Khûm – Chapter 13

"Spring of 68, Second Age. Snowperch.
At long last. Good to feel solid stone beneath my feet, to know that wind and snow and poisoned arrows are kept at bay by thick dwarven walls.
Flip back a few pages in this log, read the entries where we was marching north and you’ll know me for the naive fool that I was. This’s more what I figured awaited us at the end of that long march – not a haunted forest, a cold camp and a colder welcome.
Here, in this impenetrable fortress, we’re more than a match for any dragon. Send that winged worm at us now and see how she fares against steel and stone and showers of dwarven arrows.
The Commander’s Tent slew the pup on their own; what’s the mother, when we have an army, a fortress, a queen and a dragon-killer like we’ve got on the roof?
An easy payday, that’s what."
–Beholder's Log, Hemson 53 68 2A

Three more days pass before the queen's arrival. In that time, Mouse questioned Khosava about crafting them some wings, Umber harassed a suddenly reclusive Brother Sorav and Remorhaz confronted Griffon about Stirge during an early morning sparring match. They clashed on the rooftop of the stronghold and, while Remorhaz ultimates bested Griffon in combat, he agreed he shoudl've informed them sooner. Together, they went to tell Chimera.
Chimera, of course, took it poorly and they argued for sometime. She wished to send Harpy to track her down and, when the company couldn't dissuade her, the worg made haste. Remorhaz spoke to him before he could, however, and suggested that he perhaps "lose" the trail along the way. Umber offered his misplaced condolences, knowing how Griffon "cared" for Stirge, and Griffon grew increasingly frustrated when his mother offered similar sympathies.
Finally, after much trial and tributation, Dûnya Dragonbane arrived at Snowperch. She was not welcomed, however, for Commander Chimera worked the gate that morning and in the queen's company came Yorgos of Nyre and one hundred of his Iron Word mercenaries. It took the party's intervention to cool all the heads necessary and Yorgos retired down the hill to the Menagerie's old campsite to await Chimera's time.
In a whirlwind, Dûnya entered Snowperch, shaking hands and making plans. Griffon noticed that Makem the Mumbler hung back and approached him about his apprehensions. He heard the tale of how the dragonslayers did not seem to escape the Sanctum in Stone – all save Nebez Queenshadow, the Poet-Errant – but knew not what to make of this. When Umber found the queen later, she almost refused to see him but he managed to charm his way into her chamber. Stressed from her travels, she begged his leave and he took it, promising to reconnect when the battle with the dragon was finally won.
At the council of war, Dûnya made clear her plan. She wished to lure Zhoraska to Snowperch, in range of the Messenger, and attempt to shoot the dragon from the air. The Commander expressed anxiety at this plan, fearful that all her soldiers were useless inside the fortress. The thane's apprentice and representative – Zazav Bracebow – agreed, stating that it was the thane's wish that no fighting should occur here. After consulting Khosava on the ballista's range, the council came to their decision – they would lure the dragon, precisely as Dûnya suggested, but when she fell, the company would spring on her from hiding and attack her on the ground, near the Menagerie's old camp.
Hoisting their tankards in celebration of this plan, the council of war was stunned to discover their drink poisoned. While most managed to fend away the effect, Dûnya herself was immediately turned to stone before their very eyes.

Campaign: The Menagerie
Game Date: Hemson 53 – 55, 68 2A
Starting Point: Roofbeams 
Player Characters:

• Griffon
• Mouse
• Remorhaz
• Umber