4. The First Expedition

"Fortunate it has chosen to return to its den," the elf whispered as the party moved towards the northern gate.

Northgate
Upon the dragon’s departure, you scurry down the pyramid and make your way hastily through the rain, back towards the northern gate.

As before, the towers on either side of the gate are manned by Kronos’s guards.

"You see him?" shouts one of the damp guards as you approach. "Old Craas? I’d get a move on if I were you. You’ll be safe at the Broken Head."

---
6:10 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Does the Lùg, the wyrm, ever come your way?" the elf asked the guards, as she hurried forward.

"Can't have missed him, I don't think," Jacky calls back to the guards. "You stay safe out here too!"

Grim waddles towards the tavern. He gives the men a dour dwarven nod of greeting and thanks.

Hmph. Troubling times, these. Aye, we should get shelter. And ale!

Northgate
"Ah ... it seems to leave the tavern alone. If it's after treasure, which, if you believe the tales, is what dragons are usually after, then it would be bad for business to stop the flow of adventurers. Who else is going to retrieve treasure from the Halls for it? Stay poor, stay safe! That would be my advice."

Is there anything further you would like to do before leaving the ruined city? If not, we’ll close the chapter and pick things up at the Broken Head.

---
6:10 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 4/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 60’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’
---
Billie, Mule: 120’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

"Ha! We are safe indeed, then!" the elf lied as she crossed the threshold. If she could make these fellows think they had failed to find riches, that would probably protect the party somewhat.

Thrudmarr hurries along with the group through the rain, still glancing nervously over his shoulder toward the distant tower where the dragon disappeared. When Grim mentions ale, his face immediately brightens.

"Ale! Yes! Dwarf-friend smart!" Thrudmarr gives the dwarf a hearty slap on the back that nearly sends him stumbling forward, his mood immediately improved at the thought of food and strong drink.

"The dragon's not the only thing to keep an eye out for," Jacky reminds the others. "I recall the Darlings having their own horses stabled at the tavern!"

Prescient words, Jacky ...