Tyrany of Dragons
Behind the Scenes
Daddy Issues
The spirit of my cheating, galavanting djin father was trapped with my mother Nixie el Beza. Rather than let him move on and abandon her and their children, my mother found a way to keep him under control and with her forever via a scar over her heart and a shitload of magic. He should have known better than to mess with her, my family, and our city.
Elysia el Pesarkhal
Echo's Twin
Under the thrall of my father calling to her in her dreams, my twin sister Elysia stole our mother’s curse. Out in the world on out of my mother’s control, my father is likely corrupting my perfect sister. My mother wants my father back in his prison. She also wants my groveling sister back at her feet.
I’m going to drag her ass back to my mother kicking and screaming if need be.
The only thing I really have to go on in hunting her down is one, where my father would likely find his fun through her, and two, I know that she left town with Saga Winterglory. Saga is her best friend and a know-it-all dragon worshipper. If I can track her, I may find my sister.
Echo does not know that her sister is quickly working her way through the ranks of the dragon cult. She has abandoned her friend Saga in work house north of Waterdeep to become The Wearer of Purple for The Green Wyrmspeaker, Neronvain. Elysia has plans to usurp power from Neronvain and wearing the green dragon mask herself.
Echo will encounter Saga at the work house. Saga became a bit of a pariah among the cultists. When Elysia was around Saga treated everyone like shit. Saga has no strength or charisma of her own and is now stuck in a camp where every one hates her.
When confronted, Saga begs forgiveness and mercy, then warns Echo that almost every cultist is on the lookout for an Air Genasi that looks exactly like The Wearer of Purple for The Green Wyrmspeaker. She does not know why the cultists haven't tried to kill her yet.
The DM can have Elysia be at the Hunting Lodge or in Parnast, but Echo should not see Elysia again until Rise of Tiamat. Elysia can cast Dimension Door up to 500ft and she has a Young Green Dragon nearby.
Sister Rivalry?
Delaria Betrothed
Delaria's parents have struck a deal with The Red Wizard Velcarum Zimms a leader in a rebel faction of red wizards that intends to take Thay back from Szass Tam. Delaria's parents hope to once again have close ties with Thay and believe Velcarum can prevail. Velcarum is Thraskir of the Transmutation School and shows potential to become Zulkier if he could defeat Szass Tam.
Delaria receives messages about the arrangement through Cormairian spys in:
- Elturel
- Baldur's Gate
- Waterdeep
A Way Out
Delaria can find a way out. The Red wizards don't care much about raising Tiamat. Their real desire is to gain enough power to overthrow Szass Tam. Asbara Jos might hint at this by explaining that if The Red Wizards, or someone aligned with them, had control of The Dragon Masks the would not have to raise Tiamat. They could form a confederation around the masks and control a dragon army to take down Szass Tam.
Zelia's Pact
When the Blue Dragon attacked Greenest Zelia was almost killed. Asmodius intervened and gave her a few pact gifts as a teaser. Asmodius wants Zelia to keep The Mask of the Dragon Queen away from Delaria. Asmodius considers Tiamat to be the bouncer for The Nine Hells. He likes her where she is but thinks it would be unseemly for him to be bothered by such small matters. That's why he is bringing in Zelia to be her sisters watchdog as well as stopping the dragon cultists from letting Tiamat out of her cage. This is an optional deal.
Black Dragon eggs
Nixie's Gift
On the Fourth day of Flamerule Echo delivered Two Black Dragon Eggs to her mother in Calimport. Echo's mom, Nixie el Beza, has devised a plan to have the eggs hatched and raised by chromatic dragons in a positive place that also is a pocket dimension where time moves faster. She hopes to present these dragons as a gift and weapons to fight against the Rise of Tiamat. Nixie enters into a deal with Nymmurh. The two young black dragons can potentially be Echo's adopted step-brothers.
The Evil One
The Final Black Dragon Egg hatches in the dragon hatchery and the Black Dragon Wyrmling begins taking townspeople from Greenest in the night. Ethanos returns to Greenest to kill or capture the wyrmling but it escapes into
Nymmurh's Deal
Nymmurh, an ancient bronze dragon, agrees to help if Nixie takes his hand in marriage and bears him a son who will become king of Calimshan. They can work out a deal where they rule together as king and queen or potentially work out a situation where the half-dragon child would not come of age until after Echo's death.
This also allows Echo to relinquish her claim to the throne and/or get out of the marriage arrangement that her mother made for her.
Greenest to Waterdeep
Volite Replaces Ethanos
The Temple of Chauntea in Daggerford has been scrying on Ethanos. They send word for Ethanos to return to Greenest and deal with the Black Dragon Wyrmling. This should happen at the first establishment the party enters. It can be an Inn or a Tavern and Volite can be in the same common area. If the party goes to see Ethanos off they might catch Volite following them. Erick may have an idea or two about this.
Ethanos and the Wyrmling
Ethanos returns to Greenest and succeeds in chasing off the Black Dragon Wyrmling, but fails to capture it. The wyrmling was last scene entering The Reaching Woods north-east of Greenest.
Doppelganger Takeover
The Twins traveling with Tram are actually two Doppelganger. Over the preceding month, the twins used their ability to read the surface thoughts of Tram, Zelia, and to a lesser extent Delaria. The twins decided that they can't pass up the chance to take over the lives of two prominent princess sisters. They plan to replace Zel and Del and keep them alive for as long as possible to learn everything about them so that they can eventually take over their kingdom.
They have no intention of continuing the quest to stop the Dragon Cult but will steal as much as they can from the cult before making their way back east. The broad outline for the plan is this:
- Seduce Tram and get close to him and Zelia
- Kill and replace Tram
- Use the Tram persona to lead Zelia into a non-lethal trap
- steal Zelia's gear
- replace Zelia
- Use the Zelia persona to lead Delaria into a non-lethal trap
- Replace both sisters and practice their personas while the two are still alive
- become near-perfect replacements of Zelia and Delaria
- Kill Zel and Del
- Become queens
During the night in a Daggerford Inn, the twins will attack Tram and assume his identity. Both will attack Tram at the same time when pretending to talk about Tram and Arietta getting married. Roll 1d20 and on 1-4 Tram nearly kills one of the doppelgangers and they say that Arietta was attacked by her sister (Zelia may discover Tram dead and out the Doppelgangers at this point), 5-16 the doppelganger wait to attack on the road, 17-20 the sisters quickly kill Tram and try to make a move on Zelia the same night.
Tram put up a good fight and the Doppelgangers decide to wait to attack Zelia on the road. Tram(Zelina) shows up late in the morning without Arietta and explains that she decided to stay behind to try and smooth things over with her sister. Tram acts upset about Arietta staying behind but says that he believes that Arietta will join back up with him in a couple of weeks when he passes back through Daggerford.
I'm sorry that I'm late, Arietta has decided to stay behind to try and patch things up between her and Zelina. I wanted her to come now but she said that she would come with me when I pass through on my way back to Baldur's Gate. I'm just worried that she'll want to stay here with her sister when I come back in a couple of weeks.
The doppelganger's true plan is for Arietta to travel ahead as fast as she can (she can make it there in just under a day) and set up a trap for Zelia in the forest at the hostelry two days out from Daggerford. Arietta gains two levels of exhaustion pulling off this feat. In the night Tram will try to separate Zelia from the caravan and trap her in the pit trap that Arietta made.
(whispering)Zelia wake up! I just saw that gnome chick steal something from one of the carts and run off into the forest. Grab your gear, if we hurry we can catch her.
If Zelia tries to get the rest of the party Tram objects and says;
Come on Zel, we can handle one gnome. Besides, we're almost at the end of the trip and you and I haven't had a single adventure for just the two of us. We may never see each other again and I might lose all the friends I made on this trip. Please, let's do this with just the two of us.
If the twins succeed at trapping Zelia and taking her gear, Tram(Zelina) and Zelia(Arietta played by Suzzana) will attempt to kidnap and replace Delaria. Delaria and Arietta do a deception contest, if Delaria succeeds she realizes that this is not her sister and that can play out however it plays out. On a fail go through the whole pit trap again with Delaria.
Pit Trap
Tram leads Zelia through the forest at a fast pace tracking obvious footprints left by a gnome. After 10 minutes (half a mile) they arrive at the pit.
This pit has a cover constructed from material identical to the floor around it, a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check discerns that the gnome tracks stop abruptly (exactly at the edge of the trap) and Zelia can inspect for the trap. A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check is necessary to confirm that the trapped section of the floor is the cover of a pit. A failed save allows Tram to lead Zelia right into the trap. When a creature steps on the cover, it swings open like a trapdoor, causing the intruder to spill into the pit below. The pit is 15 feet deep and the victim takes 2d6 damage. The trap door that covers the pit is spring-loaded. After a creature falls into the pit, the cover snaps shut to trap its victim inside.
Once in the trap, a successful DC 20 Strength check is necessary to pry the cover open. The cover can also be smashed open. A character in the pit can also attempt to disable the spring mechanism from the inside with a DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves' tools, provided that the mechanism can be reached and the character can see. In some cases, a mechanism (usually hidden behind a secret door nearby) opens the pit.
Azbara Jos in Waterdeep
Azbara Jos sends a messenger to Delaria:
A page approaches Delaria when she is alone and tells her "A man from Thay asked me to give you this."
Delaria is then handed a note that has a location, time, and nothing else. If Delaria goes to the meeting, Azbara Jos greats her and claims that he wanted to thank the party for keeping such good care of their cargo. He implies that he knows the party is working against the dragon cult, and speaks vaguely about the "True goal for The Red Wizards", "Tiamat being a means to an end", and "The potential for newer more mutually beneficial alliances". Azbara then gives Delaria 6 Harbor Moon coins worth 50gp each. See A Way Out
Letter from Elturel
Leosin and Onthar send a cryptic letter with instructions on how to return the letter. There is blank paper on the back side for the players to write a response. When the players say the command out loud the paper fold up into an origami bird and flys off.
Our nature loving friend in the grass plains had some success relocating the black worm. We could not exterminate but hope the problem works itself out when it reaches the woods.
We recieved word that there may be wedding bells in the future, hope that doesn't break up the band.
Don't forget Mirt is in town and he plays the Harp
Hit us up on the backside any repeat the phrase "Little birdie, fly home!"
Gold for the Trip
Pay for Hire + Adventure Booty + Busking
| Character | Gold Earned | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Delaria | 15 + 140 + 25 | 180gp |
| Echo | 60 + 140 | 200gp |
| Imogen | 30 + 140 | 170gp |
| Miller | 48 + 47 | 95gp |
| Volite | 60 + 140 | 200gp |
| Zelia | 48 + 140 | 188gp |
Items on the Innevar Twins
all items are worth 25gp
Black velvet mask stitched with silver thread x2, Small gold bracelet x2, Gold locket with a painted portrait inside, Silver flask, Small mirror set in a wooden frame, riding horse x2.
Total Looted Treasure from Greenest to Waterdeep
| cp | sp | ep | gp | pp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 373 | 372 | 291 | 352 | 16 |
The Loot Split 5 Ways
| gp | sp | cp |
|---|---|---|
| 139 | 6 | 9 |
Miller was given 1/3 of the split amount but not taken out of the total. Going forward the loot will be split 6 ways.
Notepad
The Party
The Obarskyr Sisters
Home City: Suzail
Region: Cormyr
Parents: Leszenia Obarskyr, Aubrin Crownsilver Parents (nat): Davil Starsong, Farideh
Other Affiliations: Harpers
(Renown 5, Rank Harpershadows)Delaria D'Elatarus
Half Elf Bard5
Backstory
Zelia D'Elatarus
Tiefling Paladin4 Fighter1
Backstory
Abandoned by parents in River District at age 3 and adopted by Leszenia (Dela's mom) who is a cleric of Oghma, god of knowledge, my faith and Dorminar D'Elatarus, who are a noble family.
Dela convinced me to join the Harpers. Parents let us go because they think I will be her protection as she does her musical tour and don't know we are in the Harpers.
I am the darling child that took after mother.
Not very talkative because people always look at me sideways so I decided it's just better not to talk. Plus, Dela does all the talking.
Echo el Pesarkhal
Genasi Rogue1 Ranger4
Home City: Calimport
Region: Calimshan
Parents: Nixie el Beza, Djinni Father
Siblings: Elysia el Pesarkhal
Other Affiliations: Harpers
(Renown 5, Rank Harpershadows)
Backstory
Being born the daughter of Calimshan's beautiful Nixie el Beza and the niece of Rejitah Adnan el Beza, the Sultan Wizard of the Ward, I am wholly and completely over it. Magic is a big deal in Calimport and especially in my family and the Wizard Ward, sure, but making magic without calling on the forces to do it, without gathering ingredients and constantly murmuring over scrolls - that's much more my speed. Theft is the magic that I'm suited for, and it's just as easy to come by here. Thankfully, for all their magic my family is not shy about murder, so we were raised to defend ourselves and get the drop on people. Count on a swift death if you cross me. I'll try to make it painless; I'm no sadist.
Imogen Elric
Half Elf Monk5
Home City: Alaghôn
Region: Turmish
Affiliations: Harpers
(Renown 5, Rank Harpershadows)
Backstory
Imogen isn't the name she was born with, but the one she picked up at the monastery. She grew up pretty dirt poor and picked up thievery and crime as she got older. Eventually, she was part of a small ring of criminals in her home town, which her best friend was also a part of. They got picked up to pull a sort of heist.
Last minute, she and her friend swapped assignments over something petty. Someone sells them out and her friend is arrested but she's not. Sketchy criminal ringleader guy doesn't tell Imogen this, but convinces her that she has to flee, buy into the background she'd built for herself and get out, and everyone else would follow. She does, taking her new personal docs and making way toward the area of the monastery she's supposed to be from. While she's travelling, she catches wind that her friend was executed. She ends up at the monastery and joining it.
Volite Reeakshun
Gnome Artificer5
Home City: Secomber
Region: Delimbiyr Vale, Sword Coast
Parents: ?
Siblings: ?
Other Affiliations: None
Backstory
Volite's home was raided by the dragon cult, and he is planning a vengeance rampage against the dragon cult. He is just waiting for the right moment.
Miller Simplestrike
Human Fighter5
Home City: Daggerford
Region: Delimbiyr Vale, Sword Coast
Parents: ?
Siblings: ?
Other Affiliations: Seven Snakes, Zhentarim
Backstory
Hired by the Council of Guilds in Daggerford to look into Lord Nevermber. There have been rumors about the lord being involved in a scandal that the Council of Guilds can use against him. In route to Waterdeep, Miller learned of a plot that could put all Faerûn under the rule of Tiamat.
Apendix A
Elysia el Pesarkhal
Medium humanoid Air Genasi Chaotic Evil
- Armor Class 20
- Hit Points 85 (10d8 + 40)
- Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 8 (-1) 13 (+3) 16 (+3) 17 (-1) 8 (-1) 19 (+4)
- Saving Throws Wis +3 Cha +8
- Proficiency +4
- Initiative +3
- Skills Arcana +3 History +3
Intimidation a +8 Persuasion a +8
Performance a +4 Deception a +4- Senses Blindsight 30ft., Darkvision 180ft.
- Languages Common, Draconic, Primordial
Mod DC Attack 4 16 8
Pactboon
Pseudodragon FamiliarCantrips
Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, Mind Sliver, Prestidigitation, Mage Armor, Speak with AnimalsFifth Level
Dimension Door, Dispel Magic, Far Step, Gaseous Form, Hex, Negative Energy Flood, Sickening Radiance, Synaptic Static, Wind WallElemental Gift
You begin to take on characteristics of your patron’s kind. You now have resistance to a damage type determined by your patron’s kind: bludgeoning (dao), thunder (djinni), fire (efreeti), or cold (marid).
In addition, as a bonus action, you can give yourself a flying speed of 30 feet that lasts for 10 minutes, during which you can hover. You can use this bonus action a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Once during each of your turns when you hit with an attack roll, you can deal extra 4 thunder damage.Crystal Ball
The typical crystal ball, a very rare item, is about 6 inches in diameter. While touching it, you can cast the scrying spell (save DC 17) with it.Actions
Lance. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d12 + 1) piercing damage.
Eldritch Blast. Ranged Magic Attack: +8 to hit, Range 300ft., 1-3 targets. Hit: 7 (1d10) force damage.
Treasure
Crystal Ball, Green Dragon Mask
Tatsuo & Doryu
Large Young Black Dragon Chaotic Neutral
- Armor Class 18
- Hit Points 127 (15d10 + 45)
- Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 19 (+4) 14 (+2) 17 (+3) 12 (-1) 11 (0) 15 (+2)
- Saving Throws Dex +5, Con +6, Wis +3, Cha +5
- Proficiency +3
- Initiative +2
- Skils Perception +6, Stealth +5
- Damage Immunities Acid
- Amphibious Can breathe air and water
- Senses Blindsight 30ft., Darkvision 120ft., Passive Perception 16
- Languages Common, Draconic
- Environment Swamp
- Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Actions
Multiattack
1 Bite + 2 Claw = 3 Total
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) acid damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Breath Acid (Recharge 5-6)
The dragon exhales acid in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 49 (11d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Spells
Mod DC Attack 2 13 5
- Second Level (2)
- Darkness, Melf's Acid Arrow, Fog Cloud, Scorching Ray