Blackstaff tower....one of the most imposing and famous buildings in all of waterdeep.

The party woke early, having a hot meal, and mid morning, a page came to the inn, telling Nym (As he thought him the most likely the leader from their looks) that the master of Blackstaff tower would see them.

The journey to the tower on foot was not too far, and finding the tower was easy as it was the most obvious buildings. Standing on the threshold, the doors opened silently into a chamber hall, a elderly gnome waiting for you.

"Welcome.  My master bid you wait in this office while he concludes his business, he said he would be with you shortly." The gnome gestured to his right, a room that was neat with a huge desk, a high backed chair on the other side, and several soft chairs and couches on this side. On the walls, a bookshelf full of books adorned the walls, and paintings of various beasts.

It wasn't long before a man entered the room. Standing just over 6 feet  tall, the man was toned to the point of being lean. his dark eyes were mirrored by his light skin, and his full beard was black with silver streak, matching his hair.  His robe was black with silver trim and he held a jet black staff as he walked.

He sat at the desk, his face a mixture of weariness, annoyance and curiosity. He looked at the group with a serious look. "Straight to it....why has a dwarf merchant asked i see a rag tag group like yourself, and what's this about the lost keep of Anthel?"

Sonori smiled to see the gnome.  She responded after his greeting.

As they waited, she scanned the book titles and the pictures of beasts, curious and smiling.

When the Master of Blackstaff appeared, she smiled up at him, but decided it was best to leave one of the others do the speaking for now.

Kell suggests "perhaps Nino's new gauntlet might pique his interest?"

Oler shrugged to the inquiry. He was in the dark on most of what the current goal was. It seemed in the time he was away from the party there had been a number of developments. He was happy to be back in the North though and hoped that maybe they could visit more of it. He decided that since he didn't know what was going on entirely it might be best to remain quiet. Better to be thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.

  "I bid thee good day Master Khelban Arunsun of Waterdeep. Well shall we say that this rag tag group found Anthel's Keep and have returned. And for one such as you know what that entails I am sure. Primal magic and stones. We seek a moment of thy Lady wife's time and beg your indulgence. And Alastain is no mere dwarven merchant. No more than I am merely a scholar." he says somewhat respectfully.

After a moment's pause "In truth it isn't the Lady Laeral we wish to speak with, but rather her sister Lady Alustriel. And if you need proof of our claim to having been to Anthel's keep we have a few artifacts from there on our persons. Three of which you have already surmised."

Khelben looked at the dwarf, clearly feeling that he is not only educated enough to understand what he will say, but clearly a leader amongst them.

"So the rumors are true?" he says, placing his hands to his lips, thinking for a moment. "This group, made up of most of the goodly races known, hiked into the mountains and found a keep that the dwarves have been searching for  for centuries! Not only that, came out unscathed."

he sighs, taking a deep breath and points at Yacob. "You....i will have your name and tell me everything you know....including how Alstadin has such high up contacts to get my ear and so short a time. Do not skip anything or gods help me, i'll turn you into a snake and have my familiar hunt you down for sport!"

He looked at Kell. "...and what in the nine hells is a Nino, and why would his glove interest me?"

Nym is standing by the bookcase looking at the titles of the impressive collection while waiting for Khelban Arunsun to meet with us.  When he walks in Nym turns to look at him, but remains standing by the book case.  Yacob greeted him before Nym could, but Nym didn't react in any way to Yacob's greeting other than to smile at the appropriateness of his greeting.

Nym looks at Yacob and then decides it would be best if Yacob tells the group's tale first, with the rest of us who are present filling in any details as needed and says so.

Master Khelban we shall let Yacob tell the tale and fill in details if you have questions.  Suffice to say we have uncovered more than just Anthel's keep and returned from it to tell the tale.

Rivka had been fascinated by the pictures of Beasts and exotic monsters on the walls, and was on the verge of cracking open some books to further identify them when the master of the tower entered the room.    Having led expeditions for rich merchants and minor nobility, she had thought of herself as someone not easily intimidated, but the power that seemed to radiate from the wizard Khelben was like heat from a fire, even to one as unskilled in Arcana as she was.

Like most of her Traveling Companions, she elected to let the scholars of the group be the spokespersons, and held her tongue, though she was tempted to refute Khelben's remark that they were "unscathed".
After all they went through, Rivka felt pretty damned scathed.

Quinn stood silently by Nino in the room with Khelban, trying to keep a slight eye on him to keep him out of trouble if he could, though he didn't really expect any.

Nino followed Bob Bob around, but he was a bit distracted when he smelled some good cooking somewhere.

05:22, Today: Nino rolled 106 using 1d100+100.  Smell beef jerky.

  "To answer one question at a time. This is a Nino." he gestures at Nino "And his gauntlet is the Fabled Blackguard Gauntlet of Anthel's Keep. One of the things we brought out of there with us."

  He tells the story of the group as best he can. He tells Khelban everything that they went through. And then when he gets to the part where he passes out he simply says "I passed out and woke up a minute later. No big deal." he continues with the taking of the stone and then finishes with the group leaving the Keep.

Sonori swayed side to side, letting the others talk, but one of those people who just never really stood still.

"Like you had a choice!" Zell chuckled "He loves that thing just as much as his beef jerky and beer."

Jonathan let the others speak first and when Yacob was finished with story, the human approached the powerful wizard. finally speaking as he held out rolled maps and sketches in one hand and his copy of the journal he had made of their first outing, in the other. I was hired by Alstadin to be the historian for Yacob's exploration of Anthel should he find it. These area detailed maps, and sketches of everything, and this journal is the complete history of everything that happened down to a word for word copy of what the dwarven spirit said to us about the stones. He handed everything to the wizard.I inadvertently picked up the stone and am for now at least it's carrier.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Sat 14 Mar 2020.

Oler wondered about the wisdom of showing the journal to Blackstaff. Still it was not his journal to show and thus he raised no objections but how long before Blackstaff led a party there to find whatever they missed he wondered to himself.

Nym doesn't visibly react to Jonathan showing Khelban his journal and maps.  He does look around at the others to gauge their body language about it though.

  "While I appreciate the need to be forthright I have to ask is that your only copy?" he asks Tracks quietly.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Sun 15 Mar 2020.

Yes and I expect it back, but it's easier to give the account of what we went through in detail one time.The details are all in the journal, along with the lay out of the keep and sketches of what we encountered.

Kell remarks "given the demands of scholarship and the need to retain information, you'd think that some wizard would've come up with some sort of spell to quickly read through reams of non-magical materials and retain knowledge of them by now, wouldn't you?"

 Yacob merely shakes his head at the goliath's comment before saying "They have."

Kell smiles. "It's always a pleasure to see people whose intellect hasn't dulled their wisdom."

The man ignored most of the chatter, nodding in acknowledgement towards Johnathan as he took the notes and looked at them. Despite his gruff demeanour, he was gentle with the notes as he looked through them, the only indications were raises of his eyebrows and a look towards Nino and his glove

As he reads he speaks without looking up. "I assume this alstadin has a copy of at least most of this....very fascinating." He looks at Yacob, his tone less gruff. He hands the papers back without a word and looks at Yacob and sighs before talking.

"Tell your uncle we agree with his request....the land around the tower will be known from this point bon as land owned by the stonevein and Ironmaul clan. All known relatives are known to live around Luskan, and Alstadin has permission to explore therein and do what he wishes."

He looked at them all, then continued. "This will be forwarded to teh harpers and the lady of silverymoon...i'm sure they will not object. So that part of the business is settled."

He looked at Johnathan. "You have touched on the stone and being itr's 'keeper', very admirable....and my compliments to tyour notes CLeric"

He shifted in his seat and looked at them all. ""Now, tell me more about this glove, the stone and what your plan is next?"

  "Glad to know that you are respecting what amounts to ancestral lands." he waved his hand as if that in itself was immaterial to this discussion. "Nino's gauntlet is a major piece of the Anthel legend. It is as I said the Blackguard Gauntlet. Anthel's husband weapon made for him by her. Anthel set the course we are just taking the next step. Either Laeral or Alustriel has the location of the one we seek. His name is Zarmantan. He has more information than we on these stones. Which is what we need honestly. Information. I know enough to know that we do not want the wrong hands to get a hold of them."

At the mention of Zarmatan, Khelben sat up a little straighter and looked at the dwarf. "Zarmatan? That's a name i haven't heard since i was a boy." He sat back, musing for a second, then took a whistle from a pocket and blew it. Even no sound came from it, within moments, the same gnome walked through the door that let you in.

"You called master?" the gnome said in a formal tone.

"Send word to my wife that we need to contact her sister....this is urgent."

The gnome bowed and left the room, while Khelben sighed and slumped a little, for a moment looking tired. he looked at the others again and straightened. "Anything involving Zarmatan, wether he lives or not, is important. My master instilled that into me. Elminster himself has decreed that anything involving him is to be taken seriously, and i will not go against his wisdom. In saying that, whatever you need, I will help."

"My wife is out on an errand and was due back this evening, but given this....well, she will not mind. She can send word to Her sister."

He sat back and looked at the group. "Your gathering of information is well done, but let me fill in a little of what you may not know. My master, Elminster, knew Zarmatan....they share some common ground in terms of agelessness.. I saw the man once.briefly. Elmister respected him and knew he was on his own path. I was but a boy then, just in service to my master."

"Years later, when my art became suffice, Elminster told me of Zarmatan. He came from the stars...an unknown place and time. His travel has given him his agelessness, but also a purpose." He scratched his head, then continued. "My master told me of a prophecy....light and dark, good and evil. All I know is he was involved in a prophecy that included a equally powerful magic user...opposite sides of the same coin. It was said their powers were unlimited in power, but linked....what one could do, so could the other. If one was limited, so was the other. There was several destructive battles...I believe Anthel's keep was one of these....then, they both vanished."

He looked at Johnathan. "Can you please place the stone on the desk....i would examine it. Do not fear, i will not touch it.....just probe with magic."

He also looked at Nino. "And i would like to look at that glove too."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:06, Mon 16 Mar 2020.

"Anthel gathered some clues as to possible locations of stones that match this one. And gathered at least one piece of information you do not have the name of the enemy. The Mistress. Also she controls a red dragon or did in Anthel's time.

Khelben's brow furrowed, looking angry. "Your sources may be wrong there master dwarf. By all accounts, The enemy of Zarmatan IS a red dragon that is known as the mistress."

"They have led epic battles, the last when i was young before he disapeared. Even Elmisnster tried helping him once and he failed to have the power against the beast. No...Zarmatan was a true even match for her, and her him."

His anger was clearly aimed at the enemy and not the group....he had heard of the mistress
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:39, Mon 16 Mar 2020.

Kell nods. "I had surmised as much. When I voiced the opinion that the two were one, I was ignored on the point."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Mon 16 Mar 2020.

Nino was already bored and looking at things on shelves and out the window, where he smelled food. If nobody stops him, he will wander around.

Turbalio listened quietly, simply awed to be in the presence of the great Khelban Arunsun.  The bard had nothing of significance to contribute to the discussion and thus, no reason to speak.

He smiled as he noticed Nino had begun to fidget with boredom.

Oler wished he could fish here. This reminded him of Zell's family reunion. He didn't really have much to contribute as his path had taken him on a different journey than the others. He had heard of the Blackstaff in rumors and stories but he was not awed in his presence.

Still the half orc knew it was probably unwise to wander through the tower and thus he'll put a hand on Nino's shoulder and shake his head to indicate they shouldn't do anything right now.

Jonathan looks over at Yacob waiting for a nod from the boss before carefully unwrapping the stone and laying it the desk before the mage, Jonathan stays close enough to snatch it back up should the earth tremble or anything else go wrong.

Rivka didn't have much to say, but tried to learn all she could from the conversation

Yacob nods for Johnathan to proceed. He watches Khelban with great interest.

Sonori too leans in to look at the stone that Jonathan has been carrying around. She'd been curious from the beginning, but the brooding dwarf wizard had seemed to want Tracks to keep it squirreled away unseen.

Nym also watches Khelban with interest.

Khelben watched as Johnathan placed the stone on the desk and looked at it with a furrowed brow. He leaned in, inspecting it's faecets and colors, then stepped back, castin several spells.


The next spells were lolner and clearly more complex, beads of sweat coming from his brow. On the conclusion, he held his hands up, the stone floating above the desk as Khelben's eyes glowed a blue/white.

The stone dropped at the same time as Khelben slumped in his chair, panting with exertion.

He looked at The Group with wide eyes. "The power.....hidden but RAW. It's emence, endless!" He took a few deep breaths then looked at them all. "Though i believe the quake you spoke of is part of it, i believe it was a once off....like the stone waking."

He Picked up the stone and handed it to Johnathan. "It is safe for anyone to hold, but my advice is whoever holds it, keeps it. The stone seems to have ties to the elemental plane of earth...Which is why the dwarves were so in tuned to it."

He looked at Yacob. "Your path and urgency is wise Yacob....find Him and fast. The stone has power, and someone seeks it. She seeks it. Because Zarmatan isn't directly involved then i think her power is limited, but she has her own army searching."

"If he lives still, find him."

Oler interjects for a moment after seeing this display "Is this a threat to the natural order?" he asks plainly

Sonori had wanted to see the stone, and really examine it herself, since she heard about it. But she had resisted, in part because they weren't sure what would happen. She was going to have to ask Tracks to show it to her tonight, now that Kelben had demonstrated nothing bad would come of someone else touching it. "So... your wife's sister has knowledge of where Zarmatan is? Or why did you call her?"

The mage looked at Sonori, looking weary. "My wife, Laeral is sister to Lady ellustriel. According to Yacob here and the notes from your priest, the message said that Ellustriel has , or at least had knowledge of Zarmatan's whereabouts. Even if I didn't know this, I would say ask Ellustriel or Elminster himself....and right now he may be as hard to find as Zarmatan. Little happens in Faern that she does not know, or know where to find where to look."

"While my council will mean much, word from her sister will assure your audience with her as soon as you arrive...that is whi I called my wife."

He then looks at Oler. "As for your question, that is harder. I don't think you quite understand but when i say that stone is of the earth, that is what i mean....every aspect of the element it has ties to. It is neither good nor evil, and while it is not sentient, like nature itself, has it's own life."  He looks at the stone. "it's like it is the earth itself....a channelling item for it."

He sighs and scratches his head.

"I don't know how to explain better....perhaps Zarmatan can explain it better, but in easiest terms....the stone IS the earth."

Meaning the one who can channel the magic of the stone can control the earth, or something to that effect?

Nym asks from where he stands beside the bookcase.

Oler asks a followup question "So the other stones control Air, Water and Fire? Someone who could wield all four would be nearly unstoppable, such a person would be a danger to the natural order. Is it possible you could alert the druids of this danger while I go on this quest?"

Kell says "so it is like a planar touchstone? This one is attuned to the Plane of Earth, so Earth enchantments using it as a focus would be more powerful?"

 "The problem Oler is those four are just the beginning. Life and Death. Light and Darkness also exist. I think that one must be in sync with the Stone in question to wield it. Meaning one could only wield half the set at best or worst."

Khelben looked at the three asking questions. "I don't think it is a planar touchstone...more powerful and varied. No, not a touchstone, something else. This is old, older than magic itself maybe. As to other stones, I have no answer, but would be logical that fire, water and air at the least exist....maybe others."



he looked at Nym. "Control the aspects of earth, i am guessing it is that way once the stone is familiar with that person, yes"

he looks at Yacob, a smile on his face despite his weariness. "Your guess of life, death, light and darkness could also be right, as well as each stone needing to...what did you call it, sync? I believe each stone will need to familiarise with it's host before releasing it's potential."

he looked at Oler. "I do know this....not everyone will be able to use these, and when they are chosen they will not be able to use another...yacob's reasoning for opposite elements are sound, but the raw power of this stone is unbelievable. The odds of being able to use more than one I would say is more than impossible, even someone as powerful as myself or even elminster, though master elminster always said 'theres no such thing as impossible'. No, one of these and the power will almost overwhelm anyone. more than that would destroy someone."

Oler listened to the responses but something told him that it was possible not for ordinary men but someone a bit more than ordinary might could wield not just one but perhaps more than one.

"I mean no disrespect but you speak largely of ordinary men, who have learned much in their lifetimes which has given them great powers but still they are ordinary men. What if someone were more than ordinary? Could they?" Oler suggests.

Master Blackstaff can you tell me any of the uses of this stone, I am surely not strong enough to control it or unlock all it's secrets. But if I am to carry it, I will need all the help I can get protecting it from those who seek it.

Zell didn't have anything to say. He didn't know what anyone was talking about with magical stones. The only magical stones Zell knew about were diamonds and how quickly women fell in love with the person who had them.

Seeing that Nino was getting bored as well, Zell called him over so the wizard Khelban could look at his gauntlet,

"Nino, come here." Zell waved to his friend "Show him your gauntlet."

Hopefully, Zell's hand gestures will make Nino understand.

Khelben shakes his head at the druid. "For someone to wield more than one, or all, would need at the least a level of divinity that I can't fathom. You ask can one person, man, dwarf, gnome, orc gather them and use them as a whole. I can not say that can't happen....but let me make this clear. the magic I just performed can be done by few in the realms, and even then I can say that if if saw me as a threat, IT could destroy me. not kill, destroy!"

He sighed scratching his chin, then held a finger up. "You are a soon of nature, are you not. let me put it this way....a man can hold in his hand a given amount of sand. No more. If he was to  place in that hand a rock  sand would fall....or water, sand would run out. These stones are the embodiment of this...this one the earth. If someone was linked to it then moved to link with another, the previous would dissolve."

He looked at Zell and smiled. "A warrior can only wear one helm at a time. this is the same."

He looked at Yacob and shrugged. "I may be wrong and there is a way to join them, but that I cannot imagine without the gods help. And Johnathan, as for the powers,  if it chooses you, you will know. all I know is that is possesses earth qualities."

  "Well I for one don't plan on finding out if that is possible. And I believe that if Zarmantan and The Mistress were to hold half each that is would work. Two sides to the same coin and an even number of stones. I'm guessing of course. No real way to know, but like I said I'm not going to test that. And if she is an immortal red dragon then this got a lot harder. And I am sure Zarmantan lives because I am sure she lives." he pauses and then he waits scratches his beard then his head. "Wait a minute you were an apprentice of Elminster. That is interesting. Makes the nine......"

Sonori tilted her head a bit, looking up at Jonathan, "You're strong, Jonathan - don't discount yourself so.

But, does that mean you don't know if the stone has chosen you? If not, maybe we should all take a turn holding it and seeing if it chooses one of us?"

Of course, she highly doubted it would choose her. It was far more likely something associated with water would choose her.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:26, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

"We do not know what effect it will have on the person it bonds with, it would be unwise to pass it around in hopes that it would bond with one of us. Earth is part of nature, but so is air, water and fire. Everything that is is made of these four elements. Life and Death are just part of the cycle of life, all things die and all things live so it is and so shall it always be. Light and Darkness are elements as well of the positive and negative." Oler cautions then adds "Perhaps we should take time to prepare for our next journey, I could whip up a few potions if money was available and we still have a good amount of goods to sell. I'd be willing to do it for cost for each of you for the cause."

Sonori, I'm in agreement with Oler.  Do not pass it around.  I tried to tell Tracks to not to pick it up as I could tell it was truly powerful magic.

"Well, if we encounter a darkness stone, I'll volunteer for that one."

Zell was listening to what Khelban was saying about his wife and wondered if he sees her often? Zell got the impression that he didn't and kinda felt sorry for him.

After a time, the door opens and two figures come in.  The first you reconise as the gnome that serves the blackstaff. The second is a middle aged woman, lithe with silver hair. Her blue eyes are piercing and her robe is a color of silver with purple and blue trim.

The woman looks at Khelben with a neutral look. "I was on my way back when Garan found me."He voice was musical, but almost tired. Khelben smiled for the first time looking at her.

"Forgive me my dear but this is of some urgency."

The woman looked at each of the party coming closer, standing closest to Sonori, and her eyes fell on the stone.

The woman moaned in pain, her eyes glowing white, her hand gripping the chair Sonori sat in, her hand brushing the woman.


Within seconds, the womans eyes stop glowing, and she breathes heavily. She looks up at Khelben with a hint of fear in her eyes. "They awaken" she mutters as she looks at the stone again.

The gnome, perplexed, steps up beside his mistress. She looks at him. "Find Stormwing for me....i need to send a message."

She looks at the party. "I am Laeral Silverhand, mistress of teh tower. You look for the old one, don't you?"

Rivka was just as awed by the female sorceress as she had by the sorcerer they'd originally been talking to.    She said nothing, but almost rushed instinctively to the woman's side when she seemed to have some kind of attack.  But it was over too quickly.

"I seek to preserve the balance." Oler states, while hoping the others will fill in more details of their own motivations and desires.

  "But of course Lady Silverhand. Well him primarily. There are other things we will be requiring I'm sure before this is done, but none else except a moment of your time and your sister's time at the moment. And if you might know more then Master Arunsun and myself."

Sonori was a bit startled when Laeral moaned in apparent pain and grasped the back of her chair, but was more so when the two brushed. She gasped, shut her eyes, and after a moment, opened them again, eyelids fluttering. She glanced around at everyone, but no one else seemed particularly perturbed. She looked up at Laeral, into her eyes. "Time for what?" she asked directly of Laeral.

The bard was as startled as anyone when the Lady Laural moaned in pain.  Her question caught him completely off guard.  "Wait," he said quietly to no one in particular, "now I'm a bit confused.  Is it we who are seeking the old one?  I rather thought it was the other way around."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Thu 19 Mar 2020.

Now it is both Turbalio.

Nym replies just as quietly.

"Oh, very good.  Thank you for clarifying, Nym," he said in a whisper, looking quite uncomfortable as he considered what it meant for both the group and this old one to seek one another.

The woman looked at Sonori with a furrowed brow. "You heard that?" She looked at the gnome with a perplexed look, but drew her focus from her to Yacob. "I do not know much.  All i know what the stone has told me. those who were once dormant have now awoken....The mistress and The old one."

she looked at the stone. "One has been used for years now, known by the elves to the north, but it's master uses it rarely....wisely so." She walked around the desk and sat down. "the mistress and The old one....you know him as Zarmatan, are part of something old and great, something that has been in action since the begining."

Khelben stood, guiding the woman to his seat as she held her head. "It was told to me by zarmatan himself this tale.  Long ago that the role of these two is prophets of aligning prophecies, seen as one good and one evil, but in reality the same coin, just opposite sides. Their destenies are intertwined. While one lives the other cannot die. "

She sighed then continued. "Their power is limitless, but also limited.  One cannot act without the other, and their power is equal. Destructive and potent, their battles have destroyed cities and wiped races from existence. Zarmatan, guidance of the light, is usually the one who doesn't act until the mistress does. Being a soin of darkness, she revels in destruction"

The woman sighed. "that is all i know, other than my sister knows more. Go to her.....to waterdeep. She knows the man known as Zarmatan, has worked and trained with him herself. If anyone knows where he is, it is her."

Rivka's eyes widened at the phrase 'wiped races from existence'.  It seemed...unthinkable.

Sonori nodded, "Yes, and saw - you saw it too, when we touched, didn't you? What was the shimmering in the center?"

Would your sister know more about unlocking the stones secrets? if we are stand against the mistress we will need there power.

"This other stone, does your sister have it?" Oler asks plainly.

The woman shook her head. "I fear only he knows the extent of what this is" She again looked at Sonori with a perplexed look.

"We tried once to intervene in his war....it did not go well. No, we will not help unless he asks us. You find him and learn what you must."

She looks at Sonori. "As for you....you have a gift. Not like mine, something else, and i do not mean your ability with water. No, you have a part to play in this." She paused locking eyes with her. "I saw it....my gift, but never has one come with me. I do not know what it means, like you, but i know it's important."

She leans forward in the seat, eyes still locked on Sonori, unnervingly. "Your mind is sharp and will is strong. You will need it."

the woman stands, holding her hand to her brow. "I need to rest Khelben.  See our gests out....they have a long journey ahead."She turns to the party. "...and when you see my sister, send her my love."

The woman walks out, leaving the party (And Khelben) a little confused. The gnome page shuffles in, snapping the man out of his reprieve. "these people have a long journey ahead. Organise mounts to be delivered to their in in the morning. I will have a letter for them also, that you can deliver to Lady Elustriel."

He looked at Oler with a neutral look. "I do not know...she mention elves and the north. perhaps there."

he looks at Yacob. "I wish i could have helped more, perhaps my wife shed some light, but it is clear. If you look for Zarmatan, silverymoon is your best bet. Go to the inn, rest and i will have horses delievered to youo in the morning. I will send word to your uncle Master Yacob....tell him what i can. You can leave when you want, but given my wife's reaction, i suggest you do not tarry."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:52, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

It took him a bit to understand, but Nino walked over and showed the human his gauntlet. Nino was proud of it and even banged it on the table.

  "If I could get there today I would. Have no doubt about that. But I think we might stay a day or two at the most to make sure we prepare properly for this undertaking. No more than a few days. the dwarf agrees.

OOC: While I want to be prepared as possible Yacob wouldn't stay more than three days he just wouldn't. If you could present a good enough case he might stay for a fiveday. But we need to make a call on that.

Nino looked at Bob Bob and was a tad annoyed that he tried to get the human to not look at his gauntlet. Then Nino thought about beer.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Thu 19 Mar 2020.

I believe it is in our collective best interests to leave for Waterdeep first thing in the morning.

Nym turns to look at Oler.

It looks like we might be headed home to the High Forest as well my friend.

We should stay here in Waterdeep we can take time to prepare more safely. It,s a huge city where we can blend in easy. Also from what I've heard we can find anything we might need here.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:54, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

Sonori was herself rather perplexed. She scratched the back of her neck, watching Lady Silverhand leave while thinking about what she saw and what she said. She had never had a vision. The special power her god had given her was breathing water. Why had she shared a vision? What did it really mean? "There were eight stones in the vision. Plus... something else. Something shimmering. Something that I think is just as important as the stones but maybe not as bound to a physical form? I don't know. But we have one stone, we know where one more is. Is there anyone else here in this city who we should talk to who might know where more are?"

Khelben looks at Nino's hand with wonder at the gauntlet. He looked at him, hoping to touch it, but the dwarf had an empty expression.  He gingerly touched the metal and smiled. "It's warm, almost like the temperature of skin" The dwarf, giving a cheeky smile, grasped the handle in the gauntlet, causing a huge two handed mace of black to appear. Khelben gasped at it and smiled again. "What a wonder..." he muttered, touching the axe handle.

Khelben shook away his wonder and looked at Sonori, his gaze going to Nino, now having fum making different weapons from a dagger, to a scimitar, to a battle axe. No one knows of these stones, even me.  I suspected my wife did from the mention of Zarmatan, as with her sister. I don't know how much Elustriel may know, but she worked closer with Elminster and even spent some time under Zarmatan, though only a few months"

He sighed as he sat. "She said to keep your mind on the goal, but she also told you to remember what you saw. I have no more answers for you."

He looked at Yacob. "Your uncle has done me a favor here sending you, both with anthel's keep and this." he looked at the stone and Nino. "I would have you keep me posted if you would."

Kell is deep in contemplation while this conversation happened. Such powers and matters were beyond him, yet perhaps some anippet of useful information was tucked away in one of the historical records he had studied as a youth.

03:04, Today: Kell rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Martial Lore.

03:04, Today: Kell rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge History.

Oler had no love for big cities, but he could get the materials here readily to make some potions. He thought they'd be better prepared with some potions but didn't seem most of the group wanted to take the time to prepare. He could perhaps purchase a few supplies and make potions later but he'd still first need to know what potions they wanted and some coin to buy the materials here.

"It would be easier to get supplies to make potions here, I have no love of the city myself but it would be much quicker here. Elsewhere we would have to spend more time searching for the materials necessary to make a potion. If we had some coin to buy supplies and an idea of what we might want I could get supplies now and make them later though." Oler suggests.

Cure Light Wounds, Lessor Vigor, maybe a strength potion or two, stuff useful for us. Dexterity and wisdom."

Kell suggests "a Protection vs Evil oil would not be amiss. Keep mental domination at bay should we encounter Her."

"Hmmm, you show great wisdom Kell, yes, that would be good too."

Sonori shakes her head, "I don't have a lot of coin. I do already have six healing potions. Once we know the type of dragon, we might consider resist energy"

"If I remember correctly, I heard it was a red one..."

Zell didn't like the stories he was hearing about these stones and walked over to stand next to Rivka.

Doesn't matter what color it is.  However, a red one is probably going to be the worst of the bunch.

Nym pauses to think about some other things brought up in the impromptu meeting.

There must be some sort of circlet or crown to hold all of the stones together, with the opposite stones placed in points directly opposite of each other.

"It didn't look like a crown," Sonori said thoughtfully. "More... like a star or a pool of water... Twinkling, shimmering, moving. Not static."

"She is a great big red Wyrm. And that matters less than I can even begin to say. She is ancient beyond belief and likely powered up on top of that. In addition she is unkillable by us. No running for our lives is the answer if we get into the field with her." the dwarf says. "We have a long journey ahead of us and little info, but the little bit we have is shaping up to be a nice bit of certainty which is a refreshing change of pace for me."

Sonori could you tell how far apart each stone was from the others?

"I can not run away from her. Ancient wyrm or not."

I get that Quinn, so instead of saying we'll be running for our lives. How about we say it's a strategic regroup. Eventually we will have to face her, but before that happens we need alot more information and power. The young cleric pauses in thought. Then turns to Yacob. Much has been said about the power of the stones, and we learn that you have to bound with then, to be granted access to the power. I think we need to get some place private and then I'm going to do some serious praying before I attempt to get friendly with this rock I'm carrying. I would like some back up around when I try to do this. At least Yacob, Sonori, Kell, and you Quinn. That covers magic, Divine, physical, and spiritual support. I don't have any idea what will or even can happen if I open my self up to the stone. I just know it needs to happen, if for no other reason so we can learn something about then. If it goes side ways I at least want a shot at being saved. Jonathan looks each of them in the eye. So are you all willing to help me with my plan. It will probably get the mistresses attention if she is in fact attuned to the stones like we think she is. So everyone will have to keep a watchful eye out for any unwanted interest.

  "I suggest we do that inside and inside Waterdeep. Unless she can destroy a Mythal we should be safe." he says as he walks away once the servant gnome let's them out of the tower.

Oler shakes his head in disapproval. It appears he's not really wanted around, still being a half orc he was used to that. Then on top of that they continued this talk of messing with the stone, against all wisdom. He tried to remember what Jonathan's god was the god of but couldn't remember who it was, there were so many gods and he couldn't remember the last time Jonathan mentioned his. He decides to remain quiet, he had offered to do what he could but seemed money was in short supply and they were all obsessed now with the stone it seemed, perhaps even now it was beginning to control them rather than them controlling it.

Nym sees Oler shake his head and walks over to him and whispers quietly.

Sonori responded to Nym, "At the beginning, there were eight lights; red, blue, brown, white, pink, yellow, purple, and grey; floating in a circle, with something... shimmering between. Then the lights coalesced into stones, but not the center. It was... almost like the hub of a wheel, and then the stones the spokes, is the best way I can think to describe it, although there was no wheel rim around them. And then the stones separated, flying off each in their own direction, and disappearing, and a voice echoing "It is time"." She shook her head, "I'm not used to visions. I don't know what to make of it. But I don't think it was physical distance."

After Jonathan speaks, she nods to him. "I'm happy to help in any way I can. But there are eight stones - perhaps they choose people too. This is the stone of earth, from what we can tell. If I had to guess who a stone of earth might be most likely to bond to, it would be a dwarf or goliath. I still think we should pass it around first and see if it behaves the same for everyone - then if it acts the same, you can try opening yourself to it. And I agree, Waterdeep seems a safer place to try it than most."

As they are all talking Jonathan approaches Oler, I think your idea to make some potions is an excellent one, I for one have a little coin to help out the cause. Turning to the group he adds. Ok people dig deep Oler is willing to save us all some coin on potions, so cough up some coins. He then passes his coin purse around the group for those who can to donate gold.

Sonori was herself skeptical that they would have the time for Oler to make potions, but she supposed it could still be useful to have supplies. She took out several gold coins and put them in the pouch being passed around.

OoC: Sonori will put in 17 gold

With the meeting with the blackstaff tower concluded, the gnome leads you out the door where you return to the inn, talking about potions and the stones. The rest of the day is rather sedate, with Oler leaving waterdeep to the outskirts of town, gathering herbs for potions as well as getting some rarer items from a herbalist in waterdeep.

The group prepared for the long journey ahead, with the gnome coming to the inn in the afternoon with rations for everyone, and telling you he'd meet you outside at dawn.

Oler spends his time brewing potions in his room, with Sonori looking over his shoulder. Johnathan scribed updates of the meeting as well as sketches of Khelben and the tower. Nino and Kell had a relaxing time eating, drinking and performing feats of strength. Yacob and Nym studied spells ready for the trip, Turbalio spent his time performing and reading and Quinn generally training. Zell and Rivka had some time to themselves.

It was two nights in town that Oler needed for the few potions he made, and it dawned the next day with everyone meeting outside.  The gnome page was outside the inn with mounts for everyone except for Kell.  Yacob, Sonori and Nino had Ram mounts, trained as war rams, while Zell, Rivka, Quinn, Turbalio horses. There were two other horses for gear, where the gnome wished you all good luck.

<OOC: You have two days in town to do what you needed.  As you leave, everyone make a spot check and i  will move on>

07:32, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Spot -- Fineli.

07:32, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Spot -- Oler.

OOC: 07:34, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.

"There was no gold treasure under the mountain, I only have 23 gp to donate."

Rivka took advantage of the private time with her handsome jeweler.  It had been years since she'd had a man in her life, and she was a bit nervous that she had grown rusty at.the practice of socializing.
Ironically, she also insisted on a few shopping trips, looking for specialized arrows

Sonori did a little of this and a little of that in the two days. Having given most of the money for Oler to make potions, she did still go shopping for some additional rations, and still went out each evening with whomever wanted to join her to use most of her spells to heal those whom it seemed her god led her to and who had great need. She is happy to accompany anyone - she doesn't seem to care at all about anyone's race.

She seemed quite happy that they were brought rams instead of riding dogs or ponies. She inquires about the names of the animals, and seems quite at ease with them, even though she's not a great rider.


OoC: Did he also bring feed for the animals? Or should we buy that before leaving?

OOC:  Turbalio contributed 10 gold to the potion fund.

The bard felt bad because he had so few coins to contribute.  Returning to the Red Gauntlet Tavern, he used as much spare time as he could performing in an effort to earn additional gold to give to Oler.

On the appointed morning, he joined the others in front of the inn.


08:56, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 14 using 1d20+8.  Perform: concertina check, night 1.
08:56, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  Perform: concertina check, night 2.
Whatever money might be earned will be offered to defray the cost of making potions for the group.

08:58, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Spot check.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

"We need to adventure to earn some coin, I am bereft of funds, my last 23 gold pieces went to Oler. I am a pauper. I can't rent a bed or buy bread even."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:05, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

Oler looks at the collected gold just 50 gp. He'll tell the others "It's enough for 2 cure light wound potions to be made. Could also make 2 protection from evil potions instead with this. It would take all the cash. You mentioned things you could sell for money? Maybe now is the time to do that in the big city?"

We got 30 gold in group gear that we found on various things.

"That's coin. We should sell off the gems and the various junk as well, unless you want to carry all that?" Zell asked "I seem to remember we have a power pearl? I don't know what that is, but it sounds expensive to me."

"I have the pearl of power, it allows a caster to call forth a prepared spell that;s already been cast. This one only works on the first circle of spells." Oler informs Zell "It is worth far less than magical weapons or armor on the market but invaluable to a spellcaster."

"We aren't going to have lot of time for a while - while it would be nice if we could get more, if we aren't going to have time to use them anyway, I'm not sure it makes sense to sell something we can use for something we might be able to make at some point." Sonori says.

  "We leave in two days how many potions can you make in that time Oler?" he asks "And how much would you need?"

Nym looks over at Oler.

I was wondering who had that thing.  Keep it Oler.  It is worth more for what it is than gold to make some potions.

Quinn will run with Sonori and will Lay on Hands to the sick and injured

"Potions, well potions I can make take 1 day each to make, so 2 days would only leave time to make 2 potions. I'd have to get the materials before that time though, as you can only rest, eat and do leisurely activities while brewing the potions on that day." Oler responds to Yacob "Are you sure we only have two days?"

"Old Master used to always say haste makes waste. While you think you are rushing to the finish line in haste, you always forget steps." he adds after a moment.

"Perhaps, but we don't have a lot of other cash on hand, it seems. I gave as much as I dare - just keeping a little for random expenses like rations. It sounds like Quinn didn't even keep anything for himself.

I have six potions of curing right now - I recommend making the potions of protection."

"I did give all I had. Kelemvor would want it that way."

"To protect against what? If I do recall, as a dragon gets older, it becomes more powerful and that old man Khelban said she was Ancient beyond belief. Something that powerful will melt cities and a pitiful protection potion would be a waste of time and money."

  "I don't think we have even that long honestly, but I am willing to take a moment to assess it. And there is such thing as being over prepared. Healing potions are fairly common and here we can go to several temples to acquire them so that shouldn't be the focus for potions. Things we can't get as easily that only a druid could make should be. We have a fair amount of things we could sell. So let's start there plus I am not a pauper as Quinn put it. I'm not rich, but I have funds that we can use." he says. "In fact let us stay at a reputable inn as it will be our last chance to stay at an inn for quite some time I believe." he pauses and sees a guard and asks him a few questions and then returns.

"The good fellow recommends one of two places to stay. Hollyhand's House in the North Ward or Gondalim's in the Trades Ward. Both allow access to the gates and should be fairly reputable.  Hollyhands House has a few built in shrines and what not for the more pious in our group. Was thinking they might have a suitable altar that you could use Oler. Gondalim's is in the Trade Ward and basically tells you what the perks of being there are. I can go fetch a few potions if need be out of my personal funds after I pay for the two days lodging of course."

"Thank you Yacob, Oler has my funds if he goes with you, or he can make druid potions with it."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:34, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

Zell, the dragon may be the most ancient of ancients.  However, she will also have helpers who do not have that kind of power.  Potions of protection can be used against some of those helpers.

Nym looks at Oler and Yacob.

Three days max?  He and his sister said we should not linger.

"Then why don't we get potions from old man Khelban? If the dragon has helpers, where's our help?"

We have been given help.  We will continue to receive help as we go along.   Not all help is obvious nor is it material.

  "Three days rest isn't an absurd amount of time. And since most of us seem to think we need additional supplies this would allow us to do so. Plus we need to unload most of this stuff anyway." he looks at Nym "No one and I mean no one is in more of a hurry than myself. However we do need some preparation and you know it."

  "As for help Zell in this fight the more we know the better off we are. Just Sonori's vision puts us in a better position than I am betting anyone besides Zarmantan and The Mistress themselves. Fact is we know more now than we did when we arrived that is very much something. And I personally don't want to owe the leaders of any Nation a debt. That doesn't usually end well."

I didn't say anything earlier.  A smart person knows when to keep their mouth shut.  A wise person is able to keep their mouth shut when the time is right.  Now, I'm going to say things.

Nym looks at Tracks.

There was no need and really no reason to show Khelban everything in your journal.  You don't know him from Adam.  You had and have no idea how he will use that information.  If he uses it against us, I'm going to be very very unhappy.  Khelban's threat was specifically directed at Yacob, not at the rest of us.  Think before you do something so rash next time.  Because the next time might be the time that gets us killed.

Nym looks back at Yacob.

I'm in a hurry to get on the road as well.  I think we can help Zell's aunt.  No, I don't think we can heal her mind, but we can help her people and that is worth doing.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

  "Let's table this for now until we can get somewhere a little more private hmm..." he says "So North Ward or Trades Ward? Personally I'd like the North Ward."

"If we can sell and buy the stuff in two, I'd say just two. If we find we have time later, we can take it to make more potions or do whatever. But if we spent time we didn't have, we can't make that up," Sonori reasoned.

She shrugged about the choice, "For what we are doing, Trades Ward seems better, but I don't feel strongly about that. Only that we should try to see what more we can learn from the stone - whether passing it around or Jonathan trying to bond more with it - I'll defer to the group on that. But my vote would be try passing it around first, see if it chooses one of us. If it does, great, that person work on bonding with it. If it doesn't, fine, Jonathan who has had the most exposure can try to bond with it."

Twice now the information in Jonathan's journal and who sees it has been questioned by people he's traveling with. Before we go any farther I wish to make a couple things clear to all. First where we are going or any future plans we have never make the pages of my journal until after we are there. I'm recording history.  For anyone unsure of what that means, it's what has already happened. I have not even wrote anything about our visit to the tower and won't until we are away from here. Also the maps I make are of areas, or the interior of caves or places we've been. The location of any place noteworthy I consider private information. Such as the location of the lost Keep of Anthel, there was only one map of it's location made and it resides in your Uncles library. The knowledge is in my mind and if needed by us could be reproduced. I'm not so stupid as to but our plans, or exact locations of anything on paper with out a location to secure it, although it's clear some of you think that.


After a pause he adds. I would never dream of telling Yacob who he can or can't share his spell books with. nor any of you what to do with your personal property. I would hope that I have proven myself to this group already, if I have not please say so. I think who I let read my personal journal should be my call to make. Any of you can read everything I write at any time if you think I'm being untrue. I'm a historian not a tactician, I write about what we've done not what we plan to do. after speaking he turns and walks towards the Inn.

Oler will take what money they've donated for potion use and go to a shop to buy ingredients to make 2 potions of protection from evil. Fineli will accompany him.

Sonori hesitated. Part of her wanted to try to be a peacekeeper, but she wasn't very good at that. Turbalio would likely be better. So instead she followed Jonathan, offering support.

When Sonori approaches Jonathan's feelings are still a bit hurt and he turns and snaps. So are you here to tell me I don't know what I'm doing like all the others?

"Of course not. I don't think you did anything wrong. They might not understand clerics like us - sometimes we know that we must do something, and we don't know why. It may seem like foolishness to others. But that doesn't mean it is.

I know Fharlanghn-Shaundakul is with you, and so I trust you." She replied. "And, from spending some time with you, I know that you have a good heart. And that if of the utmost importance in a quest like this."

With the decision made to move lodgings to the Trade district for ease of selling gear, the group moved the  items with an hour. With time up your sleeves, the common items were separated between you all to sell and trade while you had time. Yacob told you all the last of the magical items, found in the spiders den and such, were missed in the keep, and he identified them all as well as researched the new staff.

He stated the items were varied and decided that they would be held until silverymoon or claimed by the party if needed.

The pearl of power among them, as well as the healing Salve held by Johnathan, a set of studded leather armor found to have stealth abilites, a masterwork Battleaxe, A dagger enhanced to do ice damage and a Ring that gave the wearer fire resistance (Which Oler has held since finding it). Likewise, the potions found were inspected by the brewer Oler and Yacob, finding the 4 golden in color in a crystal flask were healing potions that were more potent than the ones previously found, the red in color in a square crystal flask made a person alter in size and the one murky clear color, thick consistency (oil) in a triangle shaped crystal flask enhanced armor when applied.

The rest of the items that weren't said to be useful were divided and sold while looking around. Most of the gear brought an average price, with the items clearly dwarven made fetched a premium. Between the group over the two extra days, all gear was sold, with Zell bringing in the most at one time, selling the three gems, the 1 Dark Red Garnet Gem bringing in 100 gold, the Yellow Topaz 150  gold and the rare Onyx 500 gold.

Between the whole gear, 1100 gold, enough for each to get 100 gold each.  On the final day, Zell, his gem skills, was able to change this into a slither of sapphire for each and pouch with 20 gold.

The druid, when not working with Yacob on the potions, was able to gather materails and make two potions.

With all things tied up, the group left at dawn on the third day. As you walk out the gates to go, things seem tense for some reason for a few people, though no one initially voices why.

<OOC: I would like a ride order for all people, as well as spot checks for 3 suituations from all who take watches at night, and an addition spot for any who are front or back scouts.  Next move will be in the wild a few days on.>

Nino gave Bob Bob his little gem, as he didn't know what to do with it. And with his money, Nino bought a cask of beer and a bunch of beef jerky. He had no clue how much danger the party was in. Nino was having a good time hanging out with his friends.

04:52, Today: Nino rolled 13,19,8 using 1d20+2,1d20+2,1d20+2.  Spot check.

PM
]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Thu 26 Mar 2020.

Oler after helping Yacob and then gathering a few herbs finds he's able to brew some higher level potions than he thought. He considered asking the party on this but he decided he'd just create the potions and hoped Nature guided him to the right ones, while Protection from Evil potions might be useful in certain circumstances he was wanting something more useful in general applications. He thus brewed a Potion of Barkskin (+2) and a Potion of Bull's Strength as he felt these might be more useful in more situations than the previous considerations.

"I was able to make some higher level potions, I brewed us one Bull's Strength and one Barkskin potion. While traveling whoever is the combat person in the middle should carry them and then while sleeping whoever is on watch should have them. I think they'll do more good than the protection from evil we discussed." Oler tells the others.

Oler and Fineli eager to be out of the city take up point on the first day, as previously discussed they planned to swap out with Rivka every day. So while they are in the lead the first day they'll be in the back the second day then again the third day in the lead.

Saved from previous post where I had to edit....

Fineli Spot Rolls for Point

19:00, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Fineli Spot 1 (Point).
19:01, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Fineli Spot 2 (Point).
19:01, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Fineli Spot 3 (Point).

Oler Spot Rolls for Point


18:59, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Oler Spot 1 (Point).
19:00, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Oler Spot 2 (Point).
19:00, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Oler Spot 3
(Point).

Fineli Listen Checks for Watch

19:02, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Fineli Listen 1 (Watch).
19:03, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Fineli Listen 2 (Watch).
19:03, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Fineli Listen 3 (Watch).

Oler Listen Checks for Watch


19:01, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Oler Listen 1 (Watch).
19:02, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Oler Listen 2 (Watch).
19:02, Today: Secret Roll: Oler Bearstrider rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  Oler Listen 3 (Watch).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Thu 26 Mar 2020.

 Yacob mounted his ram when the time came. His funds both lighter and more full. His tension he jokes is jumping at shadows. He rides near the middle of the formation not because it is safest but because he needs to be able to be everywhere. He rides over to Sonori and asks "Was the vision the only one you have had?"

Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Spot 3.
09:47, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Spot 2.
09:47, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Spot 1.

Quinn takes a place third in line on his mount so as to be near the front and close to battle if it is to begin

On their trek, Kell will likely be in the rear, as no mount was provided for him. Still, he was swifter that a man (40' move) and could handle rough terrain better than a horse. At nights, on watch, Kell fell into Hunter's sense,  granting him the Scent ability. It helped to identify potential dangers.

Note: Nightvision 60', Scent

08:53, Today: Kell rolled 16 using 1d20.  Spot 1, with Scent.

08:53, Today: Kell rolled 3 using 1d20.  Spot 2, with Scent.

08:53, Today: Kell rolled 19 using 1d20.  Spot 3, with Scent

Sonori spent most of the days doing whatever she could to help. If Jonathan did try to bond with the stone, she stood beside to help guard him. Once they did get a portion of money, she did go shopping. And in the evenings, she went out, following the wind, using most of her spells for healing those who seemed to need it, inviting others to go along.

She is clearly familiar with riding rams, and offered hers a carrot let him sniff her before mounting. As long as she is neither first nor last, she is happy to be in any area of the party.

Sonori nodded to Yacob when he comes and speaks with her. "Yes, nothing else. And only when the Lady touched me - she said that was her ability, and some how I shared in it. I'd certainly let the group know if I had any other information that could help the others."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Thu 26 Mar 2020.

Zell stayed in the middle of the party next to Yacob and watched Rivka work with a smile. He liked being on the road so much more than the boat.

16:07, Today: Zell rolled 28,27,25 using 1d20+12,1d20+12,1d20+12.  Spot check.

Nym takes the middle watch and travels just behind Rivka or Oler when they are on the point.

OOC: 19:31, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 47 using 4d20+5 with rolls of 9,16,5,12.
Rolls should be: 14, 21, 10, and 17.  Not sure what I did wrong there lol.

OOC:  19:00, Today: Rivka rolled 62 using 4d20 with rolls of 11,14,19,18.  Three spots, plus walking rear/front guard.

Jonathan road second to last everyday, he felt out of place Zell, had Rivka. and Quinn was a paladin set and steadfast in his ways. Yacob and Nino are family, Oler had Fineli and Nym well he was competent and very good at what he does. But if he were being totally honest he would admit that his feeling were still hurt, at being told what to do by the elf. Being around Sonori was great,she was probably the prettiest woman he had ever seen. It was hard for him to focus when she was around him. hell half the time he couldn't even talk straight the pretty little gnome girl made him so damn nervous. Kell was like some thing from another world, Jonathan really wanted to get to know him better and so he chose to hang back in the group with him.


The young cleric was unfamiliar with the holy symbol the Goliath wore around his neck.Hey Kell I don't know who your holy symbol represents. Infact I really havn't had the chance to get to know you at all.




21:07, Today: Jonathan rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  knowledge religion.

Kell smiles a rocky grin. "It's the symbol of Kord. He is the god of Strength. Many of the monstrous races worship him, especially those with a more martial orientation. I learned of him when I was at a military War College, one run by hobgoblins. They taught me special techniques, not at just the forge, but fighting techniques that allow me to deflect certain spells, just as a monk can deflect arrows."

Riding along with the others, Turbalio took a small harp out of his backpack.  Quite different from his concertina, the neck was decorated with several small porcelain doves in flight.  He absent-mindedly strummed as the bard attempted to gain some familiarity with this new instrument.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:05, Fri 27 Mar 2020.

If you don't mind talking religion, what are tenants of your religion?

Kell scratches his head and some moss falls off. "Tenets? The game with the ball and the raquets? You mean what we believe? Kord respects Strength, citing it as a necessary tool for surviving and thriving. The Strong will always dominate the weak, but there is room for compassion as well. You should speak to a theologian for deeper answers. I am but a simple warrior."

The group left the city of waterdeep, hearing the path to silverymoon would take them about 25 to 30 days (Depending on weather). Their spirits high and their aim's focused, the group left with a spring in their step (Most happy they were not going by ship again).

The first few days saw them traveling the Long road, one of the main roads north.  The road, made of cobbled stones, was well worn and smooth, with many travellers passing going to Waterdeep. The third day saw you pass through the small town of Amphail, little more than a farming community.  Nino had the most fun when the children came running out, chattering and pointing at the 'adventurers', the dwarf waving hello to all of them with a smile.

It was just after that the group started getting a feeling of being followed....nothing seen but more felt. The decision was made to leave the main road and skirt the High forest, so it was day seven when the group left the safety of the road towards the edge of the forest.

Some (Like Rivka, Oler and Fineli) were in their element with the tree's and wild, while some (like city born Zell) were less comfortable. It was the first night off the road that steady watches began with vigilance

Zell, Ever sharp of eye, took a watch every night with most people alternating, people becoming more wary.

Three days off the road brought you to the edge of the high forest. The third night a you camped, a small fire was made, with Quinn cooking, Nino (strangely) refusing food, only eating seldom morsels, that the group relaxed, the trees east and north, stretching out like a giant wall.




<OOC: You are now at the edge of the High Forest, the Star Mounts are north east of you and Amphil is almost directly west (though you are a little north of them). It's estimated you have another 12-16 days travel from here if all goes well.

From this point I will need rolls of "Guard duty" and Scouts (All spot checks 2 for every two days (One the scouting, the other night watch)>

PM13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  spot.

13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  spot.

13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  spot.

13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  spot.

13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  spot.

13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  spot.

13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  spot.

13:08, Today: Quinn rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  spot.

Not the most vigilant.

Oler will move near Fineli as the fire is burning. He'll cast Speak With Animals to speak with Fineli "Hello boy, is something following us to the south, what do you sense my old friend."

Various Spots

Day 1

Spot Scout

13:16, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Spot for Scout Day 1.
13:17, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Spot for Scout Day 1 Fineli. (adj this because forgot to change +2 to +4)


Night 1

Nightwatch Spot

13:16, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Spot for Guard Duty Night 1
13:17, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Spot for Guard Duty Night 1 Fineli. adjusted +2 to +4 forgot

Day 2

Spot Scout

13:16, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  Spot for Scout Day 2.
13:17, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Spot for Scout Day 2 Fineli (note previous 2 rolls for Fineli should be 2 higher forgot to change mo.

Night 2

Nightwatch spot

13:16, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  Spot for Guard Duty Night 2.
13:18, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Spot for Guard Duty Night 2 Fineli.

Kell pitches in as asked. And shows he is as perceptive as Stone.


10:32, Today: Kell rolled 11 using 1d20.  Scout Day 1.

10:31, Today: Kell rolled 1 using 1d20.  Watch Day 1.

10:31, Today: Kell rolled 17 using 1d20.  Scout Day 2.

10:31, Today: Kell rolled 10 using 1d20.  Watch Day 2.

  Yacob doesn't so much as move as react one night. A set of magic missiles go flying into the night. To slam into a tree. "Yeah I'm getting old. Jumping at shadows and all that. Oh one day I will set up a hearth and spend my days reading and drinking and be content. Yeah right." he says as he waits for the response that he is sure is coming. Trying to play it off.


OOC: doing 3 days at a time. Scout is daytime and Watch is well night time.

Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Watch 3.

12:47, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Scout 3.

12:47, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  Watch 2.

12:47, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Scout 2.

12:47, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Watch.

12:47, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Scout.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:01, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

As the group made the decision to leave the main road and travel overland, Turbalio became a bit more uncomfortable.  Though the bard knew and trusted the group with whom he journeyed, he glanced often at the sky expecting to see a blur of red scales descending on them at any moment.


13:11, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  Spot check, scouting day 1.
13:11, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Spot check, night watch day 1.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

During the party's travels, Zell informed the group that they were being followed. He didn't like being out in the forest at first, but was getting used to it. He figured that blending in with the forest was just as good as blending in with buildings in town. For all the watches, Zell goes invisible and sets up trip wire traps. He figured that if the party was being watched, they won't see what he was doing. After the traps were set, he goes back to the camp and becomes visible again.


16:16, Today: Zell rolled 19,28,21 using 1d20+12,1d20+12,1d20+12.  Spot Check Guard shift.
16:16, Today: Zell rolled 21,31,21 using 1d20+12,1d20+12,1d20+12.  Spot Check day.

The young cleric took watch with Yacob every night and spent the time with quill in hand and his head buried in a map.

18:48, Today: Jonathan rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  spot check day 2.
18:48, Today: Jonathan rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Spot check Day 1.

As Nym doesn't need as much sleep as others he will take a middle of the night guard shift each night.

OOC: 20:11, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.  While Travelling.
20:11, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.  Night Guard Watch.

Being near the middle, Sonori didn't really try to watch for danger very much, confident those around her would do a better job being to the front or back.

She seemed completely at ease as long as they were on the move - in civilization or in wilderness (at least, as long as not on a ship). She chatted with anyone who engaged her in conversation, about any topic. She was happy to help with any of the chores, other than those that involved particular muscle, as there were others far better suited to that than she. If no one started a conversation with her, than she started a conversation with someone each night - not the same person, at least not until she would rotate through everyone.

She took a first or last shift, if possible, at night, and prayed when the winds changed in the early morning.

Nino didn't care which shift he was on. He didn't understand that they were being split up so others could sleep. He didn't eat much during the trip, which was unusual for him, and figured his jerky was something special. The only thing Nino spotted were the kids when they ran up to the party during their travels. Nino waved to them.

With zell, fineli Yacob (who had said he is out of his element anyway) on edge, the first night neat the forest was less restful than the saftey of the road. The darkness seemed more oppressive than the open area.

Morning came with no incident and the group left, with rivka in lead and oler and fineli in the back.

At midday you stopped for a meal near the trees when zell looked up at the same time fineli let out a growl. Moments later, sounds could be heard from the trees to the east.

The group stood, spreading out a bit.

Within moments, small green figures erupted from the trees, screaming with crude weapons. Behind them several orcs followed slowly accompanied by two humans.

<OOC: from the trees a group has charged, consisting of two humans (one with a mace and shield, the other a crossbow), 4 orcs (two with battle axes, one a greataxe and one a shortbow) and a group if about 12 to 14 goblins

Roll initiative and post for two rounds>

10:19, Today: Quinn rolled 9 using 1d10+3.  damage.

10:19, Today: Quinn rolled 12 using 1d10+3.  damage.

10:19, Today: Quinn rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  to hit.

10:19, Today: Quinn rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  to hit.

10:18, Today: Quinn rolled 11 using 1d20.  initiative.

"Alarm! we are under attack!" Quinn draws his blade and wades in on the enemy!

Kell steps up and speeds towards the foe, wading into the thick of things.

07:58, Today: Kell rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  Initiative .

Using Wall of Blades if needed

08:03, Today: Kell rolled 14 using 1d20+11.  Wall of Blades, if needed.
AC 14 vs touch attacks

Steel Wind maneuver: attack 2 adjacent foes.

08:02, Today: Kell rolled 12 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack.

08:02, Today: Kell rolled 22 using 3d6+10.  Greathammer damage.

08:09, Today: Kell rolled 5 using 1d6.  Extra frost damage.

08:01, Today: Kell rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack.

08:01, Today: Kell rolled 21 using 3d6+10.  Greathammer damage.

08:09, Today: Kell rolled 2 using 1d6.  Extra frost damage.


Normal attack
08:00, Today: Kell rolled 17 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack.

08:00, Today: Kell rolled 20 using 3d6+10.  Greathammer damage.

08:09, Today: Kell rolled 1 using 1d6.  Extra frost damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 15:11, Tue 31 Mar 2020.

Round 1:

Fineli howls at the appearance of the attackers, but waits for direction from Oler before acting.

Oler calls upon the natural strength of the bull to bolster himself and Fineli. Oler then points at the human with a crossbow and tells Fineli "Attack"

Fineli charges across the field covering up to hundred feet to reach his target and clamps down with his teeth on the human. He'll then shake the human from side to side and toss him onto the ground

Round 2:

Oler charges the orc with a shortbow covering up to 80 feet as needed. He'll draw his scimitar as he charges and seek to cut down the archer.


Fineli will either attack the crossbowman again (if he is still alive) or the next available target).




Did you miss my speak w/ animaals to fineli?

11:27, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  Fineli Initiative.

11:27, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Oler Initiative.

Round 1:

Fineli delays his action until Oler can go and tell him what to do.

Oler casts Bull's Strength and shares it with Fineli. Lasts 4 minutes, Oler's STR becomes 18, Fineli's becomes 26. (standard action)

Command Fineli to attack (free action)


11:38, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 22 using 1d20+13.  Fineli charges and attacks the human crossbowman.

11:40, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 10 using 1d8+8.  Bite Damage.

11:41, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 24 using 1d20+12.  Trip (+8 STR +4 Large).

Round 2:

11:47, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 26 using 1d20+9.  Oler charging archer with his scimitar.

11:48, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 8 using 1d6+4.  Oler scimitar damage.


11:46, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Fineli round 2 bite.

11:46, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 14 using 1d8+8.  Fineli Round 2 bite damage.

11:47, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 14 using 1d20+12.  Fineli round 2 trip.

With the alarm sounded, Turbalio readied his light crossbow as he scanned the line charging from the trees.  Spotting the two humans, he scowled and took aim at the one likewise armed with a crossbow.


10:41, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

10:49, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Round 1 attack.
10:49, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 5 using 1d8.  Round 1 damage.
10:49, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Round 2 attack.
10:50, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 6 using 1d8.  Round 2 damage.

Rivka began firing her bow the moment enemies breached the woods, starting with the human with the mace, in case he was a cleric, and moving onto the crossbow human next, if successful


OOC:
15:58, Today: Rivka rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  Damage , 2nd arrow, round 2.
15:58, Today: Rivka rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  Damage first arrow , round 2.
15:58, Today: Rivka rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  Damage 2nd arrow, round one .
15:57, Today: Rivka rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  Damage 1st arrow, round 1.
15:57, Today: Rivka rolled 16 using 1d20+9.  2nd arrow, round 2.
15:56, Today: Rivka rolled 15 using 1d20+9.  1st arrow , round two.
15:56, Today: Rivka rolled 13 using 1d20+9.  2nd arrow, round one

To hit and Damage is +1,+1 if within 30 feet
Damage is +2 the more (+4 total) against the humans

Nym responds by drawing his long sword and starts humming.  Moving to attack the closest Orc or Goblin (which ever is closest to him).

He curses in Elven as he misses on his first swing.

That's better he sings as his second swing connects solidly.

OOC: 18:17, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
18:17, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Longsword. Round 1.
18:17, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Round 2.
18:18, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 6 using 1d6+3. Damage Round 2.

As the horde of Goblins and Orcs come charging out of the forest, Jonathan pulls a whistle from his pocket as he sends up a prayer, then blows through it. not a sound can be heard where he standing but at the far side of the clearing where the enemy's are there is a sudden deafening roar.

(Cast sound burst centered on the rushing Goblins. 10ft radius, Fort save or stunned for 1 round)
18:11, Today: Jonathan rolled 5 using 1d8.  Damage SB. per target in area effect
19:14, Today: Jonathan rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.


Then the young cleric mumbles a second prayer and the muscles in his arms seem to swell as he pulls his staff from his back.

(Casts bulls strength on himself)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

Zell was quick to respond and immediately turned invisible, looking for cover so the enemy would pass him up. He had his eye on the 2 humans, for he suspected they were in charge...

16:25, Today: Zell rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

 Yacob merely pauses to see what his compatriots would do. As expected they rushed the group. Means surgical strikes not hammer smashes.

Initiative was a 12.

Round 1 Magic Missile
Round 2 Magic Missile

Round 1: "May the blessings of Shaundakul be upon us all!" Sonori shouted at the beginning of the battle, casting Bless on all allies - including the animals - within 50 feet. Then she backed away 30 feet, into the underbrush if possible, to be away from the front end of the charge.

Round 2: "Ukuqhuma!" She stated, a blast of energy shooting from her fingers - the kind that the others had seen her use when a spider gets too close to her - at the nearest of the enemies. But she doesn't seem well coordinated. She twists her ring, and seems to fade into the underbrush.

Bless: Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

Orcs. Nino didn't like Orcs at all. And now they were attacking his friends with Goblins. Nino didn't like Goblins, either.

Nino summons Goblin Bane with Blackguard's Gauntlet.

Round 1: Attack closest enemy. Probably Goblin.
Round 2: Attack closest enemy. Probably Goblin.

19:38, Today: Nino rolled 7,6,8,6 using 1d12+5,2d6,1d12+5,2d6.  Axe damage.
19:37, Today: Nino rolled 15,28 using 1d20+12,1d20+12.  Attack Goblin.
19:28, Today: Nino rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

In reply to Yacob Stoneveins (msg # 164):

 Shooting the missiles at one target until it is dead and then moving on to the next is dead.

ROUND 1 & 2


With the alert coming from both Zell and Fineli, the group are somewhat shocked that your even alert to their presence, let alone ready, but this did not stop them from attacking. Nino immediately pops from sight.

The goblins, the smallest and lightest of the enemy charged over the front ranks of the group, consisting of Johnathan, Fineli, Nino, Kell, Nym and Oler. The chaos that ensued led most to miss, being knocked by some other goblin, but some hit their mark. Fineli was slashed by a dagger on his flank <Fineli takes 4 damage>, Nino hit by several, where most hit armor, one dagger sliced his arm. <Nino takes 2 damage>, Nym is hit twice <Nym takes 7 damage>, Kell once with a cut to his leg <Kell takes 2 damage> and Johnathan a decent slice with the dagger <Johnathan takes 6 damage>

The orcs wade in, separating, two going for Nino, one oler and one Kell.  Nino, smiling, caused his axe to materialise, causing goblins to squeak, and the two orcs, with surprise, miss their mark.  Likewise, the orc with the bow fired at Oler, missing the druid. Kell, facing the biggest orc with a greataxe, was hit solidly in his arm by it. <Kell takes 14 damage>

the humans separate, the one with the mace and shield wading in towards Oler and swipes, but the druid ducked the clumbsy shot easily.  The crossbow wielding human took aim and shot at YAcob, guessing the robed figure the greatest threat. Though his shot was true, the graze barely hurt the wizard <Yacob takes 1 damage>

Nino, with more enemies to choose from than he can guess, swung his axe in a wide arc, cutting a swath of goblin parts like wheat with a sythe, taking off two heads and cutting one clean in half.

Quinn, calling out to his comrades, steps upto one of the orcs facing nino and with his new sword, cuts the beast with a strike from hip to shoulder, and reversing the momentum, brings the blade back with a slice, lops the head clean off

Kell, his huge hammer in hand, faces the orc with the greataxe, smiling as he swings.  The orc ducks the first swing with a chuckle, thinking the goliath clumbsy and slow, but didn't realise the momentum carried the mace up and into a downward chop. Too late to realise he looked up as the greathammer, trailing a slight mist, hit him in the head, crushing his head and spine clean into his chest cavity

Fineli, ignoring the goblin pests, lunged at the human with the shield and mace even though his master told him to aim at the crossbow man, the other was in his way making for the druid. The wolf  jumps on him, tearing at his chest and face, and while the human is prone he swings the mace at fineli, crushing his paw with a yelp. Despite having the wolf roll off him, the human is in bad shape, blood streaming down his face.

In a fit of rage born of injuring his friend, Oler waded in and sliced the human from hip to hip, cleanly slicing open his leather armor and causing his stomach to fall out.  the human drops his sword and shield, trying to keep his innards from dropping, but collapses to the ground, dead

Turbalio, crossbow in hand beside Rivka, aimed at the crossbow wielding human, but where his first one missed, his second one clanked from his chain mail. Rivka, likewise had little luck with the human, her arrows flying faster, with one going wide and three likewise glancing off his armor

Nym, his longsword in hand, hummed as he made movements, his first shot flying high over a goblin, but the second cutting him clean in half

Yacob, glaring at the archer, muttered in his arcane language, holding his hand up.  three bolts of energy flew to the human, hitting him, causing his armor and arm to be smoking from the magical attack. Yacob was a little surprised and confused with what happened as where the missiles often erupted from his hands, this time they originated from the staff

Johnathan, goblins around himself, mutters a spell, sending goblins flying, none getting back up again with the sonic blast.

Sonori, the archer and two orcs left, cast a spell at the already damaged human, hitting him and dropping the human down.

With two orcs left standing, they start backing away....until a wall of blades materialises between them and the forest.

They turned to see A great axe and great hammer take out each in one fell swoop


With no enemies left standing, Oler drops to Fineli, whimpering in pain. A few moments of relief can be felt.



..When you hear clapping hands.

Off to the side, a young human leans against a tree, smile on her face.  The woman looks young, maybe a year or two from her teens. Her leather armor was of high quality, a dark grey color with small riveted spikes on it. Her only visable weapons were two daggers, one on each hip.

She looks at the group, speaking casually, almost like an old friend. "Not bad at all. I didn't doubt you didn't need help, but i didn't expect you to defeat them that quick. Impressive."

She looks around, then at an empty space  and winks.

She stands crossing her arms. "Let me give you some advice friends, what that bitch is going to throw at you, this was just her fodder." she looked at the group with a smirk. "You face her generals and even you may not survive." She turns and starts to walk, speaking over her shoulder.

"Damn me, a part of me hopes you succeed"

<OOC: Combat is over....well done.  After teh battle, a woman has appeared, you don't know how or from where>


Yacob: 27/28
Nino: 62/64
Nym: 27/34
Zell: 28/28
Rivka: 50/50
Johnathan: 26/32
Quinn: 42/42
Kell: 44/60
Sonori: 34/34
Turbalio: 24/24
Oler: 36/36
Fineli: 48/52

Human (Crossbow): DEAD
Human (Mace/Shield): DEAD
Orc (Greataxe): DEAD
Orc (Battleaxe): DEAD
Orc (Battleaxe): DEAD
Orc (Shortbow): DEAD
Goblins (0)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:39, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

 At the sound of her voice Yacob takes his eyes off the staff. "And who in the follicles of Zartgarth's butt are you? And I don't doubt this is fodder. You always send slag to see what kind of steel you have." he pauses and a little bit of lightning starts to crackle from the staff's eyes to it's mouth. "No disrespect, but we were just attacked so the explanation would be nice and quick."

Sonori remained where she was, camouflaged in the underbrush. Not invisible, like Zell, but certainly not nearly as easily noticed as the others.

She examined the woman as well as she could while remaining virtually motionless, thinking about whom she might be.

Kell rumbles "What is your name, miss? And how do you know our troubles?"

The bard casually reloaded his crossbow to ensure it was ready for quick use in the future if necessary.  Once that was accomplished, he slung it over his shoulder and turned his attention to their guest.  She would undoubtedly have answers, but whether she was willing to share them was an entirely different issued altogether.

With the practiced eye of a healer Jonathan's gaze goes over the party, he walks past everyone and stops at of all people Nym. the young human looks into the moon elf's eyes, May Fharlanghn's blessing be upon you brother Nym and may the wind always be at your back. The clerics hand glow  brightly as he lays them on Nym's shoulders, Nym feels refreshing coolness wash over him from head to toe, every wound on his body closes, not even a bruise left behind, even the stiffness of the long ride disapers in an instant so strong was the heal. Even Jonathan is taken by surprise rarely is a first tier healing spell so strong. It is clear that my God favors you Nym.



17:30, Today: Jonathan rolled 12 using 1d8+4.  Heal Nym.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

Zell materialized after he saw the woman wink at him. He figured she had magics to be able to see him and figured he was wasting his time trying to be sneaky. So, he looked around to see if he could spot anyone else hiding....

16:19, Today: Zell rolled 28 using 1d20+12.  Spot check.

Nym speaks to Tracks in a very sincere voice as the cleric works his healing.

Thank you Tracks.  I'm sorry if my words offended you earlier.  They were not meant to offend, but rather to enlighten you as to the value of things that generally don't have a monetary value.  We can discuss that further over dinner or over a shared watch.

Nym turns his eyes on the "young girl" but doesn't speak to her.

Rivka scowled with frustration as her first volleys with her new arrow collection proved so fruitless.  Luckily, her powerful Traveling Companions were more than capable of taking out the rabble they'd fought.
When the smirking woman started speaking, Rivka had another arrow nocked instantly, ready to send it at that annoying smirk.  She was feeling aggravated and eager to redeem herself.
Still, she waited for a signal from the others before firing.   Just because she took an instant dislike to the arrogant woman, it didn't mean that she was an enemy.

The wild places of the world, in her experience, held many kinds of people, after all.

If they party let the woman slink off into the woods, she'd go try to salvage her spent arrows.

"You only have a scratch big fella, nothing to worry so much about yet." Oler comforts Fineli not sure why the big fella was whining about his relatively minor wound. "I don't have any healing spells today my friend, be tomorrow before I can heal it up."

He'll rub the wolf behind it's ears trying to turn its mode away from the small injury it suffered. Oler eyes the woman though. She arranged this attack it seemed perhaps and that spoke of ill intent.

Oler I would be honored to heal Fineli, he is as much a member of this team as any of us. before moving over to Oler's companion Cutter turns back to Nym. There is no need to discuss what is past, I may have been a bit impetuous in showing off my journal. I'll keep in mind the importance of it's contents from here on, and keep my ego in check as well.

The woman turned to see an irate dwarf, a human ranger lining her up down a arrow and a goliath looking her way. She smiled at them, showing no fear or consern.

She was amused when zell popped back into sight and looked at the dwarf. "coloful. Me....i'm just an observer."

She crossed her arms looking at Rivka, raising an eyebrow. "Don't waste your arrow sister....you'll need all the arrows you can."

She ended her gaze on Kell. "...as for my name, you'll need to work a bit harder to find that out. let's just day I'm not your enemy."

Rivka shrugged
"As long as you're not our enemy, that's enough for me.  If you don't want to share who you are, then it's none of my concern. "

In reply to AO (msg # 179):

Kell nods. "That much could be inferred. But if you could be so kind as to let us know how you know of us and our opponent, it would ease my mind greatly."

The woman looks at Zell with an appraising look and a sly smile, but turns to Kell. "oh, I know you and what you face. Your in for a he'll of a ride big guy"

She looked at Yacob with a smile. "Believe me when I say that her army is looking for you all. They know some of you, like the dwarves....but their calling you brothers."

She looks at the group. "They know about you too bladesinger, and the archer too."  she looks at Zell, again an approving look. "They know of you, but that's it"

She sighs but looms at them all. "Free advice for you all....the generals are looking for you. They are ruthless and not to be underestimated. They will find you....not a issue of if, but when. You run where your getting, and pray that when they find you, it's not any of the generals."

She turns to enter the forest  but stops at the edge of the trees. She looks at you all, her gaze finishing on zell.

"Be seeing you." she had a half smile

Though she didn't consider herself the jealous type, Rivka's bow finger became itchy when the woman looked appraisingly at Zell.  The ranger knew it just might be because the half elf was just distractingly attractive, especially to a woman who might live alone in the woods.
Sighing, she lowered her bow, knowing she had to preserve her arrows for real enemies, not just annoying people.

Sonori remained where she was, hidden and quiet, making sure that the woman really had gone. Ally or not, it was disturbing that she was watching them. Only the gods should watch people like that, and she didn't think that woman - whomever she was - was a god.

Oler nodded to Jonathan "Fineli would like that, and I'd appreciate it as well."

Nym doesn't visibly react at the word bladesinger.

Once Nym is sure she is gone he says in a sarcastic tone.

She didn't tell us anything we didn't already know or guess.

The ranger gave a cynical guffaw
"I get the distinct feeling that watching our impending struggle is going to be her entertainment for the foreseeable future.   "
This message was last edited by the player at 10:57, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Nino started searching the bodies to find money. He didn't have any clue what was going on and figured that if nobody was attacking the girl, then she was OK.

  Yacob watches her as goes on about the generals and the fear she was trying to inspire. "Yeah yeah. Been to see death before made it back then. We will worry about these generals when we see them." he says as the charge is let go.

Kneeling by the wolf Jonathan pulls a wand from his belt and lightly taps Fineli, all the wounds close. the young cleric has never been this close to the big Canine before, he reaches out nervously and scratches Fineli behind the ear. There you go all better now.


17:01, Today: Jonathan rolled 4 using 1d8+1.  wand cure light.

Kell shakes his head "I should practice for facing multiple opponents. Some techniques are better than others for the situation. And figure out how to bolster my defenses."

  "Multiple opponents is only a good thing when it is something like those goblins or kobolds. And in the future guys it is really hard to cast a fireball with so many of you in the line of fire. I'm just saying."

Rivka nodded pensively
"I suppose we definitely need some better group tactics.   Personally, i am usually best firing my bow from the outskirts of the battle.  But I can work to change up my strategy in the future. "

Fineli licks Jonathan in appreciation for fixing his injury.

Oler doesn't seem to really ponder the need for strategy, except maybe next time he should cast barkskin first rather than bull's strength. "Well what we did worked." he points out.

Zell walked over to Rivka and gave her a hug. He could tell she was disturbed by the mysterious woman. But, Zell's mind was constantly spinning, wondering who she was.

"I wonder if she's the one who hurt my father? Remember what Monty said? Kinda weird that she kept looking at me, but I really do look like him."

Rivka hugged Zell back, nodding thoughtfully
"That's a disturbing thought, but it's a distinct possibility that you're not wrong.   It certainly would explain her interest in our group "

Deciding the lady was gone, Sonori adjusted her ring so she was no longer camouflaged and came out of hiding. "I suggest we see if there is anything useful on the bodies and then get moving. If these found us, then there might be reinforcements nearby. A discussion on tactics would be good, but we can do that while traveling or even camped tonight." Sonori went to the nearest body of an orc or human (figuring the goblins likely had little) and began to look for potentially useful items.

Kell starts searching the bodies of the humans and orcs, guessing that goblins were unlikely to be the war leaders of the defeated group.

Oler seeing the others checking over the humans and orcs decided to check over the goblin bodies, while small in stature, goblins sometimes made good thieves, as such it is possible they could have more than what some might expect.

Jonathan walks over to where Kell is searching the bodies and interrupts him long enough to tap him with the wand of healing. Satisfied that the Goliath is no longer injured the young cleric moves on looking for other wounded commrads.

05:14, Today: Jonathan rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  wand cure light.

While the others search the bodies and heal those who are injured, Nym stands guard.  Not trusting the surroundings after the attack and the "little girl."  He also thinks about what she said to Kell.

OOC: 08:11, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Religion.

The bard watched his companions interact with the woman and he was mildly surprised when they allowed her to walk away after uttering such vague and cryptic warnings about what others knew of the group's members and their being hunted and hoping that, when found, it's not by "the generals."

"So, 'her army' that seeks us is this red dragon's army?" he asked as everyone began to fan out, "and since armies are comprised of soldiers and officers, the leaders of 'her army' are these generals?"

"And they apparently know of us already?  Or at least some of us at any rate," Turbalio continued thinking aloud, "I wonder if this knowledge is first-hand or because they have used scrying magics upon us?"

Oler looks up from his searching commenting "It is possible she has a connection to the stone and those of you that have touched it or been in close proximity may have alerted her to your presence, which she then passed that knowledge to her generals."

Oler, if she had been that one, we would have been destroyed by now.

Kell searches the bodies with aide from whoever offers while you talk about the strange girl and her words.

 "Perhaps Nym perhaps. In case you didn't realize we have been followed since the day we left Waterdeep by folks unknown. Once we clear the forest we ride as far as we can every single day until we hit Silverymoon and if possible no fire. That should help throw off pursuers. I will see if I can make an illusion that will shift our position several yards in a random direction. Then we can go back to a normal routine. We are being hunted and we do not have the time to waste."

Kell takes a Light crossbow and a case of bolts from one human's corpse and a set of chainmail, which he stores in his pack. He explains "The rings and linkages can be used to patch damaged undercoats for heavier armors".

"So no one has any idea who that woman was, right?" Sonori asked while helping search the bodies.

  "She is not likely The Mistress." is all Yacob says as his mind is already elsewhere.

I have known that we have been followed since we left Waterdeep. Who and why is what I don't know.  This was an ambush.  Someone thinks we are enough of a threat at the moment to try and remove us from our task.  I certainly expect more attempts between here and our final destination.

Nym continues to keep watch over those searching.

"This was a test, nothing more. An opponent only willing to devote the necessary strength to defeat us not their full strength. A test of our strength and our tactics. The next group will not be so easy to defeat, and that girl most likely was one of the generals." Oler suggests while rifling through the goblins.

I to will take a few different spells, I can prepare a fog spell in case need to cover a retreat at some point. After a pause he adds. But I do not believe her to be a general, perhaps a neutral party waiting to see which side to join. with only Nino and Yacob both barely injured at all he uses the wand on himself.


19:05, Today: Jonathan rolled 6 using 1d8+1.  cure light wand.

"I have suspicions. The first one is she might be the one who wounded my father. I didn't ask him about it because I didn't want to embarrass him. The second one is she might be my half sister. I was told by Monty...you all met him on the trip from Luskan. I never knew who she was...my father is a pir...sailor and...I'm pretty sure you all can use your imagination."

Sonori paused to take a closer look at Zell. "Why are you so sure that she's tied to you rather than anyone else?"

 "Jeweler's intuition?" he asks in an out of hand fashion

"If you didn't notice, I look like my father. The woman in question saw me while I was invisible and winked at me to let me know she saw me. She kept looking at me in a way that made Rivka here upset. My imagination is a bit out there sometimes, so please forgive me if I come up with strange things, but those two options were the first and second things to cross my mind....Call it a Jeweler's intuition."

"She could just be able to see invisible creatures, that is not an uncommon magical ability. She might of just winked at you to let you know she saw you." Oler suggests.

"I hope you're right, my friend. I'd hate for her to be the one who hurt my father, being my half sister, and her mother being my Aunt and now she winked at me while we're traveling to her home. It gives me a headache thinking about it."

  "And I thought dwarf genealogy was complex." is all he says with a little bit of mirth.

Nym curses in Chondathan.  If anyone can understand it, it is laced with a great many profane sayings.

Switching to Elven he mutters:

  [Language unknown: "Li ckthu, diith hesibe'utul seen n hice ulic-peac ll k."] Is all he says.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:09, Sun 05 Apr 2020.

Rivka sighed with annoyance
"I'm honestly hoping that she's some neutral party who would just be entertained by the coming battle, and not an enemy hoping to attack after our primary enemies weaken us."

"In any event, let's finish searching these and then get going."

In reply to Sonori (msg # 223):

Quinn helped search the bodies. Carefully rolling when necessary, stripping everything of value.

Turbalio helped in the body search, if only to speed the process up so the group could keep moving.  "Without question, Zell's resemblance to his father is uncanny," the bard agreed as the group discussed the unknown woman.  An amused look crossed his face as Nym uttered a string of words in elvish, but the bard otherwise gave no other indication he understood what had been said.

"General or not, I have my suspicion that we haven't seen the last of that woman," he said, wondering exactly how closely the group was being watched.

"Agreed," Sonori said. "The real question is, when we get in a battle that we can't handle without death, maybe at all - will she join us? Join the enemy? Or stay neutral?"

Nym looks at Yacob.

[Language unknown: Art st illestessher.  Ion t Ofceonme?  Whe omiou ie ardconingill M res m Setio ar Fondhour us esos.]

In reply to Nym Eveningfall (msg # 227):

The group, not feeling the need for lunch anymore, searched the bodies, finding little more than some small daggers that were near worthless, two battle axes, a great axe, a worn shortbow with 20 arrows, a crossbow with 23 bolts, a mace, shield, chain mail suited for a human and leather also from the other human.

Zell found a few coins, but not much (23 silver)

The group left the corpses, talking about the strange girl, and by the time dusk came, the group was hungry (except for Nino strangly)

--------------------------------

It had been 3 days since leaving the corpses behind and the group had solidified a routine for watches. Nothing more than owls, a wolf and other wildlife had been seen, oler had even had a hawk land on his shoulder briefly.

The end of the third day saw the group still at the edge of the forest, but as they walked two figures could be seen waiting for them just out of the forest. Dressed in leather, one had a longbow, the other a longsword at their hip. Both wore hooded cloaks and stood with neutral stances.

The figures stored upon seeing your group...apparently waiting for you

 "Well it can't be helped it seems." he says as he sighs.

  As they get closer he calls out to the two "No offense, but who in the Abyss are you and what do you need?"

Sonori couldn't help but roll her eyes at the dwarf's greeting. Why on earth did the group let grumpy-pants be their spokesperson?

Probably because they hadn't set up someone to be the spokesperson... they probably should do that.

She looked over at Turbalio, hoping he would step in before Yacob turned neutrals into hostiles.

Nym mutters quietly as he sees the two figures.  He takes a closer look to see if he can recognize them.

Someone certainly gets around quickly.

"Yacob, hopefully they're guards for Silverymoon. No need to sound hostile."

Zell rode up front so the 2 riders could see the shirt his father gave him and hopefully recognized the Raven on it.

[Language unknown: "Wa lar!"] Oler greets the two waiting for them [Language unknown: "Sa int ad but beout ad Ourareonssombut th ma ter Ai Lesencanan a pr sheconstrwit ousestive. Lastes ou oul ll arutsa?"]

He turns to Fineli and whispers [Language unknown: "Ill his, m ndneen ha buteststi, ineie ac leer."]


22:09, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Diplomacy.

Kell keeps his greathammer in hand but moves up near the front, prepared to deflect any arrows aimed at the group.

PM

Nym looks closer at the elves but relaxes some as he realizes they will tell us one of two things.  1, we are not welcome to travel through elven territory (unlikely) or 2, they are here to help guide us through elven territory (more likely).


Nym nods in the direction of those he names as he spoke their names.

Rivka blinked in surprise and then nodded to the pair, talking to Yacob and the others.

"Wait!  I recognize them, i think.  They're with The Silver Owls, a ranger group operating in this area.  I've heard of them , though I've never met them."

Lowering her bow, she walked forward a pace or two.
"My friends speak the truth. My name is Rivka, from Luskan.  I hope we don't intrude upon your territory? "
This message was last edited by the player at 11:46, Mon 06 Apr 2020.

Nino didn't understand why everyone was talking to the cloaked figures so far away, but they were doing it and so Nino did too. He waved to them.

Hiiii !

Quinn held up his empty right hand as a greeting and sign of peace.

The two elves (For that is what they are), pull their hoods off, one a male with a sword and the female with a bow. The woman had pale green eyes and blonde hair tied with a simple leather strap. Her bow was simple in design, common for the wood elves, and her armor was fine quality elven chain. Likewise, the male wore the same armor, but the distinction between tehm finished there.

Where the womans eyes held warmth and welcome, the male's were stern, cold and full of warning.  His brown hair was worn short, unusual for an elf, and his sword at his side was a finely crafted longsword with a bird motive. Now you are closer you can see he also had a dagger at his hip, and a shield on his back.

The woman spoke as the male glared at the group, more focusing on Yacob and his short welcome.


The male rolled his eyes, but stayed quiet.

The woman continued, this time in common. "Well met. I am Lynadra, and my surly and quiet friend here is Raieylan...." The male sighed and shifted, but stayed quiet.

"...you may pass freely, as this land is free and not of our holdings. We were on a mission when word came to us of strange tidings. We decided to look around before our return north."

She looked at Rivka with a smile. "Well spotted sister, we are members of the silver owl, a group of elves that work for our mistress. She has sent word of an ancient evil stirring and asked us to look around."

The man chimed in. "Quit prattling Lyn....we have places to be."

The woman slapped his arm. "Ignore him. I would ask of you, what news to the south near waterdeep...what movements have you seen frineds?"

To Nino, the male elf looked skinny, so Nino rode up along side him and handed him some beef jerky.

Good

"We encountered a small patrol of goblins, orcs and humans about three days south of here. We were able to dispatch them quickly. Then something that appeared to be young human female appeared and her words were almost taunting to us saying that what we had defeated was nothing, and hinting that greater things would be coming." Oler tells them.

   He quips. "Heck if I thought I could pull the Artblade I'd go looking for it."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Thu 09 Apr 2020.

Kell asks "who is your mistress, and has she named this ancient evil?"

Jonathan has quill in hand making rough notes of names, places and who is saying what as quickly as he can write.

As the others didn't seem to be answering in manners that seemed even the least bit polite, Sonori said. "Nice to meet you. I'm Sonori. We too have become aware of an ancient evil. Indeed, we were attacked by a group we believe it aligned with it, a group of humans, orcs, and goblins.

But with every cloud is a silver lining - there is also of great hope stirring as well. And we are seeking to see if we can bring that hope to bear."

She paused, trying to gauge the elves' response.

Then she added some of the current news of the Waterdeep area, though without mentioning the discovered dwarven keep or going into details about the ancient evil or the stones. Not yet, anyway. Just some interesting gossip from having stayed in the town.

Zell didn't like the fact that these two elves were waiting here along the same route where the party was going. It seemed too much of a coincidence to Zell as he looked around to see if he could spot anyone hiding.

19:27, Today: Zell rolled 23 using 1d20+12.  Spot check.

Raieylan glares at the dwarf with a cold glare. he speaks in the common togune so all understand. he has a almost cold smile. "You wouldn't last an hour in the old city dwarf, let alone make it to one of the blades." he snorts and turns to the woman.

Lyndaria shuts her eyes and shakes her head, but then answers the questions issued. "My mistress, Kasyandrania is a sorcoress in service to the elven Heirachy. Her job is as a protector and servent of the silver owl's."

she adjusts her stands on her bow. "We have seen strange movements of beasts around....orc, goblin and such. Movement between them is not unusual, but for them traveling together is unusual." she looks at the gnome woman with a smile. "Hope, is always a good thing my small friend.'

"Orcs and goblins and men only cooperate when a powerful force commands them. Have you seen a woman with red eyes lately? She might have such power if she has come north." Oler suggests.

"Are you traveling the same way we are? There is safety in numbers, and perhaps we can continue chatting as we go," Sonori suggested.

In reply to AO (msg # 249):

"An hour in the Old City you say. Spent several hours there once. And even say the temple to Corelleon can you say the same? I doubt it. Just remember not everything is as it appears." he answers just as coldly. "Should you hear of a quest to reopen the city come and help or don't. But remember this you elves aren't the only ones who treasure the City of Brotherhood. That trek to the city changed my life so I owe it to the dream of the mythal to clean it out."

Turbalio sensed the obvious tension between Raieylan and Yacob as he made his way forward.  He stopped behind the dwarven wizard and placed a hand on his shoulder, unsure of how Yacob might react.  He offered a genuine smile to Lyndaria and Raieylan, "Friends," he said as calmly as he was able, "let us not concern ourselves with who among us has the bigger wand or the sharper sword, for such one-upmanship is the way of the orcs and goblins and other lesser races.  We, each one of us, are better than that."

The bard held his free hand out, palm up, as a gesture of friendship.  "As our band has been set upon recently by such an odd assembly as you have described, and perhaps not for the last time," he continued to smile, hoping to ease the stress of this first encounter with the Silver Owls, "it would seem to a simple man such as myself that the possibility exists our foe may be a common one.  An opportunity to work together, perchance?"


09:25, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 15 using 1d20+11.  Diplomacy check.

"A bard is such a wonderful thing to have to bring peace to a situation. Friends indeed."

"Why so short of temper Yacob, these elves mean no harm, the male is just ill mannered, the Lady is a true lady."

"Lesser races? Such a human point of view." Oler comments almost to himself. While Orcs and Goblins were certainly very different than humans and elves, I mean most did not practice hygeine and the like, that didn't mean they were really lesser races, just different.

  "I can take one coincidence, but two is one to many. Caution is paramount. We have been being watched for days and that doesn't seem odd to any of you. Then we get ambushed, threatened possibly, and now run into these two. Who claim that they were sent here and now. They might not be evil, but does that mean they have our best interests in mind. I want to believe they do, but how do we know that." he shakes his head. "I need more than words. If any of you knew them personally maybe, but reputation alone. Clothes can be faked so can insignia."

 "It's also a phrase that the elves applied to everyone else during Myth Drannor. The dream fell because they couldn't grow or share. The dream is all of ours not just theirs."

"Hmmm, true, there is no such thing as a coincidence. Perhaps I should bow to your wisdom."

The bard sighed deeply as he heard his father's words inside his head, You spoke before you knew what to say and now things are worse for your careless words.  Think, boy, before you flap your lips!  By speaking, Turbalio recognized he may not have helped the situation.  As brilliant as Yacob was, he didn't seem to understand that kindness often begat kindness.  Of course, the mage was right and trust was earned, not given ... but it was also a two-edged sword: what reason had they given to Lyndaria and Raieylan to trust them?

As they waited for a response, he hoped that his words had not offended the elves.

In reply to Yacob Stoneveins (msg # 256):

Kell replies "then we should make certain, each of us, not to fall victim to the same shortcomings. We all strive to learn and grow."

Raieylan, glaring at the dwarf with anger, was restrained by lyndaira, who spoke. "Master dwarf...from the sound you have been through much, and have reason to be suspicious. We did not seek you out, but saw you traveling this morning from the trees. True we did not come straight out, but we too have seen some battle."

She looked at Raieylan, who snorted and turned and walked towards the trees. The woman again sighed. "Forgive my friend....he lost his twin sister in a battle not 4 days ago."

"He means well, he's just a bitbset in his ways. But I don't doubt your words master dwarf."

She looked back at the elf, leaning against the tree looking at his sword. "I have no urge to cross bladed with you, and have our own task. I just wished information...and from what you said my suspicions are true. something out there is gathering an army of orcs, goblins and other monsters."

  "Believe me I understand caution. If he lost his twin four days ago then that explains a lot. For his loss I am sorry. As for something gathering orcs and what not. It masses near Cormanthyr Forest against an elven settlement. We go first to Silverymoon to gather information and possibly allies and then there. I'd say proof would be if you went to help as well. I understand you have a mission, but something tells me this won't be the last you see of us or we you."

"Yes, and everyone should prepare for the worst - because that might come.

You know these woods well - Do you have any idea who the lady who watched us battle orcs, humans, and goblins - then came and spoke to us rather cryptically might be?" She went on to describe the lady.

The elvish woman took a conserned look on her face. "I did not see your battle....if we had we would have helped, though given how you look you did not need it. As for the forest of Cormanthyr then we will return to my mistress. She will send aide."


She looks back at her companion, then to Yacob."For now out paths separate, but if what you say is true, then our paths will cross again. You follow your path and we will meet again."

"Wasn't really much of a battle. What maybe a dozen goblins and then a half dozen humans and orcs. Only two of which were carrying any missile weapons of note, one a bow and another a crossbow. Had they invested in more missile weapons and not engaged us at close range they might of been more successful." Oler points out.

Nino was disappointed that the elf didn't take his beef jerky, so he stuck out his tongue at him and went over to Fineli and shared it with the big wolf.

Fineli licks Nino and eats some beef jerky offered to him.

Nym just watches the exchange with the elven rangers.  Rivka was right about them being a part of the Silver Owls.  He doesn't blame the male elf for his surliness as Nym would feel the same if it were one of his family members.

With the elven rangers disappearing into the forest, the woman waving and the male just moving into the trees, the group moves along the outskirts of the forest.

The next night is uneventful, with people on watch vigilantly after the attack. the night passes quietly and the next morning dawns warm with a little mist. the group walks north.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 days later and you come to a river, a mountain peak to your right hand side the most likely the source. the group stop for lunch and cross the river with little effort and walk north, another few hours north and you approach the road that leads from Yartar to Silverymoon.

you walk on the road a mere hour and come upon a caravan with a damaged wheel, a dwarf and halfling working on it with grumbles. They look at you and come on guard. "I warn ye now...ye try steal anythin' and ye'll be sorry! screams the dwarf
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

Rivka smiled and nodded wryly
"Don't worry, my friends.   We have too much to do these days, and no time for robbery.   However, if you'd like, perhaps we can offer our help.  Free of charge, of course "

"May the blessings of Shaundakul come upon you!" Sonori greeted, invoking her god, the god of travel. "What happened?"

Oler moves to examine the wheel they are working upon. He looks over it and then if he determines it will work will use a mending spell on the wheel to repair it saying "There that should do it."

Quinn nodded his approval as he rubbed his Holy Symbol until it shined.

  "Zell keep your eyes peeled for anything." the dwarf simply sits his ram and waits for them to be finished.

OOC: Anyone who has taken a watch with Yacob notices that he has spent it looking at the staff and talking to himself. During rest breaks he simply stares into the eyes of the dragon trying to plumb it's secrets.

Nino climbs off his pony and walks to the damaged wagon wheel and looks at it. He knows this dwarf might be a friend, but doesn't say anything to him because there were no introductions.

While the others help the gnome and dwarf Nym stands guard. He doesn't notice Yacob as he stares into the forest looking for trouble.

Kell offers his Strength to lift the side of the cart while the wheel is mended.

Quinn puts his back into helping Kell raise the cart too. Kell is VERY strong he sees.

Jonathan keeps his staff in hand and his head on a swivel looking for anything out of the ordinary.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:00, Sat 18 Apr 2020.

"My goodness," Turbalio mumbled to himself as the group paused to assist, "a grumpy, paranoid, high-strung dwarf.  Who would have guessed that?"

Comfortable in the knowledge his compatriots had the repairs well in hand, he simply kept a watch for anything unusual approaching the caravan.

Zell got off his horse and looked around. If this was an ambush, he didn't want to be on his horse.

15:15, Today: Zell rolled 26 using 1d20+12.  Spot check.

With the two seeing the odd group, they tensed, but on the words, they relaxed a little, the Halfling relieved, but the dwarf still sceptical. With Zell hauling up the side of the cart (With the dwarf still on guard), Oler uses his magical skills to repair the wheel.

The Halfling smiled, while the dwarf snorted, placing his dagger away.

The Halfling spoke. "Thanks be to you friends. We were ambushed by something I've never seen with these big lizards."


it was at this point the dwarf chimed in. "Never seen em before. Stood abouty 5 feet tall, kinda squat in th' legs and a long tails. Grayish skin with some scales. Their head was like a lizard. I've seen lizard men before, but these were smaller, wilder and uglier."

The Halfling nodded. "...and their skin was shiny, like almost had an oily sheen to it. The lizards were brown and blue, about the size of a hound"

The dwarf started packing up the cart while the Halfling spoke. "Thank you for helping us.  We are on our way to Yartar....i'm guessing we are not far now.  We have not much gold, but what we have, I can offer."


<OOC: Everyone make a spot check.  Anyone searching make a search check.  Anyone wanting to know about the enemies roll a general knowledge check (Int)>

10:05, Today: Quinn rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  spot.

Quinn also detects evil and undead.

Kell looks for some sign of the unfamiliar creatures but finds nothing.

07:05, Today: Kell rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge Local .

07:05, Today: Kell rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Search.

Nym searches the immediate vicinity as he stands guard over the others helping fix the wagon.

OOC: 10:10, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 28 using 1d20+10.  Search.
10:10, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.

The bard remained mounted and seemed generally oblivious.


10:09, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Spot check.
10:08, Today: Turbalio Wyvill rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  General knowledge (INT) check.

  Yacob doesn't take his eyes off of looking around.


10:13, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge.

10:13, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Search.

10:13, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Spot

Oler waves off any offered payment "Payment is not necessary. Silvanus put us here at this time to help you, and we have done what we could."

Hearing the description of the attackers Oler looks for tracks and tries to use the description provided and tracks he hopefully finds in order to determine more about these lizards if possible.

11:18, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 27 using 1d20+13.  Survival, Look For Tracks.
11:18, Today: Oler Bearstrider rolled 29 using 1d20+10.  Knowledge (Nature) See if I can determine what lizards these are by tracks/description.

After pondering a moment on it, "It sounds like Troglodytes is what attacked you. They live in caves and caverns mostly"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:56, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

"Was anyone hurt? We could help, if so."

Rivka kept her eyes open as she stood guard, listening to the men's tale

OOC: 14:16, Today: Rivka rolled 16 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge dungeoneering.
14:15, Today: Rivka rolled 19 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge nature .
14:15, Today: Rivka rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Spot

Kell says "Trogs? Why would Trogs leave their caves to attack a wagon? Doesn't make sense."

Nym calls out.

I found the trail that they used.

Rivka went to investigate the tracks

OOC: 16:23, Today: Rivka rolled 18 using 1d20+9.  Tracking

"They might be hungry, but then they left the dwarf and halfling behind so that might not be it." Oler responds then asks "What did they take?"

Jonathan follows Rivka to where Nym found the trail. We might want to track them down and deal with them. for two reasons it will weaken our enemy and a good ofense is the best defense.

After a pause he adds. Although I hate to say it a little combat practice couldn't hurt.

17:01, Today: Jonathan rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  survival looking for tracks.
17:00, Today: Jonathan rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Knowledg check.

Zell wasn't interested in going after any Lizardmen or Trogs. Both of them live in swamps and swamps smelled bad and had poisonous snakes swimming around. Plus, Trolls like swamps. Zell kept quiet though as he scanned the area...

16:11, Today: Zell rolled 31 using 1d20+12.  Spot check.

Nino didn't even know what a Trog was, but as soon as he saw one, he would probably remember something. He didn't know what the party was looking for, so he started looking around and then he got thirsty and drank some of his beer. Then he noticed that his supply was running low, so he asked the dwarf if he had any?

Beer?

04:34, Today: Nino rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Spot check.

The dwarf looked at Nino with a furrowed brow. "Uuuummmm....no ale here boy"

  "He means well just makes the Battleragers look stoic. Nino I have some extra ale." he says apologetically.

 "Do we really have the time to hunt down some troglodytes? We still have to finish this journey and get to our next destination as quickly as we can. More pressing concerns is all I am saying."

Kell releases the newly-fixed cart. "Oler asked a good question. What did the troglodytes take, if not yourselves?"

The Halfling manages a half smile. "Thats the thing...they took nothing. They just attacked then left.  The others weren't too happy, but their leader was insistent. Dunno what they said, but the leader had them retreat"

Kell rumbles "Troglodytes are carnivorous if I remember correctly. If they took nothing, and they didn't take you for food....they were being directed somehow. But what was the objective?" Kell muses. "How long ago did this attack take place?"

Turbalio frowned as he considered both the words of the halfling and Kell's characterization of troglodytes.  "And to add to my friend's question," the bard interjected, swinging down from his horse, "would there be any chance at all that the leader of this reprehensible attack on your property was a human female?"

Quinn nodded to the question, their tormentor from the last combat they were in.

Oler had already noticed the trail but he was so far still engaged in the conversation, it did sound odd that Trogs would attack and take no prisoners for food and take nothing of value, he had to admit that it did sound like someone had employed them perhaps as mercenaries.

"Perhaps the leader is not what he seemed. A dragon that can become a lady, can as easily become a trog. Did the leader have red eyes?" Oler commented and asked.

Sonori was alarmed that they damaged the wagon but took nothing. She looked around, suddenly feeling that this might be an ambush set-up.

"We should get going. I can think of no reason they would have done this other than to ambush people or to set up a trap ahead. We should go," she said. "And we should consider not taking the road."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Tue 21 Apr 2020.

 OOC: Can I get a few pieces of info here.

1) Distance to Silverymoon(Relative distance is fine. Number of days or miles is fine. Doesn't have to be super accurate.)
2) Realtive distance to nearest major city if it is not Silverymoon.
3) Name of the Forest we left 3 days ago?4) Distance to the High Moor?

Jonathan backs up towards the group by the wagon, Look sharp people something smells fishy about all of this.the young clerics eyes scan the area ears wide open listening for the slightest sound.



18:59, Today: Jonathan rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  listen.
18:58, Today: Jonathan rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  spot.

Rivka looked up and around at Jonathan's warning, not sure if the scholar was referring to an immediate threat or something less imminent

Nym looks around the area as he speaks to Rivka.

How old are those tracks Rivka?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Thu 23 Apr 2020.

In reply to Nym Eveningfall (msg # 309):

Rivka reexamined the tracks

Zell had the funny feeling that this might be a set up. The troglodytes might have confused this Dwarf in distress with Yacob and then fled when they realized their mistake. Or, the Dwarf is in on the set up. What dwarf would deny another dwarf beer? Quickly moving to Rivka, Zell had a bit of panic in his voice,

"Nevermind the tracks. I think this might be a trap. Keep a look out."

Zell goes invisible and then moves away from everyone.

  "Well this should be fun then." with that Yacob shows that his power and knowledge just keep growing as fog starts issuing forth from the mouth of the dragon staff.

OOC: Plan is using obscuring mist right now directing it in front of him. Then completing the circuit to surround him and the party.

Rivka was glancing at the tracks as she looked around for threats, then tilted her head at the tracks again.  She nodded to herself, as she saw something that caught her eye, and looked up.
"Well...the tracks are about a day old, so unless they've been in the bushes all this time, we should be safe."
She looked down again, eyes narrowed in concentration
"And there were about six of them, or so, and.....one was standing back a bit."
The ranger looked up at her Traveling Companions, one eyebrow cocked as she smiled wryly
"That one in the back had a staff.  I'm presuming he wasn't a blind bandit with a walking stick"

More likely a wizard or cleric with a staff of something.  Are they headed in the direction we are going, or away from us?

The ranger gestured
"Looks like they went North"

"Well, let's keep going, then," Sonori said.

Quinn gathered his gear off the ground and readied to move on, going to the front of the line again so he could detect evil and undead from the front of the group where he could detect from a slight distance, before they closed with the group..