"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."