Leonia moves to Scarlet. "Scarlet, please let Lia know that she is free to move the wasps nest away from the settlement, unless she would prefer we destroy it by burning."

The party returns to the village without incidents, though with a strange feeling that they may have missed something important.

Lia thanks everybody for the help, and offers a place to rest and heal, as well as some rewards - she does not specify exactly hat they are, but she has a rather conspiratorial smile. She also assures them that, now that they have made sure that there is no supernatural influence at work, the hive will be dealt with, in a way that doesn't disturb the natural order.

When Dakash mentions in passing that something in the mites' possession had a strange effect on his spells, she asks for the entire sack containing the items the party found, guaranteeing that she will return all those that are not dangerous - and then some.

She also puts a cloak on Scarlet's shoulders, sized specifically for the familiar, and a moment later the little dinosaur casts a shower of sparks spelling: "Finally!"

A few seconds later, a disembodied voice says: Good job everyone. Sorry I couldn't help but... I really really can't."

---

Due to the strange effect on the pewters, you end up more distracted than you might otherwise be, and can't very well describe the details of what you found out.

This of course is not ominous at all and has nothing to do with the rest of the campaign. Also, I have a bridge to sell you if you are interested :P

Leonia, you recognize the cloak as an item occasionally gifted by old, rich wizards to their former apprentices in recognition of some major milestone (e.g., reaching a 5th level, or crafting their first major (i.e., a Wondrous, Weapon, or Armor category) magic item, and so on), which grants prestidigitation (at will), one cantrip (at will), and a minor spell (once per day).

If you have something to add, please do so, otherwise, you can get some rest in Zhorr's manor. The rooms are large, nice, and have some of Zhorr's art in them.

There are no servants in the castle, but Zhorr will dispatch an Unseen Servant to each of you.

The rooms do include a bath tub, and the manor actually has indoor plumbing, so you can take a bath if you'd like.

Next scene will be dinner at the manor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:54, Sun 19 Feb 2017.

Leonia says "I have two questions, Lia. First, where did you encounter Scarlet. She's quite the fascinating creature, and I'd love to learn more about her type and environment. Secondly, am I correct in assuming that the crystalized mana we found is like a single charge, RECHARGEABLE tune stone?"

"I bought her, actually. From a merchant in Garund, when Zhorr and I were searching for an ancient temple in... well, that's kind of a long story. They are pretty rare, and they fetch a rather high price as exotic pets. I of course had something different in mind." Lia smiles affectionately patting Scarlet on the neck.

"I will have Zhorr go through the entire pile and check it out, but... I am not entirely sure what you mean by rechargeable crystallized mana. The only crystallized mana I know of is a naturally occurring gemstone that appears in places with high natural magical energy concentrations. I never heard of anybody recharging a spent mana crystal. Mostly because, once you expend them, there's nothing left."

---

I don't know in what way I suggested that the mana crystal would be rechargeable, but it's essentially a generic material component that takes the place of a spell slot. You cannot recharge a material component.

Greatful that the strange (read: ominous) pieces of pewter were finally out of his locality, Dakash holds a hand to his brow, massaging his temples. Clearly, he feels the aftereffects of his divine severing.

"I must retire to my room and ask for guidance in this matter. I hope this is not a portent of things to come in this region." He did not need to add that in a region where a duke of hell was the leader of the people, anything that interfered with holy powers was something to be examined thoroughly.



Caught a bug so this is the best my shivering lets me do right now.

"Yes, I think I'll retire for the night as well, though I am curious about Leonia's discovery. Perhaps we can talk about it in the morning?"

Aran then makes his way to his quarters, and takes a long, relaxing nap.

"Or tonight at Dinner" Leonia says as she opts for a relaxing bath in her room. As she heads for it, she says to Lia "I'm curious at what Zhorr will say of the items. These were natural Fey engaged in something evil. Not something the fey usually do."

Hocos Pocus

Hocus Pocus

Detect Magic

Detect Magic

"Alright, let's do this."

As Lia gently empties the sack on a marble desk in one of the manor's laboratories, Zhorr starts sifting through the pile of disparate objects.

The first one to catch his attention is the small button. He flips it in the air like a coin, catches it with prestidigitation, and studies it as it floats gently to the palm of his hand.

"Crystallized mana, enough for a basic spell. Worth a couple hundred gold pieces to the right buyer." He gently sets it aside on a different table, then proceeds with the next item, a piece of cloth.

He cleans it with Prestidigitation, then asks Lia: "What do you make of this?"

"Odd... It's missing some pieces, but it's not broken. Is that even possible?"

Zhorr picks up another piece of cloth: "I think these are pieces of an Artifact. From the looks of it, it was actually made to split into multiple... Um... Rags? I have no idea. I'll put it in safe storage, maybe we will find some other pieces."

He sets it aside, and picks up another piece from the pile.

By the end, the entire pile has been sorted: magic items, valuables, pieces of the unknown artifact, and junk.

"Alright, we're done. Let's go make some dinner."

"Wait! You forgot these," Lia reaches forward to pick up one of the pewter medals, and immediately crumbles to the ground when her finger touches it.

The pewter medals explode in a flash of brilliant light, momentarily blinding Zhorr.

When he is finally able to see again, the medallions are gone.

Nothing else has been affected, the room doesn't seem to have suffered any damage, and a few minutes later Lia is awake again, though complaining of a headache and without a single spell left, other than her cantrips.

---

...and that's what Zhorr and Lia tell the party at dinner, after listening to their account of the day't findings.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:10, Wed 22 Feb 2017.

Dakash refrains from the ever-present 'I told you so' that might have otherwise been on his lips. He couldn't have told them, because something in his mind made him forget...or at least feel indifferent about the effect the pewter objects might have on someone else.

He wonders briefly if they store the energy they siphon, or just disrupt it....and where they have gone off to now.

When Lia relates what happened,  Leonia mentions how she had overlooked or dismissed the pewter utterly. "Some sort of Aversion enchantment?" she asks.

Zhorr nods: "And seemingly less effective on divine casters... Targeting them, perhaps. That... Cannot be good."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:00, Thu 23 Feb 2017.

"One wonders on its potential effect on a local deity worshipper? Would it also affect such a person, or be keyed to 'accept' her?" Leonia posits.

"Interesting, though, that these magical mites would have them in their possession and remain unaffected. Could they have been holding them for months or years but the 'indifference enchantment', for lack of a better term, made them avoid actually touching them in their hoard? The way they disappeared makes me think they were under the direct control of someone else, or had a purpose that, once triggered, sent them back to their creator." He frowns deeply at the implications.

"I don't know much about Mites, but they didn't seem like the type to be master schemers, so I'm with ya there." Araan adds his two cents while thoughtfully rubbing his chin. "Maybe we should follow up on this, see where they came from?"

Zhorr nods: "Master strategists indeed they are not. However, there is little strategy here: mites are spiteful creatures who can control vermin. A mite attack on a settlement is uncommon, but then again they didn't go for a direct attack. Instead, they suborned a local wasp nest and pushed the swarm into attacking a lone farmer."

An Unseen Servant delivers a covered platter ("Ah... Dinner is ready."). Zhorr opens it and Mage Hands a portion of what looks like a vegetarian meal to each guest.

When it's done, and with the customary dinner formalities out of the way, he continues: "If it had ended there, we would have deemed it a normal mite attack, albeit slightly more brazen, and somewhat more cunning, than usual. Those things you found on them... Worry me. It could be that they only target non-evil spellcasters, it could be that mites do not qualify because their abilities are innate and don't have a divine source, or it could be something else entirely."

He takes a spoonful of his meal (which actually tastes pretty good) and takes a moment to properly chew it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:42, Sat 25 Feb 2017.

Leonia enjoys her meal quietly. About midway through the meal, she asks Zhorr "Don't some types of enchantment have a type of signature, indicating clues about the nature or methodology of the enchanter? Much like a Master Craftsman can be noted by a particular flair or technique used? Even if the enchantments have dispersed, perhaps a minute study of the materials enchanted might yield a clue or two. I offer my assistance in any such investigations."

Zhorr raps his fingers on the table for several seconds, then replies: "Technically, you are correct. Crafters leave a signature, of sorts, on the items they make. However, it's hard to recognize it, even more so with only a few samples. And since those pewter medallions actually disappeared after the explosion, we cannot really study them anymore. If we found more, perhaps... But it sounds like a dangerous proposition."

Then he brightens up: "However! If you are interested in spellcraft, I assure you there is no shortage of interesting things to study. It has been a passion of mine for several decades. Items, spells, even just basic research, in the tradition of my illustrious ancestors. In fact, I have a certain research on bog nixies that you might find interesting..."

"Not at dinner, dear." Lia says quietly.

Zhorr nods meekly: "Yes. Yes. Sorry. Back to the matter at hand: there is clearly something unusual going on around here, and Lia and I cannot really take a hands-on approach to such matters anymore. However, if a group of keen young adventurers decided to take an interest in the matter, we would be able to provide them with an appropriate amount of supplies for the task, as well as appropriate recompense. A good deed may be its own reward, but I have yet to find grocers who accept good deeds as coinage."

Dakash nods at the front half of the man's speech. Indeed, spellcraft and the weaving of powers is something I do find fascinating. I've often wondered if there's a connection, at its most basic form, between divine magics and those of the arcane. Perhaps my future studies will help me learn how best to combat dark energies being directed at myself or my friends."

The second half of the comments were not lost on the big blue warrior, though he was somewhat less vocal about his own role in the days to come. "Would it be of any use, wise or not, to inform the local authorities of these pewter objects? Could it be considered a threat to those who rule in Asmodeus' name? Or are we better off on our own, as the objects have disappeared?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure these guys are the local Authorities, Dakash, " says Aran as he indicates Zhorr and Lia.

"I'm a Spellcaster, but not much one for studying. I suppose I can help out if there's any research about this to be done, but if I had a specialty, it would have to do with extraplanar things. I'll be happy to lend my services as an adventurer though."

Zhorr makes a vague gesture: "We are... Close enough, and calling in hellknights is always the last resort: if we can deal with this on our own, we should."

He smiles broadly, then adds: "Which brings me to the first of your rewards... Since you are all spellcasters, I have something I think you will find more valuable than a handful of gold coins. Back when I was a young adventurer I always felt that a spell such as read magic, important as it is, is not something I tend to use a lot during a fight, so one of the first things I did when I learned to make was one of these."

He pulls out a small orange prism, which promptly flies up and starts floating around his head. "I wouldn't necessarily use one of these for more combat-oriented magic, since a canny opponent can always try to destroy them, but there are some minor spells that grow in power with the caster, and I often found myself wanting to prepare half a dozen of them every day. These little stones made my life much easier. So here is my offer: name your spell, and I will make one of these for you. Of course, it has to be an apprentice-level spell, and it has to be one you could normally cast: these stones are simply not powerful enough for high-level magic, let alone granting you entirely new abilities."

Lia then pipes in: "As a second reward, you will be given your own room here in the manor, complete with a nice bathroom with a large tub, a full size mirror, a big chest for your personal belongings, a safe for your valuables, a large wardrobe, a queen size bed, and dulcis in fundo, a personal Unseen Servant."

---

"Cracked orange prism" ioun stones. The cantrip can be from an opposition school, since the stone simply adds it to your prepared spells, it doesn't add an extra slot. Slightly less useful for a sorcerer, but an extra cantrip is not a bad thing. Note that the spell still has to be on one of your lists in order for you to be able to actually cast it.
You will also get 100 gp each in coins, which you will find in the safe in your room, and can start working on a project with Zhorr or Lia at your conveinence. You will get full use of the labs in the manor, which include crafting rooms of various kind and two alchemical labs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:09, Thu 02 Mar 2017.

Leonia mentions something else to Zhorr and Lia. "You two might want to actually look at the wasps' nest. Something about the shape of it...bothered me for some reason. Maybe one of you could tell me why?"

Lia nods: "I'll check first thing in the morning. Now that you cleared out the mites, it's just a wasp nest, it should be fine for me to handle it."

"In the mean time, I will start working on the stones. It will take me three days to finish them. I will ask each of you to prepare the spell you want me to add to your stone, and assist me in the crafting. I also asked a friend to come back, at her earliest convenience: she's not exactly a keen fighter, but she can hold her own, and she has a knack for finding traps that may be useful." Zhorr smiles at the group: "Until then, I hope you will enjoy our hospitality."

---

On the following morning, Lia dons a swarmsuit and goes to check the nest. A few hours later, she returns to announce that the wasps have been relocated to a safer place. She confirms that the shape of the nest is definitely unusual, and voices her suspicions that it has something to do with the mysterious pewter medallions. It may be worth checking the area more carefully once preparations are complete.

---

On the evening of the third day, a short girl sporting brown hair in a bob cut walks into the dining room. It takes the group a moment to realize that she looks like a teenage version of Lia, only without the green hair.

"Akane!" Lia runs to hug the girl and kiss her on the cheek.

A moment later, Zhorr, at a more sedate pace, does the same. "Welcome back. Any luck?"

The girl smiles ruefully: "Well... Do we count the bad kind?" She sighs then continues: "Not giving up, of course, but... This may take a while."

Zhorr nods. "Sorry I called you back, but I do believe your help will be important. These are Leonia, Dakash, and Aran. This is our bard, Akane."

Akane gives the group a small bow: "Pleased to meet you."

---

Make sure to mark which stone you opted for in your character sheet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:06, Tue 07 Mar 2017.

When the time comes to enchant the gem with a cantrip of his choice, the warrior-priest makes his selection and watches with rapt attention as the process unfolds before his eyes. He is, as he's said before, fascinated with magic, particularly the interaction between divine and arcane energies, and so the magic item powering process is something of a mystery to him.

Spell chosen is Enhanced Diplomacy

---

"A bard? A troubadour? A teller of tales? Does this mean someone thinks we are going to be performing deeds worth telling future generations?" Dakash seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the idea that they might be heading into world-altering paths. Or perhaps he just wasn't ready for *this* particular incarnation of his soul to be subjected to the terrible side of the universe just yet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:02, Tue 07 Mar 2017.

Akane blinks: "I'm not... Well... I suppose I am... But I don't think those are the talents Dee... I mean, Zhorr, wants me for. Are they?" She asks looking at the aforementioned Magus.

Zhorr chuckles: "Not quite, no... Though, I suppose, if this does become a tale worthy of legends, you will be in a prime position to chronicle it. Also, you can regale them with the occasional grand tale around the campfire. Or sing everybody else to sleep on your guard turn."

"Yeah, that's gonna happen. Well, as I said, a pleasure to meet you all."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:43, Tue 07 Mar 2017.

"A pleasure. Of course, if you know some boring stories, you can talk us to sleep" Leonia says with a snigger.