Play Session 3/14/22 - A Charming Forest Town

The group, pressing into the Misty Forest, comes across the village of Altand. With its trees draped in rope bridges, boardwalks, and homes, Altand is one of the few villages left unscathed by the dragon attacks.   As soon as the villagers see them, they react defensively to the sight of Gojira, a dragonborn. Jil takes Goji’s hand, and Robin explains their mission from the Council to the local guard. Ilphas, the captain of the guard, examines their writ, and allows the group to ask questions of the crowd.   The group learns from a fellow guard, Azaryan, that a dark green dragon, its rider, and various dragonborn soldiers attacked Altand a few months ago. The insurgents killed the local mage leader and many other civilians. After the dragon-folk abruptly left, they laid many other surrounding towns low, often leaving no survivors. Galen, dubbed Warden of the Forest, has assumed leadership of Altand since the fray.   Due to the timing of these attacks, the group wonders if they are tied to the Drakhorn. They also wonder if there may be a green dragon mask located in the area, preventing the insurgents from completely destroying Altand. Robin wonders if the dragon-folk or working with someone in the village.   Jil asks Ilphas if she can speak with a town elder, hoping to get a hint as to where a green mask might be located. Ilphas arranges a meeting at the home of Galin between himself, the group, Galin, and Thalawn, a respected town elder.   After some dizzying elevators and boardwalks, the group meet Galin and Thalawn, an elderly female elf. Jil makes her introductions to Galin’s pet raven, Archie, and Robin begins asking questions.   Upon asking about a green dragon mask, it becomes clear to the group that Galin is withholding information from Robin. Taking a risk, Jilfaen casts Charm Person on the three leaders, all successful, and the truth is revealed. Galin, during the initial dragon attack after seeing his wife die, makes a deal with the dragon and its Wyrmspeaker. In turn for preserving his village, Galin will provide the Wyrmspeaker with information about surrounding towns for the dragons to focus their attacks. Galin continues to meet with the Wyrmspeaker multiple times a week, but has no further attacks planned. He remarks how they are both wet when they meet.   The group is shocked, and Gojira has to quickly restrain Ilphas, who is furious at Galin’s actions. Thalawn, although saddened, remarks how Galin has saved her life and many others by his deeds. Jil drops the charm on Thalawn and Ilphas.   The group then debates over what is to be done. Conversation goes back and forth between an ambush strategy, and plans for the leaders of Altand. Ultimately, it is decided that the team will formulate an ambush on the dragon and the Wyrmspeaker with the help of the local guard and druids from the surrounding forest.   Jil advises Thalawn and Ilphas to find another person to help them lead in a trifecta, but says that Galin’s actions will be kept secret until the ambush plan. Before leaving, she remarks to Galin that his actions were wrong, but she is unsure if she would’ve done differently. She says, “I am taking Archie. And if you do anything to hurt my family, I will hurt yours.”   The group exits, and Jil assures Archie that she will never actually hurt him.   They make a plan to split up; Gojira, Jorn, and Onyx go to the training group to meet the local troops. Jil and Robin will go with Tyrail (a local), to find some wood druids. Before departing, Gojira emphasizes how much he needs to hit something.   ___   As Robin and Jilfaen join forces with Tyrail, they come across Onyx and Gojira sparring. Not surprised, the group continues. They pass by the field that Galin told them he meets with the Wyrmspeaker in. They see a large indentation in the ground, supposedly from the dragon. Robin and Jil then formulate a message to Lord Witherbloom, updating him, and asking him to come to aid in the attack.