Corym responds to Karilla. “The new information I have regarding the Mythal likely limits what can be done. Divination spells seem to have been broadly prohibited within the Mythal. Obviously Identify seems to be unaffected, but the more prying sort are supposed to be absorbed into the Mythal. In this instance Kitheras’ counter intelligence skills might be the most useful thing to rely upon. To have found him near the body of a Bane worshipper, knowing that he comes from the Moonsea does seem to imply that he isn’t particularly trustworthy.”

Sirenya doesn't let up quickly, reluctantly giving up the leg of Corym. In the future, when she looks back, she's sure that it might have looked like a dog humping the elf from afar, but she would quickly reminisce...

"The rest of the battle with those horrid flies was epic! Krackor was wielding diving power like you wouldn't believe. Before you would know, they were both banished from this realm and gone quicker than a flash." she says, quite proud of the clerics efforts. "We did rescue Jalanus in the process of exploring their residence, and we even found some trinkets of our own to be identified." she says.

Corym returns the embrace fully.  He'd developed an affection for Sirenya, but the Silveroak siblings were virtually like his family.

"Indeed.  I think we'll be spending considerable time uncovering the spells on these items.  Are you prepared to learn how to identify?"

"If you're asking me do I like to spend time watching pearls disappear, the answer would be no. But learning more about something before it curses me and turns me into a rogueishly handsome male, that would be a skill worth knowing." replies Sirenya, and she laughs at the thought of it.

In reply to Sirenya (msg # 878):

"We can see if Kora is prepared to learn it as well.  Many minds make quick work."

((ooc: Kora has not yet progressed enough to be a first level wizard, so she's not able to learn Identify.

Sirenya, if you want to learn the spell, go ahead and roll to learn it.

Also, I can't remember if I've explicitly said this, but I've decided to not use the max number of spells you can know. You still have to roll to learn them, but if you can find them you can keep building your spellbook.))

Krackor attempts to dispel the magic sealing the basement door shut before he falls asleep. Unfortunately, the door continues to laugh at his efforts.

Fortunately, he's asleep far too quickly for it to rankle.

The course being mostly decided upon, Corym will begin teaching Kora the Identify spell and putting it to use on the new acquisitions. He will encourage Kitheras and Sirenya to continue deciphering the Scroll, and then he will instruct Elorfindar and Krackor to alternate between watching outdoors and watching Jalanus. The rooms where we’re identifying and deciphering should be off limits to him.

Sirenya attempts to learn the spell that Corym wanted to teach, but the intricacies foiled her every twist and turn, and before the morning came again she was desperately unhappy. "The stress of this place is unconducive to learning. Perhaps I will be of more use among friends and family before I try again." she says.

It's clear that leaving this place is high on her list...

Krackor dreams of standing guard in a new temple resplendent in Bronze Masks and Shields with Burning Eyes emblazoned on them.

Late in the morning, when Jalanus had fallen into another exhausted sleep, Elorfindar carefully eased himself from the room and went looking for his sister. He found her in the back entry hall, which by now was smelling strongly of the kank. It was a smell unlike any other he'd encountered, simultaneously musky and dry arid like a wind out of Anauroch. It didn't bother him nearly as much as the way Karilla had clung to it since her surprise return.

"Karilla, I wanted to speak with you. I have decided not to return to Evereska directly. Before you returned to us, we journeyed south to Deepingdale. There is a village there, deep in the forest. Velethuil, they call it. They are survivors of Cormanthor, but isolated and, well, tired. Most of them were born well after the Fall, but it still weighs on them. I think they could use the Lifegiver's wisdom. And a reassurance that they are not alone."

He hesitates, then adds, "There is a lake near Velethuil that is sacred to Labelas. Its waters can roll back the effect of time, and, when guided, heal the wounds that passing years have inflicted. I think it could help you. I don't know what happened to you on Athas, but I know it was terrible, and I would help you recover, if you will let me."

Karilla thought about her brother's words and agreed. This was not the place she needed to be right now. There would be no way for her get back to some semblance of normal while being faced with death and destruction around every corner.

The idea of a lake that could heal over a century of abuse and pain was far too tempting to resist. Also, she knew that she couldn't stay while her brother left. That concept was far too painful to process at the moment. She nodded to Elo.

"That's a very appealing idea. I will gladly go with you. I think that at this point, I might be more of a liability than an asset to any adventuring group. Taking time to heal and figure out who I am again would be very helpful. I would like to say good-bye to everyone, but after that, I'm ready to leave whenever you are."

Krackor awakens and it is still dark outside but not the same day when his head hit the bed. He realised he wasn't even in his armour, it must have been instinct knowing that his watch for the period had ended.

He went looking for Corym, Sirenya and Kitheras, knowing that at least one would be awake and on watch.

I dreamt of a temple to the Vigilant Host. I think there was more meaning. When we first discovered the magically sealed door, freed Talindra from her torment and decided that we were going to return to Glen, I mentioned or more accurately, I asked if Talindra and what ever was behind that door could be connected. Now I wonder if it is hers and her fellow resident spirit's bodies behind that door as we found no signs of either resident in the stasis rooms.

Even if Talindra feels no connections, which I gather from previous conversations may be the case, moving the bodies or the spirits may, as mentioned previously, remove the protections on this place.

Do we wait longer and whilst Corym recovers from his Identify spell draining, we check out more areas or do we just gather and leave?
His thoughts were clearer but his was not the mind to convince.

With the group deciding to withdraw from Myth Drannor, the day Krackor spends asleep is a flurry of activity. Bags are packed. The treasure that you've discovered is parceled out amongst you. Talindra floats between the study, the library, and the master bedroom with Kora following at her like an eager hunting dog.

By the time the next morning dawns, and Krackor rejoins you from his sleep of the magically-enhanced watch, you are mostly ready to go. You're taking enough food to get you to Glen, with a bit of judicious hunting in the forest along the way and all of your treasure, with the exception of the large gnomish bowl which is too cumbersome to be worth it. Everyone also has as many books and papers as Talindra can press upon you, with the agreement that they will join the other material under Talindra's custody that was sent out earlier.

When Krackor wakes and asks his question, it really draws everything into focus: you're ready to leave Myth Drannor. Do you want to?

((ooc: It's the morning of the 20th. Krackor has been awake for a couple of hours; long enough to pack his gear. I'm going pause here to see if there's any other business you want to take care of in Myth Drannor before you set out for Glen.))

((All good in the hood))

All good here

To save food, I shall cast the Iron Vigil spell once more, this way we won't need to carry as much food either.
He thinks this is sufficient but will help where he can.

Nightal 20 - 30

With the group resolved, the bags packed, and everyone assembled, you begin your exodus. Karilla is riding her kank, its bags also packed with books and scrolls from the manor, with Jalanus seated in front of her. The halfling has recovered significantly over the past day, but is still as weak as a new kitten. He's desperately eager to get out of there, however, and doesn't even flinch when lifted up onto the strange creature.

Kora and Talindra arrive right on time. Talindra looks exactly the same as ever; Kora is now carrying not just her swords but a large pack and a belt and harness with several pouches. She's shifting her shoulders back and forth to get comfortable, but doesn't appear to be having any trouble with the weight.

Sirenya covers Karilla in a field of invisibility, and then does the same for the rest of the group. You're also all wearing your drow gear for the first time. Before putting them on, Krackor wouldn't have thought boots would be able to quiet the clanking of his plate mail, but somehow the muffling effect travels up from his feet until even the scrape and settling of mail and mettle is more a quiet sigh.

Once outside, you make your way south along the Way of Heroes one last time, then pass into the field of rubble that chokes the southern side of the Street of Song. Though you cast several nervous glances towards the tree dwelling that used to be Shuldin's Stonespire, you don't see anything. Not even a songbird appears to be out as you make your way from the fallen city.

After passing the edge of the ruins, you're almost immediately plunged into a thick bank of mist. Karilla's kank rumbles anxiously; cold, clinging wet stuff is far beyond its experience. Karilla smacks it on the back of the head, and it settles down.

The mist is formed by the edge of the mythal, where the warmer city air hits the colder air of the wider world. That colder air is the only warning you have that you've left the mythal's confines. You're no longer in the City of Song; you've re-entered the Encircling Wood.

The next eleven days are about as boring as a winter hike through a deep, monster-infested forest can be. It's snowed since the last time you left the ruins, and the tall trees look lovely with their white crowns. It's cold enough that you're grateful for your thick clothes and blankets, though not so cold as to be uncomfortable when you're wearing them. Talindra doesn't appear to be suffering any difficulty from leaving the ruins; she keeps pace with the rest of the group, though sometimes she forgets and walks through a bush or tree rather than around it.

You reach the Standing Stone on the 25th. It's a reassuring sight, as is the road that runs past it. Now you're no longer fighting your way through a near-untouched forest. You turn west, and let the road guide you first to Mistledale, and then onwards toward Glen.

It takes several more days of walking, but just as the sun is beginning to set on the evening of the 30th, you see the seemingly-small buildings of Glen appear on the horizon. A bit further, and you've reached the road leading down into the defile which hides the village. The fields are covered in several inches of snow, but the road down has been both cleared and covered in dirt. Smoke rises from chimneys all around you, many of them wafting tempting smells in your direction.

It is the last day of 1360 DR, the Year of the Turret, and you have arrived at the village of Glen. What do you wish to do?

((ooc: Welcome back from the wilds, everyone! I am still buried in unpacking and organizing, but wanted to get the group to Glen while I had a chance to breathe.

First, for a near-flawless exploration of the city, for keeping your base undiscovered despite going in and out many times, and for the safe extraction of Talindra and Jalanus, everyone gets a bonus of 10,000 xp. That bonus carries over to the new characters.

And speaking of new characters, Kali and Tarron are both staying in the Dark Door, Glen's best inn. It's getting on towards evenfeast, so you're both in the taproom (which is luxurious, but everything is made of stone), and you're welcome to introduce yourselves and start interacting with the world.

Everyone else, since you've stayed at the Dark Door before, I suggest heading there now, so that you can cross the paths of the two new folks.

I will try to update further tomorrow, provided I can get my head above the books.))

Kali was bored.

Every drinking game or challenge had been played and both won and lost countless times before in taverns too numerous to count. She wasn't really impressed by the current rabble in the tavern. Over the years, she had become accustom to the types of riffraff in the world and what she could expect from them. Sadly, a majority of those in attendance this evening would fit into the description of interesting for a night but boring thereafter.

She needed something different.

She was searching for that spark that she knew she would only recognize once she saw it. There was a slight tinge in regards to one other in the bar, but one was not enough for her grand ideals.

She scanned the room for anyone who could slightly entertain her for a night, but none of the prospects looked promising.

She resigned herself to drinking herself into a stupor until someone showed enough initiative to peak her interest. She knew she was never a patient person, but this felt like a special form of torture.

"Oh well, that's why there is alcohol."

She lifted her empty glass and ordered another round.

Tarron entered the bar. It wasn't his favourite haunt, he liked to keep a clear head. However, word had gotten out about a group of adventurers returning from Myth Drannor and he had taken it upon himself to ensure that he was in the best position to put himself forward as a skilled warrior in need of service. The truth of it was that he had heard rumour of certain treasures which he desired to claim for the elves that had been long lost.

OOC: I'm not sure what you look like Kali. Are you human/elven/dwarven? It seems like you're marking yourself out as attractive...

Corym regathered the Piwafwis and Boots before they came to Glen.  Glen almost certainly traded with the Underdark and a band of adventurers entering the town so attired would set off a screaming alarm.

---

Talindra was going to have to stay with them at the inn for a time--until the scroll code was cracked and they tried to barter with Neldor--but how to get her in?

Corym resolved to consult with the innkeeper about his companion who had suffered a personal curse that left her insubstantial. "We hope to see Sage Neldor about it. We are happy to reward discretion and security regarding our affairs." To avoid alarming the clientele he wanted to see about a rear entrance she could enter through.

---

Entering the solid stone inn, Corym no longer looks the part of the gentleman explorer he played earlier in the year.  His harness and leathers are cracked, torn, and dusty from the road. Spatters of blood, spittle, venom, and who-knew-what-else stained pieces of cloth.  Pockets, pouches, and packs bulged and jingled in ways that could not be concealed. His once-fine boots were nearly worn through, and his clothes were tattered layer between his harness and his skin.

Pale skin--not sickly, but bright and strong and clean like linen paper--seemed an extension of the snow on the ground.  Bright blue eyes shone like winter spirits on the wind.

He greeted the custom of the Inn, and made for the Innkeeper with purpose.

Kitheras Sunblade entered the inn behind his Captain, though most would have assumed that command belonged to him. Kitheras stood imperiously tall for an elf--5'10"--and with features carved for high courts in a fey kingdom. Deep green eyes visibly relax at the sight of the fine inn. He too is rode worn, but a little like a model in a photo shoot.  His boots and cloak are a misty grey and of Evereskan manufacture.  Though they may be dusty, these accessories resist the kind of road damage exhibited by his Captain. So too, the sinuous elven mail that wreathes his body casts a dull gleam as he enters the room. A belted pair of fine short swords bask in that gleam.

He sets his pack down next to a companion while his Captain makes the arrangements.  Withdrawing Valarde's harp from its case in the small of his back. He plucks out a melody and begins to sing.  He sings a song sung many times on the road home from patrols in the grey hills.  He isn't home, but this homecoming reminds him of it.

"Almost heaven, Grey Cloak Hills
Shaddan Mountains, Chiontar River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
Evereska, mountain home
Take me home, country roads"

He notes Tarron, nods a greeting, "How far from home are you, wanderer?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:44, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

"All the lands are now my home no, my charges no longer mine to command." replies Tarron to the moon elf. "Evereska may once have been my home, but she won't see me return before long has passed."

He seems sad at the mention of home, and his hand goes to a large pack on his back which contains a large object.

"Are you the adventurers just returned from the lost city?" he asks.

Sirenya had kept much to herself since the escape from Myth Drannor. She hadn't been her usual chirpy self on leaving, and her mood had lessened the further away she had reached from the ruins. As they entered the inn, her mood brightened measurably. "Back to civilization once more!" she exclaimed, and headed to the bar to make her order known.

Kitheras' eyes harden at the mention of the lost city.  "We are many days out on the road, and are glad to be back in Glen to bid farewell to the old year, and greet The Year of the Maidens at the dawn of its rising."

How could he know they were returning? How could he know where they had been? Who was this expatriate who spoke so freely in common rooms?

"But I am glad to again find a countryman in this distant land.  I am Kitheras Sunblade," he gives a bow, "Perhaps we have some common acquaintances?"