A long awaited dragon-hunt Report

General Summary

Nurse Nancy visits Burt's current resting place at the Shrine of Sloth; a large temple dedicated to keep the recently passed under a gentle repose, should someone soon be able to revive them. She talks to Gale, one of the clerics there, and witnesses one of the other corpses being removed after being long overdue a resurrection. Walking back to town she hears her name called out.

Thava III and his merry band of hunters celebrate landing a second job at the Bell Bear Bar. As they try to recruit more members for their new dragon hunt, they get recommended Ick, a lizardfolk sitting alone in a corner. Vowing to kill the dragon, they join the hunters. Into the tavern walks Constable Viera, leader of the city guard. He has brought Nancy, and asks the hunters to meet up soon at the docks.

In the cheapest spot at the port of Bilrão lies a small experimental ship. Cathrine works on her projects, which right now means a large cannon mounted in the middle of the ship. The captain, Lineas Beck, ensures her that despite their artificer firm losing both members and income daily since their leader disappeared, he finally has found a way out. The rest arrives then, and constable Viera can confirm he'll invest in the artificers should they lend their ship and artillery. The final member of the hunt comes riding down the port, as Tragalor brings his horse Betsy on board. With their mission, a ship and a kobold prisoner for information, they set off.

On the open sea, Ick uses druidic mist to make the boat stealthier and their perception sharper. Nancy uses a zone of truth to interrogate the kobold, who blurts out he believes there to be several dragons roaming the southern cliffs. He also mentions that he never actually met the dragon he serves, and only delivers plundered treasures to the ''big man''. When asked about his name, he decides to take the name Reagan, in honor of his Re(d) (Dr)ag(o)n master. The boat passes by another vessel, a privateer on a similar mission, but way better equipped. They sail the opposite direction, sending a message that they have captured sea-elf pirates in the area.

Eventually, on the second night, the party spots the silhouette of a dragon. Far above some coastal cliffs in the far south. As they approach, aiming the main cannon directly at it, the silhouette stops mid air. As they near it, they hear sounds of clashing metal and spot sporadic lights down by the shore-line. Cathrine takes a shot at the dragon, and it is properly confirmed it is an illusion. When approaching the shore, the party spots three ships in combat with each other. The middle ship is on fire, being boarded by two smaller vessels. With some druidic stealth and quick judgement, the party manages to sneak up within range of their cannon and spells before the kobolds manning the closest ship notices.

Cathrine launches another round of flak, tearing through the kobolds' ranks. Thava loosens arrows that split into splinters, and Ick summons a lightning storm which picks of dragon-minion after dragon-minion. Tragalor's rifle finds its mark as well, before the enemies finally regain some control. Preparing to board, the kobolds toss hooks to the Iron Keel, with partial success. It is then their leader reveals himself: A huge goliath monk, with dragon-scales grafted into his impressive deltoids, biceps and... well, his arm-muscles. Jumping accross to their boat, the commander of the kobolds quickly starts going after Thava and Nancy, and he is joined by a young dragon, barely a hatchling. 

Thava goes straight for the dragon's throat with his axes, but the mastiff-sized reptile is quick, and exhales a plume of fire. Luckily, Thava is built different, and shakes it off. Nancy summons her radiant Yondalla worshipping guardian spirits, and starts hacking at the goliath monk. Tragalor provides cover-fire, with some hickups, and Cathrine joins the firing line. As the kobolds slowly pulls the two boats together with some help of a monk apprentice, the party quickly deals with the reinforcements too. As the battle starts tipping in the party's favour, the monk launches his hatchling ward accross the ship in a tag team attack, before being brought low by rifleshots and a thunderwave, sending him off the boat to a watery grave. The kobolds summon a fog cloud to obscure the dragon, which goes after the party's backline in the confusion. 

In a desperate gamble, the dragon hatchling tries to fly away in the smoky cover. With few foes remaining, the party takes shot after shot, and with Ick's earthbind, the target drops to the water. Still alive, the dragon struggles to free itself, before Ick jumps in and transforms to a... you guessed it... Reef Shark. 
Wings thrash about, eyes struggle to adjust. The greenish depths betray distance, and a shadow lurks between kelp and algae. Before the hatchling can break free, row upon row of white sharp swords tear into its flank. Shaken around in a vicious fury... Then the shadow disappears... A second, two, three... Six seconds to bleed before the same bloodthristy maw takes another go. 
Nancy stands on deck, all she can see is red water. Thava lets out a victorious growl, finally he shall be known as hunter of bigger game!

As the party stands victorious, they tend to the wounded, gathering the rest of the crew that had been busy... fending for themselves or something. It is then swift work to deal with the remaining kobold ship, though its deserters are hard to get a hold of. As the lawmen of the Iron Keel decides what to do with kobold and pirate prisoners alike, the party prepares for a journey back to Bilrão as victorious dragon hunters.

Rewards Granted

A bounty of gold for the battle   Some loot (TBA) from the wreckages plundered

Missions/Quests Completed

Killed a kobold illusionist behind the projection of an adult dragon   Murdered a red dragon hatchling and its ward, presumed to be behind the actual dragon attacks

Character(s) interacted with

Constable Viera of Bilrão guard   Gale the clerical undertaker   Reagan the kobold of wavering faith   Cpt. Lineas Beck of the Iron Keel and Keelsteeler Krewe