely sleeping. She looks bruised but nothing else. She stirs in his arms, possibly from discomfort. He knows he is not soft and warm to the touch.

[Brian]

Seeing no sign of the Dragonfly, Melethos slides down the side of the rock, landing near Adamant and the unconscious Calirataia.

"Belarin and the others are coming," he says to the warforged. "Let's get back to the beach. We'll talk then, decide what to do next."

Melethos carefully makes his way off the wrecked ship's beams and swims to shore. There, he recovers his shield and goes to stand by the chest.

_________________________________________

Melethos: 1D20+4 → 16( (12) + 4)#Strength (Athletics) check for getting off the rock

[Dave W.]

Adamant nods and lets the tiefling survey from his perch.

He holds Calirataia carefully as he can but firmly enough that he doesn't fear losing her again. "Hush, for now sleep. You are safe." he says quietly to her as he carries her to the beach. Finding a clear, soft spot of sand he lays her down. He carefully straightens a lock of hair that had moved across her face.

He looks to Streko, "I am reluctant to rouse her if she can sleep. But you know best about these things. Did I mention how glad I am that we are together again? I was afraid for a moment that when we woke we would not be."

[Joe]

Streko jogs up to Adamant and stops just short. "I, too, was worried. Put her down, let me look at her. Streko inspects the Dryad to ensure there are no other wounds or injuries he couldn't see before. "She has been drained of life energy, but not in the way some of the undead might drain life energy. She has...how to put this...run from Karnath to Cyre without resting. In the figurative sense. Imagine the toll that would take on the body. I suspect Kalarian and perhaps others who dealt with those beings feel some of the same. You are correct, my brother. Best to let her sleep now. She will need much of that to recover and, once I have rested myself, I may be able to help her through some of that as well. But it is rest...and the need to return to The Dragonfly that is most essential to her recovery. As to you...how are you?"

[Jeff]

Calirataia is bruised but fairly safe, even in her deep sleep. Streko is right in that rest, and much of it, will do her good and gradually restore her.

Adamant looks worse than anyone. Some parts of his metal plating is partially peeled off, others just badly misaligned on the wooden frame beneath. Yet he is fully functional. The holy symbol inlaid in his chest is intact, if misaligned. The Cyran emblem is now utterly gone.

In Streko's professional assessment, everyone else looks haggard but fairly well and in fighting shape . . . if spiritually and magically somewhat spent.

Histra walks over to Adamant and sticks his glaive, blunt end, into the packed sand, facing upright. "This was nearby," she says, leaving it there for him as she approaches Melethos by the chest. She crouches down near the skeleton there. With no discomfort she lifts one bony arm and examines the hand with the silver ring. "Relwalyn," she says. "Transporting this chest was her errand in Xen'drik, but she would not say what was in it or for whom it was intended."

---

Calirataia has 33 out of 54 hit points, btw. She can gain the benefits of a long rest even while sleeping (which is also the way to begin removing exhaustion levels), but can't spent hit dice on a short rest while unconscious.

Remember, also, that a paladin's Lay on Hands can remove exhaustion levels (5 hit points per level), but of course Adamant needs a long rest to get his healing pool back.

The Heroes' Feast effects on everyone will persist for nearly another 12 hours!

[Darren]

I'm going to make the assumption that Shorak is coming over and giving Kal his staff back.

Kal looks with gratitude at the return of his weapon. "Thank you, Shorak. I thought this was lost. Now," he looks around at his battered friends, "we are hurt, and we are tired, but we are together and we are still alive, so al is not lost. The Dragonfly is out there somewhere. I can sense Tangat's presence, and I imagine that once Calitraia is awake, she may be able to help us locate the ship. I am sure that Brack and the others are searching for us, so our job right now is to remain alive and be as locatable as possible. First thing's first, Shorak, see if you can get that chest open. I want to know what's in it. After that, I suggest some aerial reconnaissance. I can allow two of us to fly. I suggest Shorak, for his keen eyes are best suited to this, and myself. If I spot the Dragonfly, I can send a signal that should be visible to them." Kal sighs. "If we don't see the ship, I suggest we set up camp here and rest. We are nearly spent and this spot seems as good as any to recover our strength."

[Dave W.]

Feb 5, 2021 12:44:20 GMT -4 Joe said:

[Streko asks] "As to you...how are you?"

"A large question in few words. I am … functioning, though I'm sure I could scare small children were there any to look at me."

"I am relieved that we have all pulled through the Long Night to this glorious dawn. And perhaps more relieved that we are together."

"I have had strange thoughts… images more like… these past three days. But the Dawn is here and I am filled with hope!"

When Histra returns the glaive, he replies as she walks away, "Thank you Histra. I was afraid I would have to fashion a club."

---

So, the text on the glaive says the Dimension Door recharges at dawn so I guess it's recharged? Not that we have an immediate need.

[Brian]

"Before Shorak touches the chest," Melethos interjects quickly, "I suggest we let Belarin check it for anything magical."

[Dave W.]

"Wait." Adamant rubs at his forehead. "The skeleton on the chest is Relwalyn and you know that because of the ring. The same ring that possessed Belodim? So do we have two of the rings now? Did the other disappear? Can she possess two of us now?"

"I may need to sit down."

[Darren]

Feb 5, 2021 14:10:47 GMT -4 Brian said:

"Before Shorak touches the chest," Melethos interjects quickly, "I suggest we let Belarin check it for anything magical."

Kal nods to Belarin. "Go on." Then he looks at Histra. "What about that ring?"

[Ken]

Belarin is inwardly amused at Histra's expressed concern for the well-being of the others. She may appear cold to many people, but he knows there's a heart within her.

"When we do some aerial searching," he says to Histra, "the wraith could be useful." Then, approaching the chest, he drops to one knee in the sand and examines it for arcane auras.

___________________

Okay, NOW it's Eldritch Sight time!

[Jeff]

Belarin sees a strong aura of abjuration the chest. He already guesses magic keeps it in pristine condition, and that is abjuration in itself, bt that is minor compared to what he's sensing. It's also preventing him from sensing anything within . . . and that may be part of it, too.

"No, Adamant," Histra says. "It is the same ring. When I brought her spirit out from on that ship, the ring was 'consumed.' There is but one Relwalyn and these are her remains." She looks pointedly at the warforged. "And do sit down. We all need rest."

But as you all speak, Calirataia's eyes open. Then close. Then flutter open again. Sleepy eyes. "Eberron," she says softly, and her hands curl into the sand, as though caressing it. She smiles. "Dragonfly . . . we can search. I can . . . find a messenger." Then she takes Adamant's three-fingered hand. "I just need a little . . . sleep first."

Histra sits herself now, cross-legged, and pulls out her spellbook. It is sodden, not as water resistant at Belarin's, but also not destroyed. It just looks to be in poor shape. She opens it and leafs gently through the pages as if encouraging it to dry. "Belarin," she says quietly to just him. "I have considered it, and concluded: I would like to lay Relwalyn's bones to rest. True rest. But . . . you may be able to speak with the corpse. It . . . she . . . is undead no longer. Perhaps you can learn something?"

The glidewing dinosaur continues to circle in the air, but it rises high now. Doesn't look aggressive just now.

Yes, the Astral Glaive's daily power is back!

[Dave W.]

Feb 5, 2021 17:19:45 GMT -4 Jeff said:

But as you all speak, Calirataia's eyes open. Then close. Then flutter open again. Sleepy eyes. "Eberron," she says softly, and her hands curl into the sand, as though caressing it. She smiles. "Dragonfly . . . we can search. I can . . . find a messenger." Then she takes Adamant's three-fingered hand. "I just need a little . . . sleep first."

"Sleep. We have all the time in the world. We are all here. You are safe." He tells her. He does sit next to her and holds her hand until she is truly asleep.

"should we rest? Even just an hour's worth would do some good."

---

... I mean not mechanically; Adamant doesn't have any hit dice left to roll, but it feels like a good idea.

[Ken]

Belarin nods as Histra speaks. "I think that's a good idea - on both counts," he says. "But first..."

He points his dagger at the chest and says, "I'm very tired and your contents are desired."

___________________

Belarin casts dispel magic at the latch of the chest.

[Dave B.]

Shorak stops long enough to retrieve Kal's staff. "You're welcome," Shorak says after returning the staff.

He waits, while Belarin does what he does with the chest. Once Belarin is finished, Shorak will give he chest a good looking over for any other potential dangers. "I am very tired, but I do not detect anything" Shorak says. He then walks over to the body and searches it for a key, just in case. If he doesn't find a key, Shorak will go back to the chest and see whether or not he can open it.

Disadvantaged perception check: 1d20+5=24; 1d20+5=11.

[Jeff]

Belarin casts his spell . . . and he immediately senses one spell placed on the chest—an Arcane Lock, he suspects—fall away. But another is present, and in that instant he steels his power to challenge it. It was seemingly placed there by one with considerable arcane skill . . .

Well, that's that, then.

Inwardly, Belarin feels like a curious sense of calm and purpose. 

Meanwhile, Shorak rifles around the skeletal remains of Relwalyn. He finds the disintegrated remains of a necklace, with whatever it bore long since gone, but no key. Her only possession: a sheathed jeweled dagger, the belt it's attached to badly rotted. Histra immediately takes the dagger but sets it aside in the sand instead of pocketing it. Her handling of it seems oddly reverent.

When he looks over the chest, all around it and as close as he can without disturbing it, Shorak indeed concludes that there's evident trap. He waits to see if Belarin has learned anything. No one else can see the result of his spell. But Shorak does suspect that the lock will be a difficult one, even if it's not enchanted.

---

Belarin's spell ability (Charisma) check: 10 / See post in private thread soon.

[Brian]

Melethos watches Belarin cast his spell. A few moments pass, and when the warlock doesn't say anything, the tiefling touches his friend's shoulder.

"Belarin, what did you learn?"

[Ken]

Belarin shakes his head and only now seems aware of Melethos' hand on his shoulder. "It, um, was the property of Relalwyn's black dragon benefactor, but it... needs to go Zartarxis, the Green Watcher. Seems like a good idea.

"Shorak, go ahead and open it. I've eliminated the trap."

[Brian]

Melethos holds up a hand. "What do you mean, it needs to go to Zartarxis. Are you saying we need to take it there? And what is a Green Watcher?"

[Ken]

"Another dragon, naturally," says Belarin mirthfully. "It's down the river, farther south. I'm even more curious now about the contents! What do dragons share with each other?"

[Brian]

"Shorak." Melethos's voice is low, almost menacing. "Don't touch that chest."

The tiefling moves to stand next to his friend, perhaps his best friend. Perhaps the only best friend he's had since Jyoti died.

The warlock's smile seems genuine, his words honest. But Melethos has known Belarin too long to miss the obvious.

"You didn't answer my question," he says, his voice still low. His eyes flick to Histra and holds her gaze. "Are we expected to deliver the chest to this other dragon, this Green Watcher?"

[Ken]

"Well, that's what Relwalyn was trying to do, I'm sure of it," he says. "What's the problem? I'm just saying it seems like a good idea. I'd like to meet another dragon! I might be able to annoy this one just as much as the last one we met."

[Jeff]

Histra looks with interest at Belarin, but not alarm. "You learned something with your spell?" she asks, almost interrupting Melethos.

Melethos doesn't find Belarin's tone or expression to be unusual, not even for him. It's only the information itself which is strange.

"Learn more from her remains," Histra says, touching Belarin on the arm gently.

---

Melethos's Wisdom (Insight) check: 14

[Ken]

Belarin lifts an eyebrow at Melethos' manner. "Relax, you crazy warrior," he slaps an hand against the tiefling's shoulder.

To Histra, he says, "I learned the names of the two dragons, where the chest is supposed to go, and that it had a nasty trap. Let's go talk to our dead lady. "

[Brian]

Melethos stares at Belarin, then shrugs. “Fine. Talk with the woman. See what you can learn. But no one touches that chest until I say so.”

He steps aside, gesturing for Belarin to proceed.

[Dave B.]

Shorak shrugs and steps back from the chest. "it would probably be better to wait until I've rested some. I'm having trouble focusing right now and I'm feeling more tired than I have in...I can't remember when." Shorak walks around the beach and looks for a comfortable spot to lay down and rest his weary body.

[Darren]

Kal listens quietly as his friends debate. "Speak with Relawyn," he says to Belarin, "but I see no reason for us to take on yet another quest simply because a dead woman failed at hers. If the chest is in our possession, then the contents are ours if we choose." He nods at Belarin. "Proceed with your questions."

[Ken]

"Any suggestions?" says Belarin to the others. "Contents of the chest? Destination? Knowledge of the other dragon?"

[Jeff]

"I would ask about enemies," Histra muses. "But it may be irrelevant now. Years have gone by. Then again, dragons live long indeed."

[Ken]

Belarin takes a cross-legged position in the sand near the skeleton. He places his pact dagger in his lap, although he keeps one hand on it. He closes his eyes.

When he opens them a moment later, his his normally green eyes are now jet black. He asks the skeleton, "What do you know of Zartarxis, the dragon to whom you were tasked to deliver the chest?"

___________

Belarin uses the Whispers of the Grave invocation.