Groga's Cave, The Grey Mountains

[Watercress]

Groga and his treasure

Nestled deep within the Grey Mountains lies the cave of Groga the Fire-Drake. While he possesses many caves, roosts, and homes, and all of them contain wealth, this particular cave in the Grey Mountains is his principal home, where he stores and guards his most valuable treasure, garnered and stolen over the course of his many, many years among the people of Middle Earth.

The cave itself is vast, indeed cavernous, for nothing smaller would allow Groga to enter and rest. It consists of a single vast chamber, where Groga sleeps and rests upon a vast pile of gold and treasure, which itself covers most of the floor of the cave, but forms into a great hill in the centre.

Most of the time he is to be found here, sleeping. However he is known to dwell in many other caves and caverns, including a number in the Misty Mountains, several in the Withered Heath and Blue Mountains, and even one in the Iron Hills, hidden from the Dwarves. Thus is it hard to know where Groga may be - and indeed, there is never an accurate recording of where he it at a specific moment. Finding him, therefore, is a challenge in itself, let alone speaking with him. Encounters and discussions with the Dragon are rare, for he known to kill most intruders to his cave, if they do not bring gifts or tribute to him. For those who do however, they shall be able to speak with Groga, or at the very least remain alive.

Like other dragons, Groga posses the hypnotic power of the 'Dragon-spell', which allows the Dragons to convince and tell lesser beings to do their bidding. However, the effects of this spell can be moderated and countered. The best way to talk to a dragon under the circumstances of this spell (when it is questioning you) is to not directly give it the information it wanted, as this would compromise you and your friends, but not to flat out deny it an answer, because this would anger it to violence. Therefore, the best way to talk to the dragon is to be vague and speak in riddles- apparently dragons find it hard to resist wasting time with riddles.

Stats

Hitpoints - 20
Breath - 0
Infamy - 0
Injury - 0
Armor - 0

[Lucius Malfoy]

A galloping was heard coming towards the cave of Groga. The Lord of Dol Guldur, Azûlagân the Black Dread had decided it was time to visit the dragon known as Groga. Among the mightiest of those in the region, it was known that the Red Worm of the Grey Mountains stood above all. Sauron had a great interest in one of the last known Fire-Drakes of Middle-Earth and was keen to sway the creature to aid in the conquests of Dol Guldur. Upon his black horse, the Black Numenorean rode up into the mountains. His eyes looking around and trying to sense where this mighty beast was. Goblins and Dwarves seemingly avoided these mountains...perhaps the mighty Red Worm was nearby. Azûlagân dismounted his Morgul horse and began to make his way on foot, seeking the cave and dwelling of this Fire-Drake.

[Watercress]

As the Black Numenorean progressed further in his search for the cave, and his ascent into the Grey Mountains, the terrain grew rocky, and rougher. It become a struggle to move quickly - often he would have to climb over rocks, or bypass boulders in his movement through the Mountains. Initially, he was out of luck. The few caves he found were completely, and conspicuously, uninhabited. Following this he discovered further caves, also empty, and a dwarven settlement, completely devoid of life too. Patches and formation of blackened earth and scorched rock were the only evidence of Dragon activity at all. Eventually however, Azûlagân senses he was getting closer. He felt a growing darkness - surely the proximity of a servant, or creature of Morgoth. Finally, in the distance, he saw a large, open cave entrance - noticeably devoid of snow, frost, or indeed anything at all. Deducing that the dragon must dwell there, Azûlagân picked up his pace and headed to the cave.

Shortly he arrived. The darkness was strong now - seizing his heart with energy, and strengthening the voices and influences in his mind. As he entered, he noticed the air of the cave was actually rather warm. Sweltering, in fact. As he progressed through the long chamber that led to the central cavern of the cave, he began to notice coins, golden coins, carelessly dropped on the floor before him. Continuing, the number of coins grew, and grew, and grew, until there he was, at the base of a great mound of wealth. And there, just as he hoped, was the beast Groga - resting right on top of it. Much to Azûlagân's surprise though, he was fast asleep. He snored loudly, filling the cave with noise. The Black Numenorean noticed some of the coins nearest to the dragon were covered with blood - the Dragon's blood. And indeed, across his body, little scars and clots had formed, the mark of his assault upon Mistrand. Even a few javelins and arrows remained, thanks to the laziness and sleepiness of Groga.

He remained asleep, even as Azûlagân entered the cave. He had seemingly not noticed the Black Numenorean at all, nor detected or smelt his presence.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Black Numenorean had heard of the stories of Dragons. Glaurung the Father of Dragons, Ancalagon the Black and the Beast of Gondolin...mighty creations and servants of the dreaded Ainur, Morgoth, the mightest of Valar. But never once in his entire living had he seen a Great Worm like Gorga. The Red Worm of the Grey Mountains was mighty to behold, a rare sight indeed. Azûlagân then noticed the javelins and arrows; he knew their design from anywhere: the Men of Balchoth in the Brown Lands. Why did the mighty dragon go there? And from the looks of it, it was a hostile meeting.

After walking into the cave, the Black Numenorean quietly sat down, waiting for the dragon to awaken. Though he would never be this neutral, there was one thing that Azûlagân knew: never piss of a slumbering dragon.

[Watercress]

It didn't take long for the Dragon to wake. Quickly he smelt the arrival of the Black Numenorean, and sensed his presence. Slowly he peeled open his eyes, and after confirming his presence, gracefully rose his head and neck in the air. He was shocked, perhaps offended, by the sudden appearance of this intruder - although he certainly didn't show it. If it were any other man, he would have instantly attacked, especially given he did not brings gifts or tribute. But Groga knew who the man was - or rather, of his race, and his allegiance. The dark power of Morgoth emitted from Azûlagân like a foul stench. Groga recognised and respected it, and thus stayed his hand. After a tense silence, Groga finally spoke. His voice was low and deep, laced with wisdom. He spoke in a old, pure form of the Black tongue - Azûlagân had never rarely heard the language of Sauron spoken so truly.

'I sense purpose in your presence here. Who are you, and why do you come?'

[Lucius Malfoy]

Azûlagân remained quiet as the mighty dragon stirred and began to arise. With the awakening of such a great beast, the Black Numenorean could sense the darkness within this drakes very being. A void trying to swallow up the light of the world...and to cover the land in flames. He heard the Black Speech spoken to him, listening to Groga's reply. The Shadow of the East would reply.

Dreaded Red Worm of the Grey Mountains, I come on an errand from the Dark Lord, Sauron, himself. He has shown great interest in such an ancient creature as yourself...having known and seen the Father of Dragons, Glaurung from the early days of your kins existence. He has had a keen eye upon the Grey Mountains since you arrival.

[Watercress]

The Dragon's expression did not change. Not even the revelation that Sauron had returned caused him to flinch, or even react in surprise. Groga had suspected as much. What was truly interesting, however, was that the Dark Lord was interested in Groga. For what purpose? That would be his next question.

'And what does he, the lieutenant of Morgoth, desire from me?'

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Dark Lord wishes for a mighty creature as yourself to aid in the future conquests of his servants. Dol Guldur's strength continues to rise and strengthen...we hope to plunge Rhovanion into a land of shadows.

The Black Numenorean stands up, gesturing to the great treasures that surrounded the mighty Worm. Before his mask gazed once more at the dragon.

You have a lust for great treasures...treasures that the Dark Lord has no use for. He only seeks to destroy the Free People of this land, bind it to his will and retrieve certain items that he once aided in forging. All other treasures are of no use to him...but the unimaginable plunder might be of worth to you, great Red Worm.

[Watercress]

Groga remained still and silent, contemplating the idea. Groga's fierce sense of independence, of stubbornness, resisted Azûlagân's proposal. But his greed and his desires were strong, and soon they won the battle - but not before the Dragon's intelligence caught up with him, and delivered his answer to the Black Numenorean.

'You promise much. But how am I to trust the value of your word, when it is the very creed of your kind is treachery?'

Groga however reconsidered, and moderated the tone, offering a counter-proposal.

'I must receive a taste of this promised treasure, before I shall dine on it. You, or another of your men, shall deliver to me a sample of the gold and wealth you guarantee me. Only then, shall I assist you. And even then, I shall do so at my own will, and not at your master's bidding.'