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Epilogue

Scene One: Alas and Alack

The heroes have fallen prey to one or another of the dangers opposing them. Here are some final thoughts for the future.

Overview

Whether they simply failed to bring back the dragonlance or were killed by the Knights of Takhisis or Gellidus, the heroes have failed in their mission. While this may be a personal tragedy for them, it does not mark the end of the war. It will, however, make the going more difficult for other characters and heroes who will carry on the fight against the dragon overlords.

Getting Started

Whichever path brought the heroes to this stage, this is not a happy ending to the adventure. In most instances the heroes will have been killed, and the players may be wondering what is to come next. The passages below provide closure for this segment of the campaign as well as a ray of hope for the future.

The Story Continues

The Narrator can pick the ending most appropriate to the adventure's outcome.

A Valiant End in Battle

Whether the group faced opponents who were simply too powerful, made a catastrophic error in tactics, or found that the Fate Deck simply turned against them, the heroes drew their swords and went bravely to their deaths:

Despite your best efforts. Evil has carried the day. As your consciousness fades, you have the cold comfort of knowing that you did all that anyone can do - you gave your life in the fight against Evil. The forces of darkness may have won today, but the tales of your valiant efforts will spur others to take arms against them. This battle has been lost, but the war goes on.

Death at Dragon Claw

Meeting their end fighting Gellidus is perhaps the most tragic death, if only because it could have been avoided with a modicum of discretion. No heroes should ever face a battle against a Great Dragon without a massive army and powerful magical artifacts to support them. To do so is pure foolishness. Still, though they have more courage than brains, they exemplified the spirit of heroism, and can take some pride in that:

Gellidus the White, overlord of Southern Ergoth, proved in the end to be too powerful for you to defeat. There is no dishonor in death at the hands ot a superior force. The Great Dragons are unlike any beasts ever known in Ansalon in all of recorded history. They are more powerful than even their gigantic bodies suggest, for they have cunning and skills which they developed through centuries of warfare. Although you died this day, you can take solace in the fact that your deaths may save the lives of other heroes who will hopefully do everything within their powers to avoid entering battle with the Great Dragons.

So Close, and Yet...

The heroes may have survived, only to lose the dragonlance to the Dark Knights. While a powerful artifact has fallen into the claws of Khellendros, to be used somehow in his unguessable plans, at least the heroes lived to fight another day. This is the best of all possible failures, for as long as they learned from their mistakes, the heroes cannot be said to have come away completely empty handed. Knowledge and experience are expensive commodities and powerful tools. There may be some serious repercussions to their failure, but the heroes will be stronger for weathering them:

Your mission has failed. The true dragonlance that Huma himself guided you to has fallen into the enemy's hands. No one blames you. The Knights and Palin will know that you did your best and applaud you for volunteering for such a mission at all.

Still, knowing that success was within your grasp, literally, makes this knowledge small comfort. Every encouraging phrase, every "if only the gods were still here" and "bravely fought" and "the next battle will be ours" only makes you that much more anxious to find the next battle, to carry the light onward. Nurture this hunger, carry it within your heart - you will surely need it before the war for Krynn is done.

The heroes can return to Castle Eastwatch as described in the Epilogue, Scene Two (although their arrival without the lance does not occasion a lavish feast). The heroes have an entire world of possibilities and the decisive battle against the forces of Evil yet ahead of them. Hopefully, with their experience from this adventure serving as both inspiration and abject lesson, they will find a way to overcome this setback and win the war for Krynn.

There is also the matter of Silvara's revelation. The Narrator must decide whether she tells Gilthanas her true identity as she does in Scene Two of the Epilogue - salving his defeat with unconditional love - or whether she simply disappears, leaving him to begin his quest anew. The race against the Dark Knights was always secondary to Gilthanas; he will follow Silvara's trail wherever it leads.

Atmosphere

The adventure has ended in failure, and quite probably tragedy, so the atmosphere in this scene is understandably subdued. However, the Narrator should point out that the fight against the dragon overlords goes on.

If they died during the adventure, the heroes will be remembered as brave souls who gave their lives in the cause of freedom. Because they fought the good fight, even though they lost (perhaps especially because they lost), they exemplify the true meaning of heroism. The players should come away with a sense of pride for their heroes having done the right thing.

Outcome

Even if the group cannot continue with the next scene of this Epilogue, many other adventures await. The next part of the Dragons of a New Age campaign, part of the Heroes of Hope dramatic supplement, can take a new group of heroes traveling through eastern Ansalon to continue trying to collect magical artifacts before they fall into Khellendros's claws. They will not only face conflicts with fierce barbarian tribes but will also travel to the amazing undersea realm of the Dimernesti sea elves.

Scene Two: Revelation and Reunion

If the heroes survived the journey into Gellidus's realm, they will arrive back at Castle Eastwatch a week later, exhausted but alive.

Overview

The heroes escape the frozen mountains and move back into the western reaches of Southern Ergoth. They see no sign of Gellidus or Sunrise but may note that a shadow dragon seems to be following them. Back at Castle Eastwatch, a great feast is held in their honor. Sunrise explains his actions, and the adventure concludes with the reunion of Gilthanas and Silvara.

Getting Started

The sidebar on Castle Eastwatch (see page 26) contains information help ml for the play of this scene.

Should the Narrator choose to allow a bond to form between one of the heroes and the gold dragon Sunrise, he might wish to review the material on dragon mages in Chapter Five of One Moon, Not Three. If Ulin is not present in this adventure, another hero could bond with Sunrise as a dragon mage.

First Impressions

The heroes have managed to walk out of the frozen wastes of Gellidus's realm alive, if battered. The trip through the Last Gaard Mountains and the forest on the western side of the island is relatively uneventful.

On several occasions during their trip, the Narrator should have the heroes attempt Perception actions. Anyone who generates an average success (or Fiona) notices the form of a huge shadow dragon circling the peaks above:

The shadowy creature must he at least three hundred feet long, more than twice as long as the largest shadow dragon ever seen. It appears to notice you struggling along the mountain path, but it seems completely disinterested, neither attacking nor aiding you. You might consider this a bad omen - you are in a Dragon Realm, after all - but the creature doesn't even fly lower to have a better look at you.

Any hero who generates a challenging success and has been through the Storm Over Krynn adventure thinks this could be the same creature he heard about in Skie's realm - the beast that killed the dragon belonging to the Dark Knights who captured Marda. This shadow dragon does not work for Gellidus, Khellendros, or Malystryx. Its purpose remains, for now, an utter mystery.

The Story Continues

After a week's journey, the heroes arrive back at Castle Eastwatch. The Solamnic Knights welcome them and treat them like celebrities when they see the true dragonlance from Huma's Tomb. These Knights will sing songs of this triumph for years to come, for they have been unable to visit the Tomb since Frost's arrival. They arrange a great feast to celebrate the mission's success and allow everyone to congratulate the heroes personally.

The feast in the castle's immense Great Hall is lavish and rowdy, with Knights engaging in mock duels, arm wrestling, and drinking contests. This is a side of the Solamnic Knights that few see. The heroes may choose to join if they wish - they are lauded as brothers to the Solamnics.

At the feast the heroes are seated at the head table with the commanders of the castle and Sunrise in his human guise, although all the Knights seem to be aware that he is actually a dragon. He explains to the heroes why he was acting so strangely at Foghaven Vale, and apologizes to anyone he may have accidentally hurt. Sunrise is very interested in Ulin (or another appropriate hero), and the sorcerer, for his part, feels as though the dragon is an old friend. They seem to have hit it off quite nicely.

Lady Arlena is conspicuously absent. The heroes may think she is embarrassed for having been so hard on them or believe she is away on a mission. The Narrator should allow them to think what they like.

If they did not find out during the last scene, Sunrise informs the heroes that Malystryx plans to return the Dark Queen Takhisis to Krynn (but he is not certain how). This news must be carried to as many of the dragons' enemies as possible. Sunrise volunteers to carry the message to the metallic dragons on the Dragon Isles (see "Actions"), the Knights will make sure that word gets to the Solamnic High Council on Sancrist Isle, and the heroes are asked to bring word back to Palin, Goldmoon, and the other leaders on the mainland.

One final question remains: Where is Silvara? Gilthanas has gone through this entire quest hoping only for a reunion with his true love. Although Sunrise says she asked him to meet the heroes, Silvara herself has yet to be seen. If none of the heroes mentions this, Gilthanas will. Whoever brings it up, though, the matter is settled when Lady Arlena enters the hall:

The din of the feast fades away as the assembled Knights grow silent and turn their attentions to the great doors. Standing there in a rich royal blue dress chased in silver is Lady Arlena, looking radiant. Her entry brings silence to the hall.

All eyes upon her, Lady Arlena crosses the hall and approaches the head table, stopping before Gilthanas. She smiles and reaches out a hand to stroke his cheek. As her hand nears his face, her entire body shimmers, and suddenly the Solamnic Knight is gone. In her place stands a large silver dragon resting her front paw gently against the elf's face. Her eyes never leave his as she speaks. "Forgive me, my love, but I had to be sure you had truly overcome your doubts. I had to know that when we joined again ... it would be forever."

Her form shimmers again, and she becomes a beautiful elf maiden with long, flowing, silver hair. Gilthanas, a single tear staining his cheek, takes her in his arms and draws her close. "We will never be parted again, my love" the elf whispers. "This I swear."

A great "Huzzah!" rises from the assembled Knights as Gilthanas and Silvara kiss - a tender, pure kiss as long and as sweet as the future that stands before them.

Atmosphere

Although life is rarely festive in a Solamnic castle, the mood upon the heroes' return is one of celebration. The heroes carry with them a true dragonlance from the Tomb of Huma, they defeated the machinations of the Knights of Takhisis and their dragon master, and they faced a Great Dragon and survived.

Actions

The heroes may participate in the festivities at the feast, wrestling or dueling with Knights of the Narrator's creation. The activities should be physical in nature, but not harmful. This is, after all, just for fun. The Narrator should resolve such actions using the nonlethal combat rules mentioned in Act Two, Scene One (-3 action penalty to the attacker, temporary damage only). Heroes who do well against the Knights, though, may be recognized as worthy warriors and offered positions in the Solamnic auxiliary. The Knights will gladly offer the heroes sponsorship, if they accept the honor.

Narrators who wish to introduce the dragon mage pairing discussed in Chapter Five of One Moon, Not Three can use the feast as a chance to do so. Ulin and Sunrise feel a bond born of common purpose growing between them. Sunrise asks Ulin to go with him to the Dragon Isles to warn the Good dragons of Malys's plan - and to spend some time exploring the parameters of this new friendship. The fact that human and dragon still live and fight side by side gives great promise for the future of Ansalon.

Characters

Suhnrysanti (Sunrise): A young adult male gold dragon, hedonistic demeanor. Co 10B, Ph 51A, In 11B (121), Es 11A (121), Dmg +16, Def -12, also dragon breath, swallow whole, dragonawe, dive attack, sorcery (transmutation) and mysticism (meditation, alteration, sensitivity).

Fiona Quinti: Human young adult female, modest demeanor, Adventurer. Co 6, Ph 6, In 6, Es 6, Dmg 0 (unarmed), Def -5 (plate mail).

Gilthanas: Qualinesti adult male, capable demeanor, Legend, 4. Ag 8C, Dx 6A, En 7C, St 6B, Re 7A (49), Pe 8B, Sp 7D, Pr 6B, Dmg +7 (long sword), Def -3 (chain mail), also missile weapons (long bow/+6), acute eyesight, sorcery (divination, enchantment, aeromancy), Amulet of Healing Hands.

D'Argent (Silvara): Silver dragon mature adult female, purposeful demeanor. Co 11B, Ph 48A, In 13B (169), Es 13B (169), Dmg +20, Def -16, also dragon breath, swallow whole, dragonawe, dive attack, mysticism (alteration, healing, spiritualism) and sorcery (cryomancy).

Solamnic Knights: Humans of varied age and demeanor, Adventurers. Co 6, Ph 6, In 6, Es 6, Dmg +7 (long swords), Def -5 (plate mail).

Outcome

The heroes have succeeded in their mission, plus they have information vital to the battle against the dragon overlords. Getting both the dragonlance and the details of Malys's plot to Palin, Goldmoon, or one of the other influential characters should be their next goal.

The fourth chapter in the Dragons of a New Age campaign is part of the Heroes of Hope dramatic supplement. In this adventure, the heroes will travel through eastern Ansalon in their continued attempt to collect magical artifacts before they fall into Khellendros's claws. They not only will face conflicts with the barbarian tribes of the east but will also visit the amazing undersea realm of the Dimernesti - the sea elves.

In the meantime, there are several possibilities for further adventures:

- The heroes can remain in Southern Ergoth until Captain Lindak returns. This will, of course, be several months later, but there is much work to be done repairing the secret tunnel connecting Castle Eastwatch with Dragon Mountain. Also, Gellidus could decide to expand his holdings west of the Last Gaard Mountains at any time.
- The heroes can leave on another ship heading for one of the other islands in the North Sirrion Sea or possibly one of the port towns in Khellendros's realm. Any number of adventures can occur traveling the remaining miles overland.
- Not many ships sail south from Castle Eastwatch. However, if the heroes are lucky enough to find one, it would most likely make its way to a port within Beryllinthranox's realm. The heroes could then set out through the Qualinesti and Wayreth forests toward Solace. This would give the Narrator the opportunity to run adventures based on some of the other happenings in The Day of the Tempest or use the scenario from The Last Tower dramatic supplement.

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