Keep on the Borderlands: Session 16: Dragon's Lair

[theotherMike]

Session 16: Dragon's Lair

Having reached their destination, the party had nothing left to do but take on the dragon, Vermastyx. Despite all the horrible stories, and lore surrounding the beast, they ventured into her lair. Upon entering, they noticed that it was devoid of any life. The only sign of recent activity was in the form of a freshly chewed corpse, which the Lizardfolk had offered to the dragon earlier.

They searched the cavern, but there wasn't any sign of the dragon. They were beginning to believe she had fled her hovel, when the dwarf fighter noticed a deep hole beneath the stream flowing through the cave. As he stepped up to investigate it, Vermastyx burst from the hole and attacked. She moved in quick, immediately striking at two of the closest of her foes. Taken by surprise, the party was beat back.

This advantage didn't last long, as the sword-mage quickly used his powers to pull the dragon into the middle of the party's clutches. The dragon, seeing that she was overwhelmed, brought forth Acid Echoes to aid her and bolted down another hole. She emerged from another hole behind the party and used her surprise advantage to deal some damage to the grouped enemies. The sword-mage again knocked her off balance and brought her into the middle of things.

She quickly became angered and lashed out at the sword-mage, dealing a deadly blow. The party watched as he fell, and was devoured by Vermastyx. Letting out cries of vengeance, the party launched themselves at her, battering her to within an inch of her life.

Seeing that she was out matched, she attempted to flee, but as she bolted for the exit, the two dwarves took the opportunity to deal the finished blows. The final strike happened as the fighter launched himself onto the back of the beast and buried his axe into the skull of the dragon.

After they were able to gather their wits, they found a mound of treasure including gold, magic armor, a magic maul, and the Serpent's Eye. This was little consolation for the loss of their companion, but they had to press on, and return to Restwell Keep to inform Lord Dreysdale of the events that occurred. He listens to their story, and tells them they must rest. They will need their energy for the coming battle.