Dragon's Dirge - The Second Expedition

Although the first expedition to Dragon Coast resulted in calamity, we still held out hope for the second expedition, which was sent to Dragon's Maw Keep (the old capital of Dragon Coast). A few days later we were rewarded with the sight of a bedraggled ship limping into port. I immediately rushed down to the docks to greet the survivors. Based on the shape of the ship, I expected nothing less than another tale of woe.

The captain of the expedition explained to me that they also ran into a pack of Dragonians and had to cut their way through. Thanks to the fine fighting of one of the warriors, Newlok Blackstar, the expedition was able to defeat the dragonians and reach the Dragon's Eye.

Newlok Blackstar (RIP my friend)

Also like the first expedition, the party was suddenly beset by wyverns. They swooped on the bearer of the Eye. However the party's archers provided cover, allowing the bearer to reach the ship unscathed. Then the remainder of the expedition made a mad dash for safety. Some fell to the wyvern's aerial attacks, but enough made it back to set sail.

The expedition's troubles were not over, however. As the ship sailed away, a dragon swooped upon it.

The crew gathered to repulse the attack. When the dragon reared back to unleash a blast of fire, ballistas loosed a hail of bolts. The dragon then tried a low pass, slashing at the crew with its wicked claws a razor teeth. The expedition fended it off with pikes and arrows. The ship was scorched in multiple places and one mast fell. Still the crew battled on. Finally, the beast took a ballista bolt in the eye. Frustrated by the stalwart defense, the dragon grew tired of the fight and flew back to the Coast. The crew breathed a sigh of relief; they had succeeded.

When the captain finished his narrative, some of the sailors disembarked carrying a a stretcher with a covered body. I asked the captain who it was.

"Newlok." he said with a sigh. "As always, he was in the thick of the fight. This time . . ." He trailed off with a sigh of deep emotion.

I too was struck with emotion. I had known Newlok for several years. He was an excellent fighter, a man of great energy, a great leader, always willing to help, and a boon to the community. It is hard to believe that he is gone. Godspeed, Newlok.

OOC Notes

• I actually don't recall which team our friend Newlok (aka Cody Burkett) played for. I wanted to mention his name as a tribute. Sadly, Cody passed away a few days after the event. :(
• The part with the dragon is purely fictional. I considered it as a scenario but decided it would be too complex. However, I feel that it makes a nice, logical scene for the expedition's escape.
• As I mentioned previously, each team had a chance to play the expedition. Both managed to retrieve the eye but only one made it back to the ship. I don't recall who was the captain or who was on the winning team.