After the Dragon's Fall

The Expedition to the Dragon’s Lair

The Expedition to the Dragon’s Lair marks a pivotal moment in the adventurers' journey as they sought to uncover the mysteries behind the zombified green dragon Gnaw Bones and the ominous prophecy revealed by Selûne. What began as a mission to heal and recover in Phandalin quickly evolved into an urgent quest to close an unknown breach of darkness before it unleashed greater evils upon the world.

Journey to the Dragon’s Lair

Following their heroic defeat of Gnaw Bones, the adventurers turned their attention to aiding the wounded in Phandalin. Olaf found solace in discovering that his friend and local hero Horus had survived alongside his family. Amid the devastation, the party salvaged pieces of the fallen dragon, believing them vital for future battles.

However, lingering questions remained—why had the dragon attacked, and what dark forces had reanimated it? Seeking answers, the adventurers resolved to find Gnaw Bones’ lair and uncover the truth. With this renewed sense of purpose, they departed from Phandalin and set out on their expedition.

The Troll Ambush

Setting out for the dragon’s lair, the adventurers came upon a gruesome sight: an eviscerated bear, its remains a grim warning. Before they could react, three hulking trolls emerged from the trees, their eyes gleaming with malice.

The ensuing battle was fierce:

Zeromas cast haste on Fjord, enhancing his rage-fueled attacks.
Fjord, emboldened, struck a troll with a devastating warpick blow, shattering its jaw.
Zeromas unleashed a fireball, engulfing the trolls in flames and revealing their vulnerability to fire.
Jember, firing from a concealed vantage, loosed a volley of fire arrows into their regenerating bodies.
Gregory’s eldritch blasts tore into the creatures, leaving them seared and staggering.
Olaf wielded his spiritual hammer, delivering crushing divine blows.

The battle reached its climax as Zeromas continued his relentless assault of fire bolts, ensuring the trolls could not regenerate. One by one, they fell to ash, securing the party’s victory.

Arrival at the Dragon’s Lair

Their path cleared, the adventurers pressed on and arrived at Gnaw Bones’ lair, where they encountered their old ally, Dr. Illara Gladstone. She had begun an archaeological expedition with the aid of a reformed goblin clan, led by none other than Bizzo, the former warlord. The goblins, now loyal to their leader, sang praises of Bizzo as they assisted in uncovering the lair’s hidden history.

The Hidden Stairwell

As the party ventured deeper, Fjord’s memories stirred when he noticed a carving of a fish over a mountain surrounded by nine stars. Something about this symbol tugged at his past, recalling childhood games in these very tunnels.

Upon entering Bizzo’s throne room, the goblin leader greeted them warmly. However, Fjord felt an inexplicable pull toward the throne. With a friendly greeting, he lifted Bizzo from his seat. The moment his hands touched the throne, ancient runes flared white-hot, illuminating the dark chamber. The ground trembled as the throne slid away, revealing a hidden stairwell descending into the depths.

With the party standing at the edge of this unknown abyss, the next chapter of their adventure awaited—what secrets lay beneath the dragon’s lair?