It soon becomes evident that all the Orcs have been dealt with. The six groups found no other secret passages or otherwise unexplored caves.

Willem, Krivath, Theirastra and Alecks met up with Mithra's group just before they filed out of the caves, and Viridovix, Thia and Ero are the last to emerge.

Surprisingly, yet not so surprisingly, a full seven newcomers were encountered in the caves.

As introductions are made and everyone reports what they found, one of the facts that turns up is that this used to be a monastery for a group of monks who called themselves the Order of the Seven Mysteries. Nothing's been heard of them for over 100 years.

Sala takes the magical books with him, hopefully he will have time to be able to determine their properties. It could be that they are purely spellbooks, or there could be more to it than that.

"When I get some time, I'll share what I know about these." he says, and if left to his own devices he will start to cast identify spells to aid in this.

"What now?" he asks.

"I suppose find the rest of the orc army. I doubt we've come across more than a third of their numbers." Prizzard does some stretches, healing from Second Wind regularly.

Somewhat distracted by searching through the caves for leftover items of interest it takes a moment for Cinnabar to catch up with the fact that others are already focused on the future.

”We took out a considerable number of their most aggressive fighters with the ambush earlier, assaulted a place they thought was safe, and killed dozens of them in the span of minutes.  Even if we didn't kill most of them it seems likely we killed enough of them to break whatever fragile alliance the tribes maintained to make this larger group possible and they have fled back to their respective homes.  While I am generally opposed to many of their cultural choices I am not inclined to pursue them back to their homes and slaughter their children.

Manaen settled down and as it seemed there was time he kept identification of the various goods going. "Someone gave me a magical token as a stipend for a good. Turns out it was an anchor to get pulled here. I half bet he has ransacked my shop by now." He was making little tags detailing what the object was, general description, and an estimated price.

Mithra drags the last Orc body out of the Library and the other rooms.

Meanwhile, everyone has been exchanging tales about what they found, the battles they fought, and the Orcs they killed.

When it seems like everyone is out of the caves, she calls everyone together for a meeting.


"I'm pretty sure we've flushed out all the Orcs from these caves. Kassan here found out that these caves used to be a monastery, though there's no information about what happened to the monks that lived here. A few of their bodies may have been found inside."

"While I think we killed all the Orcs that were here, not all of them may have been here. Some of them may have left before we attacked or escaped after we did so. Nothing we can do about them now. Hopefully, they'll carry a warning back to their tribes."

"However, we know that more Orcs have taken over the Ruins of Thundertree as well as invaded Cragmaw Castle. We cleaned out both those places when we started, but it seems as if more have arrived."

"Anyway, here's my suggestion: we split up into three groups, since we did well doing that in the caves. Group One should have straight to Phandalin and warn them that Orcs may attack on the next full moon. Group Two should have for Thundertree and deal with whatever's there. Group Three goes to Cragmaw Castle. You might even run across the goblin camp."

"We need to rest for the night, though. We have a lot of loot to go over. While the spellcasters check the loot and study their spells, the rest of us can clean up all these dead bodies. We can pile them all up at the bottom of this ledge and then burn them all. Anyone got any fire spells left?"

"Victor, you up to leading one of the groups? I can take the other. You want Cragmaw or Thundertree?"

"I'm sure I'm not the only one, but my lesser cantrips should suffice for the purpose of burning bodies." replies Sala.

Nyssia, dirty from her work searching for traps and doors, looked at Mithra with a nod. "I think some rest would be good, and give us time to thoroughly search this place.  It has more hiding areas than a smugglers ship. That will give Turtle boy and Ego elf time to identify the gear we found." She looked at the pile, wondering as to what the items did.

"I can check any of the boxes for traps and open them...just make sure the magic ones have no nasty tricks on them."

"Oh I wouldn't suggest killing the non-combatants of course, and if possible I wouldn't want to slaughter the fighters either. I rather prefer a fight between champions.

Well, after that bit of live combat I'm in the mood for some sparring, though I have no sparring weapons."

Back outside in the daylight, Willem checked the surrounding area before making formal introductions to the newcomers. To any who were interested he simply announced himself as Willem. To those who know of such things he wears the vestments of the Holy Protectors of Torm, a martial sect dedicated to ridding the land of abominations and the scourge of evil. Except their tabards are normally black while his is grey. On his face is a Mark of Atonement, one worn by a penitent man in search of absolution.

The newcomers seemed a motley bunch of different races, but each seemed to have been accepted by others in the group so he saw no reason to question their motives.

When the conversation arose as to their next task he spoke up. "Who else has a steed, or can move fast enough to keep up? Prizzard and I have horses, what about you newcomers? We could ride hard to Phandalin to give them fair warning, then join up with one of the other groups where we would be of most use." He didn't mention that Draxus had a new set of horseshoes that he was keen to test out. He glanced over at Prizzard. "What say you, are you up for a hard pace?"

"Alas, my steed was torn from me as I was ripped from my abode." replies Sala. "I have coin, which I suppose I could part with to purchase another. But I was hoping that the spoils of war might help in that regard."

Despite her small stature, and quite obviously having traveled on foot Cinnabar speaks up.

”I am not generally in favor of dividing resources but if someone need to rest and we must travel quickly I can keep pace with a horse easily and am ready to leave immediately.

"Honestly, I don't know you all from Adam. You could just as easily be ready to slit my throat in my sleep as far as I'm concerned. So far, these adventurers have proven themselves, but others...I'm not so sure of. Even these are just passing acquataintances so far." says Sala to the others, pointing at the group who had saved him from the orcs.

"I have never forced Tra'am to hold a hard pace. She might not accept it, especially with the weight of the barding and equipment." (In the Heavy Load range)

Alecks followed Willem to the larger group.

He listened to the speakers carefully then spoke up when it seemed appropriate.

"If any of you are injured, I have some healing ability and would be happy to assist you with Selune's blessings."

Nyssia looked at Sala with wide eyes. "If we were going to slit your throat, would you be talking now? No...and maybe remember that though some of us you seem to trust, we - as a group, attacked orcs that outnumbered us to stop their threat."

She brushed her hands. "As to obligations, your free to walk home if you like wherever that is. But i can tell you, this group, for teh most part..."Her gaze went to ero, then back. "...are as true as you will find.  They saved me from some ugly brutes, and i've been with them since."

She gestured. "If you can't trust all of us, trust those who helped you.  You can't do that, then there's the road friend."

Amid the distrust and the stories that are told, a general gist of what everyone found is revealed.

"It's about 35 miles from here to the Triboar Trail. From there, it's another 40 miles to Phandalin. The Castle is 15 miles into the forest, so horses aren't going to be much use there."

"Once you hit the trail, 70 miles will take you near Neverwinter and then  you'd need to cut cross country for 20 miles to reach Thundertree. However, if you cut cross country before reaching The High Road, it's about 60 miles to Thundertree as you scout the edge of the forest. The High Road is easier travel and probably quicker and safer. Skirting the forest could expose you to any Orcs out scouting or hunting."

"I like your idea of casting this floating disc thing. Some of us could ride on it behind the wizard on the horse, and that would keep them from slowing down travel."

Cunaar makes it a point to introduce himself to all the newcomers, and then introduce everyone else to each other.

"I'm not all that great in combat, so it makes more sense for me to warn Phandalin," he volunteers.

"I don't know how dangerous it might be, so one or two others should accompany me, don't you think?"

"I can guide him there," Thia offers. "It sounds like the castle might require more stealth, although it could also be useful amid the ruins."

"I can help organize Phandalin's defense, and if it goes smoothly enough, I could probably catch up to either group."

Alecks takes a seat on a stump with an excellent view of the surrounding terrain and watches the area carefully while waiting to see if anyone accepts his offer.

"Now, now, Nyssia, don't be so hard on Sala," Krivath cautions. "He was magically drawn here against his will. He has no idea how he's going to get back."

"I suppose you are justified in your distrust, Sala. We've all joined together, however we were brought here, in our desire to protect the valley from another incursion of Orcs. The area is only now starting to recover from the last one."

"If being here is not to your liking, I assure you we will do our best to help you get home... wherever that may be."

"I, too, have a horse, but I will willingly lend it to anyone who needs it if that turns out to be an option."

"Some people don't have the honor to make their intentions known to all. When you've dealt with the people I have, you learn not to hand out trust like candy. I hope that I'm proven wrong this time, so I'll try to look upon you all as favourably as those who have saved me. You seem to have at least a small amount of trust with other, and that goes a long way with me.

quote:

"Now, now, Nyssia, don't be so hard on Sala," Krivath cautions. "He was magically drawn here against his will. He has no idea how he's going to get back."

"I suppose you are justified in your distrust, Sala. We've all joined together, however we were brought here, in our desire to protect the valley from another incursion of Orcs. The area is only now starting to recover from the last one."

"If being here is not to your liking, I assure you we will do our best to help you get home... wherever that may be."

"I, too, have a horse, but I will willingly lend it to anyone who needs it if that turns out to be an option."

Sala nods in response. "<Blue>Thank you for your support. It's true that I didn't plan on being hundreds of miles from the manor. The thought of adventure does please me though. You never know what you might learn on your travels. Still, I would dearly enjoy the benefits of some warm hospitality and the finer things in life on occasion."

He pauses a moment to catch his breath. "As for those discs, let me see what I can do. It's not too taxing to cast, but I imagine if I need to refresh these discs continually on our journey I should get started early and earn my keep."

He begins to ritually cast the disc spells one after another.

"Woah! We aren't going to need them until the morning," Krivath cautions Sala. "Unless they last for 24 hours."

Casting one was just a normal spell. He's not familiar with this 'ritual casting' he mentioned.

"That's an interesting technique, Sala... this 'ritual casting'. I've never heard of it. Can you tell me how it works?"

Nyssia looks at the human and shrugs. "I'm more a person who tells it how it is - not one for deception....especially between team mates. You do somethin good, i'll praise you.  You behave like a stuck up egotistical git..." again looks at Ero "...and i'll tell you. I'm all for trust being earnt, but maybe have an open mind before you accuse people of wanting to cut your throat."

She looks at the dragonborn and shrugs. "How we came here isn't important....i was hog tied and in a sack with three giants discussing how to cook me....yet here i am. He's a big boy, he can make his own mind up."

"I can attest to that", said Lureene. "Nyssia will tell it like she sees it, and she's not one to hold their tongue. But I assure you that no one here will slit your throat while you sleep, or countenance it, for that matter. The Lady Firehair has a dim view of such murderous treachery, and so do I, if you'll forgive the gross understatement."

Sala seems to have been satisfied with the questions. He does still keep the ritual casting going though, as he intends to use it to sit on for a while.

Reminded by the suggestion that some may require healing Cinnabar once again retrieves a pouch of small berries she has been handing out and makes an effort to distribute them to anyone who needs healing.

”It seems like we have a fairly wide variety of people who can travel quickly, and some places to go that are far enough away that even those people will be traveling for more than one day.

Assuming we all need to reach the various destinations at about the same time we should perhaps send the people who can travel immediately and quickly to the farthest destination, and those who need rest before they depart to the closest.

"From what I've heard, I don't think such haste is necessary," Vane suggests. "The full moon is seven days away. If we're successful, then Phandalin will be safe for the foreseeable future."

"A night of rest is more important than rushing off."

"I think that I, too, shall better serve by heading to Phandalin. Without a clear threat, I doubt that the villagers will be too keen on disrupting their lives just because we shout 'ORC!' I can help with that... I hope."

Casually following close behind Mithra, Kassan listens to the conversations that are going on.  The books that mentioned his arrival and apparent repair attempts by the monks wrapped and secured to his side much like a satchel from some leather scraps he cut of the orcs.

"If it is okay with Lady Mithra I will stay in her service, as I am currently directionless and in need of some coin.  My part was minimal in today's excursion, although no doubt instrumental in it's success."

Kassan takes a position off and behind Mithra like a shadow.

Nemeia mainly kept to herself. This was a very large group to take on a small army of orcs. Due to being transported from the other side of the continent, she had no horse and very limited supplies. Then the topic of resting came up.

"I suggest we rest before moving on. There might be more orc patrols and resting would help in the next possible battle."

Willem listened carefully to the discussion. He had not taken any wounds and didn't need to rest.

Nyssia looks at the new people and shrugs. "A nights rest may do us some good. Those who use magic can replenish their energy, those with wounds can heal, and those who can, can see what these items do....plus we can finalize where each of us goes over a hot meal."

---

<OOC: I suggest a long rest for those who need magic returned, healing and to see what these magic items do.>

*PLONK* Another item was identified and added to the pile.

"Rest would be wise. It would give me time to finish my work here. As well if we need to daisy chain disks I can add to that. Though is there much an issue with going the way of the turtle? Nice and slow with a comfortable pace and company?"

"We need to arrive well-before the remaining orcs and goblins so that defenses may be prepared." With no takers on the sparring offer he digs in his saddle bags a bit begins stitching where the orc got through his leather. Skin first, then leather. As he starts the work: "Are we setting up camp here? We might get more of that army tonight if we do."

"I've no horse, and no inclination to travel at a fast pace. No use for stealth, either, though I've got nothing but respect for those who excel at it. If its an open assault on a fortified position you want, I'll take the van. If you need a wall of steel behind you to spoil an ambush from behind, I'm just as happy to bring up the rear. In a narrow passage, I'm as good as a portcullis. So I suppose the castle may be best for me. With a good healer to keep my insides from becoming my outsides, and a few archers or spell-slingers behind me, we could clear it out room by room, hallway by hallway."

Cinnabar puts the remaining berries away after anyone who needed them took some.

”I gain nothing from resting here, and several others seem ready to travel quickly on the longer trip, which is likely a good idea if we need to be able to spend some time convincing others of the value in preparation, but I can not force any of you to go where you do not want to.

"Yes, there are a lot of us now. I'd like to think it's because our need is great and our cause is just," Mithra says.

"Many more have come and gone, which further reinforces my belief that some sort of confluence is going on. While it's possible that we are the focus, I suspect it's more that we're on the periphery of it and are merely being drawn in."

"Are we integral to these events? Or are we just a... convenience... a tool to achieve some specific endgame? I don't know. I'm not sure we'll ever know."

"Whatever the case, we still have a task before us."

"I think it is wise to split up because if we all try going in just one direction, we won't have time to make it to all three. I can't even guarantee that we can make it to two sites. We have no idea how many Orcs there are... in these locations as well as out in the forest and other areas."

"I plan on resting. Fighting is tiring work. We have things to do that might make our task easier. The three groups will head out at first light. We have the night to finalize our plans."

There are three healers in the group, so anyone who is still down HP will be soon healed back to full.

There were four small wooden boxes found, but none of them were trapped, and they didn't even have a lock on them, just a little hook to keep the lid closed. Three of them held potions, the other had a flat round stone in it.

Everyone was told about the two weapons rooms in case anyone needed a free weapon. Only one weapon in each room was magical--the Great Axe that Viridovix grabbed, and a morning star mace in the other room. Every weapon in each room was different, so no 2 long swords, for example, no 2 maces, etc. However, there were no ranged weapons--no bows, crossbows, slings, javelins, etc.

However, both rooms had the exact same number and kind of weapons, so each room had a footman's flail, both rooms had a warhammer, etc.


With a little help from some of the others, Kassan is able to garner a bit more information from the journals. As near as can be determined by the dates in the books, Kassan was in that room for just over a hundred years. When the monastery was attacked, one of the attacks apparently cast a time-stop hex on Kassan, which is why he was 'frozen' in time. Although the monks drove off the attackers, most of the monks were also killed. Badly injured, the last two left to find help. It doesn't seem like they ever came back, so Kassan was just left there. The wizards, particularly Ero, can tell Kassan that the hex-spell wore off finally, as 100 years is about the length of time it takes for that to happen.


The broken Talisman has residual teleport magic in it (no surprise there) and it can probably be mended. If those who were teleported in want to go home, mending the Talisman may be the best, fastest and easiest way to do that.


The rapier was found on the Orc Chief. He carried it, but wielded a great axe in battle.




Atlas of Endless Horizons: This rare wondrous item requires attunement by a wizard. A thick book bound in dark leather, it is crisscrossed with inlaid silver lines suggesting a map or chart. When found, the book contains the following spells, which are wizard spells for you while you are attuned to the book: Arcane Gate, Dimension Door, Gate, Misty Step, Plane Shift, Teleportation Circle, and Word of Recall. It functions as a spell book for you.

While you are holding the book, you can use it as a spellcasting focus for your wizard spells.

The book has 3 charges, and it regains 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn. You can use the charges in the following ways while holding it:

    If you spend 1 minute studying the book, you can expend 1 charge to replace one of your prepared wizard spells with a different spell in the book. The new spell must be of the conjuration school.
    When you are hit by an attack, you can use your reaction to expend 1 charge to teleport up to 10 feet to an unoccupied space you can see. If your new position is out of range of the attack, it misses you.


Doss Lute: This uncommon wondrous item requires attunement by a bard. As an Instrument of the Bards, this is an exquisite example of its kind, superior to an ordinary instrument in every way, named after the legendary bard college Doss. Any creature that attempts to play the instrument without being attuned to it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or take 2d4 psychic damage.

Once attuned, you can use an action to play the instrument and cast one of its spells. Once the instrument has been used to cast a spell, it can’t be used to cast that spell again until the next dawn. The spells use your spellcasting ability and spell save DC.

You can play the instrument while casting a spell that causes any of its targets to be charmed on a failed saving throw, thereby imposing disadvantage on the save. This effect applies only if the spell has a somatic or a material component.

Doss Lute spells include Fly, invisibility, Levitate, Protection from Evil and Good,
Animal Friendship, Protection from Fire, Protection from Poison.

Weight: 2 lb.; Estimated Value: 28,500 gp


Vest of Many Pockets: dark blue suede vest with four visible pockets, it has an additional 12 secret pockets. Each pocket is able to contain up to 1 cubic foot of material weighing as much as 10 pounds.


Grimaldi Grimorra's Spellbook

The most interesting spell in there is Tenser's Traveling Disk. According to Grimaldi, who claims to have known Tenser personally, the spell he invented was great for when Tenser was first adventuring, which is why it was so simple. It has no variables to it. After a few adventures, though, Tenser started to realize the limitations of the spell, and set about inventing a 'new improved' version.

Although it's only a second level spell, it has variables all over the place. The only catch is, you have to be a better wizard to make use of the variables. For every level over 3rd, you can tweak one of the variables. You need to make a DC 18 Intelligence check to apply that tweak... at least until you've 'mastered' that variation. Once you've succeeded at three such checks for that variation, you no longer need to make any more.

SIZE: You can make it up to 50% smaller or up to 50% larger.
SHAPE: You can change the shape from a round disk to a square, to a block, to a wedge, to a sphere, etc.
DISTANCE: You can have it follow you up to 60 feet farther behind or closer at 5 feet.
ELEVATION: It can sit right on the ground or be as high up as your own height.
LOCATION: Normally, 'follow you' means it's behind you, but you can position it the side or even in front of you.
DURATION: The disk lasts for 1 hour per level.
MOVEMENT: You can direct it to move around, whether you are moving or not. The side effect of this is that you can actually sit, stand or lay on it and have it move forward. It does so at your own walking speed.
SPEED: Once you've mastered Movement, you can make it go faster, such as a double move or even as a full run!
RAM: Combined with Distance and Shape, Speed now lets you ram a target as long as it's within 60 feet of you.


Because she's a ranger, Thia offered to guide the group going to Phandalin since she could probably catch up with either of the other groups.

Cunaar and Krivath also elected to go Phandalin.

Joining those three are Kessife, Stonecrow, Ulrik and Vane.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:16, Sun 20 Feb 2022.

Once Manaen had finished the last magic items identification he started banging on his shell. The large spikes on his back made a odd reverb that wouldn't be swiftly forgotten. Each item had a little tag that held the name, General cost, and description. On the back side of each card had a tiny picture of a cartoon turtle using the item as intended. A habit picked up for people who didn't speak the common language.

"If anyone doesn't mind I would like to copy the spells in the books and put them back for open use."

This message was deleted by the player at 20:29, Fri 18 Feb 2022.

"I certainly don't mind," Mithra answered, "since I'm not a spellcaster and don't have any need for spells."

"If Ero is correct, this place has been abandoned for over 100 years. I don't see any point in leaving this stuff here to just rot away. We're hardly in a position to carry it all with us, though."

"We can always come back later."

Nyssia looks over the gear but her attention goes to the lute. She picks it up and strums it, the music light. She plucks a small tone as she hums, feeling its magic. "If you don't mind, I'd like to use this - I think it's magical qualities would benefit my skills."  she also looked at the boots.

"A rare find of treasures! exclaims Sala. "Some of which I feel a strong affinity for. If I were to be offered a share, my top delights would be the amulet, atlas and spellbooks." he says, his eyes resting upon the atlas.

"Some of us have been together since we left Neverwinter a few weeks ago," Cunaar offers, "and have already gained a few magical trinkets, so, for my part, I'm willing to forego any items right now. If there happens to be something useful to me after everything else has been sorted out, I might put in a request for it."

"I would recommend that the combatant types take one of the magical weapons. I laud your conviction, Biff, but unless your fists are magical, you'll be at a severe disadvantage against some creatures. I doubt if the Orcs fall into the category, though."

"Magical fists..." Biff muses, "I do catch your meaning. Wasn't much planning on finding monsters to kill, but..." he looks around at the loot, "does seem to pay better than prizefighting, though I don't do so bad for myself."

"Even so, I am sure someone else can make better use of them. Those rooms here look to be fighting arena preparation rooms. Choose your weapon and all that. One type of weapon for each combatant, or team. Keeps it even, in a way. What's going on with this place anyway? I was waylaid and woke up bound and hobbled. Biding my time, mind you, then you blokes came along, thanks again for that. Anyway, What's with all these orcs, what's this talk of an army?"

"If we're dibsing, I wouldn't mind them bracers, though I just as soon wait in line to be claiming anything."

"You might have noticed all the dead Orcs we've been dumping over the cliff there?" Mithra says to Biff. "That's part of the Orc army. The other part is back down the trail. We lured them out of their camp here and ambushed them."

"And that's just about half of them. A few days ago, we defeated another hundred or so Orcs. The valley out beyond these mountains was once a thriving area of settlements and farms. A hundred years or so ago, Orcs swarmed into the area and killed everyone, looted villages, burnt down houses... Now that the village of Phandalin has been resettled, we were sent out to see if the Orcs might be coming back."

"Not sure what constitutes an army... Victor's the one to ask about that... but we've now encountered over 200 Orcs in the area that weren't here last year. If it's not an army, it's at least an incursion. We're sending a message back to wherever they come from--they're not welcome here."

"Don't know what you were doing out here in the middle of nowhere, but you're welcome to join us as we go after the rest of the Orcs."

She looked around at everyone to make sure they all heard what she'd said. She didn't want to have to explain it yet again.

"Unless someone else here has been hiding Bardic talents, I think letting Nyssia have the Lute is a reasonable course. Anyone disagree?"

"I'm also inclined to let her have the Boots of Speed. That way, she can keep up with the rest of us. Anybody else have a need for them? How about you, Manaen?"

Theirastra would finally speak up, now that all the bickering is done. "I think she would be well to have the lute. Maybe she can make a good tune that I can play my flute to." She said with a small smile.

"I would like the belt if I could," she said pointing at the Belt of Giant Strength. "It would complement my Bladesinger considerably by making my strike more potent."

"Also, when you you are done copying the spells from those books, I would like to do the same." She said to Manaen. "If no one minds."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:13, Sat 19 Feb 2022.

As it turns out, there are two magic items that will make copying spells easier. The first is the Amethyst Quill. It can help you copy a spell in half the time (which is normally 2 hours per level of the spell). The second item is the Traveling Alchemist's Kit, which has the necessary ingredients to make the special inks needed for writing spells.



A Grimoire differs from a standard spellbook in that a spellbook is the streamlined version whereas the Grimoire has notes and comments written in the margins. These might be cautions about when NOT to cast the spell, or some minor way to tweak it, or how the wizard used the spell to defeat some monster.

In this case, there were three additional spells scribbled into the blank spaces. This might have been done because Grimaldi didn't have the time to create a new book or he didn't want to be bothered insert new pages.

Nemeia stood back a little from the others as they talked about the magical items found. They were already making their choices and giving reasons why they were the best choice to own it. It reminded her of jackals fighting over the best part of a kill. Since the paladin was teleported from the other side of the continent, she only had the clothes and armor on her back, hardly any supplies and no magic items to speak of. Many of the items could be sold at a big city and fill any war chest.

The Belt of Stone Giant Strength would be good for any fighter but would most likely be the party's back mule to carry everything.

The six potions of Greater Healing should go to the front-line fighters for emergency heals.

The Brooch of Shielding would be handy against anyone who likes to fight mages.

The Cape of the Mountebank would be great to get behind the enemy and cause chaos.

The Ring of Feather Falling would be handy in emergencies or for people who could not climb down cliffs.

Then there was the Morning Star mace. Other than that, everything else held no interest to her. If Nemeia was going to get anything, she might as well speak up and join in the tearing apart of the kill.

Nemeia pointed at the Ring of Feather Falling.

"May I have that ring? It would save my strength climbing down in heavy armor."

As Ero left to go help with something related to the items removed from the cave net work, Kassan thanked him then drifted a little to the side of the camp away from the large group. Staring into the distance as sentinel if a Stealth Walker as apparently these passed monks called him could stare.  The voices of the group finally breaking through his contemplation as the names of strange items were being rattled off.  Turning back to the group Kassan saunters casually over to stand beside Mithra, giving her a tip of the hat and slight head bow.

"If the group would see fit, as it was majority of you who facilitated my extraction from that cave network.  I would like to tender a request for the following items in order of priority, the gloves of spider climbing and the vest.  Tertiary the cloak of elven kind as I believe all three would assist me and my abilities to assist the group or groups greatly in the foreseeable future."

Kassan steps off again having voiced his opinion as that is all it was worth, stuff was fine but one hundred years and that was only when the one other person had found him.  To many questions, Kassan opens one of the books he found and continues to read for no other purpose then to pass time.

Willem looked over the items that had been salvaged. There was quite a haul, but nothing particularly drew his fancy. "There is nothing here that I will lay claim to. The magic belt would be nice but I feel others will benefit more from it than I will, and the featherfall ring would be nice too, but I already have my new goggles that let me see in the dark. I will gladly take my share of what lies unclaimed but I am happy for each person present to take what they can make use of, each has earned the spoils in their own way."

As others continued to discuss how to divide the treasures, Willem thought some more about their objectives. After looking over the group and speaking to various members he made a proposition.

"We need to divide into three groups. The first will return to Phandalin to warn the townsfolk there. The second will aid in the fight at Thundertree while the final group should head to Cragmaw Castle to survey the situation there."

He looked around until he found those he was looking for. "Thia, you are well versed in the trails in these lands, Could you lead a small group back to Phandalin? Cunaar can help convince the locals about their situation. Stonecrow and Ulrik can provide protection on the road, while Vane, Kessife and Kirvath can aid with their magicks if required."

He turned to Mithra. "Good lady, you offered to head up a group. Would you lead the scouting mission to the castle? Kassan and Nyssia should be able to move about unseen and do some scouting for you, with help from you, Star." He glanced at the Tabaxi. "I am told your kin are stealthy hunters. Goyle and Viridovix can provide you with extra steel, while Manaen, Ero and Thressa can offer their magicks with Lureene providing healing aid if required."

He turned to Victor, catching the eye of the old soldier. "And as was suggested, maybe you could lead the final group to Thundertree? We can go on horseback, with the magick disks that Sala mentioned. Prizzard, Alecks and I can ride our mounts. Cinnabar can ride with Alecks." He glanced over at the flame-haired halfling. "My lady, your diminutive frame should prove little burden for Alecks' sturdy mule. Sala can ride with me. My steed has magick horseshoes so can travel great distances without feeling weary, or so I am to believe." He looked over at the dark-skinned chronomancer. "While ahorse you can maintain your magick disks to carry the others. We can set a sensible pace so hopefully all will travel in comfort, and it should still be faster than walking. Victor, you can ride on a disk, as can Theirastra, Nemeia and Biff. Hopefully we can make good time."

He looked around at the group, trying to gauge their opinion. "What say you? does that sound like a reasonable plan?"

"Sounds reasonable to me," Mithra answers. "I was thinking stealth might be more advantageous in the old castle, too. A few of us have already been to the ruins and the castle, though, so we know what we're heading into."

"The castle is probably larger than the ruins, too, so makes sense to have the extra person with that group. Krivath has offered the use of his horse, if any of the Thundertree group can ride."

There were still a few people that hadn't spoken up about their interest in the loot, so she'd wait a bit longer before offering any more suggestions.

"Yes, Nemeia, you were teleported here, as were several of these others. Anything we have we are willing to share with all of you. We now several devices for producing drink, so that's not an issue. None of them provide food, however, but we have rations for several days still."

Alecks brightened at the suggestion of traveling with Victor.

"It would be an honor to assist Captain Harkness. Stories of the exploits of the 42nd and their noble Captain were a family favorite at my Grandfather's table."

He smiled at Cinnabar, "You will find that Ginny is a wonderful mount with a sweet disposition."

He gestured toward Willem. "If we take the time for me to copy tensor's discs into my ritual book, I can help with those as well."

Cinnabar return's Aleck's smile with an honestly friendly one with no hidden inference only halflings seem to be able to manage.

”While I have no doubt that Ginny is a wonderful creature, and may even find fulfillment as a beast of burden, I do not have any need to ride along with you in order to keep pace with the faster group.

Nemeia crossed her arms and shrugged. Face showing indifference.

"The gods are not done toying with me yet. I will go where needed."

"If you are carrying so much gear, Prizzard, why don't you take the Bag of Holding," Krivath says to Prizzard.

"It's party treasure, not mine. We got it off the ogres. Don't worry, we cleaned it up."

Victor said, "I would like the belt, as well. It would allow me to focus my training on improving my magical abilities, and would be especially useful when I go all out attacking. Plus, it would allow me to attack effectively, even while focusing the magic of my sword on defense! If you like, Theirastra, in exchange for your claim on the belt, I can offer you Lightbringer, a magical light mace. It strikes truer and harder than most, and is especially potent against undead. I would hope no one here would deny that you would still be entitled to pick a different item if you took my offer."

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.