Nyssia smiled as she held the lute and the boots of speed. Though the need for moving fast was not a huge inconvenience, when it came to move, it could mean life or death of herself or one of her friends.

At the plan, the gnome nodded. "I'm pretty good at staying quiet and unseen....seems a solid plan." She sat down and tried the new boots on with a smile

"I cannot wield a mace. We are called Bladesinger's for a reason." She said matter of factly to Victor as she looked at the loot, a calm expression on her face. "Plus it would not be right for me to accept your weapon when I cannot wield it, it would be wasteful as I have no use for it. I apologize."

She considered for a moment, then said. "The only other thing I would hold interest in would be one of the spellbooks and possibly the pen as well. I may be a Bladesinger, but I am also a Wizard."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:27, Sun 20 Feb 2022.

Willem smiled, one of the first smiles anyone had seen him give. “You wizards and your books. I don’t think I’ll ever understand. Give me good steel any day!”

He paused for a moment to think. “If writing will take so much time maybe the group that is taking the books should scribe them last. That way if they run out of time tonight they can continue when time allows tomorrow after we have parted ways.”



“Maybe Victor can make use of the horse?”
This message was last edited by the player at 08:26, Sun 20 Feb 2022.

As the others continued to make plans and set up camp, Nemeia sat on a rock away from the group. In her hands, she was looking at the War Scythe that was found in the orc's weapons room. It was midnight black and seemed to pull the darkness into itself. The large blade on top seemed to meld the blackness of the void with a hint of red for slaughter and blood at its sharp edge.

It spoke to her.

"I will be your instrument to deal out vengeance. I will be all you need." it spoke in her mind.

She had agreed. Gone was her sword, shield and mace. Now she had the perfect weapon to bring vengeance to the evils of the world.

Nemeia grinned wickedly.

Manaen looked at Grey comment about wizards and their books. The sound that issued from Manaen was very close to the growl of an big crocodile that rumbled about his shell. He just turned back in and kept writing with both hands.

He was in his element. This was his happy space.

Ero bristles at the second-guessing.  "Of course I'm correct.  It's patently self-evident to anyone who has a legitimate education."

"As for our well-deserved earnings, we can store most of it in the Red Wizard's tent.  You all do remember how I insisted we take it even though there were some among you" -- he waves dismissively in Theirastra's direction -- "were afraid that little megalomaniacal hedge-witch would come after us for it.  There's more than enough room for all of this in it.  I would recommend we leave out any dimension-bending articles outside it though.  Unfortunate things can happen when you place one inside the other."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Sun 20 Feb 2022.

"Rule #1: Ero is always correct," Mithra intones. "Rule #2: if Ero is ever wrong, see Rule #1."

"Okay, Victor, you had said you weren't interested in riding on a horse, so thought it'd be better if you go to the Castle because it was a shorter distance. Now that we've found those spellbooks, though, you could ride on one of the Traveling Disks. In fact, as I understand the explanation, it could be shaped into something like a cart or chariot and it'd be under your control, so you could move with the horses without actually having to ride a horse."

"If that's still not to your liking, I can go to the Ruins. While I'm not enthused about riding a horse either, I can take Krivath's horse and ride with the others."

"How say you?"

"If I ever followed those rules, I would kill myself." She said flatly regarding Mithra's rules joke.

Nyssia listened to Ero talk and rolled her eyes - she never wanted to punch someone in the face more than the self inflated elf! She, however, resisted the urge as Mithra spoke about ‘ero’s rules’. The gnome smiled at Theirastra’s observation. “I think his own personal rules, because it will be a cold day in the nine hells before I’d admit either.”

Not sure who it was but Kassan thanks them with a gentlemen's bow and receives the gloves and vest with poise.  Such kindness from these adventurers for one only recently acquainted to them.  Taking care he pulls on the well crafted black leather gloves with incredibly fine web like details for stitching, the vest equally as well crafted.  They fit amazingly as if made for his mechanical hands and torso.  Tossing and snatching his cane out of the air Kassan makes his way to Stonecrow.

"A fine looking cloak you acquired there, I had my eye on it but it suits you much better then it would myself.  I look forward to working with you possibly in the future, but our paths do not cross at this time.  The one called Willem mentioned you may head to a place called Phandelin, safe travels and may your stave find true."

Sala, who had his eyes clearly upon a number of things, took the clockwork amulet and atlas once he was able. The amulet would come in mighty useful, supplement his abilities quite nicely indeed. The book, well, it would give him a much needed ability to get out of the way of combatants.

"I'm looking forward to using the new disc spell. I could imagine it being much safer than the existing spell."

As the discussions continued Willem glanced over again at the pile of loot that the group was rapidly dividing up. There he spotted something he hadn't noticed before, a morningstar mace. Wandering over he picked it up. It was well made, with strange sigils carved along the metal haft. If felt strangely cold to the touch, as if radiating energy. He gave it a practice swing, first with one hand and then with two. It was perfectly balanced and moved like a swaying bough in his hand.

"I like this," he exclaimed. "If nobody else lays claim I will make use of it."

Looking at the weapon he said quietly, "A fine weapon should have a name." He paused for a few seconds, thinking. "I shall call you Dawnfrost, yes that is a good name." After a few more swings he slipped it into a frog on his belt, wondering when he would get the opportunity to use it.

He also spied a fine golden brooch with a shield motif. While not one to be attracted to shiny baubles he did hear someone make mention of it being able to resist certain spells. Nobody else seemed interested so picked it up and attached it to his tunic.

As the discussions continued he made himself useful breaking up old broken boxes to make a fire.

Taken Morningstar and Brooch of Shielding.

While much discussion about the division of the items found took place the night before, and several spellcasters spent much time studying books and transcribing spells, other things were accomplished.

All the Orc bodies and filthy bedrolls were hauled out of the caves and dumped over the cliff. When a spellcaster was able, he or she went through the caves and used magic to clean up the bloody mess. Another one was able to set the pile of dead bodies on fire and Cinnabar and Thia made sure the fire didn't spread outward.

Ero set up the magical wizard's tent, which had its own hot stone in it. Stonecrow was therefore able to use both of them and his own cooking utensils to prepare a meal for everyone, using the long preserved supplies from the monastery.

Manaen was able to copy all the spells from the Grimoire into his spellbook and then turn it over to Ero.

While he did that, Sala used the Amethyst Pen to copy two spells from the Compendium and Theirastra copied one spell from the Atlas. Further copying could take place throughout the night, but everyone needed a rest.

By the time the first light of dawn began peeking over the eastern horizon, everyone had managed to get a long rest in. Spellcasters were soon busy preparing their spells for the day. Breakfast was prepared, and it wasn't long before the three groups were ready to head off to save the world!

Mithra had spent much of the night thinking about the various unclaimed magical items and considering others' suggestions on how to make use of them. She also reconsidered Willem's proposed groups.

Finally, as everyone was eating breakfast, she began passing out the items.

The liquid armor potions she handed out to Star of the Morning, Kassan, and Biff. Neither Star nor Biff wore any armor, so the potions would be most effective with them. She'd briefly considered giving one to Manaen because the idea of a silvery Tortle was quite amusing. Star, on the other hand, could become a silvered Monk; his monastic skills would still work with the armor.

The healing potions she gave to Victor, Willem, Theirastra, Viridovix, and Star, and kept one for herself.

The Potion of Advantage went to Prizzard.

The Potion of Climbing went to Manaen. She doubted the Tortle would be very good at climbing should there come a need.

The Potion of Flying went to Cinnabar. He didn't know if the Druid could turn into a bird or not, but if she was going to the Ruins, it'd be a good way to scout them.

She gave the Potion of Growth to Goyle. The Leonin was already 7-feet tall. The potion would improve his raging attacks. However, if Biff wanted it, that would work, too. On the other hand, that meant Goyle should go to the Ruins; he'd be at a disadvantage cramped up in the Castle.

If Mithra had been going to the Castle, she would have kept the Rope of Climbing herself. Instead, she gave it to Viridovix.

Since Thressa was more of a spellcaster than a combatant, Mithra entrusted the Wand of Magic Missiles to her.

And finally, since she felt the fighting in the Castle was likely to be more intense, she handed the box of healing Biscuits to Kassan.

"Somebody other than the Cleric should have these as it gives a second option for healing the fighters that get injured," she explained to Kassan.


Mithra still didn't consider herself a leader, but she wasn't too bad at organization.

The group going to the Ruins of Thundertree had the farthest to go, so she focused on getting them heading out first, even though she was one of them.

"Don't worry. I'll be using Krivath's horse so I can catch up," she informed them.

The group going to Thundertree was ssentially a martial group that could move relatively quickly with mounts. It included:
- Alecks (mount)
- Cinnabar

- Mithra (mount)
- Nemeia
- Prizzard (mount)
- Sala (using his magic disks)
- Stonecrow
- Theirastra
- Willem (mount)

Next, she got the group going to Cragmaw Castle headed out. This group had some sneaky types backed up with muscle and magic. It included:
- Biff
- Ero
- Kassan
- Lureene
- Manaen
- Nyssia
- Star of the Morning
- Thressa
- Victor
- Viridovix

Finally, the group that had the shortest distance to go were heading off to Phandalin to warn them and help them set up a defense against any Orcs that the other two groups didn't deal with.
- Cunaar
- Goyle
- Kessife
- Krivath
- Thia
- Ulrik
- Vane

"Look, if this set up doesn't appeal to any of you, feel free to change where you want to go," Mithra finally said when all of her organization was done.

"No one should feel like they have to go where I've assigned them. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of all of us assaulting Cragmaw Castle. Ero, Lureene, Thressa and Victor have all been there, so that should give you some advantage."

"Alas, I'm the only one of the Thundertree group that's been there. It was a small village, mostly in ruins, so it shouldn't be that big of a challenge."

"Any questions? Any suggestions? Now's the time to speak up."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Tue 22 Feb 2022.

The human female with short black hair and wearing the trappings of a warrior, was passing out the rest of the treasure to the others. Then she started using some impressive organization skills to split people into groups and sending them on their way. Skills needed for any leader. But she was playing the reluctant one. Maybe that would change in the heat of battle. Or was she just trying to ease people into thinking she would be a good leader so not to ruffle any feathers?

Nemeia did not care. She would work with the group, help as needed, or make a last stand alone as they run to safety. But she would not follow orders blindly. Maybe the reluctant leader-to-be already got that impression and kept her distance. Knowing people's quirks and how to deal with them was another skill a leader needed.

The paladin took her left-hand and brought the red fabric of the cape she wore to her nose for a moment. The smell was comforting. The others complained it literally smelled like one of the hells. Would all tieflings like the smell or was it just her?

Her red eyes gazed at the black war scythe held in her right hand. The perfect instrument of her vengeance needed a name. It had not spoken to her again since last night, no matter how much she tried. Then a thought occurred to her. You do not truly know someone unless you have fought alongside them. That had to be it. Maybe a name will come to her after some combat? Maybe it will tell her then?

With a sigh, Nemeia strode toward the others, face expressionless.

Theirastra already had the boots on, but she would walk over to the loot and pick up the ring, sack, and a pair of the stick and look at them critically for a moment. Finally she would put her belongs in the sack, the ring on her finger, and nod once ready.

Moving over to the others and joining the group she was assigned she would listen to Mithra. "These assignments sound acceptable. You know this region more then I do as I am not from here, so I'll accept your judgement."

Nyssia spent her night helping where she could, then familiarising with the boots and lute. At one point she played a lovely song that helped people relax, just for he sake of it.

Morning came and the gnome woman was ready, her hand crossbow and daggers the 9nly weapons visible. Her new lute str7ng over her back, Nyssia had an almost eager look.

"No complaints from me....I'm ready to hit the road."

Sala watched with amazement at the speed at which Manaen had copied his spells from the books. The tortle was literally a machine when it came to works of literary and art. He felt no jealousy, as he had his own talents, but he did approach the tortle with a request to create copies of the outstanding spells into his own books.

"Ah, liquid luck, who wouldn't want an endless supply of these. The hardest part is using ot at the right time." Prizzard had spent a good portion of the night before on a bonding ritual with the new weapon and this morning before breakfast he had been quietly practicing forms and footwork. He was clearly honored to accept the potion.

The evening before he had traveled back into the room where he was found and looked again in some of the monks chest for what he remembered were his personal belongings.  Placing them in his various pockets of the new vest the following day.  Grabbing a rough canvas ruck sack with a sturdy cord he placed the books he had been keeping inside, they were his only clue as to what he was.  It was not much but it was a start.  For now some people needed some work done.

Moving over to the group that is assembling for the castle job, Kassan thanks Mithra for the potion placing it in one of the hidden pockets in the vest.

"Thank you mah Lady, may your deity's watch over you."

He looked over the dynamic group and was interested as to what would unfold.

Willem accepted the offer of the healing potion and stowed it in his beltpouch. He nodded in agreement at Mithra’s suggested changes to the groupings he had made the night before.

Shortly he was ready to go.

——> to Thundertree thread

Mithra's main reason for getting the groups off was to avoid any hassles between any of them. Any time, you had a group this large, there was bound to be a few (hopefully) minor personality conflicts. And just the tension of waiting to do something could set them off.

So, this way, everyone had something to do right off the bat... she had no idea where that odd expression had come from. She couldn't figure out how it had anything to do with bats.

Also, a group this large tended to be reluctant to move on its own... something called 'inertia'... a wizard's term, no doubt.

The first group got started without any problem except the Leonin had opted to go with the group to Phandalin. He hadn't really given any reason, and she didn't ask, but he certainly would have been at a minor disadvantage in the tight Castle spaces.

Even as she got the second group moving, she had to shake her head at how many people were here. It hadn't been quite this busy in the mine, but then they'd split up into two groups then, and people had been popping in and out so much that she'd never gotten a good head count. She was sure the wizards were going to study that phenomenon!

"I'll catch up when I can," she told William as he led the first group out of their camp. She doubted the half hour difference would be an issue. She can gallop the horse for a bit, walk it, gallop some more, and so forth.

"Good hunting, Victor," she told the old soldier as the second group headed out. "I don't envy you flushing the Orcs out of the Castle. If it looks like there are too many, maybe you can just harry them until we can join you... keep them bottled up in the Castle for a few days. It's a great defensive position, but I'm sure they'll try to sally out at night if you take that approach."

"What do you think? 30 or 40? With all the ones we killed here, there can't be too many more out there. A different tribe maybe?"

And that left seven for the road to Phandalin. Mithra was half tempted to bury the Orc javelins and great axes so that any more Orcs that came here wouldn't have use of them, but finally decided it'd take too much time.

"Keep careful watch, Thia," she told the Ranger. <purple>"We heard there was supposed to be more Orcs joining this camp in the morning... this morning, in fact, though that sort of information is unreliable. If more Orcs--another tribe--were showing up, they could have gotten lost, delayed, or just decided to go off on their own."

"Don't be afraid to run away from them if their numbers are too great. He who runs away today lives to fight another day. A wise person picks their battles."

She was pretty sure the Ranger already knew all that, but what she wasn't sure of was whether Thia had ever had to lead a small group through what could very well be an Orc-infested wilderness.

Even as the third group headed out, and Mithra rode with them until they reached the Triboar Trail, it suddenly occurred to her that the presence of Orcs might easily have attracted other monsters into the area. She didn't know if those ogres counted or not--they could easily have been here before the arrival of the Orcs. There were goblins, but they were in alliance with the Orcs.

What else could show up? Bugbears, hobgoblins, trolls, firbolgs, ettins, zwercs?

Naturally they didn't catch up to either of the first two groups. In fact, Thia chose to lead them around the base of the foothills rather than out on the open trail. So then Mithra spurred her horse, Demon, to a gallop.

Just before assuming her new form Cinnabar collects up a bundle of more than a dozen great axes an binds them together with vines.  Obviously far to heavy and cumbersome for her small frame to carry any great distance she does manage to pick them up briefly and thus absorb them into her new form along with all her other gear.

After taking his share, and attuning to what needed attunement, he said farewell to those he had traveled with among the squads that he was parting with, particularly Mithra and Cunaar, with whom he had spent the most time.

To Mithra, he said, "And good hunting to you, as well, Stormraven. Don't worry, something tells me you haven't heard the last of my old war-stories! As for the squad you're going with, they'd be wise to do what you say, but don't blame yourself if they'd rather be fools and get themselves killed. You'd be a better Captain than I ever was... I'll just be happy if Nyssia and Ero don't kill each other!"

What he whispered to Cunaar, it is likely no one would ever know...

Thressa smiles. " Um thank you. You know I heal as well, so if you have an item for a back up healer. Maybe that should go to me. Also, I can use any weapon. "
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Sun 22 May 2022.