Eye of the Dragon

1st-7th day in the 11th month 1372

Having left Kronstadt, on their way to Fire Eye Mine, the heroes met Mora and Carat. These twin simulacrums of the ice witch claimed that their mother had a lucrative opportunity for the heroes. 

The heroes pressed on to the mine and learned that kobolds had slain miners who dared to explore the deep caverns. Beyond a pool, Welborn found an ancient stone door beyond which was the tomb of Soral the Dragon Lord. Fearing what could be hiding within, Welborn and Fidlthid turned back to rejoin the party. 

Unseen, the heroes pressed into a massive cavern occupied by scores of kobold miners. It wasn't long before a fight was underway. Dozens of kobolds and their hobgoblin masters met their bitter end. Beyond another tunnel was the kobold shaman and the rest of his flock. They stood before a great stone relief of a dragon, and in its eye was set a great ruby. The kobolds agreed to flee the mine, but the shaman warned of a wicked curse that would befall any who dared to claim the gem. 

Aided by magic, the heroes pried forth the Dragon's eye, and as it rolled toward the bag of holding, it brushed Lyral's hand. Her soul was transported into a ruby chamber, while her body was now possessed by the Dragon Lord, Soral. Soral wished to claim his golden crown from his tomb, and he led the party forward. Subtle was this magic, and the heroes did not yet know that it was not Lyral who rushed toward the chamber. Welborn used a mighty scroll to part the water, and the heroes wiggled their way into the antechamber. Heironymous, of course, was changed into a gnome to squeeze through. Once inside, the heroes paused for a blessing by mighty Visefrin, as the false Lyral hurried into the crypt. 

By the time the heroes entered the chamber, Soral the Dragon Lord had already donned the golden crown and taken flight. From the shadows, a great undead dragon emerged prepared to do its master's bidding. The fight was swift. The dragon blew its icy breath and slew Sir Fidlthid and Visefrin where they stood. Welborn used a scroll of power to disintegrate the undead monstrosity. Soral, in the body of Lyral, was quickly slain. Soral's powerful shade again entered the ruby, and Lyral did battle with her own form to drive him out and destroy his soul. She began to wait in her ruby limbo. 

The heroes gathered their treasure, too shocked yet to mourn their honored dead. They prepared the bodies and pulled a leaf from the magic branch, and appeared in Verdengard. There, they were met by the mighty Breiberus, who agreed to prepare the rituals of reincarnation. 

During the night, Heironymous and Welborn used the wizard's library to learn of the Eye of the Dragon. Built to house the soul of the terrible dragon lord, Soral was tricked into his prison as his body withered, sealed beyond the stone door. The eye was an item of great power, and any who touched it risked the possession of their body by the soul within. Perhaps, they thought, Lyral's soul might yet live within. 

The next evening, all the occupants of Verdengard attended the ritual of reincarnation. As Visefrin's body was touched, a humble gnome appeared from the misty woods. 

As Fidlthid was touched, no creature came forth. The great hobbit hero was in the golden halls of Valhalla, sharing tales and mead with the many heathen heroes who reveled endlessly. Perhaps it was his will to remain there. Nevertheless, the realm lost a great hero that night. 

A funeral procession bound for Hal's Hill made ready. And Visefrin, small yet mighty, communed with the unknowable divinities of Law.

Will those who have been baptized remain loyal, or does this new form jeopardize the congregation’s faith?

Your new form may diminish your authority over all men. You will be doubted, but through this test, you will be humbled and may yet arise brighter than ever. The new churches you have made in the wild lands are built on foundations of sand.

Are there any forces that could return me to my former appearance?

A great miracle awaits a great deed. Cleanse the deep altar at the dungeon’s utmost depth. Consecrate and make holy this befouled altar, and your form will be returned to you.

Are there any smiths capable of tailoring the Crusader’s armor to fit my smaller stature?

There is yet one. A giant of ancient blood who resides in the cave atop Snarfell Peak may have the skill, but this is not without risk.