Vardak's Fortress, Part 1 (Kuthona (XII) 12th-15th, 4708 AR)

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Using horses, the heroes reached Vardak’s Fortress in 3 days’ time. They encountered a gang of bugbears during this journey, but were not delayed. The trek up the mountain was steep but not particularly treacherous. As they approached, the heroes saw a flame drake circle overhead a few times before flying further up the mountain.


The Approach. The mountain path had been steady and steep for much of its run, but it finally begun to level off. Just beyond the end of the path was an impressive stone fortress built into the side of the mountain. Stone spikes and barbs studded the structure and a tall tower stood on one corner, its crenellated roof looking out over the vale below.

This was Vardak’s Fortress. The fortress itself had sloped roofs of shale that rose to a height of 30 feet, while the tower reached a height of 50 feet. The building had few windows, and all of them were too narrow for even a Small creature to squeeze through. The building was relatively smooth and offered few handholds for those hoping to climb it. The walls of the fortress were made of stone masonry and the doors were strong wooden doors.

Two flame drakes patrolled the area outside the fortress. When the heroes approached, these two drakes attacked.

One of the drakes remained perched atop the tower for the duration of the fight, breathing fireballs. The other drake breathed before closing in for melee. Both flame drakes fought to the death.

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