Khûm – Chapter 18

"Spring of 68. Snowperch.
Wonder why Remorhaz would come to me now. Wonder what provoked that. Wonder what's got his mind cast back to early days, to that old campaign that first fused us together into a company.
Know things is touchy right now with that girlfriend of his. Know the Iron Word brings up uncomfortable memories for him and me and hell all us old-timers. Know the Commander's catching up with her old friend, that bottle.
Whatever the reason, can't say I recommend the strategy, especially now, on the eve of great battle. Now's a time for looking forward, when each soldier's gotta look to their own arms, their own comrades, their own ends, if they hope to live to see tomorrow.
And Remorhaz is looking backward.
Come to think on it, you know what I bet it is? He's thinking about fire."
 – Beholder's Log, 60th of Hemson, Year 68 of the Second Age of Ondûn

All that remained now was to send Zhoraska the Red Matron a message that would goad her into unwise battle.
There was some contention about what manner of message to send. It was Mouse stratagem to lie to the dragon, claiming to be Brother Sorav of the Mystriarchy and that they'd imprisoned Dûnya Dragonbane in an effort to offer her peace. Griffon objected, feeling this was dishonorable, but he was ultimately outvoted. Remorhaz penning the deception, they attached the note to the Messenger and loosed the shaft in Zhoraska's direction.
It was simply a matter of hours before they knew whether their gamble paid off.
Before descending to their battle positions, Mouse entrusted the captive Xerk with their blue dragon's egg and cemented their loyalty. Down in the cellars beneath Timberhall, Griffon attempted to cheer up his mother, only to learn that Chimera was considering retirement after this contract was completed. Remorhaz asked Beholder about his log and Umber finally shared a tender moment with Dûnya, her wistful for the adventurous life he'd led.
On great leathern wings, Zhoraska the Red Matron flew towards Snowperch, tempted into battle by the forged letter. Bellowing challenges, she was met with dragonslaying bolt after dragonslaying bolt, fired from Willow and Khosava Bracebow at the Messenger. It was the third and final dragonslayer that brought the wyrm low, ripping through her wing and sending her plummeting to the ground. Sheltering in the cellars below, Chimera gave one final speech to her troops, encouraged by Griffon, and led the charge up to face the beast in battle.
Though downed, Zhoraska was far from defeated. Roaring up to her full height, she presented quite the challenge to not merely the Menagerie but also Nolqa and the dwarves of Clan Axebite, ready for vengeance for their destroyed home. What's more, she came with two packs of Kobold guerillas, hidden in the trees, firing from cover and only revealed by the company's scouts. At the last moment, a flight of giant eagles descended from on high to attack the kobolds and drive them back into the forest.
The fighting on the ground was no less fierce. Zhoraska targeted Dûnya, the object of her wrath, and scorched the dwarven queen twice with her unquechable breath, badly burning the monarch. Umber, Griffon and Remorhaz fought for their very survival, cut, claws burnt and slapped by her mighty tail. Mouse, meanwhile, hugged the edges of the battle and shouted intimidation to the kobold guerillas, threatening them with the name Cuatsada.
It was Griffon and his fresh-forged Tinderblade that dealt the slaying blow, sliding beneath the dragon to open her belly with its bone blade. as the dragon thudded to the earth, however, few noticed the fire that still burned in the ancient wyrm's eye. She would not prove so easily bested.

Campaign: The Menagerie
Game Date: Hemson 60, 68 2A
Starting Point: Snowperch
Characters Present:

• Griffon
• Mouse
• Remorhaz
• Umber