Episode 1502: Rest, recovery, and battle planning

When last we left this adventurous crew we had just removed an ancient blue dragon that was threatening our home from this world and killed 2 of her 3 eggs. The third was stashed in a pocket dimension for study. We were pretty damaged but all were alive. This is another story that happened a bit ago, so some of the details are forever lost.

Tsedek, our charming Tiefling Rogue

Itanis, a devious High Elf Wizard, fond of controlling any situation we may find ourselves in

Leoven, our quiet but effective Wood Elf Ranger

Magnus, the Human Paladin of Heironious, he has followed a vengeance path

Elle, the small but sparky High Elf Wizard, fond of blowing things up with lots of fire

And a guest appearance by Melchizedor, the dwarven Cleric of Heironious, who usually remains at Dragon's Bane Keep as the keep and town's protector and faith leader.

Returning yet again to the keep we sent for Melchizedor and the denizens of the keep and town to return and set life back in motion. Since the council of Waterdeep hadn't said anything yet, we set about doing some life things.

Leoven continues his odd hide in the woods ways, but has worked tirelessly also with the Rangers organization out of Waterdeep to gather intelligence.

Itanis, Elle, and Tsedek use this time to start ramping up their side hustle. It took a little bit to get going, and Elle may have had a few moments of sour stomach, but it's up and running well under the devious minds of Itanis and Tsedek.

Magnus though, wow. OK, so he was promoted through his order and along with his order he's making the flying island into Valormight. Valormight is to be a flying fortress for Heironious, and used to train future paladins as well. He's also been granted 20 paladins with gryphons as a flying fleet, based off this island. The island's day to day is ran by a high ranking priestess in his order, Lady Emilia.

One evening as we're hanging out and talking battle plans, Elle starts pestering Magnus about Emilia. Asking questions about her and what her purpose is here. As with most conversations between Magnus and Elle, it devolved from there.

"Lady Emilia is well respected and one of the top officials in the Order of Heironeous. I notice you aren't pestering Melchizador about this. He has the same view and respect for her that I do. Were it not for me being the Mastor of Valormight, she would outrank me. Not that it matters. Just trying to illustrate the hierarchy of our Order."

"Of course I'm not pestering Melchizador, how'd you get to Melchizador in this? This has absolutely nothing to do with your order and beliefs. I was just noticing there was a pretty human lady around now, and as a party we'd been starting to chat what we'd like to post adventuring days and I got curious" retorts a puzzled Elle.

All business like, Magnus responds "Lady Emilia and I have a good working relationship. As far as the future is concerned, Valormight is quite a challenge to manage and keep safe from those who would abuse it and use it for evil. Should we survive this assault on the Well of Dragons, I foresee more and more of my time being taken up by running Valormight and turning my attention to training up the next generation of paladins in service to Heironeous." After a few moments, you catch a bit of realization on Magnus' face as he, finally, catches on to Elle's curiosity. Then his eyes narrow a bit. "Elle, if you mention even a hint to Emilia that I said she was pretty - Heironeous help me I will rain down such a righteous smiting on you, you'll need a month to recover. You have no idea the endless teasing she would give me."

During the business like portion of his speech, Elle's just nodding along, listening politely, wondering when he'll catch up. When he does switch gears she stares at him wide-eyed for a moment, and then busts out laughing. "Of course you wouldn't harm me, though you could literally kill me without much thought. You respect me too much to do that, even as I annoy you. And of course I'd never say something to someone who is, to me, a complete stranger about the fact you like her."

"No, you're right, I wouldn't harm any of you. Not out of respect, but out of our friendship. We've been on quite a journey! Now, let's do what we need to do here so we can all go home alive."

Elle just tilts her head at Magnus, "Yes, it has been a journey. Let's finish this well and go home."

They return to battle planning at this point and have come up with a plan to fly Valormight straight at the Well of Dragons, with metallic dragons as escorts. They're to keep the chromatic dragons occupied while we assault the temple of Tiamat. We're going to try for a more sneaky approach, controlling things as only Itanis can control them, but if need be we'll just fly Valormight straight into the volcano.

Later that evening, Magnus pulls Elle aside conspiratorially: "Ahem. So, Elle, you're a woman. Let's say - hypothetically, that you had a guy friend who was interested in a woman, but he was unsure how to go about getting started. Hypothetically, mind you, because I'm sure he's great at tons of things, just not this subject. Just for instance type situation. What advice would you give your friend?"

Elle just stares at him wide eyed for a moment and stutters "I ... I can't help you Magnus. I have never courted a woman, or been seriously courted myself. I ... we ... I ... no ... I ... no I can't help you" and she bolts off as fast as she possibly could from Magnus.

And that's where we left the party. Resting up and making battle plans.