Gryphon is able to take down one of the Redcaps closest to himself.

Two moves up on Fenrick, Two on Alekos, Gryphon attempting to keep a distance from the Redcaps leaves the edge of the meadow into the forest, however, as he steps into the edge is body falls unconscious at the edge, the two Redcaps attempting to charge him turn towards those awake. They all used all their energy and unable to make an attack, but they all begin to scream with rage as you see their veins pop out and red in their eyes.

As the raging Redcap moves up into position to attack Fen, Fen deals it a nasty blow.

Initiative Order:
Gryphon left
Alekos
Redcaps
Fenrick

Synopsis:
Recap 1 - DEAD
Recap 2 - HP 41/52 AC 14 (Alekos attacked)
Recap 3 - HP 42/52 AC 14 (Fen attacked)
Recap 4 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 5 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 6 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 7 - HP 52/52 AC 14

End of Round 1 start of Round 2
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:11, Fri 11 Sept 2020.

For a moment the thought of fleeing crossed Alekos' mind but Gryphon had just fallen unconscious for even stepping out of the meadow. This was it. He was going to die here at the hands of the minions of the hags. He could do nothing for his fallen allies. He could do nothing. "I think this is it Fen, we bit off something bigger than we could chew." There was only one other person left standing and he'd rather die back to back with a solider than standing alone over the bodies of the fallen. Dipping and dodging the half elf ducked and ran to where Fen faced the gnomes. Concentrated efforts were their best bet at end a glimmer of hope of survival. Again he muttered something and again the witcher's blade enflamed with a green fire not it's own. But something went wrong.

Bonus Action: Disengage
Move to Fen
Action: GFB Witcher's sword - Crit failure (unless any unique properties of this weapon make themselves known? Lol)

Blink roll: failed

Alekos Eclipse rolled 8,8,6 using D20+7,d6+5,2d6.  GFB attack, base damage, sneak attack (for adjacency)

Alekos Eclipse rolled 10 using 1d20.  Blink

"Gryphon!", Fenrick yelled as he saw possibly their only chance to get out of this fall as the others had.

"Well, the forest is out, so our only hope is the cottage.  But how to get there?", he thought to himself.   It would be somewhat defensible assuming they didn't fall unconscious either.  And if they did, it wouldn't matter anyways.

As if something read his mind, he heard in his mind, "You both can travel as dust".  He knew this was the amulet talking to him as before, but again, he had no idea what it meant.  But at least this time he felt he could trust it.

"Alekos, trust me" he said to his companion as he disengaged the redcaps (OOC disengage action) and thought to himself "Necklace, move us inside the cottage".  (OOC Use the necklace to case Storm Step, landing both of us inside the cottage near a window where I can see space for the two of us to 'land')

Once we're inside the cottage, Fenrick looks around the cottage for something, anything that seems like it could be responsible for this or a way to stop it.

(OOC) combat ends


With a few steps the bottom half of Fenrick begins to change turning into a sand tornado, he grabs Alekos‘ hand and engulfed in the tornado of sand are transported into the cottage.

***

You both find yourself standing on a pile of sand, yourselves not sandy, in a stone hallway. Looking down it you see that is twist, and as you walk gravity continues to pull you in the same direction as you twist with the path now hanging upside down, but feeling right side up. The Hall continues to go straight and continues to twist. Until after a few 100 yards, the floor turns to mud and starts to fall away, as you begin to be pulled down and away from the twisty never ending hallway. Down down down you fall through darkness until you land, on your feet softly at the door of Alekos’ old childhood home. The door opens as you watch a young Alekos run from mother to a black silloutte, the father he never new. As this mans face turns to regard you both you hear a strong but kind voice, “So it is time? Is there nothing I can say?”

The dark silloute looks straight at the two of you waiting an answer.

Fenrick stands there, unsure of the situation they're in, or what to say.  He is quite confused to say the least.

He stands there, deferring to Alekos to respond, but readying himself for the situation to turn into combat once again.

Something inside of Alekos broke. First having come to terms with his likely death and now this. He wanted so badly for whatever this was to be in some way reality. But as the dreams before he felt it in his heart that this couldn't be the man he had waited his whole life to meet. Of course this was a dream, he had never seen the man whose blood coursed through his veins that was why he was silhouetted wasn't it? That child may have been him in another life but in this life he would never know his father.

Would he?

Tears filled his eyes and unexpectedly his hand raised toward the silhouetted figure. He didn't even realize he'd dropped the witcher's blade. It was such a kind voice. "F-fa... Father? Is that you? I-I looked for so long. W-why are you here? What is.. what is this?"

The silhouette stands, his body language going from playing with his Son to formal as a solider would. Turning to his wife and son he gives them a nod. “Lead the way.” The silhouette walks though the two of you out the door as the son chases after him, “DADDY NO LEAVE!” The man stops for a second, but does not turn around. The black silhouette of the man falls as you both see the back of the man. Dressed in the uniform of one of the Dragon Empire army soldiers you see one star on his shoulder, he was the general.

Looking out beyond the man you see a battalion of soldiers standing in formation and on the horizon you see a massive army, the banners and signets of the houses of the Dragon Empire flying as they march to battle.

Fenrick looked around for someone that the silohuette could've been talking to.

"He must've been talking to someone else" Fenrick thought out loud, seeing as Alekos' plea went unheard or unnoticed.

None of this made any sense to Fenrick. Could they somehow be in Alekos' mind, and "watching" a forgotten memory, or being so young a memory he made but repressed?

And for what purpose?  To break his spirit?  To feed off the hurt and anguish this was likely causing him?

And what of the father?  How does Alekos know he was a general and went off to war?  Or is this the hags' knowledge, or just something made up all together?

Fenrick tried to think about any wars the Dragon Empire had fought in (OOC assuming he even knows who they are) but came up with nothing.

12:08, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 2 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 3.  Fenrick history roll (use other skill if more applicable).

(OOC updated post due to my confusion)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

As the figure that might very well be his father looked at him and walk towards him Alekos braced for the moment he had dreamed of so many times before. But the the figure walked through him and Alekos realized that the man hadn't been addressing him at all. Whatever this was, could it be real? Could it be some memory locked away.

A general? Those banners they seemed familiar as if something about them was connected to something Alekos should know or recall. But equally as important. Those were signs of a dragon. Could this be somehow related to his golden manifestation? Alekos looked down to see the golden scales hidden beneath his clothes. What was this dream trying to tell him?

Still there was a this sense of helplessness. He whispered words that echoed his childhood equivalent's.

"Don't go. I need to know..."

Alekos Eclipse rolled 5,10 using D20,d20.  History, Arcana

The memory fades like a page getting burned away, into nothing, blackness a void. All you two see is nothing, and each other. You see a bright light suddenly, and hear shouting, fighting, but still nothing appears.

Fenrick looked over to Alekos, "So, you got anything?  I'm pretty much at a loss at this point.  Only idea i have is to walk towards the sounds and see what happens.  Unless we're in your head and you can just think us out of this mess."

"I-I have nothing..." Maybe it was some deep memory recalled for unknown reasons. Maybe it was some sick mind game the hags were playing. A part of Alekos hoped against hopes that this was a revelation. A part of him feared it would be nothing more than another dream. "I don't think I can think is out of here but I suppose I can try."

He bent and picked up the sword he'd dropped.

Whether it was his mind or an illusion he would try to figure out some way out of this.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 17 using 1d20.  Intelligence (+2 if investigation is needed, +0 if any other int check).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

As Alekos did his thing, Fenrick started walking toward the sounds, hoping against the odds that the sounds were somehow related to the rest of the group.

The light and sounds of battle grow closer and louder. Then like reaching the surface of water after being submerged for hours, your eyes open and you both find yourselves strapped to beds in a a cottage.

I will now give you both access to the other threads. Have fun

This message was deleted by the player at 17:42, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

In a flurry of action, the Hag runs away attempting to save her life, only to find herself caught in webs, stabbed, shot, and arcaned to death. After the storm activity, the fight ended. Silence returned to the cottage. It was at this point you all realize, the Cottage is the one seen in the dream. The Forest around is also the same forest in the dream. Its haunting woods instead replaced by a tranquil grove. Birds and animals can be heard messing about in their various activities. The Whitcher, wakes and looks around, his face remaining calm. "It seems you were able to kill the Hags." He smiled Briefly. "It was all I could do to stop them from eating your souls. When we entered the woods the spells of the Hags took control faster and stronger than I expected. I knew together they were powerful, far too powerful for me at that weakened state. I fell to their power willing to attempt to hold them off in the other realm." He takes a deep breath. His strength obviously restored, standing his shoulders strong powerful. His once sunken eyes now focused, intelligent. "My sword if you would?" He reached out his hand to Alekos.

As the group explores the cabin they are able to find;

1,100cp 4,000sp, 1,500gp, 90pp
Amber, Amethyst, Jadex2, Pearl, Spinelx3, Tourmalinex2

A Scroll case
(within the case are 7 scrolls)
1 Summon Lesser Demons
2 Protection from Energy
3 Illusory Script
4 Gentle Repose
5 Stone Shape
6 Pyrotechnics
7 Life Transference

Ioun Stone,
Driftglobe
Helm
Sending Stones
Magic Longsword
A metal Gray Cube thas Magic,
Leather armor, Magic,
Magic Ring,
Plate Armor
Staff, Magic

"So if anyone can identify we can camp here in the cottage since it is safe now,  or we can return to town and get everything identified and appraised so that we can divide up the treasure."

we should also add the groups Rod  that was to be the Tortle's back into the selection for this division.

Fenrick silently went about gathering his things, irritated by his rather insignificant contribution to the battle against the hags.

Responding to Gryphon rather gruffly, "We are likely in a weakened state to defend ourselves adequately, so returning to the keep would be the more sensible option in my opinion.", wanting to move on and forget this.

When the witcher asked for his blade back the large Alekos immediately returned the enlarged sword and watched as it shrunk down to size as it transitioned ownership. "Glad your still with us mate."

It wasn't long before his own body returned to normal size and he'd helped look about the cottage finding many many things that must have belonged to other unfortunate souls who weren't so lucky as to survive these hags.

"I think Fen is right. We'd best return to the keep. Maybe only a short bit of rest here to take care of our immediate injuries and then make the return." Even as he spoke he continued his search. The cottage had been thoroughly vetted but now his interest returned to the hags. There was setting about the way they transitioned between worlds. It intrigued him.

"Witcher, do you know anything about how these beings crossed realms to attack us in our sleep? Chelonia had talked about a twilight zone sort of world an ethereal plane or some such...

Oh, I believe this may have been useful in my hands during our dreams but it should be up to the group how or who this goes too." He added the rod to the other things they had discovered and waited to see what the witcher had to say. Any insight would be amazing.

I ask about the hags as OOC knowledge about night hags and the items they have lends well to possibly furthering Alekos' Signature Item seeing as it has much to do with the ethereal plane. It would give a good IC reason for him to learn more and develop this thing he has. It's not me trying to immediately level up the Signature Equipment btw just start on the journey to potentially do so.

There was a significant collection of things, very likely taken from folks just like them over the years. "Camping here would be pleasant and not. The clearing is idyllic but this lovely cottage merely acts as a paint over the hideous acts done here over the years. If we choose to rest here, I suggest we do so outside the walls of this place."

He looked to Sora. "At least one of us nearly rose to the Sky permanently mere moments ago." He gave a shrug. "Is it better to rest here or there? I am open to either decision. We are in no condition to face moments like those recently passed any time soon."

Sora, silent for the most part, looked on as the others went about their tasks, collecting items. Her gaze fell to the hag, petrified in stone, and she couldn't avert her gaze.

She knew, in her heart, the hag was evil, and would have killed her... in fact her sisters almost did, she remembered with a sickening thought, but when the hag approached, something in her welled up and lashed out. Her inner fire attacked and tured her to stone.

...that had never happened before.

The young woman sat down, facing away from tbe hags, and spoke in a timid voice.

"It seems some of those items hold magic....maybe the shop owner will help us again identify them. if not, Anders has the spell in his book. He could with time."

It was obvious that sora was avoiding looking at the carnage and the cottage itself

Anders was silent while the others spoke, and for a moment after Sora finished speaking. Finally, his quiet voice broke the silence gently. "My only concern with returning to the Keep is exactly our weakened state and the potential of running in to someone or something along the way." He paused. "Having said that, I don't have a strong preference either way, but staying here affords us the time to rest and heal, and make certain we didn't miss anything."

He gave a nod. "Regardless of whether we stay or go, yes, I have the ability to Identify with some time."

He was looking at the corpse of one of the hags as he talked.

(OOC Not sure if we're waiting for group agreement?)

Fenrick responds "If the group wants to stay and rest up a bit before heading back, that is fine with me"

Fenrick searches the cottage more closely for secret doors or hidden containers, then rests with the others until it is time to leave.

20:44, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 18 using 1d20-1.  Fen Investigation for hidden doors/containers.

THE WRAP-UP

After the group dispatched the Hags the Witcher walked with them to the Keeps Gate. He said you all could enjoy the heroes welcome in store for them without his presence and as was the deal gave each of you 750gp. The other loot from the Hag the Witcher also let you keep, as he admitted, was your all victory not his. The Witcher imparted his calling card to you all also. He said if you ever need to reach him or request his assistance he would come. All you need do is Wish out loud as you hold the playing card. It would respond either with his location or that he will come. No guarantee that it will be quick or easy. Lastly, he imparted upon Gryphon one piece of knowledge, seeing within Gryphon's eyes a Witcher's spirit. "Look high in the lowest lands covered in clouds, where only winged Spirits dwell."

***

Loot (modified and preidentified):

Each of you an additional 500gp (this was the jewels sold and other currencies rounded)

A Scroll case (Anders)
(within the case are 7 scrolls)
1 Summon Lesser Demons
2 Protection from Energy
3 Illusory Script
4 Gentle Repose
5 Stone Shape
6 Pyrotechnics
7 Life Transference

Magic Items (modified)In parenthesis are my suggestions for whom would get it.

Ioun Stone, Sustenance (Gryphon)
Driftglobe (group as needed)
Helm of Comprehending Languages (Sora)
Sending Stones (group as needed)
Glamoured Studded Leather (Gryphon)
Magic Ring of Telekinesis (Alekos)
Plate Armor +1 (Fenrick)

***

News of the victory over the Hags spread quickly, especially when everyone realized their dreams were no longer fearful and nightmarish.

After a few nights in the Keep, you all received an invitation to dine with the Castilian and his court. He bestowed upon you a boon of the land. That while you traveled through his lands no law mattered other than your own. You all could fly his crest and act indiscriminately. This Boon would also get you some rights and privileges all through the Sverdkyst Republic. Though the boon is given, it can be taken away, this comes with great responsibility and great honor.

You all spend a few more days visiting, shopping deciding on the next direction to go.

(this ends this chapter, Chapter 3 will begin Monday)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Wed 02 Dec 2020.

Fenrick, never one to save money as he never had any, nor any place to settle down with it, decided he should peruse the local markets for some items that he had was familiar with that might help him going forward.

First he stopped at the 'Hammer and Anvil' to sell of his longsword and splint armor, having found some new items that would better serve him.  (OOC should be 107gp 5 sp based on normal selling is half purchase)

He then stopped at 'Antiques and Artifacts' to look around.

The 1st item he looked for was a headband that one of the generals in the army would put on when developing battle plans and searching thru enemy holdings to find useful information. (OOC Headband of Intellect)

He also looked for a pair of glasses that a spy he worked with had used to be able to see without the need for light.  (OOC Goggles of Night)

As he was looking around, he remembered an old charm that a friend had.  It was very unique, and he always seemed to heal faster than anyone else.  It had 2 hands holding up 3 red gems.  (OOC Periapt of Wound Closure).

If all else fails, he smiled at the thought of the time when they were in danger of being overrun, a commander placed this gray/silver rod in front of the door, and wouldn't you know it that door didn't budge.  It gave them the time they needed to prepare a counter attack and were able to turn the tide of battle.  (OOC Immoveable rod)

Having completed his shopping for the time being, he returned to the inn waiting for his companions to be ready to head out to their next adventure.

(OOC you'll just have to let me know what I got and how much it cost  Thanks)