Hi,
First, I'm looking for RSVPs for next Thursday. Ushma and I
are heading up to Madison next Thursday, and we want to know if we'll be
going up after the game or after work.
Game recap (see final paragraphs for new/updated information):
After
an unsuccessful attempt to infiltrate a group of Hill Giants, you were
almost immediately attacked by a small wing of dragons (4 black, 1
green, all close to "adult" dragons). Andor saw them just in time to
throw up an energy protection, so after a single strafing run (and one
dragon snatching up Adrien briefly), they fled to the skies, with one
black dragon being brought down first. Shortly thereafter, the party
then decides to take the long stone bridge to the large citadel, and is
attacked by a pair of much larger (and invisible) dragons - an old green
and an old blue dragon. After a nasty initial onslaught, you are able
to scare off the green dragon and kill the blue dragon as it flees, with
some (very minor) help from the artillery in the giant citadel. You
approached the citadel and were told by guard to wait while they
consulted their superiors.
While waiting, the "Ominous Fabler",
the organizer of Prince Zeech's gala came running up, saying how happy
he was that he caught up with you. It took time to recognize him as he
looked more like an ogre than a gnome. He explained that he is a
Spriggan (race who can change between gnome and ogre size), and begins
to explain (something) when Adrien informs the group (via pseudo dragon
telepathy) that he is actually work-ridden undead. The party attacks and
he teleports away. Shortly thereafter, you are allowed just inside the citadel.
Once inside, you learn the following facts:
The city's leader is the venerable cloud giant Achaime Silvereye who lies on his deathbed. Several weeks a rebel faction challenged him for
control of the city and open fighting began. Silvereye and the leaders of the loyalists have sealed themselves away in
the palace, and the city is partially controlled by loyal followers,
partially by the rebels, and partially uncontrolled. Those who guard the
Citadel of Weeping Dragons remained independent, focusing on
their mission above the power struggle that was going on. This was
interrupted by the chaos caused by the Dragons' assault on the
city, which did massive damage in the first day, made worse due to the distraction
and lack of coordinated response due to the ongoing civil war.
The Citadel sits atop a thousand-foot pillar of stone, and while most of the
city was carved (expertly) by stone giants, the pillar, citadel, and
bridge were clearly shaped with magic and residual magic radiates from
the part of the citadel itself. It is guarded by the "Tiamikal Nul-Shada", the "Hunters of Tiamat's
Children", who dedicate their lives to protecting the Citadel (and killing dragons). The
giants you met are impressed by your success against the great dragons,
but are unsure what their leaders will want to do, as outsiders are
generally not welcome. The guards you meet when allowed entrance (mix of hill and fire giants) are
not part of the Nul-Shada, but took refuge here when the dragons
attacked, and have been tasked with manning the outer defenses. They
have not met any of the leaders of the Nul-Shada, but have sent word of your arrival (and dragon slaying prowess) to the members of the Nul-Shada that give them their orders. The Citadel is led by two fire giants, Kagro Thundersmiter (leader) and Bram Cleftshank (2nd in command), and the frost giant sorcerer Vercinabex Tor. After some time, two fire giant Sergeants of the Nul-Shada arrive. They ask you about your battle with the dragons, and have detailes confirmed by the giants who were on duty. They tell you that outsiders are not welcome in the Citadel, but in this desperate time your help may be welcome. They offer to escort you to their leaders and plead your case, if you are willing, but cannot be sure what their leaders will decide. If you wish, you can leave in peace, though they ask your assistance in killing the dragons and breaking the siege.