Aegon and the Troupe have slain the Nashkel Dragon, and her two wyrmlings. Though these creatures are evil, Aegon still feels some guilt for wiping out an entire family. The others care a little less and are ready to raid the dragon’s hoard to see what treasures lie within.
18 Eleint 1368
I look down upon the corpses of the Wyrmlings that lay at our feet. I console myself that had we not killed them, they would have grown to be dragons that would also have terrorised Nashkel and Amn. My thoughts are disturbed as Shar-Teel proudly announces she has learned much in watching us slay the dragons.
Gameplay Note
Her Death and Wand Saving Throws are reduced by 1. Her THAC0 is also improved by one point. She gains 9 Hit Points and 1 point of Lore.
We explore the cave but can find no treasure hoard, which is unusual for a dragon. Then Bardo notices it, something in the pool reflecting light. We get closer and find a sizeable collection of rings, gems and coins inside
Among the treasures we uncover a relic marked with the holy symbol of Lathander. Did the dragon take this from one of her victims?
A glass bottle lies within the pond. On opening it we pull out a Scroll of Resist Fear.
A couple of weapons lay within, one enchanted sling, and an axe that glows as if made from fire. It is surely enchanted, but no one in our group recognises what it is capable of.
Also among the treasures are three Oils of Fiery Burning, two Potions of Fire Giant Strength, and three Potions of Fire Resistance. Given that I was able to take down the dragon with magical fire, it seems she was preparing to defend against anyone who would attempt to burn her out.
The dragons are dead, and their treasures now belong to us. The only thing that is left for us to do is to return to Nashkel. As we leave I turn to take one last look at the corpses of the wyrmlings.
While walking past their mother, Dorn is inspired to become a more fearful Blackguard. He tells me he will fight with a greater thirst for blood from this day forward. Perhaps he is jealous Conchobhair and I managed to slay the beast.
Gameplay Note
His Breath Weapon and Spells Saving Throws are improved by 1 point. His THAC0 is reduced by 1. He gains 9 Hit Points and 1 point of Lore.
When we leave the lair, we are approached by a large man wielding a spear. At first I think he is here to make an attempt on the dragon’s life, but it turns out he is bringing news from Nashkel.
Torquil: This is not a good day… I fear that bad times are upon us. I just heard that something horrible happened to mayor in Nashkel!
Once again we find ourselves rushing to get back to Nashkel. Poisoned mines and dragons may be gone, but the town’s troubles seem far from over.
We travel the whole day without taking pause for rest. When we reach Nashkel we find everyone going about their day without worry. News of Aegon Dragonslayer has already reached the town, and when we find Jeremy he welcomes us as heroes.
Jeremy: We heard the news! You killed the dragon I knew you would, I just knew it…I mean I was just telling the mayor that you were the bravest people I had ever met, killing a dragon and all. It’s just so exciting! I mean I’ve never known someone whe killed a dragon, heck I’ve never even seen a dragon…don’t want to either… You know…
He thanks us once again, and takes his leave. As we watch him walk across the bridge I notice Shar-Teel is looking at me.
She squints at me, as if I was a mortal enemy or something impossibly bright. I’m unsure what this is supposed to mean.
Now that the dragon is slain, the town is peaceful once again. Yet I had expected the people to be less calm. They had sent a messenger as far out as the dragon’s lair just to let us know the mayor was in trouble. Perhaps the mayor wants to keep it quiet, so as not to add to the worries of the town.
A quiet investigation is in order. We decide a good place to start would be to check if there are any new bounties. We walk back into to town and find Oublek.
Oublek: Ahh, my fine and honest friend. What can I do for you today?
Aegon: What bounties are currently unclaimed?
Oublek: There are no new bounties at this time. Off with you.
That was a strangely abrasive dismissal, but this is clearly a dead end. Whatever the mayor’s problem is, it doesn’t seem urgent. We are worn and tired from our travels, so we decide to rest at the inn before we continue our investigation.
While taking a drink before our rest, we learn that the Amnian soldiers are still stretched thin.
Amnian Soldier: We don’t have the manpower to patrol the mines, what with the problem of bandits up north.
Hopefully things will start to look up for the people of the town soon. Right now, all we can do is recover our strength to face tomorrow’s troubles.
Innkeeper : Ya should do yerself a favor and stay indoors tonight. I’ve heard of all sorts of weird things happening at night.
Aegon: What can you give me today?
19 Eleint 1368
Now that I am rested I am able to use the Weave to identify the axe we found in the dragon’s hoard. Known as The Furnace, it’s bright orange colour hints to its purpose. It is an enchanted axe that can be thrown and burns anything it strikes.
Now to find out what is happening with the mayor. We try Nalin, but he and Helm know nothing of the mayor’s problem. Karp only has time to worry about her crop. We decide to try the Belching Tavern to see if Volo knows anything, but he is but an encyclopaedia with little knowledge of people’s personal problems.
Volo: Well, hello again, my inquisitive friend, I trust you are enjoying the local color. I wonder, have you come to hear more about my journeys?
Aegon: Do you know where we can enhance our equipment in this area?
Volo: There’s no place from the Cloud Peaks to Waterdeep that I haven’t visited and described in detail in my books, my friend. The Thunderhammer Smithy at Beregost is renown for quality items and Taerom is a master of his.trade. Only surpassed by the famous Stuart of Baldur’s Gate who owns the Arms and Armour Emporium north of the Elfsong near the City’s Gate. Stuart can turn even the best of weapons into something better still.
Outside the tavern we see a woman stressing around her two children. She seems to be struggling, so I decide to approach and see if we can help her.
Mrs, Blackwood: Yes, my dear?
Aegon: I couldn’t help but overhear your sighing. It seems you need someone who would babysit your children, don’t you?
Mrs. Blackwood: Well, yes. That is actually true. You see, I have a very important appointment where I most surely can’t take any children along… You aren’t asking because you know someone appropriate, by any chance?
Aegon: l am a stranger, but seeing you in such a need, maybe I could take care of your children?
Mrs. Blackwood: You would? I… I mean, it wouldn’t take longer than half an hour… They are really lovely, only a bit… well, they keep you busy. Oh, I think I would love to accept your offer. You seem such a decent person… I’ve heard a lot of good about you lately. Tell me when you are ready, and I will leave the kids in your care. It won’t take longer than half an hour, I promise. Just be prepared… well, you won’t have much time to do anything else during that time.
Aegon: I will be ready right away. Sarah, Tom, would you stay with me for a moment while your mommy is away?
Mrs, Blackwood: You have no idea how much your kindness is helping me. Ah, before I forget: here is Tom’s bottle, and his toy. Just give it to him if he feels sad. Here is Sarah’s bottle, and her doll. Here is her coat. She refused to wear it.
She sighs.
Mrs, Blackwood: Maybe you can talk some sense into her. Ah, and some sweets, usually I don’t give them that much, but… well, it’ll keep them busy, for a while at least. Children, you better behave yourselves! Mommy will be back soon. Bye, my darlings! Thank you so much indeed. I’ll expect you to stay in this area, just, you know, to be sure.
She gives us a doll, a teddy bear, two milk bottles, a large collection of candy sweets, and Sarah’s coat before she leaves. As she walks away, Tom sucks on his thumb and Sarah looks like she’s about to cry.
From Aegon Dragonslayer to Aegon the Babysitter. The life of an adventurer is certainly full of surprising twists and turns…
