Jinx OOtA 9 - An Ancient Black Dragon

Some time back, it seemed like months ago but it was really only a few weeks ago, we had run across an ancient black dragon but were able to get out of having to battle it. We had seen it from far enough away that we escaped that ordeal.   Well guess what? We left with our angel feathers and were going to look for the Maze Engine. But our journey was interrupted when we ran into that ancient black dragon again. I was determined to do something good during this dragon battle. I was still smarting from that battle we had had with the red dragon.   The difference this time is that I had a broom of flying plus we had just found a pocket castle known as Daern's Fortress. I had this great idea and I thought everybody would be impressed with how smart I was.   First, Eldredge unfurled his banner because it gave everybody courage. Kromdar used a spell that gave him protection from energy. We got our stuff ready and when I got to go, I flew right to the dragon and dropped Daern's fortress hoping it would knock him out. Instead, I ended up standing on top of the fortress frightened and couldn't get any closer to the dragon. I was really upset but at least I wasn't getting half melted like Eldredge.   Huldir did a whole lot of damage with his dwarven thrower and Eldredge did a whole lot of damage with Eldritch blast. All I could do is keep trying to become unfrightened and it never worked.   I think Huldir got over 100 points of damage with that dragon. He redeemed himself with the dragon battle but I didn't. Still, he was acting so weird. He kept giggling and acting like this was all some kind of game.   Eldredge was acting like he wanted to kill the dragon by himself. Between him and Huldir, I think they could have killed it on their own.   It was hard for me to watch. I felt totally useless. I was totally useless!   If Huldir doesn't quit this whole giggling thing, I'm going to slap him and see if it helps.   This battle with a dragon was worse than the first one. I couldn't do a thing but try magic missile from my frightened position as far away from the dragon as I could get. I watched my comrades kill the dragon but it took a long time and a lot of effort. I'd like to say we killed the dragon but they did.   I think Kromdar got the killing blow.   Huldir carved up the dragon trying to get some scales to make armor or something with. He found a stone of Ioun inside the dragon. We're thinking that it could come in handy later.