Pouring out the coins the group is able to count out 847 gold coins total. 7 Silver and 8 copper (I rounded the silver and copper into the gold to make it easier). They guess they will get about 83 gold coins from misc. equipment that can be sold. And possibly 50gp from each barrel. In total the group, after selling their misc. loot will have 1080gp 7sp 8cp.

Cril and Lago both agree they only take 100gp a piece, neither wanting or needing the money. Leaving the four companions with 220gp a piece.

Tomorrow they decide they will stop by the various shops to get their other equipment looked at and further decide up the spoils.

They have;
A javelin (Berdari’s)
A ring
A clear vial
A red vial x2
A magical Jug
Slippers
A Rod
A Greataxe

What they have and new about;
A bag of holding
Three Scrolls, Floating disk, Gust of Wind, and Dispel Magic.

***

That night all the adventures have a restless night. Dark dreams cloud their thoughts. Chelonia, Anders, and Gryphon have experienced this before the dreams stopped in the caves, but now have picked up again. Fenrick, Sora,
Alekos, and Morwinyon this is your first experience with it. All of you sweat badly this night your dreams are of you running from some dark creature. The world is turned upside down all your realities are twisted your deepest fears are brought to the surface. Nothing you can do will stop the dreams, your forced to sleep through the nightmares. In the morning you all wake up drenched in sweat and few as if you had been running all night. Make a DC 14 CON save on fail you have one point of exhaustion. Success nothing, but you are tired and irritable.

***

That morning in the Bright Knight Inn they serve a hardy breakfast, those working don’t seem to be tired or drained as you all may feel.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:45, Mon 13 July 2020.

16:56, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Fenrick Con save for dreams.

OOC Now I roll a 20. *facepalm*  I should not even be tired and irritable. :)

Fenrick met up with the group in the morning.  He hadn't felt too bad before going to bed, but was plagued by dreams all night, always ending with the black eyes of the demonologist.  He'd felt worse though, so he figured he'd be able to manage.

After splitting up the coin, Fenrick asked Anders "How much do you need from each of us to buy what you need to identify the remaining item's?  Were you able to read over the papers last night?  We should do that today as well if you didn't get a chance.""  Fenrick then hands him the needed gold coins after he responds.

"And just so you all know, I'll need to get a new pack and some other small items, all of my old stuff was lost to the gnolls.  We can split up for shopping and meet back here if that works for everyone else?"

OOC I'll be at kids's softball games tonight, so wanted to get this out while I had the chance.

<OOC: Sora rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  con save for dreams


....oh dear!>


Sora came down to the main room, a look of exaustion and fear etched on her face as she sat down next to Fenrick. She had had nightmares in the last, but not like this.

She said nothing as he spoke to the others about coin and gear they had found on their previous mission. When the barmaid came over she pulled her in close and whispered, handing her several coins. "This is for the room....my apologies to the owner for the blanket."

She looked at Fenrick again. "If you will have me, I would like to join....perhaps I can learn a few things from Anders about thee arcane, as well as find my place."

She sighed as she held her head.

...she clearly had a rough night

After meeting with some interesting, and intriguing folks, that evening, Alekos had gone to his room expecting a nice night of relaxation to end his long day of travel. He had anything but.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 11 using 1d20+2. Con Save

Even his usual practice of lucid dreaming turned against him as found himself aware of the unreality of terrors of the night but completely trapped within his own mind for the first time in years. The fact that he had known it was not in the real world only heightened his fear and he ran, all night he ran until his lungs burst and still he ran from the unknown thing chasing him. The glimpses of his families' hatred for him spurring him on. The thing he feared the most, he watched in sorrow and distress as those closest to him turned their backs on him as he tried desperately to call for their help. His terrified, childlike screams echoed in his mind and he knew that some form of cries for help probably echoed in the real world as well. It was not a restful night. When he awoke his heart was still racing and his body felt the fatigue of the night still remaining. He also found himself on the floor curled into a fetal position in the far corner of the room, his sweat pooling around him. At some point, whether it was before he had fallen asleep or after he had begun struggling within his dreams, his shirt had come off and at this point he couldn't remember which it was. Tired, scared, and embarrassed he spent the next half hour carefully cleaning every inch of his mess with his shirt. When the cloth of it was thoroughly soiled rather than the floor itself he bunched it up as if to wring it out and begun an incantation that would become a norm in his life moving forward although with some variations. And like that it was no longer soiled. He dressed himself, washed himself in the provided bowl and applied a bit of makeup under the eyes to hide the truly severe bags there and eventually came down to breakfast.

---

The half-elf's spirited demeanor was still there but dampened and seemed more like an act of cheery wakefulness rather than the true thing as he ordered a breakfast and joined those he'd met last night. "What a place this is eh? Quite the amenities here." One conversation removed from commenting on the weather, that's how tired he was.

To Sora he said, "Little Miss, now don't take this the wrong way, but you look about as bad as I feel... Not a very restful night I presume? Most of these folks look like they slept like babies." The last bit was said with a hint of envy as eyes scanned the locals and guards who looked none the worse for wear.

Anders had deep in thought and looked at Fenrick blankly. "What?" Then his brain caught up as he blinked rapidly. "Oh! Ah. Apologies, I was thinking about the upcoming purchases."

He licked his lips lightly. "Wellll...actually, I have to see what spells can be found for purchase first as...." He shrugged and looked just the slightest bit sheepish, "I do not currently have the Identify spell in my spellbook. So I will need to purchase it, purchase the quality pearl and then scribe the spell in to my spellbook."

He cleared his throat. "However, I know OF the spell and that it requires a pearl of good quality, at least one hundred gold pieces in value."

He glanced at Sora and smiled, "You are, of course, more than welcome to accompany us, though we may be splitting up for some of the shopping."

When Alekos came to the table and spoke to Sora, she managed a weak smile. "I'm afraid not....nightmares.  Something i was plagued with when i was younger, but on occasion sneaks up on me." She sighed as she had a drink of water. "Though had some similarities, something about it was....different."

She squinted her eyes in thought as she remembered the nightmare she had. "Some unknown quality, an unknown....entity." She sighed, holding her head again. "....perhaps i am just over tired and in a new place is all."

She looked at Anders with a smile. "I would love to acompany you....hear your tale of what you have faced. I regret i cannot help with identifying the items....My knowledge of magic extends to mainly defensive magic and offensive magic. Recent insight has given me access to a spell that can effect a person's mind with pain. Have never tried it, of course, but something that this power of mine thought i may need.."

She shrugged as she had another drink, brushing a strand of her red hair from her face. "who knows...perhaps I may be able to help negotiate some prices for you. People find me trusting and tend to take it easy on me." For the first time, she smiled a smile that almost seemed devoid of pain and was hinting at a cheeky, playful side. "...people see the girl i could have been and not the young woman i am."

As Sora and Alekos talked about their poor night sleep, Fenrick yawned, not impolitely, but enough for people to notice.  He found it odd that others had nightmares as well.

Fenrick then nodded as Anders told Sora she could join them "I agree, but you may wish to wait until you find out more about what we're up against first" , with a wry smile on his face.  He actually felt a bit envious towards Sora.  She was very eager, energetic, and optimistic(?).  He was that way once as well, but all the fighting and hired help work had hardened him; he'd seen too much to be anything but optimistic anymore.

Then turning to Anders, he handed him 25gp for his share of the pearl  "Here, I don't want to spend it, and I also want to make sure you have the coin to buy it if you find one." This was more gold then he had had in a long time, if ever, so he wasn't sure if he could trust himself with it.  However, he felt that he could also trust this mage enough to not simply run off with it.

As he finished his breakfast, he was ready to get the day started , as they had much ahead of them. "Well, today is likely to be busy, and for some of us who didn't have the best night's sleep, myself included, a long one, so I am off to the market.  Good luck."

Morwinyon came down to the main room covered up again in his distinctive hooded cloak. He found the group of new companions easily enough. They were talking about last night and problems sleeping.

"I too found myself troubled in what should have been a pleasant night. Dreams, like prophecy, should not be ignored." He'd been up for hours already, reading and performing a variety of disciplines like he would any morning. "If this happened to all of us, then it is likely troubling others as well. Perhaps someone at the local temples can provide some insight, or at least tell us more of this shared nightmare."

OOC: 6 on my save, yep it got me too

"I don't think you need my aid in shopping. Truth is, I am more likely to cause harm walking along with you. We can meet up after your shopping trip. I'll make some inquiries at the churches. I tend to be well received at some of them."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Tue 14 July 2020.

Fenrick nodded at the mysterious man and went on his way.  "Perhaps you will meet the 4th member of our group at the church.  Her name is Chelonia, and she is a Tortle.  She is the one who lost her mentor."

Fenrick bid his temporary farewell to the group and went on his way, needing to make 2 stops.

The first will be "If it ain't here, you don't need it" (OOC I think.  I'm not sure what the difference between the Provisions store and the General Trade store is; I might need to stop at both depending on what each sells) (Need Explorer pack minus torches, crowbar, playing card set, traveler's clothes)

The second is "Hammer and Anvil"

"Nightmares indeed. I know I might not look it," The makeup and his feigned cheery attitude do a decent job but don't hide the fatigue in his eyes entirely, "I too had a terrifyingly vivid night last night..."

He stopped there and absentmindedly reached his hand below the table to retrieve something from his bag. Half way through the motion he realized he hadn't used any of his usual flare and stopped himself mid motion. "I'm not much for shopping, haven't really got anything I need. Anyone up for a game of dice?" Without waiting for an answer he suddenly revealed his hands, completely bare and empty. Then he turned them over once, twice, and suddenly in the palm of his right hand there was a single knuckle-bone die marked with pips all over it, he turned it this way and that so everyone could see each face had number of pips, 1,2,3,4,5 but the sixth side had a skull symbol instead of anypips. He chugged his breakfast drink, spoke a bit of an incantation as he made the motion of swabbing the mug out and turned it upside down to show that it was perfectly clean inside now.

Holding the mug right side up again he palmed the single die so that it couldn't be seen and then held his closed fist over the mug. He opened his pinky and the die fell into the mug making a small clunking sound. The he opened his ring finger and a second die seemed to pass between hand and mug. Then with a flourish he opened his hand fully and the sound of something else could be heard falling into the mug. Placing his hand over the top of it he shook the whole of the mug making the dice rattle inside before he turned it upside down onto the table and paused. "Snake eyes, I pay for everyone's breakfast. Sixes y'all pay for mine."

He lifted the mug and revealed the two knuckle bone dice with a single pip facing up on each on. Next to the dice a large pearl started to roll away and Alekos frowned. "Dangblasted, lost my focus and botched it." He started to scoop everything up again. "Guess breakfast is on me." He smiled and produced more gold that he placed on the table. And then as if realizing something he forgot he looked up at Anders. "Hey didn't you say you needed a pearl?" He rolled the large one that ended up in the mug by accident the wizard's way. "I don't know what its worth but would this be good enough to get the job done? Some lady in the city gave up her necklace as part of my act and that pearl there... Erm well, wasn't recovered by the end of the act. At this point I forgot I had it to be honest."

The whole process of trying out his magic tricks seemed to have lightened Alekos' mood even if the fatigue still hung about him.

OOC: The pearl is worth 100gp
Being exhausted, the sleight of hand tricks are down to 19 passively so somebody might be able to catch some of his moves a little easier this morning.

"Friend do you really think that anyone who watches you materialize coins from out of apparently nowhere is going to play small games of chance with you?" Morwinyon shook his head in the negative, an action easily noticed even when he's wearing a hood. "I am going to head into the keep and speak with folk at the local temple, see if they can provide some enlightenment regarding these shared nightmares. If it happened to all of us, who is to say how many are experiencing this exact same disturbed feeling. It is not to be ignored."

He rose and gathered his things. "I can certainly do this on my own, but any are welcome to join me."

Alekos smiled widely at the question. "Why do you think the dice came up snake eyes?" He winked. "That's not the part of the trick I botched." He said completely genuine. There was a twinkle in his eye, something that reinforced just how much joy he got from giving.

"Tell you what, Morwinyon, I'll join you. It will be good to try and figure whatever it was that impacted us last night afterall. And I like you. You've got a cool head on your shoulders."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Tue 14 July 2020.

Anders nodded to Fenrick with a small smile, "Thank you."

He then turned to watch Alekos curiously. One eyebrow rose up as the pearl came...on to the table. He peered at it. Then back at Alekos. "Is it...real? Will it disappear or revert back to something else later on?" He touched the pearl and then let it go again. "If it's going to be a spell component, it would need to be real, be actually worth the hundred or more gold, etc."

"I welcome the company." Morwinyon nodded in the affirmative. "Anyone with your physical capacity is bound to be handy out and about in the city. If you're night was like mine we should travel together anyhow. Less likely to stumble on some oddly placed brick if we're traveling together."

"And you can tell all about what part of the trick you failed at, although that failure lives only in your own mind's eye."

"Unless the lady that gave it up was keen on wearing fake jewelry, and she didn't seem the type, I'd say that's as real as they get." Rather than reach across the table, with another small but quick incantation and flick of his wrist the pearl floated up into the air as if picked up by an invisible hand. Alekos gestured his own empty hand toward Anders and the pearl moved that way again. "Take it, try it. If it doesn't work right I'm sure I could find you another one. Although maybe not as readily here as the cities..."

Turning to Morwinyon he nodded his own head. "Thank you, it does feel a bit like a really bad hangover doesn't it? If people saw us stumbling about we'd be the talk of the Keep. For our drunken behavior, not our racial differences to be sure." The last bit was wry and dry but he shook it out of his head.. "Did you call this small little place a city? I can't wait to see your reaction when you see an actual city." He laughed at the statement and his voice showed that it was definitely just in jest.

Sora looked wide eyed at tbe half elf, materialising a pearl of that size, impressed at it. If he was speaking true, the pearl was more than enough for the components to identity a single item.

She looked at anders with a smile. "If you wouldn't mind the company master Anders, I will  come with you. I can help you find the materails you need, perhaps even find someone who can identify them for you."

"Do you hail from some big city or another Alekos?" The merry handed magician was interesting in his way. "To be sure, the most of my life has been lead in remote places. Too many people all in one place, it is difficult to train as you like, be still when  you need. Ships must be crafted away from the rough waters on which they are destined to sail."

He turned towards the remaining group. "See you back here, if not for afternoon meal, at least for the evening one. Perhaps we'll return with your friend as well."

The walk was pleasant enough. "This foul dream bothers me." He admitted freely as they headed to the Keep's Chapel. "Just the fact that it struck all of us. If it can make us feel like this after just one night, what happens after three or five?"

"A fair point about ships and seas I suppose. No I don't hail from a large city originally but I've been around and about them from time to time." Alekos also stood from the table "Well, like he said, be seeing you. Oh and Anders, let me know if that pearl doesn't do whatever it is you need it to do. Or just let me know if there's something else you need. That goes for all of you. I like you lot, just say the word folks." He smiled and departed with the Aasimar.

Walking with just Morwinyon now, Alekos let some of his facade of non-fatigue drop. Not entirely though. "It was certainly something... Not something I'd want to repeat many times. Please don't borrow more nights of that crap from the universe." He shuddered ever so slightly. "You seem like a pretty smart guy, Morwinyon. You think it might be related to whatever that group, Fenrick, Anders and the bunch, faced off against?"

Gryphon makes his way down to the common room with the rest of the group were at. "Another nice night filled with nightmares in my head,Fen if you don't mind  I will go shopping with you. Might find a few things I need still, not to mention am running out of bolts>" Looks around at everybody else, "It seems many of you had a simialar night as I did."

Anders tried not to look skeptical as he slowly took the pearl. "Alright. If that's true, then...thank you." He slid Fenrick's 25 gold across the table to Alekos. "Since it's a group item and I won't be buying it, here is what Fenrick put in." He took out 25 of his own gold and slid that over as well. "And here is the portion I was going to ante up."

He glanced at Sora and gave a nod, the barest ghost of a smile on his lips. "That would be fine with me, lady. Our first stop will be a place called 'Antiques and Artifacts', which sounds like a good place to start!"

Sora smiled at Anders as he spoke. "Antiques and artifacts...sounds like a interesting place."

She looks at the others with a shrug. "Makes me wish i had more gold and more curious."

She straightened her robe and looked at the man. "Lead the way master Anders"

"You misunderstand Anders, the pearl is a gift. But if you've the gold to spare, perhaps the lass could borrow against it in order to get something from your antique shop eh?" The half elf smile but did not take the money before he had got up to leave with the Aasimar.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Thu 16 July 2020.

"Don't mind at all Gryphon, let's go".

Fenrick shook his head and laughed at the apparently "hot potato" gold he had given as he walked away from the table.

"Thanks. But what looks like smart is just enough training to know when to come in from the rain and what to do when you can't."

He paused and pondered the question. "I don't really know enough about their quest to save the mentor to say if these things are connected. But I do not trust that these foul shared dreams will merely go away on their own. Hopefully this is the kind of problem that can be fixed by finding the source and making it stop."

It did not take much time to reach The Chapel of the Keep. Once inside Morwinyon politely asked to meet with either the acolytes or the curate, whoever was available.

"You see that, that right there, that's something that not everybody has. Knowing when to get out of the rain or whatever." Then he thought about what Morwinyon said about stopping the nightmares at the source and fell mostly silent but still carried on the walk with a little less feigned energy the further they got from the tavern.

Once at the chapel Alekos let his companion do the talking. The contemplative fellow was after all the one that wanted to be here. Alekos was just along for the company. He stifled a yawn and looked about the chapel without moving all that much. His hands rested on his belt as he gazed about at everything with his shirt open just enough that the hint of gold scales could be seen as he shifted this way and that. There was a different energy about him here from that at the tavern. It wasn't so much that he didn't like being in a religious place so much as he didn't really know how to act, so he mostly just stood about and waited.

"You see that Tortle anywhere?"

It is a crowded, busy shop, not with people, but with miscellaneous trinkets and objects that spill out of the building on the street in front. You realize this is more a pawn shop than anything. An older leathered gentleman comes to greet you. “Why hello, I heard we had adventures in the keep, it only takes a minute for you lot to make it my way. Always do. Browse about, if you find anything you like let me know. Oh, and don’t mind the goblin, he helps me with cleaning and organizing, and don’t worry he is under an enchantment won’t do you any harm.” The man stumbles away cursing to himself that he didn’t make the pathways wider.

Most of what the man has collected seem like mundane trinkets and bobbles for collectors and keepsakes. There are many jars of pickled and preserved ingredients for spells, and potions. He has mounds of books, scrolls, and papers that may hold something interesting, but would take hours to look through.

There are a few interesting items to note, towards the back closer to his workbench where he busily reads and takes notes on something. The things you both are looking for are not here.

***

Entering the building a small chime goes off. Inside everything is clean, the decorations perfect and properly placed. Walking inside the first floor is set up as a shop. About 12 items are placed within the shop each expertly set visually with exact lighting.

As you begin to browse two tall slender beautiful people come down the stairs. “Good Morning, and pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Proclus, and this is my wife Camilia. These are this month's wares, we switch things up to give a fresh look. If there is anything, in particular, you are looking for, we may have upstairs or we can arrange to get it for you.”

Towards the back two bookshelves have various books, scrolls, and arcane instruments. Camilia politely excuses herself and goes back upstairs. While Proclus hits in a chair close to the entrance and reads a book.

***

(OOC)

 I will do the church next, my daughter is crying and needs me.

Fenrick looks over to Gryphon, "Well, I don't see what I'm looking for here.  Must need the Provisions store next door...  Anything you care to look at before we move on?"
This message was last updated by the player at 20:49, Thu 16 July 2020.

The church is older then The Keep itself, built first while the The citadel and Keep was built around it. The granite is old moss growing in between the blocks and plants overgrown climbing the building. Four large stained glass windows on at each side of building.

As the two enter they see different Altars for various Gods. Toward the back rows of pews face a large statue of Torm.

Standing to the side is a Tortle quietly talked with a gentle faced man.

Sora smiles at the man and lady in introduction, shyly smiling. The sorcoress, new to town, decided to let Anderrs do the talking, so she browsed the shop of items of interest.

She shows interest in any wands or magical items, but decides to ket Anders do his thing first.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Thu 16 July 2020.

When Gryphon is ready to move on (ooc sounds like he's waiting to buy stuff?), Fenrick will move on  to Mountain Provisions in hopes of finding what he's looking for.

As he opens the door, he says to Gryphon "Hopefully this store works out better..."

"Lead on, I am ready and have your  back."

Anders entered the building with Sora and looked around casually, but was soon distracted by the appearance of the shop owners. He favored them with a friendly smile. "Good day to you! I am Anders Greyven. It's a pleasure to meet you." He paused and turned towards Sora to let her introduce herself if she chose.

Then he turned back to the two shopkeeps and got down to business. "Yes. I am a Wizard and I am looking to purchase spells, especially the Identify spell, if that is something you have to offer."

Sora, At Anders side, was younger than Anders. She smiled, a half a step behind the man. "My name is Sora....nice to meet you." she said simply, letting Anders take the man take the lead, as she looked at the items of the store.

As Morwinyon and Alekos enter the can see a female tortle speaking to a man in hushed tones.  A word here and there can be made out: Bones...Tortle...lizardfolk...War...

They hardly knew each other but Morwinyon seemed relaxed here in a house of worship, more at home here than he'd been at the local tavern. "That must be her." He commented rather obviously.

He walked his way softly through the space until they were obviously within talking distance of the pair and waited until they looked his way. "Pardon our interruption. I am Morwinyon, this is my new friend Alekos. Are you Chelonia? We met some of your companions at the tavern last night. They're off in town doing some shopping now. But we have come to seek some enlightenment regarding last night's round of nightmares. Did either of you experience them?"

"While it seems harsh to hope you had terrible disturbing dreams last night, I am hoping that maybe one of you has an idea about what might cause such a thing. Or where we should go to learn more of what might cause it. Clearly, something like this must be stopped."

Alekos, in as casual a manner as he could muster, followed Morwinyon to the pair as well. He didn't have much to add seeing as Morwinyon had covered introductions but it was still a difficult thing for him to keep silence so he simply added. "Yup, what he said." While hooking a thumb to point the way of the Aasimar.

Soon after that his eyes shifted back to peering around at the whole of the place not lingering on anything in particular.

In reply to Anders Greyven (msg # 32):

“Oh yes, of course, we don’t have the spell for sale, but I would allow you to copy it from my spellbook for a fee. If you wish, I can take a look at the items you have, I will do it free of charge, of course knowing to expect your patronage.” He gives you a gentle smile. From his Ropes he produces a spellbook, not old,  torn, or mangled, a perfectly beautiful book, the spin looks fresh and untouched.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Tue 21 July 2020.

In reply to Fenrick (Fen) Uther (msg # 30):

There are a few interesting items to note, towards the back closer to his workbench where he busily reads and takes notes on something. The things you both are looking for are not here.

Realizing this was not the store they needed, but definitely a store of interest. They go to Mountain Base Provisions, upon entering the store, they instantly know they are in the right place. Everything that an adventurer or adrenaline junkie could want is here, and more. A tall muscular Orc women wearing a tanktop showing most of her abdomen and “Yoga” pants, she looks like she recently opened the shop and just finished doing a workout. She doesn’t address you as you come in, fixed on making something to eat.

At the hearing of her name, Chelonia turns to the man who had spoken to her: "Yes, I am she.  As for the nightmares, of which I too have been afflicted, there are only a few creatures that I know of that are linked to dreams that may be behind them...if in fact it is a creature that is the cause of them.  I have heard of some Hag's that eat people while they sleep but that is usually quite quickly done and if this were the work of such a Hag it would have be a very patient one and have some other agenda for the delay.  The only other creature I can think of that is linked to dreams is what's unofficially called a Spirit Shaman...a dream walker of sorts.  The are trained to walk within the dreams of others and commune with their spirit.  This is the more likely of the two, but if so, I could not hazard a guess as to why it hasn't attempted to make direct contact within the dream.  As I said, it could also be something that I am not knowledgeable about...but are rather possibilities...?"

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 38):

Fenrick was already tired of shopping and still had one more place to go at least, but he pressed on, knowing he had to stock up for what lies ahead.

He felt bad that he was going to intrude on the orc's meal, but he supposed it was her choice to try to eat while running the store.

"Pardon the interruption of your meal, but I was hoping I would be able to purchase a few items.  An Explorer's pack, a crowbar, a set of Traveler's clothes, and a Playing card set."

Fenrick handed over the coins to pay for the items (OOC 14gp 5 sp if going by PHB prices).  "Thank you, and again, my apologies."

With that accomplished, once Gryphon was done with any shopping he cared to do Fenrick went on to visit the Hammer and Anvil.  Fenrick was considering upgrading his armor from Chain Mail to Splint and wanted to see if the store had a suit available.

Anders looked a little shocked and surprised but recovered quickly. He smiled widely. "Well! That is very generous of you!" He shook his head slightly. "I don't have the items with me, since I was going to identify them after I'd learned the spell, assuming I could find the spell."

He pulled his spellbook out. "I fear my recorded spells are a bit basic, but if you find one that you would like to copy in return, you are most welcome to do so."

He glanced at Sora. "You are, of course, also welcome to watch, but I fear this may be a trifle boring and will take a couple of hours."

Sora smiled at the offer of remaining. "My magic is different to yours. You copy the spell, I will find the others and bring them and the items here."

She then goes to leave, but pauses at the door, looks at them and smiles. "Perhaps our new friends have some insight of my magic."

She then left the shop, searching gor the others in the town

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

Sora returns some time later with a bag in hand and smiles at Anders, handing him the bag.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Wed 22 July 2020.

He listened patiently as Chelonia explained her ideas about what might cause a whole group of people to have nightmares "Thank you for sharing your insight regarding the possibilities." He paused and pondered. "Do you have any farther insight about how to seek out such things to combat them? You certainly know more about this than I. Perhaps the keepers of this temple know even more? Or have resources we may use to seek enlightenment? While research is not my strong suit, it seems necessary. If it is within our ability to stop this nighttime assault, we should do it."

Alekos' eyes stopped drifting around the place and drifted back to Chelonia as she spoke. They got significantly wider as her speculation went on. Morwinyon's calmness in the face of the information given though allowed Alekos to remain mostly relaxed as well. "By the old gods and new..." The phrase rolled off his tongue like a favored curse. And then he snapped his mouth shut realizing where they were standing. "Uh, sorry. Habit."

He really was at peak charm here, right now... He shook his head and raised one hand to rub at his temple. First impressions were usually his thing but obviously last night's dreams had taken their toll. And that was just one night. "I agree, we gotta stop whatever it is that doing this. Strange though, most of the locals didn't seem impacted."

In response to Morwinyon:

"It is highly unlikely that any cleric here would know more on the subject.  I am what is known as a Twilight Cleric. Just as twilight is the time noting the shift between night and day both at dawn and at dusk there is a space between sleep and wakefulness where dreams take place.  It requires specialized training to be able to influence or 'walk' within them.  There are a few divine and arcane magics in existence that enable dream walkers to do what they do, but none that I can think of that would allow for what we all are experiencing simultaneously in our sleep.

It is unlikely that this is the work of a hag as there is too much effort involved...it is too methodical.  They seek quick results so that they may feed.  Though, if this is the work of a Spirit Shaman, it is rare for their efforts involving the dreams of others to possess ill intent.  I'm sorry as that doesn't really answer the question you asked...but without more to go on, that is the best I can offer."

(OOC) Sorry for the Delayed post, for whatever reason I couldn't get on the website Yesterday.

Sora walks in a rather large bag slung over her shoulder. From the bag she produces a few items that make sense, then a few more that too a commoner would make their eyes bug out.

"Oh a very interesting assortment of items, we have here. Luckily for each of you, I am more than a practitioner of arcane, I have also studied at Brannstan University not only will I be able to tell you any magical properties I can also give you the lore if any noted." He smiled both at slipping in a compliment himself and at the notion of discovery. "Of course, hoping and knowing I shall see your patronage, I will look at these items free of charge complimentary if you will."

Lifting the ring aloft he cast a simple spell while holding a pearl aloft, both the words and motions he made musical and powerful. As Anders knows, each Wizard casts a spell with their own flavor, certain aspects are similar, but as a signature or mark each spell to a wizard is unique. "Oh yes, I thought I recognized the rune engravings, if one were to wear this they would have a magical enhancement to avoid getting hit in many situations."

Taking the clear liquid vial he simply says, "Potion that would turn the drinker and what they wear invisible. And this Red potion would heal great wounds on the drinker."

Grabbing the Jug he smiles, "Interesting find, I have one of my own, very useful and can be vaulable to the right person. Each location produces a different liquid. Only a certain amount comes at a time, but each time you use it more will come out. Each Dawn the contents are reset. The green is Acid, the lime green Basic poison, the light brown Beer, the yellow Honey, the white Mayonnaise, the black Oil, the brown Vinegar, dark blue fresh Water, light blue salt Water, and red is Wine."

Once again using the pearl, "Very curious, these slippers would give the wearer the ability to walk on walls and ceils like a spider. I would be interested in this item of course unless you want it. Would back a great gift."

Taking up the Greataxe, obviously uncomfortable holding it taking the pearl again. "Yes, the edge is keen, and brutal those that would wield it would find hitting and dealing more damage more often. There are also runes, unrelated to the enchantment. Warning those that would attack the wielder. I can't discern what these warnings mean, but they are powerful and strong."

"Ah, a rod of magic, these are highly sought after and valuable. These one is very rare and would be a great addition to my collection. This Rod makes the wielder more alert of their surroundings while also giving a few lesser powerful arcane spells. And can bestow an area of protection." 

Grabbing the hilt he turns it over a few times examining it. "Very interesting, this is an ancient hilt. Dating back when the Lizardfolk Empire use to control this area. The workmanship is exquisite, with the right metal and a master smith a sword could be crafted from it that would prove very powerful. As it is right now, nothing more than an artifact. To the right buyer would fetch a very good price."


he turns to regard the two, after examining all the items shown to him.


OOC

I will be getting the Smith for Fenrick and Gryphon tonight, I have to take care of my daughter.

Ring of Evasion
Potion of invisibility
Potion of Greater healing
Alchemy Jug
Slippers of Spider Climbing
Greataxe +1 with an unknown Enchantment
Rod of Alertness
  Rod, very rare (requires attunement)
  This rod has a flanged head and the following properties.
  Alertness: While holding the rod, you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on rolls for initiative.
  Spells: While holding the rod, you can use an action to cast one of the following spells from it:
  Detect evil and good, detect magic, detect poison and disease, or see invisibility.
  Protective Aura: As an action, you can plant the haft end of the rod in the ground, whereupon the rod’s head sheds bright light in a 60-foot
  radius and dim light for an additional 60 feet. While in that bright light, you and any creature that is friendly to you gain a +1 bonus to AC
  and saving throws and can sense the location of any invisible hostile creature that is also in the bright light. The rod’s head stops glowing and
  the effect ends after 10 minutes, or when a creature uses an action to pull the rod from the ground. This property can’t be used again until the
  next dawn.
The hilt of Broken Sword - valuable to a collector and cool lore, could be crafted into a powerful weapon with the right metals and a master smith.

Sora looked at Ander's, knowing well that any one of these items was a rare item, and that several of them virtually impossible to find. She raised her eyebrows at the magic user, impressed with him and the group for the items.

Sora looked at the man with a smile. "You have our thanks for your assistance in this and rest assure, our patronage will be with you." She places the items back in the bag of holding and smiled. "the group as a whole will need input on these and who would like them, but any that are needed, we will return here."

She looked at Anders with a smile. "I will wait for you at the inn." Again, the young girl looked at the shop owner. "I may return soon....someone of your knowledge may be able to help me with some questions."

She them smiles as she departs

In the church Alekos listened intently to Chelonia's further explanation, an idea growing in his mind. He probably should have thought of it sooner but, curse the long night he'd had, his mind was already muddled and his usual quickness of thought was slowed this day. "These various things that might be haunting our dreams you say they would inhabit this space between dreams and wakefulness. Something you specialize in it sounds like. This twilight zone if you will. I don't know much about it but I've a trick I've learned using a certain prop that allows me to see things that others can't if only for a short time. Would this trick perhaps be able to see one of the twilight walkers or whatever it is that is coordinating an assault on all our dreams? That is, if I were to observe a dreamer in the thralls of a nightmare caused by one of these things while I could see things that aren't usually there, would I perhaps be able to gain some insight into what they are? And, perhaps more importantly, if they noticed I was observing them would I be in any danger if I'm awake?"

Anders was busy with copying the Identify spell from the other mage's spellbook. He gave a very bare acknowledgement of Sora when she returned, his attention very focused. It took time and effort to copy the spell, so he barely heard what the items were when identified, though the information was stored in the back of his brain for analysis later. Several of them sounded very interesting.

He kept working away since it would take two hours, though.

The cleric had both knowledge and pride, a dangerous combination. "Knowing that the grasshoppers cause the crops to fail is not the same as knowing how to stop them from destroying the crops."

But his newest friend proved to be a man of unusual talents. "Alekos, sounds like you have the start of an idea on how to stop these things now that you know what to search for. Not a one of these things, knowing of things that cause horror dreams, or how to find them, is anything in which I have expertise."

As the duo approaches the smith the smell of ash fills their nostrils. The smithy is small, but even as untrained people us notice it is set up to make a perfect rotation of tools, everything is perfectly placed in the most optimal locations. Three younger men are moving about doing various tasks. A large barrel-chested man working a horseshoe. To the side of the smith is a small collection of armors and arms that are for sale.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 51):

Fenrick remembered the smell of ash.  There was always a smith present near the battlefield to repair arms and armor after each battle.  He had learned some things while watching and helping them out, and hoped one day he would maybe have a smith of his own to tend when the time came to settle down.  "It's been a long time", he thought to himself, "since I smelled this.  Seems like so long ago..."

After a brief pause to reminisce, his thoughts came back to the task at hand.  He walked up to the older gentleman who he believed to be the master smith and waited for a proper time to introduce himself.

"Well met sir, and I apologize for the intrusion.  My name is Fenrick, and I was wondering if you had a Splint armor suit for sale?  I was looking to trade in my current armor for one if you had one available."

Fenrick had some trouble getting out the part about trading in his current suit of armor; he had worn this armor for most if not all of his military career.  He had grown very attached to it, saving his life more times than he could count.  But he knew if he were to survive what lie ahead, he needed all the protection he could afford.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Fri 24 July 2020.

“Welcome!!” The mans voice boomed, yelling even though he didn’t need to. His massive frame walked over to regard Fenrick. Under his gray washed beard and long hair a wide smile spread on his face, his eyes warm and welcoming.

“Hahaha indeed you do need a new set of armor. That one you have there is worst for wear. Patched, dented, smashed, it’s a wander this set has kept you alive. Hope you haven’t been in a fight recently, this armor might have fallen off you on the first hit. Bahaha. Hmmm, I guess I could scrap the metal, I will give you its weight in gold. The best I can do, it’s a relic of your past, but worthless to me. I’ll give you 40gp. We can put it against the cost of the splint mail. I have two sets, your lucky though, just about to finish another set, I can fit you in it, it will cost an extra 10gp.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:57, Fri 24 July 2020.

In reply to Alekos Eclipse (msg # 48):

"I really couldn't say without knowing the specifics of the 'trick's you've referenced? Could you elaborate?"

"Master smith, I am looking for a suit of studded armor and a rapier. If you can provide me with what I need, am willing to donate this leather armor to someone in need. Will leave it to you to select the deserving person." Looks around the shop as Fen also conducts his business with the Smith.

"Well, I mean I haven't done it often before..." Alekos furrowed his brow looking at Chelonia as he tried to figure out how to explain it. Then he raised both of his apparently bare hands up turning them this way and that. "Most of the stage magic I do is smoke and mirrors but there have been a few things I've picked up that are actually founded in the truly arcane. Using these, the right combination of words, and some talc and bit of powdered silver I can see things that would otherwise be invisible or even those ghostly things that live in the next world. I try not to use it around graveyards ever since..." He sort of shuddered, "Well anyway... Do you think it could be of advantage to us? Its not something I'm very practiced at though so if your wizard friend Anders or maybe that other gal Sora. Oh right you haven't met her, also arcanely inclined I think she said something about sorcery right Morwinyon? Maybe they or someone else in the group would be better to handle it. I can't really get it to work all the time... Still getting the hang of these." After all that he hooked his thumbs back in his belt and looked at Chelonia expectantly with a half quirked almost smug but mostly tired grin.

OOC: He's offering to use a once a day ability to cast See Invisibility which also reveals the ethereal plane for an hour. That newly identified rod could accomplish the same if the actual casters haven't got the spell available.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 53):

"Excellent!", Fenrick replied with enthusiasm.  "I shall gladly take you up on your offer with many thanks."

Fenrick removed the chain mail and handed it to the smith.  He then handed him the remaining coin for the purchase and waited for the smith to be ready for the fitting portion. (OOC 200+ 10 for fitting -40 = 170gp)

Once that was complete, he donned the armor and smiled.  It had been a long time since he was in a suit of armor that looked respectable.  "Again, many thanks sir.  I look forward to coming back the next time I'm in need of something.  And perhaps some day you can teach me a thing or two as well about the trade".

With his portion complete, he waited for Gryphon to finish his shopping, perusing the weapon to see if any struck his interest for future purchases.

Once Gryphon was done, he turned to him and asked, "So, anywhere else?  I believe I am done for now.  Or should we head back to the tavern and see if the others have returned and found out anything?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Sat 25 July 2020.

"Yes let us return and see if we can finally divide up our loot, so  that we can get ready for our next adventure."

Chelonia listened intently as Alekos described his 'trick' in greater detail.  She went silent for a short while and bemused the possibilities.  Eventually she turned to the man and offered him a warm and friendly smile:

"I think you may be on to something, as I am fairly confident that would work.  The challenge becomes 'being in the right place at the right time'.  I would think you would have to be awake while others were sleeping 'and' this dream walker would need to be present in the dreams of the those you are observing 'at the same time'.  That creates a fairly small window of about an hour.  We have no evidence, at this time, as to whether or not it is observable to know when such an entry of dreams is occuring?"

In reply to Gryphon (msg # 55):

“Oh yes or course, studded leather is a common purchase with the guards and repaired often. I also have a few rapiers first sale, again a common purchase and if you leave it with me I will make sure to find a Good home for it.”

"Aye, the timing of the thing will be the difficult part..." Alekos fell silent for a bit leaving space for others to interject. Specifically he looked to Morwinyon, a person who seemed to have a few good insights in the short time they'd known eachother. His mind wandered while waited. Maybe some of the others from the tavern would have more to add to this idea that was building as well. It was going to be hard to think over the next few days if their nights kept ending like the last... The nightmare had only started while in the keep for himself maybe it only happened here. He'd have to ask once everyone was together again. Unless someone else had the same thought and asked before he could.

"If it happens any time someone sleeps, then arranging that is easy enough. Falling asleep is not exactly a challenge. If it happens any time someone sleeps, your plan can be investigated any time. If it only happens during the night, same kind of issue for us about the actual when besides it just being at night."

He stopped just to gather his thoughts before launching into it again. "The notion of this being about seeking out feeding would almost be a comfort. It would suggest happening at the same time with a very specific intention. Can this thing you all a Spirit Shaman influence a population this size? Can it broadcast across so many people? Can any of these things? If neither Hags nor Shaman can do this sort of thing, perhaps it is yet more sinister. If you wanted to do terrible things to a large number of people, having them be short on sleep and disturbed by their dreams, having them feel isolated and afraid to sleep, that is a rather distressing tactic. We should speak with those who live here, like these priests, and find out how long this has been going on."

"Perhaps some investigation is required into whether others here at the keep are being affected or if it is just us and the others of our group?"

Sora, having returned to the inn, sat at a table, drowsy and exausted. Thinking on her time since her arrival, not even a day ago yet, she had found like minded people and had (to some degree) a purpose.

Alexos and Mowinyon, who had came into town just after her, were the first to sit with her, then the others. She smiled as she sat there, thinking of the people she had known this short time, then the smile faded.

Would they leave her like everyone else did?

She sighed and her eyes drooped at the table, and she opened them suddenly. She needed to stay awake....another nightmare like last night could be a problem.

She ordered some water, and sat, waiting for the others

When Fenrick (and presumable Gryphon) walked into the inn/tavern, he noticed that the young Sora had returned, but Anders was missing, as were the others.

As he walked to the table, he saw her smile fade and her looking to fall asleep and then wake up suddenly.  He chuckled lightly to himself, remembering all the times he had done that in his early military days when he on night watch duty.

Reaching the table, he lightly laughed and commented "Bored with us already huh?

Smiling, he continued, "Any idea where Anders and the others are?  Any luck with the identification of the items?"

He sat down at the table and also got water, being too early for anything else.

Waiting for the water, he got a bit more serious and earnestly asked her "You dong ok?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Sat 25 July 2020.

Sora smiled as Fenrick sat at the table and smiled. "Sorry....still not recovered from my bad night sleep." she stifled a yawn, then smiled at him. "I will be fine....just  decent night sleep is needed."

She retrieves the sack and continues. "Anders is currently copying the identify spell. The shop owner was very helpful...identified all the items under condition of our patronage."

She handed the sack holding the items to Fenrick. "The ring has a magical enhancement to avoid getting hit in many situations. One of he Potions would turn the drinker invisible where the other is a healing potion. The jug is an alchemy jug...i have heard of these....it can summon certain types of liquid. The slippers allow you to ustilise the spell spider climb. The greataxe is magical, but some of the enchantment eluded him. The rod is very rare..it makes the wielder more alert of their surroundings while also giving a few lesser powerful arcane spells. And can bestow an area of protection. Finally the hilt of the sword is ancient, and if someone found a master smith, could make a powerful weapon with it."

She looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "An impressive mix of items. The shop owner showed interest in items if no one wanted them for a fair price."

"Yah, I understand about the sleep.  It's been a long time since I had such a restless night.

And you're right, that does sound like quite the assortment of goodies, but I believe we should wait until the others arrive before we dig in so to speak. Not being from the original group, I'm not sure how I fit in regarding who gets what.

I'm surprised though that the shop owner couldn't identify the enchantment on the axe.  Does that mean anything to you?", Fenrick asked curiously.  He wasn't familiar with the process, but it struck him as odd that the owner was able to identify everything else but the axe.

"Yep talking to the folks here is probably a great place to start. So let's ask Him." Alekos pointed toward the man they had first seen talking to Chelonia as they entered the church. Then he looked from the cleric to the angel-kin and then back at the man he assumed was a priest of some kind and walked over that way. "Excuse me sir. I know you were just talking to miss, er, the cleric Chelonia, there. But we had some questions for you too if you don't mind." This was said with a gesture toward Morwinyon.

"You see, he and I are newly arrived to the Keep as of yesterday and spent the first night here wracked with terrible nightmares. We weren't the only ones. Maybe the lady Tortle told you something about it already but apparently several other folks who have been fairly new to this area as well and the adventuring sort have been having the same nightly affliction. I was wondering, we. We were wondering if this is something known to be happening in this place. If others have reported such terrible dreams and strange entities walking amongst those dreams. It seemed to me like none of the locals had lost any sleep like we had. But maybe it has become so common place they have become accustomed to it or maybe this is something out of the norm and only impacting a select few. Do you know anything of this, good sir?"

Sora took a drink of water as she bit her lip, thinking about Fenrick 's words. "You may want to ask Anders about this, but as far as i know about the ritual spells like being able to identify magical items, they can only sense a certain amount about magic. Powerful dwemours can sometimes be powerful or subtle."

She tapped her lip as she thought. "Some spells are even designed to shield from divination spells. Perhaps the axe shields such things"

Fenrick nodded to the young mage in understanding.

He then got up from the table.  "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to see if anyone is in the mood for a game of cards, unless you two would care to play while we wait...?

In reply to Alekos Eclipse (msg # 68):

The cleric turns to regard Alekos as he describes the events. "Well, that is odd. I can say that a month or two ago there was reports of nightmares in the keep, even two our own vanished. We sent out a group to look for them and never found them. Two women. For a few weeks, we hunted looking for what could have done this but found nothing. I do hear that guests staying at the Inn wake up unrested, but they never go into detail like you all have, their business is there own. I know the Steward of the Keep sent out a contract to the Monster Slayers, the Witchers, but I know not the details." He pauses and smiles like he gave a good answer, "Good luck getting an audience with the Steward, he is very busy."

In reply to Fenrick (Fen) Uther (msg # 70):

The others, being silent, seem uninterested in the game, so Fenrick continues to look around for anyone in the tavern who may be interested in a low stakes game just for fun.

(OOC no more than a couple gold pieces won or lost)

(OOC if you want to move this to the discussion string, that's fine to, or private, or if they get back soon we can simply ignore it and move on, your call.)

"Huh." Honestly that was more response than Alekos had expected. "So it Has been an ongoing issue then. I'm sorry to hear about the missing women. Their families must have been very grieved. Are they still in the keep? The families that is." He frowned as he asked and turned slightly from the cleric toward Chelonia and Morwinyon.

"Whoever or whatever is doing this has been around for longer than a few nights. Perhaps we should meet back up with your companions and figure out what to do?" It was said more as a question as he really wasn't sure why he was trying to take charge in this situation. It really wasn't his place.."Maybe one of them would have an idea about seeing the steward or one of those monster hunter's."

"We would not need a meeting with the Steward to undertake this search. Alekos, I am agreed with you in all respects. Perhaps Chelonia's companions will have greater insight into how to continue."

"If we could speak with the families, perhaps it would give them some comfort to know that fresh eyes are ready to take up the cause and begin a fresh search."

In reply to Alekos Eclipse (msg # 73):

"oh, eh, yes, yes they still live here." Just realizing you were still talking to him, his mind going somewhere else, "The women where young wives of the two the Keep Guardsmen. Officer Castillo and Augustus."

Shouldn't surprise any of you he knows them, the keep houses about 200 people. Most of which are guardsmen and their families.

Those that are sitting and chatting at the Taven waiting for those at the church watch four well-armed, travel-worn, and heavily packed walk-in. Two are humans, an Orc, and a taller than normal dwarf.  They walk up to the bar and take a seat, ordering drinks. Other than those four and yourselves there are no other patrons in the tavern.

"That was a mighty big scare back their eh Hugh?" The bold human says to the dwarf. The human carries a few spears and javelins with him and a large round dinted shield. Dress in dirty chainmail.

"Ah, no different than every other scrap, nothing she called handle." The Dwarf pats his battleaxe, contrary to what dwarves normally look like, this one has no beard, just a large bright red mustache. He carries no shield, just an assortment of axes ranging in size also where dirty chainmail.

The Orc laughs, her voice like a flowing river, other than the two tusks coming from her mouth, her face resembles a human. Her complexion only a slight gray-green. He carries no weapons, that can be seen, but she looks experienced. Her hair is Dark black braided pulled into a ponytail coming from the top of her head. "That troll nearly ate you, Hugh, it was lucky I was there to pull you out of its jaws."

The Dwarf lets and a grunt dismissing his need for help, but his eyes however acknowledging her assistance.

The man with a longbow over his shoulder, swords on his hips, and a dark green cloak. "We are all lucky to have Izzie, it was her knowledge that of the beast that helped up fell it."

They contiune chatting about a fight they must have just had with a troll, while drinking.

"That must have been one heck of a troll", Fenrick had thought to himself, overhearing the conversation. He had heard stories of those creatures, and knew they were tough, but to have caused such concern to this band of adventurers seemed to imply that this was no ordinary troll.

As the group of adventurers bantered about their exploits, he started to think back to his days in the military; it was common for them to relive the battle afterwards with drink and food.  It was almost a way to understand how the others thought, so you could anticipate them better in the next battle.  It also reinforced how each one's life depended on the rest of the unit.

But he'd also seen many groups like this in many taverns like this do a similar thing, but for very different reasons.  These groups were doing it so others could hear how great and brave they were in hopes of being bought drinks, and the fame that the stories gave them.  The worst part was it always worked.  The locals would swoon over the adventurers until they left, and then life would eventually go back to normal with locals usually a little worse off for wear.

Maybe Fenrick was jealous, wishing he could have that life too, maybe he felt like they were perverting something he had once held sacred, but it always bothered him.

He knew though that now was not the time or place to start anything, so he simply sat there quiet, wondering what was next for him and the group.  Would they end up down the same path as this group of troll slayers, successful and joyous, or was their future more dim?

"Thank you good sir." Alekos nodded and turned wholly from the man now. "Well, I think its about time we meet back up with the others and try to figure this all out. Shall we?" And he began heading for the exit. His body language wasn't so much that he was trying to leave a place that he was uncomfortable in as it was hurrying toward an environment he knew better. The tavern. That is, unless someone stopped him physically or verbally.

Sora was still a little drowsy when the new party came in. She listened intently To them talking about the troll. She had limited knowledge of trolls.

She first read about trolls when she was with her mentor, Roahan. The young woman aproached the half elf about trolls. The two talked for hours about trolls, their properties and what they looked like. It was late at night when the two retired to bed that night.

....that seemed so long ago.

When they went to their table, she looned at Fenrick. "Trolls..   that sounds..." she pauses and makes a slight face. "...omninious"

The woman took a drink of water
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Fri 31 July 2020.

Fenrick snapped out of his thoughts at the mention of his name.

"Well, I've only heard about them, never seen or fought one myself. But since they seem happy and not mourning the loss of anybody, it's safe to assume that the troll, or trolls, is dead."

He then leaned in and said quietly, "If that's the case, I think it's best we simply steer clear of them.  They must be pretty good in a fight to take down a troll."

+Looks at both Fen and Sora; "Trolls are quite nasty but not to hard as long as you have an arcane caster able to do some fire damage consistently.  That makes their regeneration impossible so that the  rest  of the group can deal the majority of the damage.. It also helps to have  such as Fen to stand tall in front while I whittle away from a little farther away."

Looks at Fen, "I will play some cards with you even though I am not that good, it will  pass the time and you will probably win enough for a couple of drinks from me which I probably owe you anyway for taking the damage by standing tall. Without you and your courage my job of inflicting damage becomes much harder."

Sora, looking a little embarressed. "Well, if we come upon a troll, we'll have no problems." she muttered more to herself than anyone.

She looked at her hand, and at the flickering candle on the table. Her gaze lingered on the hypnotic flame, then blinked.

She snapped her fingers and a small flame erupted from her palm. She again gazed at the flame, and then closed her hand, the flame snuffing out

"That's the spirit Sora,  I can promise you if you at least hit a troll  steadily with fire Fen and I will have no problem in finishing it off.. Not to mention  we have other talented people in our company as well."

The young woman smiled at Gryphon with a nod. "I will do all in my power to help you." she said, but softly added. "...i just hope I can control it."

He agreed with his new companion about getting into motion. Not that he was at all uncomfortable here or fidgety. Stillness was his thing. But he was  not content to let these people remain missing or others at hazard from dream invasions.

"Thank you for your helps" He gave the helpful churchers a thank you and a nod. And then left with Alekos for the bar and more hands. Not all tasks required more hands but this clearly would

The group is reunited in the Tavern, the other group that recently entered is still there they now sit at a table talking in quiet times. From time to time you can hear them talking about an up and coming job they have. But, you do not here the particulars.

Just as Fenrick was about to start dealing the cards, he saw the rest of the group return.

"Ah, they're back!" he said as he put the cards away.

"So, what all did you learn about our items?  And I see you found Chelonia, so you must've found the temple?"  Any luck there?"

As he walked into the tavern and spotted the folks they'd met the night before and briefly again in the morning, Alekos put on his smile again. He called out across the room. "Aye we found your friend, the temple, and some information about those horrid dreams."

He paused though and took in the new group sitting at another table. "Ah, hail travelers. You look well worn from a day's work, pardon my interruption. Fair drinking to you lot." A wink was sent their general direction but after that he continued on toward Fenrick, Gryphon and Sora. Motioning toward Morwinyon and Chelonia as he addresses Fenrick again, now closer and not as loud but by no means hushed tones. "Chelonia here may be able to explain things better but it seems there may something, a creature of sorts, that is causing all the trouble. Just a possiblity, and if there is then we might be able to spot it when someone is sleeping. Also it seems that we aren't the only ones impacted. A few months ago this happened to some of the locals and subsequently two women were lost and never found again. Two of the guards' wives I believe." He looks to Morwinyon for confirmation and then back to the others before pulling up a seat.

"Were you about to play cards? I love playing cards."

Fenrick chuckled, "I'm sure you do, Alekos.  But I'd be a fool to play with you.  I'd be broke in no time.". 

Turning to the more serious matter at hand, "If a creature is causing these dreams, than it can be stopped.  How far away can it be and still affect the keep?  The locals may know of a place that such a creature could reside that's close enough."

"It sounds like we have found our next adventure to go on, which is good and all. Like Fen mentioned what do we know about the spoils from the last one, much easier to talk about the next high adventure when the last one is finished which means division of the spoils. Not that I am greedy but any new toys will need to be tested and tried out before having to risk your lives on them."

So with all of the treasure I am interested in the slippers and the broken sword as my share if the rest are agreeable. I suggest that the bag of holding remain as a group item.

Sora, still holding the sack, looked at them. "A group of unusu items. The ring has a magical enhancement to avoid getting hit in many situations. One of he Potions would turn the drinker invisible where the other is a healing potion. The jug is an alchemy jug...ias i told Fenrick something i have heard of.  It can summon certain types of liquid. The slippers allow you to ustilise the spell spider climb. The greataxe is magical, but some of the enchantment eluded the shop owner...something subtle. The rod is very rare..it makes the wielder more alert of their surroundings while also giving a few lesser powerful arcane spells. And can bestow an area of protection. Finally the hilt of the sword is ancient, and if someone found a master smith, could make a powerful weapon with it."


She left the sack on tbe table this time, knowing full well the spoils weew not hers to claim.

"If you are going after the thing causing these dreams, I will help how I can....anything to stop the nightmares"

After Sora had informed everyone of the items, Fenrick looked over to Anders and Chelonia. "Any idea why the shop owner couldn't identify the axe's enchantment?  Seems odd that he could identify everything else but that."

Then in reply to Gryphon, "As for the items, the ring sounds most useful to me as I'll be up close and personal with most of what we encounter.  The broken hilt would be nice, but if Gryphon wants it he can have it.  I'm not very good with two handed weapons so unless someone really wants it, between that and the vague enchantment, might be better off just selling it and splitting up the gold.  Otherwise we can keep the axe in the bag of holding and try to see if someone else maybe can shed more information.  I don't think any of the other items would be best utilized in my hands."

Then speaking to the group but looking at Anders "As far as the next step, we can certainly pursue it, but Anders, have you had a chance yet to review all those books and papers we got?  Perhaps there's some information about this monster there, or the one who got away?"

Anders looked up when he heard his name. Instead of reflexively asking 'What?' while his brain caught up, he instead kept his mouth shut. Then he shook his head. "No. There is quite a bit to go through. I tried to organize them a bit but will need time," and he glanced at Sora, "and perhaps help, with going through them. I was planning to do start in a bit." He glanced around at them. "Unless we're in a hurry or have other pressing matters?"

Chelonia, having been there but not all this time, finally shook herself out of her funk.  It wasn't clear whether her silence and brooding had been her still grieving the loss of her mentor, saddened at the absence of her best friend Lago, as a result of the recent revelations found in the caves in relation to her kind and their past kinship with the lizardfolk race, or if she too had had very troubling dreams and the pondering as to the potential cause...though it was more likely a combination of all of these things, and possibly more?

She hears Fenrick inquire about information about the 'monster' that seemed to be haunting their dreams:

"It would not do us a disservice to seek out the advice and even possibly the aid of a witcher, if we can locate one...as 'monsters' are definitely under their purview."

Fenrick had heard of the Witchers.  'Best of the Best' and all that.  While actually joining them was something he had little interest in, he always wanted to be as good as they were at what they do.

"Witchers, huh?  Not a bad idea, but I would think if they had information on this, they would likely have dealt with it on their own already seeing as it's been an issue for some time apparently. And any advice or assistance they did provide likely wouldn't come cheap.

Still, I agree that it's an option we definitely need to pursue at some point.  Perhaps while Anders and Sora are reviewing the books and papers for information, the rest of us," (OOC now looks directly at Alekos) "or at least those more charismatic, could use the time to look for the guards who lost their family members and see what they can dig up from that.  Once we have that information, we could look to talk with the Witchers, having as much information as possible at our disposal.

We wouldn't all have to talk with the guards, it might come off as intimidating, so if there's something else any of us has to do, this might be a good time to do it as well. I personally would like to investigate this necklace some more before we head off if I have time.

I am open to other options I missed of course".

Alekos nodded and placed both hands on the table as if to push up and stand. "Right. You lot do what you will with your loot and whatnot. I think I'll try to track down those guards, like Fen said, maybe not all of us at once. I could try and do it myself or if someone wants to join they can." Then he did stand. He rapped his knuckle once on the table as he said, "The witchers might be an avenue but these dreams are happening now, somebody's gotta do something sooner rather than later. I'll meet you all back here once I know more and maybe we can try to spot whatever this thing is tonight. I'm not much for plans but if you come up with something before then I'm all for it."

Morwinyon moved along with Alekos. "You accompanied me while I was seeking enlightenment. The least I can do is return the gesture."

"I freely confess that clever plans are best left to people brighter than me." He said it like he was talking about something as common as the weather. "But offering aid to people who have suffered a loss? That requires no great skill with plots and plans."

Gryphon wanders about the town, dropping leading statements about seeking an audience with the steward to all of the correct ears. He also makes sure to make himself heard close by the keep and council areas or as close as he can get to them.

16:17, Today: Gryphon rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  persuasion steward.

After making his rounds for the steward he does the same thing for both families to learn what he can.

16:24, Today: Gryphon rolled 9 using 1d20-1.  Investigation family 2.

16:24, Today: Gryphon rolled 12 using 1d20-1.  investigation family 1.

16:24, Today: Gryphon rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Insight family 2.

16:24, Today: Gryphon rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Insight family 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Alekos agreed to Morwinyon's companionship and watched Gryphon go and leaned slightly toward the Aasimar as they left the tavern. "Should we have told him we already know the guardsmen names? Let's go ask literally any of the guards or that chap that gave us a tour if they can point us to Officers Castillo and Augustus."

Hopefully spotting the lad sooner rather than later Alekos would call out to the lad. "Hey Appius! Do you happen to know where Castillo or Augustus is and might you lead us their way? There's another coin in it for you."

Seeing as Fenrick wouldn't be of much help in any of the possible endeavors (either talking to the guards, the Steward, or review of the books/papers), he decided to use this time to see if anyone in the Keep could give him more information regarding his strange necklace.

He first set out to "Antiques and Artifacts".  He figured if they were able to identify the various magical items, they might be able to shed more light on the necklace.

If that didn't pan out, he would go back to "If it ain't here you don't need it".  Sometimes those who dealt in oddities had knowledge of items you normally wouldn't think they would.

Once those were done, he decided to stop by the Merchant Guildhouse and see what odd jobs might be available.  There was no guarantee they would find any leads, so they would need something to do in that case.

Also, if the 3 others agreed (Chelonia, Gryphon, and Anders) he would attempt to find a buyer for the magical greataxe, and split the proceeds accordingly. (OOC unless someone else wants to handle this)

Sora looked at Anders with a smile. "I think i will remain here and help Anders in deciphering the papers you had all found. Maybe there is some clues in there."

The young woman smiled shyly. Despite her willingness to step up with the group, she still looked young, though her mind and experiences had far outdistanced her physical age.

Anders looked over at Sora, giving her a nod and a small smile back. "I would be happy to have your assistance. There are...quite a lot of things to go through, honestly. I don't know if it will be difficult work, but I know it will take time."

He looked at the others. "If there's nothing else, I would like to go get started since I'm not needed to identify any items." He didn't sound upset by that at all either, like he learned the spell simply to help out the group and satisfy curiosity, but since the items were identified, it was time to move on to something else.

The Four original companions divided up the treasure while swapping war stories with three friendly, newly arrived adventures. Realizing the first morning that everyone has been sharing a similar nightmare and similar fatigue from it. The issue united the 7 companions and the quest to unravel this mystery began.

From the Cleric of the Church of Torm, they learned two women were taken away, wives of two guardsmen, also that the Castellan called for services of the Guild of Witchers, terribly good monster hunters. These three new facts peaked the attention of the companions, so they split up to question and gain as much information as they could.

From the Guardsmen, not much was learned. Even with the skills of persuasion, there wasn't much to be learned. However, further investigation unraveled a sinister secret these two women had. Hidden in the cellars of one of the houses a fake wall was discovered, and of course, like any nosy adventure they opened the passage to an evil dark ritual chamber. Chelonia was able to discern that the chamber was for ritual sacrifice for beauty, life, and power. Though none of the neighbors knew any of this, and all in the keep would say they were loving, kind women. Though this was not the cause, a contributing fact.

No audience was granted with the Castellan. If the evil was discovered he would welcome them all into his hall. Until then, he has other pressing matters, and thanks them all for looking into the matter.

Not knowing the next step immediately, the group an Idea Alekos gave. Going to sleep, and when those asleep began to get restless he would cast See Invisibility upon himself and see what could be seen.

You all find yourselves crammed in one of the rooms.

Who is asleep, and how is awake?

(OOC Fenrick will stay awake)

Fenrick decided to stay awake for Alekos' little plan.  He figured if there was something there and it needed to be fought, he was the first line of defense for the group.

Fnerick asked the group before people started going to sleep. "If he actually sees something, and it decides to fight us, how are those of staying awake supposed to know where it is to fight back?"

Seeing as he was the one that had to do the looking. Alekos elected to stay awake while the others rested. Or at least attempted to do so. Fen posed a good question though. "You know, I hadn't really thought that far ahead. Maybe one of our resident arcanists would be capable of making the invisible... well visible. If not then I'm afraid we may be S.O.L. on that front. At the very least, this is such a small space maybe just swinging at random might do you well or I could always try to call out the thing's position in the room."

Talc and powdered silver at the ready, produced from yet another pocket or pouch hidden somewhere on his person, Alekos settled in, stretched his fingers and cracked his knuckles and muttered under his breath. "Well, here goes nothing but another long night..."

As Fenrick watched Alekos setting up, he saw the powders.

"Well, if you have any more of that powder, could you simply try to cover the creature with it...?

Anders was barely able to be pulled in to a singular room with everyone else. He was so excited and yet so tired at the same time. He gestured weakly to Sora, "We...we found out...stuff." He shook his head sleepily. "Need t'sleep. Tell you...in morning..."

He had conked out quickly after that.

"S'pose I could give it a go. No clue if it'd actually work though and this stuff isn't just flour, can't go on down to the general goods and pick more of it up... From what I gather, the thing might not be in this world for the powder to stick to it but uh, well sort of adjacent to it. Perhaps our sleeping wizard would be able to tell us more or tell it better but looks like he's getting a whole lot of what I hope to once this ordeal is over. Shut eye."

Alekos really had no clue, but it might be worth trying if it came down to it.

"Fair enough, " Fenrick replied. "We'll keep it as a last resort kind of thing."

Fenrick then sat patiently waiting to see if this worked, wondering what was next if it didn't.

The young woman, helping Ander's in his efforts with the paperwork, barely kept her eyes open. She watched as Anders spoke and then fell into unconsciousness. She lietened to the conversation, taking in most of it subconsciously. "There is a spell.....that can make things visible." She stifled a yawn, but continued.

"My skills don't quite cover that though." He lids were drooping heavily. She looked at Fenrick and Alekos. "Flour can do it just as well as anything, if they are here on this plane. If not, then even our spells may not help."

She sat down on the floor and closed her eyes. "As for the research.....we found....out....mmmnnn..." The woman fell asleep sitting up.

"There are those who crave to pass on to the next realms in their sleep." Morwinyon laid out a blanket roll and took up enough room in the small space to sleep. He took up a pose on his back, hands folded on his chest, as if this was the way he'd have slept anyhow.

"I rather doubt that kind of passage is in my stars. So watch over my slumbers friends, see what there is to see. It simply is not my destiny to shuffle off this mortal coil in such a mundane fashion. I will repay your watchfulness with a tale to lift your spirits in the morning."

To be sure, it was odd to sleep with observers. But it was hardly the most odd thing he'd ever done. Training required so much 'odd' that he did not trust himself to judge strange from normal anymore. He concentrated on his breath. Stillness, like wisdom, had a hard earned thing. You only learn to be still by practice, by fidgeting and ruining the moment, by learning to embrace a remembered feeling of pleasant exhaustion.

Gryphon made himself comfortable in a corner and started to work on his bolts and his exquisite hand crossbow almost as if done in a ritual or for meditational purposes.

"I will be awake and ready if we need to act, while some are sleeping."

Night fell slowly, as those awake idled away there time. Watching those asleep. Late into the night, a stillness filled the room, awake, the three sat quietly unmoving their minds tracing dreams and past experiences. Alekos's eyes began to get heavy when Sora's legs started to twitch, and mouth began to move unintelligible words escaping. Waiting a few more minutes to make sure it was the nightmares the group wished to investigate, Alekos ready his components and spell. Spits of fire began to ignite from her fingertips. At last, Alekos cast his spell.

To those looking on, nothing changed, other than the stars now in Alekos's eyes. However, for the rogue, his vision morphed. The World was shades of black and grey, except for a blurry white and blue shaded hunched figure, its long knife-like fingers dancing in Sora's head. For a moment nothing changed, until another blurry white and blue shaded figure, a tall handsome, figured walked through Alekos. Moving his hands and fingers an unseen force struck the hunched figure. It turned on the newcomer, for the first time Alekos is able to see its ratty greasy hair, and wart covered face and long oval nose. Two more hunched figured entered the room stepping through the walls. At this point, the tall humanoid took a step back, hesitance obvious. He turned, and looked at Alekos in the eyes, and mouthed, "Meet me at dawn just outside the Keep." Again the Humanoid turned drawing forth a brilliant sword and rushed in to fight the hunched figures.

The fight would continue the rest of the night Alekos realized, and no more information could be gained from watching. Their sleep would not be interrupted by nightmares this night.

As his eyes changed Alekos immediately started describing what he saw in a hushed tone to the two awake with him. "There, there is something there, it's fingers are piercing into her mind... Wait whoa that weir..  what's.. there's another one different. They're fighting eachother. I think it, he. I think he might be one of those witchers. Oh gods that creature is ugly. There's more coming. Wait he's saying something.... Dawn. Outside the Keep. He wants to meet."

Alekos fell silent for a while as the ghostly fight between unseen entities ensued. He would be able to see it continue for a time still and would describe bits of what he saw here and there. The man looked like he could really handle himself. He looked to Sora's sleeping form which seemed to have settled after the man fought off the creatures. "I think we can rest easy tonight guys. That fellow is keeping those things at bay tonight. Perhaps if we meet up with him at dawn as he requested we can come to a more permanent solu.." A big yawn escaped suddenly. "..tion. I am wiped out gents. I thin it's time we knocked out and got a good night's sleep. We can borrow more trouble tomorrow."

Fenrick listened to Alekos' play by play with shock and confusion.  How could there be a fight going on there yet only Alekos could see it but couldn't interact with it?  Fenrick was used to loud battles with the sound of metal clanging, people screaming, and blood covering the landscape.  An invisible silent battle concerned him greatly.

He also had some concerns about meeting this figure outside the keep.  While it sounds as though this person helped stop the 'attack' as it were, they must be very powerful to take on the other creatures in such a way, much more powerful than any of them.

Fenrick started to close his eyes and nod in agreement with Alekos, it was time for rest.  "I agree, it sounds like a very 'interesting' day tomorrow.".  Fenrick yawned as he fell asleep.

You all awake with a long rest. And Those that remained awake have an interesting story to tell. And decision to be made.

After Alekos relayed what happened to the others who had been sleeping, Fenrick commented to the group.

"So, we should probably meet this 'person' as they could prove to be a valuable ally, but I'm not so sure that we should all go.  It could be construed as confrontational. Then again, if this person ends up being hostile, it may take all of us to protect ourselves."

He then looks at Alekos "This was your idea, how do you want to proceed?"

These days on the road were different. Just arising so late, with no routine to it, and no real space for what he considered a normal start for the day.

Days like this were the reason that you put in all the hours, days, weeks of work. But some things could not be put aside.

Morwinyon rose and took care of things that everyone does in the morning. But then he returned and pulled out an old book that he carried along with him. "Thank you for watching over our rest friends. It sounds as if we will have a chance to act against these sleep fiends. But before we go, allow me to share something with you." He read from his book. The story was clearly religious but obscure, a story of Light searching the Darkness, diminished but not defeated.

Perhaps it did not matter what your faith was, perhaps it had something to do with the person telling the story. Those who heard the brief passage and felt the message also felt better about this start of the day.

OOC: Inspiring Leader feat, so give yourself +6 Temp Hit Points! 

Anders awoke feeling well-rested. He had been very tired. Using magic and reading for long periods of time was not for everyone, and most wizards had to learn how to do it properly. Sora had been a big help, though! So he was glad she had wanted to go through everything too.

He blinked a few times, smiled sleepily and then slowly came more fully awake. He listened to Morwinyon and then nodded. "Yes. Thank you. Did you learn anything?"

Afterwards he shared as well, "Sora and I found out...well, quite a bit actually. Some of it isn't really usable right now, some of it might never be, but it was...very interesting." He smiled. "To me, at least."

He frowned lightly. "The Demonolgist's name, or what he calls himself I'm not sure, is 'Istrum Uras Oni'. He had a rambling journal that was...well, we don't need to get into it too much. It was unpleasant. There were three rituals, all of which were terrible: draining someone's life force," His lip curled up at that, but he continued, "an incomplete path to becoming a powerful spellcasting undead," A sour frown there and then more disgust as he continued again, "and how to summon demons. Of course."

He waved a hand. "Some unfinished custom spells he was trying to create, a code I can't decipher for now, at the very least - and several letters. Those were interesting! Talking about two relics - the Book of the Dead and the Book of Amun-Ra, along with a lost city called Hamunaptra!" He was clearly very excited about these. "I very much hope we get to look in to these further at some point!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

Throughout the night, Sora had twinged and moved on the edge of a nightmare. Truly, in her mind, the demon appeared again, and she felt the usual warmth come to her in her state of panic.

But then there were others. One she recognised....Alekos, on the edge of her mind. The other she did not know, or even properly see, but whoever it was, it chased away the darkness, then the two left after talking.

And she dreamt of happier times.

She woke the next morning, one of the last, refreshed and brighter.  She looked around the room for signs of something, and audibly sighed with relief. She listened to the tale, and realised that the dream was not entirely a dream...that Alekos and the figure did chase away the nightmare.  She looked at the rogue and smiled, mouthing a silent thank to the man.

When Anders spoke up, she became more alert. "The magic in the writing was dark, necromantic in nature. In truth i think Master Anders understood more than me. I recognised the unfinished spells only from the fact my former master had shown me the process of this, even though my magic is different."

she also tapped her cheek. "There was also the cod, a mixture of various languages...I only recognised the common language and the scrawling's of orc and the script of elvish, though can't read them. Even if we could, the code was chaotic and impossible to decipher without a proper key."

It sure was nice to feel rested again.



"This guy seemed to know what was going on and I don't think he'd be upset if we all showed up. After all he requested our presence. Might as well all go unless any of you have something else you want to do before dawn."

Inspired by Morwinyon's reading, Alekos rose and prepared himself to head out while listening to what Anders and Sora had discovered.

"This demonologist sounds like bad news. Do you think it might be connected? And should we share this stuff with the Witcher guy or keep our cards close to our chest?"

He held the door open for everyone as he looked out the window, trying to figure out exactly how much time they had to meet the mysterious guardian from the night.

Fenrick shrugged.  "Ok, I'm game either way.  As for the demonologist, I would keep that to ourselves for now unless it comes up in the conversation.  Don't need to show all our cards before the final bet."

He got up, thanked Alekos, and passed thru the door to meet the mystery figure.

Gathering their gear the group just before daylight head down to the bottom of the hill the keep rests on and waits standing in the cool damp morning air. A few minutes pass, a half-hour passes, the sun still on the horizon final fully exposed when a tall slim handsome man walks up to the group. His eyes are feline shaped, is hair a light blue, darker in the shade. On his waist to shortswords the hilts obvious of the weapon's power. On his back two-handed sword, its hilt also obvious of its power. There was more, strapped across his chest was a belt of two dozen throwing daggers, hanging from his waist belt a whip, handaxe, and several more throwing daggers, also several potions. This man was obviously the Whitcher.

"You are the watcher in the night? Your eyes glow through the darkness, the Hags did not notice, you are lucky. It was a dangerous thing you did. Why would you stick your neck out? There have already been killings, and missing people, my contract is already under the gun, did you wish to create problems with me? or are you just dumb?" His voice was calm, relaxed, and bared no emotion. His face and body language demanded attention.

For one of the few times in his life, Fenrick was scared, bordering on terrified.  The stranger was calm, emotionless, and that meant dangerous.  Fenrick was reasonably sure that the stranger in front of them could likely kill them all before he even drew his sword.  That meant this encounter certainly wouldn't be about bloodshed and weapons, but words and knowledge.

Fenrick knew this wasn't his battle, and stayed out of the way of those better equipped to handle it.

Ho-ly hells, this guy was the real deal. Alekos noted the stone-cold killer vibe the witcher was giving off and went for a bit of levity to start things out.

"Really? Never knew they glowed, huh... Well given those two options and knowing myself, I'd probably say it was being dumb... and lucky. Seems to work out that way for me a lot. Dumb in that I didn't really have a clue what I'd be seeing if I saw anything and lucky as all get out that you happened to be fighting those things when I gave it a go. No I'm not trying to mess with your contract just trying to figure things out so that my new friends and I could get a good night's sleep here in the keep. Looks like this was all a bit more than I bargained for though so I'll gladly let you do what you have to do. Is there anything we can do to help or even things we shouldn't do to stay out of your way? Cause I'll be honest. Looked like you knew what you were doing in there. It was fascinating to behold."

Realizing these to be, as Alekos said it, lucky idiots, his stoic demeanor, and tight muscles relaxed. It was at that moment you all realized just how actually tired he looked. It was more than not sleeping or having walked or run for along time. It was deep hurt, a tired beyond physical weariness, even still the strength and will of the man were powerful. Seeing how hurt he was further showed the man's fortitude.

"Actually, you have shown yourselves at the right moment. The Coven is far stronger than I expected. You see, I am trained as a Spirit Shaman, I walk the Dream realms, the shadows, and the great astral sea. This coven has proven far more intelligent than the normal evil trash I content with. They walk in the shadows and only feast on out of towners. I believe I have located their lair, I was able to follow their thoughts further last night. But, walking in other realms takes great energy."

He pauses for a moment, turning his head as the cool morning breeze blows his hair, the wind and sun seem to give him grace and strength his weary frame.

"I would contract with you lot to finish the coven. I can not do it on my own, especially weakened as I am. I fear to sleep knowing they will hunt me down and take their revenge."

Anders watched and listened. He was patient, the wait did not bother him. When the stranger showed up, Anders looked him over. He carried himself well and carried a lot of weapons. But he didn't have any bravado, just a tired tightness that spoke of power or confidence or maybe both. Anders was not frightened, but intrigued.

"You have told us but a little. Might we know your name or are we to keep ours from you as well as part of this contract?" He wasn't being snide or anything, but genuinely asking.

Sora was refreshed from her sleep, better than she had been for weeks. The sleep on the road was haunted by memories and nightmares, but the arrival here of the foreign nightmare was something else. With the assistance of Alekos and this wicher, she had the best sleep in a long time.

She accompanied the group, standing towards the back, and even at the first sight of him, Sora was both shocked and timid by the figure. his demeanor, his weapons and his cold eyes hid a power that most did not see....but the tiny woman had hidden power herself, and knew all too well that looks can be deceiving.

...this was a dangerous man.

She listened to the offer, and when Ander's and she bit her lip. she however had the courage of her new friends around her to speak up, though her voice had a waver in it of either nervousness or fear.  "Can you tell us how large this Coven is?"

Morwinyon listened to the brief explanation. "Direction and a relatively clear goal." He nodded in the affirmative as Sora asked a good question to go along with things. "I have gone farther and risked more with only vague details. But that is the way of following things written in the stars long ago."

"When we are ready to go count on me to make this journey with you all." They'd just met so it seemed important to state his intentions clearly.

Gryphon wakes up and gathers all of his gear, then he takes several minutes to meditate before standing up. "We should meet this man, he sounds like a witcher. I have wanted to meet and talk to one  anyway, this way might just work better aiding him."

Producing a folded piece of parchment unfolding it you see in a small script a legal document. Only, different, the script is all black, except for names that are written red. And at the bottom, there are four locations of seals. One, a wax seal, the sign of the castellan of the keep. Second, blood sign a wolf's head with an open mouth, the sign of the Whitcher's guild. Third, a thumbprint in blood, the Spirit Shamans sign, and Fourth, an unknown thumbprint, most likely a second to the legality of the signing of the contract. The man points to the end of the contract and simply states, "Your sign here will work, unlike myself, you will not need to make a magical pact of completion. If you walk away nothing happens to you contractually."

The contract is simple and delicate in its word choices. The Whitcher is given the task to hunt down any and all creatures that prey on the Keeps Dreams. The creatures are left to be identified and written in after as, Night Hag Coven, with the Whichters and Castallens signs as an acknowledgment of the contractual change. The reward for killing the Coven is promised 10,000gp. 2,00gp to the Whichter at the time of signing contract to purchase necessary supplies. 6,000gp more gold at the completion of the Contract. The last 2,000gp is to be given to the guild.

"I will give each of you 750gp. For killing the Coven. My contract will, of course, be fulfilled you may take your share in the loot found in their Lair, and take your reputation as killers of the Coven." His tone was matter-of-fact, giving no indication or room for negotiations.

"To answer the other questions. There are three hags, one far more powerful one, and two, still strong, weaker ones. Their origin, making killing them easier, is unknown to me. I believe the two weaker ones to be the two women that disappeared a few months ago from the Keep. But, that has not been confirmed. Last night I was able to discover the entrance to their lair. It is to the south in a low lands swamp about an hour off the road. If you have any other questions now is the time to ask, otherwise, it is time to hunt Hag."

Looks at the witcher, "You have been contracted for this job so you must know about Hags. Any knowledge you can give about thier powers and abilities would be helpful as I have never encountered any yet. What weaknesses are you aware of, or anything which might give us the advantage with them?"

"This is... Quite the contract." Alekos looked it over and considered the offer nodding toward Gryphon as he asked a great question. "I'm sure with some knowledge we'd be more than happy to agree to your terms. Part of that would be good to have or rather know how we could combat them if they are in this between place I saw them in last night. I could see into it but I wasn't able to physically interact with it as far as I know. You on the other hand were quite capably walking around and dealing out punishment in that existence. Is there some way we could achieve the same or will it even be necessary?"

Fenrick stood there, perplexed.  This was a Witcher, one of the famed beast slayers, asking this rag tag group of relative nobodies for help.

Was this simply a case of strength in numbers?  Was the Witcher simply using them as a way to weaken the hags to finish them off, and if the group died in the process, well, oh well?

On the other hand, this is possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if they are successful, the Witcher could potentially be a powerful ally to have in the future.

Gryphon and Alekos had asked very good questions, but Fenrick had one more.  "Once we begin the quest, the hags will know we are coming, but we may need to rest.  Is there some way to prevent them from attacking us in our dreams, short of your 'abilities'?"

Sora didn't know too much about hags, but knew enough that they held a decent amount of magical power. To invade a dream was proof enough.

Given the wicher was not only asking help of them, but willing to share the riches and glory, was a testemant to the guild. She looked at the others.

"Even three hags will be tough. If we can separate them for a time and attack them seperatly would be ideal. The three may be a match." Sora knew she had a dormant power within her, fighting to come out.

...perhaps the battle with the hags would be that time.

She loomed at Fenrick with a weak smile. "If you and your group go, I will come....i can help Anders with magical assistance for you all." even though her mind was set, there was a slight waver in her voice.

She was still young.

Anders restrained a sigh or any other physical sign of the very slight annoyance at being ignored completely. Maybe they didn't have names or were forbidden to give them to others for all he knew. He listened to what the witcher had to say about the contract and the hags.

The others seemed interested so they were likely taking the contract-of-a-contract. He thought about what information he may have read about the things they might be facing, never having searched out information about hags or covens specifically, but likely came across tidbits in his readings nonetheless.

People kept on using the word 'hag' like it meant something specific beyond being an impolite term for a woman. And others managed to ask a wide variety of good, meaningful questions. Hoping for more information about these hags. There was a contract and money involved as well.

Laying a price upon this quest meant little to him but would not be so meaningless to everyone in their group.

"So we go together to take on a trio of beings, these hags. If putting a stop to them also puts a stop to the dream invasions, that is enough to make it worth our time. I think that just because they can maneuver in dreams does not mean that they only exist in that place. They have a place of residence, a place we will travel to and invade. If they were only existing in other realms, well, there would need to be others to take on this task."

"Other than having another Spiritwalker as myself or the magic ability to step into the ethereal plane there is no other way to combat them when they walk through the dreamscape. But, that will not be an issue they only walk at night to feast. Otherwise, the inhabit horrible lairs with mortal bodies. They bleed and die like you or me."

Unless anyone wants to ask anything else or needs to go to the Keep he takes you south from the Keep.


OOC: Any other discussion with him can be taken to the Roleplay thread. I will do my best to be in the thread and answer questions as they come. We will continue the adventure on the new Thread, Chapter 2 Scene 3 Lowland Nightmares
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:43, Wed 26 Aug 2020.

(OOC Fenrick is good to go)

"I am ready, lead the way" Fenrick stated to the SpitirWalker.

He followed him quietly, as he expected the man would not be much for small talk or idle chit chat.  Fenrick mostly watched for signs of trouble.

19:23, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Fenrick Perception.