The Dalathan Campaign
Structure
Exposition
Tasked with the mission to assist with the settlement of the new frontier for the Kingdom of Azurite, Mystic Idrial Pan gathered agents that would be critical in achieving her goal. First her apprentice Shurok, though naive his experience with thievery and information gathering would prove useful in investigating the new land. Second was the monk from the temple of Azurite known as Jin Aran, his discipline and martial prowess would be an asset and spiritual ways would bring insight. Last is the ambassador from the Shadow Lands Azmith Telael, not only strengthening relations with the drow but as an expert on exotic cultures and his hellish magic would be needed in the event of hostiles.
Upon landing in the strange new land, Idrial and her agents were greeted by the council of the settlement. Leading the council was Sir Vavas Suboxath, a Knight of Silver Court and his other members. Dr Leoxian Kale, a medical practitioner and Azuritian. Tordek Eversharp, craftsman and dwarf of the Silver Mountains. Zendrey Tealeaf, Cartographer and female Halfing. During the council it is decided that building priotiy for the settlement would be focussed on a workshop to improve manufacturing of useable materials and a healing house to allow Dr Loexian to tend to the wounded and ill effectively. Tordek mentioned that most of the settlement was constructed using the ships used to travel to the new land, and more timber would be needed if they were able to build a full settlement. Idrial instructed Shurok, Jin and Azmith to find a suitable place in the surrounding area to build a timber mill. The Party agreed an set off north, while patrols were set out to investigate the west and south directions from the settlement.
A couple of hours north, Shurok, Jin and Azmith found a well made tree house made from from an old oak tree. Investigating the house they found that someone or something was living in there but there was no sign of anyone except a squirrel. In attempt to flush something out Shurok casted a firebolt into the tree house, in quick response the squirrel rushed to the flame and with arms waving a small rain cloud appeared above it and extinguished the fire. The squirrel then transformed in a beautiful human girl and proceeded to berate Shurok for attempting to burn down her house. Jin and Azmith were able to settle the girl as Shurok awkwardly apologized. The girl's name was Jade and was a druid who looked after the northern forest. The party spoke to Jade about their attentions and was happy to assist them. Jade then directed that Shurok, Jin and Azmith speak to the Dalathanines south, while she would introduce herself to the settlement.
The agents of Azurite traveled the forests for several hours encountering a variety of obstacles, most notably a fast moving river that almost claimed Azmith's life if not for the intervention of Shurok and Jin. Finding a small cave the group decided to rest for the night. Shurok covered the entrance of the cave in a thick spider web to prevent intruders while they rested. While Shurok and Jin slept, Azmith saw humanoid creatures shuffle around the cave entrance with growling red eyes. In the morning Azmith relayed what he saw to Shurok and Jin and the three continued north. Not long after setting out however the group was ambushed by a bunch of elves with arrows drawn, sensing hostility Jin suggested to Shurok and Azmith that they surrender. Agreeing the three were blind folded a taken to back to the elves camp.
Shurok, Jin and Azmith were taken to The Glade and were introduced to the Glade's Queen Valthana Ventris. She explained that her and her people were Wood Elves and are called Dalathanines, after the Region that was named Dalathan in honour of their first Glade king. Through further discussion Valthana discovered much about the three from Azurite and even deduced that what each of their flaws were. Seeing good in their hearts Valthana agreed to help the Settlement of Azurite, if they would complete a mission for her and in doing so Shurok and Azmith to prove their bravery and for Jin to conquer his fear of the unknown.
Conflict
And so Shurok, Jin and Azmith set off by the Glade Queen's request to vanquish a troll that made its lair in the Jade Swamp. Dry retching from its foul stench, the party found the troll asleep in the center of a disgusting pond. An ambush was set in motion as Azmith used his magics to confuse the creature, while Shurok and Jin at the ready to sneak attack using vials of oil. The battle began with the crackling of an eldritch blast from Azmith as both dagger and arrow were shot into the belly of the troll. With a mighty roar and large club in hand the troll swung out, battering away Jin. Shurok sensing an opportunist time to strike launches a firebolt at the fiend, setting his loin cloth alight and burning the beast. With their combined talents the party felled the troll and took its left arm as a trophy as proof that they had succeeded on their mission.
Returning back to The Glade, the party are met by Laucian Raethra who introduces himself as the Glade Watcher and congratulates them on killing the troll. Laucian escorts the Shurok, Jin and Azmith back to Queen Valthana Ventris while he explains how the Dalathanines have been able to stay hidden using illusion magic of the forest, in the form of crystals to blend them into the trees. Returning to the Queen, she introduces her daughters Tia and Dara Ventris. The Queen agrees to the alliance of the settlers from Azurite and the Dalathanines. Shurok is gifted the cloak of elvenkind to further improve his stealth, Jin is rewarded with the boots of elvenkind to assist out maneuvering his foes and Azmith was bestowed the Elvenchain to help guard him from vicious attacks. With the alliance formed the agents of Azurite journey back to settlement to inform the Idrial what they found.
Shurok, Jin and Azmith return to the to the settlement at dusk and inform Idrial about the Dalathanines and what they found in the forest. The party takes the time to recuperate and meet a pair of hunters named Percy and Perkins who welcomes them with drinks and a game of cards. During a few drinks they fill in the party of the attacks in the woods from creatures from green eyes and that
the workshop and healing house has been constructed. Jade also meets up with the group to inform that that she would assist in the healing house with Dr Leoxian Kale and gifts the players her special batch of healing potions.
As night fell and most of the settlers began to retire, a horn is sounded in the forest nearby as scouts run to the settlement warning of imminent attack. Orcs rush out from the forest as Idrial and Sir Vavas took the main force to defend the settlement, while Shurok, Jin and Azmith took a patrol to the other front to engage the war chieftain leading a sneak attack. The Orcs violently charged in as the guards of the settlement are tossed aside. To slow their advance Shurok and Azmith project wall illusions to fool the orcs, thus giving Jin the time to subdue the green skins. The ground shook as a larger orc emerged from the forest with a large axe in hand a rushed up towards the heroes. Jin fought the beast in single combat but quickly found he needed assistance as magical blasts and curses fell on the Orc. The Orc known as Dangokk of the Mighty Fist tribe unleashed a violent fury, that if not from the timely intervention of Percy and Perkins arrows would had spelled doom for Azmith. Power surged around Azmith as a great blast of magically energy exploded the head of Dangokk as the rest of the orcs fled the battle.
Achieving victory, Shurok, Jin and Azmith rest and later convene with Idiral and the council. Idrial and Sir Vavas managed to capture an Orc that they believe can be interrogated to learn more about the raiders and where they make camp. Sir Vavas mentions that he is concerned that the strength of these orcs was almost enough to destroy the settlement and feared this was only a scouting raiding party. The decision was left to the agents of Azurite, Jin making a judgement call that getting the Dalathanines to assist them in fending off the orcs would be there best chance for survival and they might perhaps know where they make camp. Before leaving to speak with the elves, the group go to see this Orc that was capture. Inside the prison tent lay dozens of chicken bones are a huge orc with three eyes welcome to three into his tent. The Orc named himself Gorebash and wouldn't agree to say anything without eating another chicken. After an awkward stand off with Shurok, he manages to find a chicken to Gorebash's liking. Gorebash says the name of his leader Rhukzun da Bone Cleaver, and that the only way they could beat the orcs is to slay the War Chief. But even if they did another orc would take his place. A plan was concocted that if Gorebash was the one to kill the War Chief then the orcs would be under his control. Keeping this in mind Jin spared the Orc, and he and Shurok and Azmith travelled back to the The Glade to inform Queen Valtana Ventris.
Rising Action
Returning to The Glade, Shurok, Jin and Azmith are greeted by Queen Valthana Ventris in which they inform her of their immediate threat of the Orcs. Valthana recalls to the party how the orcs have become a growing threat in the last several decades. Princess Dara mentions that her warriors would be able to assist but with the threat of the Ghouls they can't risk losing ground to the horrors. Azmith inquired about the Ghouls, with a sadden voice Valthana spoke of the invasion of the Ghouls. In the gold mines to the north there was an alliance between the Dalathanines and the gnomes that lived in the mountains. However they lost contact with them for a couple of months, Until Glade King Orion Ventris rallied an army to go a reestablish a connection. Only Laucian survived to tell of the kings demise. As penance for failing to protect the king, Laucian was named Glade Watcher to endlessly fight the ghouls until he one day could recover the king.
It was agreed that if Shurok, Jin and Azmith were able to destroy the ghouls for good and recover the remains of King Orion, then the Dalathanines would assist in fighting against the orcs. Princess Tia requested that Laucian join the party, so that his vow of vengeance could finally achieved. And so the Wood Elf ranger joined them with bow in hand and blades sharpened. With Laucian by their side, the agents of Azurite navigated the woods effortlessly. However they grew to notice that the flora around them was slowly turning more untamed and wild, while a great number of the forest creatures grew more hostile, bearing glowing green eyes. Arriving at the entry of the cave a strong stench of decay filled the air, the adventures traveled down the dark and snake like tunnels until to emerged into a large room with torch light and glowing mushrooms.
To the parties surprise, there seemed to be recently lit torches were placed leading up the the large collections of mushrooms on the higher end of the cavern. Deciding to investigate the party found a makeshift fort that was being assault by ravenous ghouls and giant spiders. With the sound of thunder the creatures were being sent hurling away from the structure. While dealing with the stragglers the group discovered that the gnomes were still alive and one of them had build a weapon that simulated raw lightning. Approaching the gnomes the party was welcomed as long lost friends as the gnomes brought them into their refuge. The one wielding the weapon introduced himself as Lonan Kazsu and welcome them to the Kingdom of the Gnomes, as the party witness are city with mushrooms the size of houses.
Lonan brought the party to his house and offered them tea while he explained how the gnomes had managed to survived several decades fending off the gnomes. Lonan was relieved when Jin told him that they had come to destroy the ghouls and free them from their prison. Lonan told the group that deep in the mines there remained the leader of the ghouls, a foul creature known as a ghast. If the ghast were to be killed, then the ghouls would all crumble to dust and they would be free. Armed with this knowledge and some of Lonan's experimental items, Shurok, Laucian, Jin and Azmith set out again to go into the deepest depths of the mines to slay the ghast and free the gnomes.
Following a trail of gold, the party made their way through several groups of ghouls. Shurok had taken a serious wound from one of the ghouls that almost set him into shock, luckily from the timely assistance of Laucian, he used his magics to heal the wound. Entering the darkest depths the party came before a fell green pool with more giant spiders and ghouls around it. Azmiths eldritch magic tore them apart, as Jin used his martial skills to crush bone and send them hurling into the caverns below. Shurok finding his confidence used the new explosive tip arrows that Lonan had gifted him to blow enemies apart, as Laucian reaped a bloody path with a single goal in mind to find the ghast.
As the Shurok, Jin and Azmith caught up the Laucian they found a idol made of rock, gold and bone that seemed to be in the shape of a dragons skull. Below this idol was a bounty of treasure, and to Laucian's horror the desecrated remains of King Orion. From the shadows finally appeared the ghast, with haunting glowing green eyes the fiend launched at Shurok but was stopped in its tracks by both Jin and Azmith. Laucian charged at the creature with pure rage and swiftness dismembered the creatures right arm. Shurok followed up with an explosive tip arrow sending the creature against its idol, allowing Jin with a round house kick to dislocate the ghast's jaw. This opportunity allowed gave Laucian the vengeance he sought as he drove his blade into the creatures black heart and with his other hand relieved it of it's head.
With victory there's and the remaining ghouls crumbling to dust, the party looked over the treasure guarded by the ghouls. Jin managed to find an ornate sword that he showed Laucian. Laucian burst into tears as the sword had belong to King Orion, seeing the importance of the sword to Laucian, Jin gifted the sword to him as a way of finding closure in that his vow had ended. Laucian thanked Shurok, Jin and Azmith for their deeds and vowed that he would be forever in their debt. Along with the gold, Azmith found an odd ring that had a brain caved into its gold crown. Upon wearing it Azmith felt strange, as though his mind was no longer alone but the presence seem to be dormant
The party returned to Lonan, who seeing that they had succeeded in slaying the ghast spread the word that a great festival was to be had. Lonan treated the party as royal guests and forced them to participate in a number of different games and contests. Shurok excelled at the card games with his quick hands and they all tried their luck in the grand mushroom eating challenge. The final contest was Jin against Lonan personal mechanical golem that he had build. After a action packed brawl, Jin was victories and Lonan gifted him his prize of gloves that channeled lightning with each punch. Gnomes named Jin the Lightning Brawler.
Succeeding in destroying the ghouls, finding King Orion's sword and the added bonus of rediscovering the gnomes, the party was in high spirits. Their joy would soon turned to caution as before them stood a seven foot humanoid dragon covered in green scales and unlike anything any of them had ever seen before. The creature announced that the party had been interfering with its mother's plan. The creature calling itself Toxan then threaten that in his mother's name Falera he would slaughter the party. In a chaotic battle Toxan used a variety of poison and acid based attacks, and even his very skin was dangerous to make contact with. Eventually Toxan was defeated, but his body was swallowed up by the earth, leaving no trace for the party to follow.
The party return to the Glade, were Laucian presents the sword of King Orion to Queen Valthana who relives him of his vow and awards him the title of Glade Prince. Azmith asks the Valthana about the appearance of creatures that have had glowing green eyes, including the orcs that attacked the settlement, the Ghast and the creatures of the forest. Jin also mention that they encountered a humanoid dragon that mention the name Falera. Valthana explained that centuries ago a there was a war between elves and demons that had great causalities and forced them to abandon their great fortress to the north. Reports from scouts indicate that a Green Dragon that taken up residence in the old fortress for the last forty years. Jade the Druid had warned the Dalathanines that a Green Dragon had the power to influence lesser creatures with its will and force them to do its bidding. However Elves seem to be immune to its influence.
Identifying the true enemy, the party still needed to deal the orcs. Laucian requested to lead the force of elves to assist in the battle against the orcs, which Valthana granted. While the war host was prepared Shurok, Jin and Azmith returned to the settlement to find that the settlement was beginning to look like a small fishing village and familiar laughter could be heard from inside the structure named the Drunken Toad. Inside the group reunited with Percy and Perkins, surrounded by dozens of droughts of ale. The loudest of them though was a silver beard Dwarf who introduced himself as the great Dain Silvermain, Thane of the Silver mines of Azurite. He had come to Azurite to split some orc skull and earn glory for his clan.
That following evening as the elven war host lead by Laucian arrived in settlement, a war council was held to discuss what was the best action to defeat the orcs and to deal with the Green Dragon Falera. It was agreed that Laucian would lead his war host in the forest outside the settlement to ambush the orcs and attack them using the trees. By weakening the horde Sir Vavas and Dain Silvermane would lead the Azurite army at the front while Mystic Idrial hid magic traps to disrupt the orcs advance. The agents of Azurite were tasked with assassinating the orc war chieftain, Jin remember that they would need a orc to to take its place that they could trust. The party along with Dain Silvermane went to see the imprisoned Gorebash, with Shurok bringing along a chicken as a peace offering.
The Party discussed with Gorebash a plan to defeat Rhukzun da Bone Cleaver, by having Gorebash be the one to kill and in so doing become to new War Chief. It was decided that the best way would be to sneak into the orc horde during the battle and target Rhukzun directly. With Shurok's magic, he and Jin would be disguised as orc to help blend in and Azmith would use his gifts from Lolth to take on his spider form to serve as a mount for Gorebash. With the plan worked out, the agents would leave with Gorebash at dawn to infiltrate the horde. After their meeting, Shurok, Jin and Azmith are taken a side by Jade, who looks incredibly fearful.
Climax
Jade quietly explains to Shurok, Jin and Azmith that they need to investigate an ancient tomb north of the settlement. Jade regales a story that the Dalathanines imprisoned the evil of their kind in the tombs, so that their spirits would be forever trap. These spirits were responsible for opening the portal to the Abyss that led the great demon Baphomet to the Region of Dalathan hundreds of years ago. The elves has hidden this place away with the same magics used to disguise The Glade, but something has uncovered it and the spirits within are attempting to escape their prison. With urgency the party ventured north to prevent the spirits from being released.
Shurok, Jin and Azmith entered the tomb and found that tiny green humanoids were found dead, attempting to leave the tomb in a hurry these creatures looked similar to goblins but almost like smaller versions of Toxan. As Shurok move further in to investigate the floor broke away, sending the party falling into different areas of the dark tomb. Azmith awoke, to find that ghouls were near him feasting on the tiny green creatures flesh. Using his power of invisibility, he used the shadows to silently take out the ghouls. Jin, sprang to his feet to find that the door beyond him was infested with hundreds of hungry rats. Using a torch and his ability to run across walls, Jin managed to navigate pass the rats with no harm to himself. Finally Shurok found himself in a room with a green glowing orb. Shurok lust for treasure got the best of him and took the orb for himself. Touching the orb, Shurok felt a strange sensation as his nails turned green he was compelled to keep the orb on him.
Overcoming the trials of the dark, the party manages to reunite. They investigated all the rooms in the tomb and destroyed every evil spirit that they encountered as their bones were laid to rest. The three managed to find brass keys that were used to enter the final room to the tomb. Azmith deciphered that the name on the door was marked as The Traitor, and from within green glowing magic swelled from the center sarcophagus. The Traitor's spirit arose as a vengeful spirits that summoned his servants around him. Shurok, Jin and Azmith were surrounded by all sides and were about to be overwhelmed. Jin seeing an opportunity to break out, launched himself at The Traitor and unleashed a flurry of blows are the full force of the charge gloves were sent into the specter sending a great shock wave across the tomb. When the dust settled, The Traitor and his follows were gone and the magic that was emitting from the tomb was gone. Achieving their task the party returned to the settlement to prepare for the battle ahead.
Shurok, Jin and Azmith return to the settlement and Jade rewards them with items that will help them in the battle ahead. After a quick sleep, the party sets off before dawn with Gorebash to attempt to infiltrate the Orc horde. As the sun rises at dawn the first wave of orcs rushes through the forests outside of settlement and met by Laucian and his elven army. Even with the surprise attack, this did little to slow the orcs as they ran through the Dalathanines with little effort and contact was loss from Laucian. Rushing towards the front line, the soldiers of Azurite held firm with Sir Vavas and Dain Silvermane rally the troops. The Orcs smashed and ran through the front line and seriously injured Sir Vavas. Dain Silvermane swung into a fury and held back the orcs are as long as he could as Idrial readied her magics to push back the tide of orcs. With the front line looking dire, Shurok, Jin, Gorebash and Azmith would need to succeed in their plan.
Making their way through the tide of orcs, Gorebash is brought before Rhukzun da Bone Cleaver with glowing green eyes and challenges him to one of one combat. With each blow Azmith helped as Gorebash's mount to find Rhukzun's weak spots, while Shurok and Jin as orcs in disguised attempted to hype the orcs to cheer for Gorebash. The fight was blow for blow even, but Gorebash managed a lucky strike that sent Rhukzun hurling to the ground. However Rhukzun rose up and smashed Gorebash to the ground. The party looked in horror as their plan was about to fail, but then Gorebash let out a mighty roar and threw his axe and decapitated Rhukzun as he head rolled across the ground. Gorebash lifted Rhukzun's head above him and declared that he was now their war chief as the orcs roared with a mighty approval.
Gorebash declared that the horn be sounded for the withdraw of the orcs from the battle. Gorebash announces that the humans and elves aren't the real enemy and that they were being controlled by a Green Dragon that hides in the fortress to the south. The Orcs retreated with anger being tricked into a weak fight and returned to the to their war camp to prepare killing the dragon. Gorebash thanks Shurok, Jin and Azmith for helping him achieve becoming the new War Chief and honouring jis word would agree to attack the fortress tomorrow as the sun hit the center of the sky. Winning the battle the party returns to the settlement to celebrate victory, however there would be no time to be joyful.
Falling Action
Resolution
With Falera defeated, Shurok, Jin and Azmith held their wounds and looked upon the treasure hold of the dragon. They had enough time to pick through a few trinkets as the tower began to collapse beneath them. in the skies a familiar site as Laucian and Dara descended while riding the great owls gifted to the party by Queen Valathana. Surok, Jinn and Azmith were brought before the Alliance as all of their allies cheered "Victory, Praise Shurok, Jin and Azmith, The Dragon Slayers, The Saviours of Dalathan!". Celebrations halted as Gorebash and his Orcs were seen standing against the Alliance. Gorebash raised his great axe. “For not Orcs these shorties, pointy ears, ummunies fought well. But those three, remember their faces lads, for ya refar to them each as, SAROCK , JAN, ARKMATH … DA DRAGON WRECKAS!” as the Orcs gave out a mighty cheer alongside the alliance.
A great celebration is had back at the Glade. Queen Valthana brings the Glade alive with bright lights and beautiful flowers. Lonan sets off magical fireworks into the night sky as Dain Silvermane shares his best brew of ale along with Dara latest batch of wine. Laucian confesses his love for Tia and with Valthana’s blessing, proposes to her and she embraces him and accepts his proposal. And finally Jade joins the party, recovering from the poisons from Toxan. Jin managed to find Percy now with a new prosthetic arm and sharing a beer with Dain. Jin tells Percy that they avenged Perkins as the two drink in honour of the fallen. Shurok spends some time with Jade to see that she has recovered and finally apologies for attempting to burn her house down. And Azmith makes the time to find Valathana to explain that he found King Orion still alive, but trapped inside his ring.
The next few days Shurok, Jin and Azmith celebrated and feasted with their allies they made while traveling Dalathan. A week goes by and returning to the Glade was the wedding of Princess Tia and Laucian. After the ceremony a council is held to decide what to do with the green orb. After a long debate the council decided to rebuild the Green Fortress and store the orb there for protection. Azmith returnd the ring containing King Orion to Queen Valathana so she can finally unite with her husband.
That night, Azmith is transported to the realm of the Demon Webs with Lolth waiting for him. Lolth thanks Azmith for obtaining the purple crystal from the dragon's hold and wishes to reward him. But Lolth can’t help but notice that Azmith’s deeds have been good in nature, which caused doubt for her servant's motives. Lolth gave Azmith a choice, either continue to worship her but every day Azmith will need kill and feed on a mortal soul or lose one year of his life. Azmith will no longer suffer from age so long as he continued to kill. Or forsake Lolth's worship and lose all of his gifts. Azmith would be forever marked by Lolth and hexed with a curse that no other drow may sacrifice him in her name or they would also be claimed. Azmith considerd for a while the choice he had to make. Azmith then remembered the journey he had been on and the friends he has made and decided to relinquish his powers to prevent another monster from being born. Lolth laughs and takes the crystal, Azmith was stripped of all his powers and marked forever by Lolth, who sends him back to the mortal plain.
A week goes by and it seems that peace has once again returned to the land of Dalathan and the settlement that Shurok, Jinn, Idrial and Azmith set out to help build was finally being established with all the allies they made on the way. Sir Vavas returned back to Azurite to the Silver Court to recover from his wounds. Percy still dealing with the lose of Perkins, decided to take the opportunity to join the bard's college in Azurite to spread the tale of the Dragon Slayers. Dain Silvermane helped to reestablish the gold mines with Lonan and brainstorm new inventions to be built. Jade decided to live in the settlement in Dalathan and enchanted the soil so that the next harvest will be plentiful.
With there journey completed Idrial thanks the heroes and awards them with titles to help build the new community. Shurok stays with the settlement and continues to assist Idrial with the construction of the community. He is given the title Minister of Finance. Jin remains in Dalathan and dedicated his time to build a temple of worship, he is given the title Minister of Tradition and Religion. And finally Azmith stays in the settlement and is offered the title of Minister of Occult Research, so that he may find a way to obtain a power greater than a deity but also to protect those he has grown to care about. And so begins the story of the Dragon Slayers of Dalathan.
Shurok Sai Jin Aran Azmith Telael
Minister of Finance Minister of Tradition and Religion Minister of Occult Research
Relations
Protagonists
Allies
Adversaries
Backdrops
Locations
- The Azurite Settlement
- The Glade
- Jade's Treehouse
- The Gold Mines
- The Gnome kingdom
- Tomb of the Damned
- The Green Forest
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