The Siege • Odyssey of the Dragonlords

The heroes can travel to Aresia in any manner of ways; on dragon-back, through teleportation or onboard the Ultros. When they arrive at the Mytrosian army besieging the city of Aresia, read the following:

The walls of Aresia rise above the canopy of the forest like a cliff of carved stone. One hundred feet high, they crown the peninsula, their ramparts watching every approach. At their western edge, the Tower of Wind pierces the skyline, its bronze visage of Sydon glowering down from the heights. The Thrake River cuts through the fortress, its gates wide enough for a single ship. Below those heights, the Mytrosian camps sprawl in weary lines amongst the mud. Smoke from cooking fires drifts over battered shields, bent spears, and soldiers slumped in exhaustion. Three years of siege has worn them thin, yet still they wait.

The armies of Mytros are arrayed outside of Aresia’s western gate. Aresia is protected from sieges by the power of an artifact called the Palladium (appendix C), which makes a direct assault extremely dangerous. Every attempt to siege the city during the Aresian campaigns failed because of this artifact.

When the heroes reach the front lines, exhausted soldiers stare in wide-eyed awe. Camp guards salute

and hurriedly point them toward the heart of the siege. There, surrounded by mud and the stink of smoke, stands a single oasis of wealth, the command tent of Taran Neurdagon.

Two guards at the entrance straighten if the heroes approach, and without hesitation, they pull back the flap and usher them inside. Read the following:

A rush of perfumed air replaces the scent of mud and sweat. Plush rugs absorb your footsteps, and the glow of polished lanterns illuminates the richly embroidered walls. Taran Neurdagon stands at the center, leaning over a detailed map of Aresia. His armor is ornate to the point of vanity. Beside him stands a scarred, brutal-looking man. The advisors at the table speak softly, but even they defer to this stranger. Taran looks up, stunned to see you, then quickly regains his composure. “Honored Dragonlords … to what do I owe this visit?”

Taran fears nothing more than humiliation. The thought of surrendering command after three years of siege is unbearable, and he will insist the heroes hear the “current strategic realities” before leaping to conclusions.

If the heroes ask about the rough-looking man, Taran introduces him as Maximus (LE Gladiator), the infamous slave master of the Minotaur Markets in Mytros. If Maximus died in a previous chapter, the role is now held by Flavius, equally vicious and newly enriched by the war.

Taran’s other advisors stand at his flanks.

Dolios: (LN Noble) A sycophantic yes-man, all flattery and excuses, forever agreeing with the general’s every whim.
Dimitrios: (NG Spy) A young soldier who speaks rarely, but whose quiet eyes hold the weight of someone who understands how many lives have been lost.

Current Strategic Realities#

Taran will explain that an artifact called the Palladium (appendix C) protects the city. While the Palladium remains housed within the palace, the entire city of Aresia is warded by a Forbiddance spell. This enchantment prevents any form of teleportation into or out of the city.

The walls of the city are the tallest and strongest in Thylea and the enchantment from the Palladium makes them invulnerable to siege equipment. The only way through the walls is by breaking through one of the gates or going over the walls. Taran will then motion to each of his advisors to tell the heroes their take on the situation.

Maximus will be the first to speak. Read the following:

The scarred man grins, tapping the map with a calloused finger. “Look at those walls. A hundred feet straight up. Only fools try to climb them. We’ve tried sapping them, to no avail. The west gate is the answer. My minotaurs will take a battering ram to it. They’re strong, obedient, and we can drive them forward until the doors splinter. Many will die, yes, but they are only minotaurs. Their blood is cheaper than ours, and the gate will fall.”

After Maximus, Dolios will give his opinion:

Dolios bows so low his forehead nearly touches the table. “My honored lords, there is no need for further bloodshed. Queen Helen is a scholar and a martialist, not a monster. She prizes order, honor, and the legacy of Aresia. When she learns the Dragonlords have joined us, she will see reason. A parley, conducted with proper grandeur, could bring peace … on terms favorable to Mytros, of course.”

Finally, Dimitrios will give his take:

The young soldier clears his throat, eyes focused on the map rather than Taran. “I have spoken with Aresian contacts who want this siege to end. They could guide a small force into the city unseen. Inside, we could seize the Palladium. Without it, Queen Helen would have to negotiate on our terms. If we still chose to attack afterward … the walls would be weaker, and fewer of our people would die than in Maximus’s plan.”

Allow the players to talk amongst themselves and decide how they want to proceed. They can explore the siege camp if they want to gather more information before making any decisions. Refer to Siege Camp below.

illustrated quote — The walls of Aresia have never been breached in all the campaigns we’ve waged against them. The magic of the Palladium is powerful indeed. But I wonder whether some weakness does not eat away at the heart of such a city after so long a respite. —Vallus, Goddess of Wisdom

Decisions#

Taran: The heroes can choose to relieve Taran of his command and appoint one of their own or one of Taran’s advisors. Alternatively, they can allow the prideful man to stay in his role as overall commander.
Storm the Gates: If they choose this option, refer to Storming the City later in this chapter.
Meeting Queen Helen: If they choose this option, refer to Audience with the Queen later in this chapter.
Infiltrate the City: Go to Infiltrating Aresia later in this chapter if they choose this option.
Another Plan: If they choose another plan, make sure that you are familiar with chapter 7.

Siege Camp#

If the heroes wander the siege camp, they find bitter soldiers, dwindling supplies, and fear of Aresia’s champions. To understand the stalemate and chart a path forward, they can ask more questions of Taran’s three advisors.

Dimitrios#

Dimitrios will approach the heroes and ask to talk. If they grant him an audience, read the following:

“I know why you have come to Aresia. Not for conquest, but because you fear Theogenesis. You fear that someone unworthy will seize it and ascend.” “But tell me … is there anyone worthy? Has there ever been a mortal whose hands would be the right hands for godhood?” His fingers drift to a seven-pointed rondel hanging from a leather cord. “This symbol belongs to the Maker. Much like Nyx, the Dreamer, he gives no miracles, no fire from the heavens. He grants only wisdom; the kind that teaches mortals how to live, how to build.” He looks up at you. “I wonder if that is not better than gods who meddle in every breath of our lives. Better than those who demand devotion or take it by force.”

If questioned about how he learned of Theogenesis, Dimitrios explains that it is his responsibility to know anything that could threaten Aresia. He admits, with visible discomfort, that he serves as Taran’s spymaster.

If asked about the Maker, Dimitrios states that the deity is not native to Thylea. According to his sources, the Maker was introduced to the region by the Dragonlord Xander.

Maximus#

Maximus is found near the siege lines, gazing up at the towering walls of Aresia.

Maximus does not turn when you approach. His eyes stalk the battlements and their watch-fires. “These years mired in the mud, Aresia has challenged us to single combat. Their best step forward, and mine fall. They call them champions. I call them butchers. Leandros. Halcyon. Hiero.” His hand tightens on his sword. “I fed them my finest. They shattered them. Some I buried myself.” “I forbade duels after that. Not for mercy. I will not waste more flesh.”

If questioned, Maximus explains that Leandros fights like a man with nothing left to prove, Halcyon like a mother protecting every child, and Hiero like someone who has already died once. He snarls that any plan to breach the walls must account for them.

Dolios#

Dolios is lounging inside a silk-lined tent, servants pouring chilled wine into crystal cups. He greets the heroes with a smile too broad to trust.

“Queen Helen,” he murmurs. “Last of the line that brought Narsus to Aresia. Trained by the grandmasters as a child, crowned after her mother’s sudden death.” He leans in. “She has no husband. The queens take only consorts, so no man ever stands above Narsus. Tradition, they say.” A sly shrug. “But Helen is proud. Alone. If she could be convinced she was the first to choose a husband rather than inherit one … she might see it as destiny.”

If pressed, Dolios insists Helen seeks stability, not conquest. He whispers that surrendering Narsus would fracture Aresia’s faith in her rule, and she would rather die a martyr than live as the queen who bartered away her ancestors’ legacy. But perhaps she could be convinced to take a king.