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14:59, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

(IC) 1:  The Rescue.

Posted by TakmarinFor group 0
Takmarin
GM, 113 posts
Wed 29 Jul 2020
at 02:54
  • msg #2

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Once all together with preparations made, the group leaves the Better Times Inn and heads to the front gates.  The guards, doubled up after the Drow attack, peer out beyond the walls and give a nod to the guard manning the gate below, giving the okay to let you through.  The double sets of gates open, and you can't help but wonder what lies ahead.

The landscape is mostly barren, rocky, and unforgiving underneath the canopy.  There are meager signs of life, where water drips down from the mountain base above, but without the much needed nourishment from the sun, it's a futile effort.  Tortured plants arch themselves towards what little sustenance they get, but it will never be enough.

Clacker drags the wagon, using his sharp metal feet to dig and find purchase in the ground,  but it is extremely slow going.  Even with the strength behind his limbs, the wagon often gets snagged in wayward roots or broken pieces of rubble from the mountain above or from pieces of old ruins from a long lost time.  What should only take less than an hour, ends up taking almost two, with all the stop and go adjustments required to keep the wagon moving.

Once out from under the canopy, a wall of vegetation rises up into the sky, basking in what little sun it can get, though on this day, the sun shines more than it has in quite some time.

It's at this point that Aisling and Scamp take wing, flying high to scout the terrain ahead and also when Thorn sees the first signs of the Hunter's tracks.  The tracks themselves seem fairly easy to follow, not due to the negligence of the hunters, but more due to the continued and constant use of the same path, making it stand out.





It's not long before Scamp and Aisling return, but with the tight knit thick canopy of trees and twisted limbs, it's hard to spot anything of substance without luck.

Heading deeper into the woods, the next 2 to 3 hours are brutal.  The cart, while on a path, continues to get caught on spreading roots or gets stuck in pockets of mud where the rainfall has made its way through the treetops.  The heat and humidity inside the forest is almost nauseating; clothes stick to your skin, with no end to the constant wiping of the sweat from your brows, and bugs that just don't give up...flying at or in your face, biting any exposed skin and reveling in the fresh new meat, or buzzing near your ear to the point of madness.

The tracks of the hunters continue on the path, some fresher than others, and at times, tracks of animals can also be found, like that of a deer or wolf, but nothing out of the ordinary as you continue your journey.

About 3 hours past midday, Scamp comes back hooting and hollering landing on the warforged shoulder.  Just as they converse, the party comes around a turn in the path, and in the distance, about a 1/2 mile ahead, you can see the remains of what looks to be a large, delapidated church.



This message was last edited by the GM at 03:10, Thu 30 July 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 75 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 30 Jul 2020
at 01:04
  • msg #3

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

I wonder who this church was dedicated too? Seems a bit excessive, but then pride is not seen as a failing by too many of them. To be fair they do have a lot to be proud of. We have nothing like this in Eternis; we had better uses for the space. Maybe someday. Staying near a grave yard does not seem like a good idea but it does offer better shelter than anything else we have found so far.

"Is this where the hunters operated from?"
Sand
player, 57 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 30 Jul 2020
at 10:42
  • msg #4

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

It had taken a while but finally the little company was ready to go. Sand had his pack and added a belt to is normally almost bared body, his cloak covering the rest. Using Aisling and Scamp, the group had a good scout team and nothing truly dangerous came up their way for the first leg of the journey, save the constants bugs, heat and humidity, none of it bothering the construct, that had no blood to feast on and no sweat glands.

What did bother him was the lack of progress with his cart he had built for Clacker. Thorin had been right, the terrain was too harsh to have any kind of wheeled vehicle out here, but he had his magic. Andraste suggested to try to level the terrain has much as possible and that helped a lot, covering loose roots, filling holes, freezing water holes so the wheels would not fall into them, creating as smooth a path as he could.



Sand, spent a lot of his attention on the ground, casting his earth magic repetitively, depended on Clacker's senses to keep attentive to his environment. He was still frustrated that his initial idea had basically been a failure, so he started to conceptualize another type of cart, that would use legs to navigate the terrain, not wheels. He had made it possible with Clacker, the same basic concept could certainly be used again!

By the end of the first day, Scamp told him that he had found a shelter, and the group arrived at some massive ruins, a temple of some sort. Could this be the hunters base of operation?

This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Thu 30 July 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 90 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Thu 30 Jul 2020
at 15:22
  • msg #5

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The bugs and humidity were starting to get to me. If we did not arrive soon, I was not going to be pleasant to be around. Traveling with the cart was taking far too long, but I knew there was the possibility of needing it.

Aisling and Scamp had been flying ahead to scout the landscape from the air and they must have finally found something, they had come back hooting and calling to their owners of something. Carefully, I picked up my pace to round the curve and see in the distance the ruins of a massive church.

Once Giltris had caught up with me, she said,
Is this where the hunters operated from?

I believe so, but let us be careful proceeding. I do not want any surprises.


Keeping my eyes peeled for any signs of trouble, I move forward toward the church.

Perception: 23 (18+5)
Mathorn
player, 48 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 30 Jul 2020
at 22:15
  • msg #6

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The entire experience deeply discomforted Thorn. Not the bugs and heat - certainly unpleasant in their own right - but the fact the majority of her fellow travelers and most especially the cart made more noise than a herd a stampeding rothé. She'd never be able to hear an ambush under these conditions and the dense vegetation blocked much of her view. But apparently, the situation above impaired the birds' perception less since they managed to locate the temple.

"The trail leads that way. But Aisling and Scamp should survey the ruins before we enter."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Thu 30 July 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 114 posts
Thu 30 Jul 2020
at 22:48
  • msg #7

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As you close the distance to the church, a small breeze pushes towards you, and with it reveals the unmistakable smell of rot and death.  Up ahead and not far off the trail, Althaea sees it first.  It's hard to understand what the massive lifeless pile could be, hidden within the dense foliage, but as you creep closer, you can see the eviscerated remains of a Large Owlbear.

Its stomach is jaggedly ripped open, its insides now laying among the leaves and dirt; one of its front paws is completely missing, severed  raggedly at the elbow joint...and its head, barely recognizable, as the blood matted feathers cover most of its missing left eye, just an empty socket.

Meanwhile, Thorn, who was keeping an eye on the path itself for any strange tracks, sees what looks like to be a large print that she just can't explain.

The tracks themselves are elongated to a point, almost like what a deer might have, but with no separation between the toes.  It is massive; easily the size of a large oval serving plate used at a royal feast; each hoof print about 2 feet long, and 1 foot wide in diameter.

Mathorn
player, 49 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 01:59
  • msg #8

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

After sweeping her eyes about the area for immediate danger, Thorn knelt, studying the print first before moving on to the corpse. Upon concluding her examination she rose and spoke, her face and tone as impassive as ever: "I don't recognize the tracks, but the creature is massive, no less than two tons, possibly three or more. Possessed of sufficient strength to hurl the owlbear through the air. Claws long enough to pierce through its body entirely. And it didn't feed much. That's . . . somewhat unexpected. Also potentially dangerous for us if territorial instincts prompted the kill. The hunters' tracks proceed toward the temple. I suggest we do the same."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Fri 31 July 2020.
Sand
player, 58 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 02:52
  • msg #9

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Oh oh. According to Thorn, the hunter they might find in the ruin might not be the hunters for Vertigo, but a massive creature. Sand sent Scamp to scout around, as he freed Clacker from the cart. If there was a battle, it was better to have the defender free to roam and do what he was built to do. If Sand could express disgust, he would right now, as he moved the empty cart to the side of the trail, calling again on his magic to build a wall of earth around it, to try to hide it. Taking a mental picture of where the cart was hidden, he plucked a fallen branch on the small mound to ease the recovery.

Done, the construct took his shield and spear, and followed his companions, Clacker at his side, protecting the rear of the group.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 91 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 13:29
  • msg #10

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The smell hit me first, making the humid air even harder to breathe. I pulled out a small bit of cloth to breathe into to lessen the severity of the stench. Thorn had come up beside me and was examining the tracks made by whatever killed the owlbear.

Do you know what creature those tracks belong to? I do not believe I have seen them before.

I started examining the wounds on the owlbear, trying to determine what defenses this predator possesses. Originally, I thought it was some sort of large claws that had slashed open the owlbear’s stomach; however, after closer examination I determined it was a large set of antlers that had raked across it. From the size of the tracks next to me, it was much bigger than I was thinking.

There was something odd about the wound that I could not place straight off, not expecting to find it here.


Thorn, there is something odd about the wound. I am noticing traces of magic from the Feywild in it. I believe whatever creature’s antlers made the wound traveled from there recently. We should be very careful moving forward. Creatures from my homeland are not to be trifled with.

Medicine: 21 (19+2)
Arcana: 12 (10+2)
Nature: 7 (5+2)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Fri 31 July 2020.
Sand
player, 59 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 17:31
  • msg #11

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Sand approached the slain beast, careful not to step where Thorn might want to examine the footprints, and examined the tracks. While his experience with the natural realms creatures was very limited, his creators did instill him with a sense of the magical domain. Calling on those innate aptitudes, he examined the track and slain Owlbear, noting that it was not killed to be eaten… an act of rage maybe? (Arcana roll 23)

Sand also senses magic signature on wounds. Sand will know next time this is Feywild magic.

Nodding his head towards Althaea to thank her for this piece of information, he turned towards the hunter.

Does Thorn see Vertigo's hunters trace?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Fri 31 July 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 76 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 31 Jul 2020
at 23:07
  • msg #12

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Well I do not want to run into whatever killed that beast unexpectedly. Such power; I bet it is magnificent! No, no it is probably hostile and there are people here who may need my help. Job first, sight see when you have time.

I tighten the cloth across the lower half of my face and draw my sword, resting the flat against my shoulder, as I move forward. This time I will be ready if we have to fight!

I wonder what the hunting party is going to be like? Half of them are Elves so this will probably be unpleasant. Althaea has been hit or miss but I have hope there. As for Thorn, I am unsure if it is part of her grumpiness or if she shares their prejudice.

Darn, I need to calm down; I need to focus. Stealth is not a good option for me and its not like we are trying to sneak up on anyone so a little music should not be a problem. I start to hum an upbeat song as I march, my eyes scanning the road ahead and to the sides of us.

We are going to find the hunters and make sure they get back to Vertigo. It is going to be a lovely day!

Perception 19
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Fri 31 July 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 92 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 15:57
  • msg #13

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

It was visible in the slouch of her shoulders that Giltris was stressing over this mission. It seemed to be a rare occurrence for her to sing or play music and she only did so when she needed to calm down. I listened to the song she was humming for a few moments until I felt that I knew the tune well enough to sing along and started to harmonize with her. Hopefully, it would help the morale of everyone else as well.

Making sure to keep my eyes alert for any signs of movement or anything out of place, I fall in line behind Giltris moving toward the church.


Performance: 27 (20+7)
Perception: 22 (17+5)
Nature: 19 (17+2)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Sat 01 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 77 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 16:23
  • msg #14

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

This is awesome! She truly has been blessed and thank her for sharing it. The music passes through me taking with it the distractions and I am able to reach a place of calm and focus I normally I find so difficult. I feel Rao's presence so strongly it is as if he walks beside me. Come what may I will be ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:34, Sat 01 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 60 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 17:11
  • msg #16

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Sand took on the rear guard of the party, with clacker as his side. Even if he didn’t get to use it in the previous fight, his spear was enchanted and he could use it both as a range or melee weapon. Holding it to be ready to throw it if something attacked from the front, he was surprise to hear both the bard and paladin start to softly sing. Cocking his head to the side, curious as to the signification of the signing, he still stayed attentive to his surrounding, waiting for Scamp to return from his scouting mission.

Sand Perception 19
Sand Nature 15
Scamp perception 14, 20 (advantage)

Takmarin
GM, 116 posts
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 17:22
  • msg #17

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The discovery of the Owlbear left you all with an unsettling feeling.  An Owlbear alone would have been quite the formidable challenge, yet the creature that did this, seemed to eviscerate it with relative ease.

Giltris starts to hum a tune and not long afterwards Althaea joins in, finding the perfect harmonization and starts to sing along, quickly putting the whole group at ease.  So much in fact, that everyone was easily able to focus on keeping their eyes and ears on the task at hand.

The foliage gets denser as you move closer to the church; more vines can be seen climbing and wrapping themselves around most of the trees and bushes, some of which look strangled by the sheer number covering them.  Off to the left Giltris and Althea notice it first, but one tree in particular is wrapped in a vine with shiny black leaves.  The tree itself looks scarred, as if attacked by rabid animals clawing their way inside.  Althaea gasps for a moment, the realization that this plant is also born from the Feywild....

Just as Althaea stops singing, to point out the dangerous plant to the group, that's when you all see it, about 100 or so feet ahead, only its head visible. The creature's height with the antlers must be almost 12 feet tall, its head alone 9 feet off the ground. 3 large blue orbs for eyes that form an uneven line across its wide face, stare at you placidly...until the singing finally stops.

It shakes its head, clearing itself from the enthralling reverie of the song.  Its mouth opens to show rows of razor sharp teeth that jut forward and out as it lets out an unearthly roar that reverberates through the forest.  Birds and other animals, once quiet and hidden, now flustered and confused, rush and fly out, as far away from the sound as they can.

Then as quickly as it was there, it turns and disappears into the forest behind it.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:26, Sat 01 Aug 2020.
Mathorn
player, 50 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 17:24
  • msg #18

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Walking openly toward danger, Thorn felt exposed but stealth would hardly benefit her in this company, and she was reluctant to scout ahead alone with something so obviously deadly in the area. So she stayed near Giltris in order to take advantage of the larger female's shield should fighting erupt.

The humming grated on her nerves as well as announcing their location to any creature with ears in the area. Then it evolved into singing, eliciting mixed emotions in Thorn. On the one hand, it made their presence even more obvious. But . . . it was also incredibly mellifluous and the sound touched a part of her which she normally kept carefully contained. And for very good reasons.

Then she caught her first glimpse of the beast who had killed the owlbear. "Magnificent," she breathed, in awe of its strange beauty, regal bearing and lethality. Whatever the others decided, she had no intention of attempting to harm - much less kill- this animal except as a final resort.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Sat 01 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 117 posts
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 17:27
  • msg #19

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep


Andraste Giltris
player, 78 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 17:49
  • msg #20

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

That..was..incredible! I think the hunters may decide this is not a good place to hunt anymore. Anyway it is not interested in bothering me and I am not interested in bothering it. Honestly, I doubt I am much to it's taste, not enough meat to be worth the effort for something that big. Alright, back on mission as I continue forward once more humming a song.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 93 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 18:13
  • msg #21

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As we move down the path, I notice a black vine with sharp, shiny leaves wrapping itself around a scarred tree. Upon seeing it, I stop singing and an audible gasp escapes my throat. How did this come to be here?

I want to warn everyone, this plant here, I point to the black vines wrapping themselves around the tree to our left, is called a Razorvine. Its leaves are extremely sharp and the plant has a taste for blood that rivals that of a vampire. These plants are extremely resilient. In my studies, I have not read of a way to destroy them. Do not let yourselves be ensnared by it.

As I point out the Razorvine to my companions, I see up ahead the creature from my homeland, although it looks different from what I was expecting. Mutated, even. I had a feeling it was under the same calm my companions had been under from my singing, as it shook its head once I stopped as if to clear it. I could perhaps use this to my advantage later on. It let out a roar that sent a chill down my spine, definitely mutated.

I believe we have stumbled upon a mutation of an Elkthrawn. I say it is mutated because the stories I have heard of the original sound as if it is a peaceful creature. The one we have seen looks less than peaceful, almost aggressive even. If possible, we should leave it in peace, we are not ready for a fight such as that. I do not have the magic to subdue a creature of that magnitude as we did against the Drow. If it becomes a problem, we can return later when we are more capable of facing it.

Insight: 11 (8+3)
Sand
player, 61 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 18:59
  • msg #22

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

So it seemed that the Feywild had invaded this place more than expected, Althaea warning us about both the vine killing a tree and of the three eyed, horned creature. There was definitely something wrong with this place, but what would you expect from a world that has upside down mountains? Sand put a hand on Clacker’s head to calm him down and avoid a mandible clack that might be taken as a challenge by the beast. The creature still roared, before tuning around and leaving. Sand released the tension in his wood fibers muscles, as he was ready to fight if the creature had attacked them.

Sand thinks this place has strong connection to Feywild, if creatures and plants are moving here. Was this always like this or is this recent? Sand does not know if hunters would always come back here with those dangers.

Opening his magical senses, he tried to pinpoint if there as an origin source to the outpouring of Feywild magic. (Arcana Roll 9… nope! Lol)

This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Sat 01 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 118 posts
Sat 1 Aug 2020
at 23:53
  • msg #23

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

With no more anomalies, the path led to what would have been the front doors of the church, if the front half of the church wasn't missing.  Most of the front and parts of the side walls, as well as the roof were just...gone, without so much as rubble or remains on the ground, as if a powerful wind capable of blowing rock away blew through.

The nave of the church was now a makeshift graveyard.  About 20 graves were scattered here; piles of dirt in front of gravestones with no visible names on them.  4 of the graves seem to have been dug up, as their piles, and the bodies within look to be missing.

A little further past the cemetery, pews once lined both sides of the church, though most are now broken, destroyed or missing.  On each side of the church, there is a second floor balcony that once was used as an overlook to the sermons being held below.  On the left, half of a circular stair that once led to the second floor remains; the right one is completely gone.

Straight past the pews there is an elevated section where the altar still stands.  Behind that, there is a grand staircase, about 20 feet wide that splits off to the left and right.  In the center platform before the split, lies a beautiful oak tree that reaches up to the roof of the church, its roots burying themselves in the building itself.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Sun 02 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 79 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 02:09
  • msg #24

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

This is not good. I eye the disturbed graves warily and as I approach what remains of the building I open myself to the world around and feel Rao's power flow through me and out searching for something other. I pause for a second to wait for a return but get nothing. It does not seem like there are any undead near the entrance. Still I have to keep my guard up; there are many people counting on me.

Maybe before we leave here, I can cremate the remaining bodies. It is a sad duty but it is better than to allow them to be befouled by undeath.
Sand
player, 62 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 02:46
  • msg #25

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As the group approached and entered gingerly the devastated church, Sand kept on his guards, Clacker slowly opening and closing his mandibles, clearly anticipating some fights ahead. The construct spotted Aisling and Scamp further up, the owl perched a branch of the majestic oak growing on the temple. And he was too far to communicate with the familiar to remind him of his mission.

So this was a temple. He has seen some as big before the cataclysm, but only from outside, when evading the black armored soldiers. 50 years had not been kind to the structure, but some sculptures were still recognizable.


Sand wonders who was worshipped here?

Keeping on his guard, he looked around the structure, to see if he could spot signs of which gods were represented here.

Perception check 8
Religion check 9

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 94 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 16:19
  • msg #26

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Remembering that we were told there were rooms in the church with doors still intact, providing the hunters with some semblance of safety, I scanned the church for signs of these rooms. Assuming the hunters were here, it was likely they would be holed up in one of these rooms.

I was able to spot two doors, one on either side of the staircase below the central platform. I made my way carefully through the ruins of the church so as to not trip over any plants or broken pieces of the church itself.

Starting with the door on my left, I knocked on the door and called out,
My name is Althaea. Thorin sent my companions and myself to look for you when you did not return to Vertigo. Once I have said out loud who I am and why I am there, I try to open the door. I would rather not run off into the forest to find out later the bodies of the hunters were lying in these rooms from the start.

I repeat myself at the door on the right to cover all bases.


Perception: 14 (9+5)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Mon 03 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 119 posts
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 16:57
  • msg #27

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Sand:

You notice on the front of the altar, on the sides of each of pews that are standing, and some that are broken on the floor, have the symbol of a tree on them, similar to the one that grows in the center platform on the stairs.  It is unfamiliar to you though.

Althaea:

You hear some shuffling around on the inside, then from the other side of the door, you hear a voice from the inside of the left door, How can we be so sure you know Thorin?  What else can you tell us about V...where we come from, if you've truly been there?"
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 95 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 17:13
  • msg #28

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

I smiled, at least these people were smart enough to not trust us implicitly just because I said we were sent here.

Well, for starters, Sebastian is a whiny aristocrat and we do not get along. Jacob is the weaponsmith and is terrible at talking to women. Rory runs the bar in the Better Times and Corsica is way overworked. She does have a way with that tray of hers though. Alicia dresses strangely but is a sweetheart. You have a double fence for added protection and have turned a waterfall near the entrance into a well. Any other questions for me?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Mon 03 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 120 posts
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 18:16
  • msg #29

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The man opens the door slightly, takes a peek at you to ensure you're what you say you are, then rushes you in.

Quickly now, while it's still safe.  You had us at Sebastian is whiny, by the way."

He quickly closes the door behind you, locking it, and standing there you see 3 other hunters. Judging by the descriptions you were given, you are talking with Darcassan, one of the Elven males.  The other 3 here are Aleena, Elinaora, and the Halfling Gizmo.

In the center of the room, there is a recessed center with a stone well, which you can only really tell because one side is missing a couple stone blocks and a hole can be seen going down.  Peeking out the hole, you can see a tendril of razorvine creeping its way out; a gold bowl sits over the well, currently holding a clear liquid, about three quarters full.

On each of the walls to your left, right, as well as straight in front of you, there are long benches sitting up against them, the longest being on the back wall. The back wall itself seems to have sustained some sort of damage as there are cracks running through it on mostly the left side.  On the bench to the left, there is a pile of neatly stacked simple white towels, each embroidered with a tree.  There are roughly 30 of them.

In the ceiling above you, some of the roots from the tree found on the center platform above, can be seen growing through the roof of this room, stretching out and through the ceiling almost to the doorway.

This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:18, Tue 04 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 80 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 19:10
  • msg #30

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

It seems Althaea has found someone. She did not seem threatened when she was pulled inside. I will wait and guard out here until she calls for us. They obviously feel threatened right now and it is better to let them adjust at their own pace rather than confronting them all at once.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Mon 03 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 96 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 21:35
  • msg #31

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

I looked between the four of them, taking in their expressions and the speed in which Darcassan locked the door behind me, and knew something terrible must have happened to them.

I put my hand on Darcassan's shoulder and led him over to one of the benches,
Please sit, Darcassan, and start at the beginning. What has befallen Althidon and Elias?
Takmarin
GM, 121 posts
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 03:49
  • msg #32

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Well, we've been hunting here for months now and the day before yesterday, while we started to make camp here, building a fire and whatnot, Elias, Elinaora, and Gizmo did a perimeter search of the area, just to make sure there wasn't anything out of the ordinary.

When the three of them were searching the area, about 10 minutes North of here, they were quite surprised to find a beautiful grove, nestled among a copse of trees, considering we've all scouted the area many times before and had never seen such a thing in this place.

Inside the grove, there was a beautiful ring of pink, blue, and white flowers growing, in a perfect circle, with small wooden stumps and makeshift benches for sitting on, circling the ring of flowers.

It was a couple hours before sunset when they returned, and when they did, soon after, clouds started to roll in, even though none of us were expecting any rain.  We can usually feel that sort of thing, just from being outside all the time.  Anyways, gray clouds covered the sky, the wind picked up, so we started to pack up our bags and head inside here for shelter.  The wind continued to pick up, getting stronger and stronger, and then that's when we saw it, coming out of the tree right above us. It was a....


Giltris, Sand, and Thorn:  Each of you notice that the wind has started to pick up a bit outside, as gray clouds roll in above you.
Andraste Giltris
player, 81 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 04:38
  • msg #33

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

That does not look good; monsters I can handle bad weather not so much. As the clouds close it I move towards the door Althaea went through and ready my weapons and continue looking for any threats.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 97 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 05:04
  • msg #34

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

I listened to Darcassan as he began his tale. As he described the grove his companions stumbled across, my stomach dropped. A faerie circle, here of all places. Each fey has its own particular set of rules that govern their circles. Should you break those rules, even unknowingly, there is little in the way of protection from their wrath. Not that it is comforting to know why the Razorvine and mutated Elkthrawn were here, but I understand how they came to be here. The worst part was, I did not know which fey controlled the grove. If it was an ally of my Mother's, I could perhaps negotiate on their behalf to be spared further punishment.

As my initial shock wore off, Darcassan continued his story. He described an odd change in the weather before odd happenings with the tree. I look up at its roots while Darcassan speaks and I notice that ever-so-slightly they seem to be writhing like tendrils as if they had come to life. Remembering the haunted looks on their faces, I chose not to mention it to them yet. I needed to hear when comes out of the tree first.


What came out of the tree, Darcassan? I need to know in order to help you out of this place. I was trying to hide my own discomfort when speaking to them now. My voice was soft so not to spook them; however, it did not have the same soothing quality it normally possessed. It was all I could do to not sound fearful myself.

History: 15 (13+2)
Perception: 17 (12+5)
Insight: 13 (10+3)
Sand
player, 63 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 16:58
  • msg #35

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

It was hard to miss the huge tree growing in the middle of the remains, and Sand noticed that the tree motif was repeated at numerous places in the temple. He did not however recognize what it meant. Maybe Andraste would, so he approached the alert paladin, noting in passing that Althaea was ushered in one the rooms, but without being alarmed. Keeping an eye on the door, in case he needed to intervene, he asked.

Sand wonders who was worshipped here. The tree motif is repeated throughout the ruin but Sand not know what it means. Does Giltris know?

The wind picked up and big storm clouds were rapidly forming over the location. Clacker clacked his mandible nervously, Scamp hooted before flying off to scout around the ruin, as Sand asked him to do. There was some electricity in the air, everyone was feeling on edge and Sand opened his mystical senses, to try to determine if anything magical was happening, fully alert.

Perception 23
Arcana 6

Takmarin
GM, 122 posts
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 19:04
  • msg #36

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As the wind grew in power, even larger trees were beginning to tremble with its raw force.  The loose dirt from the graves now blew across the ground, small bushes that had sprouted forth in the middle of the church now bent back and forth, the wind constantly changing its direction as it whistled through a couple of the church's broken windows.

It was at this point that those outside noticed, 4 more of the graves emptying themselves out, as if something from within was digging its way out; the wind, blowing the expelled dirt away as it flew up in the air.  Writing slowly started to appear on each of the four graves as if from an invisible force, leaving a bloody red color that when finished, clearly spelled the names of Sand, Andraste, Thorn, and Althaea.


Inside the room, the howling wind could now be heard through the cracks of the door.

Oh no, it's happening again.  Everyone grab some of the towels.  Hold them over your ears!  Quickly! Darcassan said.

Sand opened his senses to what was around him, but he just couldn't place where the magical energy was coming from, but he was most certain, it was magical in nature.
Andraste Giltris
player, 82 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 20:17
  • msg #37

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

That is a bit dramatic. Let it come, this time I am ready. With the cloth still over her mouth I begin singing a joyous hymn over the sound of the wind and ready myself for whatever comes next.

When Althaea runs out of the room telling us to cover our ears, I take the proffered towel and quickly tie it around my head to cover my ears before resuming my watch.

Summary:
Continually take the Dodge action until I say otherwise.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Wed 05 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 98 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 22:20
  • msg #38

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

What is happening again, Darcassan? My companions are outside, so tell me quickly.

I grabbed one of the towels and held it over my ears. Grabbing three others, I ran to the door and opened it while yelling to Sand, Thorn, and Giltris, Hold these against your ears. The hunters tell me it is necessary.
Mathorn
player, 51 posts
Elven Ranger
Tue 4 Aug 2020
at 23:17
  • msg #39

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

What sort of a foe creates graves for those it seeks to kill? Thorn could only suppose this to be a misguided intimidation tactic. If so, all it had accomplished was elevating its victims’ importance by implying they deserved such consideration. Personally, she had always expected that decomposing wherever she fell was the best case scenario for one as such as herself. And her prospects deteriorated considerably from there.

And what sort of hunters brought so many towels on a brief foraging expedition? Clearly, nature wasn’t the only thing run amok here. Still, at least some of them had managed to survive, so perhaps their madness lent them a degree of insight into the situation. Or was caused by it. Until she understood the peril well enough to make her own judgement, wisdom dictated that she at least consider theirs. Ready to vanish into the whirlwind of debris at the first sign of trouble, Thorn moved away from the tree to a defensible location where she could observe it, took her towel from her pack, secured it around her head and drew her chakrams.

Stealth Check: 11
This message was last edited by the player at 23:19, Tue 04 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 64 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 01:51
  • msg #40

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Althaea ran outside bearing towels, telling the group to cover their ears quickly. As she passed beside Sand and threw him a towel, he looked at her, confused. He knew he could hear, but he didn’t know how, had never took time to study how that was happening with him… another thing the construct’s creators had neglected.

Sand had no ears to cover.

Looking at his companions tying the towels  around their heads, he decided to do the same thing, unsure if it would make any difference with him. This task done, he chose a easily defensible position, from where both he and Clacker could support Andraste, with line of sight on Thorn’s position, if she needed help. Scamp started circling their position, ready to annoy anyone who would try to attack them.

Scamp perception 19, 12 Advantage
Sand takes dodge action until a target appears

Takmarin
GM, 123 posts
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 03:28
  • msg #41

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

From the depths of the graves and seemingly propelled by the gale like winds, pools of darkness fly through the air, bouncing from shadow to shadow at lightning speed, closing the gap quickly.

One slips itself underneath the door where the hunters and Althaea lie in wait, the smokey darkness coalescing into a humanoid shaped form.

Two more rush at Giltris head on, before splitting at the last second, their glowing red eyes focused with hatred.

One flies up to the large construct, ready to strike with wispy, but deadly looking elongated claws.

From the dark, back left corner of the church, three more of the creatures emerge, dashing out to aid their other brethren.

Another one heads towards Giltris, bolting towards its closest target and two more surround Sand and Clacker, hoping to overwhelm and confuse them.




7 creatures in total
Sand
player, 65 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 04:23
  • msg #42

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Sand saw the wispy creatures rise from the tombs and had he been able too, would probably have goosebumps. Some distant memory rose up as he saw them and the way to fight them... where did that information came from, he didn't know, but he trusted it enough to share it right away, yelling to his companions.

Sand knows those dead things, use magic to really hurt, they don't like magical divine light!

Muttering that he didn't like dead things, he commanded the owl to distract the first creature to approach him and stabbed it with his spear. Clacker jumped in and protected Sand from the first blow, striking with his mandibles.

Scamp uses the help action
Sand strikes 19, 16 (advantage) for 9 magical damage
Clacker uses reaction to cause disadvantage to first attacker.
Clacker uses Sand bonus action to strike and misses, with a 7.
Free action, yell to pass info on the shadows.

This message was last edited by the player at 12:23, Wed 05 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 99 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 05:03
  • msg #43

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Seeing the smoke-like darkness slip underneath the locked door and coalesce into a vaguely human shape unnerved me. It was not completely alive though, it was much more like a skeleton was being held together by smoke. There was no empty space between the bones, but an opaque substance that I could not completely define.

I pull out my rapier and mentally prepare for the fight ahead. It looked like a tough one. I play a haunting melody on my pan flute before whispering an echoing melody, that if played consecutively would send a bravest of souls on the run.

I look briefly over to Giltris and see three more of the creatures surrounding her and farther back another three surround Sand. I could see Thorn hiding poorly in the greenery currently able to avoid the attention of these monsters. I felt that even though Giltris would likely be better in the fight, but I still focused my energy briefly on the space between all of them,
Never let these creatures instill fear in you. Fear has a way of creeping into the mind and leading us to make poor or rash decisions. Fight! I turn back to the creature in front of me and steel myself.

Item Interaction: Pull out rapier
Action: Cast Dissonant Whispers on creature in front of me. Wisdom save: DC13 Damage: 12
Bonus Action: Use Mantle of Inspiration targeting Giltris, Sand, and Thorn. Each of you gain 5 temp HP and can immediately use your reactions to move up to your speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks.

Conditional Reaction: If the creature fails the wisdom save and has to move away from me, I shall attack it with my rapier. 6 to hit (1+5....fail)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Wed 05 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 124 posts
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 11:46
  • msg #44

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep


Andraste Giltris
player, 83 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 12:39
  • msg #45

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As the shadow streams passed me and under the door I lash out quickly with my sword but I am forced to focus on the three others around me and I miss the weaving creature. With three of the creatures upon both me and Sand I cannot abandon my position to help Althaea; she will have to defend the hunters alone for now.

This fight will not be over in a single exchange; I must prepare to endure. Continuing my hymn I sheathe my sword and draw a small vial of holy water and splash it across the front of my armour calling on Rao to aid me.

Summary
Reaction (before my turn): Opportunity attack (7 to hit for 9 slashing damage)
Free: Sheath sword, draw holy water (consumed by spell)
Action: Cast Protection from Evil and Good
Mathorn
player, 52 posts
Elven Ranger
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 13:54
  • msg #46

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Thorn quickly assessed the battlefield: 3 on Giltris, 3 on Sand, 1 on Althaea, but none seem to have spotted her yet. Lacking any "divine light", Thorn trusted her magic-infused chakrams would prove sufficient to the task. The female might well be disappointed again - for some reason - but unlike the others, Giltris faced multiple enemies alone. As Aisling shot forth a storm of pinions at one of her foes, Thorn threw her weapons. Then both retreated from the Shadows as quickly as possible. She could only hope the accursed things weren't as fast as they seemed.

Thorn attacks one of Giltris' shadows with advantage.
Primary Weapon: 10, 7 (Advantage), 24 (Elven Accuracy Reroll)
Damage: 8
Off-Hand Weapon: 19, 17
Damage: 12
Aisling attacks the same shadow.
Attack: 8
Both strafe 35 ft, attempting to stay out of the shadows' range.

Erik Moor
player, 8 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 14:14
  • msg #47

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As the clouds grew darker and the winds grew ever more powerful while the creatures of darkness charged, those with a keen ear or keen eye there may have had the smallest indication of something else moving just the other side of the dense-foliage covered, dilapidated church wall. What that something was didn't reveal itself right away though and there were more pressing concerns apparent in the lives of the adventurers.

A throaty sound of a hybrid-like creature rolled out to match the winds howling around the building. Something between the croak of a massive toad and the hunting growl of a large feline predator. And then suddenly, through the broken window of the church, a creature leapt into the fray. It was massive and nearly as quick as the shadows themselves. Black fur and strange markings, almost tattoo-like in appearance, covered the hide of the large moorbounder. A creature rarely seen, if ever, landed no more than a whip's crack away from Giltris.


Knowing little about who may be friend or foe, the moorbounder went after the first of the unatural shadows that it landed next too. Claws raked and, as they did, one series of marks along its hide flared. Slashing across something that should be at least partially incorporeal, the claws looked like they might actually find purchase in the essence of the shadowy being.

Another throaty growl of challenge and possibly triumph croaked out of the bounder's resonation chamber.



Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Bonus Action: Become Moorbounder (keep tattoos, AC 17 via barrier tattoo)
Movement: Standing Leap through window to nearest shadow.
Action: Attack with claws - 20 to hit, 14 slashing (Magical via eldritch claw tattoo)   


This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 125 posts
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 17:04
  • msg #48

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

No!  We need to keep the door closed otherwise the towels won't work! Darcassan screams, as he runs around and behind Althaea to avoid the shadow, slamming the door shut.

Note:The only ones who hear this are Althaea, Giltris, and Erik, as they are within 10-15 feet of the Darcassan.  Due to the howling winds, the screaming doesn't carry any farther.

As Althaea whispers to the creature in front of her, parts of the shadow's outer form immediately seem to dissipate as the Shadow is wracked in pain.  Fleeing past Althaea and the hunters, the Shadow moves to the back of the room.  The creature, much faster than it looks, evades Althaea and the knives the hunters pull out and swipe at the Shadow with, passing harmlessly through the inky mist.

Those locked in combat outside, suddenly see an apparition float out of the tree on the central platform, quickly drifting down to the graves.  The apparition is a luminous, straggly form of what looks to be a female elf, its hair a tangled mess of wild, stringy hair, and its body clothed in rags that flutter around it. A dark mist seems to follow her as she moves, crackling with energy.



As she finishes her descent to the graves she turns around, her face, a horrifying visage of madness and hatred.  Thorn couldn't begin to fathom what she was about to see and her body frozen in place. Thorn has the Frightened Status Condition

The Shadows, bolstered by their master's presence, suddenly erupt into a fury.


The 3 strike out at Giltris, only one of them able to pierce her defensive posture. (7 damage and 2 Strength Damage)

3 more lash out at Sand, one of them also able to get its wispy claws through the construct's hide. (10 damage and 2 Strength Damage)

The last Shadow, now at the back of the room, attacks Gizmo the hunter, but he was already moving and was able to dodge out of the way.

Though completely frightened, her survival mindset kicks in, and Thorn is able to focus enough to send her chakrams flying true, completely cutting through the Shadow behind Giltris, which quickly dissipates into nothingness.
(Quite dead Shadow)

Aisling attempts to come to her aid, a barrage of pinions raining down at the Shadow, but none find their mark, passing through and bouncing off the stone floor harmlessly.

From the east window of the church, a mass of black fur, strange markings, and large tusks, bounds into the fray, slashing at one of the Shadows on Giltris and wreaking a devastating blow on the Shadow.

Giltris swipes at the passing Shadow, but still with two still surrounding her, she found it hard to focus an attack without forfeiting her defensive position.  Quickly sheathing her weapon, she calls upon her god Rao, though hard to hear in the howling wind, and casts a spell upon herself, splashing the clear liquid upon herself.

If a Shadow could look confused, this would be the closest thing to it, as the fey spirit Scamp flies around the Shadow's head, distracting it long enough for Sand to thrust his spear forward.  The spear slams into the Shadow, leaving a gaping hole that can't seem to close.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 100 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 17:21
  • msg #49

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

I looked at the shadow that had fled to the back of the room, played a mocking melody on my pan flute and told it, You are so frail I can huff and puff and blow you away.

Action: cast vicious mockery on the shadow Wis save DC:13
Damage: 2 psychic on a fail, 0 on success
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Wed 05 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 84 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 17:37
  • msg #50

(IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

I really do not like these things. A familiar lethargy comes over me as one of the foul creatures hand manages to brush against my body. I have prepared as best as I can now it is my turn to take the fight to them. Drawing my sword, I launch a diagonal cut from right shoulder to left hip before recovering back to my defensive stance by the door.

Summary:
Free Interaction: Draw Long Sword
Action: Attack weakest shadow around me (21 to hit for 6 Slashing damage)
Move: Hold position blocking the door.

Alternate 01 (No Shadows surrounding me, Shadow with hunters alive)
Move: Engage Shadow in the room with the hunters. If it is dead after my attack return to guard door.
Free Interaction: Draw Long Sword
Action: Attack weakest shadow around me (21 to hit for 6 Slashing damage)

Alternate 02 (No Shadows surrounding me, Shadow with hunters dead)
Move: Flank Shadows attacking Sand if possible
Free Interaction: Draw Long Sword
Action: Attack weakest shadow around me (21 to hit for 6 Slashing damage)

Alternate 03 (All Shadows are dead)
Move: Move to engage Apparition
Free Interaction: Draw Long Sword
Action: Attack weakest shadow around me (21 to hit for 6 Slashing damage)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Wed 05 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 66 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 18:54
  • msg #51

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Quickly surrounded, the construct parried two of the attacking shadows, but the third one managed a hit that was thankfully partially soaked by the bard's magic. Sand did feel a unknown weakness spreading in his limbs, but shrugged it off, as his fighting style did not depend on the strength of his arms, but on the keenness of his mind. He still growled a challenge to the shadow he had injured before stabbing it again, as Scamp was flying in its face.

Clacker jumped in and protected Sand from the first blow, attacking a second shadow with his mandibles.

From the corner of his eye, he saw a strange black creature jumped in the fray beside Andraste, that seemed to attack the shades... a problem for another moment.

From the chaos, the construct saw another undead take shape in the background, that his ingrained knowledge also recognized. There would be time to explore how he knew all those thing later, for now, he needed to warn his companions again.


Another dead thing, this one is the screamer! Need magic to really hurt it too!

Scamp uses the help action
Sand strikes 23, 26 (Crit!!!) (advantage) for 10 magical damage (targeting the first shadow he injured, if already dead, he strikes another one)
Clacker uses reaction to cause disadvantage to first attacker.
Clacker uses Sand bonus action to strike and misses again, with a 8.
Free action, warn about the banshee

This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Wed 05 Aug 2020.
Mathorn
player, 53 posts
Elven Ranger
Wed 5 Aug 2020
at 23:02
  • msg #52

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Fighting through her irrational fear and the pain shredding her mind, Thorn focused on the battle and on Aisling who flew forward to distract this new, deadly foe. She murmured "Prey", as she unleashed her chakram on the wailing monstrosity.

Constitution Saving Throw vs Banshee's Wail: 9, 10 (advantage), 21 (inspiration)
Aisling helps (cancelling the disadvantage imposed by Frightened condition).
Thorn casts Hunter's Mark on the banshee and attacks.
Primary Weapon: 15
Damage: 18
Wisdom Saving Throw vs Frighted condition: 21
If any opponents move closer to her, she and Aisling will strafe 35 ft.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Thu 06 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 9 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 6 Aug 2020
at 00:27
  • msg #53

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The moorbounder responded to the horrifying visage of the banshee by turning away from the shadow it had just struck and leaping directly toward this new terrifying threat. The tatted creature seemed to care very little about leaving itself open to attack and launched itself whole heartedly at the hovering ghostly she thing that seemed to inspire the other shadows. Marks flared once more as claws raked out at the banshee. But something about the leap or the landing threw off the strike enough to be wasted. Which only seemed to make the moorbounder angry as it waited for the right opportunity to strike at the banshee again.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Movement: Leap to Banshee (may provoke opportunity attack from shadow.)
Action: Attack Banshee (Miss)

Potential Reaction: Opportunity Attack on Banshee with a Crit for 31 total magical slashing damage.


This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 126 posts
Thu 6 Aug 2020
at 04:17
  • msg #54

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The hunters, scared beyond belief, swing wildly at the Shadow, and only Gizmo is able to connect, damaging it, but the dagger seeming to have little effect.

Althaea picks up her flute and begins to play it, but not before hurling insults at the last Shadow...who just disappears into nothingness.
  (another dead Shadow)

The Banshee, now furious that things aren't working to her liking, lets out a demonic cacophonous wail that sends shivers down everyone's spine.  The high-pitched and eerie scream wreak havoc...your ears bleeding from the sound.

Note:  Sand and Althaea are exempt from the Banshee's Wail.  Those that make their Constitution Saving Throw take 14 points of Psychic Damage.  Those that fail to make their ST, fall to 0 HP.
Erik Moor
player, 10 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 6 Aug 2020
at 14:04
  • msg #55

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As the high-pitched cacophonous wail burst out of the banshee, the moorbounder that had moments ago leapt at her took the brunt of the attack. It reeled back as something red and fluid began to seep out from its ears and eyes. The head, tusks and all, sank to the ground and, like a kitten trying to hide beneath it's paws, the clawed forpaws of the bounder started scrabbling at it's ears. The musculature of the toad-cat beast heaved in effort and agony before falling still. But only for a moment. As the wail came to an end so too did the moorbounder. It melted away. In its place something else now lay. Someone else. A broad-shouldered tatted up, hairy, near-beast, of a man lay on the ground where the moorbounder had been. He was practically naked, wearing nothing but a what might be considered a loin cloth. And he breathed, untouched by the fury of the undead, for now.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 127 posts
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 03:36
  • msg #56

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The power of the Banshee's blood-curdling scream almost took Thorn down as well.  It took every fiber of her being to keep going; small pools of blood forming on the towel that covered her ears...but hold on Thorn did, and struck back with a vicious blow to the Banshee, the Banshee letting out a different type of scream.  One of pain.

The shadows led a barrage of attacks on Giltris and Sand, but Giltris's protective ward and Clacker's defensive maneuver kept the Shadows from finding purchase with their claws.

Giltris takes a diagonal swipe at the Shadow whose wispy tendrils were fading and the cut was enough to finish the job, the Shadow melting away into a pool of nothingness.

Sand thrusts his spear up and through the Shadow he previously stabbed and hit with a powerful blow, the spear tip coming out the head of shadow's inky head.  The shadow then disappeared.


Note:  There is one shadow left on Giltris and 2 left on Sand.  The Banshee is still over by the graves.
Sand
player, 67 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 03:57
  • msg #57

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The banshee's wail ripped through the temple, and from his position, he saw Andraste stagger, grind her teeth and slash one shadow, the inky darkness dissipating in the air. There was one more on her, but he couldn't do anything about it now.

Curiously, the wail had no effects on the warforged, nor on his creations. He could hear the intensity of the scream, but it was no louder than the warding glyph explosion in the tunnel. So it seemed that the fact he had no ears was an advantage. As he was pondering this, Clacker deflected an attack on him and Sand snapped out of his micro trance, stabbing the one Shadow that was injured, causing it to dissipate in the wind.

One down, two to go

Making sure there was no other surprises, he continued the same tactic, attacking the Shadow that got distracted by Scamp, Clacker ready to intervene, and trying to bite something



Scamp uses the help action
Sand strikes 16, 21 (advantage) for 7 magical damage
Clacker uses reaction to cause disadvantage to first attacker.
Clacker uses Sand bonus action to strike and still misses, with a 7. Poor Clacker!
 

This message was last edited by the player at 04:00, Fri 07 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 85 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 10:37
  • msg #58

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

That was unpleasant. The echoes of that haunting wail are still echoing in my head so I shake it quickly to clear it. Of course such an upsetting creature used to be an Elf! Whatever Thorn did to it seems to have worked, I trust that I can leave it to her to finish.

Where did the large cat go? And who is the naked guy? Nice tattoos.

With only a single shadow left around me I have a few more options open to me. As the creature flails at me I interpose my shield before slamming it into the creature and following up with a thrust of my sword.

Summary
Action: Attack with long sword (12 to hit for 10 slashing damage).
Move: If the shadow is dead move up to 20 ft to flank a shadow Sand is fighting else hold position.

Alternate 1 (Shadow within 5 ft of me is dead)
Move: Move up to 20 ft to flank a shadow Sand is fighting.
Action: Attack with long sword (12 to hit for 10 slashing damage).

Alternate 2 (All shadows defeated)
Move: Move up to 20 ft towards the Banshee.
Action: If I am within 5 ft of the banshee attack with long sword (12 to hit for 10 slashing damage) otherwise I will hold my action to attack it if it comes within 5 ft of me.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 101 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 13:14
  • msg #59

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Now that the shadow creature in the room with us was dead, I nodded to the hunters and slipped out the door to help my companions. Seeing just the one shadow left by Giltris, still guarding the door I came from, I made that one my target, playing a familiar haunting melody, I let my spell free

Giltris, be strong. Be fierce. We shall prevail!

Move: 30ft or however far it is to stand next to Giltris. (Also, within 5ft of shadow creature)
Action: cast dissonant whispers on shadow in front of us. Wis save DC: 13 Damage: 11
Bonus Action: Give bardic inspiration to Giltris
Conditional reaction: attack Shadow with my rapier if he flees (22 to hit for 8 piercing damage)
Mathorn
player, 54 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 14:01
  • msg #60

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Thorn watched in vicious satisfaction as her attack cut a wispy hole through the howling apparition. She'd known males more intimidating than this undead bitch. In unison as always, she and Aisling launched another brutal volley at this abomination of Nature.

Aisling helps.
Thorn attacks the banshee with advantage.
Primary Weapon: 13, 22
Damage: 14
Off-Hand Weapon: 26 (Critical)
Damage: 24
Thorn and Aisling move as far as possible from Banshee while remaining within 60 ft.

Erik Moor
player, 11 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 14:31
  • msg #61

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The man laying where the moorbounder had been placed the knuckles of his hands on the ground. His face was obscured by an unruly mat of dirt brown hair and beard and emanating from his chest was a growl not unlike that of the creature he had been before though less resonant. Getting his feet beneath him he slowly pushed himself up to a four point stance resting on his knuckles, his legs cocked beneath and behind his torso so he was in something between a crouch and a primal animalistic stance reminiscent of the bounder itself. His neck turned so his face looked at the banshee beside him and through her to the elven woman attacking the thing. Blue eyes looked at her from beneath his hair. They began to darken as his brow furrowed even deeper than it had been before and then a hint of a smirk. A tattoo of intertwining design along his right arm and hand began to shift. A series of inky tendrils lifted from his arm and lashed out at the ghostly being beside him.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Movement: Stand from prone (Fluff for a more primal stance)
Action: Banshee needs to make a DC 14 strength save or take 11 Force damage (Coiling Grasp Tattoo, minus grappled effect because Banshee)

Forgot to mention my AC dropped to 16 when I reverted.


This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 128 posts
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 15:32
  • msg #62

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The hunters seem perfectly happy staying where they are, in the perceived safety of the room.

Althaea slips out of the room and into the fray, and once again whispers her discordant melody at the shadow facing Giltris.  Just as the first, this Shadow is wracked with pain and when it tries to flee the agonizing melody, Althaea, with a stab of her rapier, finishes off the foul apparition.

Seeing the new threat come out of the room and quickly dispatch one of her Shadow minions, the Banshee moves forward with alacrity, closing the distance to Althaea quickly.  She reaches out her clawed hand, dripping with black ichor; her nails digging deep into Althaeas flesh, leaving remnants of the rancid smelling sludge.
(Althaea: 18 points of Necrotic damage)

The Banshee's fearsome blow was short lived however, as Thorn, determined to be rid of this abomination, sends out her chakrams with deadly efficiency, severing the apparition into multiple pieces, one at the neck and another at the torso. (Dead Banshee)

With the death of their master, the remaining shadows dissipate into nothingness, the howling wind abates, and the once chaotic church ruins, now quiet. (Dead Shadows)
Andraste Giltris
player, 86 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 18:39
  • msg #63

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

As the remainder of the undead fade away with the fall of the Banshee I take a second to ensure the fight is truly over. When nothing else appears to be readying to attack us I sheathe my sword and turn to face the hunters. I will find out what the naked guy wants after.

"Are any of you hurt?" I ask them trying to keep my voice as calm as possible. (Insert pause for response.)

"Where are Althidon Syllar and Elias Leafbrook?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Fri 07 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 12 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 13:31
  • msg #64

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

For a short time after the banshee was vanquished along with its shadows, the same beast like man that had appeared out of the death of the moorbounder remained nearly motionless. In the brief stillness in the aftermath of the fight he turned his head this way and that while still poised in his primal stance. Finally satisfied that the thing was dead or at least gone for now he began to move. One leg planted itself more firmly beneath his center of gravity. Legs in a wide stance now his torso lifted drawing his arms and hands up with him. All the way up. He stood to his full height, something over six feet easily. His head raised up and he seemed to almost smell the air around him before finally turning to the folks he'd just jumped into the fray alongside.

He looked at them each with his dark, dark blue eyes. When they came to Sand and his metallic companions his head tilted to one side to a far extreme, like a dog confused by what it heard or saw. Slowly, carefully, he took one step toward them and his head tilted back the other way. His elbows bent and hands came up slowly, palms out and fingers splayed to show they were empty. Like the rest of him his hands were nearly naked as well. On one there was ink that looked like the head of some creature incorporated into the intertwining tattoo along his forearm; on the other there was a simple looking ring carved to look like a leaping moorbounder chasing itself round and around the finger for eternity. He took another careful step. The spacing between each step was wide and odd. His whole body turned with it so mostly only his side was to Sand. It was like he wanted to keep all the combatants in his periphery even while he was focused on the large metallic beetle looking thing. One more step, after which he froze and his eyes darted around again.

Unsure if he could approach any further, he crouched down. His legs coiled to spring away. In a deep voice that sounded like it had not been used for human speech in quite some time hesitantly he asked,
"What    Is   This?" After each word there were small grunts and other animal sound as well as a slight pause as if to search for the correct next word to use, it only half worked. One muscled finger pointed at Clacker.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 102 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 18:55
  • msg #65

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Now that the fighting was over, I had time to assess the newcomer to the group. He seemed quite primal, as though he spent more time as an animal than a human. I did not have much experience with druids, so I was not sure whether that was possible. However, there was still a much bigger concern, the faerie circle.

Elinaora or Gizmo can you describe the path to get to the grove? I need more information on it before I can determine the proper course of action. The Fey are rather tricky and it would help to know who the greater fey that is controlling the circle is. A Banshee is not strong enough on her own to summon one to this world.

Arcana: 18
Sand
player, 68 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 8 Aug 2020
at 22:55
  • msg #66

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

The battle was over with the death of the screamer, the other shadows disappearing into thin air. Spear always pointed in a defensive gesture, the construct looked around to make sure there was no other threats, the spear point finally dipping down, as the curious near naked human approached the group awkwardly, and pointed at Clacker.

What ... is …. This.

The defender knew, in it’s limited intelligence, that the man talked about him and raised it’s front legs to lift it’s head, the red beady eyes reflecting the image of the man on its multiple facets. The nasty looking mandibles opened and closed, like daring the man to approach its master closer.

Sand’s big friend is called Clacker.

Suddenly the attention seeking mechanical owl hooted loudly in the air as it did a close flyby of the man before landing 3 feet in front of the druid, looking at him, hooting. Sand shook his head at the antics of his familiar and said.

Scamp is Sand bird friend. What is man's name?

Althaea started issuing orders about going to some kind of circle, but the warforged had seen the last hit she had taken and turned its head towards her.

Althaea injured. Giltris, Thorn and Sand injured too. Sand thinks friends need rest.
Erik Moor
player, 13 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 9 Aug 2020
at 07:40
  • msg #67

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Crouched as he was, the man watched as Clacker claimed protection of one of it's swarm. Though it was wrapped in a strange shell and made up of things alien to Erik he could easily read it's warning and heeded it. He bowed his head slightly in deference and shifted his weight so that his already non threatening pose appeared just ever so slightly less so. And then that strange whirring bird thing flew by just a little too close. The beast-man's immediate response was to tense his body and he nearly leapt from his position until he saw what Scamp was.

Owls he knew. Even if it was made differently than those he knew, this was still an owl and it seems curious to say the least. His movements still careful, he lifted one arm elbow and hand at the same level so his forearm was parallel to the ground creating a perch of sorts. He hooted in response. His eyes lifted to Sand's mechanical person and he tilted his head to the side again as if processing what was said.
"Scamp." His off hand, the one not being presented as a potential perch, pointed at the mechanical owl and then at toward the guardian beetle. "Clacker." His hand then touched his own chest. "Erik." There was another pause but fewer animalistic sounds between his next words as the practice of speaking common slowly returned to him. "I am..  Erik. Why    is there... Screaming shadows?" The correct usage of present and past tense might eventually come back but for now his wording was still muddled and out of practice.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 129 posts
Sun 9 Aug 2020
at 13:48
  • msg #68

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Darcassan, lead the rest of the hunters out of the room they were hiding in.  Looking around, he saw the half elf walk up to him.

No, we are not hurt.  Thank you for asking.

They were taken from us.  One each night by the Banshee.  We....we were too frightened, almost frozen in place against our will.  We couldn't stop her.  We don't know where they are.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 87 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 9 Aug 2020
at 15:32
  • msg #69

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

"Thank you. We will see what can be done for them."

My armour drags at me as I stumble over to where Thorn keeps vigil. I am going to need to rest before we continue or I will slow everyone down. Sand seems to be dealing with the stranger, I will leave that in his hands. It will be good for him to deal with new people.

"Thorn, well done in the battle. As always, your skills were impressive. The hunters say that two of their members were taken over the last two days by the Banshee. Can you see any trace of what happened to them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Mathorn
player, 55 posts
Elven Ranger
Sun 9 Aug 2020
at 15:49
  • msg #70

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

So the fascinating creature was just a human after all. And one apparently determined to inflict the view of his full form upon others besides. Disappointing.

Observing no immediate danger, Thorn unwrapped the covering from around her ears and used it to scrub the blood from her skin – despite being wounded, she mustn’t appear vulnerable – before hooking the towel into her belt just in case. Then she raised her hood, chose a dim location close enough to overhear her companions’ conversations and kept a silent vigil for additional threats.

"You as well - no hesitation," she replied to Giltris, making a mental note that the half-elf readily fought undead. "Tracking depends on how she captured them: carrying would leave no trace; forcing them to follow her, some; dragging them, more. You ask. I'll look."

Perception:25 (Natural 20)
Survival: 17

Sand
player, 69 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 9 Aug 2020
at 19:27
  • msg #71

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Scamp flew back a step when Erik started hooting back at him, surprise in its entire attitude, and started grooming itself, in a mechanical, almost comical, imitation of real life. When the human offered his arm as a perch, the fey familiar sensed an occasion for mischief and flew, not to the arm, but to the top of the man’s head, starting to pick playfully at the unwashed hair.

Sand shook his head, discouraged by the owl, then cocked his head to the side, expressing curiosity at the near naked man. He didn’t know the answer to his question so he shrugged.


Sand not know why the screaming dead thing was here. Sand thinks it won’t come back. Maybe dead things come from Feywild, Althaea told us it’s dangerous.

His focus went past the man, to where the banshee initially appeared.


Erik know where big black beast is? Sand does not see corpse.


The halting speech of the man reminded the construct of his own awakening from the ice, less than two years ago. This savage man was obviously not used to communicate with fellow intelligent creatures, but it saw the efforts the man was making so was willing to be patient with him.
Erik Moor
player, 14 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 9 Aug 2020
at 20:44
  • msg #72

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

When the odd owl flew to his head rather than his arm, Erik ducked just a little and rolled his eyes up as if trying to look through the top of his own skull at the mischievous little thing. He didn't seem bothered by the grooming he was getting though and his eyes returned to Sand only to notice that he was being looked past. Instead of turning to see what Sand was looking at he looked up again keeping very still and then looked back and quirked a half smile. "Black beast Moorbounder. I am beast. Erik Moor. Looking for father, Wulf." That number of words strung together at once seemed almost exhausting to the man as he put one hand to his throat and open and closed his jaw moving it side to side.

Still careful not to disturb Scamp's choice of roost, Erik stood, slowly. His head turned to survey the others again, which might have given Scamp pause about staying there.
"Some.  are hurt..." His eye seemed to rest particularly on the armored half-elven woman who had just stumbled. "Have things can help." He said simply.

He hooted a warning to the owl to either fly or hang tight and then he started moving toward the window the moorbounder had leapt through skirting a good distance around anyone in his path. His movement was odd again but swift. It shifted between this nearly upright stance and occasionally leaning all the way forward and planting his hands to propel himself as well. Whether it was this odd gait or just the natural strength wound in his muscles, he was very quick. In no time at all he had made it to the empty window and with an incomprehensible word spoken he jumped through it with ease.

Moments later the sound of someone or something rustling through a bag, clack of wood on wood, and other things making contact with eachother could be heard emanating from the other side of the church wall.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:18, Sun 09 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 1 post
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 00:32
  • msg #73

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Seriously! I can’t even stop for two seconds to re-adjust my gear without some tattooed human seeing me. Although I wasn’t really trying to hide. I assumed fighting that screaming thing would keep them busy. Now how is this going to look? A bunch of heroes, I assume, fighting some screaming monster, kill it and suddenly around a wall they find a little Dark Elf girl going through her stuff. I look over to her.

You were suppose to warn me if anything was coming. What were doing?

She jumps from branch to branch slightly above me. Her feline form adjusting midair to land quietly as possible. As she moves the trail of black mist, same as her coat flows behind her, settling as she stops moving. Her purple eyes (the same as mine) fixed on me. I hear her in my head.

I thought you were more perceptive.

Don’t start Drow. Now I have to explain myself to him.

I point at the human staring at me. Damn it. Gritting through my teeth...

Hi, my name is Zail. Zail Hakken
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:33, Mon 10 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 15 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 02:13
  • msg #74

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Erik looked up from his things that he had left on this side of the wall before leaping into the fight. A nearly worn through rucksack was filled to the brim in no organization whatsoever. His eyes landed directly on a new individual, one that hadn't been part of the fight with the banshee. But he had overheard the others talk about others missing or not being present. He started searching through his bag again. Well searching was one word for it. In a squatting position he turned the bag inside out and dumped everything everywhere. A scroll case started to roll and he grabbed it up and stuffed it back in the bag. Patched and poorly repatched clothes were shoved back in along with an assortment of makeshift torches and tinderbox and rope and other equipment that all looked like it had seen it's best days years or even decades ago. The rough hewn wooden shield, pieces together leathers, and old curved blade that had been beside the bag were lifted up as he peaked under them to see if he could find the thing he seemed to be looking for.

At first he had thought that maybe those drag marks he had seen by the grove, the ones leading to it that had given him the thought of a possibility of a scuffle up that way, may have had something to do with the missing hunters. But now that She was here, his eyes went to the dark skinned elf again briefly, there was nothing to worry about. Their friends were back. They'd be happy he found her and maybe they'd be willing to help him find who he was looking for. He kept looking through his stuff uncaring of her presence until his hands finally found the kit he was searching for.

She started talking to him and Erik paused again his one hand resting on the kit. His head tilted to the side as she introduced herself. A single animalistic grunt and a short
"Erik" while he placed his empty hand on his chest was all she got in return.

Kit in hand he slung the overstuffed bag over his person so that it hung in front of him. He looked down at the discarded armor, shield and weapon and back at the hand holding the herbalism kit, shook his head and made to move toward the window again leaving those things there. He leapt up into the window this time, not through it. Bracing himself with his toes holding onto the bottom stone frame of it and his free hand against the side higher up. He looked over his shoulder at Zail and motioned with his head to come join the others. The ones he assumed knew her and then leapt down to the ground back on the side where he had left Sand and the others for a short time.

Raising the hand with the herbalism kit over his head with a self satisfied smile he told Sand.
"This help the hurt. Friend is outside."
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 103 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 03:27
  • msg #75

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand mentioned needing to heal our wounds before heading to the Faerie Circle, but I was too wound up after the fight to just sit still. I hurt, do not get me wrong. My arm hung nearly useless at my side from the ichor the Banshee left in my skin. Grimacing, I picked up my pan flute and took a deep breath before playing a soothing tune, directing the spell into my arm with my opposite hand. I pulled a piece of cut-up cloth out of my bag and wrapped it around my arm poorly while searching around the church for a common herb that would speed the healing. Seeing it over by the window Erik had jumped through, whoever he was. I crouched down and picked the herbs when I was close enough to them and re-wrapped my arm so it was more capable of keeping my wound sterile. As I stood from my crouch I was able to see through the window at a young female Drow.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I reopened them I looked through the window again hoping she had been a figment of my imagination. She was still there. If any of my companions had been watching me, they saw me blink out of existence; leaving in my stead gold and silver smoke swirling in on itself, whisps of scarlet weaving through the more delicate colors.

I popped back into existence next to the Drow, grabbing her arms to keep her from fleeing should she resist my charms.
Who are you and what are you doing here? I could not help my voice beginning to take on a malicious tone after my most recent experience with those of her race. I did not care this time what manner Giltris would hope we take with the girl. I would not let her get the drop on us.

I could tell she brushed off the magic that came with my appearance, however, I still held her firmly as I called out to Thorn.
Thorn, I think I may have found our missing Drow! I require your assistance!

Perception: 17 to find herb (12+5)
Medicine: 4 (2+2)
Perception: 23 looking through the window (18+5)

Action: Cast cure wounds on self. 11 (2d8+4)
Bonus Action: Fey Step and attempt to charm Zail DC 14 Wis save
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:30, Mon 10 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 2 posts
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 04:12
  • msg #76

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

What the hell?? Who the hell is this elf?! Why is she grabbing...did she just say missing Dark Elves? There are more? No no nononono.., there can’t be more! She tried to do something to me charm me or something, not today! I twist my arm around and break free of her grasp. I stare at her with a mix of shock and fear! This is why I hate other elves, but most of all my own kind.

Get you hands off me! Who are you? What other Dark Elves? What are they looking for? Who are they looking for?

You’re yelling.

I know I’m yelling! Some elf girls pops in out of nowhere and is getting all grabby with me and there are other Dark Elves around here!

I start backing away from her, she’s armed and calling for help. I have to run, to get away! I hate this place, I hate this world, I just want to go home.

You can’t do that, it’s gone.

I never take my eyes off the elf in front of me. But that cat...
I know what she’s doing, I’ve gone down that path before, it’s not good. She’s trying to refocus me, I love her but sometimes...


Stop it Drow! I know, I know.

My eyes stare hard at the elf girl as I slow slide my hand to my blade.

 I’m only going to ask one more time, what are the Dark Elves looking for? Who are they looking for?

Wisdom Save (with Advantage): 19 (18+1)
Acrobatics : 20 (14+6)
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 104 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 05:03
  • msg #77

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I was unprepared for how lithe this little Drow girl was. And she clearly was not acting as though she was a part of the group that had attacked us. That did not mean she was innocent though.

My voice lost some of its edge, recognizing the youth in the Drow's face.
Who am I, you ask? I am not the one yelling at the top of my lungs while speaking with one's elder. What is your name, girl? I paused slightly to wait for her answer before continuing. My name is Althaea Sylvaranth. I am not from this realm. I have had but one encounter with your kind since my arrival here, and they were not looking for another Drow. So how do I know this is not some ruse to fool me into believing you are not with them? How can I trust that you will not stab me in the back no sooner than I turn it? I see you reaching for that blade.

This girl did not sound like she was yelling at me. I glanced at Erik, who had just jumped back through the window. No, I do not believe she is yelling at him, either. Is she yelling at the cat? Does she expect it to answer her? How long has she been on her own like this?

Insight: 18 (15+3)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Mon 10 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 89 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 10:45
  • msg #78

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Another Drow here! It is strange to see one on the surface while the sun is still up. It does not seem to have been trying to sneak up on us, or if it was it is not very competent. Unless this Erik is somehow in league with it. Is this a plot to split our group or isolate a particular target! Stop it; there is no proof of that. Erik helped us against the undead so it is unlikely he wants to do us harm. No guarantee about that though.

I must have faith in my companions they can resolve matters with these strangers while I guard the hunters. That is why we are here; that is our first priority.

I hear Althaea call for Thorn and my brown hair hair loses its luster. This could end so badly! Must her restraint be tested again so soon! She has had so little time to grow. Even as the thoughts pass through my mind unspoken I am ashamed of them. I know so little of Thorn; it is unfair of me to judge her so harshly.

My thoughts begin to spiral out of control. No no no! I need to slow down. I need to be rational. I wish I could play my violin but we have already been attacked once and that large creature is still out there! I cannot match Althaea's skill; it is unlikely I would be able to soothe it if it comes back.

In...Out...In...And out. It helps but it is not enough. I quietly begin to hum my favourite hymn and I can hear the desperate edge to the music as I struggle with my own nature.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Mon 10 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 70 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 17:39
  • msg #79

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand was still trying to figure out how Erik could be the black beast, when the man came back with a backpack that had seen much better days, and a little pack with some leaves coming out of it. Sand understood that he wanted to help the injured and was about to thank him when something he said caught his notice.

Erik says friend is up there?


He looked around and counted his companions. No they were all there… until suddenly Althaea was not anymore, using the same trick she had used with Sebastian… and the screaming started, another voice he didn’t recognize. Too big to quickly move up the ruins, he send Scamp to see what was happening. And to Erik he said.

Sand does not think that is Sand friend.

Mathorn
player, 56 posts
Elven Ranger
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 21:33
  • msg #80

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

At Althaea's call, Thorn ceased her examination of the hunters' trail, drew her chakrams and darted immediately to the female's side. Upon finding her companion holding a shouting Drow captive, Thorn brutally suppressed her emotions and circled around the pair to examine the dark elf's tracks. After studying them for a moment, she turned back to Althaea: "She's not the fourth. Her feet are too big and she moves differently - like one accustomed to stealth. Ironically. But you should check her forearms regardless."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:36, Mon 10 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 105 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 22:40
  • msg #81

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

After Thorn had confirmed what I had already suspected, I took another look at the young Drow, my gaze softening the longer I looked at her.

We are not going to hurt you, young one, so long as you do not try any funny business. Can you do me a favor and roll up your sleeves?
Zail
player, 3 posts
Mon 10 Aug 2020
at 23:04
  • msg #82

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I hear the other one speak, Thorn I believe. I take a quick glance. Another elf, is this place crawling with elves? I keep my eyes on the high elf.

(Drow, keep you eyes on the little elf.)

She follows my request by moving from branch to branch until she has a good fix on the wood elf. Her purple eyes staring, waiting. I slowly move my hand away from my blade.

I guess I just have to trust you or the other elf or the tattooed guy or anyone else you have around here aren’t going to try to kill me. What choice do I have really?

I slowly unlatch my bracers from my forearms and let them fall to my feet. I hold up my hands toward each of them flicking my hands side to side. If I hadn’t had some skill at spell slinging I never would have done this, but luckily I have a few tricks up my now bare sleeves.

Well, satisfied?
Mathorn
player, 57 posts
Elven Ranger
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 00:47
  • msg #83

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The captive was focused entirely on Althaea. That was . . . odd. Unless she had someone else watching Thorn. She and Aisling surveyed the area. She'd tolerate no further surprises today.

She spotted it quickly: a cat watching her from a nearby tree. Still hidden beneath her hood, she angled her head away from the eyes of feline and dark elf alike, and in a voice so low only the stimfay perched on her shoulder could hear, instructed him to subtly observe the creature and attack at the first sign of hostility. Then she turned her attention back to the Drow. Her presence required an explanation.

Perception: 21
Aisling's Perception: 5, 11

This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Tue 11 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 106 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 02:36
  • msg #84

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I could see her forearms were bare of the tattoo that signified the elite group of Drow that had attacked us. While I did not feel entirely comfortable around the young Drow, I did not feel threatened by her anymore.

Yes, thank you. You may put your bracers back on. Are you hungry? I am famished. Let us go sit and I shall make some tea.

I made my way through the window and back to the rest of our companions. I found a safe place to start a fire and started heating the water for tea. While I was waiting for the water to be ready, I pulled out my lute and played a jovial tune to settle everyone's nerves.

Now, how are we going to find Althidon and Elias? The Banshee was not strong enough to send them through to the Feywild without the help of a stronger Fey.

Performance: 17 (9+8)
Song of Rest: add 1d6 to first hit die rolled.
Healing: 6+3 (Hit die and song of rest)
Sand
player, 71 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 04:04
  • msg #85

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

So there was another Drow that crossed the path of the group. Althaea seemed to keep a close watch on the dark elf, with Thorn never too far in the shadows. A curious shadowy cat seemed to follow the drow and Scamp took an interest in it, trying to playfully pocking it, or catch its tail with it’s beak. As the other broke bread and rested, he decided to get Zantler’s spell book out, one of his hobbies, and tried to decipher some more runes, as his natural healing went to work and repaired the damaged wood fiber he was partially composed him. Clacker, as usual, was beside the construct.

Hit dice use, plus song of resting, total of 5, full HP.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:16, Tue 11 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 16 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 04:38
  • msg #86

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik cocked his head again when Sand told him the person out there was not a friend and then a lot happened at once. The very people he had brought his kit back for rushed out the window and around the wall and a bunch of yelling came from that way. The tatted man-beast went from his upright self satisfied position to a low crouch again as he turned to face the direction of the commotion. It was over rather quickly to be honest. So quick that Erik didn't have time to figure out what transpired between the lot of them before they were all coming back this way to rest and recuperate. He didn't move much from his space as he watched them settle in. There seemed to be an uneasy not quite trusting air about all of them some of it directed his way but for the most part they seemed to be watching the dark skinned one that he had seen.

When the fire started and the water was set he watched for a bit. His mind flashed back to a time years ago when he was so small that he had happily watched the flames of a comfortable fire while he was wrapped in the warmth of his father's arms. Erik seemed transfixed by the fire for a time as one finger traced along a tattoo on his arm, gently tracing the lines up to his neck and then to his cheek. His open hand paused there and his head leaned into it his eyes nearly shut. After a moment of self soothing and memory he blinked and looked around at everyone again, the sound of a lute seeming to stir him from his reverie.

Slowly he moved closer to the fire and those surrounding it and he carefully began to open his kit filled with natural herbs and salves. Over the course of the next few minutes he offered various soothing poultices that were already stored within the kit which spared them all from seeing the process he used to create said poultices without the usual mortar and pestle that one would use for such things.

Even though these things helped a little they had little immediate impact and eventually he resorted to another method of assistance. It was a strange thing that happened, his working of magic was like nothing taught in arcane circles, perhaps some old old secret of nature. It began with a primal low gutteral sound as he withdrew what could only loosely be called a wand, something that looked like a gnarled root or a deformed bone of some animal, with it he touched one of the many tattoos on his body. The tattoo, small and descreet near his left wrist on the palm side, was of a small plant barely breaking soil. As his guttural chant called it forth the tattoo writhed and like a time lapse it began to grow, at first twining about his hand and then from each of his fingers the bush became a living thing and it bloomed and sprouted multiple small fruits growing in size until perfectly ripened berries appeared. One by one they fell into his palm and the branches of the tattoo bush withered away returning to its original form on his wrist. All of this in a matter of seconds. But the berries remained. Ten of them.

"Take. Eat, feel better." He offered them to any who would take them and demonstrated by eating one himself. "Feel full. Take take."

There are 9 good berries remaining, each can give you 1 health if you eat it and give you enough sustenance for 24 hours.
Erik seems ready and able to grow more if folks are still hurting.

Andraste Giltris
player, 90 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 05:23
  • msg #87

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Althaea and Thorn returned with a young Drow girl, it is hard to tell sometimes with Elves but I do not think she is even a full adult yet. Ha, still probably older than I. Relief floods through me that further violence was not necessary followed closely by shame at my lack of faith in my companions. One more thing I need to work on.

After settling the strange Drow Althaea starts a small fire, sets a small kettle to boil water, and takes out her lute coaxing out a jovial song that immediately improves the mood around the impromptu campfire. I would have chosen a different song but it is still pleasant and I let the music flow through me taking with it the last turmoil from my thoughts. I urge the remaining hunters to come out of the room and join us by the fire and try and get them to relax by asking questions about their travels and listening to their stories carefully directing the conversation away from their missing companions for now.

I am startled briefly when the strange Human produces berries from a tattoo on his wrist and offers them to everyone. I am quick to be the first one to take one, giving him a smile and a quick, "Thank you.". He has done us no harm but it is better that one of us test this offering first. I pop the berry into my mouth and slowly begin to chew. The flavour is strong and bitter on my tongue but not unpleasant and after a moment I swallow and find it strangely filling. After a moment of no ill effect I nod to the others around the fire, signalling that they are safe to eat.

I meet the man's eyes and nod my head, "Well met neighbour. Thank you for your help; I would have been sorely pressed without it. I hope that someday I can return the favour." I place my right hand on my chest before continuing, "I am Andraste Giltris. What do you wish to be called?"
Erik Moor
player, 17 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 05:58
  • msg #88

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik looked back into Andraste's eyes and replicated the nod and right hand placement on his own chest. "I am Erik.. Moor." In a very similar tone to hers but slower more testing of the phrase he also repeated the question and answered it, "You wish   to be  called? Friend." He nodded again and then turned to offer the berries to everyone else with his left arm outstretched.

The interspersing of animal sounds and grunts between his words had decreased somewhat but was still present
. "You search for some ones. Saw tracks, maybe struggle maybe dragged... out near grove. Not a good place." It would seem he hadn't picked up on the subtleties of the warrior trying to redirect the conversation away from that topic.
Mathorn
player, 58 posts
Elven Ranger
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 15:09
  • msg #89

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

She blinked once at Althaea's words, but unlike Thorn, the female had proven herself adept at social situations so she had earned a certain degree of latitude in conducting the interrogation.

While Thorn did not believe this Drow to be a member of Death's Quad, her own experiences had taught her never to underestimate anyone due to youth and something else about the whole situation bothered her. Why would an elite order so obviously mark their agents? Possibly as a means of identification and control - particularly if the organization spanned multiple cities - but it seemed more likely to her that the tattooed members provided cover for more lethal, unmarked operatives. With all this in mind, she waited for the dark elf to proceed her before joining the others at the fire.

She remained standing to better guard the Drow, keeping her weapons in hand but concealed under her cloak and her posture relaxed. Since Scamp fully occupied the feline's attention, she sent Aisling up to scout for any additional threats or unexpected individuals in the area.

When Erik offered food, Thorn paused. She did not recognize it, but the casting was familiar. Magic regenerated, so assenting to his offer would incur no appreciable debt. And would allow her to conserve her own spells and rations for a time of greater need. She accepted.

Unfortunately, the discussion focused on the missing hunters. Thorn confirmed the human's statement in hopes that settling the point would allow them to address the rather more pressing issue of what business these two strangers had in the ruins.

"Their tracks head northeast. Periodic drag marks. Intermittent signs of struggle. Enough of a trail to follow."

Aisling scouts the area.
Perception: 20, 5
Thorn recovers 15 hits points (1 Hit Die, Song of Rest and 1 Goodberry) and returns to full health.

This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Tue 11 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 72 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 20:30
  • msg #90

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Erik came to see Sand, excited like a child, and showed him berries he had magically created, telling the construct to take one to heal. Had he been able to have any facial expression, Sand would have been sorry for the druid. Instead, he carefully replied, trying not to hurt the man’s feeling.

Sand cannot take berry. Sand cannot eat. Sand maker did not give ability to eat to Sand.


Hoping to be clear, he was saved when Thorn found some tracks of the missing hunters. He sent Scamp to follow the tracks, the bird protesting to be removed from his fun with the shadowy cat, as he prepared his bag. Looking at the druid’s backpack, tearing at the seams, he told the man.


Sand can fix bag. Sand likes fixing things.

He then moved out, ready to follow Thorn and the group, shield and spear in hand.

Scamp perception 8, 17

This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Tue 11 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 4 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 22:24
  • msg #91

Re: (IC) 1:  The Clifftop Keep

Wait, what? First she’s grabbing me and demanding things and now she wants to give me tea? This elf is strange. They’re all strange. I don’t know what the other is saying. I pick up bits of elvish but that’s it bits. I look over to Drow to get her thoughts but she’s busy dealing with the metal bird. It keep diving toward her, not in an “attacking” way, more in a “deciding what is she” way. It keeps trying to grab her tail, which is difficult because of her trailing mist. Finally it’s seems to be leaving.

(Are you okay? She invited me to tea, after she grabbed me!)

Now finally settling on Zail’s shoulder Drow eyes follow the Eladrin.

I don’t think I like that bird. I’m fine, but I do not enjoy being chased around. Anyway, you like tea. If she wanted to fight she would have with her friends.

(You’re right, on both.)

I start following the elf, slowly at first but soon I pick up my pace.

Wait, if you’re inviting me to eat with you I should at least be told about the other Dark Elves, are you hunting them?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Tue 11 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 91 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 11 Aug 2020
at 23:10
  • msg #92

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

In reply to Erik Moor (msg # 88):

Friend? It seems I am meeting many people who wish to be my friend lately. I must be doing something right. "You may call me Giltris. We are indeed looking for two people; an elf male and a human male. You saw tracks near a grove? Can you tell us why the grove is a bad place?"
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 107 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Wed 12 Aug 2020
at 02:13
  • msg #93

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Her question surprised me but based on my response to seeing her, it was a logical response.

No, we are not hunting them, although I understand why you would think we were. They attacked us in the village these people are from. I said, pointing at the hunters, We defended ourselves and sealed the tunnel they had used to travel here from the Underdark. One got away and we had not seen that one so when I saw you, I thought you might have been that Drow. I did not want to take chances and get caught off guard.

By that time the water for the tea was ready and I poured everyone tea that wanted a cup.
Erik Moor
player, 18 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Wed 12 Aug 2020
at 04:08
  • msg #94

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik didn't understand fully why Sand would not take the berry but he didn't press the issue further. When the metal man offered to fix his bag, the one hanging in front of him Erik instinctively wrapped his arms around it protectively. Then slowly looked down at it and let go one arm at a time. The berries were spared being crushed either through luck or instinct as well. He didn't say anything but he did lift the bag from his shoulders and gently, very gently lowered to the ground near Sand. His eyes kept doing this weird thing where they would dart from the bag and back to Sand like he was trying to watch them both simultaneously.

Without ever moving his eyes except to bounce back and forth between his only belongings and the metal man he'd just met he slowly answered Giltris' questions.
"Grove not bad place... Not a good place either. Not a place to be to mess with... How it is. Fey." There was a long series of pauses and near restarts of words mixed with his animal sounds and then another language, very clear and precise slipped from him in a string of beautiful words that sounded rote, something taught to him and memorized. Sylvan for those who were familiar with it.

Then he slipped back into stumbling over his common. "Disrespect to Fey, small changes here there no good. Will not disrespect again." It was followed by a sort of whimper as he cowered just a little lower while ever watching Sand and the bag.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 108 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Wed 12 Aug 2020
at 17:39
  • msg #95

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I had not been paying much attention to the conversation between Sand and the Druid, whose name I learned was Erik. His speech patterns were similar to Sand's, broken, and sometimes hard to follow. Neither was able to fully voice what they were truly wanting to say. In the middle of the conversation, Erik's speech switched to the language of my homeland, and while the exact words he said weren't beautiful, the way he was able to speak it was. He was less constrained with his words.

I responded in Sylvan,
It sounds like you had a run-in with one of my less kind brethren. I am sorry for your luck. It was probably not a pleasant experience.

In common so everyone could understand, I started to explain my experience with Faerie Circles. Under certain conditions, Faerie Circles can be used to link the material plane, the world we are in right now, with the Feywild. Not just any Fey can control a circle. They have to be far stronger than the Banshee was. The Fey are fickle and any disturbance can make them angry or irate. What qualifies as a disturbance varies to each individual Fey. Their rules are vague and individualized, but they all follow a certain set of principles. Fey cannot do anything to you unless you agree to it, you harm them, or break the basic rules of hospitality or politeness. While the Fey cannot lie, they have perfected the art of not lying and cannot be trusted. I repeat, should we encounter the Fey controlling the circle, do not trust anything it says.

I took a drink of my tea and waited for the barrage of questions that was likely to come from this new information.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Thu 13 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 73 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 13 Aug 2020
at 03:49
  • msg #96

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik did not seem reassured when Sand told him he could repair his bag, but relented and while keeping an eye on his possessions, he started talking about the grove, being neither good or bad, before switching to another language with sororities very similar to elvish, but different enough that Sand didn’t understand it. But the construct focus was on the bag.

Sand needs to empty bag to fix.

Erik watched him like a hawk as the warforged emptied the content of the bag, careful of all the items in it, taking mental notes of what needed repairs… which amounted to pretty much everything. Erik did snatched up a scroll case and held it close to his chest. Sand cocked his head sideways, wondering what was on the scroll.

But the bag first. Mentally he called on the “tool bag” he had implanted in his thigh, the wood fibers coming alive and separating like tentacles, pushing tools to the surface of his “skin”. Selecting one, he took the bag in his hands and examined it as the remaining tools merged back in his leg. He touched the bag with the piece of bent metal and muttered in his non-existing beard for a minute, the teared leather of the bag coming back together and merging, creating a bond as good as new. A few minutes later the bag was repaired, without any traces of ever have been damaged. It did need a good wash to remove the encrusted grime and dust, but that was unfortunately out of the warforged powers.

Nodding, he presented the bag to Erik, before looking at his companions, still discussing with the dark elf and the hunters. Figuring he still had time, he took a leather jerkin in the pile and restarted the magic that made him so happy.

He could fix things.

If only he could fix his speech impairment!

Andraste Giltris
player, 92 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 13 Aug 2020
at 04:11
  • msg #97

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Well I guess I cannot make them anymore comfortable, time to get a couple of answers. "We need to ask you a few questions before we decide what to do next." I say turning towards the four hunters.

"What happened before the spirit forced you to take shelter? Does anything stick out in your mind that might have angered it?

What can you tell us about the area? Do you know of any other dangers or things we should avoid?

If we choose to go looking for your companions do you have a safe place you can wait for us now that the spirits have been dealt with?

Most importantly, what do you want to happen next?"

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 110 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Thu 13 Aug 2020
at 17:25
  • msg #98

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

With the information I had provided, Giltris took to asking the hunters a few questions. To ascertain what we should do going forward presumably. I took this opportunity to focus on one of the new arrivals, Zail.

What brings you here, Zail? This is a rather odd place for your kind to randomly appear. What are your motivations and goals? Do you think we would help or hinder this?
Erik Moor
player, 19 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 13 Aug 2020
at 19:13
  • msg #99

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Althaea Sylvaranth:
I responded in Sylvan, It sounds like you had a run-in with one of my less kind brethren. I am sorry for your luck. It was probably not a pleasant experience.
If a whip had cracked by his ear, Erik's expression could not have looked more terrified. He froze. Muscles along his leg tensed and twitched and his eyes expanded, they still never left Sand and his work but now there was something different in them. Save me...

After a few moments of frozen terror in his expression he finally moved, very quickly, very suddenly he ran to put Sand, the largest other creature around, between him and Althaea and stayed there while the rest of the group discussed what they would be doing next.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Thu 13 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 130 posts
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 01:13
  • msg #100

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Darcassan speaks up:  Sure, we'd be happy to help.  Thanks for coming and saving us, by the way.  We really weren't sure what we were going to do when we were cornered in here by the spirits.  The first afternoon we were here, we set up camp and still had light left, so we split up into 2 groups.  One went NE and the other NW.

We always try to move around in this forest mainly to ensure we are not clearing an entire area of food sources and to stay unpredictable for any monsters that might be in the area or following us.  We spread out about 2 miles or so in various directions from the church.  There was nothing really different about our methods.  A couple times the NE group had heard rustling in bushes that was something a little larger than we wanted to tangle with and so left before it could find us. Never saw what it was though.

We've talked about it a couple times and can't think of anything that would have angered it, I mean, we're doing the same thing we've been doing for over 3 months now.  No idea what we could have done.

Before he was taken, Elias had found a strange black vine growing in a couple spots that we hadn't seen before.  The vine was strong like metal and he cut a bit while doing it, but we have a sample of it to bring back to Thorin, in hopes he could identify it.  He would know better than we would.  The vine is dangerous, and just in the couple days we've been here, we've seen one of the vines in particular grow almost 3 feet.

Thinking about it, we've been seeing a lot of new and strange plants in this area, though more to the NE, and also sporadically in the forest.

Um, now that the spirits have been dealt with, which we thank you for, we would just wait here for your return.  I think at this point it makes the most sense if we all return together.  More safety in groups, don't you think?

Not really sure what you mean when you say what do we want to happen next?  If you are willing to help our friends, we would be most appreciative.  Elias is Elinoara's brother and she has been quite distraught since his capture.

Sand
player, 74 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 01:42
  • msg #101

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand was in the middle of an mending incantation, repairing the scimitar when he vaguely heard Althaea say something to Erik in that near elvish language. However the human became jumpy hearing the Eladrin and started acting like a cornered animal looking for an escape. That was enough for the construct to interrupt his incantation and look up to see what danger was the human seeing. He was looking around when suddenly the human ran and hid behind Sand, earning a vicious warning snap of Clacker’s mandible, the defender trying to push Erik away from it’s master.

But apparently what terrified the druid was more frightening than a 300 pounds metallic beetle with razor sharp mandibles. Sand put a hand on Clacker’s head to calm him down and turned to face the trembling human.


Sand sees that Erik is…. What is word?

He needed to think a moment, the correct word escaping his limited vocabulary.


Erik is feeling… fear… yes that is right word. Sand wonders what is causing fear in Erik? Althaea can be like sand paper sometimes but Sand thinks Althaea is good person. Erik not reason to fear Althaea.
Erik Moor
player, 20 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 02:10
  • msg #102

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Even better. He had two large metal creatures between him and... The one that spoke as Granny did...

Erik shuddered.
"Althaea... Talk like...Gra..." He shuddered again and quickly snapped his mouth shut. He rocked back from a crouch to sit on the ground with his knees tucked up toward his chest, arms wrapped around them. "Not here, not her. Not here... Not her..." His language quickly devolved into that of frightened beasts.

After a minute or two of nonsensical animal gibberish that continued despite Sand's consolation he lay back on the ground, breathing heavily, eyes unfocused and clutched the scroll case in his hands. He rolled over to his stomach placed his hands on the ground and raised up into his four point primal stance. As he did his form started to shift. He grew larger and darker and while the hair on his head seemed to recede, the rest of his body became shaggier and slicker. Even the scroll case in his hand melded into the shape. Soon the same tattooed brute of a moorbounder that had been present before was present again.

It began to pace as it's breathing, previously as ragged and heavy as Erik's had been, slowed bit by bit. Again a few moments of restlessness passed before finally it settled down and lay on the ground with it's forepaws tucked under it's chin. Still positioned so that Clacker and Sand separated it from the rest of the group. It's head lowered as if to show that it was resting but it's eyes never shut all the way. Always directed toward Althaea's general direction.

Andraste Giltris
player, 93 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 02:22
  • msg #103

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

In reply to Takmarin (msg # 100):

As Darcassan finishes answering my questions I make eye contact with each of the hunters. As I meet Elinaora's eyes I notice a large purple flower tucked behind her right ear. That flower is familiar. I pause for a second as I try harder to remember. It was so long ago and I tried so hard to bury those memories but fleeting images of running barefoot, laughing through strange woods towards a woman in a green cloak. I shake my head to clear it before I get lost in painful memories. That flower is not from here.

"That flower is very beautiful. Where did you get it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:51, Fri 14 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 131 posts
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 02:28
  • msg #104

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

For a second Elinaora doesn't realize you're talking to her, but then blushes: Oh this?  I found it in a copse of trees about a mile or so from here.  There was SO many of them!  I just couldn't help myself.  They smell like freshly baked bread, isn't that strange and lovely?
Andraste Giltris
player, 94 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 02:49
  • msg #105

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"That is interesting. Althaea," I call over to the elf across the fire, "is this not the prettiest flower you have ever seen. Such a lovely shade of purple." I say, raising my right hand and indicating the flower behind Elinaora's ear.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Fri 14 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 5 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 03:01
  • msg #106

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I look at Althaea, pondering her question and how to explain. Maybe I didn’t need to explain myself to her or to anyone. She grabbed me after all, granted it was a mistake but...

What do you have to loose?

Drow drowns our my racing thoughts. She’s on my shoulder, I look at her, deep into her eyes as she looks deep into mine. The same they are. Where would I be without her.

Maybe it’s time to trust someone. We can’t go on just the two of us forever. This world, it’s too dangerous now.

She’s right, as usual. Guess we have to start somewhere and Althaea seems genuine.

I’ve been searching, for my father. He was away on a mission when the world uh...ended. I’ve been searching for him since. Many think I’m a fool for even trying but if anyone survived I know it would be him. You just happen to stumble upon me. Thank you for the tea, it’s quite good.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 111 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 04:46
  • msg #107

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I could see the fear in Erik's eyes when I responded to him in Sylvan. I knew it would take time to get him comfortable with me and I would not push him.

Perhaps we can help you find him. Do you have any idea what his mission was when he disappeared?

A short while later, Giltris was holding up a flower for me to look at. I had seen this flower many times as a girl and it did not belong here. I nearly choked on the tea I was taking a drink of when I saw the flower she was holding up. Giltris, that flower is from the Feywild. Where did you get it?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Fri 14 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 95 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 12:55
  • msg #108

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Elinaora says she found it in a copse of trees a mile from here. Is there something we need to know about this flower?"
Mathorn
player, 59 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 15:28
  • msg #109

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Looking for her father? Not patron or sire. Father. That wasn't even a convincing lie coming from a Drow. So why choose such an unbelievable reason? And something else about the dark elf was bothering Thorn, flitting around at the edges of her conscious mind where she couldn't quite grasp it. She indulged in just a moment of frustration before forcing herself to cease considering the matter entirely. It would come to her eventually; sooner if her mind were calm.

Just as Giltris approached and began speaking about a flower of all things, Thorn glanced at Althaea to determine whether she detected the oddity in Zail's story. However, her question for the Drow seemed rather perfunctory in comparison to her reaction to the plant.

Beyond the general peculiarity of the Feywild's effect on vegetation in the area, Thorn could not determine what was so alarming about it, but - even discounting Erik's obvious panic - both females had demonstrated a calm lethality in combat that made Thorn willing to believe the situation may indeed warrant concern.

Despite wanting to glance up at Aisling circling the ruins, she kept her eyes on the dark elf. Her companion would return when he spied danger or finished scouting. Adjusting her grip on her chakrams, she listened, watched and waited for whatever would come.

Insight (Zail): 9

This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Fri 14 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 132 posts
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 15:29
  • msg #110

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Wait, what do you mean this flower is from the Feywild?  Wh-why would this flower be from there?  Elinaora says with panic in her voice.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 112 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Fri 14 Aug 2020
at 21:21
  • msg #111

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The flower is from my homeland. I know this because I have seen it there and have training on the properties of the different vegetation and other food sources between realms. This particular flower, for instance, is specifically designed to mimic the person's favorite smell of food they would like to eat.  However, eating it has two different effects. If you were to eat in the Feywild, it would be poisonous. If eaten on another plane; here, for example, it ruins food for the person for the rest of their life, due to everything in the Feywild being more delicious and more colorful by a tenfold.

Why is vegetation from my homeland showing up here? That is a great question, but not one that I have all of the answers to yet. I know there is a Faerie Circle in the grove you found that flower in and it can act as a portal between the two realms. However, I do not know what Fey is controlling it or why it is bringing these particular plants here or why they are being scattered around the church.

Darcassan, that vine you have a sample of to take back to Thorin is called Razorvine. It is also from the Feywild. I do not know of a way to destroy them, but perhaps Thorin can find a way to do it. These vines have a taste for blood that rivals that of a vampire and the leaves themselves are as sharp as a razor, which is where it gets its name.


I had not wanted to provide a history lesson that night, but the people needed to know where these plants were coming from and their properties before horrid things happened to them. While I was not overly fond of any of these people, since I was just meeting them, I did not want to see them get hurt from me withholding information.
Andraste Giltris
player, 96 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 15 Aug 2020
at 01:36
  • msg #112

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Thank you Althaea." I turn back to Elinaora. "That truly is a lovely flower. I understand why you picked it but I do not think it is a good idea for you to hold onto it. May I have it please? I wish to take it back to where you found it."

She quietly reaches up an removes the flower from behind her ear and extends it to me and as she does the scent of Bodmoli's favourite peppermint tea wafts over me. I gently take the flower from her. "Thank you."

I stand up with a small grunt of effort, my strength is returning but I am not quite back to full strength yet. Still, I am grateful for the improvement as I am able to move much easier in my armour. I make my way around the fire to where Sand sits with his fellow constructs around him  and the large form of the shape-shifted druid crouched behind. I hold my hands out from my side to show him I am not holding anything dangerous and slowly approach Sand and Erik.

"Sand if you would please step aside, I need to speak with your friend but please stay close." I keep my voice as clear and calm as I can and keep my eyes on the large cat but making sure not to hold his gaze.

Sand stands up taking the large backpack he is holding with him and steps to the side, Clacker at his side his mandibles snapping at me in warning. I have to work on that, I wonder how you earn the trust of a machine defender? "Erik say Althaea talked like Gra then he changed."

Good to know. I move to stand before the crouching cat making sure to stop a couple of metres from him and kneel to make sure my head is level with his and my empty hands remain out to the side. "I am guessing someone hurt you before, someone who spoke like Althaea.  But they are not all like that. Althaea has her faults, she is a person after all," I say giving him a small smile, "but she is a good person and she will not hurt you; not without cause. I give you my word on that." I say to him trying to inject all the certainty and sincerity I feel into my voice.

"We came here to find these hunters and make sure they get home safely but two of them are missing. We need to have a conversation about what we are going to do next and I know that, if you are willing, your input would be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, we cannot understand you in your current shape. Would you be willing to take your human shape and join us around the fire?" I ask him while slowly holding out my right hand out towards him.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Sat 15 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 21 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sat 15 Aug 2020
at 04:21
  • msg #113

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

At Giltris' first approach, the moorbounder raised it's head from it's paws and tucked its legs under itself but beyond that just watched. The 'I am not a threat' gestures certainly helped. The creature flinched at the short Sylvan phrase mixed in with the rest but didn't retreat. When asked to return to human form the beast shnuffed an odd sound and almost looked like it was going to shake it's head like one might see a dog do. Instead though it's eyes shifted from Giltris to the fire and Althaea, then to the hunters. It's breathing started to speed up again as the back of it's large body rose and fell with the breaths. And then one deep inhale that caused the resonation chamber to do that growl-croak thing only in reverse. And as it breathed out the shape melted away. Erik was still crouched there on the ground two feet, one palm, and a fist curled around a scroll case anchored there. His hair covered his face once again obscuring his eyes.

His head began to nod.
"Find   the.. missing ones. I will help."

It took some more coaxing but he did return to the fire. Or at least came closer to it. Although he seemed reluctant to go to far from Sand and Clacker in the Althaea's direction.

"I can lead to grove and tracks. Can make hiding easy. Hiding will be good. Hiding will be very good... Fey know Fey best." The last was said looking very pointedly in any direction close to but not directly at the sylvan tongued Eladrin in their midst.
Zail
player, 6 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Sat 15 Aug 2020
at 14:37
  • msg #114

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

That’s a lot of excitement about a flower. It’s pretty but if it’s from the Feywild that pretty rare. I look over from the flower down to Drow, who has also been following the conversation about the flower. Her ears flick and she looks up at me.

Should we go with them?

(What do you mean?)

You were invited. Again, there is safety in numbers. How many times have we barely escaped death recently because it’s only us? They look strong. I think we should.

(I agree, I’ll accept.)

If it were possible that a familiar cat could give the look of “finally listen to me” she was giving it now.

Althaea, yes. I would be nice if I could travel with to help find my father. I’m not sure where he is. The um, guild we were a part of kept that information quiet so I would have only learned of it after he was successful. The world fell apart while he was away. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you all.

I look to the greater group, their faces give mixed responses. This will be a long road.
Andraste Giltris
player, 97 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 15 Aug 2020
at 17:57
  • msg #115

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Once everyone was settled back around the fire I stand up and take a step back so I can see everyone. "We have an important decision to make. Most of us came here in search of the missing hunters and we have managed to find almost all of them. Now we must decide if we will risk those we have found while we search for the two remaining or do we cut our loses and return to Vertigo." I pause to look around the fire and try to look each person in the eye. "I myself want to search for them but I understand if you feel otherwise, each of you are free to make your own decision. Who will stay with me and try too bring them home?"

There is a moment of silence around the fire and furtive glances are cast around the fire. Sand is the first to speak, "Sand will search." followed shortly by the others.

Erik nods his head.

Thorn gives an apathetic shrugs.

Althaea raises her cup of tea.

Zail

"Thank you all." I smile widely at them all. "Darcassan, I trust you and your companions will remain here while we search. If you have not heard from us in more than a day it is best you return on your own." When he nods in response I turn to face Thorn and Erik, "I fear this search is outside my skill set. Thorn, Erik how should we proceed?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Sat 15 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 75 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 15 Aug 2020
at 19:32
  • msg #116

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand could only nod approval when Andraste came in to talk to the polymorphed druid and calmed him down. The half elf was so good with words, so patient, always knew what to say, that he could only feel impressed. Of course, his limited experience with sentient beings was a big factor, combined with his speech impairment, explained why he would need a life time to even approach this level of skill with words. He felt like he should learn from the wise paladin, so he resolved to listen to her. And to Althaea, who was more abrasive in her delivery, but also very good with words.

Maybe that was the way to break out of his curse?

The young dark elf, Zail, decided to be part of the group, and told everyone around the fire that she was looking for her father, since the Upheaval. That was a long time, and Sand felt sorry for her, that her father was probably dead. But his expression could not change, always stuck in the this fixed neutral mask. He did notice that the cat and her looked at each other often, almost communicating. He cocked his head to the side, wondering if the cat was like Scamp. He would need to ask her.

Sand turned to Erik, who was standing really near the two constructs, since his panic attack hearing Sylvan.


Erik said he also looks for father. Does Erik have details? Sand can help Zail and Erik, after hunters  found and keep’s weapons found. Sand not have father. Father must be important.

Andraste took the lead and asked the group what was the next step to follow. Almost unanimously, it was decided to go look for the missing hunters. Sand simply said that he would search for them and nodded. He put Erik's possessions in the freshly repaired bag and handed it to him, before raising, taking his own bag and waited for the others to get ready.
Erik Moor
player, 22 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 01:28
  • msg #117

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik accepted the bag from Sand with a look of amazement. It looked almost like how it had when his dad had... well, it looked a lot better now.  "Thank Sand. For    fixing."

Once again, he slung it over his person so it hung in front of him much like a pouch on certain creatures, although a very large and full pouch to be sure.


"Father look like me. Not this though." He waved his hand toward his beard. "Shorter hair. Lots of these." He motioned toward his various tattoos. "Hunting, always hunting. Lost during dream when kid." He frowned trying to get the right thing out. "Never found years. Bird see him somewhere... close to mountain top-down. He not like this place. Never here before. Never here." He shook his head again the number of words all at once seemed to drain him.

Tired of talking, he replaced the scroll case in the newly repaired bag and retrieved the disused leathers and wooden shield from the other side of the wall. More poorly kept equipment for Sand to possibly worry over in the future. For now though he strapped the shield to his arm and it hung at an odd angle. Soon the reason for its condition and strange angle became apparent as he quickly returned to moving about on four and three point stances using the shield as a sort of support for such movement while the bag swung easily beneath him. Odd as it looked he still seemed quite capable of very rapid movement. Quicker than most, perhaps even all, of those present.


"I...    Will show   the way to tracks  ..  saw at circle. Follow, come, quick. Quiet."

And with that and a few glances over his shoulder now and then to ensure the others were following, Erik led the group north and east to where he believed their lost hunters may have gone, or been taken.

Takmarin
GM, 133 posts
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 04:15
  • msg #118

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The tracks were infrequent leading to the grove.  Sometimes drag marks could be seen lifting up some of the soft earth and other times, you could walk a couple hundred feet before seeing anything again.

During the walk, the environment around you took on a different hue.  The leaves on the trees seemed a little brighter in color or took on an unearthly hue.  Various mushrooms not seen on your earlier trek to the church could became more abundant, in numerous color combinations and all different sizes, some large enough to sit on.  Strange and wondrous plants could be seen popping out sporadically, overshadowing the more dull landscape you've been used to.



After a couple twists and turns on the path, and walking underneath a couple of root bridges, you finally come upon the grove.



The grove itself is about 100 feet in diameter. There are scattered trees along the edges, giving it a feel that it is circular in shape, but there are various small pathways that look to lead out of here.  In the middle of the grove sits a circular winding path that is about 5 feet wide, lined with various sized stones and those beautiful flowers, like the one Elinaora had, separating the path as it twirls into the center.



Sitting in the center of the grove is a venerable creature, with long white stringy hair, eyes that look glazed over, as if blind, and a dark tanned hide, weathered from old age.  His feet are goat hooves, and he sits upon a stump while holding a walking stick.  He sits about 5 feet across from another stump.  Next to each stump are two golden bowls and a pile of stones, each roughly 1 inch in diameter.



He slowly stands up as you enter the grove, as if in slow motion.  Hanging behind the aging fey creature are two large prison cages hanging from a large tree, with the two remaining hunters standing in them, bound and gagged.


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:27, Sun 16 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 98 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 04:51
  • msg #119

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Althaea, I think it best if you take the lead here. Please ask if they will let us tend to their prisoners even if they will not free them.'
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 113 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 07:06
  • msg #120

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I look to Giltris as she speaks to me, I will do my best to free them, however, if the Satyr will not negotiate with me for their release, I will do as you ask. I hope it does not come to a fight, but if it does, I can do this for you, make you a little heartier.

I slowly move up to the Satyr, remembering from my lessons what abilities they have. They were originally denizens of the Feywild, and some still reside there. However, eleven years before I was born, the courts came together and cast out the Satyrs, stripping them of their power in the Feywild. But even before that, the sheer number of revels, indulgences, and parties in the Material Realm by its inhabitants lured many Satyrs to journey here. Satyrs love making merry in the forest and trying to spread a good time wherever they venture. They are always searching for parties to crash, beauties to woo, and songs to sing, being hedonistic by nature. Satyrs are known to celebrate any festival they can find and even invent one or two just as an excuse to make merry. Satyrs enjoy seducing members of humanoid races, resorting to their enchanted flutes if necessary to win over their victims.

Because of their nature, I decided to play the Satyr a song while I approached. Not just any song, this one would be laced with magic. I was still roughly sixty feet away from the Satyr when I pulled out my lute and started to play an enchanting tune. After a few chords, I started to sing. I continued to approach as I played my song, however, I wanted to make a show of it. As my song came to an end, I sat on the stump across from the Satyr.


Hello, my name is Althaea. I am here to talk to you about the release of the two you have caged behind you.

Bonus Action: Mantle of Inspiration to Giltris, Sand, Zail, and Erik (Thorn, Althaea feels you are less likely to get hit if combat erupts cuz you hide) gain 5 temp HP and can immediately use your reaction to move your speed if you wish.
Performance= Enthralling Performance
Nature: 13 (1d20+2)
History: 21 (1d20+2)
Performance: 21 (1d20+8, +2 from guidance)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Sun 16 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 134 posts
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 15:56
  • msg #121

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As you begin your song and walk the path, the Satyr cracks a small smile and begins to tap his hoof gently on the ground, in the rhythm of the music.  You find it a little odd that he never moves his head, always looking straight ahead where you entered the path.  Once you sit down, you notice there are six of the same pebbles from the pile, in the bowl sitting next to the Satyr.

That was a very lovely song and I've not heard its match in quite some time.  I appreciate you singing it.  As you sit down on the stump, one of the pebbles from the pile lifts up into the air and gently lays down in the bowl next to you.

As for the hunters, I'm sure an arrangement could be made, though I am surprised.  Aren't there more pressing matters at hand than these two, your highness?  The Satyr speaks softly and kindly in a sweet sounding voice.  Not the raspy voice one would think from an older and aging creature. His crooked staff stays firmly on the ground as he speaks to you.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 114 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 16:11
  • msg #122

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I appreciated the compliment from the Satyr and I would be sure to tell him so, however, I was concerned that he knew who I was if he was banished before I was born. I did not wish to upset the Satyr, but I needed to know.

I appreciate the compliment, thank you. I did not catch your name if you do not mind my asking it. I am curious though, how did you know who I was? I did not tell you my last name and from my lessons, the Satyrs were banished before I was born. What matters of which do you speak? There are quite a few on my mind, and you are much older and wiser than I. I cannot begin to presume what my elders are thinking.

I smiled sweetly at the Satyr, not that he was likely to see it, but he had already surprised me once today. I did not want it to happen again.
Takmarin
GM, 135 posts
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 16:28
  • msg #123

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

When you finish saying, I appreciate the compliment, thank you., you catch the smallest of scours on the Satyr's face.  Immediately after, one of the pebbles from the pile rises up and lands in the bowl next to the Satyr.

There are few as beautiful as you, your highness, however, in case I am wrong in my assumptions, what is your full name, so I don't make any grave mistakes?

The Satyr becomes quiet, seemingly waiting for your response before answering any further questions.
Sand
player, 76 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 16:30
  • msg #124

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 120):

The little troop walked towards the grove, as the scenery started to change, gigantic mushrooms, magnificent flowers. Sand was keeping the returned Scamp on his shoulder, heeding the warning of Althaea to not disturb anything. Finally they arrived in front of a Satyr seated on a log and Althaea approached him. Sand though quickly as she was passing beside him and gently touched her arm.

Sand has trust in Althaea.

Casting Guidance, an extra 1d4 to a skill or ability roll.
Erik Moor
player, 23 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 18:45
  • msg #125

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The more unearthly the world had seemed as they'd progressed to the Grove, the more nervous Erik's behaviors had become. The vast number of strange plants were sign enough. He had very carefully avoided this place when he came through last time. They'd walked under a bridge of roots and his lead had lessened more and more until those behind him eventually surpassed him and he was in the middle of the group when they finally saw the Satyr in the center of the spiral path. He had cowered and positioned himself behind Sand and Clacker again and his eyes had darted around noting all potential paths of egress. He'd started to pace back and forth from behind Sand to behind Giltris and back and forth and back and forth.

But then, Althaea had stepped forward. And she began to play as she walked around the circle. Despite his distrust of her he almost wanted to warn her, after all Giltris the kind one had vouched for her and Sand the machine had seemed at ease around her even going so far as to declare his trust in her. He'd continued to pace unsure if he should flee or remain. And then she'd begun to sing... And it was breathtaking. And magical... He wasn't sure how to feel at first but he felt stronger, more sure of himself. At the very least he was inspired to remain and see how this played out. He stilled his pacing and from between Sand, Clacker, and Giltris now he watched the conversation between the Fey begin.

He especially noted the movement of the rocks to the bowls when they thanked each other. This was Fey trickery indeed, he didn't know how but he knew it somewhere inside. If the others said nothing he may have to but for now he simply observed.

This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Sun 16 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 115 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 20:01
  • msg #126

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I recalled from my lessons the importance of knowing one's full name and was not willing to give the Satyr that power over me. I knew these dealings were going to be very delicate going forward and I needed to be very careful.

You already know who I am, therefore, giving you my full name is unnecessary. You haven't given me your name either if I do recall. It sounds to me that you are the one that is in need of an introduction here. I do not wish to be rude in our dealings going forward. I was raised to be nothing, if not polite. You know how my mother is.
Sand
player, 77 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 22:21
  • msg #127

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand looked on the exchange between Althaea and the satyr, noticed the rock changing bowl, and cocked his head to the side, trying to figure what was the end game here. Althaea had said that groves like this one were created by powerful Fey creatures. The old Satyr did not look very menacing, but the bard was obviously very careful on the words she was exchanging with him. Scamp was fidgety on his shoulder but obeyed his explicit command to stay put, the little fey spirit excited to be in a location that reminded him of home.

The druid was nervously pacing behind him and he could feel Clacker only wanting to clack a warning to Erik, but he too was under strict instruction to stay calm. Now was not the time to disrupt the delicate negotiations.

Still, the wordplay was mesmerizing and the ballet of rocks intriguing. Sand quietly casted a spell, hoping to understand what game was the Satyr playing here.

Insight check with guidance 22 + 4, 26 total.

Takmarin
GM, 136 posts
Sun 16 Aug 2020
at 23:43
  • msg #128

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Without missing a beat or seeming bothered by any of the response, the Satyr said, My name is Magorian. It seems some of your manners may be slipping child due to your absence from the Feywild; how long until you are allowed back home? It seems your family feels much the same.

How did I know it was you, you ask, eh?  Being old and wise has its perks, I guess.  I make it a habit to know who I'm dealing with before a conversation and yes, you are correct, most of the Satyrs were banished from the Feywild.

I speak of the matter that is of most importance to this world, not necessarily you personally child.  The war of course.  What do you intend to do about it?  Was it not what you were sent here to accomplish?  Surely the Seelie Court would want to rectify such a dire situation?

Where are my manners though.  Would any of you like some famous Fey delicacies or beverages while Althaea and I discuss further arrangements?

I'm sure you, Althaea, are finding the food here, lacking.

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:53, Sun 16 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 116 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 17 Aug 2020
at 01:47
  • msg #129

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I could tell Magorian was trying to pull the wool over my eyes somehow, but I was not able to tell with what specifically. I would just have to take a chance and hope I am not wrong.

Glancing back at the rest of my companions, I said
Remember the flower and be cautious. I then turned back to the Satyr.

Some refreshments would be lovely, Magorian. I have been rather displeased with most of the dishes I have tasted here. Mother did not say, just when I am done with my mission. I have not been here for long, I do not know this war of which you speak. Mother was not very forthcoming with the details, I believe she is testing me. Are you referring to the Drow?
Sand
player, 78 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 17 Aug 2020
at 03:43
  • msg #130

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The satyr offered some refreshments to everyone, and Althaea subtly reminded everyone to be careful. The construct still didn’t need to eat anything, but something of the encounter reminded him that politeness would play a major roll here. He considered his answer for a few seconds, his limited vocabulary a curse here.

Sand is truly sorry, but Sand can not eat. Sand maker did not give stomach to Sand.  Sand thanks you for gracious offer.

He bowed at the waist, Scamp taking flight before perching himself on Clacker’s carapace.
Erik Moor
player, 24 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 17 Aug 2020
at 04:39
  • msg #131

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik's response to the offer was short. "No." And he shook his mangy hair covered head while scooting back. But as if realizing there was more at play here and perhaps drawing on some rather unfortunate memories. He added. "Have no ...ex   change. Not fair   to you."
Andraste Giltris
player, 99 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 17 Aug 2020
at 11:52
  • msg #132

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Andraste smiles at the old Satyr and bows slightly from the waist. "Some water would be lovely."

Thorn bows and says, her voice firm and resolute, "That is a kind offer but I'm unworthy of such consideration."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:03, Mon 17 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 7 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Mon 17 Aug 2020
at 13:09
  • msg #133

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I don’t like this. I don’t like that thing. Drow’s freaking out. She must know or see something I don’t, I trust her hesitation. Her hair is raised and her tail is puffed out and flicking all over. It’s going to hard to fight if she’s like this on my shoulders. I look from the satyr over to Althaea. I keep my voice as quiet as possible.

Be careful Althaea. I don’t like this, not at all.
Takmarin
GM, 137 posts
Mon 17 Aug 2020
at 15:11
  • msg #134

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

After hearing the replies, or lack thereof, the Satyr smiles as six more pebbles float into the bowl next to him.  Looking back at Althaea, his smile grows a little wider and says, Excellent, let me fetch those for you.

Without moving a muscle, a large wooden stump-like table appears in a poof of air in from of the rest of the party, along with enough chairs for all those that might wish to sit.  A mushroom like table with a long, thin stem, pops up in between the Satyr and Althaea as well, with a platter containing a feast of Feywild delicacies, their aromas immediately filling the grove with tantalizing scents.  The shining and spotless silver platter consisted of exotic cheeses and fruits, flower petals and mushroom caps, all of which were colorful and beautifully arranged.

Two long and slender glasses appear atop the mushroom, aside the platter.  The Satyr, shows his hand which contains a single white towel, with two grapes in it.  He places one in each of the glasses, and begins to stir with a glass stirrer that seemed to come from nowhere.  As he begins to stir, the grape instantly becomes a fruity wine; the scent touching on your lips before you've even had any.

I find it very unconvincing that your mother would send you here on something so important and not give you the appropriate details, however, the Seelie Court has made many poor decisions as of late.

The Drow are just a small piece of the puzzle, though that doesn't make them any less important.  I have many contacts, and contacts of contacts if you will, so I have quite a bit of information on the war thus far.  While it is important for both our worlds, it is primarily more dire here.  Is this information you would like to know now or will you be taking the highly valuable time needed to take an extended trip home and ask your mother?
  The Satyr's smile not only grows again, but looks far more dangerous.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 117 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 00:55
  • msg #135

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I took a drink of the wine Magorian had set before me and nibbled on the various delicacies set out on the table. The sheer delight on my face was almost palpable. I could actually taste the different flavors of cheese. The price I was going to have to pay for this food was worth it.

It is not my place to question my Mother's decisions, not yet anyway. Perhaps in another couple hundred years, I'll have the wisdom to suggest other appropriate courses of action. Who am I to presume I know better than the Queen? Speaking of the Queen, paying Mother a visit, I would be remiss to say I would not enjoy going back. However, I am sure a deal could be made for the prior, it is a rather long trip. One, I am not sure I can afford to make at the moment. These people have come to depend on me. Mother sent me here to test me, to teach me how to be dependable to my people. What kind of a princess would I be, no, what kind of a Queen would I become, if I left my people now?

I paused for a moment to gauge his reaction before I stated simply, in a voice low enough my companions could not hear, Tell me what you know. I am sure we can come to an arrangement.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Tue 18 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 138 posts
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 04:03
  • msg #136

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Seeing three more pebbles float into the bowl next to him, the Satyr says,

I agree your highness and it seems that you have a much better head on your shoulders than the family elders currently running things in the Seelie Court...and for that, I would be happy to tell you about the war and might just be able to help you and your compatriots as well...should you accept my terms.  Looking at the bowl, you're already quite in my debt, especially with the freedom of your hunters, gifts provided, the lack of appropriate manners, as well as not following the rules of the Fey.

First, the war.  Long before the time of the cleansing, a very powerful creature known as Kyroth Mog, ruled the Underdark.  He became so powerful that his powers of domination were able to reach beyond the Underdark and onto the surface world.  Those of the Underdark were already under his influence and so therefore could not fight back, however the surface world still had a chance...and a chance they took.  They gathered intelligence, assembled the troops and necessary magical equipment needed to accomplish their tasks.  After a long six years and a lot of lives lost, they were able to lock the beast away behind four magical seals.  These magical seals each hold two specializations of magic within, polar opposites, so that to unlock a single seal, you would need two powerful wizards, each excelling in their specific specialization.  Generally this couldn't easily be done by just one wizard, so it ensured a safety net of having two wizards making the decision for each seal.  It was brilliant and effective.  The orbs that acted as the seals and contained the magic within, were scattered across the world, held by powerful wizards of a different specialization, so there would be even less chance that the creature would be freed.

However, when the cleansing happened, the orbs suddenly became much more accessible.  With a lot of their protectors gone and wards compromised, there has been a resurgence to release this creature from his prison.

The Drow have one, that much I can tell by your face the first moment I mentioned the orb.  There are still three more, but they are all being pursued as we speak.

So where does that leave us?


Looking at the bowl again, the Satyr speaks up again.

We are running out of time and you, and your companions, are just not strong enough to stop this.  I however may be able to help with that.  I can give you all each a part of my strength.  I am too old to be running around fighting this war and I have other more important matters to attend to.  The problem I see is that you are quite in my debt already, so the price I require from you Althaea and you alone, will be quite high.  The question is, are you willing to pay the price for the power to save your world?
Sand
player, 79 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 12:02
  • msg #137

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The ballet of rocks continued in favor of the satyr’s bowl and warning bells sounded in the fine mind encased in a faulty mechanical body. Then the fey creature told Althaea he basically owned her, in a complicated game without any rules that Sand could discern. And he seemed to have contributed to this debt without even knowing it!

This conflicted with his ingrained love of order and rules, feeling the chaotic and twisted mind games of the Satyr in full force. If his face could express any emotion, anger would be represented now. Instead, his body started to lean forward, he took a step forward, the shield arm lifting up, the spear point raising  from the ground and Clacker, sensing his master’s mood, gleefully clacking once. Scamp took flight, ready to help as soon as directed, hooting loudly.


Althaea is not in debt of anyone. Sand thinks  there was cheating. Sand needs to speak with Althaea, right now.

The normally polite warforged was not taking no for an answer.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 118 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 21:35
  • msg #138

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Althaea looked to Sand, who seemed angry, even if his face was not able to express it. He did not know the rules of the Fey and believed there was something that could be done to change the Satyr's position. It was folly to try, however, I would speak with him if just to tell him so.

Excuse me a moment, Magolian, my companion seems to overstep his bounds. I stood up from the table and bowed to the Satyr, turning to face the path back to where my companions await. However, before I begin to walk away, I notice something. You are a clever one Magolian, no matter which way I take back to my companions, I will be forced to break one of the rules. The path back would have me travel counter-clockwise, however, to stray from the path avoiding this, is also breaking a rule.

Forgive an old fool, let me fix that for you.

You look at the path, waiting, but realize that even though you were watching the path, you never saw it change, but realize it is now going clockwise. As the path is corrected, a pebble drops in the bowl next to me.

The rules of the Fey are never clearly stated at the start of a discussion. This Satyr did not cheat, though I understand how it would seem that way. Magolian is old, making him extremely wise and clever, and he outmatched me. Whether I take his deal for the power or not, I am still indebted to him for the food and for freeing the prisoners. The price I will pay will not be as steep, but I will still have to pay, none-the-less. Is there anything else you wish to discuss before I make my decision?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Wed 19 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 80 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 22:11
  • msg #139

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The volatile eladrin showed a very good level of self-control as she very politely blasted Sand for his indiscretion in the delicate negotiation that Althaea was completely losing. But the massive construct still didn’t like it.

This still feels wrong, Althaea. Sand may not know Fey rules, but Sand not trust horned one. How can Althaea be sure horned one is not asking for too much in return? What price is Althaea ready to pay?

Scamp, bored of the discussion and wanting to be with his dance partner, landed on Althaea shoulder and did not want to go away.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 119 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 22:27
  • msg #140

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

You do not have to trust him to know he speaks the truth. He is not lying about the war and the orbs. Should that creature be set free, we are not strong enough in our current state to defeat it. All power comes with a price Sand, I shall have to see what he asks of me in return.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Tue 18 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 100 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 22:38
  • msg #141

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Just because he cannot lie does not mean he is telling you the truth. I noticed that he did not say that we would be strong enough to face this challenge if you accept his offer. I cannot tell you which is the correct path; all I can say is there are other means of gaining strength if you choose to take up this task. They may be slower but I imagine they will ask less of you than this gentlefey." I say quietly to Althaea and reach out to lay my hand on her shoulder briefly. "I believe in you."
Mathorn
player, 60 posts
Elven Ranger
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 23:17
  • msg #142

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn pulled back her hood so she could meet Althaea's eyes directly: "Don't take on debt for me. Should rejecting his offer prove impossible, I will pay my own way." Her verdant gaze radiated intensity and determination. Then the moment passed and she hid her face again.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:18, Tue 18 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 81 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 18 Aug 2020
at 23:34
  • msg #143

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand saw Thorn’s face full on for the first time, as the elf with the weird skin color dropped her hood to talk to Althaea, saying that she didn’t want the bard to take on debt for her benefit. Sand felt something stirring in his mechanical heart when she said that, and knew right there that she was right. It was not proper for one member of the party to take on so much for the benefit of the assembly, and he nodded as the hunter retreated back to the darkness of her hood.

Thorn is right. Sand also doesn’t want Althaea to take on debt on Sand’s name. That is not proper. Sand will pay his share by helping Althaea help horned one.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 120 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 00:25
  • msg #144

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As I came up to the path, I notice it once again corrected so I was walking in the correct direction. I follow the spiral path to Magolian and sit down, I apologize for the delay, where were we?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Wed 19 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 8 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 01:16
  • msg #145

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Althaea walks back I hear what each of her friends say. What debt, I don’t know what’s going on. I won’t have anyone take on some debt for me, regardless if it’s gold or life. We make our own way. I pet Drow to try to calm her.

Althaea, take no debt for me.
Takmarin
GM, 139 posts
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 03:07
  • msg #146

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Ah yes, we were discussing the terms of our agreement.  For you to receive the return of your two hunters, as well as the power I am offering, the price to settle our debt would your choice of one of the following three options. Without warning, the clouds in his eyes dissipate and you can finally see his eyes for the first time.  A mostly black center with a thin stripe of red running the perimeter of each eye.  His face contorts, as he stands up with alacrity, his crooked staff standing on its own upright.

It is ultimately your decision on which one you choose, however know this your highness.  Should you try to deceive me, I will know it child.  I've been playing this game almost twice as long as you you've been alive.  Don't make me come get my due.  With that, he sits back down, lays his right hand back upon his walking stick, and smiles.

Ah yes, where were we:

The first of three, of the decisions for thee, is this:  When you marry, (and marry you must), and become Queen of the Feywild, your legitimate first born will be given to me.  As such, this first born will be the heir to the throne of the Summer Seelie Court, thus making my family, the royal family from that point on.  As you know, it does not matter in the Feywild if the heir is a boy or girl.

The second of three, of the decisions for thee, is this:  You will marry my son, and as the heir to the royal throne, my son will then become King.  Once the ceremony is complete, you may leave and live out your life as you wish, and my son will find a new Queen.  This will make my family, the royal family.

The third and final of three, of the decisions for thee, is this:  You fully give up your right to bear children and to marry entirely.  In doing so, as you know per Feywild rules, should the Queen not be able to marry or produce an heir, then the royal family's rights are forfeit and that would make MY family next in line to become the ruling royal family.

What is your decision, your highness?

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 121 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 03:51
  • msg #147

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I close my eyes briefly and take a deep breath while I ponder my options. None of them were good. However, option one gives me the most time to come up with a solution. I will deliver on the deal if I must, but I would rather find a way to change it and for that, I needed time. I open my eyes as I exhale the breath I had been holding, You know Mother, as long as she is living she would never allow me to marry your son. I am afraid option two is off the table. However, I do wish to have children, so option one seems to be the only viable option going forward.
Erik Moor
player, 25 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 04:02
  • msg #148

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik's first apprehensions were returning and rapidly, already he had started to pace again at the offering of deals that were just bad bad and worse. He didn't know much about Althaea but he did know that if this Fey was anything like Granny there was nothing good coming of this arrangement. He cowered again. Behind Clacker and Sand he began nursing in that animal-esque gibberish, and only one word could be heard breaking through again and again. Just loud enough for those close to hear well. "No.   Nonono no no." Finally something else became clear. "Never deal never. Owned,  will be owned can never be free." His eyes started to cast about the clearing again looking for safe egress if any could be found. But there was hesitancy there. He didn't want to leave somebody in a position he knew to well. He had escaped at least temporarily...

Maybe one day he could help her escape too.

Takmarin
GM, 140 posts
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 18:09
  • msg #149

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Magorian stood up and waited for Althaea to do the same.  Once she stood up, he clasped her arm at the elbow, again waiting for her to follow suit.  Once both clasped, he pulled her forward, laying his dry, cracked lips upon hers.  Althaea's eyes burst open in shock and surprise, as she could feel the agreement worm its way down her throat, her body writhing with each and every inch as it uncomfortably crept further and further, altering the very core of her being.  What felt like a lifetime was over in a matter of maybe ten to fifteen seconds, and ending with Althaea falling to her hands and knees, her body pulsing in anguish.

A wicked smile spread across his face, as he said:


The deal has been sealed Althaea.  Alright then, who's next?  He eyes the volatile Drow sorceress who looks incredibly uncomfortable and ready to spring an attack at any moment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Wed 19 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 9 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 20:02
  • msg #150

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I don’t know you. We have no business. Whatever you did to her you will not do to me. I have nothing for you and you will get nothing from me. You can take your bowl and your stones and leave.

I hope he listens. I don’t know how strong he is and honestly I don’t care. If he wants a fight I’ll give him one. I hope whatever he did to Althaea that she’s alright. Drow won’t calm down and her mind is racing, I can’t tell if she wants to run or fight.
Takmarin
GM, 141 posts
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 20:27
  • msg #151

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As part of the deal Althaea made, you are to receive some of my power.  Should you not have wanted it, you should have spoken up sooner instead of cowering in the corner.

Do you not want the power required to save your world?  Althaea can not do it alone and if you do not accept it, you will just become another slave in Kyroth's cruel world.

You may want to think about the lesser of two evils child and rethink your decision.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 122 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 21:24
  • msg #152

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I could feel the magic of the Satyr flowing through me, causing my eyes to glow their normal gold with the proximity to Feywild magic. After my body was through convulsing from the change left by the magic, I stood up from my hands and knees and looked at my companions, The effect on each of you should not be as strong, you are only receiving the magic, not also paying for it.

I look at each of them individually, Magolian will not hurt you unless you provoke him, I promise you that. None of you will be indebted to him, either if that is your worry. You have nothing to lose by accepting his offer.

My gaze stops for longer on Erik's form, Not all Fey are like Granny, I hope one day you can grow to trust me. Magolian does not own me, and he will not unless I renege on our deal. It is okay to accept his gift. You will be stronger for it.

A warning Zail, do not let him antagonize you. This is not a fight we can win today.
Zail
player, 10 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 21:51
  • msg #153

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I begin walking toward the Satyr. I hate things like this. I feel I’m being used, again. I make it down to his circle without even a thought of it.

Oh, I’m sorry was I standing in the wrong place? Which corner did you wish me to stand in, in the forest. It’s always the same with those like you, wizards and spirits. You have to have your games, your puzzles and riddles. Never can you be straight with anyone. Especially those who don’t understand your games. I hate those games. I trust thieves more than mages and spirits.

Drow leaps from my shoulder and runs to the outer edge of the circle. She’s still agitated and hisses. I look over to Althaea.

There is always a debt. My concern is for who has to pay it.

I make it up to the Satyr, he puts out his hand...waiting. I look at mine and think of my childhood. Then my eyes move to meet his, he’s smiling.

Understand this, I will never be anyone’s slave, ever again. As for the world, I don’t care. My world is gone and I hate this one. What I do now is not for the world or for power. I don’t trust you. I hope to trust Althaea, guess we’ll find out now.

Then against everything I was ever taught and every voice screaming in my head (including Drow), I take his hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Wed 19 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 142 posts
Wed 19 Aug 2020
at 23:36
  • msg #154

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Magorian grabs Zail's elbow rougher than he did Althaeas, and pulls her in close, his lips less than an inch from her face and says, You may hate how and why I conduct myself the way that I do, but there is a reason I am as old and powerful as I am.  I know how to survive.  As a dark elf, I thought you would understand the importance of survival better than the others behind you, but your incompetence, impulsiveness, and naivety will be your downfall.

Magorian leans back, pulling his hand to meet Zails, then quietly mutters a couple words. The power calmly flows through him and into Zail.  When he is done,  Zail, opens her eyes, wondering why he took his hand away.

You presume too much Zail.

It is done.  Who is next?

Andraste Giltris
player, 101 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 00:03
  • msg #155

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I walk towards the Satyr and extend my hand. "I am sure one of your experience already knows this but I feel compelled to warn you, those who seek advancement through trickery often find themselves undone by the same. Be careful that your reach not exceed your grasp."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Thu 20 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 143 posts
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 00:55
  • msg #156

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I am sure one with your little experience will eventually come to grasp, that patronizing an elder Fey lord, will bring you nothing but pain, suffering, and torment when you least expect it.

The Satyr, with quickling like speed brings Giltris down on top of the mushroom, her arms held behind her back.  As promised.

The power flows through the Satyr and into Giltris, leaving a feeling of nausea.

The Satyr gently releases Giltris and smiles dangerously.
Andraste Giltris
player, 102 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 01:10
  • msg #157

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"You are much more powerful than I ancient one but I do not fear you. I cannot control your actions nor influence them with any deed. Heed my warning or not that is your choice. Go in peace neighbour." With my warning given I turn my back on the ancient fey and make my way towards the hunters in the cages.

"Good evening neighbours. We should have you out of here soon; are either of you hurt?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Thu 20 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 82 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 03:25
  • msg #158

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Zail and Andraste went to see the satyr after Althaea reassured them. The young drow defied him, the paladin warned him, and he brushed it off like it was nothing. That creature was definitely one to be wary about, and Sand didn’t trust him.

But Althaea had taken the deal, despite the warning her companions had given her. Shrugging at the futility of it all, he took a few steps in the central circle, Clacker following at his side. He looked at his construct and mentally instructed him not to clack, the beetle just slowly opening and closing the razor sharp mandibles. Satisfied that this was the best he would have from the hot headed machine, he stopped about 6 feet from the satyr, head cocked to the side.


Sand won’t threaten or moralize horned one. Sand is curious, what does horned one gain by helping Althaea’s friends to do battle with monster? Amusement to see Althaea’s friend battle and lose? If Althaea dies fighting monster, horned one not get first born. How can horned one ensure that?



Patiently, he waited for the answers.</i>
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Thu 20 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 144 posts
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 04:16
  • msg #159

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Magorian smiled at the construct.

While this world is a more dire situation,  it does not escape me that the creature's insatiable hunger will not abate,  and he will eventually find his way to the Feywild.   Now, that could be 50 or 200 years from now, but it will happen.

See Sand, if you all manage to stop the creature from being released, I will get my 1st born, as promised. I dont need to ensure the safety of any of you, because if Althaea dies, her royal line ends with her and my family becomes the ruling family.

I've made a deal where I can't lose Sand.  That's how you survive in this broken world, by being smarter and seizing opportunities.

Sand
player, 83 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 09:59
  • msg #160

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

What makes horned one so sure his family will rule Feywild? What claim to throne does horned one have? Sand is curious, wants to understand.
Takmarin
GM, 145 posts
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 14:55
  • msg #161

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

So just to be clear, you would like to know about my family, is that correct? Magorian asks as he sits down, looking at the bowls.  Please, have a seat friend.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 123 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 17:11
  • msg #162

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Hearing the conversation Sand started with the Satyr, I could not help but shake my head. Was Sand not just berating me for making a deal with him over seemingly nothing and now here he was about to do the same thing. No longer needing to play my fan flute to control my magic, only needing it to be on my person, I subtly pointed my finger at Sand and whispered, He will not give you that information for free. You are asking for it, therefore, you will have to pay a price for it.
Sand
player, 84 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 19:33
  • msg #163

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand cocked his head to the side and thought about what had just transpired between Althaea and the deformed creature. And now, he was offering to the construct to sit down and discuss his family lineage. Despite his brutish appearance and damaged voice, the construct was bright and decided, after hearing the subtle reminder from the bard, that it was not worth it. He still wanted to help Althaea to break this devil’s made deal, but not this way.

He had gambled on getting some information by using his simple speech pattern, had received some but was not willing to pay the price the creature would ask for more, so he shrugged, and followed the path clockwise to the satyr.


Sand has nothing to give in exchange for information horned one offers. Please give Sand power that was already agreed on by Althaea.

In the back of his keen mind, he was already noting to find this information by himself, as he transferred his spear to his shield hand and offered his now free hand to the satyr, almost tempted to use his hidden armblade on the chaotic fey.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Thu 20 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 146 posts
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 20:09
  • msg #164

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I agree with you completely Sand.  I'm not really sure what someone as yourself could offer one as me.

The power passes through the Satyr and into the constructs hand, coursing through him like electricity.

Next...
Erik Moor
player, 26 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 20 Aug 2020
at 23:27
  • msg #165

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

While all the others in turn approached the circle and walked the swirling path to the Satyr to receive what he'd agreed to, Erik remained where he was. His posture stooped and low he paced back and forth like a frightened animal afraid to run away or take any action that might provoke the predator to attack. Somewhere in the recesses of his mind he processed everything happening. Again and again he went over the details of the deal as he understood it much like he used to when he had been manipulated before but always before it had been after the fact. There was never a good option with Fey.

He continued to pace, shield pressing into the ground along with his other limbs to make for that odd catering walk.

Althaea had said something that sparked a realization. If someone were to renege on the deal it was off and in favor of the one who did not. But nowhere, not once had it been said they had to go to the Satyr to accept the power. His pacing slowed but his breathing became more labored almost panting. He could run like his body and mind so desperately wanted him to but that could be seen as a backing out and screwing things up for the others. He could go to the Satyr, something he didn't even know if he could make himself physically do so afraid was he at this moment. Or he could change the rules, tweak them ever so slightly. Something inside of him relished the thought of getting one over on a powerful Fey, something he'd never imagined doing before. The rules were clear though, now the Fey had to give Erik this power.

He stopped pacing.

For the first time since their arrival Erik let his eyes meet Magorian's. Briefly. Before shutting them and breathing out. His every muscle in his body tried to refuse him what he did next. Erik, the frightened beast-man sat down. Alone. Outside the circle. He breathed in again and breathed out. Tension across every fiber of his being distorted the vast array of tattoos that covered his chest, shoulders, and arms. Slowly, very slowly, as he breathed with his eyes shut, he raised his hand palm upward to receive what was offered in the deal. His body never stopped shuddering, as if at any moment he would change and dart away.

The Satyr would have to come to him. And doing so would have to change the path to allow all those that had walked in clockwise to walk out clockwise as well, just as he had done for Althaea.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Thu 20 Aug 2020.
Mathorn
player, 61 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 03:10
  • msg #166

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik apparently intended to force Magorian to come to him - a decision which had the potential to increase not only his debt but Thorn's as well if she walked in the wrong direction or required the satyr to reverse the path for her. The most obvious choice would be entering the circle before the fey could approach, but she daren't risk such rudeness. Still, perhaps another alternative existed . . .

She knew her meager skill with words would never prove sufficient to persuade a panicked human to overcome his fear, yet Erik not only took the form of a fascinating creature, but seemed to share something of its thought processes as well. And she possessed considerable experience reassuring skittish animals. She could only hope it would be enough.

Slowly and cautiously, giving him plenty of time to react, Thorn crouched down putting herself on the male's level. "Erik," she said in a soothing voice. She waited for him to acknowledge her before continuing, "I too have yet to receive my boon. Perhaps we could go together?"

Thorn knew time could well be of the essence, but hard-earned discipline and over a century of practice allowed her to remain calm and collected. Being careful not to invade his personal space, she extended her own hand toward his, silently offering him her support should he choose to grasp it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Fri 21 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 27 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 03:44
  • msg #167

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sitting there, eyes shut tight, Erik heard and felt Thorn reach out with her words and reassuring presence. It wasn't something he had expected. His trembling lessened but remained. She had the sort of reassurance that could sooth a wild beast and that was exactly what he needed in this moment. However, he knew without a doubt that what he was doing was the correct course of action. In his mind at least. His brows furrowed as he refused to open his eyes. More thoughts and feelings flooded through him in an inexpressible manner. He breathed in deeply again and unfurrowed the brows over his squeezed shut eyes.

"Thank   you."
It was barely a whisper hissed through clenched jaw. "But you    go... I, I cant. Not wait for me..."

And he remained where he was. Ready to wait until the deal was fully sealed or disbanded entirely. There would be no extra debt incurred for this, he was sure. Not with the terms already laid out as they were. There was only the manner in which the terms were settled that he had to worry about, but Erik knew pain well, physical and mental, and if any of them were to experience it it might as well be the one who knew it as well as he did.
Mathorn
player, 62 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 04:31
  • msg #168

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"As you wish," she replied, her voice still low and even. She rose, expecting to feel nothing more than distaste at seeing a proud creature cower and scorn for those who had caused it to do so, but instead found herself understanding his feelings. She had the vague sense that a word existed for such a thing, but couldn't imagine what it might be.

She shook her head once to clear her peculiar reaction then checked the path briefly to ensure it still wound in the correct direction. With luck, given Erik's permission to proceed him and the negligible length of the delay, she'd avoided incurring more debt. She circled her way to Magorian and bowed to him courteously.

Despite the satyr's great power, Thorn knew she would not receive what she most desired from him. Even were the price not too high, it would hardly be to his benefit. Still, she respected his skill and cunning. It would be very interesting to discover the nature of the gift he chose to balance the scale, particularly given his hints that he knew the shape of the future.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Fri 21 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 147 posts
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 13:22
  • msg #169

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Magorian watched as the wood elf slowly and methodically walked the circle, while the other one remained obstinately outside it.  Keeping his eyes on the untamed beast, a thought came to mind, and when it did, he gave his full attention to the elf who started to bow to him.

In mid-bow, he grabbed the elf by the back of the neck, throwing her face down in the mushroom, not allowing the elf to breathe, the mushroom soft enough to mold around the front of her face.  The sheer power in his hand left Thorn defenseless, struggling for just an ounce of breath.

This is on YOU beast.  You think disrespecting an elder Fey doesn't come without consequences?  Now the game has changed!  You have about 1 minute, maybe two, before her air runs out. I've rescinded my invitation on all but you beast.  This is now your problem.  You and yours alone.  Oh, and I wouldn't stray from the path if I were you...

Suddenly the fey circle changed in a blink of an eye, becoming a maze of erratic paths now leading all throughout the grove, with multiple entrances and exits, dead ends and long, winding, seemingly never-ending paths.  The flowers, taking on a deadlier dark purple and growing to almost 3 feet in height; large thorns now protruding from them, dripping with a black ichor.

Tick, tock.
Erik Moor
player, 28 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 14:34
  • msg #170

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

With his eyes shut tight, and for good reason, he couldn't see the changes that occured, only hear the threat... This is on you... He flinched. This is on you. This is on You. It echoed through his mind and the voice changed and distorted and became that of one he had known. To anyone else it would sound like a kindly old woman. It was a phrase he had heard again and again as others were inflicted and it had always been his fault. She never let it happen without making him know it was his fault.

Eyes shut, the trembling in his whole person intensified and he began to rock where he was.

Tick Tock. This is on you. Seconds passed and he remained.

THIS is on You... Tick.. Tock... He stayed where he was, he couldn't open his eyes for fear of seeing what it was that he would feel guilty for. Someone's air was running out... This felt wrong.

This is on You foolish child. She wasn't here, she couldn't be.


"Your... Bargain. Was    made. And accepted."
It hissed out of him as he thrust his hand upward again waiting. And for just a moment, his trembling stilled. And then in beautiful Sylvan. "This is on You ancient one. Fulfill your covenant." Just speaking this tongue seemed to wravk him with pain...
Takmarin
GM, 148 posts
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 14:46
  • msg #171

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

You are correct, beast.  A deal was made.  I shall give you your power.  Of course, I'm a little busy at the moment, so let's say, in about 3 minutes then?  Excellent.

The muffled screams of Thorn could be heard, as she struggled, her breath waning.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:47, Fri 21 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 29 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 14:53
  • msg #172

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Deal." And he stayed where he was. Patiently waiting for the time to pass all the while trembling and second guessing himself.
Mathorn
player, 63 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 14:59
  • msg #173

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

So this was the cost of her failure - to soothe Erik and to keep up her guard around a creature she knew to be dangerous. She couldn’t breathe and the force of the satyr’s hand had all but snapped her delicate neck. His power was incredible - she doubted the entire party could overcome him, even should they choose to come and manage arrive in time. Yet she forced herself to remain calm; panic would only cause the end to come more swiftly. She had always assumed her death would be brutal and gory as opposed to deeply ironic and ignominious. Yet there was little she could do to prevent it from her current position, save hope that Magorian was bluffing and his invitation provided her with a degree of protection, allowing him to threaten but not kill her.

Then she heard Aisling shriek in rage, and recalled that although trapped, she was neither alone nor wholly unable to affect her fate. Thorn quickly signed to the mechanical kite to fly to the beast-man and guide him through the maze. With another cry - this time tinged with frustration and regret - her stimfay soared away, leaving his companion behind in hopes of saving her.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Fri 21 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 149 posts
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 15:21
  • msg #174

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Magorian, his face raging in anger , picked up Thorn's head; Thorn immediately taking the opportunity to take in a deep breath, gasping for air, just as an electrical jolt of power surged into her.  Throwing her to the side, NEXT

The path suddenly changed, leading straight to the beast, though for as second all was silent, like the calm before the storm.  With each quiet step, energy surged around the Satyr, those nearby feeling their hair stand up on end.  Moving with the speed of a cheetah, the Satyr closed the distance to the beast quickly, grabbing his arm.

The pain that followed was unprecedented.  Erik's whole body, writhed in agony as he could feel every cell in his body screaming to stop. Whispering in the beasts ear, Magorian says, <bold>"You may have won this battle, but the war is mine.  Know that once Althaea fulfills her promise, I'm coming for you and the pain you're feeling now, will feel like a summer's breeze across your skin compared to the torture that will come.  Know this and never forget it.</b> The power surged into Erik and Magorian left him there to crumble to the floor, from his sitting position.

My end of the bargain is now complete Althaea.  I look forward to your 1st born. NOW GET OUT!

Suddenly, the grove goes dark, and in moments, is lit again.  The two cages of the hunters, now opened not by the door, but like a flower petal in bloom; the hunters now free.  The circle, the flowers, the mushroom and tree stumps, and Magorian....all gone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:46, Mon 12 July 2021.
Erik Moor
player, 30 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 21 Aug 2020
at 15:49
  • msg #175

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The agony that ripped through him was more than anything he had felt before. He heard the words of Magorian and somewhere registered what they meant but in that moment his sole feeling was one of agony. Pure, raw, Physical agony. His mind however, in some small corner of it, rejoiced that his actions had not meant the extended suffering of another. He could take this. A physical change began to occur in his body as he crumpled to the ground. As the Satyr and his grove vanished something new etched its way into Erik's skin. He had changed many times and it had always been something smooth, a gentle transition. This was something forced upon him in the most painful way possible. Internally things shifted and pulled and tore away from where they were. Erik tried to breathe as he writhed on the ground and found himself experiencing what had been threatened toward Thorn. Suffocation. No air made its way into his trachea, no lungs would fill. Perhaps there were no lungs Too fill.

A series of something that looked like a blend between his tattoos and a massive wound began to open up along his torso. These were more real and more physically present than his tattoos though. This was a change to his very person. As time passed and he continued to struggle to breathe the wounds in his side began to do something else. They flexed and shifted, and the feeling of suffocation eased...


It took time getting used to. Erik lay there on the ground. Struggling to make the new respiratory system work. It was painful, the wounds were raw and in the dirt. Finally he opened his eyes and looked up into the sky. If he could have sighed in relief he would have. Instead he merely bore through this new found and seemingly ever present burning pain.

Sand
player, 85 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 01:57
  • msg #176

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The next few minutes were interesting to say the least. While Sand was recovering from the mild electrical shock he had received from the satyr and analyzing his systems to see if anything had changed, Erik did this weird chicken race with the fey, both confronting the other. Sand contented himself to watch at that point, until the fey tried to suffocate Thorn. Instantly, he determined that he needed to help the elf and decided to cut the mushroom her face was pressed on, to give her a chance to breathe. The hidden armblade extended from his forearm and he tried to move in to cut the stalk of the fungus… but his feet where rooted on the ground, the fey not wanting any interruption of his game with no discernable rules that Sand could see. He started to hack at the vegetation keeping him in place when suddenly he roughly threw Thorn back and called out Erik as the target of a future vengeance, before disappearing, with his grove. Suddenly free, the construct stumble a few step, and, after checking that there was no immediate danger, he retracted his blade and checked on the coughing Thorn, that let him know that she was going to be all right.

Erik was another story. Convulsing on the ground, the man seemed to be in great agony, and Sand approached him, ready to use his magical energies to help him. There didn’t seem to have any physical injuries, until he saw those slits opening in the man’s torso, which prompted him to actually cast his spell… he didn’t know want those were, so it was better to heal than be sorry!

Sand casts cure wound on Erik, for 12 HP

Mathorn
player, 64 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 01:58
  • msg #177

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn lay flat on the ground, stunned by the power of the satyr flinging her aside. Even after her vision cleared, she still could do nothing save forcing air into her collapsed lungs. Finally able to breathe again, she rose carefully as if uncertain of her balance.

Yet her eyes darted over the area, hunting first threats and then, with increasing urgency, something else entirely. Apparently locating what she sought rustling through the tall grass toward her, she quickly moved to meet it. A spider the approximate size of a child’s training buckler emerged, climbing up her leg and torso before settling on her left should across from Aisling’s habitual perch.

A series of chitters and hisses issued from under her cloak; at the sounds Thorn glanced over, regarding the hidden arachnid silently for a moment before flicking back the heavy cloth. The creature quieted, settling herself more comfortably on the pauldron as her multi-faceted eyes regarded the world from this new height. Aisling, who had returned to her right shoulder, ruffled his metallic feathers irritably causing Thorn to reach up and briefly touch his wing in reassurance.

She approached Althaea and spoke in the same level, neutral tone as always: “I felt Magorian bestow the promised power upon me. Yet I advised you to accept no debt on my behalf and I was attacked by a being with whom you chose to parley. As far as I am concerned, this matter is settled between us.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Sat 22 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 124 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 18:37
  • msg #178

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I felt as though I was not picking up on something Thorn was trying to portray, but she seemed so matter-of-fact that I was not sure how to ask. Thorn, it was not my intent to get you attacked and you would not have been, I glanced in Erik's direction, not wanting to voice that his behavior caused the Satyr to react that way. Regardless of how upset Magorian was at Erik, he was still in control of his own actions. However, it is always wise to use caution with beings more powerful than oneself. I turned back to face Thorn. I was not the one who bargained to give everyone else power. He was simply powerful enough that he did not care that no one else wanted what he might have to offer and did not change the deal upon learning it. I am sorry you were attacked in the process. I was supposed to be the only one who suffered because of this. I will make it up to you, you have my word on that.


OOC: Emily, let me know if you want a persuasion roll here and I'll make one.
Mathorn
player, 65 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 19:00
  • msg #179

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As she often did, Thorn felt she had missed something glaringly obvious to others. For a moment she was tempted to accept Althaea's offer, but then Aisling stirred on her shoulder. She studied the kite thoughtfully for a heartbeat before looking back at the female and speaking more haltingly as if struggling to explain: "No - I meant there is no debt between us. Either way. Yes?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:01, Sat 22 Aug 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 31 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 20:21
  • msg #180

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the healing magics of the metal man coursed through Erik he could feel some of the pain easing. The struggle to breathe through the strange system eased as well. From an outward appearance the slits in his torso began to fade in appearance until they looked akin to something between scars and a new tattoo design seared into his flesh. Internally that strange shifting of things moving about made itself known again and Erik flinched once more. Finally he heaved in a breath through the usual means and his lungs filled with air.

From his place on the ground on his back his eyes met Sand's as the warforged stood over him. He twitched his head downward in a sort of nod of thanks. Breathed again, easier this time, rolled over and pushed himself up to a crouched three point stance position using the shield again. With his non-shield hand he started to probe the new found designs on his torso tenderly. While doing so he looked around at everyone feeling a deep guilt as he noted the fading marks of the Satyr's hand on the back of Malthorn's neck. He knew it was she who nearly suffocated for his defiance even if he hadn't seen it occur. He could see the look in Althaea's eye as well. He was to blame.

He ducked his head down and swiped at the tear beginning to make its way down his cheek. To Sand beside him he asked,
"This. is  on me?"

After a moment he looked up again. There was a different glint in his eye now. A desire to purge his bad feelings by purging something else.


"Was wrong, this IS bad place. Burn it all down."

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 125 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 20:26
  • msg #181

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I smiled at Thorn and gently placed my hand on her forearm for reassurance. I never intended to make you feel as though you owed me anything for this. I apologize if that is how it came across. I still feel as if I owe you for what befell you in the process. Let me know if you are ever in need of anything.

Looking to the group, Erik makes a good point, we cannot let this place remain. However, we do not want to burn the rest of the forest with it. Sand can your water decanter help wet the area around the grove so the fire cannot spread beyond it? Then, we can use it to put out the flames when the grove has gone.
Sand
player, 86 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 22 Aug 2020
at 21:31
  • msg #182

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The healing seemed to have the desired effect and Erik started breathing normally again, giving the construct a nod of thanks, Sand nodding in return. Then he looked around and at Thorn, seemingly feeling guilty for the ordeal the satyr had put on the elf. He asked Sand if this was on him. It was a tricky question and Sand took time to think before answering.

Sand believes Erik played dangerous game and Sand is sorry to see Thorn and Erik hurt by horned one. Sand think Erik encountered horned one, or one similar, before. Is this the Gra Erik talked about?

Seeing the druid tense up, he put his hand on the man’s shoulder.

Sand sorry to evoke bad memories in Erik. Sand will be there for Erik, if Erik wants to talk. Sand will be there for Erik, if Erik wants to fight bad memory.

The druid seemed to take a decision about the remainder of the fey wild vegetation and Althaea acquiesced, asking for Sand’s help.


Sand will help. Sand can move earth to protect normal plant too. Tell Sand what needs to be done.

Andraste Giltris
player, 103 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 04:54
  • msg #183

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the hunters step from the cages as they open, Althidon turns to me and the corner of his mouth twitches with a barely suppressed sneer, "We suffered no injuries and that goat-man gave us food and water right before you arrived."

Of course he did; another needless cruelty inflicted on those weaker than himself. I wonder who degraded him so badly that he feels this childish need to flaunt his power and intimidate others. If it was Althaea's mother that might explain why he has chosen this needlessly convoluted way to seize power. I dread what will become of the people if and and when he comes to rule the Feywild. Well that is a problem for another day; maybe She can deal with that, I have my hands full here.

"I am glad to hear you have not been hurt. Your companions are waiting for us back at the church; they were very concerned about you."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Mon 24 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 126 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 16:05
  • msg #184

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I could see Giltris talking to the hunters and overheard their comment that Magorian fed them shortly before our arrival. I walked over to her, as this information was slightly more pressing than the fire we wanted to set.

I whispered in her ear so that the hunters were not able to hear, unsure of how to broach the topic with them as of yet.
There is no way to counteract the effects of the food they were given. They will need to be told and possibly watched over. It is not uncommon for mortals to starve themselves to death as a result of eating food from my homeland.

Once I had warned Giltris, I looked back over to Sand.

Before we start the fire, we should wet the area around the grove, preferably for a few feet all the way around. I do not want to take the chance of an ember drifting and starting more fires. Once that part is done, we can start lighting the fires around the grove.
Sand
player, 87 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 16:13
  • msg #185

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand understands.

Taking his decanter, he started the tedious process of walking around the grove, using water and earth to separate the material plane plants from the invaders from the Feywild. How long did that take? He didn’t count it, it was what was needed to do. While he did need to rest every day, since he didn’t need to eat, he could focus on a task for his waking hours and get on with it.

Sand uses decanter, mold earth and shape water to create barriers between feywild and normal plants.
Erik Moor
player, 32 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 17:02
  • msg #186

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand had offered Erik something he had never had. Or at least something he hadn't had in a very long time. An ear to listen and a friendly presence to face memories with. It was good to hear but right now there was something else the beast-man wanted to do. He had almost started burning things right away but he had enough sense to wait as Althaea requested Sand prepare some way of keeping any errant flames from spreading. He began pacing the entirety of the grove. Just walking about in his beastlike manner brought him from one end of the grove to the other in a matter of moments and while Sand wet areas and covered others with dirt, Erik paced and paced.

Someone talked to the hunters and they responded, in the back of his mind Erik logged that they were screwed when it came to desiring food from this world but it didn't register as highly important. In his pacing he intermittently flicked his gaze toward Thorn and felt the guilt well up again and again. He took that feeling and turned it into something else though and let that fuel his desire to burn this place. As he paced, a smallish tattoo on the back of his shoulder that depicted a small campfire had begun to slowly come alive as he began another guttural chant.

It felt like ages of preparation crawled by. Finally it seemed the metal friend.. Metal man.. Had finished and it was time for Erik to let his fire out. By this point the small fire on his shoulder had let its flames roil up his neck and rest just below his left eye. His free hand began a series of quick motions through the air reminiscent of a tinder being struck as his chant intensified. The sparks of a fire not yet born danced in the glint of his eye and suddenly one of the plants of the feywild on the far side of the grove went up in a flames. A bonfire as wide across as some men are tall and the flames just as high burst forth. In a matter of moments the massive flames burned out leaving only the materials it had ignited to burn and he turned his gaze to the next plant continuing his guttural chant and repeating the motions to cause another bit of this horrid place to burn. It wouldn't take all that long for this whole place to be in flames...

Takmarin
GM, 150 posts
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 20:18
  • msg #187

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thank you for rescuing us. You say you know our friends?  Have they fared better than we have?

Elias quickly jumps in before you can respond, Is Elinaora okay?  She's my sister...Is she safe?
Andraste Giltris
player, 104 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 24 Aug 2020
at 21:37
  • msg #188

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"They were well when we left earlier today. They were frightened but none suffered any injuries. We dealt with the Banshee that was plaguing them before we came here so they should be safe at the church and once we are all together again we will head back to Vertigo." I reach out and rest a hand briefly on each of their shoulder and give it a gentle squeeze. "Please be patient, just a little longer, while my compatriots deal with what the satyr left behind."
Takmarin
GM, 151 posts
Tue 25 Aug 2020
at 02:56
  • msg #189

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thank you.  For rescuing us...for saving our friends.  We are in your debt.  Is there anything we can help with?
Takmarin
GM, 152 posts
Wed 26 Aug 2020
at 03:31
  • msg #190

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

It took a couple of hours, but with the help of Sand wetting down and creating a barrier between the Feywild trees and plants, their hope was to focus the fire so as to not burn the whole forest down.  The hunters did what they could, though completely outmatched by Sand's master of water and earth and the fire that raged from Erik.  The preparations were a success, the fire unable to spread past the barriers set in place.  There were a couple times that Erik's eyes bulged with a suppressed anger and the fire seemed to get out of control until Sand put his metal hand on his other shoulder, calming Erik...with the fires slowly dying down.

Once the burn was complete, the group led the hunters back to the church where everyone was reunited; they were embracing, and happy to be back together, and relatively calm with the help of Althaea and Giltris, who eased their tension with their words and gentle singing.  You could tell that with the amount of time the hunters spent out together, it was evident how much of a family they had become.

Though as quickly as it started, everyone seemed to have had enough of this hunting trip and wanted to get on the move right away.  Gathering and packing up all their belongings, the hunters and the party headed back towards Vertigo.

The hunters, after seeing the giant corpse of the Owlbear, stopped and took the time to cut and wrap in cloth as much as they could, spreading it out among themselves to carry, so as to not be empty handed on their return to Vertigo, though they were happy to be coming home with each other.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Wed 26 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 105 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 26 Aug 2020
at 04:51
  • msg #191

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As I assist the hunters load the butchered Owlbear onto Sand's cart I approach Elias; he may not be the leader of the band but I have found that humans are more likely to help me than an elf. "Excuse me but I am hoping you can help me. Approximately eight days ago Sebastian denied a young human man entry into Vertigo and he was last seen heading north east. He is a friend of mine and I have been trying to catch up with him. Have you seen him in your travels?" I ask him softly, and pull out the charcoal sketch and hand it to him.
Takmarin
GM, 153 posts
Wed 26 Aug 2020
at 11:42
  • msg #192

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Elias looks over the sketch and shakes his head.  Unfortunately I have not, friend.  We usually don't see any other signs of human life out here.

If you don't mind me asking, why would Sebastian deny him entry?

Andraste Giltris
player, 106 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 26 Aug 2020
at 13:15
  • msg #193

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"He has always been a bit twitchy, especially when stressed, and after so long in the wilderness I imagine he is highly stressed. Sebastian thought he looked wild and untrustworthy." I pause for a moment to think and out of the corner of my eye notice how dark a brown my hair has shifted. "Are you aware of any other settlements in this area?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Wed 26 Aug 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 154 posts
Wed 26 Aug 2020
at 17:45
  • msg #194

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

There's a town a little more east of here, but from what we saw when we passed by it, it looks completely deserted.  Haven't been over that way in about a month and a half, so I can't say if there is anyone there now.  Other than that, there really isn't any settlements that I'm aware of.


Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Wed 26 Aug 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 127 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Glamour Bard
Thu 27 Aug 2020
at 00:57
  • msg #195

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Once the hunters were reunited, along with help from Giltris, we were able to convince Althidon and Elias to eat something before we started on our journey back to Vertigo. I could see by the looks on their faces that they did not enjoy the food in the slightest and I would need to figure out a more permanent solution once we had made our return. For now, I was just happy that they would not lose energy too quickly and need medical attention on the return trip. The cart made travel slow and there was no telling what other obstacles we could face.

Performance: 23
Erik Moor
player, 33 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 27 Aug 2020
at 04:19
  • msg #196

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

With the remnants of the Satyr's grove dealt with Erik's spirited stance deflated and he soon returned to his silent, odd walk. He followed the others back to the church, trailing behind and casting his gaze back in the direction of the scorched grove now and then. The trip back to the grove was mostly filled with his silence, allowing the others to discuss whatever they chose with the hunters and each other. Every now and then he would allow his pace to slow and fall back behind the others for a short bit. When he did so he would watch them. His eyes rested on each individually as he took them in. Their stride, their presence, the way they moved when walking and talking and how they moved when they thought nobody was watching. That was the difficult thing to catch as his own manner of observing wasn't exactly subtle. A few times he would walk back up to the group upright in an attempt to replicate someone's movement. It was different each time and as soon as he noticed anyone noticing him he'd drop back down into his easier movement with all his limbs working together to drive him about. By the time they reached the church he had attempted to replicate each and every one of their walks for various lengths of time never really settling on any in particular.

When they got to the church he sat back a little behind Sand and watched the hunters enjoy each other's company still having said nothing. His eyes didn't just rest on the hunters though, they drifted to Malthorn again and again and his mind kicked back to what he had caused her to go through. But he didn't know how to express his guilt and sorrow accurately or how it would be taken. He owed her... Something... For anyone else it may have been as simple as an apology and bygones would become bygones. For Erik it was more than that. It was also a guilt that went far beyond just this one act. There had been others in his past hurt by his actions but he had so rarely had to face them in life afterwards. She was a living breathing reminder of his guilt. A reminder he didn't want to let go of just yet. His eyes flicked back to the hunters again.

Soon everyone was up and moving. It seemed natural for him to do the same. There had been no invitation extended for him to follow them, not directly at least, so he kept his presence as little known as possible. Walking among them in his silence trying again to be more like them. They talked about the upside down mountain, Vertigo, like it was a place to return to and as if they knew people there. This in particular struck Erik as odd as he had never known what the place was like only that he was to avoid it but keep it within sight. Well now it was more in sight than it had ever been before he couldn't stop looking at it in awe and a little bit of anxiety.

For the most part he let them talk without any indication that he was listening but when Giltris talked about a wild and potentially untrustworthy looking person being denied access to this Vertigo by a Sebastian, Erik's head did a tilt, just slight, but different enough from his usual movement to be caught by any paying attention. Would they even let someone like him into this place just to look for someone? How would he even begin to look for his father if he couldn't get in? Was his father even here? Can you ever really trust a crow to be honest? Shortly after paying attention to the conversation he shook his head and started to walk upright more and more often as if testing out this unstable method of traversing.

As Erik became more comfortable with the fact that they weren't kicking him out of the group returning he found liked walking up in front of the cart by Clacker's side. Every now and then he would try and imitate the mechanical beetle's method of communicating. As far as he could tell it was some combination of natural beasts and something slightly other. It was strange and unique and just intriguing to him. Every time he got a response from the thing whether passive work aggressive, the strangest thing made itself present on his face. The hint of a very childlike smile. When he wasn't interacting with Sand's defender he would cast his gaze over his shoulder and watch Thorn, hoping she wouldn't notice the pained look in his eye and confront him but also trying to figure out just what he was doing here. That look would vanish again though just as soon as his interactions with the great metal beastie kicked back up.

Andraste Giltris
player, 107 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 27 Aug 2020
at 06:05
  • msg #197

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

A deserted town to the east, maybe Rolland has gone there for shelter. It is not much but it is all I have to go on. A rough direction is all I had when I begun this journey so I will not complain now; I will have faith and trust that Rao will steer me true.

I have enjoyed my time in Vertigo but it seems that it is coming to an end. I would love to help the settlement grow and prosper but it seems the time is not yet right. I have previous commitments which must be kept; Rolland is out here alone and I will find him! I will return with the hunters as promised then I will tell Thorin and Sebastian that I must be moving on. Maybe Erik and Zail will assist the others in retrieving the cache from the keep.

The others; it has been nice to have someone at my side again, challenging the darkness of a broken world and mending a tiny piece of it. I will miss them in the days ahead. I was looking forward to understanding them better and helping them find their own peace but that was wishful thinking. In truth, there is little binding us together other than coincidence; though I hoped it was more. At least for a time, they will have each other and I believe they will accomplish much; maybe even save the world if that ancient trickster is correct.

Althaea has paid much for power and I hope she finds it worth the price when the bill comes due. She is a flawed person but she strives to be better; what more can someone ask of another.

Sand will continue its search for order, both within and without. Its questions were difficult but it forced me to question my beliefs, feelings, and preconceptions and I find my faith in the rightness of my path the stronger for it. I will miss the wonder of his creations.

I regret that I do not understand Thorn as well as I should. There is an anger in her but I do not know the cause or its target. In fact, I know nothing of her motivations or her goals; all I can say is that on her own initiative she helped others in need. I do not think she felt she could trust me to have her back and I am sure she will be relieved to be free of my inhibitions.

While I have not had a chance to learn much about Erik, I know that he has suffered great pain. His attempts to study and mimic our behavior is interesting, I wonder if it is caused by a lack of self-confidence or if it is a survival mechanism. I am happy he seems to have bonded with Sand, I think those two can help each other.

And Zail. Sadly I have not had the chance to speak with the young elf yet so I know even less about her. I pray she finds acceptance here on the surface and closure regarding her father. It is difficult when you do not know what happened to a loved one.

I suppose I am being premature; there are hours yet before we return to Vertigo and circumstances may change. I need to clear my head of these distractions and focus on the now; we are in the Wilderness and safety is an illusion supported by our wits and will. This calls for a marching song!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:36, Thu 27 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 11 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 03:00
  • msg #198

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

So now I’m heading to a town called Vertigo. I’m sure it’s some ransacked city already destroyed that’s been built into a barely functional town. That wood elf keeps staring at me, makes me uneasy. I’ve been keeping to myself, I don’t want to talk to anyone, even Drow has been staying out of my mind. She’s still resting on my shoulders. I occasionally look over at Althaea and then down at my hands. I felt the energy but how was I changed, I don’t feel different but I know I am. Stupid satyr. I can’t believe now I’m stuck with this.

Are you? Anger to be stuck with this or with them?

(So you’re up? I don’t know. I haven’t been a part of anything with anyone, except you for so long. I feel trapped. That Satyr made me part of this game he’s playing, you know how I feel about that.)

It’s not so bad, at least we’re not alone anymore. You should at least try to get to know the people you’re “stuck with.”

(I guess I should. Who should I start with?)

The Wood Elf, Thorn.

(Why her?)

She’s taking an interest in you, might make her less nervous about you.

(Why would she be nervous of me?)

Drow looks at me with that look that means I’m missing something she thinks is obvious. She’s given me a lot to think about. Let’s hope this Vertigo will be a good place to rest and collect my thoughts and figure out how to talk to these new companions of mine.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Fri 28 Aug 2020.
Sand
player, 88 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 14:33
  • msg #199

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The return trip was busy for Sand and Clacker. After finding the cart and owlbear, it was decided that most of the meat would be salvaged and put in the wagon to bring back to Vertigo. From there, because of the trail that was already made when the group arrived, the going was slow but bearable, Sand only needing occasional casting of his spells to keep the travelling relatively smooth.

That gave him time to think. And if that path could be made permanent, maybe the going would be faster for the next hunting trip? That was an idea to ponder. Sand had seen remains of roads during his travels and he had marveled at the practicality of it, so maybe this would be an interesting project to undertake. But there was that keep business he needed to take care of. Maybe after?

After all, Sand had no personal projects now. Oh he still had the rock that fascinated him to repair, still wanted to peer into the dwarf’s spell book and hack at it until he understood, but those were thing he could do alone, he didn’t need the group that had assembled. He repaired a pot hole on the path with a quick casting of mold earth then looked at his companions. Who were they for him?

Althaea was the first he had met, and the poor woman seemed to have paid an awful price for more power. He didn’t know much about the relationship between parents and children but it seemed important to the few families he had seen in Vertigo. Was a child only a commodity to be traded away to the elves? He looked at his hand that the satyr had touched and shook his head. The power promised did not seemed to have done very much to him, as he still felt the same. Maybe the fey had sensed his anger and gave him nothing else than that shock?

Andraste and Thorn both harbored dark secrets, that much was obvious. They dealt with it completely differently though, Thorn seething and brooding, Andraste fighting it and trying to do good. The fight did not always go her way, as evidenced by her hair color changes. He liked Andraste, she was patient with him and did her best to answer his questions, which he had an ample supply of.

For the two newcomers, he still needed to make up his mind about them. Erik had obviously lived a life of pain, and his transformation into an animal really intrigued him. How did that happen? Somehow, he did feel like he wanted to know the man better, and his offer to listen had been sincere. Zail… well he didn’t know much about her. Scamp liked to pester the shadowy cat that followed her, she was looking for her father, and apparently she was very young for an elf… he couldn’t tell the difference.

Another pot hole got leveled off before Clacker walked into it, and the little procession continued on their merry way…

This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Fri 28 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 108 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 17:47
  • msg #200

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As we got closer to Vertigo a thought occurred and I headed over to the young drow. "Good evening neighbour, we have not been properly introduced; I am Andraste Giltris. I thought you should know that the town we are heading to was attacked by a drow raiding party three days ago. The locals are still on edge and will probably not give you a warm welcome. They are good people and will get over it eventually but I thought it best you know what you are getting into."
Zail
player, 12 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 18:31
  • msg #201

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I was caught a bit off guard when Andraste approached. He never seemed at all interested in speaking to me. I do appreciate the warning though. Stupid Dark Elves, to hell with all of them. Constantly making my life so much harder.

So it will be like everywhere else I go. Thank you for the warning. I’ll do my best to draw as little attention as possible.

I look down at my armor and push my will upon it. It changes, slowly at first then quicker as I visualize what I want. Within moments what was black studded leather armor is now a gown, pink and silk with lace and a hooded cape. I pull the hood up over my head. Keeping in my goggles.

There that should help. Why was the town attacked? Were the Dark Elves looking for something or someone?

I want to pepper him with more and more questions but we can start here. This conversation will not only help get me answers but pass the time until we get to this Vertigo place.
Andraste Giltris
player, 109 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 19:30
  • msg #202

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

That is fantastic! I wonder what other clothes she can make? Is it an illusion or do her clothes actually change? "What a useful ability. That must be very convenient"

I step back a pace and incline my head to her, "I imagine you have not had an easy time here on the surface. I commend you for your determination and resolve. I know few people who would willing endure what you have for so long. Your father is a lucky man to have such a devoted daughter."

I pause for a moment to consider her questions. "As far as we know, the drow sent four raiders to take a strange necklace from a scavenger. Apparently, she found the necklace in the ruins of an old wizard's crypt a week's travel north of town. We were fortunate, while there were some serious injuries no one died in the raid and we were able to defeat three of the four raiders. The drow trapped and collapsed the tunnel they used to launch their attack so we do not know where they went afterwards."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:01, Sat 29 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 13 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Fri 28 Aug 2020
at 23:24
  • msg #203

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thank you, my Glamoured has been very useful to me, even saving my life, for a very long time now. A gift, from my father. I’m very lucky to been found by him. He bought me...my freedom, I mean. He taught me so much and brought me places to learn what I could do and who I can be. He freed me to be me. Sorry, I get like this when I talk about him.

Why am I sharing so much. I hardly know Andraste.

You’ve been wait to share this with someone, continue. It’s good for you.

Drow lazily tells me, jumping off my shoulder and bouncing from spot to spot, trailing her black mist.

As for the surface, I only know life up here. I was brought up by merchants, I was born in the Underdark but taken when I was an infant and brought up to the surface. Then I was sold, a few times I think. Eventually I was sold to a thieves guild where I was a servant or slave depending on who you ask, until my father found me.
Sorry about all the questions but a few times in my life a Dark Elf hunting parry has come looking for me. Supposedly to take me home but I’m damn well not going with them. Glad it wasn’t about me this time. Good no one died and you were able to send them scurrying back into their holes
.

I realize I’ve been keeping my eyes forward the whole time, to keep from looking at her. I picked this habit up as to not give anything away with small facial movements. It’s not a good habit when I’m trying to be honest and friendly. I’ll have to work on that. So I turn to look at her directly.

So I’ve been talk too much about me. Tell me about yourself, Andraste Giltris.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:33, Sat 29 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 110 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 29 Aug 2020
at 00:51
  • msg #204

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I pause for a moment, where should I start? I suppose I should start at the beginning and proceed through the middle to the end. "I was born before the Cataclysm, my mother left me with my father when I was very young and he raised me alone in a mostly human city. I was just reaching adulthood when the Cataclysm struck; my father and I barely escaped that city before its destruction. He....died not long after and I had to make my own way for awhile in the Wilderness before I was rescued by a priest of Rao and for a while we traveled together." As  I think of Bodmoli I reach up with my right hand and gently run my fingers over my pendant.

"Eventually I settled in a great city to the south, Eternis, and I served her for nearly 50 years. I remember the first time I saw that magnificent city, its white walls shining in the morning light as the sun crested the valley walls; it was the first time I felt safe in months. Truly, it is the only place I have felt safe since my father died. Anyway, I worked in the city government, helping people establish themselves and begin again; however, that became increasingly difficult as the cities population reached its capacity to support itself and I felt I was no longer helping people as I once had. So when a friend of mine got himself into trouble and fled town I decided to follow him, help him if I could. So I gave away my home and those possessions I was not bringing with me to those who needed them, said goodbye to my friends, and walked out into the Wilderness after him. Once I find him and make sure he is alright, I intend to stay out here and help as many people as I can."

I pause for a moment as memories of loved ones and places flash through my mind: Rolland as a young man looking sheepish after getting caught making advances on an engaged women, sparring with Kaleb and Edish in the Guard's practice yard, the view out my office window to the street outside bustling with busy people going about their lives, and the life leaving my father's eyes as he died in my arms in some long forgotten wheat field. I take a deep breathe before continuing, "I am sorry, I am sure I told you more then you wanted to hear. Let me see if I can put it another way." I stop for a moment longer and the lyrics of a song come to mind and I smile, "I've known hardship and known joy. Felt the sunshine and the rain pour. And now I seek to go home once more."

As I walk next to her, a thought occurs to me. "You said your father rescued you from the thieves guild. Is he your adopted or biological father?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Sun 30 Aug 2020.
Zail
player, 14 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Sun 30 Aug 2020
at 02:22
  • msg #205

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Adopted, my father is a human. Ryder Hakken, the thief of hearts. He gave me his family name and I named myself Zail. The thieves of the guild called me Drow. I actually believed that was my name for most of my life. That’s why I named Drow her name. I carried it so long I had to put it somewhere and she thinks it’s funny. I’ve never met my birth father or mother or any of them.

I rarely ever think about my birth family. It’s weird I guess, some many people put so much thought on my birth place and I barely think about it.

You didn’t share too much. I find it fascinating how beings who live like us, before the “Cataclysm” survive and continue on. I’m sorry your father is gone. I’m glad you were saved and found purpose. It’s good to have purpose in lives as long as ours. It’s funny our lives are kinda similar, I was just reaching maturity when the world ended. Everything was finally going good and then... Anyway, I don’t think I could give all I have away like you did. That’s impressive. I had so little growing up that I treasured all the I had. None of it survived the Cataclysm so everything I own I carry. You seriously live by your principles, that’s commendable. I just survive, day to day. I’ve tried to enter towns but it all ends the same. Once they see I’m a Dark Elf I get chased out. Now I go to a town and take what I need, food, water, stuff like that and try to leave as soon as I can. At least this time I got a warning of what to expect. Thanks again, Andraste.

I smile at her, a real sincere smile. I can’t remember the last time I actually smiled at another person. Here in this Cataclysm she calls it. Will wonders never cease. Drow leaps up to a beach and back into my shoulder. I swear sometimes she’s smiling at me.
Mathorn
player, 66 posts
Elven Ranger
Sun 30 Aug 2020
at 16:22
  • msg #206

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn was astounded, nearly stunned. Twice. First, that not one but two people who had met less than a cycle ago would confide their life stories. She wasn’t at all sure she trusted herself as much as they appeared to believe in each other. After all, her decisions didn’t always serve her best interests in the long-term. As illustrated so vividly by her current situation. But more than that, they both appeared buoyed by revealing their vulnerabilities. It simply defied comprehension, and she quickly abandoned her futile effort to do so.

But if possible, even more staggering were Zail’s words. “Not a Drow,” she heard herself murmur in a vain attempt to process this information. She felt quite the fool for not even countenancing the possibility earlier, but it would explain much. Why Zail’s father was on a mission for his guild. The nearly incomprehensible speed of her Common. And the general impression Thorn couldn’t shake of the young elf – of strong but brittle iron rather than tempered steel.

If this were so, not needing to watch her more closely than the others would reduce Thorn’s burden. Yet the story seemed wrong or at least lacking in essential information. She found herself unexpectedly inclined to believe that Zail told the truth as she understood it, but Thorn wouldn’t feel at ease until she could clarify some essential details. Because the possible explanations which came most readily to mind for these irregularities were . . . troubling.

She had no idea how to approach the necessary conversation. If nothing else, the past week had taught her that she communicated even more poorly than she had supposed. Yet as she strategized, the part of her mind always alert for danger kept watch for enemies and sent Aisling forth to scout the area ahead.

Insight (Zail): 13
Perception: 11
Aisling's Perception: 7, 12

This message was last edited by the player at 17:22, Sun 30 Aug 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 111 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 30 Aug 2020
at 23:42
  • msg #207

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"If you give me your word that you will not steal from them, I will happily vouch for you with the town leaders. I have some good will with them that may help. Otherwise all I can offer is my companionship while we are both in town."
Sand
player, 89 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 31 Aug 2020
at 02:32
  • msg #208

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Andraste left his side to strike a conversation with the young dark elf, Zail, Sand ended pretty much alone in front. Not wanting bad surprises, he sent Scamp to scout the way forward and continue to look for what might stop the procession. Fortunately, his previous path was still usable so he didn’t have too much to do. Erik had been following all the members of the procession, imitating their way of walking, before dropping on all four and using a curious gait with his shield. Sand looked at the man when he approached and nodded to him.

Sand can fix shield too. How long has shield been damaged?

His eyes flashed briefly, as he estimated that it had been quite some time since that shield had seen a forge. All of the man’s possessions were old and in disrepair. Which got him thinking.

Sand is wondering. How long has Erik been alone? Sand was alone for many months, before finding Vertigo. That’s why Sand built Clacker and Scamp found Sand in smoke. So Sand would not be alone.

He looked at the man-beast, nodding, his way of smiling.

Scamp perception 20, 14, with advantage

Erik Moor
player, 34 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 31 Aug 2020
at 07:41
  • msg #209

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik had once again been up toward the front with Clacker when Sand approached him. He returned the first nod with one of his own. He like communicating with Sand, it was easier than with the others. He looked down at his shield with an expression of confusion. He had never thought of it as damaged before. As far as he could recall it had always been beat up to some extent or other. Sure it had picked up a lot more knicks, scrapes, dings, and dents with his continued use and abuse of it but it was never a pretty thing. His thoughts flashed back to the man who had thought to rescue a child years ago. A man who's limbs and torso in seperate places had quickly been made to resemble the abused shield's appearance when a few of Granny's more unscrupulous allies had got in his way. A shiver ran through him and he blinked slowly while swallowing. It was one of the few things he had that hadn't belonged to his father.

How long had it been now? At least a handful of moons probably more. Erik watched a small beetle crawl up along the shield now that it had stood still for a time. He reached his hand down extending a finger and letting the thing crawl into his hand looking at it. It was like a much smaller much less mechanical version of the one Sand had built. He looked back up at Sand and moved his hand and the beetle toward the metal man's face.


"Never alone. Have  many ... friends around always."
His eyes moved to track a bird that wasn't someone's familiar as it flew overhead briefly.

But that's not what Sand had meant. Erik continued moving, pressing the shield into the ground as he kept pace with the cart and its owner. He put the beetle back down letting it scurry away as he thought
. "Long time since I talk like this, hard to remember. Moons and moons... Months. Ye - years? Years since father gone. Gr..."

Slowly he undid the strap that was barely hanging onto the shield as he shuddered a bit. This metal man had offered to listen and repair his things, the least Erik could do was try.
"Granny..." He suppressed an urge to start running but his eyes darted around scanning the whole area. "She learn me to talk new way new words. Not my words, not father's words. Not these words. Long time. Animals talk easier. With animals all time always since little. Good with animals. Become animal. Talk like animal, live like animal. Easier to... To forget..."

He offered the shield to Sand and whispered
. "Animals don't care I am.." it became so quiet it was almost impossible for even himself to here. "Erik is,   monster."

He let that sit for a moment as tears glistened in his eyes. He wiped at them and looked back toward Thorn who had just joined the conversation with the others behind Sand and himself. What had happened to her on his behalf was by far one of the least of things he counted himself guilty for but it was one more thing. He couldn't bare dwelling on it and quickly changed the subject.


"Sand make things. Sand make Clacker? How to make Clacker? Very smart he is."

Sand
player, 90 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 1 Sep 2020
at 03:27
  • msg #210

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand took the offered shield and looked at it. The scratches and bumps on it showed lots of usage, and the druid habit of walking on the side of it had started to splinter the wood on the edge. Turning it over, he saw that the leather arm band was about to get ripped in half.

Much work is needed on shield. Can Erik help Sand to not fall off the path? Sand will need to concentrate.

The construct reduced his pace, Clacker also slowing down. Using his spear as his focus, he concentrated on the splintered wood on the side. Muttering softly, while sliding a finger on the zone to repair, he nodded when he saw the fibers starting to knit together. A minute after, he went for the almost torn leather, and fixed that too. The most pressing repairs done, he handed the shield back. Erik had talked during the repairs and Sand needed to respond.

Sand happy that Erik is not alone. No one should be alone. Erik can talk with animals? That is a very useful thing to know. Sand would have needed that talent when Sand was bringing long legged animal… what was name again… ponies… yes that is name. Ponies are very stubborn.

Erik talked about what seemed to have been a very difficult part of his life, with someone named Granny. The construct listened, interrupting only once to repair a part of the path that had crumbled.

Erik is no monster. Erik had difficult time. Erik showed and help friends, fought screamer dead that walk. That one is monster. Erik not a monster. Monster not help.

The conversation moved to Clacker. Again the question about how the construct had built the defender. He shook his head.

When Sand alone, Sand had defended ponies against animals with long tooth, and almost lost. Animal injured so Sand had to stop in ruins. Sand was thinking on how to defend animals and Sand saw pile of metal. Plans for Clacker appeared in Sand’s head. Sand not know where plans come from. Sand not know where Sand learned Althaea’s language, not the one that Erik fears, another. Sand knows much… Sand knew about screamer dead that walks.

He looked at the druid, his face always as inexpressive.

Sand knows much. But Sand not know where knowledge comes from.
Erik Moor
player, 35 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 1 Sep 2020
at 04:09
  • msg #211

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik watched in amazement as the wood of the shield and the leather strap came back together in Sand's hands. He took his job seriously and darted in front of Sand once to move a small roor that might have been in the way, but more than likely wouldn't have been an issue.

He listened and shook his head when Sand denied his monstrousness. The metal man just didn't know everything Erik had let happen. Sure he helped THIS group but it was probably the first redeemable thing he had truly done for another person in a long time and he'd already gone back on that... But he wouldn't argue. He wouldn't dwell on more, not now. Instead he took back his newly repaired shield and gave it a few test taps on the ground. It bore his weight much better now.

As Sand talked about Clacker's making Erik extended a hand toward the large metal beetle and tentatively touched one of the sheets that made up his metallic exoskelatoid shell.


"Can talk to animals, can talk to other creatures." His eyes looked at the heaps of meat and hide the hunters had gathered from the owlbear. He understood the need to provide but it didn't fully help the fact that a creature that could think and act and even communicate with those who knew how to listen had died.

He looked away. And shrugged
. "Sometimes knowing  things better than knowing ... How  you know. Sand has help me a lot. If want to know more, Erik, I can    help Sand find out." He tapped his fingers against his own skull. "But need to find father too. If see tattoo man like this. Tell Erik is looking."

With that he seemed to run out of things to say and focused on walking and enjoying or at least tolerating the presence of others walking along with him. It was different. But in a good way. Of course, the close they got to the mountain the more nervous he started to seem. Not a scared nervousness like he had when they'd approached the grove but definitely feeling I unease.
Zail
player, 15 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Tue 1 Sep 2020
at 21:34
  • msg #212

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Try to understand, I steal these days out of need. I would have paid for whatever I wanted but was rarely give the chance. Since you’ll vouch for me And if they listen I won’t steal anything, even the stuff I would just like to have. Plus since you guys are stuck with me maybe I can even have a chance to earn a decent reputation. I’ll always take companionship since Drows probably sick of listening to just me all the time.

This is the most I’ve talked to another person in years. It’s not as bad as I remember it, or I’m not as bad at talking to people. I hope this town is further away.
I assume she’s still watching me. Especially since we’re not that far from her and we’re carrying on. Some fun...I turn my head quickly.


You know, Thorn is it? You can talk to us. I don’t bite...hard.

I smile, mischievously.
Andraste Giltris
player, 112 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 1 Sep 2020
at 22:32
  • msg #213

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I think I understand, it must have been very difficult out here on your own." Memories of those awful days after my father's death, before I met Bodmoli surface. The desperation as my supplies dwindled and I was forced to return back to populated areas. "I will happily vouch for you and hopefully they will give you the opportunity to prove yourself and for them to move passed any prejudice. But if not you need not be alone if you do not wish it for I would be happy to share your company regardless of what they decide."
Mathorn
player, 67 posts
Elven Ranger
Tue 1 Sep 2020
at 22:33
  • msg #214

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

She could talk to them certainly. Whether she should was another issue entirely. However, the young elf seemed to be in a garrulous mood and perhaps it was best to converse with Giltris present. Most people seemed to respond well to her and she could potentially mitigate whatever damage would invariably occur when Thorn opened her mouth.

She motioned them back, away from the hunters, and spoke in a low tone. "I believe your story, Zail. But what you say about Drow pursuing you is uncharacteristic and therefore concerning. If you would answer some questions, I may be able to offer insight into their motivations and thus what else we might expect."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Tue 01 Sept 2020.
Zail
player, 16 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Wed 2 Sep 2020
at 20:47
  • msg #215

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I face Andraste, she has been very kind to me. Kinder then most. Does she have a motive, aside from friendship.

How many? How many possible friendships have you ruined with this line of thinking? She’s being nice, accept it.

(Thanks Drow, what would I do without you.)

Thank you Andraste. I am very lucky to have met you. I would be happy with your companionship too.

An honest smile, I getting to like them. I turn my attention over to Thorn.

First, thanks for believing me. I know how it sounds. Honestly, I don’t know if I would believe me either. To explain why I’m so worried about a Dark Elf hunting party, it’s a story but I’ll try to make it quick. My father brought me to a wizard once he realized I had potential for magic use. The bastard wizard, named Reddoran, was also a Dark Elf. From him I learned spells, elvish, and most importantly how to summon Drow.

She nuzzles me and I stroke her head.

Though, for all I learned and all time we spent together with his lessons he still turned on me. He used my blood and his dark elf magic to find my birth family. Apparently I’m a “first born matron daughter.” I have no idea what that means. All I know is it’s a thing in Dark Elf culture because he wanted to use that information to get himself into some position of power. The son of a bitch actually captured me and tried to contact them. Luckily Drow found my father and freed me and killed the stupid wizard. After we escaped the Dark Elves burnt his home to the ground when they realized I was gone. They occasionally pop up asking questions about me. So I’ve always got one eye out for them. They’ll never take me down some dark hole...alive. I don't know if that helps you at all.
Mathorn
player, 68 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 03:00
  • msg #216

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Beneath the shadow of her hood, Thorn raised a brow. "Some dark hole? I confess I rather hope you call it that next time a hunting party locates you. I believe the reaction would be," she paused to search for the proper word "enjoyable."

Zail had provided more information than Thorn expected. Though odd, her story seemingly corresponded to the best case scenario Thorn had envisioned; better than her being the last scion of a fallen House and unequivocally superior to Drow - perhaps even multiple factions - pursuing her due to prophecies or portents.

"Being born to a Matron Mother means you are a noble," she explained. "Which makes how you ended up with merchants something of a puzzle. Given that you are the eldest daughter,  intrigue amongst consorts is possibly the most likely - though definitely not the only - explanation. Regardless, the dark elves will probably continue attempting to capture or persuade you as long as your Matron lives. However, once her authority weakens and one of your sisters assumes control, she will almost certainly be obliged to send assassins after you. Under these unique circumstances, I suspect that whether any attempts on your life will be pro forma or in deadly earnest depends on her personality, the situation within the House and, above all, the Goddess' will."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Thu 03 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 91 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 03:40
  • msg #217

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Scamp came back from his scouting and imparted the information gleaned to it’s master, hooting and dancing on the shell of an annoyed Clacker. But that was only cosmetic, the real communication was mental and Sand saw what his familiar had seen. He then called for an halt and walked towards the back of the line.

Scamp saw tracks going this way and that way


He pointed towards the East and West axis.

About a quarter mile that way. Tracks looks older, but path often used. Not human track, have claws to them, not too heavy.

Mathorn
player, 69 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 03:58
  • msg #218

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn appreciated Sand's timing - it gave her an excuse to depart before Giltris or Zail could question her. And whether or not the trail proved relevant, no harm was likely to result from examining it. She nodded to Sand and inquired, "Has anyone asked the hunters about it?" before turning to Erik, "Shall we?"

Survival: 18
This message was last edited by the player at 04:21, Thu 03 Sept 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 36 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 04:26
  • msg #219

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Tracks of a clawed beastie? Another friend to be found and to talk to. All this talking about ones past had pushed Erik quite a bit. It was good but it was hard. He welcomed the distraction. Although it was Thorn who asked him to come with... Could she have some way of paying him back for what he'd caused to happen to her? If so he deserved it. His eyes only briefly tracked to hers before casting downward again. That pained guilt was still there in his eyes. He nodded silently and made his way toward where Sand had indicated.

His mind however dwelled more on what SHE might be thinking and it was distracting. So distracting. Why did he have to care so much this time? Because all the others had been disappeared so quickly after he had caused their harm he hadn't had to be reminded...


Survival: 11
Mathorn
player, 70 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 15:30
  • msg #220

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn crouched down to study the trail, gleaning all she could from it. Though able to draw some conclusions, she'd not risk prejudicing Erik by sharing her observations prematurely. She glanced up at him: "Do you recognize the tracks?"

Nature: 6

This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Thu 03 Sept 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 37 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 16:05
  • msg #221

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

At first he had been to troubled by his thoughts and proximity to The One He'd Caused Hurt. If it wasn't for her presence though he would may have missed the tracks. He got down close and peered at them. He placed his hand into one of the imprints and shifted his fingers this way and that until they somewhat conformed to the print. It was a large enough creature to leave a footprint this big but not so large that his hand was engulfed. As Thorn pointed out more track he gauged the distance between stride and looked up at her, again just briefly. "Laughers. Hyena... but... Two-leggers?" There was confusion on his face. "Know this word?" As he asked he stood and looked at the vast number of tracks old and fresh. There was no way to get a read on how many had crossed in both directions or how recently.

When Thorn told him Gnolls he nodded and his mangy hair bobbed with the movement. He dropped back into his lower primal stance and moved back to join the others.
"Gnoll" he said it as if testing the word. "Lots track. Hard to    read." More and more of his language was dropping the beastial sounds in between but they were still present here and there.
Mathorn
player, 71 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 16:24
  • msg #222

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"The trail runs approximately southwest and northeast," Thorn added, "A sizable pack - perhaps even a tribe - seems to inhabit the area and make frequent use of the path. Their tracks range from a couple of weeks to several days old. I suggest continue on our way, lest we risk an encounter."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:34, Thu 03 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 92 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 3 Sep 2020
at 18:40
  • msg #223

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand took the cue and turned to the hunters.

Do hunters know about those…. Gnolls? Have gnolls ever attacked?

Curious to see where the path would go, he looked at Thorn.

Could Thorn send Aisling to see where path goes that way? Sand will send Scamp to explore other way. Sand concerned gnoll could be danger to Vertigo. Sand think it’s prudent to know if and where gnoll camp be located.

He pointed toward the west for Thorn to send Aisling, and sent Scamp to follow the path towards the east.

Scamp perception 8, 21, advantage.

Takmarin
GM, 155 posts
Fri 4 Sep 2020
at 00:19
  • msg #224

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

This time Elias stepped forward, bending down to examine the tracks.

Yes, we've come across these tracks before, but have never seen the creatures who've made them.  In all our time out here, we've always been wary, checking to ensure there were no fresh tracks, so as not to come across them.
Sand
player, 93 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 4 Sep 2020
at 03:24
  • msg #225

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand thanks Elias. Scamp has instructions, he will find camp or come back to tell Sand he didn't find anything. Sand proposes that friends continue to Vertigo.

Mentally urging Clacker to start walking again, the construct took the lead again, making the path safe to travel with a cart.
Takmarin
GM, 156 posts
Fri 4 Sep 2020
at 12:32
  • msg #226

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

You knew you were getting closer to Vertigo, not only by the looming mountain overhead, but by the quickened pace of the hunters wanting nothing more than to be home after their harrowing experience.  Elias and Elinaora shared a smile, before racing to the gates to see who would reach there first; Elinaora clearly the more fleet of foot.

As the rest of the party neared the wooden stockade fences of Vertigo, some may have been surprised to see Sebastian up on the wall, dark circles around his heavy eyes as his tired body slumped up against and leaned for support along the top of the wall.  His demeanor quickly changed as he heard your approach, excitement in his face and step.  You wonder if he was sleeping while standing, as it wasn't until you were quite close before his change in demeanor.  Suddenly barking all sorts of orders at the guards, it seemed as if the town had suddenly come alive as the two gates lifted up for your arrival.  A half dozen guards ran out and took positions on each side of party and their cart to ensure everyone's safe entrance, a couple of the citizens you were less familiar with came out with bandages and quickly moved one by one, asking anyone if they needed any medical treatment; a couple walking with the hunters even though the hunters seemed to reassure them that they were okay.

As the party and cart made its way through the 2nd gate and into the main compound, the guards, even though there was nothing in sight were vigilant and took care to enter only two at a time, while the rest kept an eye out for danger, before the final two ran in, the first gate closing behind them.

The two final guards made their way in, the second gate closing behind them.  Inside, there were a lot of people already gathered, including Thorin and a bunch of the town's citizens.  Thorin, had a warm look on his face, seeing that everyone looked to be safe and sound.


Sebastian seemed frantic, until he locked eyes with Aleena.  Rushing up to her, he looked her over, even picking up her arms and turning around, Are you okay Aleena?  Were you hurt? Please, what can I do?

Aleena smiled at him, finding some joy in his erratic behavior, before saying, You could start by kissing me you fool.  They quickly embraced, not caring whom was around them, to the point it became quite uncomfortable for everyone else, who remained quiet until Thorin spoke up.

Well...um....It is good to see you all home and safe.  It seems you've not only brought home some new friends, but food for a feast and a story to tell I'm sure.  That can wait until you've all rested and we make sure everyone is well.

Turning to the party, Thorin speaks up again and says, Thank you my friends, for bringing them home, alive and well.  I can't thank you enough.  You truly are part of our family now and should you need anything, know that we are here for you.

Now let's get you all some food, drink, and rest.  Shall we?
Thorin motions to the caves leading into the mountain.
Andraste Giltris
player, 113 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 4 Sep 2020
at 20:04
  • msg #227

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Once through the gate, I immediately look for Thorin as the throng of people who had come to meet us descend upon us. He is easy to spot in the front of the group of citizens but I quickly lose sight of him as they surge forward. A young man carrying medical supplies asks me if I am hurt and I politely tell him no and push forward in the crowd as I push through the crowd toward where I saw Thorin.

It takes me a minute to find him but the small, awkward bubble surrounding Sebastian as he welcomes Aleena back makes things easier. Good for them, I hope they find happiness. Maybe she will be able to smooth out some of his courser behaviors. I reach Thorin as he finishes his own welcome to the party and incline my head in his direction. "Well met Thorin, we are glad to be back." I turn back to the party which is just clearing the crowd and wave Erik and Zail forward. "I have the pleasure to introduce to you Erik Moor," I gesture to the savage looking man hunched over in his usual crouch, his eyes a little wild. I wonder how long it is has been since he was around this many strangers. I should ask Thorin if there is a quiet place outside the settlement where Erik could go to get away yet be sheltered from the elements. I doubt he will want to stay in the inn. "And Zail Hakken. They willingly put themselves in danger to help us find two of your hunters that had been taken. I have not known them long, but they have shown themselves to be brave companions and decent people." While speaking, I pay close attention to Thorin's reaction to our unusual companions; this is a delicate situation and must be carefully handled.
Sand
player, 94 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 4 Sep 2020
at 20:47
  • msg #228

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The arrival at Vertigo was quite the event for the little troop, as if all the inhabitants came out to greet them. Fortunately, there had been no casualties, and everyone had an happy ending, even the grating Sebastian, locking lips with Aleena, in a curious display that Sand did not understand, his head cocked to the side as he was watching the couple. Clacker was nervous around so many people and caught Sand’s attention, that managed to calm his beast.

Andraste had found Thorin and introduced Zail, in her curious dress… when did she had time to change? But it was Erik that concerned Sand, so the construct made his way to him, the wild man looking around like a frightened beast. Sand squatted beside him, Clacker going on the other side and gently nudging the druid.


Erik has no need to be afraid. Sand is here. Erik among friends here.

He gently put his hand on the man’s shoulder, to help calm him down.
Takmarin
GM, 157 posts
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 01:57
  • msg #229

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorin walks a little closer to you all with a warm smile.  He makes sure to keep his space, seeing the nervous look on the two newcomers, but quickly comes in for a hug to Andraste.  It is a pleasure to meet you Erik and Zail.  I thank you all for your help in the return of our hunters, but especially you two for helping our family out of the goodness of your hearts.  Know that you are welcome here now and always as part of our family.  It may seem strange in times like these, but that is exactly why it's so important.  In the short time Andraste and her friends have been here, as I'm sure you've heard, it's been quite chaotic, but they've now stuck their neck for us twice and we are eternally grateful.

You must be the most nervous young one, especially considering our most recent events, but I will make sure everyone here knows that you are one of us and to be welcomed with open arms.

If there is anything else I can do for either of you, or you Andraste, please let me know.

Andraste Giltris
player, 114 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 02:11
  • msg #230

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Thank you Thorin. I need to speak with you and Sebastian but that can wait until tomorrow morning. In the meantime, is there a quiet, sheltered place that Erik can use outside of the main settlement? It has been sometime since he has been near this many people and it would be nice if there was somewhere he can go to get away."
Takmarin
GM, 158 posts
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 02:26
  • msg #231

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I hate to say this, but there really isn't anything safe outside of the main settlement.  I'd be happy to accommodate here in anyway that I can, though I'm not sure what would suit his needs appropriately.  We don't have houses and our caves are cramped, as you know.  I mean, we have a stable that can be used as a shelter, but I wouldn't feel comfortable having a newly acquainted family member stay there.  It just wouldn't be right.  We'd be happy to clear the animals out.

The only other thing I can think of, is if Sand is up for it, we can carve out a cavern right outside of the town itself or within the gates out here, where there are less people, if that would make him feel more comfortable.  I would just have to get my engineers on it as well, so we don't have any cave-ins, of course.

Do any of those options sound like they could work?

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:41, Fri 16 July 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 115 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 02:29
  • msg #232

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I turn to face the person in question, "Erik, what would you prefer?"
Sand
player, 95 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 02:38
  • msg #233

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand rose from his squat and looked at Thorin.

Sand knows where stable is. Sand thinks that Erik will be happy with long... ponies. Sand thinks Erik likes animals more than peoples.

The construct started to walk toward the structure, Clacker in tow, and turned back to see if Erik was following.
Erik Moor
player, 38 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 06:23
  • msg #234

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As they'd approached Vertigo, Erik's steps had become slower and slower. There was a hesitation that wasn't quite identifiable. Rather than fall back behind the group though he fell into close step behind Sand. By the time they were at the gates he was so close to San he was practically treading on the metal man's feet. He didn't know what awaited him in this place. His mind kept really at his ability to break one of the strongest lessons his father had unwittingly taught him before his disappearance. Keep the downward mountain ever in sight but never close. He was close now.

And then there was a flood of people. More people in one place than he had ever seen this close up. Every one of them had their own scent and feel and they all walked upright and he was so different here he was the outcast again he was something to be turned away. Except he wasn't. His eyes had darted wildly trying to track all of the potential threats that had surrounded him and the few individuals he had started to like. He had bared his teeth and growled warnings at any who came to close including the one offering bandages. And then there was breathing space. Giltris had said his name and was talking to a man. A stocky short bearded man, a dwarf. With a beard different from Erik's in every way. Where his was unruly and unkempt this beard was woven into an intricate pattern. It was beautiful. And strange. All of these people were so strange it was so much all at once. To much. As Erik prepared to run back out of this place and give up on the search for the one person he desperately wanted to see again he heard them making arrangements to make him feel more comfortable. Why? He was nobody he was a beast he was a monster waiting to be born and they wanted to keep him here and make him welcome...

A question was asked of him, a choice. He simply nodded not knowing what to pick. Sand took charge and started leading somewhere and Erik quickly took the cue and broke away from everyone. He moved to follow Sand and paused looking back at the beard again. His fingers moved to his own scraggly mess. They caught in a knot. He shook his head. Then his eyes went to Giltris and there was a gratitude there. He nodded his head in thanks this time with a flicker of a smile. He turned back.


"Sand." It was barely above a whisper and all the animalistic sounds whines and grunts that came with his speech before were back. "So   many people. Know..    them, trust them?" He was very carefully not looking upward upward upward to the far roots of the inverted mountain. Instead forcing himself to keep his eyes in front of him.
Sand
player, 96 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 5 Sep 2020
at 16:51
  • msg #235

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As he was bringing Erik away from all the animation, the druid literally following him in his footsteps, Sand thought he heard the man talk between his growls. It took him a moment to realize what Erik meant and turned towards him as he stopped in front of the stables, the manure smell overpowering.

Sand arrived here not too long ago. It was first time Sand saw that many people. Do Sand trust them all?


He shook his head, then cocked it to the side.


No, Sand barely knows Vertigo. But Sand trusts Thorin, the small…. The Dwarf. Thorin is good leader for those people. Sand saw him lead and take charge after dark ones… drows… attack. Sand thinks people safe here, under Thorin’s guidance.


He opened the door to the stables and walked in, each animal in it’s own enclosure. He brought Erik in front of one, and a robust pony answered his call, nuzzling the warforged.

This is Sprite, Sand brought him here after dwarf friends that found Sand died. Erik can stay here, Sand will stay with Erik.
Erik Moor
player, 39 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 02:11
  • msg #236

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik nodded at Sand's speaking for Thorin. "Nice beard." Briefly his hands flicked up to his own mess again.

Even though the smell was strong, Erik visibly relaxed over here. He immediately lit up at the sight of the pony.
"Sprite?"

What followed was a sight to behold. Erik looked at Sprite and began to greet them in the manner a horse should be greeted. He began by raising his head and turning to the side slightly. He let out a knicker that sounded like it should have come straight from a horse, his head bobbed a little up and down as he continued to knicker. He pushed his face right up toward Sprite's nostril and breathed his air into Sprite's nose and inhaled as the pony returned the affectionate greeting.

Immediately after, he pranced away and back. As much as a person can prance. There was a splitting smile on his face like hadn't been there in a long while. Greetings done he started to whiny and knicker in something that wasn't anything close to human speech but his meaning came across clearly to the pony and any other horses stabled here. He greeted them all in the same manner he greeted Sprite and begun to talk to them.
"Hello four legged friends I have met your cousins in the hills, the wild mustangs and I am pleased to meet you as well. This one calls you Sprite dear friend but I find that two leggers call many things by wrong names when they do not know true names. Some call me Erik but to my dear friends I am known as the one who leaps and bounds without fear. What are all your names?"

For the next ten minutes he devoted his attention wholly to learning about these creatures, who they were, what they did, what they thought of this place. Were they happy here?

As his play time drew to a close he looks back over to Sand with the smile still on his face
. "Thank you. For  staying. You are good friend. Will sleep here, what to do tomorrow? Can find my father? What does Sand do here?"

He also shared the true name of the one called Sprite so that Sand could be involved. At least as best as it could be translated to human speech.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 128 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 04:31
  • msg #237

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

We had finally arrived back in Vertigo and the entire village had come outside to greet us. I knew everyone was excited for the return of their comrades, but there were new faces amongst us; faces that might not be taken too kindly from the audience. So far no one had many any hostile remarks or actions towards them, but that could just be a matter of time. I hoped Thorin would address this with everyone later to be safe. Giltris led Zail and Erik to be introduced to Thorin and I noticed Sand accompany them; Erik seemingly glued to his side. I stood a little way back and watched the interaction, not only waiting for my turn to address Thorin but also to keep an eye on the crowd surrounding them. After a few minutes, Sand led Erik toward the stable and away from the gaze of most of the people. I felt this would probably suit Erik better and I'd make sure to beg some food from Corsica to take out to them later.

I made my way over to where I saw Thorin still stood, mentally preparing myself for the conversation I would need to have.
Excuse me, Thorin, might I have a word? I have some news about Althidon and Elias. Can you meet to discuss this before the party tonight? I just have a few things to take care of first. A bath, change of clothes, the usual things after a long journey.
Takmarin
GM, 159 posts
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 04:43
  • msg #238

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Of course Althaea.  How about you rest and freshen up while I get the party organized and moving.  Let's meet back, say...in 3 hours?

I expect the party to start when the sun has fully set and most of the real youngins are put in their beds for the evening.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:43, Sun 06 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 129 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 04:45
  • msg #239

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Yes, that will give me plenty of time. Where would you like to meet?
Takmarin
GM, 160 posts
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 04:48
  • msg #240

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Judging from the concern on your face, would my quarters work better for privacy?  Or would a walk outside suffice? Either works for me.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 130 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 05:01
  • msg #241

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Your quarters will suit fine. It might be wise to bring Sebastian and Corsica along. They are Sebastian's people and Corsica may have some ideas as well, should a solution not be viable at this time. I will explain in more detail when we meet in three hours.

I bowed as I departed from Thorin and went to draw myself a bath. Once I was clean, I returned to the quarters I had come to know as my own and selected my nicest shirt and breeches. I knew it was still another two hours before I had to meet with Thorin and I was getting hungry, so I went to see Corsica.

I know you are probably busy getting ready for the party later, but could I trouble you for something quick? I am famished. Also, Corsica, do you know anyone in Vertigo that makes dresses? There seem to be a lot of activities here that require one to look presentable.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:32, Sun 06 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 97 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 16:20
  • msg #242

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand looked at Erik talking with the horses and ponies of the stable, seemingly having the time of his life. Cursed with an inexpressive face, he nodded, happy to have found something for Erik to relate with. He then turned to Clacker, that had sustained some damage during the walk back, one of its leg's articulation having lost some mobility.  With a resigned clack, the mechanoid dropped on its belly and raised the faulty leg, for the artificer to look at. The wood fibers of Sand’s right leg started their uncoiling, opening the secret tool box of the construct, and he selected a screwdriver from it. A few seconds later, the insectoid leg was dismantled and Sand saw what was wrong; some wood had insinuated itself in the mechanism. Using different tools extracted from his leg, he cleaned up the articulation and put it back together, before realizing Erik had finished talking with the horses. Sand carefully put the tools back in their proper place in his leg and the wood fibers coiled again, closing the opening.

Erik then told him Sprite’s real name, that Sand tried to repeat, without much success. Then the druid asked him what he was doing in Vertigo. Sand shrugged.


Sand has known Vertigo for less than a week. Before Sand walked a lot, coming from south. Then dark… Drows attacked and hunters did not come back and Sand helped. Sand has no role in Vertigo. But there is lots to fix, Sand could do that here.  Sand likes to fix.

For Erik’s father, Sand thinks Erik should ask Thorin. Maybe he saw father or heard of him.


Seeing the alarm in Erik’s eyes, he raised a placating hand.

Sand will ask Thorin to come see Erik here, after party and rest, is that acceptable to Erik?

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:14, Sun 06 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 161 posts
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 16:35
  • msg #243

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

You are worrying me Althaea.  I will make sure they are with me. Thorin left the conversation with puzzlement and concern on his face.

Not surprising, Corsica is found in the Better Times Inn, bustling around cleaning the tables, helping with what decorations they could muster up, as well as sweeping the floor, getting some of the cavern dirt that always finds its way in.  She looks up as you walk in, her smile, genuine and warm:

Hey there Red! I am quite busy over here, but happy to grab you something from the kitchen.  Especially for someone who brought my eye-candy back to me. She winks and nudges you were her elbow. 

Darcassan is so lithe, and strong.  Just thinking about him is getting me all in a tizzy.  Why did you have to bring him up Red?  She giggles at her own attempt at humor, smiling.

Anyways, we have some leftovers from lunch, though it ain't much.  Boiled Onions, Dried Artichoke, and some stewed turnip.  I could have them whip you up some Barley porridge if that is more your thing.  Unfortunately, with the hunters gone so long, the only meat we have is that Owlbear you brought back.  How did you guys kill such a thing?  I've heard those things can put up quite the fight!

Hmm...we do have a older woman here, named Mera, though she might not have much on hand, as far as materials.  If you ever wonder why Aleena looks as fancy as she does, it's because Sebastian buys up all the good stuff before anyone else can.  Aleena's a pretty lass, like yourself, but with all them fancy materials, she might even give you a run for your gold!

Though, you are about the same size, so you might be asking Aleena if she has something you could borrow.  I'm sure she won't mind, with you saving her and all.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 131 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 16:52
  • msg #244

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I, too, giggled at Corsica's joke. Leftovers from lunch will be fine. Could you beg enough for two? We met a couple of people in the forest and one of them is not comfortable around people. I would like to take him something to eat since he will not attend the party. We did not have to kill the owlbear. A creature from my home was set loose upon the forest and it killed the owlbear. It was mutated, so I am not sure whether it is a herbivore like its normal brethren or if it is a carnivore. Either way, it left its kill for us to take. If the creature becomes a problem, we will have to go exterminate it, however, at the moment it is currently too strong for me to take it on just because. I am glad I was able to bring your sweetheart back to you, although, I know someone will be sad to hear of it. Could you by chance tell me where I can find Mera's and Aleena's quarters?

I found a seat that was not currently surrounded by decorations for the party and waited for the leftovers to be warmed up and brought out.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sun 06 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 163 posts
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 17:33
  • msg #245

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Well that's good you didn't have to tangle with that thing.  Fierce looking it is, that one.  Those claws could cut me right in half, they could.

What sort of creature from your home was so strong it could do what it did to that Owlbear?  Wait, before you tell me that, let me go and grab you that food.  You must be starving Red.


Corsica hurries off to the kitchen, isn't gone more than five minutes, when she returns with a steaming tray, with what looks like a little bit of each of the leftovers, as well as two mugs of cider.  Since you didn't really tell me what you were in the mood for, I brought you some of everything Red, and enough for the two of you.

Well Darcassan, he's not necessarily my sweetheart.  Maybe one day.  He's kinda out of my league and all.  Besides, I'm too busy to be getting all dolled up, just to be waitressing and such.  Wait, who would be sorry to hear it?

Mera is further down the cave, on the left hand side.  She is the one with a really thick and heavy maroon curtain covering her quarters.  She has her own, because she doubles as a shop, so to speak, and has all the materials in there with her.

Aleena can be found right next door to Sebastian.  It was Sebastian's idea of course, though some think that's his way of making sure he is the only suitor stopping by.

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:12, Sun 06 Sept 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 116 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 17:39
  • msg #246

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

All afternoon I had felt the pressure within slowly building. It was not so bad while we were on the road and I had to keep an eye out for danger, but now that we had returned to Vertigo, it was becoming unbearable. My thoughts skitter all over the place, unable to settle, and I feel uncomfortable in my own skin; the urge to do something almost overwhelming. It is odd, today I did my normal morning exercises, marched for several hours under full load, and fought a brief but intense fight, normally that would be enough to burn off any excess energy.

With Sand looking after Erik I keep close to Zail as we move clear of the crowd. There are a few hostile glances our way, but no one acts on them; it seems the word had made it around that she had nothing to do with the raid. Hopefully in time she will be able to earn their trust. Or maybe she will leave before then, the choice is up to her.

Soon the forced idleness gets to be too much and I have to go do something. I lean over to Zail, "I have to go let out some steam or I am going to be completely unacceptable company tonight. You are welcome to join me if you wish, but if not I will be in the open area inside the inner wall to the west of the main gate. Come and get me if anyone bothers you or if you just want to talk to talk with someone." I say to her quietly and give her my most reassuring smile.

I manage to work my way outside the tunnel leading into the settlement, despite the people moving excitedly the other way as they prepare for the evenings festivities. It is good to see them in such high spirits; I doubt they have much to celebrate. Finally clear of the tunnel, I make my way to the well and wait my turn. Once I have filled my water skin and an additional bucket, I head to my preferred exercise spot and start going through my sword katas.

The familiar movements are soothing and I concentrate on each contraction and release of muscle, the discipline to make each movement exact and not over extending or rotating. Slowly as my muscles begin to burn my thoughts slow and I start to reach for the clarity exercise has always brought me but it remains stubbornly out of reach. Alright, I will have to try something else.

I remove my armour, strip down to my underwear, and start going through body-weight exercises, slow and deliberate. I focus on my breathing, making sure to keep it regular and in time with each exertion. Up...down...up...down... The measured rhythm helps but I still cannot reach it. I switch to a vertical push-up and slowly lower myself into the down position and hold it for as long as I can. My muscles protest under the strain and sweat drips off the tip of my nose and onto the ground, but I still hold the position. Finally, just before my strength fails me, I push back to the upright position and lower myself into a plank. I hold that position until my core and back feel like they are on fire before sitting back, my heels under my thighs ; if I keep going like this I will be useless for the rest of the day. I begin my cool down stretches and I finally am able to achieve the calm I sought. It has been years since I had to work so hard to find my centre.

Once those are done I drink deep from my water skin and wash myself and my clothes as best I can with the water I had drawn from the well. At times like this I miss my cleansing rod desperately, but I knew what I was doing when I set out from home and I chose to accept the hardships that go with it. I think what I miss the most is the feeling of being truly clean. I will just have to continue my work and do the best I can with what is available. I put on a clean set of clothes, gather my gear, and head back towards the town.

On my way I see the stable and change directions; I should check on Sand and Erik, see if they need anything. I knock on the door frame and wait a moment to give them a chance to respond before stepping inside. Sand is working on something in the corner with Clacker, resting next to him facing the door, but Scamp is nowhere in sight; it is probably up to some mischief. Erik is in the stall with a tough looking pony, idly stroking its flank and making soft huffing sounds at it.

"Good evening gentlemen," I say to them quietly while giving each of them a friendly smile, "I am heading back into the caves and I was wondering if the two of you needed anything?"

(Note: Before she left to do her exercises her hair had gradually darkened to a deep brown but by the time she is done it has changed back to a pale blonde.)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:55, Mon 07 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 132 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 18:11
  • msg #247

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Corsica was not gone more than five minutes when she came back with a little bit of each dish from lunch. Everything on the tray was steaming and smelled delightful.

Thank you, Corsica, everything looks delicious. The original is called an Elkthrawn, pray you never have to meet its mutation. I find it hard to believe that anyone would be out of your league but I do know someone else who is interested in you, Jacob the weaponsmith. Maybe I will give you a break tonight so you can spend some time with him. I have no reason not to, Alaric is not yet back from his trip home and I had not planned on staying long because of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Sun 06 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 164 posts
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 18:24
  • msg #248

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

My pleasure Red.  I wouldn't go so far as to say it looks delicious, but I appreciate your kindness.

Jacob you say.  He is quite a built man, for sure.  Fiery hair like yourself there Red.  I think I can make that work.

Are you sure about this?  I don't want to be throwing myself out there on some rumor.

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Sun 06 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 133 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 6 Sep 2020
at 21:23
  • msg #249

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I smiled warmly, I am quite sure. He told me himself before we left to go find the hunters. He will be quite pleased. I should get this to the stables before it gets cold though. Thank you, again.

I picked up the tray and carefully carried it out to the stables, doing my best to avoid jostling it when there were too many people moving through the tunnels at once. The stable doors were already open when I arrived, Giltris appearing to have also stopped to check in on Sand and Erik. I looked around for a clean surface to set the tray on and announced myself. Good evening, everyone. Erik, I thought you might be getting hungry so I brought some food out to share. Giltris, I would have brought some for you as well, had I known you were going to be here.
Sand
player, 98 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 7 Sep 2020
at 16:59
  • msg #250

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Clacker got back on its legs and moved around the stable to test the repairs out, almost getting kicked a few times in the process by the skittish animals.  Its round brought him close to the door when Andraste came in to check on the two, followed closely by Althaea, bringing some food for Erik.

Sand thanks Giltris and Althaea for checking on Erik and Sand. Sand not eat, but there is something you can do for Erik. Sand told Erik that maybe Thorin heard about Erik’s father. Sand would be grateful if Thorin and Sebastian could come here, to talk with Erik about Erik’s father.

No need for it to be now, but after rest? Sand not think Erik would be comfortable in cave with all the people. Sand gives thanks.


The construct nodded, glad to not have to leave Erik’s side. Although he seemed ok around the horses, he was not sure if a stranger barging in the stable would not startle the man and make him panic. So he preferred to stay here with his strange friend.

Andraste Giltris
player, 117 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 7 Sep 2020
at 17:30
  • msg #251

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"That was kind of you Althaea, even I did not know I was coming here until my feet led me here. I will be fine until dinner." I say looking at Althaea and offering her a small smile before looking back at Sand.

"We can ask but I doubt Sebastian will agree to speak with you here without good reason. However, I may be doing him a disservice; he has proven to be more than he appears before."

I pause for a few seconds, before speaking to Erik, "I apologize if you feel left out for the next few minutes. I do not mean to exclude you but I wish to test something with Sand." I look back to Sand and continue in elvish,
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:55, Wed 09 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 99 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 03:01
  • msg #252

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Andraste made no promises but would ask, and that was the extent of what the construct wanted. He nodded his thanks, then she said something about a test with him. Intrigued, he cocked his head to the side,  waiting for her to explain. It wasn’t long.

The flowing arabesques of the elvish language acted like an electroshock on the warforged and he froze for a number of seconds, while his memory circuits looked for the corresponding archives, buried deed in his brain. This translation was much more complex than the simple sentence they had exchanged when they had met. Finally he lifted his head and spoke in halting Elvish.


Sand not know if this will work but Sand willing to try.


Somewhere inside that brain cavity, unknown to the construct, some new connections where being made...

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 134 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 03:19
  • msg #253

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I replied to Andraste's query, also in Elvish. I only know one language other than this and common and it is probably best I do not speak it around Erik. The others may be better suited to this task than I.

I ate a few bites of the food I brought before it started to get cold and sat to listen to the conversation play out.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Tue 08 Sept 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 118 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 8 Sep 2020
at 03:35
  • msg #254

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Alright, now what can we talk about; maybe we can talk about Clacker, I have always been curious about it.
Erik Moor
player, 40 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 00:32
  • msg #255

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik smiled at Sand's attempt at the name. "Sprite is okay too. Good to know the other name in here." He moved his hand up and tapped Sand on his metallic skull. When Sand had asked Erik about having Thorin come to the stable after resting, the relief in his eyes became very apparent and he nodded. And then feeling obliged to say something he looked down at his shield and his bag which Sand had repaired. "You like and good fixing things." It was a thank you and encouragement. He relaxed and returned to the horses. Even though he wasn't speaking with them now he still understood them.

When Giltris arrived he first only looked up for a moment a little tense. His eyes tracked to hers though and he relaxed a little until they continued to track to her hair which was another color entirely than it had been before. His head cocked to the side and his hands went to his own hair. He drew a few strands of it in front of his face and peered closely at their color. Seeing that it was unchanged he breathed a sigh of relief. The horses would have told him if this place did things to your fur coat. So it was Giltris who changed then. He tried out his smile again at her greeting and it wasn't all bad. He shook his head at her offer though and simply said.
"Happy."

Sand's concern about Erik's reaction to strangers barging into the stable was fairly spot on if unvoiced. When Althaea arrived, even known as she was, the wild man's reaction was different than it was when Giltris had shown up a little before her. Her presence immediately cast a shadow on his face. But she came bearing an offering of food. Steaming and delicious looking food. He gave the pony another pat and a huff as if to tell it that it didn't have to be scared, but really it was meant for himself. She hadn't done anything to hurt him directly. Slowly he took a few steps toward where she had set the tray, occasionally lifting his nose to sniff the air. His stomach growled audibly. It had been a long time since he had eaten anything prepared. It had been a long time since he had eaten anything other than his berries really...

He reached out and snagged something off the tray, pulling his arm back quickly like a mongoose stealing an egg back from a snake. His eyes darted to Althaea to see if she would reprimand him for being greedy before remembering that she had brought this for him. Something softened in his brows. It wasn't trust per se that reached his face, but it wasn't as severe distrust anymore. She had so far shown herself to be unlike the Fey he knew. Those dark brown eyes squinted again though as he bit into the food and then tasting its deliciousness, he began eating ravenously as his eyes shot back open. Remembering something from his past, he wiped a naked arm across the juices that dripped down his chin.

Sand spoke for him and he nodded. A look of hope sparked somewhere as they considered talking to who he could only assume to be the leaders of this massive pack among the mountain about his father. As if to offer some reparation, he reached into his recently repaired bag and withdrew the last of his goodberries from before, placing them on the tray, opening his hand toward them in offering, and looking around at everyone before continuing to eat the real food that the Bargainer had brought.

When Giltris mentioned that he might be left out for the next few moments he seemed unperturbed as he nodded, grabbed the tray of food and brought it back to his new four legged friends. As the others began talking in a language foreign to him he instead paid attention to the horses and ponies. He picked certain foods specially for each of them and fed them, as he thought about the events that had led him here. He was in a place he'd never thought he would come close to, surrounded by people he would never have expected to meet let alone get along with, and outside of their little stable of safety there were many, many more people he knew nothing about. It was a strangely terrifying and yet exciting feeling. There was a part of him that was afraid these people would find out that he was not good and did not belong here. But as the thought occurred, another memory sprang to mind. A recent one, Sand telling him he was not a monster. It was odd having someone's words spring to mind telling him something actually good about himself. It was a memory he would hold for now. Even if he wasn't sure that the metal man could possibly know if he was a monster or not it was a nice feeling knowing that someone at least thought that about him. A smile snuck back onto his face and he snuck a glance at the three talking in a language unknown. What could they be? His friends? Maybe. What could they be talking about with the Bargainer Bringer of Food right now? He thought he'd heard her say his name, the one he'd given them, mixed into that language for a moment.

At first while he'd had food to eat he hadn't felt left out, but the more they talked the more he felt something he'd felt often enough in very different situations. A desire to be included. To be part of something he'd viewed from a distance. They were not excluding him though. Right? They were just... Just... They were... What were they doing? What were they talking about?


"You talking about what?" The question had come out of his mouth before he'd even realized he was saying it. He also hadn't realized that he had walked closer to the group again, well walked as in shuffling on all fours, almost sneaking closer. "Can help? Know talking in different speak than you speaking." He set the now empty tray down as he interrupted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:04, Wed 09 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 100 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 01:08
  • msg #256

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The construct hesitated and looked at its defender moving around the stable. Why did he chose that form after all? And could he explain it in elvish? He wasn’t even sure how he knew elvish, nor how the plans came to him.

After about a minute of silent considerations, he opened his mouth.


Clacker is inspired by small animals that Sand saw fighting. Six legged animals with big head and fearsome mouths, many hundreds of them, fought against a bigger six leg animal with strong armor, and drove it off. Sand knew that only one companion would be created, so he chose to mix the strong armor body with the head of smaller animals. Clacker is unique.

He put his hand on the defender’s back, and Clacker produced a small clack from his soldier ant inspired mandibule.


"So you knew what you wanted Clacker to do, but you were able to be creative and improvise how it functioned; you were not just following a pre-existing plan?” I pause to think back over other conversations I have had with Sand. "Before you mentioned that there are things that you just know, but other skills and knowledge you have learned since your re-awakening in the ice. Do you notice a difference between the two types of knowledge? Do they feel different?”


Sand thought a long time about that one, it was a really good question. And now that he had a store of real life experiences to draw on, he could make a valid comparison. This needed a serious reflection and analysis, that he couldn’t accomplish in detail now.

That is a good question. Sand remembers when something happened, like when fighting the Drow, but fighting that banshee was a first, yet, there was information available on it, in here. Like opening a book never read on the right page.

He tapped his head with a finger, unable to explain more at this moment.


"We experience something similar; we call it instincts. Ours is usually less specific or exact, but it is information that usually alerts us to threats. We often do not know what causes it, we just get a feeling and know that something is wrong. It can be quite disconcerting.”

I pause for a second and take a drink from the dregs of my water skin; I am going to have to fill it again before I enter the caves. What would be another topic that would require him to articulate his thoughts? "Well I think that is enough for today. Thank you all for your patience. I will pass on your request to Thorin and Sebastian this evening.” I give them all a brief bow and turn to leave the stable. "Good evening all.”

Sand nodded, still deep in thought about that little exchange. He replied in Common.


Sand wishes a good evening to Giltris and Althaea.


He then turned to Erik, that had finished his meal and nodded to him.

Giltris trying to awaken Sand's memories. Sand knows another language, that of elves. Sand not know how Sand knows.

He looked towards the door that Andraste had just left through.

Sand thinks Elven might be natural language of Sand. But Sand lacks pointed ears. Sand lacks ears.

He nodded to Erik and Althaea, hoping that his attempt as humor would be understood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:09, Wed 09 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 135 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 03:23
  • msg #257

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I looked at Sand, hearing his attempt at a joke and smiled at him, slowly starting to laugh. The last few days had been very stressful and the joke, no matter how poor it was, was still just what I needed.

I turned to look at Erik,
Giltris is conducting an experiment with Sand to try and help his speech impairment. She wants to see if he has the same issue in other languages. I merely stated the other language I knew was best not to be spoken around you, considering the reaction you had to it the last time. Thank you for sharing a meal with me. I have some business with Thorin before the party tonight and should finish getting ready. Pleasantries in your state of rest. I gave a slight bow before picking up the tray and one of Erik's goodberries, eating it, and carrying the tray back with me when I left the stables.

Once I had reached the main tunnel in the caves, I returned the tray to Corsica before making my way out to the cave I had been told belonged to Mera. Due to the lack of doors here, I opted for speaking through the curtain and hoping she was home.
Good evening, Mera, are you up for company? My name is Althaea Sylvaranth. Corsica told me you are the one to speak to about getting a dress or two made. I sadly left most of my clothing behind when I came here. I paused to see if Mera would answer or if I would have more luck visiting Aleena first.
Takmarin
GM, 165 posts
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 13:50
  • msg #258

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Yes dear, please enter.  I'm always up for some company.  Not many people want to talk to an old woman you know.

Why don't we get you in here and see what I have that might work for you.


As you push the curtain aside, it closes gently behind you, its mixture of a heavy silk giving it a hefty, but wispy quality.

Mera is an older human woman with silver hair and bluish green eyes.  She has a long woven braid, with a golden string that is intertwined into it, giving it a more regal look.  Her ears are adorned with a pair of earrings that seem to spin of their own accord in a constant, twirling motion. She wears a beautiful royal blue cloak with ornamental gold filigree woven into the lining, that sparkles even with the meager light of a nearby torch, that is carefully set away from the curtain and the abundance of material rolls hanging on the walls.

You see practically every color of the rainbow in here, along with subtle differences of each, giving you a sense that Mera couldn't possibly NOT have what you would need, but as you look closer, you can see that each of the materials quality is quite varied as well.

All right, sit down and let me get a good look at you, dear. Mera had a matronly tone about her, that stressed her "I'm in charge here" attitude, but at the same time, was also kind and grandmotherly in gesture.  Mera, using her hand, gently turned your head this way and that, looking at your skin, picking at some of your clothes, pinching here and mentally measuring there.  Her touch was strangely mesmerizing and put you in an almost catatonic state where you felt like she could pick up a knife and slice your throat, and you wouldn't even try to stop her. You realize that she just exuded total and utter trust from you, even though you just met her.  It was quite disconcerting.

Hmm...you have impeccable skin and well, a body most would die for.  I definitely have some material for you, but it's not of a quality you would deserve my dear.  Sadly, my best material has already been bought and paid for.  I'm happy to make you a dress with the best material I have, but it will take some time and I'm assuming you want something for tonight's festivities?
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 136 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 15:10
  • msg #259

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I smiled up at Mera, Corsica mentioned that to me as well. This dress is more for work, to wear while I help Corsica or give her some time off to also enjoy the festivities when they are held. She mentioned that scamp, Sebastian, buys all your best material for his beloved, Aleena, so I planned to go see her after this to borrow something for tonight. She thought the two of us were similar in stature so that they would fit. You have made Aleena her dresses and would have a better idea if they would fit or if I should see a different resident. At some point, I would like to make a trip home and either bring back more of my wardrobe or some material. I would imagine the material I would bring you would be of even better quality than what you made Aleena's dresses from.
Takmarin
GM, 166 posts
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 15:40
  • msg #260

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Oh, will you be working at the Better Times Inn then now?  I would have thought as a performer for sure, but am surprised to hear you will be helping her as a server and housekeeper.  Good for you.  Corsica deserves a break.

Yes, I think you two are close enough in size that the dress would fit.  If anything, it might be a bit bigger on you, dear.  Just use a sash to tie it tight, if that is the case.

Oh, material from the Feywild?  That would be lovely!  The traders these days are making trips here less frequently, both because of the danger and because it's becoming harder and harder to find the material.  Half of the material I get consists of various curtains scavenged from ruined buildings.  While we still need them as new caves are being dug out for new citizens or to give us all a little more privacy, it's an improper imbalance, as clothes are in higher demand here.  With all the hard work being done, clothes get ripped and torn, and while they can be fixed, all clothes get to a point where it just isn't feasible to continue to repair them.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 137 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 17:43
  • msg #261

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Corsica has been nothing but good to me since I arrived here. The least I can do is give her a break when I am not on a mission elsewhere. I will likely still perform for everyone, just less often. From what I have noticed, there have been plenty of opportunities for Rory to get Corsica the help she requires, he just has not done so. I may be a Princess but I am no stranger to hard work.

They Feywild did not have the Collapse that your world had, trade is still flourishing and we are not hurting for things such as fabrics and materials. I cannot guarantee I can bring back all that you require, due to my limited ability to carry things. If you give me a list I can bring back as much as I possibly can. Perhaps star the most important items so I focus on them should I not be able to bring everything back. You likely have plenty of time to make the list. I do not see myself getting there before the next full moon.

Takmarin
GM, 167 posts
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 18:47
  • msg #262

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Yes, Corsica is quite the sweet young girl, though Rory knows what the is doing.  Let's just say that while is sweet, she is also the type of person who likes being in control and takes great pride in her profession and the Better Times Inn.  Should someone else be there to help her on a regular basis, Corsica might feel as if she is losing some of that control.  She likes things a certain way, and there's nothing wrong with that, but Rory has gotten someone in before for her, and it didn't end well.  The poor girl couldn't live up to Corsica's expectations and ended up looking to help out in other areas of Vertigo.  While Corsica may complain about it, her happiness lies with the Better Times Inn.  At least, that's what this old goat thinks.

Oh, I'd be happy with anything you bring me, dear. It will be nice to have some new material to work with, especially exotic material from the Feywild.  If I can think of anything though, I'll make sure to let you know.  Thank you.  In exchange for the material, would you accept a custom dress made by me as payment?  I'm afraid I don't have much else to trade, at the moment, but if there is something else you'd like, please let me know and I'll try to acquire it.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 138 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 9 Sep 2020
at 19:49
  • msg #263

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I smiled at Mera, A dress would be lovely and more than acceptable as payment. Your assessment of Corsica seems pretty accurate from the little I have gotten to know her. I will not be around full-time which is why I think my helping her will be sufficient for her needs. Thank you for your time, Mera, I have to see Aleena before she leaves to join the festivities. Have a pleasant evening.

I stood up and bowed my head to Mera before leaving her quarters. It did not take long to find Aleena's room with the directions given to me by Corsica. Good evening, Aleena. Corsica tells me you might have a dress I could borrow for the night's festivities. May I come in?
Takmarin
GM, 168 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 01:33
  • msg #264

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Have a good evening dear.  I'm sure it will be then.  Just something to keep in mind.

You walk back up the hall, to the curtain where Corsica said Aleena's room.  Good evening, Aleena. Corsica tells me you might have a dress I could borrow for the night's festivities. May I come in?

At first there is no answer, but after about 30 seconds, from the next room over, which you know to be Sebastian's you hear. Give me a moment would you, while I get decent.

After what seems like almost two minutes with some more giggling, Aleena pulls the curtain aside and steps out in her undergarments, obviously not shy at all, then walks into her room, and gestures you to follow.  You can see Sebastian standing with a scowl on his face, his bare chest gleaming with sweat in the torchlight.

I see that scowl Sebastian, it is most unbefitting. I will have your beloved back in just a moment, then you can go back to your love making.  With a huff, Sebastian walks forward and closes the curtain on you.

You enter into the room and are quite surprised at how well decorated the room is.  The room is much larger than the one you share with Alaric, and easily twice the size of your companion's room.  It is adorned with finely made furniture, not the scraps of wood most of the other beds you've come across look like.  There is a small wardrobe in the far left corner and hooks that hold an abundance of other beautiful fine clothes.  One in particular has a gorgeous, slim fitting red dress, presumably for tonight's festivities.


So, you're looking for a dress, hmm?  I think I may have something that would fit you, though it might be a little tight on you.  Let me see what I have.  After all, you DID save us in the woods.

Aleena looks through her wardrobe and picks out a green dress, that from the looks of it, is older and well worn, the material thinner in some of the areas where more movement might occur.

Why don't you try this one.  I think it will look ravishing on you, and bring out those BEAUTIFUL hazel eyes.  Go on, try it.  Just us girls here, nothing to be shy about.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:04, Thu 10 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 139 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 02:46
  • msg #265

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I was a bit taken aback at how open Aleena was with her body. Although given her frame was similar to mine, it was understandable, just not commonplace. I was more surprised when she requested I try on the dress here. If that is what it was going to take to borrow the dress for the evening, I would oblige her. I unbuttoned the shirt I was wearing and dropped it to the floor, followed shortly by my breeches until I was standing before her in just my undergarments.

I took the dress from Aleena and looked it over, determining the best way to don it would be to slip the dress over my head. Even if I had been worried about the dress being a little tight from what Aleena had said it was, in fact, loose enough that it easily slid over my frame and I did not have to tug on it once. I pulled the ends of my hair out from the top of the dress and turned to Aleena,
So, what do you think?
Takmarin
GM, 169 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 02:57
  • msg #266

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Oh, it looks PERFECT.  You may keep it if you'd like.  It looks SO much better on you, than it did on me years ago.  Aleena smiles, finding it hard to keep her sarcasm at bay.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 140 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 03:26
  • msg #267

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

It was not hard to tell anymore that Aleena had likely given me one of the oldest dresses she possessed and she was sounding precisely like Sebastian with the edge of sarcasm in her voice. Whether she realized it or not, had Aleena been polite about letting me borrow a dress for the night, I would have brought her one of my dresses from home when I am eventually able to make the trip. Now, she would neither be getting one nor would I allow Mera to make her clothing from the material I bring back with me.

I see why Sebastian enjoys your company. I will return the dress tomorrow morning. A pleasant evening to you both. I picked up the clothing I had been wearing just a short time ago and left Aleena's room.

I went back to my own room to finish my putting up my hair, put a touch of kohl around my eyes, and rouge on my lips. Even with the worn material of the dress, I was almost guaranteed to be the center of attention at the festivities. Aleena be damned.

Once it was time to meet Thorin, I stepped out of my room. Unfortunately for me, as I was walking past Sebastian's room, he too exited and I was forced to walk beside him the rest of the way to Thorin's quarters. Thankfully, it was just a little way farther down the hall. Once we arrived, I was preparing to announce our presence when Sebastian just walked right past the curtain into the room. I sighed and also walked in, giving Thorin a slight bow.


I apologize, Thorin. Sebastian clearly has no interest in the well-being of his people, judging by his behavior thus far. I will try not to waste your time, Your Highness, My voice dripping venom on the words, "Your Highness". A close eye will need to be kept on Althidon and Elias. They were fed food from my homeland while they were missing in the forest. A Satyr had them captured and I was able to negotiate for their release; however, this was not before he had fed them. I know what you're thinking, she brought us in here to tell us someone fed them, big deal. Wrong. Unless we find a way to overcome these effects, they will never enjoy food from your realm again. It is commonplace for people to starve themselves after eating food from the Feywild, finding the taste to be bland and lacking on even their favorite dishes. I have already seen their lack of interest with my own eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Thu 10 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 170 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 11:15
  • msg #268

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I'm not sure where that accusation is coming from, but it is unfounded and inaccurate. Sebastian said sharply.

Alright, let's not start this conversation off on the wrong foot.  So what you are saying Althaea, is that there is no cure to this ailment after eating the food from your homeland?
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:46, Thu 10 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 141 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 15:17
  • msg #269

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

That is correct. If there is, it has not been transcribed into the books I have read on the matter. I had to have considerable training in order to travel here and none of my past instructors have mentioned one.
Takmarin
GM, 171 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 20:13
  • msg #270

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Are they aware Althaea of what has befallen them?  For now, the only thing I can hope to offer a way to keep them sustained and nourished through magic, though it will be a daily thing.  If what you say is true, I truly hope they don't become petulant children.  They would only need to eat of of the magic berries I can create, but I fear it will only get worse with time for them.

Sebastian, do you have any ideas on this matter?


The frustration on Sebastian's face seemed sincere, and it took a good minute or two before he spoke:

This....this is terrible news indeed.

While I don't have a direct solution, there may be someone I used to know that could help.  I dealt with a swamp witch of sorts, before the cataclysm, who had helped me to secure my borders when my resources were just too thin, and if anyone survived this apocalypse, it would have been her.  She was about ten miles or so from my keep to the SE, so from here, maybe two to two and a half hours travel.  I'll tell you now that she will want something in return for her help, if she can even help at all, though I know not what she would want. I know not if she deals in curses such as these, but she may be able to offer a solution.  Other than that, I don't know what could help them.  This is outside of my realm.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 142 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 21:48
  • msg #271

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

No, Thorin, I have yet to tell them. I felt the news might come across better from someone they were more familiar with.

This witch is already familiar with you since you have past dealings with her. We leave in the morning Sebastian. Or do you need more time for preparations?

Takmarin
GM, 172 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 22:57
  • msg #272

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Just because you've helped us, which we do appreciate, don't for a second presume to think you can tell ME what I will or will not be doing. You are NOT in charge here.  I'm not going, and that's final.

To make things clear, I never said my dealings with her were anything more than a business arrangement.  We are not friends and my going will gain you nothing.

Also...our arrangement didn't end on a good note.  It's better you dont mention me at all. 

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 143 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 23:21
  • msg #273

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

You will not go bargain for a potential cure for YOUR people, fine. I have no need to go. I am not the one who will miss them when they are dead.  My part in this is done. I freed them from a being powerful enough to create a rift through dimensions, that did not come cheap.
Takmarin
GM, 173 posts
Thu 10 Sep 2020
at 23:56
  • msg #274

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I dont own anyone Althaea and that would be OUR family remember?  Or have you already decided for your group, on your own selfish whim, to not be one of us after Thorin and I so graciously asked you to be part of our family and community? This party isn't only for the return of the hunters, but to celebrate you and your companions as heroes.  We honor you and this is how you would treat us?  I cant believe I stuck my neck out for you.  This party for you was all my idea, but now I truly regret it.  It saddens me greatly.

And as I said, I would not be welcome at the witch's home.  She would most likely kill me and that would solve nothing, except for you finally being rid of me.No thank you.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 144 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 00:16
  • msg #275

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I am not speaking for any member of the group I travel with except that I am not going to be the one who pays the witch for this cure. I gave up something very personal to me to free these people to begin with. Whether I have been accepted into the community or not, I do not know these people and cannot as such claim them as my family. I did not mean it as disrespect. I merely wanted you to come along to pay the witch for her services. I will not give up anything further for them, my firstborn and heir to the throne is more than enough.
Takmarin
GM, 174 posts
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 00:33
  • msg #276

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Well...uh...I, I didnt know that Althaea.  I'm truly sorry you had to pay such a high price for their release.  For that I thank you greatly and please know that we would never expect you or your friends to pay any personal price to rid them of this curse.

Thorin, in a sort of perplexed state, manages a nod at what Sebastian says, now that it seems like the conversation is taking a lighter tone.

Sebastian begins again and says:

I merely meant that I can not go, not because I dont want to, just that I cant.  She will kill me, that much I know.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:33, Fri 11 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 145 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 00:45
  • msg #277

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I can accept this reason, I apologize for my rash judgment as well. We have not seen eye-to-eye since the first night we met and I admit, I may jump to conclusions when you are involved. In your past dealings with her, what price did she charge for her services? Was it gold or some other tradeable item? If so, I merely ask that Vertigo as a community pay for the cure, I will still travel to do dealings with her provided this.
Takmarin
GM, 175 posts
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 01:16
  • msg #278

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I know I have a temper as well Althaea and it's something Thorin, and others, have asked me to work on.  I'm trying, but I must admit, you do find a way to get on my last nerve!  It's quite commendable, actually.  Not many can do that.

In my past dealings with the witch, when I first heard of her and how she operated, I found that her price is never what you think it will be and not something that can be anticipated or understood.  From me, she asked me for three very strange items:

A rusted dagger untouched by air, the eye of a beholder no more than 24 hours old, and a monogrammed handkerchief from one of my Kin.

It was a strange request, but to ensure the safety of my borders where I was stretched too thin, I made it a priority.

So all I can say, is I have no fucking idea what she could possibly want.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 146 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 01:56
  • msg #279

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

She sounds delightful. I said using the same sarcastic tone I had heard from Aleena earlier that evening.

I do believe my Mother may have some words of wisdom in this situation, you are I too much alike and therefore are unlikely to get along. As a result of this, I declare you, Sebastian Manchester III, to be my sworn rival. May it not always lead to venomous disagreements but instead lead us to heightened intellectual conversations that challenge us to do bigger and better things to outdo one another. What do you say? I hold out my hand for Sebastian to shake.
Zail
player, 17 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 02:06
  • msg #280

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Finally, we arrive at Vertigo and it’s built under an upside down mountain?!? Who builds a town under that? Apparently this Dwarf named Thorin, I keep hearing about. As we move through the city it’s a bit dizzying. I haven’t been this deep into a major settlement in a long time. Andraste keeps me from getting separated and lost in the winding streets and makeshift buildings. I try to keep as low a profile as possible. Most people see the dress and stare but with the hood up and my googles on I’m pretty hard to see. I’m introduced to the Dwarven city leader. He seems nice and hardened like most Dwarves I’ve known, but that’s only until they see what I am. I try to keep as concealed as I can, and there is no mention of me, so I’ll keep hope alive, I guess.

Later there is a celebration of some kind; to be honest there is so much going on in this town that I’m a bit thrown into the deep end. Andraste asked me to join her for a break from everything going on and I’m all for it. I’ll keep quiet and steer clear of making myself noticed. I feel like a bit of her silent shadow, but it keeps me out of trouble. Drow keeps her distance and watches from a bit further. She knows not to bring us attention. So for now I follow and listen.

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:18, Fri 11 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 176 posts
Fri 11 Sep 2020
at 11:25
  • msg #281

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The Feywild spawns such strange creatures, but I can't argue with that logic.  Sworn Rivals it is! Sebastian smiles, probably in the warmest smile anyone has ever seen on his face, and shake yours hand in one exaggerated up and down shake.

Thorin looks on in disbelief, while Corsica continues to remain silent, which is a feat in itself, at everything that unfolded here this evening.

Sand
player, 101 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 12 Sep 2020
at 12:46
  • msg #282

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand sat still without moving a wooden muscle for a long time after the two women left. Despite the appearances, he was not in his rest cycle yet, but was in deep thought. The fact that he seemed to have much more vocabulary in elven, which he didn’t know he could comprehend, let alone speak, a scant four days ago, was puzzling him greatly. Finally he moved, startling Clacker, that clacked at him.

Erik was still with his new four legged friends, and in a dark corner of the stable, Zail stirred, revealing her presence. Sand wondered if he would need to guard her too, but she seemed more adept at social gathering than Erik. Her reason for being here was probably because of her heritage, when some of her kin attacked the town only a few days ago. That was logical and he looked at her, acknowledging her presence with a nod.

He looked again at Erik, something nagging in his mind. The druid had called Thorin “nice beard”, while playing with his own scraggly and unkept facial hairs. He remembered Gustav brushing the tail of Sprite, and he imagined that Thorin was probably doing the same thing to his own beard. That was something he could do, and it would probably help Erik integrate with the population. Looking around, knowing the inhabitants had an habit of discarding their broken tools, he did not see what he wanted in the stable.


Sand will come back.


He rose and left the stable, remembering where he had seen the kind of garbage dump. There, he picked up what he thought he would need and went back to the stable ten minutes later. Clearing a space on the floor, he used his small mastery of earth to create a workbench where he deposited his loot and opened his hidden tool box in his thigh. Using a combination of craftsmanship and magic, totally concentrated on his task, he first created a metal comb. Satisfied, he took on the more complicated task of making a brush. Finally he called Erik and showed him his creations.

Erik take these. Use them to have nice beard and hairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Sat 12 Sept 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 41 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sat 12 Sep 2020
at 14:12
  • msg #283

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik seemed so much more at ease here in his little bubble of safety. Zail's presence didn't seem to change that. They hadn't really spoken to each other but he acknowledged her when he became aware of her presence with a nod, something he may have picked up from Sand. When the metal man came back Erik had moved away from his friends and sat closely to watch what Sand was doing. He didn't say anything, he didn't need to. Sand didn't seem to demand or require much communication.

When presented with the comb and brush the wild man first cocked his head to the side slightly but when explained that they could be used to have a nice beard he nodded that slightly distinct nod that was Sand's variation of a smile.

He remembered long ago seeing his father comb through a beard and immediately attempted the same only to be met with the sharp pain of many tangles being yoinked at once. He yelped in pain and looked down at the comb accusingly. Then he started to think about the other things he remembered his father doing first. He lifted his beard and looked at not just the tangles but the gathered detritus there. This would not do. Inspiration struck. He took his wooden shield and laid it on the ground like a shallow, wide bowl. His eyes went to the decanter that Sand had used to put out the fires, his finger pointed to the shield and he looked up to Sand. All this while crouched down. He set the comb and brush down.


"Water,    please?"

When the metal man nodded and acquiesced, Erik's toes began to wriggle in the sand and his hands touched the fresh beautiful delicious water that filled his makeshift bowl in the middle of the stable. Then suddenly he scooped up the shield and dumped the water on himself drenching not just himself but all of his belongings.

For a moment he sat there with the water dripping off of him and then he raised a hand. The tattoo of a narrow running stream that went from his elbow to his pinky on his left hand began to shift and flow and as it did every drop of the water that he'd poured from the shield and that had scattered amongst his things and the floor began to coalesce. At first a mucky sort of water formed in the shield-bowl but with another motion and while tilting the shield back and forth the muck started to be force filtered out by his magic that like Sand's could shape the water itself. He tossed the water on himself a few more times following the same process. After two or three full body showers he then crouched over the bowl again and lay his beard down into it. Moving his left hand to move the water and his right to comb he went through the painful process of cleaning out a beard that had long been uncared for. But now he knew a beautiful beard was a thing someone could have and Sand had given him the means.

He offered the brush back to Sand as he continued the process of cleaning and caring for his beard.

By the end of it all he looked much the same wild man but with a significantly cleaner exterior and perhaps a bit of a more tamed mane. In addition there was a smile on his face that seemed like it would never leave.

Even when the Bargainer Bringer of Food came back to the stable he didn't react as he usually did and the smile stuck around. His eyes went to hers and back down fairly quickly but he stood at an angle in such a way as to make sure his hair and beard were visible while he returned to the horses.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:15, Sat 12 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 147 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 04:14
  • msg #284

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

In the morning, I will confer with my companions and plan the journey to the swamp witch. For now, I need to finish getting ready for this party you were so kind as to throw for us. If you will excuse me, I will see everyone there shortly.

I bowed to the group and stepped out into the main tunnel. Things with Sebastian would hopefully be better now, though. Regardless, I still wanted to show up Aleena in her own dress so I went to see Sand out in the stables for some magic.

Sand, I do not wish to interrupt your work, but would you be able to use your magic on the dress I borrowed from Aleena? She was not polite enough to borrow me a recent dress that had not already been worn thin. I apologize for the late intrusion.

Sand will fix dress for Althaea.

As Sand got to work fixing the dress, I looked around the stables. I could see a makeshift workbench with spare parts lying around it. As Erik noticed me enter the stables, he made eye contact for a brief moment before looking away again and moving back to the horses. He looked cleaner than when I had been out here earlier, as well. I did a double-take, did Erik comb his beard? He seemed happier, a smile seemingly permanently attached to his face. Behind Erik, Zail was hiding out in the corner, trying not to be noticed.

Sand continued working, occasionally turning me this way or that to better reach bits of the fabric he would have otherwise missed. It took several minutes, due to the sheer amount of fabric but once he was done the dress was of the same quality as when it was first made. There were no longer any worn bits from repetitive use or small tatters from being stepped on.


Sand done. Then, in elvish, Althaea pretty in dress. But you don't need it, you outshine Aleena naturally, like the sun outshines the moon.

Thank you, Sand. It is most appreciated. I looked back toward Erik and his freshly combed beard and thought back to this afternoon and how Erik had looked at Thorin's beard and then played with his own. Erik, would you like me to braid your beard like Thorin's?

Althaea....braid....beard? Erik started to shake his head no as his eyes flared with an almost childlike fear.

Are you sure? It will keep your beard free of tangles. It will not hurt to comb next time.

Not....hurt. He slowly stopped shaking his head. The look turned thoughtful and he ran his hand through the freshly cleaned beard, his head tilting. He took a deep breath as though to steel his nerves and nodded. Okay.

I walked over to him slowly so I would not frighten him. I could tell he was very reluctant to have me do this. Carefully, so as to not pull the hair of his beard, I separated it into three even sections and began to braid it. When I got closer his eyes squeezed nearly shut as he watched me work almost waiting for the pain to occur. Once I was done, I tied a ribbon around the bottom and cut off the excess. There, all done. I have a party to get to. I will be back in the morning with breakfast for everyone.

Once I was back inside, I went to see Mera again. Mera, it is Althaea again. I was wondering if you could help me with some accessories quickly? I stepped through the curtain to show Mera what she would have to work with. Sand mended the fabric to be like new again but I want it to be different than when Aleena wore it. She was not very nice when she gave it to me. Can you help?

Of course dear.

Mera begins sifting through different laces and beads to find just exactly the piece she was looking for. An emerald sash that would perfectly compliment the rest of the dress, while helping to fit it to Althaea's smaller frame. It took but a few minutes for the experienced woman to sew the sash into place and tie it for me.

You look stunning dear. Have fun at your party.

I left Mera's and headed toward the Better Times Inn. I found Corsica as soon as I arrived. Have you seen Jacob yet? I just want to eat and then I can give you some time to mingle.
Andraste Giltris
player, 119 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 06:35
  • msg #285

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The festivities got underway shortly after I returned to the main cave complex. People filter into the Better Times Inn slowly at first in small groups but soon all the tables are full and a growing number of people are standing around the perimeter of the main room. Rory and Corsica come out of the kitchen bearing a large platter of roast meat, most likely from the Owlbear we brought back this afternoon, and set it on the bar. Given the short time they had to butcher and prepare the food it was a simple roast and its smell filled the room as soon as the door to the kitchen was open. After the roast they brought out trays of cooked vegetables and set them down in a row along the bar. A line had already started and Corsica began serving people while Rory carved.

Everyone looked so happy; I am glad my last night here would be a happy one.

I join the line for food and I have almost reached the bar when a drunken human man slams into me and splashes his food against my left sleeve. From the smell of him he has already had more than a few mugs of ale. He stained my shirt, how dare he! What an irresponsible, ill-behaved--Whoa, were did that come from? It is just a shirt, it can be washed and if necessary replaced. I gently steady the man and he careens off to a table by the fire.

(Note during this exchange brief streaks of red flash through her hair.)

Once I have my food I make my way to the back corner to quickly eat. My muscles ache from my intense workout and it makes standing uncomfortable but it is only a minor annoyance. I eat quickly and place my dishes on the end of the bar where a growing pile has grown as people finish their meal. The main room of the inn is full so I move out into the main cavern; groups of people are waiting out here to enter the inn and get some food but a growing number are gathering to one end; some are bringing out musical instruments. They are not professional but they are enthusiastic and the music is lively and soon a number of people are laughing and spinning about an impromptu dance floor. Marvelous!

I join the dancers and lose myself in the music. I dance with a number of towns folk, most lacked skill but that was not important. A few man let their hands get a bit adventurous but they respond to a gentle correction so it is not a problem. My heart is beating in time with the music and the sound of rushing blood fills my ears overlaying the music of the impromptu band; I wish all nights could be like this. They were once. Suddenly I am filled with the sense memories of my father's violin and the feel of cobblestones under my dancing feet as I whirl under the street lights.

I shake my head to break free of the memory; those days are long over. I work my way to the edge of the dancing area; I think I am done, for now. I make my way back to my things and reverently take out my violin; it will be nice to play for awhile. A perfect way to end the evening.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:08, Sun 13 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 102 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 21:19
  • msg #286

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

After fixing the fabric of Atlhaea dress, Sand nodded when his saw the woman starting to braid Erik’s beard. He was happy to have helped his friends, even happier to have built the comb and brush for Erik. After the Eladrin noble was done, Erik could not help to show off his new look and Sand nodded, happy for him. But there was one person in the group that did not see him like that, and the construct had an idea.

Erik likes new beard. Erik wants to show new beard to Andraste? She not see it.

Although he probably had less exposition to civilization than Erik, he was not afraid of it. And they were throwing at party for them, Sand was curious to see what that would be like.

Zail wants to come too? Zail must be hungry, Sand did not see Zail eat.

Erik Moor
player, 42 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 01:12
  • msg #287

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik was strutting the stable when Sand suggested showing off his new pride and joy to his other friend who hadn't seen it yet. Now his hair had changed like hers. Well not exactly like hers. But still. He would like to show her just like Sand suggested.

The man beast stood up and affected the walk of one of the hunters he preferred over the others he'd tried to replicate. It wasn't exactly right but he was standing at least. Which showed off his beard far better and it didn't drag on the ground ruining it's nice new braid.

"We go."
His brow furrowed though and he started to take off his pack and slung it into one of the corners of the stable farthest from the door. Wearing nothing but his cloth covering his loins now he nodded his head and looked toward the door. "Only short time, to many people for long time."
Sand
player, 103 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 17 Sep 2020
at 03:45
  • msg #288

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand nodded when Erik said he would go to the party, but warning that the mass of people would not be to his liking. The basically always naked warforged did not note that the man was very under-dressed for the occasion.

Sand understands Erik. Just a short time.

He looked at Zail to see if she would follow, and after not having a reaction from the young dark elf, he moved out of the stable. He expected her to follow in the background, as she had since Althaea had talked to her in the grove, so was not too worried. She was also looking for her father, from what he understood. For the parent-less construct, such a bond was hard to imagine. But he certainly could help too if she asked.

Entering the cavern that held the Better Times Inn, Clacker and Erik in tow, the Warforged looked over the heads of pretty much everybody, finally spotting Andraste, her color changing hair blonde this time, dancing in the middle of the moving throng. He tried to attract her attention, but there was too much activity going on and the half elf didn’t see him. It was not until after she had decided to stop whatever dance she was doing and moved to the side, that he had his chance. Approaching her when she was going for her violin, he said in Elvish.


You dance very well, congratulations are in order. Erik has something he would like to show you. He will want to leave soon, he’s not comfortable in crowds, but he made the effort to come, which is commendable.


Moving aside, letting the druid express himself, while he looked around for Althaea, curious to see how the repaired dress was faring on the Eladrin.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:40, Thu 17 Sept 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 120 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 17 Sep 2020
at 21:18
  • msg #289

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Hearing Sand I turn to face him, Erik barely visible, standing upright and hiding behind his friend."Thank you Sand, if you would let me play a few songs while I recover I would of course love to share a dance with you or any of our companions." I say with a smile before taking a drink of water.

Violin in hand, I take a step to the side so that I can see Erik better and look at him closely; he has taken the time to thoroughly clean himself but here and there smudges of dirt mark his skin, not surprising given his hunched movements and that he is staying in the stable. His beard, once wild and full of tangles and snarls, has been carefully brushed and woven into a simple braid with a green ribbon tied at the end; either Zail or Althaea must have helped him with that. Judging from how he is jutting his chin forward and the tilt of his head he is very proud of his new beard. "Well, that is very handsome. May I?" I ask him softly, raising my hand to indicate the beard. He looks at me warily for a moment before tilting his head slightly to give me better access. I step forward and reach up to gently run my fingers from just below his right ear down his jaw and to the tip of his beard; the hair is a little course but it is clean. "Very nice. Is this for a special occasion or do you plan on doing this regularly?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Fri 18 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 177 posts
Fri 18 Sep 2020
at 13:37
  • msg #290

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The Better Times Inn was more lively than it had been in ages.  The smells and aromas coming from the plethora of dishes prepared and served by the staff, including Althaea whom was helping out, was tantalizing.  From the roasted owlbear to the spiced potatoes, or buttered rustic corn and cooked vegetables, to divine rhubarb pies that were already making their way out of the oven. Decorations hung on the walls and brightly colored flowers beautifying each of the tables and along the fireplace mantle, where a toasty fire crackled in the hearth.

It seems like the Better Times Inn was saving their best for a occasion just like this.  The staff decided to dress up for the occasion as well; Rory wearing a bright green shirt and black pants, and Corsica wearing a red dress to match her fiery hair, with a black laced corset in the front.

The inn was full of laughter and music, warm-hearted smiles and worry-free inhibitions.  Those not dancing to the music were thumping their feet to the beat of the rhythm, which could be heard coming from the recessed corridors of the inn, as well as outside in the main cavern hall.

With the party now in full swing, Sebastian and Aleena make a grand entrance with an obvious attempt at arriving fashionably late, the music softening a bit at their arrival.  They smile and wave a bit, Aleena looking ravishing in a deep red colored dress that was snug in all the right places.  She wore a necklace with a sparkling silver chain holding a ruby that matched the color of her dress, yet still, the real jewel of the party and where most of the heads still focused, was the emerald clad Althaea.  When Aleena was waving and looking around the room, seeing where most of the eyes were focused, you could almost hear the audible drop of her jaw when she finally laid eyes on Althaea.

It was hard for Althaea to not stand out though, wearing a stunning bright green dress adorned with a lighter emerald green satin sash, cinched tight to accentuate her lithe figure.  She sparkled without the jewelry and additional embellishments that Aleena wore.  There almost seemed to be a lapse in time, at the awkwardness that Aleena clearly felt and her anger was hard to hide as Sebastian did his best to console her; her responding with some less than playful slaps to leave her be, the red in her face almost matching the color of her dress.

It would be known the next morning that more than half of the patrons had a pinch in their necks from all the twisting and craning of their necks following Althaea as she went about helping Corsica with her duties.

After the music picked up again, Corsica took a look about the room, seeming satisfied, smiled, and after a brief exchange with Althaea, tossed her apron behind the counter with Rory, and heading out into the main hall in search of something or someone.

As Althaea was going about the chores, cleaning up the plates at the end of the bar that was never ending, as well as the ones left at the table when the patrons decided to get up and dance or find other amusement, she came across one stranger wearing a wide brimmed hat focused mostly on drink, which was surprising given the levity of tavern.
  Can I get you anything stranger?

It was at that moment that the stranger looked up with a huge smile on his face.  Alaric stared back at Althaea, taking her in, You look absolutely gorgeous Althaea.  All eyes are on you tonight, especially mine.  How come you don't dress this way for me when I'm around?  With a chuckle, he quickly got up, his face turned serious, and embraced her, in both body and a deep kiss.

--------
Andraste, in the midst of her dancing saw Corsica head out into the main hall, trying to weave and bob past her and the other dancers, while looking around in earnest.  Once the dance ends, and Andraste pulls out her violin, Sand and Erik joining her, Andraste notices Alicia, sitting by herself looking out into the night, a tear running down her cheek.  Alicia seems to be missing some of the eccentric accessories she is used to wearing, like her hat and glasses.  There's a subtle beauty there that is easier to see without all the accouterments covering her soft and now pained face.

--------
Sand, focusing on the violin was a little surprised to see Scamp flying in, nearly crashing into the wall, before redirecting himself and landing on the Warforged's shoulder.

--------
Keeping herself mostly hidden was a specialty of Thorns, and she was a little surprised when Darcassan, one of the hunters, sidled up next to her in one of the back caverns.  She hadn't even heard him. Hello there.  Not interested in the party I see. Neither am I.  I don't know if we've been formally introduced, but I am Darcassan.  I wanted to thank you personally for helping to save my friends.  From what I've heard, you're a formidable warrior. 

When not getting much of a response, Darcassan pressed further. We're a lot like one another.  I'm more withdrawn most of the time as well, but in my time after the cataclysm, I've found that having someone, anyone to talk to, is a worthwhile endeavor.  We all struggle with our internal demons and from what I could see on our trip back from the church, you have more than your share.  You've helped me greatly by saving my friends.  Let me return the favor by being there for you.

Darcassan kept his eyes on Thorn even though in the darkness where she was mostly hidden, he couldn't fully see her eyes, more of just an outline of her face.  After a good half minute, his eyes moved to stare ahead, but it was clear he was not going anywhere.
Mathorn
player, 72 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 18 Sep 2020
at 17:22
  • msg #291

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the silent alarm alerted her to another’s presence, Thorn slid the mushrooms she’d been eating into her pouch with one hand while the other reached for her knife – the space being too small for her usual weapons – and looked up to see the leader of the hunters standing in the cave mouth. Blocking her exit. Still, the cramped quarters would prove a greater disadvantage for the larger male who could not quite stand straight. And, since she had not heard sounds of a scuffle, he had likely slipped past Aisling rather than incapacitating him, which meant they could flank Darcassan – then he began speaking. Oh. He wanted to talk. And did not seem inclined to be discouraged by her silence. Unfortunately.

She removed her hand from her dagger and studied him. One of the Sy’Tel’Quessir, she thought. And beautiful. But his words made no sense. She intuited no guile and found herself unexpectedly certain he had stated his intentions sincerely and completely, but what was wrong with these people that they failed to see the implicit threat in asking personal questions? Or – she thought considering her companions’ candor – perhaps the fault lay with her. It wouldn’t be the first time.

The night had been long and draining, leaving her exhausted despite her earlier rest, and she was tempted to send him scurrying, both to reclaim her solitude and to relieve tension, but his tone was gentle and his presence soothing. Combined with his appearance, Darcassan almost reminded her of – she cut off that thought viciously.

Still, he was a potential source of information. He probably knew nothing of value to her, but what harm in seeing where a conversation would lead?

Thorn conspicuously crossed her arms, resting her fingers in a fashion that drew attention to her chakrams. For two reasons. First, she knew herself to be difficult to read and sought to be clear that her willingness to speak was entirely provisional, dependent upon his good behavior. More importantly, however, she wanted to see what he might say about her unusual weapons.

“You should thank Giltris instead. She was most determined. Or Althaea. Rescuing Althidon and Elias was entirely her doing. And they both enjoy talking.”

This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Fri 18 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 178 posts
Sat 19 Sep 2020
at 03:09
  • msg #292

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Those that are fond of excessive talking, generally have little to say that I want to hear.  From what I've gathered about you so far, is that you only talk when necessary, and when you do, it's concise and to the point.

I'm here to listen and would very much like to hear what you have to say.  I can see you're conflicted and need someone who won't judge you for who and what you are.  I offer you a confidant and perhaps, in time, I may even call you a friend.


Darcassan smiled at his joke, fully knowing how tough this nut would be to crack and the rare chance she be willing to call HIM a friend.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:10, Sat 19 Sept 2020.
Mathorn
player, 73 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 19 Sep 2020
at 18:29
  • msg #293

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

He wasn’t mocking her. At least, she didn’t think so. But was the illogic inherent in his statement intended to amuse? He was smiling, so perhaps. She couldn’t tell.

Time to discover more about this male, then. And potentially redirect the conversation where she wished it to go. Besides, a question urgently requiring an answer had occurred to her and she saw little risk in addressing it now.

“Aisling,” she called softly. The stimfay responded immediately to the summons, maneuvering past Darcassan to alight on her outstretched bracer. “Did you see him?” she asked, her normally neutral voice taking on the sort of pleasant, conversational tone which in her experience often presaged violence.

The kite clicked once. With anyone else, her response would have been decisive and brutal. But Aisling . . . she would wait until they were alone to hear his explanation.

Returning her attention to Darcassan, she leaned back, propping her right foot against the cave wall. A casual pose, allowing her to move with considerable momentum if necessary.

“Who and what am I, then?” she inquired, “Surely you won’t claim not to judge without knowing already?” Amusement slightly colored her words, though whether of a predator toying with prey or of a combatant relishing a bout even she wasn’t quite certain.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Sat 19 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 179 posts
Sat 19 Sep 2020
at 21:07
  • msg #294

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I dont claim or presume to know anything.  I merely want to know your story and offer my hand in friendship.  As far Aisling here, we've already become friends, havent we?  Darcassan said, as he gently and slowly placed his hand on the kite, finding just the right spot behind its metal wing, to offer a firm, but comforting scratch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:10, Sat 19 Sept 2020.
Mathorn
player, 74 posts
Elven Ranger
Sun 20 Sep 2020
at 00:08
  • msg #295

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Though he seemed to be willfully ignoring it, that was her point precisely: he knew nothing.

"It seems to me you presume a great deal," she stated flatly, pushing off the wall. Enough of this. "You want to know me? Draw that blade. If combat doesn't reveal something to you, you'll not understand any words I could speak. Or leave." Her tone suggested she didn't care what he decided.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Sun 20 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 180 posts
Sun 20 Sep 2020
at 03:12
  • msg #296

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The blade flashed quicker than Thorn had expected, though even more unexpectedly,  it met her Chakram before she had a chance to fully draw it.  A second dagger quickly made its way to his other hand, which now was swinging in an over-arching arc, clearly allowing Thorn the time to react.

As you wish. Darcassan said with a boyish grin.
Sand
player, 104 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 20 Sep 2020
at 16:35
  • msg #297

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand spotted the Eladrin working with Corsica, and her green dress was really making her stand out. He chuckled when he noticed that Aleena was almost apoplectic with jealousy, bejeweled as she was, the half elf was not holding a candle to the natural beauty of the elven woman.

The moon only reflects the light of the sun…

He nodded, glad to have played a small part in this display. As he was turning back to his companions of the moment, something that Andraste had said finally reached his consciousness.

Giltris wants to dance with Sand? Sand not know how.

He looked at the other dancers and his analytical mind quickly discerned that it was a series of steps and movements, almost mathematical in nature, that made him nod.

But Sand thinks Sand can learn quickly. Sand accepts.


For the remainder of the rest Andraste was taking for herself, he analyzed the dancing patterns to be able to reproduce them when the paladin would be ready to go back on the floor. That's when Scamp decided to show up, nearly crashing into a wall before settling on the construct's shoulder, hooting loudly in Sand's non existing ear.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:50, Sun 20 Sept 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 121 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 20 Sep 2020
at 18:31
  • msg #298

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Only if you would like too. I would like for you to enjoy this evening and I do not know a more enjoyable activity than dancing." Seeing Alicia standing alone looking out the tunnel towards the outside I turn back to Sand and Erik. "Please excuse me for a moment."

I make my way over to Alicia and stand there quietly for a few moments giving her the opportunity to react to and adjust to my presence. "Good evening neighbour, would you care for some company?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Sun 20 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 181 posts
Tue 22 Sep 2020
at 03:05
  • msg #299

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Oh hi, Andraste.  Yeah of course, you're always welcome to join me, but you seem to be having a good time dancing and all.  You don't have to worry about me.  I don't want to ruin your night.  I'm okay.  Alicia says as she wipes the tear from her face.
Zail
player, 18 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Tue 22 Sep 2020
at 03:11
  • msg #300

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I feel out of sorts tonight, even more the usual. I’ve been following Andraste most of the night, a few steps behind, quiet steps. I know she knows I’m following but doesn’t try to stop me or ask me. I’m trying, desperately to wrap my head around what Thorn said about me, who and what I am. Drow lingers in the back somewhere. I don’t see her but I know she’s there. She’s smart, she know she can’t help me with this. I have to figure it out myself. I think Sand asked me something, about food maybe. I don’t eat much nowadays anyway. I’ll have to apologize later I just can’t focus.

I see Andraste dancing, she quite graceful. I could never. This world, it’s a mess, how do these people celebrate? I don’t understand. I found little reason to celebrate before the end of the world, maybe a little while with my father. Things were good then, I was so happy. Why couldn’t have lasted just a little longer? The world ends and people can still dance. I envy them a little, finding joy in all this misery. I don’t think I can. I don’t dance and have no reason to start.

Besides I have to put these pieces together. So Dark Elves live in a society lead by women and powerful houses lead by Matron Mothers and I’m the first born of a matron so I should have been one. That explains why they won’t let me go but what does it mean to be a Matron Mother? I’m sure their some kind of monster to live in the darkness and rule over Dark Elves. Maybe I’m a monster?


You are not a monster. You know that’s not true. Talking like that, what would your father think?

I wish he was here.

He’s not, but these people are. I to no you need to talk to Thorn to learn more, Andraste to ease your mind, oh and apologize to Sand he offered you food and you stared off. He reached out to you, reach back.

Thanks, what would I do without you?

Starve, alone. Go eat and make friends. I’ll always be here with you but other will help too.

Andraste Giltris
player, 122 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 22 Sep 2020
at 10:25
  • msg #301

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

In reply to Takmarin (msg # 299):

"You do not need to worry about that. I do not know what has upset you and I will leave it alone if you so wish. All I can offer you is a willing ear and some companionship; whatever is bothering you, you need not face it alone."
Erik Moor
player, 43 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 22 Sep 2020
at 13:10
  • msg #302

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

It was strange, frightening, and exciting being around all these people. What were they even doing? Erik had done his best to stay upright as he walked to the party with Sand and almost regretted it when they arrived and everyone was upright. He couldn't possibly crouch comfortably now without all these many many many people spotting him. It didn't quite click that he would already stand out seeing as he was hardly wearing anything and was covered almost head to toe in his tattoos.

Giltris' compliment set his face practically glowing with happiness. When he had let her touch his beard there was a moment of something in his person. He had breathed out a sigh of something. Pent up anxiety with everything going on. It hadn't so much been that it was Giltris's hand on his face as it was simply another person's touch. Sure Althaea had had to brush against him here and there as she'd braided his beard but that had been different. Almost like grooming. This had been someone reaching out. It was something he hadn't felt in a long time. It was comforting but didn't last long. She had asked him if he would keep the beard or if it was a special occasion and he honestly didn't have an answer. He had a brush and comb now. He looked to Sand and nodded Sand's smile nod even though the metal man was looking out into the crowd analyzing them.

Erik looked about to. It was dizzying. He had never in his memory seen this many people gathered let alone stood among them. And he was standing. They were doing something together in pairs swinging wildly about the room with no coordination that he could discern and yet they weren't crashing into each other. Well most of them. But the music was lovely it made him want to move his body too. He felt his upper body starting to sway awkwardly and his feet started to shuffle back and forth. And then he started stepping. And watching people move and he spun around once and toppled himself. He fell backwards into Sand and looked up still smiling and gave a Sand-smile-nod No wonder people were dancing it was fun. He didn't know how to do it but he was very enthusiastically giving it a try on his own.

You know what could be more fun? Trying it with someone else! Erik began "dancing" around Sand gesticulating his hands toward the metal man and his little metal owl. Trying to get someone else to play around with him. It was just like playing! That was always fun!

It looked nothing like the actual dancers' movements. At all.
Takmarin
GM, 182 posts
Tue 22 Sep 2020
at 14:13
  • msg #303

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I'm just sad.  Sad that I was the cause of the attack on Vertigo.  Sad that this world is just one big pile of crap.  Sad that I can't enjoy these times when I should be happy, but know that tomorrow will just bring some new torturous problem.

I heard what you guys did for the Hunters.  That was very kind of you all, to save them, but look what happened, a right was done and then chaos followed.  Now you have to run out and save them again.  These people, this world, will always need saving and it is in its most dire straits right now.  What's the point to all of this?  I'm glad you're happy and able to enjoy these moments, but what is it all for?

I've been doing a lot of thinking and I may just head back to the wizard's tower.  Sort of make my home there.  I just don't want to go alone.  I was never scared before, but I am now, even knowing that the Drow got what they wanted and shouldn't be back for me.  Or maybe they will?  Who knows if they wanted more, but took what they could? Who knows if any of these other trinkets will get me into trouble?
Alicia says as she gently flicks one of the baubles on her arm.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:05, Thu 24 Sept 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 123 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 23 Sep 2020
at 02:32
  • msg #304

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I pause to consider her words, idly beginning to play softly on my violin while I do. I am not sure if I have the words she needs, or wants, to help her through what she is feeling; all I can offer is my own opinion and hope some part of it resonates with her. Bodmoli always knew what to say, I want to live up to his example but I always come up short. That does not matter I must try and do the best that I can.

"I think I understand why you feel that way. It is alright to feel sad, a lot of negative things have happened to you this week: you were assaulted in a place that you felt safe, stolen from, and learned of the deaths of dear friends. I think it would be very difficult to feel anything but sad after all that. It may make you feel out of place at the moment amongst this celebration but what you are feeling is perfectly reasonable and you should not feel pressured to feel otherwise."

I pause to give my words a chance to register with her, absent mindedly playing a few more notes, before continuing. "Also, you are not to blame for the attack on this town, the Drow did that. Only they are responsible for their actions. I understand why you feel guilty about that, that only shows that you are a good person, but it is misplaced. I know hearing that will not lift that burden but I want you to understand that here," I saw touching the side of my forehead with the hand holding my bow, "even if you cannot feel it here." Touching my chest over my heart.

"These last 50 years have been difficult for everyone and sometimes it seems that things will never get better. There are days when it feels like it is too much and I find it very difficult to get up and do anything. When that happens I reflect on something my father told me once, there are two competing drives in this world: one to create and the other to destroy. While their strength changes at times, when you come right down to it, the drive to create is coming out ahead. We are still here, despite the wrath of inscrutable gods and titans WE ARE STILL HERE. Even if it does not seem like it and it is very hard we are rebuilding and reclaiming some of what was lost. That is what the people here are working towards, and that is what you are doing. You, and those like you, are the hope that keep me going forward."

"I do not know what the future holds, all I know is that it will not be easy for any of us. Maybe you would be happy making a home for yourself at that tower but I do not think leaving now will make you feel less scared. You are a brave soul, I know that because you have ventured out into the Wilderness, but only time will cure that wound on your spirit. But it will mend and you will be the stronger for having faced it."

At a crashing sound behind me I turn around to see Erik bounding around Sand and Clacker flailing his arms and legs, a wild, happy grin on his face. I turn back to Alicia with a broad smile spreading across my own face, "Besides, if you go now you will miss moments like this." I gesture with my bow indicating the two odd members at the edge of the crowd. "I think those two need some partners. Will you join me?" I ask her putting away my bow and holding out my hand towards her.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Wed 23 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 105 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 23 Sep 2020
at 03:07
  • msg #305

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Apparently the festive atmosphere got to even the shy druid and it didn’t take long before he started to weave, then stamp, then literally dance around the construct. .  Scamp took flight and let loose his fey mischievousness, flying around the inn, doing aerial maneuvers and hooting.  Surprised by the unexpected turn of event, Sand shrugged and started nodding his head in tune with the music. His arms shot up and he clapped his hands, as his feet tried the steps he had been studying in the other dancers. Although the construct had never danced before, he managed to approximate the steps well enough to not make a complete fool of himself, and he danced with the carefree Erik for a while. This was fun! After the band had finished the song, he approached Andraste and Alicia, bowing to both.

Sand invites Alicia to dance, night too merry to spend it crying.

He extended his hand toward the woman and managed to dim the shining light in one of his eyes in an approximation of a wink.
Mathorn
player, 75 posts
Elven Ranger
Wed 23 Sep 2020
at 03:09
  • msg #306

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Finally, Thorn’s evening was improving. Aisling cried out in confusion and alarm as Darcassan’s knife met her half-drawn chakram. Strong, she realized, tucking into a roll to avoid his off-hand strike and gain a little distance.

“Aisling, hold,” she ordered, drawing her second chakram with one hand and unfastening the clasp of her cloak with the other, letting it fall in a manner likely to trip her opponent. She felt naked without it, but no sense inviting him to grab or strangle her.

Darcassan lunged forward – somewhat awkwardly due to the low ceiling and cape. Skipping the cautious testing phase then. Excellent.

Though he obeyed her command, Aisling continued to call and click, choosing this moment to seek an explanation. She didn’t appreciate the distraction, but Thorn realized the stimfay had never seen her draw weapons and not kill.

“Sparring,” she clarified, “Practice fight.” And punctuated her point by leveling a controlled kick at the side of the male’s knee as it cleared her cloak.  A painful impairment to movement, she was certain, but in real combat, she would have crippled him.

She needed the advantage. She wasn’t accustomed to melee with an opponent whose reach so exceeded her own. In this small space, he could attack her almost anywhere. And his daggers better suited the environment. She couldn’t effectively swing her kopis here and using her only knife would significantly disadvantage her against an opponent wielding two.

But her primary weapons weren’t designed for extended use in melee. For reasons he quickly discovered by using his superior might to press his daggers – and the chakrams blocking his attack – toward her face.  "I'm not quite sure how you knew about my damaged knee,” he remarked, “but I applaud your attention to detail. Where did you learn to use such exotic weapons and so effectively?"

Persistent, she would grant him that, Thorn thought as the pressure from his ongoing strike caused the chakrams to cut into her fingers. The pain wasn’t problematic, but even presuming she could prevent the sort of serious damage to the muscles and tendons which would impair her attacks, the blood could make her weapons slippery enough to fly out of her hands if he hit them with sufficient force at the proper angle.

A risk worth taking. Thorn pitted her own strength against his. "Far from here," she replied, her voice slightly strained under his onslaught. But not far enough. As expected, she failed to move his arms, but did force him to shift his weight forward.

Then she suddenly leapt aside, overbalancing the male and causing him to stagger. "As to effectiveness," she continued evenly, "I have found pain to be the best teacher, do you not agree?" She struck lightly but precisely with her chakrams; one across the nape of his neck and the other on his back, over his heart. Either a potentially lethal blow.

The combined force of her attacks and the sudden pressure on his wounded leg drove Darcassan to his knees. In less than a minute.

Thorn waited to see how the male would react. She rather hoped he’d be willing to continue – she still had considerable tension to release and frankly could use more melee practice. But, despite being gentler than usual, had she still played too roughly?

"Yes,” he acknowledged, rising carefully and testing his injured knee, “sometimes pain is effective in ensuring you don't make the same mistake twice. However, if you're not taught the proper way to fix it, that is nothing less than torture from an incompetent teacher. It sounds like this far-away mentor of yours had his or her priorities a bit muddled."

She shook her head. "No. Then you determine how to fix your error. Do you not know yourself best - might your solution not prove more useful than any an instructor could impart? Do you not gain knowledge more completely and value it more highly when it is earned rather than given?”

"I beg to differ,” he argued, “Being trained at effective countermeasures allows you survive long enough to discover what works best for you. Teaching doesn't give the knowledge freely, it merely offers a path to learn and master. Granted, maybe at first students should try everything they think might work, but in the end, the trainer provides the guidance you require to flourish."

"If your coddling is superior, then prove it," she challenged.

Without so much as a twitch projecting his intention, Darcassan darted forward, hooking his dagger on the inside of her chakram and ripping it aside with sufficient force to embed both weapons deeply into the cave wall. "It sounds like you come from a much harsher place than I. Where did you say that was? I may have been distracted by all the coddling." Spinning, he swiped his second knife across the back of Thorn’s knee, opening a bloody gash. “Time to even the odds a bit,” he commented, jabbing his hilt into the throbbing wound, even as another knife materialized in his empty hand. Smiling, he redoubled his assault.

Good – more interested in combat now. But still with the questions. Thorn allowed him to press her back toward the cave mouth, taking the opportunity to analyze his fighting style and skill level. She was fairly certain she could beat him here, even despite her suboptimal weapons, but perhaps not without dealing serious injury. Besides, it had been too long since she wielded kopis and buckler. Which meant relocating this little contest.

“You seem rather concerned about where I’m from,” she remarked, darting under the arm he had raised to attack and using his unbound, golden hair to jerk his head back, “for someone whose settlement is unlikely to last a human generation.” With his neck exposed, she could have swiped at his throat with her remaining chakram, but that risked ending the match prematurely, so instead she hit the pressure point on his wrist sharply, causing one dagger to go spinning into the predawn sky.

He recovered quickly, grabbing her arm and flinging her down the embankment. His words drifted down after her: "Far from concerned, though your refusal to answer what most would think such a simple question, is slowly changing that."

Experience prevented Thorn from tensing as the ground rushed up at her and she managed to turn the fall into a sort of half-controlled tumble, coming up on her feet at the bottom of the ridge. He was charging down after her quickly, though, so to buy herself some time to grab her shortsword and shield, she whirled her remaining chakram at him, purposely throwing incorrectly so it wouldn’t return.

"I don't recall promising you an answer," she observed as he dodged out of the way of a severe chest wound.

"I'm not looking for that anymore,” he confessed as he closed with her, wielding another of his seemingly endless supply of daggers, “Just confirmation.” He pressed hard, testing her defenses, but the balance between them had shifted; her longer blade mitigating his advantage in reach. “As you've said, the way a person fights is enlightening. Your blend of martial traditions is both familiar and revealing. I’ve fought many creatures of the Underdark; your style implies you have as well."

Thorn deliberately lowered her weapon and studied Darcassan’s face carefully as she spoke. “If so, then you must know this,” she gestured between them, “to be a dangerous waste of valuable time. When the Drow appeared in the inn, the people there panicked: virtually no resistance, not even a controlled retreat. It wasn’t a slave raid, but now that the passage is known – sealed or not – it’s only a question of when. And whether it will be dark elves, duergar or something worse coming up from the depths. If you truly know the Underdark, perhaps they have a chance. Some of them, anyway. But not as matters lie now.”

Darcassan paused. "I know that, Thorn, as do Thorin and Sebastian. Hopefully repelling the attack gave them sufficient pause that we have time to figure out a plan."

Her shoulders relaxed infinitesimally. "Good. That you understand, at least." Then she glanced away slightly, not quite certain what else to do.

His daggers vanished. Hands open and empty, Darcassan stepped toward her. "Why do you fight so hard to be alone? There's enough of that going around, Thorn. Maybe it's time you finally trust in someone – anyone – even if it's not me. Just know that it can be. I will never judge you. What I'm offering isn't easy to accept, but if anyone is strong enough, it's you," he cajoled, reaching out to touch her shoulder.

Her only comfort later was that she fought as hard as she possibly could. Attempted with every fiber of her being to force down the overwhelming rage that erupted within her when he pushed that final time.

Her discipline was adamant; in over a century of cruelty, pain, abuse, murder and betrayal, it had never shattered. Even during the past week – perhaps the most difficult of her life – she had tried. To learn. To adapt. To make amends. To help. And even not to unduly harm Darcassan, who attempted to force her into revealing vulnerabilities that could be used to destroy her.

She snapped. But Thorn did not break; she broke others. For once in her life not caring what it would reveal or what the consequences might be, she exploded in a burst of motion faster than she had ever thought possible and struck him in the jaw with a force she did not know she possessed. He sailed backward, blood and teeth flying from his mouth. She towered over him, the metallic gold flecks in her eyes burning like cold fire and vowed in an icy, imperious tone she didn’t recognize, “Speak to me again, male, and I will remove your tongue.” Then she turned on her heel and glided away. Through the glacial calm of her wrath, one thought rang in her mind, clarion clear and blade sharp: Blood will out.
Erik Moor
player, 44 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 03:23
  • msg #307

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik enjoyed the freedom of just moving about with his metal friend with no cares for the moment. When the music stopped and he realized Sand had started moving over toward Giltris and some other woman Erik followed, walking stiffly, very much in step and attitude of Sand's walk. Sand bowed, Erik bowed, kinda, and looked at Sand. Sand offered his hand to Alicia, Erik cocked his head and then motioned his hand toward Giltris and smiled at Sand. He wasn't sure exactly what this part of the game was. So he said what Sand said.

"Erik in-vites friend Giltris to dance." Erik blinked and opened one eye like a kid learning to wink. Still a goofy grin plastered all over his face. All the moving hadn't yet undone the bow on his beard but it was beginning to come a little loose. He didn't seem to notice.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 148 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 04:16
  • msg #308

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I had been in a pleasant mood just helping the various patrons and giggling every time Aleena came into my view. Her jealousy was palpable; she was hiding it so poorly. I had taken the ratty hand-me-down dress she had given me and turned into something resplendent. I was not letting her get the better of me so easily.

Most of the patrons were done with their meal so I decided to go around and collect the dishes to be washed for the next day. I stopped by a man at the end of the bar who had yet to order anything. As he lowered his hood, the words he spoke barely registered. Alaric was back! The kiss we shared was chaste when compared to the display shown by Sebastian and Aleena earlier in the day yet still left me breathless.


I had to be the center of attention at my own party, did I not? Come, tell me about your journey while I collect the rest of the dishes.
Andraste Giltris
player, 124 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 10:37
  • msg #309

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

In reply to Erik Moor (msg # 307):

"Thank you, that would be lovely." I tell Erik with a smile. "Let me put this away first and I will be right with you." I say holding up my violin. I give Alicia an encouraging smile before returning to where I had stored my belongings, Erik following just behind me, and carefully put back the violin; I had hoped to play more but I will be able to later. Turning back to Erik I extend my hand, "There, now I am all yours. At least for a dance or two." I tell him with a smile and a wink of my own.
Takmarin
GM, 183 posts
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 18:16
  • msg #310

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Alicia looked at the open hand and just shook her head, but with a smile.  Thanks, but I'm not up for it.  I know you think I'm not to blame for the attack, but I stole what was supposedly rightfully theirs, though I don't understand how.  Because of that action, I put everyone in danger here, something I would never want to happen.

I....I think I'm just going to think about what you said for a bit, but thanks for the invitation and the talk Andraste.


============

Alaric smiled, Now's not the time to talk business.  It's a party!  When are you going to be done helping out so we can have some fun of our own?
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:27, Sun 27 Sept 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 125 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 25 Sep 2020
at 00:10
  • msg #311

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"As you wish Alicia. I understand why you feel that way but I would like you to remember two things. First, anyone can claim something is theirs but that does not make it so; we have no proof that the item in question was theirs. Second, if it had remained hidden in some ruin we would not know of their interest. If they wish it for some malicious purpose at least now we are aware they are up to something. Go with peace neighbour." I incline my head to her and step away.
Takmarin
GM, 184 posts
Sun 27 Sep 2020
at 00:29
  • msg #312

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Yeah, I guess your right Andraste.  Have a good night.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 149 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 27 Sep 2020
at 03:32
  • msg #313

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

It was not much longer before everyone appeared to be done with dinner. I took one last loop through the tavern to collect any remaining dishes and fill any drink orders. It was during this time that Corisca found me, telling me to enjoy the rest of my evening. Finding my way to where Alaric was waiting, I bowed to him, holding out my hand as I asked, May I have this dance?
Takmarin
GM, 185 posts
Sun 27 Sep 2020
at 19:48
  • msg #314

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Of course, milady.

Dropping his hat on the table, Alaric extended his hand with a partial bow, waiting for Althaea to take his hand; once she placed his hand in his, he quickly, but methodically, pulled her in close, his eyes locked on hers...his lips only inches away.  Althaea could feel his heart beating rapidly against her chest and his warm, but sweet breath from the apple flavored ale he was drinking that gently caressed her senses.  Then, as if they'd been dancing together for eternity, they began an elegant dance that included great sweeping twirls and pivoting that whisked them about the tavern floor, weaving through the tables and chairs effortlessly.  Althaea's green dress sparkled in the torchlight and when they finally finished with Althaea being dipped, her leg and arms extended regally and in perfect form, she could see out of the corner of her eye, Aleena pulling Sebastian out the door in quite a hurried huff.

You really are quite extraordinary, you know that Ms. Sylvaranth?  Alaric says with a captivated and hungry look in his eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:55, Sun 27 Sept 2020.
Sand
player, 106 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 27 Sep 2020
at 23:26
  • msg #315

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Hummm so this was going to be a problem. Alicia seemed severely shaken that her bauble had caused troubles to the town and could not get out of the funk. She was making an effort to be pleasant in the festive mood, but flatly refused to come dance. The construct dropped his hand, but still wanted to help. Dancing was fun, he had just discovered that, but if she didn’t want to, he wouldn’t press. Taking a chance that she would understand him, he unconsciously adjusted his voice box to sound like a gruff dwarf, and started to speak in Dwarven, saying one of Xantler’s favorite phrases, that he had heard often during his near-year with the duo, every time he had troubles accomplishing a task.

Moradin’s bottom, that’s enough wallowing! Grow some whiskers on your chin!

Hoping to not have shocked her too much, still hoping she understood, his skills in Dwarven even more limited than in Common, he sat on the floor and switched to his native tongue, Elven.

Did you know that Gustav wanted to sell me to you? He kept saying that my find was his motherload, worth their last trip down south. He even wanted me to pay him too.


Switching in Dwarven again, he completed his phrase, imitating Gustav this time.


Compensate for the coins ya’ costing me purse for walking ‘round, ya overgrown paperweight!


He stopped and made sure that the woman was following him, then nodded when he noticed her attention. And teary eyes. He scooted closer to her chair and opened his arms for her to cry on his shoulder but she obviously denied that invitation, wiping a single tear, chuckling a little.

You can cry. If this body could cry, it would have when those two died. They were like my fathers, you know? Two gruff and unruly fathers, that always complained about something or another, always arguing with each other, and telling me to “shut me yap” when I wanted to end the argument. There was no reasoning with them, even with Xantler, who was the most open of them. Gustav… You know, the day a decanter of endless beer will be created from my hands, it will be called in his honor. That was his dream, and he cussed often at Xantler to have only managed one that created water. The idea on how to make it is not quite formed in my head, but the plans are taking shape. It will happen, and will be called…. Gustav’s drinking cup… Yes that is a good name for it. Would you like to be the one to test it? This body doesn’t hold, or requires nourishment. Not even sure if there is a tongue to taste.

Yes they are missed. But you probably know them way better than me. They were pragmatisms, both of them. They knew the danger their profession brought, and they were fine with it. You can grieve Alicia, you have all the rights to do it, that makes you more human than most. Understand though, like the Dwarves did, that you can’t hold yourself responsible to every ill this land, this town, or even one person, bears. Yes the drows stole your trinket, yes they did hurt poor Rory. But you are not responsible for all that. You know that the brothers would tell you grow a beard girl!


He put his large hand in a surprisingly delicate manner on the woman's shoulder and waited for her answer.


Insight, 22
Persuasion, 12
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:57, Mon 28 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 150 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 27 Sep 2020
at 23:41
  • msg #316

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As I righted myself, I hooked my finger through the collar of Alaric's shirt. Tugging on it to get him to follow, I started walking toward the exit of the Better Times.

I am quite aware of my splendor, Alaric. Come along, my love, we have other places to be.

I led him back to the room we shared together, the hungry look now mirrored in my own eyes. I untied the sash around my waist and slid out of the emerald dress. A brief look of surprise crossed Alaric's face before he pulled me into his arms. I kissed him, the intensity between us almost overwhelming. I untied the top of Alaric's tunic and pulled it over his head before resuming the kiss we had been engaged in just a moment before. Alaric quickly removed his breeches and carefully lowered the two of us onto the bed. Feeling his skin pressed against mine was throwing my emotions into overdrive. Alaric traced my body with his fingers and I lost myself to his touch.

I woke up the next morning still wrapped in Alaric's arms. I would be content to stay like this for the rest of the day; however, I had a witch to find. I begrudgingly dragged myself out of bed and dressed for the day, being sure to don my armor, just in case. Seeing that Alaric had stirred when I got out of bed, I posed the question I had asked the night before again.


Okay, now that the party's over, tell me about what you found on your trip.
Takmarin
GM, 186 posts
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 00:52
  • msg #317

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Alaric rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, but couldn't wipe the content grin off his face, though at the thought of explaining what he found up, he jumped up, excited to share what he found.

Well, I didn't want to spend too long at home, as I couldn't imagine spending too long away from you as well as the constant nagging of my mother, but I found out what I needed to.  It's not good Althaea.

So, you know how a lot of my research is based around the Titans?  Well when we last spoke before I left, I told you that I had seen that very orb in one of the tomes back home, and it was a protection of sorts, right?  Well, I was right.  It seems the orb is one of four seals created to imprison a powerful creature from long ago that was planning to imprison the world.  Each orb or seal, is a combination of two specializations of magic that were forged together using the ancient blood of the titans in an ancient ritual.  It was done that way so that to break a single seal, you would need two powerful wizards, each masters of that specialization.  What worries me though, is that since they were forged by titan magic, in theory, I believe it is very likely these seals can be undone by titan magic as well.  I don't know if the Drow already know this, but if they have a way to unlock the secrets of the titans, or already have Althaea, they could bypass the protections that were put in place by the masters long ago.

Takmarin
GM, 187 posts
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 01:11
  • msg #318

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Alicia laughed not only at the joke Sand had made, but it put a slight smile on her face that this...construct, was doing its best to make her happy.

Gustav wanted to sell you to me?  I'm not sure what I would have done with you.  You are quite independent and it would feel too much like slavery to me.  Not sure what he was thinking when he said that you.  Maybe it was before he got to know you Sand.

As she saw Sand trying to comfort her, she wanted to show that she was okay with it, but she was just not in the right mindset at the moment.  She could feel the apathy growing in her.  Nothing seemed to matter anymore and it was getting harder and harder to care.

I do appreciate you Sand, please don't think I don't.  There's just so much going through my mind right now.  Right now, you are a constant reminder of what started this...week of agony for me and even though none of it was your fault either and you mean well, I...I just don't know how to be happy around you yet.  I hope you can understand this.

Alicia slumped her body a bit, leaving Sand's hand awkwardly wondering if he should replace it, but then realized it may have been intentional.  With words that were most definitely said to just appease the construct and end the conversation, Alicia said, Yeah sure, I'll test it out that mug for you, when you have it ready, but for now, I think I'm going to head back to my quarters.  I think I just need some alone time.  Thanks for the talk Sand.  With that, Alicia stood up and left.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 151 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 01:13
  • msg #319

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

So what I am hearing is, you do not have to be a titan to do titan magic? How can that be? Did you perhaps think ahead enough to bring these books back with you? I would like to peruse them. It might help me to better understand this.

As I listened to Alaric, I braided my hair to keep it from tangling should we embark into the swamps today and rubbed a bit of kohl across my eyes to enhance them ever so slightly.
Takmarin
GM, 188 posts
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 01:31
  • msg #320

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

No, I didn't bring them back.  It wasn't just a book or two.  There are hundreds of books that need to be pieced together to get this information, but luckily you know quite the expert.  How lucky are you?  Alaric said with a smile.

So, not exactly.  It's not that they used Titan magic, but used their blood as the catalyst to a very strong protection spell that fused the two specialization magics together.  These specializations, after poring through my research, were specializations that were quite opposite in nature, so, I think if they've found some way to harness the power of the titans, they could diffuse them and potentially dissolve the protection entirely.  This is all just speculation, but it seems logical, don't you think?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Mon 28 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 152 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 02:17
  • msg #321

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I giggled. I would have loved to see you try to bring that many books back though. Would have made for some great entertainment. Your skin would glisten with the exertion your muscles put forth. I can picture it now. Delicious.
Takmarin
GM, 189 posts
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 12:22
  • msg #322

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Seeing the glint in Althaea's eyes and seizing the moment, Alaric couldn't help but grab and wrestle her back into bed, entering into a different, but no less enchanting dance, than the one from the previous evening.
Sand
player, 107 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 29 Sep 2020
at 01:31
  • msg #323

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Well that could have gone better. Apparently consoling grieving women was not his forte. Sand shook his head, disappointed, then shrugged. Alicia was probably better off alone anyway, or with a real friend. Being honest with himself, the only reason he has approached her in the first place was because of her friendship with the dwarves, and it seemed that his crude introduction had broken any hopes of building the same type of rapport with the woman. Oh well, he would not lose sleep over it, especially since he didn't sleep like another race did. Grunting, he rose and looked around. Althaea was gone, Zail and Thorn nowhere to be seen, which was not surprising, and Erik was dancing with Andraste. Well he had done his social effort and since he had no need for any of the owlbear's meat, nor for the freely flowing beer, he recalled the dancing Scamp to him and moved towards the exit, a nervous Clacker in tow.

Where to go now? His original mission was accomplished, he had volunteered to help with the hunters, but now he had no real goal. He had not even been assigned a cave to stay in. He could not go back in the barn, unless he wanted Scamp to create a riot in the flesh and blood animals. So he sought a quiet place, far for the entrance to the inn, finding it near the now silent smithy's shop. Sitting on the ground, he determined that it should be good place to take his rest. But first, he wanted to give another hack at that spellbook that had eluded him since he had deciphered enough to learn how to manipulate earth and water from it.

Taking the book from his bag, he opened it and started to read, raising his head again quickly. Had he imagined it or did the runes on the page move? Unsure, he looked at a protruding rock over his head and casted a small spell on it, the granit starting to glow, illuminating the corner he was in.

Lowering his head towards the book, the warforged stood transfixed as the letters in the book seemed to rearrange themselves right before his eyes. Have he been physically capable of widening his eyes, they would have been at their widest now, his open jaw the sole witness to his astonishment. The moving letters started to form words, words he could understand. There, that spell was to practice one’s magical abilities, with a series of exercises. This one could reveal an object’s magical properties, very similar to the one he had been preparing every morning for months, and this one…. Incredible! That would solve part of the problem to bring the weapons from the keep!! But he had not committed it to memory, like he did with his other spells.

Curious, having the feeling that something unusual was going on, he tried saying the words of that last spell reading them from the book, in the ritual fashion he was used to. Ten minutes later, a glowing  disk appeared out of thin air, on which he asked Clacker to go on. Unsure, the defender hesitated but followed the order, and the disk lifted from the ground, carrying the three hundred pounds of the metal beetle with ease.

Well that was a nice end to a disastrous evening!

This message was last edited by the player at 01:38, Tue 29 Sept 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 153 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 29 Sep 2020
at 15:29
  • msg #324

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I dressed again quickly and checked my appearance in the mirror, brushing through my hair so it laid flat once again. I made my way to the Better Times in hopes of finding my companions. The news of the witch needing to be relaid now that the festivities were over. I found a table toward the center of the room to wait for their arrival, ordering breakfast from Corsica while I waited.
Erik Moor
player, 45 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 29 Sep 2020
at 19:38
  • msg #325

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

When Erik's partner in the game gave a different response than what Sand's partner gave, the beast man became a little confused, not fully sure what he had just got himself into. But Giltris didn't disappoint, giving him plenty of opportunity to transition his wilder less coordinated movements to something a little more subtle and in line with the dancing that was going on around them. He was by no means a good dance partner but he was at least one willing to learn. His face would switch often between a smile of pride when he got a move right and back to extreme concentration as he mostly attempted to avoid stepping on her feet with his big bare feet. The dance didn't last long before he finally noticed Sand had left. The music had slowed and many of the folks around were starting to trickle out. There were still a lot of people and remembering this sort of kicked Erik back into gear of feeling unsure of himself out here in the midst of them all. Luckily his beard dressing never fully unraveled and he was still able to hold his head up with pride but he was getting tired.

A break in the music and he had broke away from Giltris offering a muffled but very happy "Thanks dance is fun." before he retreated first to the edge of the building and then after looking around to see that very few people he knew were still actually around leaving the building entirely. He made his way back toward the stable where Sand had found a place for him and several four legged friends. He greeted them each happily.

Erik found his things where he had left them and and slumped carefully down into a corner. He massaged his feet and legs a little as they weren't used to his standing upright for so long. His back ached a little too but not to the point of being completely uncomfortable. After making sure nobody was around he reached do to his fixed up bag and pulled out the scroll case in there. He opened it carefully. The first thing he pulled out from inside was a smudged and poorly drawn charcoal image of a man covered in tattoos. Erik looked at it for the longest time and looked up at the curious looks of the stabled horses and ponies. He hugged it to his chest protectively before slowly turning it around to show them. "Dad." The single word was said with a tear escaping his eye. He sniffed, wiped it and folded the paper up carefully ignoring the new smudge from wear he'd hugged it to himself. Setting it aside carefully he looked into the case and pulled something else out, a crumpled piece of paper. He looked at it all crumpled up and shook his head setting it aside beside the carefully folded drawing of his dad. "Can't get me here. Friends protect." Still he side eyed that crumpled up paper quite a bit before pulling out other bits and pieces that had all been scribbled on and torn up. He pieced them together piece by piece on the floor of the stable and looked at the something they created for a while and scratched at his head and the relatively clean head of hair there. More papers were drawn out of the scroll case and he took his time looking them all over and making sure nothing was missing before carefully placing everything back in the case in the same order they came out pausing again on the crumpled paper and finally shaking his head dbefore putting it back in the case.

He looked over at his curious four legged friends and nodded his head sagely with a self important look on his face. "Very important." He smiled and laughed at himself a little and put the scroll case back.

Well there wasn't much else to do here this night but sleep. He packed some of the hay into a little bed like space took out the big ol blanket that took up most of his backpack space and lay it over the top before finally laying his head on the bag itself. "Oh, food." He produced more of his berries from his tattoo and went to feed each of the animals before eating a berry himself and then lying down again. This had certainly been an interesting day for the man beast.

His dreams were plagued with the usual night terrors and now there was a new looming threat added to the horrid face of Granny and all her minions. The horned satyr now stood on the opposite end of the field from Granny waiting his turn to seek vengeance. The many faces of all he had hurt made their way through his visions and this time it was Thorn under Erik's knife. Thorn who wore all of their faces. Over and over he repeated how sorry he was to her dream equivalent for how he was hurting her and her eyes, their eyes all, stared back at him with a hatred he felt he deserved. But then there was a new addition to the dream. A metal hand on his shoulder, a voice that wasn't human or beast or fey, "You are not a monster, Erik. You are not a monster." He wanted so much to believe it. He wanted so much for it to be true. Maybe it could be. The dream turned to dancing and he whirled away into the nothingness of truly deep sleep.

When he awoke he was more rested than he had been in a while. Not fully rested by any means but moreso than usual. He stretched his arms and his still slightly sore and now stiff legs and back. Most of his four legged friends were still sleeping so he let them be. Instead he paid some attention to his tattoos. Particularly those more attuned to nature than himself, a few shifted and changed to reflect what he had prepared for the day ahead. He gathered his things together and not knowing what plan may have been in place for meeting with his non-four-legged friends of yesterday went and sat outside the stable watching the world begin to wake up around him. While he sat and watched for anyone he might recognize he fiddled with the end of his beard realizing that it was coming untied he tied it into a crude knot a pale imitation of yesterday's work but something that held his braid in place all the same. He also absentmindedly began working the combat nd brush through his hair remberibg fondly the gift Sand had given him yesterday. Dignity symbolized in the hair implements he was wielding.
Sand
player, 109 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 03:36
  • msg #326

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Six hours of resting and thinking had not solved any of the mysteries that circled in the construct’s head. He still didn’t know how he had all this knowledge that randomly popped in his head, nor how he could discourse in elven like a learned man, but like an idiot in common. What he did know was that he could cast more spells, including one that could prove useful to help bring the weapons from the keep. While glad to have a little more tools in his tool box, he still hated the price that Althaea would have to pay for it.

And to make sure she wouldn’t have to pay that price, he needed to stick to her. But with the long life of elves, he could end up being a rusted hunk of metal and rotting wood by the time she had her firstborn. He had absolutely no ideas how long this body….


This body… why would this be important? Sand said this to Alicia…. This body. Isn’t this Sand’s body?

Still pondering the question, he rose, disturbing the spider that was hard at work creating a web between him and the wall. He then went to the stables to check on Erik, and maybe Zail, finding the druid grooming his hairs with the comb he had given him.

Good morning Erik. Sand sorry he left without you, but you seemed to have fun, Sand didn’t want to disturb you.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Wed 30 Sept 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 126 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 04:01
  • msg #327

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Erik left the cavern I take a look around. The crowd on the dance floor has started to disperse and there are fewer musicians playing, it looks like the evening is coming to a close. I do not see any of my traveling companions; they must have left for their own pursuits. I feel nicely loose and my muscles burn pleasantly but I know tomorrow morning I will be stiff and sore for awhile. Still, I am not yet ready to call it a night. I go back to my belongings and get my violin once more; I think I will play a few songs with the band so that someone can get in a last dance if they wish. Back in the cavern I take the spot of a young man who dashes off in search of a partner; I wish him luck in his endeavor. The songs have lost some of their vibrancy, the players preferring slower songs and the dancers seem to appreciate it. After a half dozen more songs the last of the crowd leaves the dance floor and the final musicians are packing up their instruments. I should find somewhere to bunk down for the night, I will be leaving early in the morning, but I am not ready to rest.

With the festivities done I can feel the walls of the cavern pressing in around me. Strange, I have never felt claustrophobic before. I think I will get some air. I gather my things and head outside but find that I want to run as I make my way down the tunnel but after a few deep breaths I suppress the fear. That is something I have gotten a lot of practice doing over the years; this is just another source. Once outside the anxiety fades and I look up at the inverted mountain looming above me. It is not as comforting as the open sky would be but it is enough. Looking along the slope of the mountain I can see the edges of the sky and the faint flickering light of stars. You can see them here, not as well as when you travel the Wilderness, but much better than back home. Why is that the patterns in the sky are the same so why can I see them more clearly here than there? Maybe one day I will find someone who can tell me.

Looking towards the palisade I can see the shapes of a number of individuals silhouetted against the light of scattered torches as they patrol the walls. It is good to see they take their security seriously. There is one good thing about being up at this time: there is no line at the well. Dancing is a great pastime but it does not improve one's fragrance. Drawing a bucket of water from the well I return to my favourite, private area within the walls and strip down so that I can clean myself and my clothes. It has only been a few hours but it feels wonderful to wash the sweat from my skin. I love to dance but the results I can do without. With that done I carefully lay out my clothes to dry, flip the bucket upside down, sit down and take out my violin. The feel of the aged wood under my fingertips is the familiar grasp of my oldest friend, and I savour the fingerprint of its wood grain. Now what should I play? None of my favourites feel appropriate for the moment.

Without conscious thought, I bring the violin up to my chin and put the bow to the strings and softly begin to play. The song is slow and haunting and once it had been a near constant in my life. How long has it been since I played this song? My vision is blurred behind a wavering curtain but it does not matter for I am lost in memories of long ago days. My father had loved this song and played it almost every night; I never understood why, I always preferred faster, happier songs but something about it had spoken to him. The smell of wood smoke and old leather fills my nose, I feel the gentle pressure of strong legs against my back and worn leather boots under my rear, and the crackle of the fire is an odd but somehow fitting counterpoint to the music my father teases from the strings.

As the song finishes I return to the now, the cold tracks of tears running down my cheeks. I  do not know why my father loved that song but I think maybe I am starting too. I need to a play a few more songs to help re-centre myself after the last but eventually I am able to restore my calm. Looking up once more, I am struck by the simple glory of the stars on the horizon and feel the gentle caress of the wind across my skin. It is a little cold but not unbearably so; in fact, it seems preferable to the thought of going back into those caves right now. I have slept on the ground many times lately, one more will not hurt me.

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

I awake before the sun's glow touches the horizon and as predicted my body objects to the strain I subjected it too. It takes some extra stretching but I am able to work out the worst of the stiffness before going to the well to get more water before I begin my morning routine. Fortunately, I do not have to press myself as hard this morning to burn off any excess enthusiasm before starting my day. After getting cleaned up, I dress myself for the day just as the sun crests the horizon and the people of Vertigo start exiting the caves to tend to the animals and work the fields.

I make my way inside, relieved when last night's bout of claustrophobia does not repeat itself, and stand outside of Thorin's office before pausing to listen. Hearing the soft scuffing sounds of someone moving around inside I reach for the small bell on its shelf and give it a firm ring.

"Good morning Thorin. Do you have a minute to talk?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Wed 30 Sept 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 46 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 04:02
  • msg #328

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik looked up at Sand and smiled his newfound smile and then made sure to add a Sand-smile-nod to the mix as well.

"Sand!" Erik stood up quickly and did a short little mock dance flailing his arms and legs about like he had the night before. He slapped a hand on the metal man's shoulder. His face turned solemn and he said in Sand's tone of communication and seriously, "Sand could not disturb Erik ever. Sand is good metalman to Erik."

And then he smiled again.


"We do speak to nice-beard thorin-dwarf today about Erik's parents? Did not see when dancing, very distracted. Is at the dancing place? Is Sand okay?"
Takmarin
GM, 190 posts
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 12:21
  • msg #329

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

After hearing the bell ring, some hurried scuffling can be heard, probably as the Dwarf finished getting fully dressed.  A couple seconds later the curtain opened and a tired looking Thorin looked back, as well as some remnants of last nights drinking that still lingered.

Come in, come in Andraste.  A pleasure to have you.  I do have one request before we get started though.  While you are mostly soft spoken, if we could make that a priority today, this old Dwarf hasn't had that much to drink in a long time and I'm losing my touch a bit.  The ol' noggin is still ringing a bit.

What can I help you with?

Andraste Giltris
player, 127 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 12:55
  • msg #330

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I follow Thorin back into his office and at his gesture take a seat in font of his desk as he settles in behind it. "I want to thank you for the hospitality you and the others here at Vertigo have shown me during my stay. This opportunity to come out of the wild and rest has been most appreciated. Unfortunately, I have other obligations that I must attend to and can tarry here no longer. I had hoped to be able to offer you further assistance but alas I have run out of time."

"I also want to make a request of you before I go. Two of my companions, Zail and Erik, have been travelling for some time in search of lost loved ones. I realize it is unlikely that you will know the location of either but I ask that you offer them what help you can in their search. At the very least, I am sure they will appreciate having a safe spot where they can rest while they continue their search."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Wed 30 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 191 posts
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 13:21
  • msg #331

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Of course, of course.  No need to worry about Zail and Erik.  They will be in good hands here and we will do what we can to help them, I promise you that.

We surely appreciate all you've done for us Andraste.  I can't imagine us getting where we are, without your calm head and special way with Sebastian.  I don't look forward to future conversations with him and Althaea without you here, but alas, we all have our own path to follow.

Is this about your friend, Rolland?  The one you asked me about when you first came here?

Andraste Giltris
player, 128 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 18:47
  • msg #332

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

”Yes. Unfortunately, the hunters have not seen him so all I have is a general direction. But that is all I had when I started this journey.”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Wed 30 Sept 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 192 posts
Thu 1 Oct 2020
at 12:18
  • msg #333

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I'm sure your companions will miss you on the way to see the witch.  She is nasty business from what I hear.

So which direction are you headed?

Andraste Giltris
player, 129 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 1 Oct 2020
at 12:25
  • msg #334

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"North-east there are some ruins that he may have taken shelter in."
Takmarin
GM, 193 posts
Thu 1 Oct 2020
at 12:29
  • msg #335

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Well I wish you the best of luck, Andraste.  Is there anything we can do to help you in your journey?
Andraste Giltris
player, 130 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 1 Oct 2020
at 22:01
  • msg #336

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"Some rations would be appreciated. Thank you."
Sand
player, 110 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 02:12
  • msg #337

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Yes, let’s go see Thorin. Can Sand show something to Erik?

The druid nodded his head, or was it only the pull of the comb in his hairs? The construct was too excited by its new knowledge to really care, so he started casting, but nothing seemed to happen… before he moved out of the way and Erik could see a bright red Clacker.

Sand read more of book of magic last night, learned new tricks. Much more tricks, but Sand needs practice.

The fortunately color blind defender in tow, Sand started for the habitation cavern complex and arrived in front of the curtain giving some privacy to the dwarf leader. The conversation between Thorin and Andraste was being conducted so the construct hesitated between waiting or  announcing his presence for a moment. But the fidgeting Erik forced one answer.

Apologies Thorin, Sand not want to disturb you, but Erik needs information you might have.
Erik Moor
player, 47 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 05:53
  • msg #338

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik applauded Sand's magic and followed to Thorin's.

Seeing Giltris he had smiled at her but didn't speak up as he wasn't sure where to start with asking the question he had of this dwarf.

Shuffling from foot to foot he finally stopped as Sand gave him the opportunity to ask what he needed to ask. There was no attempt at pleasantries he just jumped right in.


"Please have any word of my father. Crows said he was seen near upside down mountain here. He never wants to be near this mountain before but now he they seen him here. Erik... Uh, I need to know if he was here or if any have seen him. So many people last night dancing so many people under the mountain must someone seen him. He look like this." The beast man gestured at his tattoos. "Covered tattoos. Have not seen for year so maybe old now..." He paused and thought about that. He'd never thought of his father as growing old but there it was he'd just blurted if out and now he realized it could very well be true. "Maybe little gray hair not lot. Thorin-dwarf beautiful-beard. Do know Erik's father?"

As if realizing something he quickly turned to address Andraste. "Giltris-friend is leaving?"


Takmarin
GM, 194 posts
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 14:20
  • msg #339

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Just as Erik asked his question, a loud booming horn sounds off in alarm coming from the direction of the front gates.  Thorin's eyes, quickly met Erik's and Giltris's in concern, then he stood up and ran past the curtain, throwing it to the side.  Follow me!  Thorin moved quite fast, especially for a Dwarf, and was bouncing and hopping in long bounds; under closer inspection, you could see his feet had turned into giant rabbit's feet that seemed to propel him forward.

Some of the citizens stood out in the main cavern hall, looking towards the front of the town, only starting to react as they saw Thorin running past as he screamed, Battle stations everyone!  Everyone knows their role, get moving! NOW!
Sand
player, 111 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 15:32
  • msg #340

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand was listening to the druid, while trying to compose in his head how he would present the information Scamp had seen along the gnoll tracks to Thorin when a loud horn sounded, alarming the dwarf. Sand sent his familiar to scout ahead, while he and a now normal colored Clacker were scrambling towards the walls. The construct took the time to take his shield, arriving at the wall and climbing on the parapet to see what was alarming Thorin so much.

Perception 15
Initiative 6
Scamp perception 23, 5 (advantage)

This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Sun 04 Oct 2020.
Mathorn
player, 76 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 16:09
  • msg #341

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Illogically, Thorn took a certain satisfaction in noting that nearly everyone in the trickle of people around the settlement seemed to be having a difficult morning. Though she suspected their path to suffering had been more enjoyable than hers.

The madness that had come over her the night before had retreated and she felt more herself, though admittedly a rather derisory version thereof. Exhaustion rode her, as if she hadn’t tranced at all, and despite eating all the mushrooms she conjured before resting and more besides, her injuries were not fully healed. She was combat ready – maybe more so than usual given her mood – but her wounded tongue throbbed with every heartbeat. The irony was not lost on her. She idly wondered if it would become infected and need to be removed. And whether she would miss it.

For that matter, what were the limits of restorative magic? Could it regrow tongues or teeth? Mend shattered jaws? Anticipating the fallout which would inevitably occur when Darcassan sought healing had her on edge. Perhaps she should depart now before the consequences caught up with her. But that would mean the last week had been entirely wasted, and she wasn’t fully ready to concede that. At least not yet.

And too, now that he had his confirmation – albeit not in the fashion he had hoped – a part of her foolishly wanted to see what he would do with it. Why should he not judge her? She judged herself for faults far worse than a lapse in control.

He claimed to have fought many Underdark creatures, but that was not the same as understanding. Did he realize that while she may take no pleasure in it, she would keep her vow if necessary? She must, else none would fear her or even trust her words. This was precisely why the wise did not issue threats in the first place: it empowered others.

Thorn knew better; she should have just killed him in a sparring “accident”. She had sought only to protect herself, but were her instincts suddenly so poor? Unacceptable. If nothing else, she was the consummate survivor.

A horn blast interrupted her thoughts. An alarm, based on the reaction of the locals. By all means, let’s make an enormous ruckus and notify any other hostiles in the area that this is the perfect time to attack.

Blending into crowd and shadow, Thorn drew her chakrams and moved toward the gate, equally prepared for combat or flight from Vertigo as the situation dictated.

Stealth: 14
Initiative: 26
Perception: 5
Aisling's Perception: 6, 5

This message was last edited by the player at 16:31, Sun 04 Oct 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 131 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 16:35
  • msg #342

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the last echo of the horn blast echoes through the cavern and Thorin rushes for the exit, I pause long enough to ensure I have everything I will need and that my armour and shield are properly secured before jogging towards the exit.

The crowds near the exit tunnel is bunching up in to a chaotic mess as workers from outside are trying to return while the local defenders are trying to exit to reinforce those on the wall. Unfortunately, none of the local leaders have arrived to get this under control.

"Hold!" I call out loudly, my voice resonating throughout the space and all movement at the tunnel ceases momentarily. "Everyone step to your right, form two columns: one for those entering and one for those leaving." I keep my voice calm and steady and step forward to help organize the two columns until both are properly formed. "Both columns forward!" I watch carefully as the two lines started moving again, much more smoothly this time. With this problem resolved, I join the outgoing line and make my way outside.

Once outside and clear of those rushing to their post I jog towards the gate but stop when I reach the cleared area behind the palisade. From here I can move to reinforce any problems as they arise. I will leave it to Thorin and the other civil leaders to represent their home.


Initiative: 24
Perception: 24 (listening)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Zail
player, 19 posts
Drow Rogue/Wizard
Sun 4 Oct 2020
at 02:01
  • msg #343

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

We go to visit the old dwarf. I mostly go to follow Andraste. She asks about getting help to find my father, she is a good friend. He promises, like they all do. If I had a gold coin for every time some promises to “help” I won’t need to steal to eat. I have little faith this dwarf will help, especially once he finds out what I really am. Suddenly there is a booming horn drowning out everything else. The dwarf yells “Follow me!” So we all follow. What have we gotten ourselves into this time. I look over at Drow, as she bounds from a table into my shoulder and gives me a serious look. I will my armor back from the dress to the studded leather it actually is. I move swiftly to see what all the commotion is about.

Perception: 18
Initiative: 21
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 154 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 4 Oct 2020
at 02:44
  • msg #344

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I had been sitting at the Inn for some time now, waiting for my companions to show up to tell them about the witch. I was getting the feeling none of them were going to show up so I called Corsica over to inquire about getting breakfast for Erik and Zail. While I was waiting for the food to get brought out a horn sounded in the distance. Sounds like trouble out front. I stood up and ran towards the exit, calling out to Corisca as I ran.

I shall return for the food once I have dealt with what is going on outside.

I made my way through the crowded hallways as quickly as I could, occasionally having to shove past people who had lost the orderly lines. Once I found myself outside the tunnels of Vertigo, I quickly climbed the stairs to the walkway on top of the Palisade. I wanted to have some idea of what we were facing before they got the jump on us.

Initiative: 15 (1d20+4)
Perception: 12 (1d20+5)
Erik Moor
player, 48 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 4 Oct 2020
at 16:30
  • msg #345

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorin may have been quick but Erik was quicker. He hadn't expected the loud horn in this place where he already felt uncomfortable. It blasted and he looked about in panic. But then the dwarf gave a command and Erik saw something quite strange. Thorin had animal feet suddenly and the dwarf could bound. Instead of worrying about the sudden sound it became a game of chase the rabbit. Erik twisted the simple ring on his finger and said something that sounded a lot like the moorbounder he had first been when he met Sand and Giltris and the others. With that he dropped back into his strange four limbed primal stance and began to propel himself after the dwarf. He quickly overtook him with his own leaps and bounds that seemed beyond natural, turning to smile, he kept pace with the dwarf. Maybe when this chase was done he would get an answer about his father.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Initiative: 19
Perception: 10

Activate ring of jumping.


Takmarin
GM, 195 posts
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 01:44
  • msg #346

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Mathron and Zail climbed the wooden palisade walkway on the right side of the main gates first, which was already getting overcrowded as guards peered out into the early morning air at the trouble that descended upon them.  The others soon followed, taking positions on the left-hand walkway, finding more room on that side to get a good look, each of the guards armed with bows in hand and ready to nock an arrow when necessary.

In the distance, there was a large dust cloud approaching, maybe a 1/2 mile off, but under the canopy of the upside down mountain.  Something was moving towards Vertigo with great speed, kicking up the dust of the dying land that surrounded the embedded mountain peak.  It was hard to tell much more, however Zail, Scamp, and one of the guards on the other side of the walkway, saw something else.  A small group of 2, maybe 3 people, who were walking quickly, but with a strange gait to them.  They were well ahead of the dust cloud, probably about a 1/4 mile away from Vertigo, but the Dust Cloud was closing in fast and it didn't look like whoever they were, were going to make it.

The guard that saw it, and most likely the one who sounded the alarm, screamed out to the others, telling them what he could see, though you could see the confusion on some of the other's faces, including Thorins.  The guard was getting frustrated, but adamant in what he saw, getting to the point of even guiding Thorin's chin while pointing.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:55, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Erik Moor
player, 49 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 02:34
  • msg #347

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

To many people, to many people. And they all stopped at some spot on top of the gate why? The rabbit chase was done and Erik realized that there were multiple faces he recognized here. That made him feel nice. The dust cloud made him feel not nice. Then one of the to many people started frantically trying to get Rabbit-foot Thorin dwarf to see something that Erik couldn't see. Apparently people were running from the dust cloud. And they were slow. Erik was fast. Erik could do this. He didn't wait for any instructions he simply decided that he could prove himself to Thorin Rabbit-foot in this moment. Without considering the panic he might cause he suddenly transformed into his favorite friend's form. Erik melted away and the large black moorbounder took his place. He leapt off the gate and sped toward the direction of the cloud. The closer he got the more likely he would be able to see whoever the slow runners were...


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Dashing the whole time. Mobile and Moorbounder is 80ft speed dashing = 160ft in six seconds. In 48 seconds could reach the runners if they were standing still. Sooner if they're moving this way.

Takmarin
GM, 197 posts
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 03:31
  • msg #348

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Erik changed into the huge moorbounder right before everyones eyes, the guards did everything they could to not scream out in panic and fire upon him.  The creature jumped off the palisade, its strong limbs absorbing the fall with ease.  With that, the creature was off at an ungodly speed, leaving the same dust trail behind as could be seen ahead.  He quickly caught up to the people walking, and as he got closer, he could see that they were all injured with long claw marks and flesh that seemed to be torn or missing from their bodies. They were using each other to hold themselves up as they walked as fast as they could, knowing that death was following closely behind them.

As the creature came up and upon the 3 humanoids, a look of horror crossed their face, as they clearly were not expecting a creature to attack them this close to Vertigo.

The human boy was pushed back behind the two warriors by the large goliath, and they immediately moved in to attack the beast.

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Mon 05 Oct 2020.
Sand
player, 112 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 03:37
  • msg #349

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Scamp saw the cloud and what was before it, and flew back so he could communicate with his master, going has fast as he could. Sand lifted his head and shouted, so everyone could know.

Scamp saw some people in front of the cloud, fleeing it! You might have to open the door, Sand will help protect!

Climbing down the ladder, he saw Erik transform into his black beast form, bonding over the palisade, and understood what he was about to do. Knowing there could be a fight when that door would open,  he posted himself near the door, Clacker at his side.

Get ready to open the door for Erik!
Erik Moor
player, 50 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 03:44
  • msg #350

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The tatted up moorbounder slid to a halt in front of the three injured folks obscuring the four of them I'm his own sand cloud briefly. They were much bigger than he'd expected. With two options in his mind now. Carrying them back or facing whatever tore them apart on his own. This was going to hurt. He could see them getting ready to strike.

The beast crouched down low like a camel getting ready to take on a rider and looked back toward where he came from then at the injured and back again he huffed a strange sound and waved his head toward his back trying to urge them to climb on. He somultaneously braced to take the first blow. If he didn't strike back they might understand. If they would only get on his back he could try to carry them back. He really had no idea if he truly could but he could get them closer at least. Right? Only time would tell.

Takmarin
GM, 198 posts
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 03:54
  • msg #351

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

With puzzled looks, the two warriors kept their weapons out, but seeing that the beast wasn't attacking them, they just continued to push Rolland behind them as they circled past the creature, never taking their eyes from it.

When finally behind it, the half orc took the boy and started to move on ahead, while the goliath slowly followed, constantly looking back at the beast.

Erik Moor
player, 51 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 5 Oct 2020
at 04:02
  • msg #352

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The moorbounder huffed again and shook it's head. Instead of continuing to try to make itself understood though it rose and planted it's feet looking toward whatever was approaching. As the three continued toward the upside down mountain the moorbounder took steps backwards keeping pace but also keeping an eye on the cloud. It looked ready to react at any moment as it provided a rear guard for their retreat rather than what he'd originally intended.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Perception: 16 for whatever is making the cloud if it's visible

Otherwise dodging the time.


Andraste Giltris
player, 132 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 01:29
  • msg #353

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I stand there for a moment stunned as Erik suddenly shifts into his alternate form and launches himself over the palisade wall. Well...sugar; I cannot let him go out there alone! Dashing forward, I scramble up the ladder as quick as I can to stand on the platform above the gate looking out. Erik is racing away from the wall towards three figures in the distance and a cloud of dust is closing in behind them.

Crouching down, I dig through my pack and pull out a coil of rope with an attached grappling hook out before placing my bag on the platform out of the way of the guards manning it. I wecure my shield and find a firm anchor for the hook and jam it in place. Alright, I can do this; it is just like I practiced with Edish. Only this time there are not hay bales to catch me if I fall. Taking a deep breath, I swing myself over the wall with the rope in hand and my off hand set as a brake and push off from the wall. It takes three bounds but I make it down safely and my feet are once more on the ground. Releasing the breath I had not realised I was holding, I turn and follow after Erik as fast as I can.

Summary (Repeat as necessary)
Move: Full movement towards Erik
Action: Dash towards Erik
Bonus Action: Once I get close enough to visibly identify a threat cast Shield of Faith. (do not repeat)
Sand
player, 113 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 6 Oct 2020
at 02:26
  • msg #354

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

There must be something more he could do for Erik than standing behind walls. Intrigued about the cloud, he sent Scamp, looking through its eyes for as long as he was in range. Wait, was that Andraste? The connection reached its limits then and the construct regained his own senses while Scamp was going out to follow his last instruction. There was no way the paladin could have gone outside through that still closed portal so fast. How did she do it?

Looking at his spear, he pondered if he should follow his original idea and stay up in the parapet to be at distance, or to be the front line when that door would open. With Clacker at his side, he stood to be more useful on the ground, so he decided to stay where he was. Any moment now….


Scamp flies to Erik and takes the help action for as long a possible until it is back in range.
Sand and Clacker take the ready action, until that door finally opens.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 155 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 03:05
  • msg #355

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Seeing Andraste disappear over the side of the Palisade wall, I cursed under my breath. I guess we are bringing the fight to whatever is in the dust cloud. Grabbing the same rope Andraste used, I scaled down the wall and started running after her. While I believe she can hold her own in a fight, I would feel better knowing she has some backup in case things go south.

Move: 30ft toward Andraste
Action: Dash toward Andraste
(repeat as necessary)

Conditional- (Do not repeat)
BA: Cast hex on target that threatens me (can be a verbal threat or by means of an attack)
Item Interaction: Draw my rapier
Mathorn
player, 77 posts
Elven Ranger
Wed 7 Oct 2020
at 23:18
  • msg #356

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Bemused, Thorn watched as Erik vaulted the palisade, followed by Giltris and Althaea. By the Pits, this was foolish! Though it bode well for their reactions should Thorn’s past catch up to her. Provided they survived. And too, perhaps performing well here may mitigate the fallout of the incident with Darcassan.

Remaining on the wall was useless; even once the enemies entered her range, she wasn’t certain she could throw properly in this press of people, much less maneuver or hide. So be it. But first . . .

She turned to the guard nearest her. Despite being extremely sensitive to the invisible flows of power, Thorn could detect no formal command structure in Vertigo. Under such conditions, people – particularly during times of stress – tended to instinctively obey anyone who projected competence and sounded authoritative. It was worth a try, at any rate. “Prepare to open the gates and standby,” she ordered before descending the wall.

The moment her feet hit the ground, she dashed at full speed toward the refugees. As soon as she was within earshot, the normally quiet Thorn bellowed at a volume that would earn a bannerman’s approval: “Get on the shapeshifter’s back! We’ll cover your retreat.” Apparently.

Without breaking stride, she sprinted past them, shouting “Erik,” and gesturing to the moorbounder to return.
Sand
player, 114 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 02:45
  • msg #357

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

First Andraste, then Althaea… and now even Thorn? What was happening outside that wall that so attracted his companions? Well, he surely needed to know, and to break that wave of dust. Quickly, he ran to the top of the wall and took out his rope of climbing, ordered it to have knots and to attach itself to the top of the wall.

He then used that to go down the wall and started examining the terrain in front of the door. Recalling how the water was breaking on blocks of ice, he started formulating a extra layer of protection for the city in his keen mind.

Takmarin
GM, 199 posts
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 03:08
  • msg #358

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the dust cloud bears down on the moor bounder, dark shapes finally begin to form, though it isn't until the cloud envelops him, that the humanoid shapes become clear.  The creatures that descend upon him are quite tall, easily over 7 feet tall, though slightly hunched in their current gait.  While relatively lean for their height, these creatures seem emaciated, with dark circles under their eyes, and deterioration of their muscles while ribs push hard and out of their greenish-gray skin.  Saliva drips from their long, elongated hyena like snouts; their eyes, crazed with a rabid hunger.  Their furry light and brown hides are dotted with spots and the manes on the back of their heads a dirty yellow to reddish-gray and crest-like in nature, each of which were standing up on end, clearly showing the anger of the oncoming onslaught.

Four of the humanoids surround the moor bounder and immediately begin chomping down on the poor druid, who tries to dodge this way and that, but any direction he goes, another creature seems to be right there, snapping at his face or limbs.  Two of the humanoids manage to bite down and through the thick flesh, ripping it right from his body and immediately swallowing the chunks of meat whole in their half-starved state, not wanting to wait a second longer for a meal.

The small horde of Gnolls that didn't stop at the moor bounder rush ahead, three jumping and slamming into the goliath nearly knocking the big man down, while many more continue on in pursuit of their next meal.  All the moor bounder can see while blanketed in the dust cloud, is the shapes rushing past him as he tries his best to keep from being eaten alive.


Damage to Erik from two bites:  14 points of damage
Erik Moor
player, 52 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 05:10
  • msg #359

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The moorbounder writhed under the assault from the suddenly present gnolls. As one of the hoard went by moorbounder swiped out with it's claws and ripped it to shreds. The mind beneath the monster reveled in the kill. Finally some things that deserved it were getting hurt.

There were a lot of these things. Some of them were going after his prey... The injured he'd come here to protect... Well let's see what they could do.

The moorbounder leapt and as it did felt the tearing of flesh from it's body once more. He couldn't understand it. He'd tried raw flesh a few times and never found it appealing. Only ever when it was absolutely necessary and unavoidable would he eat a living thing's flesh straight from the living body again.

As the creature that was Erik sprang up into the air it's trajectory sent it toward where it had last seen the injured. It came down on the gnolls that were trying to knock down the goliath and let out one of those strange croaking mewling throaty sounds that moorbounders were wont to make. It was much louder this time. It was the sound of a large tasty meal. The sound tapered off into a whimpering cry of pain of sorts like an animal on its last legs. A large tasty, and vulnerable, meal. Maybe, if the hoard of hungry gnolls heard the sounds of a big dying beastie they would converge on that point.

The injured, bleeding, loudly whimpering moorbounder backed up from the three gnolls attacking the goliath of a man and any others that it might not have initially seen. Leaving itself open and vulnerable to even more rending bites.

And then as it was attacked and the flesh morphed away and the man underneath was revealed he looked up with a wild manic smile on his face. Everything was happening so fast but for him it was like time stood still. In this moment all he knew was that he was surrounded by rabid and ravenous monsters that were fast as fast could be and that didn't care to look where they were going. The dust they kicked up obscuring their arrival may very well be their own demise. With nothing on his person but his old wooden shield, a small yew wand and the barely decent loincloth he began mumbling something in that strange animalistic tongue he knew. The ink on his back stirred and then plunged into the ground as he slammed his wand hand into the earth.

All around him and a little off toward where the gnolls had come from the ground began to twist and sprout hard spikes and thorns. To the unwary eye they appeared to be shadows but Erik knew them to be a deadly sort of trickery.

With the gnolls moving so quickly and without thought and with vision obscured it was the ideal sort of deadly trickery.



Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Moorbounder hp: 16
Movement: Leap up and toward the injured landing on one or two of the gnolls attacking goliath. Dealing potential fall damage (6)
AoOs = Moorbounder hp: 10
Movement: Back away from the three gnolls back toward other four,10ft from each group
3 or more AoOs = Moorbounder hp: ?

Rest of turn contingent on moorbounder health.

If drops to zero:
 Action: Cast Spike Growth
 Bonus Action: Wildshape into Moorbounder again.
  Continue mewling and moaning loudly pretending to be vulnerable

If above zero:
 Bonus Action: Wildshape out of moorbounder
 Action: Cast Spike Growth
 Stay right where I'm at, AC19, and hope the first sounds were enough to grab some attention.

Spike Growth
(Centered on original group of four, which extends it just to the injured but not enough that they'll get hurt in it. I'm standing in the spikes.):
The ground in a 20-foot radius centered on a point within range twists and sprouts hard spikes and thorns. The area becomes difficult terrain for the duration. When a creature moves into or within the area, it takes 2d4 piercing damage for every 5 feet it travels. The transformation of the ground is camouflaged to look natural. Any creature that can't see the area at the time the spell is case must make a Wisdom (Perception) check against your spell save DC to recognize the terrain as hazardous before entering it.



This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Thu 08 Oct 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 156 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 8 Oct 2020
at 18:51
  • msg #360

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I had a feeling I would not arrive in the fight before it was too late for the entire group in addition to Erik. With renewed vigor, I ran forward as fast as my feet would carry me.

Movement: 30ft forward toward the group
Action: Dash

(This should put me at 780ft)
Mathorn
player, 78 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 9 Oct 2020
at 17:15
  • msg #361

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Well, this was going more or less as badly as expected. Even so, the hoard of gnolls seemed ruled by their mindless hunger, which meant she may still be able to employ hit and fade tactics despite all the attention she had drawn to herself. At least as long as she could stay downwind . . .

Thorn dashes 70 ft (to 980 ft)
Stealth (bonus action): 8

Sand
player, 115 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 02:19
  • msg #362

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand knew he could not go as fast as some of the others and that he would inevitably arrive late to any battle. Trusting that Scamp would be able to help, and deducing that this inevitable fight would come over to the gate, he decided to prepare the future battle field.

First he needed to control the flow of the fight and reduce the amount of enemies that would come in at the same time. Looking at the dust cloud, he knew his time was limited to make something meaningful. He looked at the double door to Vertigo, each ten feet wide.


This can make a perfect funnel.

Using his earth magic, he lifted a wall of earth, packing it tightly against the door to the left, reducing by ten feet the width of the opening towards the town.

Now to break that wave...
Andraste Giltris
player, 133 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 11 Oct 2020
at 19:45
  • msg #363

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The dry ground gives way unexpectedly under my foot causing me to stumble but I manage to stagger forward and continue forward at my fastest pace. Thorn has moved passed me moving at a light, predatory lope her Chakrams ready to throw as soon as she got in range. Maybe she will get there in time.

My breath catches in my throat as I watch tall figures bound out of the swirling dust cloud as it engulfs Erik and continues forward to cover the three fleeing figures. Though the creatures are tall their build is almost skeletal and over the sound of my racing heart, I can just make out a strange barking noise as they close in before Erik's hissing roar of pain drowns it out.

What will be left by the time I get there? Can any of them hold out that long? Will I just be an after-snack when the remaining creatures turn on me en masse? No, I cannot allow that to happen! Rao, hear my plea; grant me the means to intercede on behalf of the innocent and stop those who bring chaos and violence to a place of peace!


Summary:
Move: 30ft towards the fight.
Bonus Action_ Shield of Faith targeting Andraste.
Action_ Dash, move 30ft towards the fight.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Sun 11 Oct 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 200 posts
Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 02:32
  • msg #364

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn whipped ahead, closing the distance to the fight, but still out of reach.

From behind, a loud thumping sound can be heard, and just as Andraste turns to see what is making the noise, a giant rabbit footed Thorin, carrying Althaea in one arm comes speeding past, scooping up Andraste in mid run.  The world around you both seems to become a blur, until suddenly you find yourself standing between Erik and the wounded Goliath in a blink of an eye!

Just as they arrive, Erik lands on a Gnoll who gets the breath knocked out of him.  Erik then moves away cautiously, the other two Gnolls snapping at nothing but air.  Now in the middle of the two groups, Erik begins concentrating and just when his eyes open, a pack of at least 8 or 9 Gnolls come raging through, only to be ripped apart by the hazardous trap laid out before them.  Each of them hellbent on their next meal, never saw the danger, and as the spikes ripped through their feet and legs, they stumbled and fell, rolling over and over into the spikes.  When all was said and done, none of the rampaging Gnolls moved.

The rest of the Gnolls near the Goliath and on the other side of Erik, felt the pain as well, though seeing the destruction it caused, quickly moved back, but not before Althaea fell one with a piercing blow to the neck of one of the Gnolls.  The Goliath in his wounded state swung slowly and missed, his weapon looking heavy in his hand.  Thorin however connected with a blow from his shillelagh at the same time Andraste cut into another Gnoll, and that one fell as well. The Gnolls weren't really sure what to do.  After some quick barking that sounded more like laughing, they circled far and gave wide berth to the Druid standing there amongst his trap and resumed their hunt for the wounded ahead.

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:08, Wed 14 Oct 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 134 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 15 Oct 2020
at 23:13
  • msg #365

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I stumble forward as Thorin releases me after his mad dash and I thrust towards a Gnoll attempting to scramble passed me, the blade going in deep beneath its ribcage causing it to release a whumpf of foul air and collapse to the ground. It was a poor strike, its success due more to the creature's surprise than any skill on my part. I must do better.

Thank you lord. I was not expecting to be delivered in that fashion but I am, as always, grateful for your assistance. I will do my best to prove worthy of your regard.

Now that I am closer to the fray I can make out more details despite the dust hanging thick in the air around me. It seems that Erik had some other tricks up his sleeve, as a number of badly slashed Gnolls thrash on the ground before him bleeding out. That is a bad way to go. Unfortunately, they seem to have found the edges of the trap and are sweeping around it to continue their pursuit. With the three injured there is no way we are going to outrun them, well maybe Erik or Thorn could, and if we keep spreading out they will rip us apart one or two at a time and the leakers will break passed to chase down the others. We need a strong front; maybe then they will back off.

"Erik, Althaea, Thorin! We need to form a perimeter around the wounded and fallback to town. Form up on me." As I take position around the wounded stragglers I grasp my amulet and softly sing a prayer to soothe a savage heart and release the power towards the largest cluster of Gnolls approaching.

Summary
Move: Take a position in front of the wounded stragglers closest to the largest pack of Gnolls.
Action: Cast Sleep at the largest cluster of Gnolls approaching for a total of 20 HP.
Reaction: Attack of Opportunity with long sword (if prompted) 22 to hit for 10 Slashing damage.

Note: Andraste's current AC is 24.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:17, Fri 16 Oct 2020.
Sand
player, 116 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 00:21
  • msg #366

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

A cacophony of animalistic death screams came from the battle field, still over 300 meters away. This just motivated the warforged, that simply continued to raise earthen walls, creating a funnel, to force what he assume was a large troop to attack only one or two at the time near the door. If he had time, he would spice things up with traps and holes, but the priority was the basic structure for now.

Lets hope this is not done in vain… run back friends!

Using mold earth, create a 5 feet high, 10 feet long and 2.5 feet thick wall on the side leading to the free door
Erik Moor
player, 53 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 01:20
  • msg #367

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik watched in an almost sick satisfaction as the savage nature of these creatures caused them to rip themselves to shreds on his trap. The trap he was now inside of. But that had been the plan after all. He looked up to see the Goliath still struggling to stand and with an unintelligible and guttural word poured out some of his own energy to get the man in fighting condition again. He would need to be if they were to do as Giltris suggested. Once more the transformation began and man beast Erik became tatted moorbounder beast before the same beast leapt to the Goliath's side and crouched a little motioning for the fighter to get on his back. Again. Perhaps with some of the gnolls taken out of commission they might stand a chance out here, but the opportunity to run back to the safety of the walls was still an option especially with rabbit-foot beautiful-beard here to help.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Bonus Action: Healing Word 11 hp to Goliath
Action: Wild Shape
Movement: bound out of my trap and to the Goliath's side blocking as much line of attack as possible.


Mathorn
player, 79 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 16 Oct 2020
at 16:23
  • msg #368

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Cowardly pack-hunters were not normally Thorn's preferred opponent, but under the circumstances, that was significantly better than any of the alternatives. A small group of gnolls was attempting to slink around her companions' organized resistance, which meant discouraging them fell to her. In coordination with Aisling, she darted forward, launching an attack on the gnoll nearest the wounded pair before vanishing into the lingering cloud of dust.

Aisling and Thorn move to 1015 ft.
Aisling helps.
Thorn attacks the nearest gnoll with advantage.
Primary Weapon: 9, 10 (Advantage)
Off-Hand Weapon: 17, 22 (Advantage)
Damage: 11
Stealth (bonus action): 22

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 157 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 02:37
  • msg #369

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Using the momentum gained from Thorin's release, I propel myself in the direction of the escaping gnoll; cutting off his escape. My rapier piercing his ribcage and protruding through the other side. Quickly pulling the blade back, the gnoll crumbles before me, its pitiful existence ended.

I heard Andraste call out to surround the wounded and fall back to town. "I shall join you momentarily. I wish to try something."

If this does not work this could be one of the most foolish things I have ever done.

I blink out of existence leaving behind a puff of gold and silver smoke and reappear in front of the two gnolls off to the left. Reaching up, I scratch both creatures under their chins. "Good pets, now run along before you meet the same fate of your brother over there. Take your friends with you." I ready my rapier to let them know I was not messing around.

Summary
BA: Fey Step in front of the group of two gnolls prompting Wisdom saves vs. Charm (DC 14)
Action: Ready to attack if one of the gnolls attacks or moves towards one of my companions/wounded rather than leaving.
Reaction: Readied action (if prompted) 19 to hit for 9 piercing damage
Takmarin
GM, 201 posts
Wed 21 Oct 2020
at 01:26
  • msg #370

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn didn't realize how quick these creatures were, until her first attack whizzed past the leading Gnoll's head, who was circling around to with his brethren to get to the wounded.  That was cut short as the second attack found its mark, slicing his neck before momentarily crumpling to the ground.  Pulling herself within the dust cloud, she noticed that something about it felt, unnatural.

Andraste rushes over to the wounded, putting herself in between them and the Gnolls, readying her weapon for the coming attacks, but not before sending out waves of softly spoken words at the cluster of Gnolls.  One of the Gnolls gait quickly comes to a halt as it haphazardly lays down, becoming quiet.

Erik became his ever so familiar moor bounder form again and leapt out of his own trap, easily closing the distance between him and the goliath. With a strange guttural growl, the Goliath looked in his eyes and felt some of the pain washing away and knew that this creature, this MAN, was the source.  Seeing now the beast for what he was, when motioned to get on his back, he agreed, though it was hard to tell if from trust or just no more will to fight.

The last Gnoll rushed forward past her fallen leader, hunger still fresh in her eyes, but found herself face to face with Andraste, blocking her path to the wounded. She attempts to rush past the creature not baring nearly enough flesh to eat, seeing the smaller wounded humanoid much easier prey, but pays the price as she's cut down by Andraste as she leaps by...

The other two Gnolls coming from the right are quickly upon the wounded as well, both rushing past the Half Orc who swings much too late to connect with the dexterous Gnolls.  They both chomp down, one on the boy's shoulder, all the way down to his mid torso, and the other in his upper thigh, both removing large chunks of meat from the boy's body.  The boy screams out in horrific pain, falling down to his knees under the weight of them, even their scrawny malnourished state.

A puff of gold and silver smoke appears and suddenly Althaea is upon the two remaining Gnolls, scratching underneath their chins and whispering something to them.  Their eyes glaze over, before looking around the battlefield and leaping over the severely bleeding boy towards their sleeping companion.  As they do so, they swallow the large chunks of meat whole, almost immediately giving them some more girth to their middles, before they run up and snap at their lethargic companion.  Seeing the battle lost and only three of their group remaining, they flee.

Looking at them go, you notice that the dust cloud still approaches Vertigo, moving forward, yet no more creatures can be seen....

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:17, Wed 06 Jan 2021.
Sand
player, 117 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 22 Oct 2020
at 02:40
  • msg #371

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Unaware of all details of the battles taking place 300 meters from him, the construct continued working on the defenses he envisioned in his mind, creating the twin of the wall he had just created, placing it in face of previous one, creating a 10 feet wide corridor. HE then looked towards the still moving dust cloud, praying that his friends were safe out there.
Andraste Giltris
player, 135 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 23 Oct 2020
at 12:40
  • msg #372

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the Gnolls retreat I move back towards the survivors while keeping an eye on their retreating forms until they are lost in the cloud of dust. Once clear of the immediate threat, I turn back to the survivors to better assess their condition: the half-orc is close to exhaustion and has a number of injuries but none appear life threatening but the human boy is not doing so well. The Gnolls inflicted significant damage in that last attack and he is in danger of bleeding out.

I kneel down next to him as he lay prone on the ground, his chest rising slowly, haltingly and his eyes glassy, and take his right hand in mine and the familiar tingle flows from my chest, down my arm, and into him causing the rapid, steady flow of blood from the wounds in his shoulder and torso to stop and the wounds to close leaving a red, angry patch of skin behind; those will be quite the scars. With the worst of his injuries dealt with I look him in the eye and smile, trying my best to provide comfort and encouragement and I am shocked when I recognize him.

"Well met Rolland; it has been awhile."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Fri 23 Oct 2020.
Mathorn
player, 80 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 23 Oct 2020
at 13:42
  • msg #373

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The moment the final refugee appeared mobile, Thorn interrupted, "We should move. Now. So few gnolls didn't cause this much dust. And it feels . . . unnatural." If possible, she would prefer to go somewhere it could be avoided entirely, but she suspected her companions would be dead set on returning to Vertigo. Hiding her reluctance to send her stimfay further into the heart of the storm, she instructed Aisling to scout for its cause.

The kite returned quickly and after conferring with him briefly, Thorn relaxed infinitesimally from paranoia to her usual state of alertness. "There's one gnoll fleeing under the cloud. Based on the ceremonial garb, probably some sort of," she paused for a moment, seeking the word in the distant recesses of her memory, "shaman." She used the Elven term, having never learned its equivalent in Common.

Nature Check: 19
Aisling's Perception: 18, 23 (Natural 20)

This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Tue 27 Oct 2020.
Takmarin
GM, 202 posts
Mon 26 Oct 2020
at 11:55
  • msg #374

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the pain starts to subside with the sudden flow of healing through his body, the boy looks up and upon seeing his old friend, he is only able to say, Giltris, is that you? before his body collapses in her arms, passing out from exhaustion, finally knowing he was safe.  Looking closer at Rolland, he seemed to be in a similar state as the Gnolls; his face thinned more than what Giltris remembered from the lack of food, though with wiry muscles from the constant travel and it seems, running.  There was something more though.  Though most of his body was covered in dust and dirt from his travels, upon closer inspection, on his neck and running down his chest are black and green lines, almost like veins.  They seem to alternate with no rhyme or reason.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:04, Mon 26 Oct 2020.
Andraste Giltris
player, 136 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sun 8 Nov 2020
at 00:08
  • msg #375

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

That cannot be good. With Rolland out of immediate danger I take the time to examine the others; fortunately, no one else is showing signs of whatever this is. They do not appear to have been bitten either so maybe that was the cause. Since we do not know the cause, what effect it will have, and whether or not it is contagious he cannot be allowed within Vertigo's walls. Sugar.

Thorn said there a Shaman attempting to escape in the dust cloud maybe they will have answers. First, we must tend to the refugees. "Thorin, can you take these neighbours back to the wall?" I say indicating the Half-Orc and the Goliath. "I am afraid that this young man has been affected by something and it is not safe to bring him inside."

I then turn my attention to Althaea and Thorn. "Can you please take him back to the gate, maybe Sand or Zail will know what this is." I make sure to make eye contact with both of them. "He is a dear friend, please look after him."

With that taken care of I move to stand in front of Erik in his strange frog-cat form and crouch down to get to eye level with him. "Thorn says there is a shaman fleeing in the dust cloud; maybe they can tell us what is affecting the boy. I fear I can not catch them on my own, will you help me?"
Erik Moor
player, 54 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 8 Nov 2020
at 01:44
  • msg #376

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The massive form of the moorbounder, in response, knelt down again allowing the Goliath to climb down if directed and for Giltris to climb on. It had been his intention to get them all back to safety but he trusted the changing haired one's instincts. If there was a Shaman that was causing this then catching them could make all of this make sense.

Even amongst all the dust, standing this close to the moorbounder and climbing atop him, Giltris would discover there wasn't really anything extremely comfortable about riding one. The best handholds to be found were the tufts of wiry grey-purple fur that sprouted from the shoulders of the beast that or wrapping ones arms around the thick neck but that probably would be less comfortable for the both of them. "Riding" a moorbounder required one to lay very low and snug across it's back and grip tightly with the whole of ones being. Arms, legs, torso, all must be tensed but also somewhat relaxed in order to feel and move with the stride of a beast that moved like this one.

With the Goliath deposited by his friends and Giltris on Erik's Moorbounder back, the druid looked to Thorn for a direction. As soon as an indication was made he took off at full speed. He made some small mewling snarling sounds as Giltris adjusted grip on fur but otherwise seemed unperturbed. That creature out there didn't stand a chance. It had been a some time since Erik had hunted with a partner. Truly hunted. This feeling... It was welcomed. Another croaking snarl, this one filled with elation and anticipation burst forth and they sped toward their fleeing quarry.
Mathorn
player, 81 posts
Elven Ranger
Mon 9 Nov 2020
at 04:18
  • msg #377

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

When Erik glanced back at Thorn, she seized the opportunity. "No," she said to Giltris, "There's nothing I can do here that Althaea and Thorin cannot. And you'll not find the shaman without Aisling."

Then she addressed the moorbounder, "With your permission?" His posture indicated assent, so Thorn mounted behind the half-elf. Despite her discomfort at unwanted physical contact with two near-strangers, she forced her muscles to remain relaxed as she wrapped her arms around Giltris' waist.

Erik was swifter than Aisling, so instead of having the moorbounder follow him, she served as a translator, conveying his directions to the shapeshifter as they practically flew after the gnoll.

Thorn had ridden before, if not often, but never on a creature half so swift. The feeling was exhilarating - even liberating - as though neither her enemies nor her own troubled thoughts could catch her here. When she heard Erik's snarl, she felt like shouting along with him and though she did not allow herself to do so, she stored away the memory of this moment knowing it could give her strength in difficult days to come.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:19, Mon 09 Nov 2020.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 158 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 5 Jan 2021
at 05:46
  • msg #378

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I looked to Thorin before he bounded off with the Half-Orc and Goliath, "I do not possess the strength to carry Rolland back to the wall with the weight of the equipment I am carrying. I will wait here with him if you would be so kind as to come back for us. I have not depleted my magic, the gnolls will be hard-pressed to return and be successful in their continued existence."

As Thorin carried Rolland's companions toward the safety of Vertigo, I began to inspect his unconscious form. Most notably along his neck and chest are black and green vein-like tendrils. Their cause was yet unknown to me but was cause for concern. I opened his mouth to note if they ran along the roof of his mouth or his tongue, and noticed at the back of his throat the appearance of a small mushroom.

How is this boy even still alive?

Rummaging through my bag, I found the tool I was hoping to still be there. A pair of long tweezers, while generally used for grooming, was just what I needed to pull out the mushroom without cutting into the boy. Holding Rolland's mouth open with one hand, I inserted the tweezers into his mouth with the other. His being unconscious had turned into a blessing. While I could only see part of the mushroom from the angle, I was hoping I would have better luck reaching the base with the tweezers. After feeling as though my grip was secure, I gave a gentle; yet firm, tug on the mushroom to dislodge it from the back of Rolland's throat. Unsure of what sort of damage that may have caused, I kept his mouth open to watch for signs of bleeding. Should any occur, I was prepared to close the wounds with a spell, concentrated on his throat.




Medicine: 21 (1d20+2)
Nature: 10 (1d20+2) Inspiration used
Intelligence: 4 (1d20+1)
Sleight of Hand: 14 (1d20+4)
Perception: 19 (1d20+5)
Cure Wounds (if prompted): 8 (1d8+4)
Takmarin
GM, 203 posts
Wed 6 Jan 2021
at 04:56
  • msg #379

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The moorbounder, with the two elves on his back, raced off after the Gnoll hidden in the cloud ahead.  The hunt was on, and doing what he does best, he flew through the cloud of dust with unbounding agility.  Like tiny needles, the dust and debris the cloud had picked up, stung against the faces due to the incredible speed of the moorbounder.  Once clear of the cloud, the large expanse under the upside down mountain loomed before them, with no shaman in sight.

Thorin gave a quick nod, not wanting to argue or discuss the matter given the circumstances, and then high-tailed it off with the pair, carrying Rolland's companions to Vertigo.

Now taking the time to thoroughly examine the boy, more than the cursory one that Andraste had given him, she checked his ears and nose, tilting his head this way and that, as well as opening his mouth.  That was when Althaea saw it.  A tiny mushroom with a blue cap and green spots.  She pinched the mushroom in the tweezers and yanked, but it was just a little too soon, pulling half of the mushroom cap out instead of the base.  Almost instantly as if in defiance, puffs of a green wisp of spores filled the air around Althaea's face, enveloping it.

The spores drifted up and around Althaea's face, and instinctively recoiled, before they could find a solid purchase in her nose, throat, and eyes.  Her eyes immediately started to sting, her nose and throat started burning like the embers of a long night's fire.  The pain was extreme, but short, ending almost as soon as it begun.


Althaea takes 14 points of poison damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:14, Wed 06 Jan 2021.
Erik Moor
player, 55 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Wed 6 Jan 2021
at 20:39
  • msg #380

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

With no knowledge of Althaea's discovery and plight, Erik's mind was fully on the hunt. And the sudden lack of the expected prey infuriated the beastly side of him that sat so closely to the surface in this moment. He wheeled about looking for the creature he'd been expecting, only a fragment of his mind remembering the riders and hunting partners on his back, and sought any sign of his prey. The massive cloud baring down on topsy turvy mountain colony's gate was all he could see.

Something inside balked at the unnatural formation and movement of the cloud but that fear was buried deep with his humanity right now. Time to put his other animalistic senses to use. The taste of the dirt in the air as well wasn't the only thing to be discovered that way and the things he could hear in this form could help as well. Mostly though, after getting such a strong taste and scent of the many gnolls they'd just been in contact with he intended to sus out the prey via smell. The cowardly thing was probably hiding in the cloud still. Hunting partners could be great aid in such moments.

Perception: 24
Survival: 9 w/o help, 24 w/ help


The town could handle itself against a cloud. The part of Erik that would question that was to far under to be a part of this equation. Maybe if someone brought him back to his senses...
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Wed 06 Jan 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 159 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 7 Jan 2021
at 04:46
  • msg #381

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

That was foolish of me. I will have to be more careful going forward.

"I hope this doesn't make you worse."

After pulling the cap of the mushroom off, the rest was nearly invisible, hidden behind his tongue at the back of his throat. Using only the feel of the tweezers, I attempted to grip the base and scraped against the edge, the tweezers slipping up off it. Determined to help Rolland, I steeled myself for a second attempt that had far greater success. The stem of the mushroom dislodging from his throat, a familiar burning sensation settled into my nose and throat, halting the breath in my lungs for a moment before the sensation once again passed.

Once I could breathe normally, I turned to examine the mushroom. There had been far too many plants from my homeland that had made their way here and I had to know if this was another of them. While it did not look familiar at first glance, there were many aspects of the Feywild that were not always at the forefront of my memory.

I do wish Thorin would hasten his arrival.

Sleight of Hand: 10 (1d20+4)
Sleight of Hand: 23 (1d20+4)
Nature: 15 (1d20+2)
Arcana: 20 (1d20+2)
Mathorn
player, 82 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 7 Jan 2021
at 15:55
  • msg #382

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The shaman had vanished. Not surprising in all this dust. Erik snuffled the dry earth attempting to pick up the trail, but Thorn wasn't certain about Giltris' intent. The half-elf puzzled her. She annihilated the undead, yet attempted to capture Drow. She risked her life to assist strangers who could not repay her, but when someone she knew well was in dire straights, she charged off after the enemy on the slim chance that the gnoll would be willing or able to provide valuable intelligence. Thorn simply couldn't understand the female well enough to anticipate her actions. She would have to learn.

In a voice hoarse from dust inhalation, she inquired, "Continue pursuit?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Thu 07 Jan 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 204 posts
Thu 7 Jan 2021
at 19:29
  • msg #383

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The ground was void of any tracks, nor was there any scent in the air to be found for the remaining Gnoll, the wind sweeping away both constantly.  At times it seemed as if the dust stopped in mid air, as if hitting some invisible force, but the whipping wind quickly dispersed the debris back in the air.

Once again, as the rest of the mushroom was dislodged from Rolland's throat, puffs of a green wisp of spores filled the air around Althaea's face, enveloping it and giving her the same burning sensation.  The pain lasted longer this time, and had Althaea feeling light in the head, as if in a dream for almost a good fifteen seconds before finally subsiding.

Looking more closely at the mushroom, Althaea could sense there was an aura around it that reeked of necromantic magic.  The mushroom itself didn't seem to be from the Feywild or native to this plane.  It seemed to be more...magically manufactured.


Althaea: 11 points of Poison damage
Erik Moor
player, 56 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 7 Jan 2021
at 20:36
  • msg #384

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

All senses apparently failing him in his hunt the moorbounder acted instead on another instinct. Moving quickly toward the space where dust had stopped when it shouldn't have it swiped out with it's claws at what appeared to be nothing.

Even if it's claws struck nothing the big panther like creature set itself here waiting for further consensus from it's hunting partners as it yowled out another weird croaking growl.
Andraste Giltris
player, 137 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 8 Jan 2021
at 00:34
  • msg #385

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I sit up straighter on Erik's back as I look around for any sign of the Shaman, but to no avail. Frustration rakes its claws through my thoughts threatening to drive me into pointless action and I concentrate on my breathing for a few breaths until it sullenly retreats once more.

Alright, there is little cover here in the shadow of the mountain and the dry, loose ground should be quick to betray sign of their passage. They must still be in hiding in that ominous cloud.

"They are most likely hiding in the cloud. I think we should keep looking for a while longer. Even if we cannot find the Gnoll, I doubt this cloud bodes well for Vertigo. If something worse hides within it is better it be found now then when it reaches the wall."
Mathorn
player, 83 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 8 Jan 2021
at 16:24
  • msg #386

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn conferred briefly with her stimfay. From her high perch, the dry earth yielded no secrets, but - hoping to point him where he'd be most likely to pick up the gnoll's scent - she used her thighs to guide the restless moorbounder in the direction that Aisling told her the shaman had fled. Then she sent her companion up to scout once more, instructing him that if he found his quarry he should lead Erik there, circling above their foe as soon as they were within eyeshot.

Survival Check (to assist Erik): 11
Aisling's Perception: 8, 14

Takmarin
GM, 205 posts
Mon 11 Jan 2021
at 04:09
  • msg #387

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorin returned with the 2 massive bodies of the Goliath and Half-Orc, and you could see it took it's toll, as he took a couple minutes to catch his breath.  He left them with Sand, laying them up against the inside of the tunnel that Sand had created.

I'll go get the boy and Althaea.  Be back shortly.

Before rushing off, Thorin stretched out his back, which was clearly aching from the sheer weight of his recent passengers.  With a couple of turns of his neck, followed by a nice loud crack, his body seemed to relax and he was off.

Not longer than a minute went by before he returned with Althaea and the boy in hand.  Althaea jumped out of his arms quickly so Thorin could focus on gently laying the boy down for further examination, though taking heed what Andraste said and didn't bring him within the walls of Vertigo.

Sand
player, 118 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 12 Jan 2021
at 01:49
  • msg #388

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Busy raising another part of the choke point he was creating to contain the horde the size of that dust cloud was announcing, Sand was warned of the approaching weird half dwarf half bunny hybrid by a loud clack of Clacker’s mandibles. Turning around, he saw Thorin drop a huge humanoid creature he had never seen before and a half orc at the entrance of his trap before wheezing to catch his breath  a minute and bounding away. The druid would never have left those two here if not to save them so the construct approached, examining his new charges to see how he could help. They did seem thirsty so he used his decanter to create water for them to drink.

Scamp had not abandoned his mission and was still circling the battlefield to follow his last command, to help Erik in any way he could. While the fight was short lived, the battered gnolls bodies littering the field, there was still one fleeing in the dust and Scamp decided to help guide the moorbounder and the huntress to it.

Sand Perception : 15
Sand Medicine : 9
Scamp Perception, Advantage 19, 16
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 160 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 17 Jan 2021
at 03:40
  • msg #389

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Now that I was back near the relative safety of Vertigo, I turned to Sand and Thorin and held out the pieces of the mushroom.

"Have either of you two seen anything like this before? I pulled it from the boy's throat. It is full of magic. It seems that whoever did this to him, did so with intent. Once he wakes up we'll see if he has any idea who could have done this to him. Until we know for sure what this affliction is, I will sit out here with him so no one else has the potential of catching it."

I sat down near the boy, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. Occasionally, I would glance down at my charge, wondering how one so young could have gotten so unlucky.

Perception: 20 (1d20+5)
Takmarin
GM, 206 posts
Sun 17 Jan 2021
at 16:37
  • msg #390

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Sand examined the half-orc and goliath, he could see that they had bite marks covering there bodies, along with chunks of missing flesh in the few spots that weren't covered by armor.  They were in rough shape; only hanging on to their strong will.  Now, seemingly safe, they both looked much the worse for wear, as they no longer had to keep their guard or strength up.

Thorin put on a glove and covered his face with a piece of cloth, and then gently grabbed the mushroom, examining it.

Not just a who, but a what, Althaea.  While this is filled with necromantic magic, these mushrooms wouldn't just be placed in someone's throat like this.  Exposure to their spores could result in the same to anyone.  Please, cover your faces, immediately.

While I've never seen anything like this before, when the plants are releasing spores, they are then rooting themselves, wherever the environmental conditions seem suitable.  In this case, the back of this boy's throat, where it is moist and nutrients from food would rub onto the mushroom, nourishing it.  This is not a good omen at all.  Who knows how many others have been affected by this.  We need to find the source and stop it, as if we didn't already have enough problems.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 161 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Mon 18 Jan 2021
at 06:20
  • msg #391

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Thorin's words sunk in, a momentary flash of concern crossed my face. However, I proceeded to cover my face with my shall, heeding the warning he gave us.

I could be infected.

"What would you recommend if a person were already exposed to the spores?" I tried to keep my voice calm, as though I was asking for someone other than myself.
Takmarin
GM, 207 posts
Thu 21 Jan 2021
at 04:44
  • msg #392

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I don't rightly know, lass.  If this was engineered through magic, there is no telling what exposure could have done.

Why do you ask?
Thorin wondered.

Meanwhile...

With Mathorn and Andraste on his back and the two scouts flying overhead, the whole team was practically with him, yet this elusive Gnoll was nowhere to be found.  At one point, it seemed as if a lone footprint remained, but was quickly swallowed up by the whipping winds and lost.  The wind kept the scent shifting as well, though it was hard to tell if the wind itself contained the Gnoll or if it was just filled with the scent of the small group of Gnolls it recently hid.

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:46, Fri 22 Jan 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 162 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 21 Jan 2021
at 05:55
  • msg #393

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I thought for a moment about how to respond to Thorin's query. Do I stay vague and mention just knowing what to do if we encounter one in the future, or do I disclose that I, myself, was exposed? I do not want any worry to be had on my behalf; however, should I fall ill, treatment would be far easier and more quickly given if they know what I am ill from.

Setting pride aside, "I was briefly exposed to the spores while removing the mushroom from the boy. I do not yet know if I have been infected with this same illness or if I was hearty enough to withstand the effects. I will defer to your judgment on whether you wish to still give me admittance to Vertigo, or if you wish for me to remain outside the walls until more is known about the ailment. I would ask, should you wish me to remain outside that you inform Alaric of my whereabouts. I do not want him to worry."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Thu 21 Jan 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 208 posts
Fri 22 Jan 2021
at 13:14
  • msg #394

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Aye, for the safety of Vertigo, all those who may have been exposed should stay beyond the walls, at least for now.  We'll get started constructing a place for you, and a separate one for the boy, inside and away from the masses, that will keep you from the elements and still protected within.  Are you sure you'll be wanting me to inform Alaric?  He will most likely come to your side without any concern for himself.  Just something to think about.  Let me know and I'll send word.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 163 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 24 Jan 2021
at 01:22
  • msg #395

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"If we do not tell Alaric what has befallen, he will see the rest of my companions return and he will not be pleasant to be around until he gets the truth. You do not have to tell him exactly where I am, just that I was exposed to something that is possibly contagious and I need to be quarantined until we can determine I am safe to be around. Also, tell him for the moment I am not ill, we are just doing this as a precaution."

This is what I get for trying to be nice. Quarantine.
Sand
player, 119 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 24 Jan 2021
at 03:51
  • msg #396

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

A quick appraisal of the 2 strangers now under his care showed the construct that they were victims of vicious bites, the blood oozing from the serious wounds. Following what he had seen previous healers do, he used his decanter to wash the wounds, wondering if he should ask for the door to be opened to let them in. Raising his head to follow the progression of the big cloud of dust that seemed to indicate an army coming their way, he saw Thorin bounding towards him, this time carrying Althaea and a man he didn’t know. Dropping his charges, the exhausted druid started to talk with the bard, about some kind of infection the young man had.

Looking over his eladrin friend, he saw worry on her face, then Thorin forbid for the man to come inside the wall. Looking again at the cloud, Sand pointed that way.

Sand still sees big cloud of dust, what is coming to Vertigo?

But they didn’t seem too concerned and Sand realized something in the worried tone of Althaea, about that fungus infecting the man.

Sand can build shelter for man. Sand does not need air, maybe Sand will not fall sick to…

At a lost for words, he pointed to the man, especially at his vine infected skin.
Erik Moor
player, 57 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 24 Jan 2021
at 04:34
  • msg #397

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

With the massive cloud still closing on vertigo and the gnoll nowhere to be found, the moorbounder that was Erik bristled with agitation beneath his hunting companions. Huntress Giltris suggested plunging back into the cloud to seek their prey and with nothing else or here to seek his teeth into the moorbounder listened. Back to a sprint he charged in the direction of the town directly into the cloud keeping all senses alert for something, anything, to satisfy this primal urge that had come to overpower him. He was beginning to become accustomed to the pressures in his sides coming from the riders that indicated direction to turn and would follow their unspoken guidance in this mess of a storm if they decided to influence his direction. But there was no slowing the moorbounder. Not yet.


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Running in the general direction of vertigo. Through the cloud again.

Takmarin
GM, 209 posts
Mon 25 Jan 2021
at 21:06
  • msg #398

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

For only a couple of seconds the Moorbounder was in the cloud, when it suddenly disperses without warning.  Everything becomes quiet with the dying of the keening wind; the only sound coming from the large paws at the end of the moorbounder's long strides hitting the ground, only heard due to the sheer strength and speed of his gait.

Meanwhile:

Thorin turns back to Althaea: I shall let Alaric know what is going on then.  Turning to Sand, he says: We would be very appreciative of your help in building these shelters.
Sand
player, 120 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 25 Jan 2021
at 23:29
  • msg #399

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

If Sand could smile, he would be doing so right now, but he was physically incapable due to his fixed faceplate. Instead, he nodded his head and, looking towards the suddenly disappeared dust cloud, he determined that the defenses he had built in the last few minutes would probably be unused. Hoping he was correct in that assumption, he went right at work, using his earth, water and decanter magic to move what he had started to build out of the way of the door and creating 3 large earthen igloos inside the fortifications of Vertigo, but away from the general population, big enough for the each of the wounded and at least 2 other persons.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Tue 26 Jan 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 138 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Sat 30 Jan 2021
at 01:02
  • msg #400

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

 The suddenness of the dust clouds dispersal catches me off guard and I grip Erik's back tighter with my legs so that I can stand taller on his back to look around. Nothing, it seems the Gnoll has made good its escape. Very well, I doubt that is the last we will see of it.

I am about to ask Erik to head back to the gates when a sudden thought strike me causing my back to stiffen and the colour to leach from my hair leaving it a dark gray. All of us were so focused on that cloud.

Dropping back down I lean over to get as close to Erik's ear as I can. "Erik, before we head back to the gate, please run a quick check of the town's perimeter. I fear something may have taken advantage of our distraction"

That done, I turn back around so I can see Thorn riding behind me. "Perhaps your flying friend could check inside the walls."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Sat 30 Jan 2021.
Mathorn
player, 84 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 30 Jan 2021
at 16:19
  • msg #401

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn nodded - both in acknowledgement of Giltris' statement and to give Aisling permission to follow the half-elf's instructions. Such healthy paranoia actually gave her hope for Giltris despite the female's dangerous proclivity for attempting to take enemies alive.

Besides, while Thorn wasn't particularly concerned for Sel'zir - the spider remained small enough yet to find plenty of places to hide and was unlikely to be targeted by raiders in any event - her pack was still in Vertigo and she had little chance of replacing lost gear at present, much less finding items of comparable quality in this wasteland. Best to ensure the settlement wasn't under attack then.

Aisling's Perception: 17, 12

This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Sat 30 Jan 2021.
Erik Moor
player, 58 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 1 Feb 2021
at 13:59
  • msg #402

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik struggled to surface his mind from the hunting fury he'd felt and left unsatisfied. With some work and the words of his hunting partners, he slowly started to come to. Meanwhile his moorbounder form ran back toward the upside down mountain to circle the perimeter as best he could. As he did so old fears of the unknown of this looming place made themselves known. Though he followed through with Giltris' suggestion his form began to tremble ever so slightly.

Intending to begin by circling clockwise around the inverse summit the moorbounder set out keeping it's senses open and aware. With his own mind near to the surface again, Erik became more and more aware of the weight of those he carried and the awkwardness of their seating. Surely there could be a better way to handle such partnerships in the future. Something that would make the ride more comfortable for both Erik and whomever decided to ride astride his form in the future.

Perception: 11, 17
Survival: 12, 20

Takmarin
GM, 211 posts
Wed 3 Feb 2021
at 17:38
  • msg #403

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Aisling flew off and swiftly headed to the town, searching for something...anything that could be out of the ordinary of perhaps an attack from within.  Unfortunately, she came up short and found nothing.

The same frustration was to be had by the moorbounder as well, as he searched the perimeter for any clues as to the whereabouts of this elusive Gnoll Shaman, but as the stimfay, he came up with nothing.

Before Thorin could return, though he could be seen coming out of the main tunnel of Vertigo, Alaric was already running full speed toward Althaea, though it was clear he had either not heard or was not heeding the advice of Thorin in wearing a mask. 


Althaea, What happened?  Why are you quarantined here?"

Meanwhile, Thorin, with a couple of his engineers in tow, went over to Sand to ask his advice on how they could make this temporary housing more permanent.  The engineers excited about this prospect, especially after seeing how quickly Sand was able to construct the temporary housing, decided to sit down right on the floor, their legs spread out wide almost like a child would.  They rolled out some of their plans for the second main tunnel that was meant to provide more housing for the growing town of Vertigo, and then proceeded to ask Sand a bunch of questions.  What advice did he have to ensure that while they were digging the new tunnel, it would remain safe, as well as other types of safety precautions to ensure there were no cave in's, best materials to use, etc....but they were not so subtle in sneaking in various questions about his magic and what he could do.

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:05, Tue 09 Feb 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 164 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 4 Feb 2021
at 00:55
  • msg #404

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I sighed in mild frustration. He never listens.

"I was foolish. I pulled an unknown mushroom out of the back of this boy's throat and inhaled some spores. We do not know if these spores are contagious or if the illness itself is contagious. It is merely a precaution until we learn more. Once it has been determined that I am safe to be around the population, I will be allowed back inside the main settlement. Now please, go back inside so I do not have to worry about you as well."

I made a shooing motion with my hands to encourage Alaric in his departure.
Andraste Giltris
player, 139 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 4 Feb 2021
at 04:02
  • msg #405

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As we circled the settlement, Erik's powerful muscles smoothly bunching and releasing as he ran, I feel a slight tremble run through him every time he cast a sidelong glance towards the buried mountain peak. Even in this animal form she could see the echoes of the fear and trepidation of the man within.

Leaning forward once more I reach forward and rest my left hand on the side of his neck and speak quietly, "I know you are not comfortable in Vertigo and I am sorry that I cannot spare you that; however, I am very grateful that you have chosen to stay with us. Your quick action and bravery today saved at least three lives, one a dear friend of mine. Thank you Erik, if you ever need anything of me you need only ask." With a final pat to the side of his neck I sit back up and resume searching for signs of further trouble.
Takmarin
GM, 212 posts
Thu 4 Feb 2021
at 14:35
  • msg #406

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Alaric grumbled, with disappointment on his face, though it was hard to tell if it was due to the shooing away of him or the fact that he couldn't be by Althaea's side. Without another word, he turned and slowly walked back to the main tunnel, his head drooping slightly.

Erik Moor
player, 59 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 4 Feb 2021
at 15:17
  • msg #407

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The moorbounder huffed a sound of acknowledgement at Giltris' kind words. The trepidation remained but the nervous trembling seemed to decrease slightly. It took some time to complete the task but eventually Erik and the others arrived back at the entrance of the town. Carrying the two of them this far had obviously put some strain on the man turned beast as the moorbounder's paws and lips had become slick with sweat or salivary glands activating to keep the body cool after the extended exertion. Interestingly the same strange tattoo gills that had so forcibly become a part of Erik seemed to be present in his moorbounder shape as well only making their presence known now. Opening and closing slightly as if panting like an animal attempting to regulate it's temperature. Whether that was effective or not was not apparent.

As the moorbounder approached where Sand was being interrogated and Althaea was shooing away Alaric its pace slowed and finally stopped. The large creature crouched down and waited patiently for the others to dismount. Its head turned to a fro as if looking for someone or something. And then the form began to shrink and melt away. Fur receding and becoming hair, paws becoming hands and feet and shield and wand, feline-amphibioid head becoming Erik's face and beautiful beard. Well mostly beautiful beard. In the moments he had been Erik in the fight it had become a little disheveled again but nowhere near like it had been before Althaea's work the day before. Crouched in that primalistic, near animal stance, with those odd gills still panting Erik now looked around with his own eyes rather than the moorbounder's.

Not knowing what had transpired he made his way toward Althaea. "Good? People saved,    okay?" Remembering what Andraste had said about one of them being her friend he looked back her way, worry in his eyes. Asking about her friend, his way of thanking her.
Sand
player, 121 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 5 Feb 2021
at 04:01
  • msg #408

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As he was working on those shelters made of magically shaped earth, Sand heard Scamp coming back to him before feeling the familiar weight of the mechanical owl on his shoulder, before the bird started hooting loudly where his ears might be, had he had any. Sand nodded his head as the familiar’s chatter recounted the gnoll attack that had happened beyond the walls, away from him.

The construct paused in his spellcasting, to reflect on the events. He had not run towards the danger, like Erik and the others. Instead, he had elected to do what he was best at, building something, that ultimately proved useless. Slumping his shoulders, he looked at the almost finished shelter he was creating out of raw earth. Would it be enough? Had he done the right thing? He didn’t know. How would his companions that had rushed ahead see him now? Would he be seen as a coward? Was he? He didn’t know.

Focus returned to his eyes and he realized that he had attracted a crowd with his building, the architects and engineers marveling as his earth magic. Some started to ask “subtle” questions on how he did, but the construct was too intelligent to fall for such clumsy attempts. And, for once, he blessed his speech impediment in the common tongue, leaving more questions than answers in his replies.  They were well meaning, thinking of Vertigo’s future, but the construct mechanical heart was not really into it, worried for his friends and how they would react that he stayed back in this fight.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 165 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 7 Feb 2021
at 02:34
  • msg #409

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The rest of my companions returned and I noticed Erik coming towards me, asking about the others.

"The two that you carried for a moment appear as though they will be fine after some rest and recuperation. Rolland however, remains unknown. I pulled a mushroom out of the back of his throat and I may have contracted whatever ailment he suffers from. For your own safety, please keep your distance until more is known."
Mathorn
player, 85 posts
Elven Ranger
Sun 7 Feb 2021
at 17:35
  • msg #410

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn dismounted with efficient grace before instinctively turning to their mount, who had run hard and would need to be walked before she could rub him down. She could make do without a scrape, but perhaps she could borrow one from the settlement? As he melted into his true form, Thorn chided herself. Habit had made her forget: Erik was human and could tend to himself.

As she pulled back her hand, Thorn caught a glimpse of her skin. The coating of brown dust made it look dull and unhealthy, but also normal, albeit more tan than rich copper. She let the familiar pang of longing shoot through her; denial or suppression would only make her easier to manipulate. Then she brushed away the dirt. Skin like a fresh bruise, hair like aged bone. She was what she was.

So were the people of Vertigo apparently, who were using the opportunity presented by Althaea's quarantine to gather information about Sand's abilities. Typical. However, she was pleased to observe that he was not so naive as to fall for their unsubtle attempts. And that she had made the correct decision not to reveal the magical properties of her mushrooms.

And on that subject, if Althaea was correct about the cause of Rolland's ailment, perhaps Thorn would be of more use than she had supposed. But first, their little bivouac lacked something important. "I'll fetch our packs. For everyone?" They would all camp here, she thought. Althaea must. Sand didn't seem to breathe. Giltris would stay with Rolland. Erik was uncomfortable inside Vertigo. "But I would hear more of this mushroom when I return."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Sun 07 Feb 2021.
Sand
player, 122 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 11 Feb 2021
at 04:10
  • msg #411

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

In the maelstrom of activity announcing the arrival of the newcomers and the return of their saviors, the construction of the new shelters passed almost unseen. With the help of the engineers and architects of the city, once they got tired of trying to get Sand to say how he was moving and shaping so much earth easily, the work got much faster, but still at a slower pace than what the construct could have done by himself.

During a forced pause in the earth moving, the Vertigo craftsmen busy building a wooden framework for another hut, Andraste came to Sand and asked if she could borrow the decanter from him. Nodding his head, he accepted and showed her how the magic item worked. Upon learning that it was to get cleaned, he even told his half-elven friend to share the water magic with the rest of their companions, before returning to work, the framework completed.

All in all, after about an hour, the extra huts were ready, much more sturdy than what he had envisioned to do. Happy, he accepted the thanks of the craftsmen for his help and left them. Spotting Althaea near the new refugees, he approached her. A quick look at the state of the poor elven lass had him reaching for his tools, through which he started casting his healing magic, using all the feeble energy he could gather to alleviate the pain the bard was obviously in (2X Cast of cure wounds for 17 HP of healing)

How is Althaea feeling? Sand sorry Sand not followed, Sand thought attack would reach Vertigo.

With a fixed visage, it was really hard for him to show concern, so he cocked his head to the side, shoulders slumped.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Thu 11 Feb 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 166 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 11 Feb 2021
at 04:48
  • msg #412

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I looked in the direction of the artificer as I heard him begin to speak.

"Currently, I do not feel any differently than I normally do after a fight. However, there was a burning sensation in my throat upon initially breathing in the spores. I do not know if that means I, too, will begin growing a mushroom in my throat or if my body is heartier than that of Rolland and will not succumb to their effects. Only time will tell unless there is someone here who knows more than what they are saying or have yet to be informed of the situation. Thank you for building me this temporary housing while we learn more of this mystery ailment."

Once Thorn returned to the group, I pulled out the mushroom again and laid it out on the ground in the center of everyone. I explained how I pulled it out, the feeling I had upon breathing the spores, and everything else I had learned from my own findings and those I had discovered with the help of Thorin.
Erik Moor
player, 60 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Thu 11 Feb 2021
at 21:48
  • msg #413

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Althaea explained what it was that happened and what her concerns were, Erik watched carefully for Giltris' response. He was worried about her friend and now about Althaea as well. As Sand did his best to mend her despite most of the damage seeming to be internal Erik considered his own potential solutions to the problem. He had on rare occasions, and nature willing, helped out his beast friends when they came to him sick or injured. Maybe he could do something similar here.

Cautiously he continued to approach and began examining the mushroom while asking "Rolland or Althaea need more help? Can maybe make mushroom disease roots    in throat..  wilt."
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 167 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Fri 12 Feb 2021
at 02:25
  • msg #414

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I would say Rolland first if anyone. We know for certain he has contracted it. If this spell or ability has limited uses per day, I can wait until tomorrow."
Erik Moor
player, 61 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 12 Feb 2021
at 04:24
  • msg #415

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik nodded and said nothing else in common. His guttural growling/incanting began slowly building though. Finding where Rolland was being kept he knelt down near him and lay a hand on the very same throat that had had a mushroom hidden inside it. Erik's head bowed his hair falling in front of his face baring his back to the group. As the sounds of his call to nature fell from him a small tattoo that looked almost like a pinprick began to shift along his back and down his arm toward Rolland's throat. As it came closer it took on the shape of veins that looked empty but as soon as the vein-like tattoo came to Erik's fingers it kept going sinking into Rolland's skin and latching onto something there. In moments the ink began to darken and withdraw back into Erik's arm seemingly pulling something with it, something intangible.

The something quickly was devoured by the tattoo as it shrank back into its original pinprick size and moved to where it had been on Erik's back. The beast man deflated as the guttural sounds stopped. He looked tired but not exhausted.

"Do not know if   worked.  Can tell sure tomorrow... Not today. Need to figure how to read it..."
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 168 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 18 Feb 2021
at 00:44
  • msg #416

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Turning back to Erik, I uttered a quick, albeit genuine, "Thank you." Excusing myself from the druid, I made my way into one of the newly constructed huts that would be my "home" for the foreseeable future.

I focused my attention on making the space livable, since a dirt hut is the last place I would be caught in normally. I laid out my bedroll and blanket in one corner of the hut, sighing at the lack of a matress I had once again grown accustomed to. Using a piton from my pack, I hung up the tapestry I had found in the abandoned palace in the desert. I then laid out my armor and weapons and put my pack next to it.

Once that was done, I knew it was just about time for lunch. Considering I could not go inside like the rest of my companions, I settled for some rations from my pack. Once I had eaten my fill, I spent the rest of the daylight hours between sparing with the dummies outside and trying to remember any information I had read about plants such as the mushroom we found and their effects on the body, but no matter how hard I tried, no information would come to me.

I ate more rations for my dinner and decided to settle down for the night. The night was going to be lonely and wanted to get it over with.

Morning came, clear and cool; I chose to check on Rolland before I did any preparations for the day. He had been in rough shape when I saw him last. I kneeled down next to him and began examining his neck and chest where I had seen black, vein-like tendrils the day before then moving on to a more normal physical exam.

History: 3 (1d20+2)
Medicine: 14 (1d20+2)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Sun 21 Feb 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 213 posts
Sun 21 Feb 2021
at 02:50
  • msg #417

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the ink began to darken and withdraw back into Erik, so did the black from Rolland's veins, once again becoming the normal, if paler look of Rolland's own skin.  In doing so, Erik made a grave mistake, as he could feel the disease itself, a fabricated darkness riddled with necromantic energy, infecting him as he absorbed the ichor like substance into his body.  The freckle sized tattoo now sprouted black veins of its own, spreading out from all of its sides.  Almost as quickly, a seeping pain found purchase and dug its tendrils into Erik's lungs, immediately taking his breath away.  Bouts of choking ensued, Erik clutching his chest at the sudden tight grip from within.  Half a minute later, the spasms subsided, and Erik was able to finally catch his breath.


Erik: 13 poison damage, poisoned and exhausted level 1 conditions.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 169 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 21 Feb 2021
at 03:29
  • msg #418

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Erik's spell comes to a close, I see the familiar vein-like tendrils sprouting out from a point on his back. Alarming, as this is not the normal effect of such a spell, I moved to examine him. Immediately pressing Erik to open his mouth so I can check his throat before moving on to examine the other exposed parts of his tattooed skin.

Medicine: 22 (1d20+2)
Erik Moor
player, 62 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Sun 21 Feb 2021
at 03:57
  • msg #419

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As he caught his breath and Althaea pressed to examine what was going on, Erik didn't stop her but he didn't do much to help the process.

"Back, back.. I fix this." The words were soft, sharp, and rushed. He turned his back on her so as not to breathe her way just in case which actually gave her time to examine his back where the tattoo and the strange disease were mixing together in a fight for his lungs. Weakend from the experience and hurting he began again the guttural incantation he had used on Rolland moments ago and placed his hands on his chest exactly opposite of where the tendrils had taken root. As he began a thought occurred to him. It had latched on to him when he pulled it from Rolland and he didn't want that to happen to someone else so he started running quickly until he was a fair distance from the others. As the incantation came to a close the tattoo did it's work having new energy coursing through it and devoured the infection whole before expelling it from his body.

Erik breathed heavily for moments more motioning for anyone who might approach to stay back. At least until he was sure it was gone. And when he was sure he finally relaxed and then just lay down on the bare ground and curled in on himself. That was an experience... He'd have to be ready to go through it again tomorrow if anyone else was infected.
Sand
player, 123 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 21 Feb 2021
at 14:07
  • msg #420

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik came in as Sand finished casting his spells to heal Althaea, and the moorbounder did the still surprising transformation into his human self. Sand looked on as the black fur recessed, the muscles transformed, and the bones popped, revealing the tired druid. He then watched as the tattooed man casted a spell on the injured man with the vines on his skin, that seemed to ease his pain a little bit. But he was not out of the woods yet.

Sand will watch over man during night. Sand not afraid of… that.

He pointed at the weird mushroom extracted from Roland’s throat and gently gathered the man to bring him to one of the shelters. Without windows, it was dark in the earthen hut and he used his tools to perform a simple trick on a rock stuck in the ceiling, making it glow. Now able to see, he created a soft earth bed and covered it with a blanket before moving the man on it, covering him with another blanket. While his knowledge of human anatomy was lacking, he still performed a examination of his patient, at least to have a point of reference.

Then a long wait started, that he spent reading his spell book and continuing to repair the smashed rock that so fascinated him, all the while taking his rest and making sure the man was still breathing and comfortable.

Medicine roll : 19
Mathorn
player, 86 posts
Elven Ranger
Sun 21 Feb 2021
at 18:25
  • msg #421

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn approached the camp with the last pair of bags only to see Erik, near Rolland, panting on the ground. Apparently, his restoration attempt had achieved somewhat . . . mixed success. As Sand helped the human to one of the huts, Thorn carefully covered her nose and mouth with her towel and approached the mushroom from upwind, halting a considerable distance away. From here, all she could determine was that its cap was blue with spots of some sort. But perhaps there was a way to get closer safely. . .

Thorn knocked on Sand's door and, upon receiving his permission to enter, found the construct diligently undertaking more repairs. "Sand, I may be able to identify the mushroom, but I can't get close enough without risking infection." She had never encountered one quite like him in any sense, and had little notion of his capabilities: he was an artisan and a mage, but could apparently use divine healing magic as well. Puzzling. "Could you create some sort of transparent barrier over the mushroom that would contain the spores but still allow me to examine it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Mon 22 Feb 2021.
Sand
player, 124 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 21 Feb 2021
at 20:21
  • msg #422

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As he was installing Roland on his bed for the night, Mathorn came to the artificer and asked for a favor. Instantly, the gears of his mechanical brain started to turn at the intriguing prospect and he nodded his head. Wanting to be fully understood, he spoke in Elven.

That is certainly possible, for a short time. If the mushroom…. Is that what that thing is called? Yes it would work, but only for about an hour. Water will be needed. Come.


Getting out of the shelter, he approached the mushroom and went for his decanter… before remembering that he had lent it to Andraste not long ago. Thinking quickly, he went to a barrel of water, the liquid not too clean. But it didn’t disturb him. Speaking a few arcane words, he manipulated the water to expulse all impurities to the outside, before freezing about a gallon of it. Taking that clear ice, he brought it to the mushroom where he again manipulated the water to encase the fungus in a clear globe of ice. Presenting the globe to the elven huntress, he nodded, satisfied. Still speaking elven, he gave his last recommendations.

This should allow you to examine this… mushroom… safely for an hour, the ice will melt after. Make sure to be at a safe distance when it happens.
Mathorn
player, 87 posts
Elven Ranger
Mon 22 Feb 2021
at 01:34
  • msg #423

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn nodded to her understanding to Sand before kneeling to study the mushroom. This close, she could see that the spots were a vivid green hue, the deadly gills tucked neatly under the cap. It looked familiar, but she had encountered this variety so rarely, recalling the details took a moment. She closed her eyes, searching her memory.

"Twilight Caps. Videre Spongos," she informed the others. "Normally harmless. Not rare, exactly, but particular about their habitat: cavern mouths, mainly, and always near the sea. The locals may know more. Either way, we should dispose of this before the ice melts."

Having shared all she knew, Thorn departed to a quiet, shady place in the camp and settled down with Aisling in front of her. She removed a packet of strangely-colored leather from her cloak and unrolled it to reveal her tools. Most were typical of those carried by tinkers, crafted from the same dark metal as her weapons. The more unusual ones however, looked like they had been adapted from scavenged parts. She selected a brush, held out her stimfay's right wing, and began painstakingly removing the dust from his delicate clockwork gears. Afterwards, she cleaned herself as well as she was able under the circumstances.

By nightfall, she found herself in the utterly unfamiliar position of having little to do. Her weapons were sharp, her gear carefully tended. She gazed up at the slim crescent moon. Beautiful. Perhaps she would rest here tonight. She conjured some mushrooms for the next day, warded the location with her alarm spell and laid down in her bedroll to watch the stars before drifting into her trance.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Mon 22 Feb 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 140 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 22 Feb 2021
at 02:49
  • msg #424

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Erik comes to a stop, sides heaving as he takes deep breathes, I carefully dismount and pause a moment for my legs to adjust to being on solid, non-moving ground. Sand is nearby constructing a shelter for the unconscious Rolland, Thorin having decided to bring him inside the walls despite my warning, while Althaea sits nearby her eyes shadowed and looking more dishevelled than normal. Rolland may not have woken yet but the steady rise and fall of his chest gives no cause for concern and while Althaea appears troubled I cannot see anything of immediate concern. The Half-Orc and Goliath look much better than before, Sand must have given them water and tended to their injuries. What I do not see is Thorin or Sebastien. Why do I always have to go looking for those two whenever I need to pass on information! And they are always in different places too!

In...two...three...out..two..three. Just breath in and out, let it all go. They are both busy, it is unreasonable of me to expect them to be here just because I am in a hurry. Shaking my head causes a small cloud to drift down from my hair and I am grateful for the cloth I had covered my nose and mouth with earlier. It may not have been perfect, the feel of dry grit coating my tongue and teeth is testament to that, but it is so much better than it would have been otherwise. The fine grit has gotten everywhere, I can feel it grinding in every joint of my armour let alone the grey-brown paste it has made on my gambeson when it mixed with my sweat. This will take forever to clean and dry properly. But that will have to wait until I have reported to the town leaders.

But a small delay will not hurt. I walk over to where Sand is working and ask him to borrow his decanter. He is kind enough to loan it to me and gives me a brief demonstration on how to use it before returning to his work. And with that I head inside the main settlement to deliver my report. I find them both in their offices and report on the number of Gnolls seen, that we were unable to locate the Shaman and/or the source of the dust cloud, and that we saw no sign of anyone using the incident as a distraction to slip inside the perimeter.

Afterwards, I head outside and find a quiet area nearby where Sand built his shelters and begin taking off my armour, carefully inspecting and setting aside each peace. It has held up well to everything on this journey so far but it might be a good idea to have Sand look at some of the straps, they are starting to show some wear. Out here, this gear is my life and it must be treated with respect and care. When I have all the pieces laid out I use the decanter to wash away all of the accumulated grim before drying each piece with a cleaning cloth and applying the necessary lubricants. That done, I do the same for the rest of my gear, carefully cleaning out all of the dust that had seeped in and refolding my few spare clothes. Once that is done, I strip down to my underclothes and use the decanter and meager soap to wash myself, spending particular effort to make sure I get all of the dust out of my hair, before quickly changing and washing the last of my laundry before leaving it to dry.

Once all of my things are ready I head back to the shelters where people are beginning to settle in. Thorn has brought everyone’s gear here and is looking at something with Sand, Erik is curled up a little ways away from the rest, Rolland is still asleep, and it looks like the day has caught up with the other two refugees as well having collapsed in the back of the large shelter. That is alright, questions can wait right now it is important that they feel safe. I leave Sand’s decanter with the rest of his things and take a seat on an overturned bucket outside the main shelter, unarmoured but with my sword at hand, and write in my journal about the day’s events; I have a feeling another item has been added to our to-do list.
Sand
player, 125 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 1 Mar 2021
at 22:47
  • msg #425

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The night watching over Roland felt weird for the construct. He was not worried for his own health, as the propagation of the sickness seemed airborne, and neither he or his two mechanical companions breathed. But he had seen the look of worries from his flesh and blood friends and he wanted to help. He didn't even know the man, did not know why he was here, but he was very sick. Somewhere in the mechanical shell, there was a genuine desire to alleviate suffering in any kind, so he had volunteered without much thought to watch over the sickest refugee.

But now, after spending time decifering the spell book and painstakingly repairing that carved rock, he had time to think during his forced pause that he had to do every day. There, in the middle of the night, with the snoring of Roland being the only sound in the hut, the construct rehashed the same questions he had been asking himself since he woke up from the ice, a little over two years ago, to discover a devastated world. And he had the inexplicable feeling that the rock would bring him some answers, thus he was rebuilding it fragment by fragment. What force could so pulverize a piece of jade that much?

Another night without any answers passed and after checking that his patient was still living, he got out of the hut to see the first signs of the settlement waking up. The man wasn't going anywhere, and he needed to make sure that he wasn't contagious anymore, after Erik's spell on him, so he turned his attention towards the stable, where the druid seemed to have established himself. Instructing Clacker to not let anyone in or out of the hut, he went to fetch his friend...
Erik Moor
player, 63 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Tue 2 Mar 2021
at 01:37
  • msg #426

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik had indeed retuned to the stables after his ordeal yesterday. He'd felt confident that whatever it was hadn't stayed in his system and he was to tired to try to interact with any more two-leggers for the day. They'd only made it a few hours into the day before that dust storm hit and here they were all wiped out or to focused on other things to even make the rest of the day matter. Erik went and found solace in his four-legged friends. Their calm, quiet, unquestioning presence in the stable helped put Erik at ease. In his mind he went over his actions and the reactions of the people around him in the day as he pet and groomed the horses and ponies. "There,   there. Storm  is gone... Nothing more    scary out there today..." It was as much for them as it was for himself. No, it was more for himself than them...

The One Who Leaps and Bounds Without Fear... Could he still call himself this in his heart of hearts? In the last few days he had been reminded very firmly of the things he very much feared. When he was not Erik, when he was the moorbounder, he felt no fear. He was strong. He was capable. When he was anything but himself it was still true. But frail, two-legged, Erik.. What even was he. For a few hours he decided not to dwell on it. There in the stables after a bit of time to recover he let himself slip into the animal speech that he could conjure up in any given day and transformed into a horse himself. Nobody was there to see him trot about and whinny at the other horses, nobody was there to ask him what stories they told him, what secrets he learned of their lives. And for a short time he was not Erik, he was not the moorbounder, he simply was one with his friends. He rested in the form of the midnight-black coated destier. His tattoos, although present couldn't be seen beneath his coat. There was nothing about himself to remind himself of Erik and that was nice for a little while.

Inevitably though the change back to imperfect human had to happen and Erik found himself sitting, hands dangling, forearms on knees pulled half way to his chest, in a corner of the stable looking through his scroll case again with everything from inside laid out around him. Scraps of the deep secret in their pile. The crumpled up reminder of the fear he could never let go beside them. And there, propped up against his sand-fixed bag between his feet, was the one piece of paper that mattered. The poorly drawn charcoal image of his father as he remembered him. Surely after all this, after making sure nobody was infected in the morning, he could get an answer from Thorin Beautiful Beard. Maybe even Giltris-friend Rolland or or the other two had seen old Wulf somewhere out there. Erik was determined to find out. But he was also determined not to let down everybody here. In just a short time he had begun to feel something he hadn't felt in a long time. Welcome. And not just by animals, welcomed by the two... The others of his own kind. His own, faulty kind. And Sand! Tomorrow he would see his metal-man friend again! The thought sent Erik drifting with the hint of a smile that contrasted the faint mud-trail of a tear that had rolled down his cheek earlier and dried up. Tomorrow.
--

As morning came, Erik went about the beginning of his day carefully. First he packed away the things that belonged in his scroll case carefully, making sure every part of it was there. It was foolish to let it out in plain sight all night. He should be more careful in the future. Then as he truly woke he groomed and fed the horses and ponies but did not greet them in their own tongue. By now they understood his soothing words in common, at least the feeling they were meant to convey, and he never knew when he may need to bust out that ability in the day, especially if they were leaving the upside-dow... Vertigo. They called it Vertigo... Then, once he felt he'd cared for his four-legged friends enough, he sat down again this time in a meditative position. The next few minutes he spent focusing his thoughts upon the nature of his abilities. Nature was all around him even here in the stable. He was absolutely covered in the dust of yesterday's encounter and that would do just fine for his purposes. Shaping the smallest drop of water he took the next few minutes to very carefully move it across his skin through the dust tracing tattoo-like patterns onto his torso and various limbs, some familiar, and some new ones. It was near the end of this methodical process that he opened his eyes to see Sand standing in the doorway of the stable, respectfully waiting. How long his friend had been there Erik didn't know but he smiled at him anyway and finished the meditative process with a splash. Literally. The water that he had once again pooled into his shield, this time from the horse trough, was shaped into the air and poured down over his body with force greater than just gravity. As the water pooled rapidly it became evident that the new patterns he had so carefully crafted had sunk into his skin. Having seen the process Sand had the unique distinction of becoming aware of the subtlest of differences between the tattoos on Erik's body that were permanent and those that were now more obviously part of his nature magic.

The druid gave the familiar Sand-like smile-nod he had picked up from the artificer and stood up. "Sand!" He quickly shaped the water multiple times through a make shift sieve back and forth until it was clean of the dirt it had picked up, and deposited it back in the trough. He was mostly clean himself at this point as well but didn't bother with trying to fix the beard braid that was slowly becoming a little more wild. Slinging his pack over his shoulders in that odd hang-in-the-front manner and followed the warforged out of the stable to go check on Rolland.
Takmarin
GM, 214 posts
Wed 3 Mar 2021
at 03:25
  • msg #427

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The evening ended up being full of surprises...

Sand:

It seemed even the gentle, metal giant wasn't as protected against the mushroom's spores as he would have thought.  Inside Sand's complex mixture of organic and inorganic material, it felt like there was an internal struggle, as the spores tried to find purchase in even the most inhabitable of environments.  (Poison damage: 12, no resistance)

While Sand watched over Rolland, he could feel different waves of warmth and chills come over him, and at times, lost track of his thoughts...something that hadn't happened before. Without warning, Rolland started to shake.  He was sweating all over, his body pale and his hands clammy and moist.  The shaking seemed to be coming from excessive chills he was feeling and when thick blanket was put over him, the shaking abated a bit.  Rolland seemed to rest after that, but there were still bouts of sharp movements and shaking.

Mathorn:

While settled in her trance, Mathorn felt the familiar movement of the large spider leaving her person, embarking on it's nightly ritual to go and catch some prey for dinner.  Normally the spider would be gone for hours, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike from hiding, but this night was different.  The spider was back much earlier than expected.  Thinking the spider just managed to lucky this particular evening, Mathorn didn't give it more of a thought, until the creature hunkered down in front of her, facing her, with an unexpected prize in its grasp.  The mushroom that had been taken out of Rolland's throat.  It's small pinchers and mandibles went to work and it started to very slowly and methodically, eat it.  (Mathorn, please give me two con saving throws, with advantage.)


Erik:

The following morning, after seeing Sand, and as he was just leaving the stable, Erik suddenly didn't feel too good.  He stopped at the exit to the stable, looking at his hands, that were now moist as if in the water for an extended period of time; the skin peeling away in amounts that Erik felt quite uncomfortable with.  He began to sweat too, a warmth rushing over him that had him stagger for just a moment, before stabilizing himself against the open door to the stable.


Althaea:

Most of the evening, fever overtook Althaea; her body wracked with not only the chills and sweats, but also with a strange longing that she just couldn't describe.  It's as if her insides wanted out, pulling her without no real direction in mind.  It's as if she wasn't where she was supposed to be.


Andraste:

When Andraste met with Thorin, he could tell the Dwarf was stressed.  While he kept his manners, his responses were succinct, giving Andraste the feeling that while he was appreciative, this was not the time.  Thorin's once well kept beard was as frazzled as the Dwarf seemed to be.  So much has happened in the last couple of weeks, if that long, and it seemed as if Thorin was coming to his wit's end.

Sebastian seemed indifferent about the information, but still took notes as Andraste reported it to him.

The following morning, as Andraste, Sand, and Erik walked towards Rolland and the refugees shelter, there was a loud scream.  A woman, her face covered with a cloth and holding a bucket of water, fell backwards as Clacker followed his master's instructions to the letter, protecting the door from anyone entereing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:29, Wed 03 Mar 2021.
Mathorn
player, 88 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 4 Mar 2021
at 19:05
  • msg #428

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Horrified, Thorn scrambled back from the arachnid, her mind racing.

Spiders don't eat mushrooms.

Did she seek it out? It wasn't nearby.

I should have destroyed it.

But there was no way to tell how it would react to fire and if I submerged the mushroom and its poison ended up in the groundwater . . .

Usually best to just avoid dangerous flora.

The zombies - were they even dead?

Did this necromancy corrupt the living and turn them into abominations?

Am I infected?

Sel'zir isn't showing a reaction. Is she infected?

If she is, will that affect me?

Was she sent to destroy me?

Why? I'm not important.

By whom? Makinnga?

No - Sel'zir said she wasn't from a city.

Unless, Makinnga sneaked out. I should have paid closer attention!

Or Seli'zir is lying. Or had her memories altered.

This is pointless - too little information.


One of the things that had kept Thorn alive was her ability to think so quickly in conversation and combat that carefully considered words or actions seemed spontaneous, even instinctual, to others. Not always, but danger focused rather than scattered her thoughts. She had suspected as much during the skirmish with the gnolls, but now she was certain: that ability had increased to an unnatural degree since she received her mysterious boon from Magorian.

How could he have known me well enough to do that?

He couldn't have read my thoughts; my mind was blank then.

Was it deeper than that somehow?

Or was it like the Goddess' blessing only less intense, less bloodthirsty?

So -


Thorn forcibly cut off her thoughts. Without further information, they were unproductive, potentially deadly should they cause her to delay crucial actions.

Very deliberately, she reached out a steady hand and wrapped her towel around her nose and mouth. It was likely too late for such safeguards, but not taking precautions was foolish.

Then she looked directly at the spider and in a cool, calm mental voice asked, "Why are you eating that?"

She wasn't fooling either of them. The arachnid had already demonstrated that their connection ran deep. Probably, Sel'zir had heard Thorn's thoughts, maybe even felt her true reaction. But lapsed discipline, disrespect were unacceptable. She must control what she could.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Thu 04 Mar 2021.
Erik Moor
player, 64 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Mon 8 Mar 2021
at 17:26
  • msg #429

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The following morning, after seeing Sand, and as he was just leaving the stable, Erik suddenly didn't feel too good.  He stopped at the exit to the stable, looking at his hands, that were now moist as if in the water for an extended period of time; the skin peeling away in amounts that Erik felt quite uncomfortable with.  He began to sweat too, a warmth rushing over him that had him stagger for just a moment, before stabilizing himself against the open door to the stable.

as Andraste, Sand, and Erik walked towards Rolland and the refugees shelter, there was a loud scream.  A woman, her face covered with a cloth and holding a bucket of water, fell backwards as Clacker followed his master's instructions to the letter, protecting the door from anyone entereing.

Something was very wrong. Erik shouldn't feel this way. His skin. What was wrong with his skin. Erik looked from his hand's to Sand and back to his hands again. Someone had mentioned the spores finding damp crevices to live in. If his skin was going to remain damp then he needed to be fully covered before goin in to interact with whatever this was. The sooner he could get his understanding of the contagion, that seemed to still be flowing through himself despite his best efforts yesterday, the better. "Sand. I  feel bad. Not   go inyet. Need do something first."

Then right there half way between the stable and the refugee shelters, despite the scream they heard, Erik dropped to the ground. For the next ten minutes he was mumbling something to himself while touching various points of his body where bits of ink from a particular tattoo began to spread. It seemed to envelop his eyes first and then his nostrils followed by his ears and eventually every hair follicle of his body seemed to be reaching out and extended by the ink sensing the world around him in a very different manner than minutes before. He opened his eyes to see the world around him now capable of sensing any disease or poison or hell even poisonous creatures nearby. First he would check himself and those immediately around him and then see where to go from there.

If there was anything wrong with himself there may be cause to be extremely cautious about his next few interactions as he had very clearly done everything he could to expel this wrongness from himself once before.
Sand
player, 126 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 10 Mar 2021
at 03:26
  • msg #430

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The night did not go well for Rolland and the construct did his best to keep him comfortable, still thinking that he would be immune to whatever was affecting the man.

But apparently the fungus still found a purchase in the warforged organic parts and for the first time of his short life, he felt the effects of a fever gripping him. Despite the circumstances, he found the effect of his wooden muscles spasming because of the fever more fascinating than worrying. He was surprised to find himself clutching the half repaired piece of jade during his fever, thinking that there was something else he should be doing... but could not figure out what. He finished the night weaker than he started it.

The morning was not better... after watching Erik display his mastery of water, similar to Sand's, he was horrified to see his friend's skin practically decompose before his eyes.

What is happening to Erik? What can Sand do?

Going for his tools to cast his restaured, if feeble, healing magic, Erik stopped him before reaching the hut where Clacker was following his instructions, frightening a poor woman just trying to help.

But there was a danger here, and Clacker probably saved the woman, if not her life, at least her health. Erik, not looking very well, managed to cast a spell with his weird tattoo magic, and just sat there, breathing hard.

Sand looked around to see his unfortunate companions coming around, and shook his head.

Sand not know what is happening, but Sand does not like it. Erik and Sand not feeling well, and Sand magic too feeble to help. What should friends and Sand do?
Takmarin
GM, 215 posts
Wed 10 Mar 2021
at 04:25
  • msg #431

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sel'zir didn't seem effected by the mental outburst, though there was a slight twinge when Mathorn's thoughts surfaced about the spider sent to destroy her.  After the internal tirade quelled, Mathorn felt all 8 of the spiders eyes rolling at her, in a deliberate and comical way.

It reminds me of home... was all the spider had to say, as it finished devouring the mushroom and began to clean itself off, savoring each and every morsel.</i>

--------

After one scream stopped, another immediately started as a second woman, who looked to be bringing water to the goliath and orc whom were with Rolland, turned and ran from their shelter bringing the apron at her waist up to her face to mask it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:03, Wed 10 Mar 2021.
Mathorn
player, 89 posts
Elven Ranger
Wed 10 Mar 2021
at 16:15
  • msg #432

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn felt the spider's twinge, but couldn't determine what exactly had caused it. Guilt? Annoyance? She had the distinct impression that Sel'zir could read her rather better than she could analyze the arachnid. An uncomfortable notion, to say the least.

Even so, she'd make no apologies. Sending a spider to bond with a target in order to track or destroy them was a gambit with a high probability of success in general. For Thorn specifically, it was difficult to envision a more effective stratagem, playing as it did to both her pride and insecurities. But why would someone with resources sufficient to manage it bother baiting a trap for one such as her?

Beyond that, was the spider demonstrating signs of greater intellect in addition to her massively accelerated growth? Some animals rolled their eyes when panicked, but not to express disdain. As to the word "home", Thorn had used it when she attempted to return Sel'zir to the Underdark, but one would expect a spider to think in terms of territory, and not to feel nostalgic about losing it.

Or was it Thorn's own feelings that were impacting the arachnid? Increased intelligence could prove useful, albeit disconcerting. More elven emotions - that was outright troubling.

"This is important, Sel'zir: Do you feel any different?" She thought for a moment, then clarified, "Physically?" Which apparently she had to specify now. Because for all she knew, the spider was going to start spouting philosophy at any moment.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Wed 10 Mar 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 141 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 01:51
  • msg #433

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sleeping while sitting on an upturned barrel is uncomfortable but I have done worse. I could find somewhere to layout my bedroll and lie down or even go inside the cave complex and use one of the guest, "beds," in the inn but I want to be here when Rolland wakes up. He has been through a lot, the least I can do is make sure he wakes to a familiar face. That did not mean tomorrow morning would be pleasant.

At least the mountain overhead ensures I will stay dry.

**********

I jerk upright as the strange noises register, my eyes flying open and my hand reaching for the hilt of my sword; it is not in its usual place beside me. I move my hand jerkily, scrambling to find it, and only after I find it does some of the tension bleed out of me. I am still sitting on the barrel outside Rolland's makeshift hut and it is sheathed, propped up against the wall next to me. I rotate my neck in a slow circle, trying to relieve its stiffness but I am only partially successful. The sky shows no sign of brightening, there must be hours yet before the sun will even hint at cresting the horizon.

Sounds, that was what woke me, they are what is most important right now. The rustle of fabric; the short scrapping noise of something dragging across a hard surface; and sharp, shallow breathing offset by soft whines. Nothing too unusual but taken together it indicated someone within the hut was in distress. Given that Sand and his mechanical menagerie neither sleep nor breathe it has to be Rolland.

Standing takes more effort than I want to admit and a short, sharp twinge dashes up my spine and out the top of my head but a few quick stretches and moving gets easier. Wrapping a scarf over my nose and mouth and strapping my sword to my hip him I step towards the entrance to the hut and am confronted by a stubborn Clacker, its metal mandibles snapping together and adopting a wide stance in an unmistakable threat display. I hold my empty hands out, palms toward the construct.

"Good evening neighbour. You know me; I am not a threat to either your master or your young charge." I glance over at Sand's slumped form against the wall of the hut opposite the door, a large green stone gripped in its hand, before meeting Clacker's eyes once more. "I wish to check on the young man, see if I can ease his rest. Will you let me do that?" It remains wary but it moves aside to let me inside, making sure to keep itself between me and Sand. I smile at the creature, marveling at the wonders Sand is able to create, "Thank you."

Stepping up to the platform of compacted earth I stare down at Rolland, his dark hair mussed by his thrashing and damp with the sweat that spots his brow. Carefully I reach out and take his right hand and hold it in mine, ignoring the brief spasm of pain as his hand clenches mine too tight. Breathing deep, I entreat Rao to help me purify my young friend and a cool, soothing sensation moves from the centre of my breast down my arm and into Rolland. For a moment he breathes easier but soon it grows ragged once more; I fear his condition is not the result of some contaminant in his body but its absence.

"Oh Rolland, what did you get into this time." My voice low and slow as I place his hand back on his chest. I stand there looking down at him a moment longer, taking the time to wipe his brow with a wet cloth sitting next to him in a shallow bowel of water, more of Sand's thoughtfulness, before nodding once more to Clacker and going back outside to my barrel. It seems there is little I can do to ease him through this, he will have to overcome this on his own.

**********

Morning proved to be just as bad as predicted. Normally I would begin my day with some exercise but I do not want to leave in case Rolland wakes up. No matter how hard I try, strenuous exercise is not quiet and I do not want to wake any of the others. I will just have to do them later and find another means to quiet the storm. Unfortunately, if exercise was likely to wake someone music was guaranteed too. Maybe meditation would work, Bodmoli claimed it worked for him and I have had some success in the past. Never by itself but there is a first time for everything.

In...out...in...out...Where is Althaea and Thorn anyway, I thought Elves did not need as much rest as the rest of us. Sand too, it does not even sleep! Are they just being lazy or have they found something else to do. I bet Althaea snuck off to spend the night with her human lover even though she said she was going to stay in quarantine. I do not really know her that well yet but a lot of performers enjoy vigorous personal lives even when it is not a good idea. Thorn probably snuck out of town to get away from all these, "awful," people and their horrible attempts to connect with her in the smallest way. How dare they impose on her that way...

This is not working. Such thoughts are unacceptable. I do not understand the paths they have taken to reach this point nor am I without sin. I may not agree nor approve of their choices or attitudes but I have no right to hold them in contempt. I must do better! Today is going to be hard day. Sitting there with my eyes closed, I notice my fingers are tapping a rapid, unconscious beat against the side of the barrel and my legs are bouncing wildly in place. It seems meditation is not sufficient for my needs today.

Yes, this will be a very long, hard day.

That is when the screaming starts.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Fri 12 Mar 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 216 posts
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 18:22
  • msg #434

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sel'zir simply replied, No to Mathorn's question, and was about to resume it's nightly ritual of cuddling in Mathorn's legs, when it paused for second, as if considering the outburst in Mathorn's head had somehow changed something between them.  So it tested the waters, by very slowly and gently moving itself up onto her legs, even stopping once to look up and Mathorn's acceptance, before creating a giant spider of a pillow.  When finally settled, and even with his legs pulled up a bit underneath her body and others curling over and under Mathorn's legs, the spider was clearly as large as a standard shield, if not now closer to a tower shield, as it completely covered Mathorn's crossed legs, spilling over onto the sides.  At this rate of growth, it could possibly be as wide as Thorn is tall, in a week.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:48, Fri 12 Mar 2021.
Mathorn
player, 90 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 20:03
  • msg #435

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I do," Thorn replied, projecting her physical condition - chills, sweating, weakness - toward the spider, even as she analyzed it herself.

She was no healer, not in any sense. Her knowledge extended only to conducting basic inspections to determine whether or not a specimen was healthy. However, she was intimately familiar with the effects of a wide variety of injury and illness on her own body. She'd had to be in order to determine how hard she could push herself without causing lasting damage.

Focusing her attention inward, she analyzed her current symptoms, comparing them to past experiences. Careful consideration left her fairly confident that she was not truly infected, but she was certainly experiencing some ill effect. Almost like hunger, though not quite. That, Thorn would have recognized instantly. Still, her condition felt familiar . . .

The necessary knowledge remained elusive, so she let her mind drift, allowing the memory to come to her. And, in time, it did. Thorn knew what affected her - and possibly others.

She came back to herself to find the familiar, and ever increasing, weight of Sel'zir in her lap. Apparently, her instincts did not regard the arachnid as a threat. That was actually somewhat reassuring.

She looked down, "If you start feeling like I do, or any different at all, you must let me know immediately. Do you understand?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Sat 13 Mar 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 217 posts
Fri 12 Mar 2021
at 20:32
  • msg #436

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sel'zir, at hearing that a healer needed to examine her, looked up, but not reluctantly.  She just simply said, I am fine. The food I ate was not harmful for me.  You will be okay too.  Our bond prot..protects you.  Your pain will ease more quickly than the others.  You will see. Alicia will be fine too.  Sel'zir struggled with using the larger words at times, and it seemed like a barrier she had to break through to achieve the clarity, but strangely, the wall kept moving, both backwards and forwards.  Sometimes the breakthrough was immediate and other times, too distant and difficult.  The struggle was improving though, that much she could tell.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 170 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 14 Mar 2021
at 03:43
  • msg #437

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The night was a restless one, my body wracked with fever. My symptoms closely resembled ones I had seen in others in my youth; those of withdrawal. I had not knowingly partaken in any substances that would cause these symptoms, so they must be from the spores. I knew normal withdrawal symptoms lasted a few days at the longest, I just had to wait them out. These few days would likely be the longest of my life, I could not accurately describe how awful I was feeling. Alternating between the chills and sweats was bad enough in itself, but there was something more concerning. A longing I could not describe, pulling me toward an unknown location. The longing was so strong, my insides felt as if they were trying to pull themselves outside my body.

During a particularly strong episode, the longing was so strong, I could not help but stumble out of the hut and see if anywhere would feel like the right direction. I stumbled around the forest surrounding Vertigo for about an hour, the feeling not changing with any new location. There were several times the urge sent my stomach churning and I had to rest against a tree to keep the rations I had eaten down.

I could feel the chills returning, so I began the slow march back to the hut, hoping to reach my bedroll before they fully set in. I was about ten minutes out from the gate when the onset hit me, making the march that much more excruciating. The rest of the way back took about twice as long, but I finally made it back, settling under my blanket as soon as I stumbled into the hut.

After the chills finally left and the sweats started once again, I was finally exhausted enough to fall into a sleep, which my kind was not known for needing. It was only an hour or so before dawn and I was awoken just several hours later to the sounds of screaming coming from outside. My body was too weak to do much more than crawl to the doorway and peer out, seeing women I did not know being chased away by Clacker.

Knowing in my current state, there was not much I could do, I tried to fall back into the sleep my body had been in before, trying desperately to purge the illness from my system.

Insight: 5 (1d20+3)
Medicine: 12 (1d20+2)
Andraste Giltris
player, 142 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Mon 15 Mar 2021
at 04:50
  • msg #438

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the first scream cuts through the air I jump to my feet causing the barrel to crash over  onto it side. I pause long enough to cover my nose and mouth securely with my scarf and step quickly to the doorway to Rolland's shelter. Peering inside, relief floods my veins as I cannot see any noticeable changes from last night; the woman must have been startled by a protective Clacker.

More screaming erupts from the next shelter over and there is a clatters as a bucket heavy with water falls to the ground spilling its contents into the parched, dusty ground of the mountains shadow. A women is rushing towards the entrance to the cave complex, her back stiff and desperately clutching her apron to cover her nose and mouth, slightly muffling her continued screaming.

Taking a deep breathe I dash over and quickly and holding my breath I take a quick glimpse through the door. Both figures lay unmoving where they fell asleep the day before but the night has treated them poorly. The caps of nearly a dozen mushrooms have burst from their flesh, ranging in size from 3 to 25 cm. At the sight of them my mouth begins to water and I find myself wanting to rush into the room and pluck one of the larger caps and devour it raw. My feet begin to shuffle forward and I catch myself on the entrance edge, closing my eyes for a moment and shaking my head until the compulsion fades away.

Stepping back from the doorway, I move away from the doorway before taking a breath. Those things are dangerous! The Goliath and Half-Orc are likely dead, or at least wish they are. The image of the mushroom growing from the Goliath's eye socket, forcing the eye from the cavity to dangle against his cheek, barely connected by the optic nerve. We must know for sure before we can determine what to do next. Looking back I notice the gate guards glancing nervously back towards the shelters. I catch the eye of the closest guard as I pull a large handkerchief from my pocket, "Open the gates." I call out to them before turning  back towards the shelter-of-horrors.

Sand is stepping back from the door as well and I reach out to grab its arm. "When I get out of there I am going to run out the gate. I need you to meet me there and be ready to wash any spores off of me." Trusting on him to help I take a few steady deep breathes to get as much oxygen as I can, hold it, and rush inside.

Keeping my eyes down to watch were I am going, I run to the Goliath and reach out to check for a pulse at his wrist, the thin handkerchief covering my hand to prevent skin-on-skin contact. Nothing, I pause 30 seconds before continuing to the Half-Orc and repeating the process; again nothing. I bow my head, offering a quick prayer for their souls before turning around and walking briskly back towards the exit.

Once outside I shake my head at Sand and Erik and rush out the open gates and away from the walls to a spot well within the cleared killing field, my pulse pounding in my ears and the pressure beginning to build in my lungs, demanding I resume breathing. I just have to wait for Sand.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Mon 15 Mar 2021.
Sand
player, 127 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 18 Mar 2021
at 02:15
  • msg #439

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

More screaming, this time not caused by Clacker, interrupted the construct musings. Andraste jumped towards the hut where the two other refugee had been placed, as a woman ran away, holding her apron over her mouth.

Now what?

Sand took off following the paladin and saw the hut of horror, with the mushrooms growing from the two bodies. Andraste had a weird reaction, looking like she craved something in the structure, before seemingly taking control of herself and backing down. Asking the artificer to get ready to clean her, she prepared her mask and went in to check on the unfortunate souls.

That trick in the book… would that work?

Just in case, the construct prepared his decanter to  create water, the traditional way of washing someone, but that variation he had seen the last night on a just learned spell  was promising in this case. The half-elf ran off out of the hut and Sand followed her, his spear in hand, to serve as his spell focus. And he tried the spell once the woman stopped, marveling at seeing all the dust and dirt on her just magically getting destroyed, hoping the spores would follow suit.

But just for good measure, he also used the decanter on Andraste, giving her an impromptu shower. After a few minutes, he tried his spell again, amazed that he got to dry her up completely with it!

Sand uses prestidigitation and his decanter to wash Adraste.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Thu 18 Mar 2021.
Mathorn
player, 91 posts
Elven Ranger
Fri 19 Mar 2021
at 16:44
  • msg #440

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn concluded her conversation with Sel'zir and rose, stamping feeling into legs numb from the spider's substantial weight. Although still confused, she had a better sense now of how to approach this latest problem, and felt slightly calmer besides. As she was considering how best to locate the others, a shrill cry pierced the air. She'd just follow the screaming, then.

She arrived to find Giltris fleeing one of the shelters, nearly running into Sand who pointed a spear at her. Unexpected, though Thorn certainly understood the impulse. Then the ubiquitous dust vanished from the half-elf before the construct drenched her with his decanter and somehow dried her again. A flash of movement from nearby caught Thorn's eye and she glanced over to find Erik on the ground, mumbling to himself and seemingly spreading tattoo ink over his body.

For a moment, Thorn strongly considered following Althaea's sensible example and absenting herself from this chaos to return only once her companions had regained their composure. But staying allowed her to collect valuable intelligence on Sand's mysterious abilities and the longer she watched Erik, the more certain she became that his power, like hers, derived from Nature. As she studied him, she could almost sense what he was doing. If she observed carefully, perhaps she could learn something. And that made this bedlam well worth enduring.
Erik Moor
player, 65 posts
Human, Mark of Handling
Circle of the Moon Druid
Fri 19 Mar 2021
at 21:17
  • msg #441

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the others reacted quickly and decisively, Erik felt the world moving in slow motion. Rather he sensed the world in a whole new manner. It was as he had sensed it before but seemingly heightened to a whole new level. He rose and began walking toward the hut to see the madness inside. More than see it. He could feel it all around him. Sand and Giltris ran out of the main gate past Erik has his mind and the magics imbuing his body churned and processed what it was he was detecting. The mushrooms. They were, they were wrong. And yet he craved them. Poison infused every bit of them but a poison unlike anything that should be in the natural world. A word came to his mind. One he wasn't aware of remembering but with it came knowledge. A knowledge he didn't want. And with that knowledge he forced the craving aside.

Silently Erik left the hut and walked around the area for another ten minutes. He came close to multiple people and he knew that this wrongness had spread. Additionally he learned that there were others within town that could benefit from his aid. But what he could do could only go so far and could only work so fast. It was so much... So much... As his augmented sense faded Erik shook his head in near desperation. He knelt to prepare the ritual again. He noticed Thorn observing him. Good he would share his burden of knowledge. A plan must be made. A larger plan than he had thought at first. Why did it have to be Thorn... He didn't want to add to what he had done to her by burdening her with this knowledge, but this town, this place needed to be fixed.

"Thorn." He was still kneeling, his head hanging, hair in front of his face muffling most of what he was about to say so that few beyond Thorn would hear. "Thorn. Infection is spreads. Maybe more than could see. Need to separate them, learn know what to do. Could spread more." He breathed in deeply and released it trying to think of how to explain what he had learned. "Mushrooms full of poison... Poison is   is  changed. Not of nature. Death put inside, death from creature deep and dark. Aboleth Mucus. I   I  do not know this   word but  it is here in head now. Is dark and wrong. Is in the poison and is    put together   with death magic..."

He looks around at those people that had flared with the infection in his enhanced sight. "Few infected, must tell them." He began pointing them out to Thorn.

The two women who had screamed and been scared off by Clacker, as well as a guard on the wall. Jacob and Corsica had been farther from the others but Erik also identified them as infected due to his wandering walk taking him close enough to sense them. This was bad... Some of them seemed to be infected to a degree beyond others. Thorin was clear for now at least. Maybe he could help cure these people.

"If want to eat the mushrooms keep them away. May need held down until   they  are fixed. That one, that one  worse." He pointed out Corsica and one of the girls who'd brought water.

With the information passed on as best he could. Erik began again the process of the ritual to be able to detect once more the nastiness that was the spores. It may take all day, or longer, but if they worked out a system to get the people of Vertigo to come close while not being so close as to risk exposure he could determine who was safe for now and who else may be infected. What to do then was beyond him. This was bad...

Sebastian had also some sort of infection but unrelated. He could probably be put in the safe category.. Maybe.
Mathorn
player, 92 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 20 Mar 2021
at 00:01
  • msg #442

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn had more than half a mind to simply walk away and take her chances in the wilderness. Every day she wasted here was time not spent fleeing farther from her past and those who, even now, may be pursuing her.

Between the Drow and now this plague, Vertigo was surely doomed. If the residents had not already, they would soon begin searching for a scapegoat and Thorn would be an extremely convenient target. She had brought mushrooms - albeit healing, healthy ones - into the city. And she had little doubt they would view her attack on Darcassan as unprovoked, despite evidence to the contrary.

Now, however, she was being too carefully observed to slip away. Best bide her time. And gather what information she could. "Hold," she said to Erik, "Even those not infected may feel the desire to consume the poison. Can you separate the infected from the exposed?"

Even as she spoke, Thorn cursed her pride. All along, the disorder, the complete lack of formal structure in the settlement and the inevitably resulting inefficiency had bothered her. Now during a crisis of this magnitude they required someone capable of organizing and directing hundreds of people. And Thorn was virtually certain she could manage it, even under these unfavorable circumstances.

Already her mind raced with the tasks that needed to be done and who would be best able to achieve them: those with perceived authority would be needed to separate the healthy from the exposed and infected, the healers must work together to develop a cure or means of protection, Giltris or Althaea should speak to Alicia to gather more information and perhaps secure her assistance in producing an antidote, Erik ought not be detecting infection in the population based on proximity, but rather begin with those whose skills were essential to collective survival, such as the hunters.

The need to prove herself was deeply ingrained, nearly instinctual, but Thorn would have to fight it. Or find a way to justify taking the risk.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Sat 20 Mar 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 143 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 23 Mar 2021
at 03:24
  • msg #443

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The blackness at the edges of my vision retreat once Sand finished spraying me with the decanter and I can take a deep breath. I am going to have to change, walking around in drenched clothing is just asking for chafing, but I need to tell them that those in the hut are dead first. I am about to speak when suddenly I am not so wet.

Looking over at Sand, it is continuing to gesture towards me with his spear and muttering an incantation and more of me is drying; in under a minute I am completely dry and free of any dust or dirt. Well now, that is interesting. This confirms it as my favourite person! Focus, people are dead; no matter how wonderful this development is now is not the time.

"Both are dead. They seemed fine yesterday, just exhausted; whatever this is it acts quickly and something about the mushrooms draws you in, makes you want to eat them. We have to contain them, find out how they spreads, and if there is a source nearby. I will see if I can wake Rolland, he might be able to tell us where they were before the Gnolls chased them here. In the meantime, someone needs to speak with Thorin and Sebastien, see if they can get the town organized and prepared to contain this. Also, there may be local experts who can help."

With that said I move back inside the walls and go to Rolland's shelter, Clacker is still inside and while he snaps his mandibles at me he does not stop me from moving to Rolland's side. I fill a cup with clean water from the bucket the woman dropped earlier and take hold of Rolland's right shoulder and gently try to shake him awake.

(Note: I figure this is after getting an all clear from Erik. If not, I will delete this and come up with a new plan.)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Mon 03 May 2021.
Sand
player, 128 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 23 Mar 2021
at 16:13
  • msg #444

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

With Andraste cleaned, dried and hopefully free of the spores, the half-elf gave her report of the death of Rolland’s companions. Nodding his head as she explained what needed to be done, as he was already thinking along those lines, he spoke in elven.

There is much to do, magic will help to solve the problem of those corpses. The book contains spells that will be useful, they need to be practiced, so this is a good occasion. Better let someone else speak with Thorin though, Althaea maybe?

As Andraste was going back towards Rolland’s hut, Sand turned his attention to the problem of the two corpses in that hut. As he slowly walked back toward the construction, he turned the problem in his head, trying to figure out a way to bring them out of Vertigo, without spreading the deadly spores. As he was musing, he noticed Erik, again with his tattoos writhing on  his skin, his peculiar way of casting spells. Thorn was nearby, followed closely by Clacker. Two steps later, he suddenly whipped his head towards Thorn… or more precisely towards the thing following the ranger.

That's not Clacker, where does that spider come from?


Something in the back of his mind clawed from the fog of his memory and a name appeared… Arachnaea Cavernis, a deep cavern spider, normally the size of a closed fist… but this one was almost as large as Sand’s shield! The warforged changed course and approached the huntress, intrigued.

Sand greets friends.

This will not do.


Switching to elven, he continued, his troubles speaking common would only hinder this conversation. He had never tried it with Erik, but hoped that the druid could understand him.

This is a remarkable specimen of Arachnaea Cavernis, more commonly known as a deep cavern spider. But it is way bigger than it should be!

Closing his massive fist, he looked at it and shook his head, opening his hand.

This hand is too big, it should not be bigger than your closed fist, Thorn. Where did you find it?


Kneeling to have a closer look at the spider, the warforged dropped on all four, and another curious feeling washed over him. His head now standing about two feet above the ground, he started looking around, up at the huntress, and felt strangely… comfortable looking up at people. Shaking his head to make the feeling go away, it lingered, like if it was natural to him to be towered over. And he was the tallest of this motley group! Another mystery of his past to ponder over, but there was more pressing issues. Turning back to the spider, he continued his inspection of the arachnid.

How did this Arachnaea Cavernis become so big, Thorn? This is your pet, right? What are you feeding it?

Something on the spider bothered him and one could almost hear the gears adjusting the focus of his eyes as he looked closer. Suddenly, he sat back on his haunch and scratched an imaginary itch on his metallic head.

Could it be? It would be amazing to see one of those on the surface! Look at it's mandibles Thorn! Look at the serrations under them! Yes... that would explain it!

He looked at the elf and nodded his head, pleased with himself

This is not only a Arachnaea Cavernis, but the Gigantis sub-species! But to grow this big, it must be at least three years old!

Int check to force the Nature check on the spider : 21
Nature check on the spider : 22
Int check for the memory of being small : 19
This message was last edited by the player at 01:50, Thu 01 Apr 2021.
Mathorn
player, 93 posts
Elven Ranger
Sun 11 Apr 2021
at 18:31
  • msg #445

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

It took Thorn a moment to parse Erik's reply, but if she understood correctly, his magic merely identified the fully infected, which meant that the only method for separating the exposed from the healthy was by determining who among the uninfected had symptoms. Not only was that inefficient, but in the milder cases, it may well depend upon honest self-diagnosis. She cursed silently.

"Erik, I'll find someone to assist you with the quarantine momentarily. First, would you see whether Althaea is infected? If she isn't, ask her come find me. We need to speak to Thorin and, more importantly, Alicia," Thorn's half smile was hidden beneath the shadow of her hood as she added, "Unless she'd prefer me to question the female myself." That should get the Eladrin to accompany her regardless of her withdrawal.

Then Thorn focused her attention on Sand. Had she been truly concerned about her condition, she would have ignored the construct entirely in favor of more pressing matters. But Sel'zir had spoken true; Thorn was recovering quickly. Her fever remained and a thin sheen of sweat yet covered her skin, but her hands no longer shook with chills.

And there had been little opportunity to take Sand's measure. He was intelligent, certainly, to have correctly identified the spider's subspecies and normal growth pattern. And the ease with which the damhán alla distracted him left little doubt that he was some sort of mage. That was the only group Thorn had encountered who consistently reacted to a dagger at the throat by attempting to detect its enchantments.

But were they to travel together, she needed to be able to predict his behavior and actions. Otherwise, she could be neither safe nor effective. Best not to waste this opportunity.

Head bowed respectfully, Thorn murmured, "You are most gracious to take an interest in my companion when your considerable expertise is in such demand." Her tone remained neutral as ever, giving no hint of whether she meant the words as flattery, reprimand or something else entirely. Hands folded and eyes submissively averted, she awaited Sand's reaction.
Sand
player, 129 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Mon 19 Apr 2021
at 03:05
  • msg #446

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Considerable expertise?

Still on all four, the construct looked up at the elf and considered her words, like trying to see if she was mocking him. But no, she didn’t seem to want to mock him, but to… what?

It took him an handful of second to decipher the meaning of her words, like if he was distracted… of course he was, with this magnificent spider right there! What more could be more important? Although fascinated by the arachnid, some small part of him reminded the artificer that he had a job to do. Shaking his head to recover his senses, he slowly rose on his feet, feeling a little dizzy, another weird sensation. Like if he had vertigo, or something… but this was his normal height, was it not?

He wasn’t so sure anymore.

Feeling the eyes of the huntress on him, he nodded to her, and spoke in his broken common.

Sand go to work now. Sand will examine  Arachnaea Cavernis Gigantis later.


Leaving her and her fascinating pet, he was soon near the hut where  the unfortunate souls had passed away, wondering every step how the hell did he know so much about cave spiders? And why did he feel so comfortable being close to the ground? But the fog of his memories had closed down again and he could not figure it out.. only that he knew.

Like so many inexplicable things.

But there was work to be done. Using a combination of ice, earth, Clacker's strength and his newly learned floating disk, he had both bodies encased in a sarcophagus of pure ice, and transported out of the village. Thinking of burying them, he decided to burn them instead, but far from Vertigo. An hour later, 5 miles out of the city, he started looking for a suitable place to carry the deed and constructed a big covered oven, like he had done with Andraste to burn the drows. By then the ice isolating the spores from the air had melted and Sand took the time to examine the possessions of the deceased, ritually checking for any magic other that the necromancy from the parasitic mushrooms, in case there was anything interesting before burning the corpses at as high a temperature as he could manage.

Sand Insight roll on Thorn : 20
Sand Int roll to snap out of his trance : 19
Sand Int roll to figure out where the knowledge came from : 5
Sand Perception roll : 16
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Mon 19 Apr 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 171 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Mon 19 Apr 2021
at 06:10
  • msg #447

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Erik came to the hut where I had been attempting to sleep my symptoms away. He performed some sort of ritual magic that I probably will not ever completely understand, then explained that I was not infected by the spores. He also specified Thorn wished for my assistance with talking to Alicia and Thorin.

Grumbling audibly at the intrusion and also at the cheek of the huntress, I crawled out of bed slowly, to avoid any sudden light-headedness from standing too quickly. I followed Erik to the place our companions were gathered and turned to Thorn, "Since you have dragged me from my bed, let us get these talks over with quickly. I would very much like to finish sleeping these symptoms off before we investigate the origin of these mushrooms or whatever else you may have been planning in my absence.
Mathorn
player, 94 posts
Elven Ranger
Mon 19 Apr 2021
at 17:49
  • msg #448

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn closely observed Sand's reactions. His distraction didn't surprise her, but he seemed almost dazed, something she hadn't known was possible for a construct.

When he stated he would examine Sel'zir later, Thorn barely prevented her limbs from stiffening, reminding herself that she wasn't necessarily averse to hearing Sand's opinion. Althaea hadn't detected any magic, but perhaps his spells or insight would offer a different perspective on mystery of the spider's origin. Still, that he presumed to make the decision unilaterally rankled. She would have to decide how to handle the matter. Later.

Then Althaea approached, looking like the far side of the hells but prepared to assist. Thorn nodded respectfully, but paused at the Eladrin's words. What I may have been planning?

"I have neither plans nor expectations," Thorn replied deferentially, attempting to suppress the likely false hope that the sensible female would simply be willing to recover then move on without becoming further entangled in the doomed settlement's affairs. "Perhaps I have misjudged, and you would prefer to return to your recovery before departing Vertigo?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Mon 19 Apr 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 218 posts
Tue 4 May 2021
at 17:55
  • msg #449

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Rolland's eyes slowly open following the gentle shake from Andraste.  For about 5 to 10 seconds, it seems like Rolland's eyes had troubling focusing, as he didn't immediately recognize Andraste, but as his pupils dilate and then shrink to their normal size, a smile quickly emerged.

ANDRASTE! Rolland says, with as much excitement as he can in his weakened state.  Where...where am...where are...we?
Andraste Giltris
player, 144 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Tue 11 May 2021
at 02:44
  • msg #450

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"We are in Vertigo; you were chased here by a pack of Gnolls yesterday. Sadly the two others with you were infected by some strange  mushrooms and died during the night. I wish we had more time to talk but those mushrooms are very dangerous and we need to know where they came from. Where were you were before the Gnolls chased you here?"
Sand
player, 130 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 11 May 2021
at 03:24
  • msg #451

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

It was hard work but finally the warforged had a crematory oven big enough for the goliath. Waiting for the temperature to raise as high as possible before putting the bodies in it, he started to strip the unfortunate victims of their possession, thinking that maybe this equipment could be useful to someone living. An hour later, with the infected corpses burning and the equipment all sanitized with water and spells, he looked at what he had gathered. He quickly inventoried the packs, made for exploring outdoors and underground, with climbing gear mixed in and a very fine rope, that he admired a while.  A small painter’s kit was in a wooden box, but there was nothing to paint on, which intrigued him. Weapons consisted of a many notched great axe and a particularly fine greatsword. The leather armor was serviceable, but the large size plate armor was in bad disrepair, not that it would stop the artificier. And a small gem tucked in a leather pouch.

But the most intriguing object was a metal amulet depicting a dragon. Looking at it for a long time, the fog of his memory lifted for a second and, delicately passing his huge finger on the fine engraving, he knew that this was a holy symbol. And he knew who this represented.

Bahamut.


He looked to the funeral pyre he had created and said.

The goliath was a follower of Bahamut.

On a sudden impulse, he got his jade rock out of the pouch he preciously kept the fragments of the smashed… was he trying to recreate a holy symbol? Already he could see that the jade was finely engraved with a pattern he was still not able to decipher.

But why is this significant? Who is this symbol representing? Why must it be repaired?


But he got no answers from either Clacker or Scamp, nor did a divine light shone on him, giving him the insight he was looking for. Slumping his shoulders, his way of doing a sigh, he packed the dragon symbol with his jade rock and stretched his biomechanical arms. He did have a long day and he was now near his rest period, his last one interrupted by fevers and nightmares. He needed to stay close to the pyre to make sure it would entirely consume the infected bodies anyway so he added more wood to the fire and installed himself to rest, like he had done hundreds of time before, his menagerie keeping him safe.

Sand Int roll to pierce the memory veil : 19
Sand Religion roll : 22
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 172 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 04:00
  • msg #452

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Leave Vertigo? When did that get decided? I know these mushroom spores are an issue but that seems drastic. Take a breath, Althaea. Do not say something you will regret.

Seeing a suitable place to sit for the moment, I slowly lowered myself to the ground, before my legs could decide to do so for me. Looking up to Thorn, "I do not remember discussing any plans to leave other than to the Keep or is that what you are referring to?"

My brain was not functioning at its normal capacity due to my symptoms, there may have been conversations I am not remembering. I am sure my jaunt through the forest did not help in my recovery.

"What exactly are we discussing with Thorin and Alicia? Quarantining residents until they have been cleared of contracting the infection? I apologize, my head is cloudy, it is hard to remember recent conversations."

I took a few shaky breaths as the chills settled in again. This day could not be over soon enough.
Takmarin
GM, 219 posts
Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 13:32
  • msg #453

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Rolland struggled with his words, coughing and continuously trying to take deep breaths: The Breach, Andraste.  There is a small fishing village next to the Breach.  The mushrooms...reside there.

We fled the village and the Gnolls picked up our trail.  Been running ever since...

This message was lightly edited by the GM at 13:32, Wed 07 July 2021.
Andraste Giltris
player, 145 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 8 Jul 2021
at 03:19
  • msg #454

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I see." I offer him some water. "Here this should help." Once he had taken a few swallows and his breathing settled down some I continued, "Did the mushrooms...Were there any survivors in the village? How far away was this?
Takmarin
GM, 220 posts
Thu 8 Jul 2021
at 11:52
  • msg #455

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The town is about one week's travel from here, to the Northeast.  The fishing village was abandoned when I arrived, which is why I holed up there.  I...I just needed to be alone.

Rolland's eyes glazed over for about three or four seconds, before refocusing as if coming back from a dark place.  He looked at Andraste with sudden realization in his eyes:

You can't go there Andraste!  There's nothing you can do to stop them.  Please, promise me you're not going there!
Andraste Giltris
player, 146 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 8 Jul 2021
at 22:09
  • msg #456

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I am sorry but I cannot promise that but rest easy; I am not going anywhere just yet. Besides if we all believed that then no one would stand against the dark and I do not want to think what our lives would be then." Reaching out I carefully grasp his shoulder, trying to offer what comfort I can. "Who is this them you mentioned?".
Takmarin
GM, 221 posts
Thu 8 Jul 2021
at 23:19
  • msg #457

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The mushrooms, of course!  They aren't all just fungi...some are...well, they are alive.  I know it sounds crazy, but you have to believe me! They are not only sentient, but demonic in nature.  I only escaped because of my friends.  Without them, I would have already been lost.  Rolland eyes seem to get lost in another place, tears welling up in his eyes.

They saved me and now they are dead.  They didnt deserve what happened to them.  They were good people Andraste, like you.  You have to promise me you wont go there.  I cant let what happened to them, happen to you too!

Sitting up, Rolland begins sobbing uncontrollably, and slumps into Andraste's embrace.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:19, Thu 08 July 2021.
Sand
player, 131 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Fri 9 Jul 2021
at 14:26
  • msg #458

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The construct had a much better rest period than the last one and no nightmares came to trouble him. As his biomechanical systems came back to operational status, Sand rose from his lotus position he rested in and looked at his crematory oven. The bodies inside were barely recognizable as such and he nodded, satisfied. It would be improbable that the fungus had survived that.

Leaving the oven alone for now, he had a second look at the possessions he had taken from the deceased. The rope and the box were certainly magical, but he wasn't sure what they did. And that sword intrigued him, it was in much too good repair compared to the armor the goliath was wearing. In no hurry, he started the slow version of his identify spell, taking the full half hour it needed for three casting of the spell.

The magic having given him the answers he sought, he then he turned his attention to the plate armor. It would be way too big for any of his companions to wear without massive modifications and repairs. Nodding as a smile, he thought that this was not an issue at all, as this was what he liked to do, provided he could be given access to a forge. And he knew just where to find that. He wondered if his friend Andraste would want him to size the armor to her slender frame, she seemed to like wearing a lot of armor. If not... he had his little idea on what to do.

Ready to move on, he used his water and earth magic to extinguish and collapse the oven, burying it under tons of soil. Ritual casting his floating disk again, he dropped the items on it, keeping with him the magic rope, paint, holy symbol and sword, the scabbard on his back. Sending Scamp as a scout, he started his slow walk back to Vertigo, his mission accomplished.
Mathorn
player, 95 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 18:33
  • msg #459

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I have been presumptuous," Thorn murmured bowing her head lower in apology. "I had not thought you intended to stay in Vertigo indefinitely. As to Thorin, a quarantine will need to be organized. The disease is spreading with alacrity and brings quick death of a sort will only cause more to become infected. And I have reason to believe that Alicia may have valuable information about this phenomenon."

She hoped that would be sufficient to spur the Eladrin to action so Thorn wouldn't have to explain matters multiple times, but if she knew anything about nobility, it was that they did exactly as they wished insofar as they could get away with it. So she stood submissively before Althaea and awaited her response.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 173 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 04:54
  • msg #460

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Looking to Thorn, "My mother sent me specifically here, so in Vertigo I will stay until such time as I am no longer needed. If you believe Alicia has information that will benefit us, then we shall speak to her. I just need a moment to regain my footing."

After a few minutes, the chills I had been experiencing subsided enough that I would be able to walk. I stood up and motioned to Thorn to proceed. On our way to Alicia's quarters we spotted Thorin and Sebastian, so we stopped to speak to them before we spoke to her.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Wed 14 July 2021.
Mathorn
player, 96 posts
Elven Ranger
Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 14:22
  • msg #461

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Her mother, some sort of queen of the Feywilds, had sent her to Vertigo? As a punishment, it seemed extremely indulgent, but Thorn could think of no other reason. Unless the significance of this place had escaped her entirely. But clearly this was not the time to press Althaea for answers.

As they approached Thorin and Sebastien, a newcomer drew her attention. The woman's manner and appearance were sufficiently striking to cause all of Thorn's carefully-prepared words to fly from her head and she looked at Thorin uncertainly.

Insight (Blackweather): 15
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Mon 12 July 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 222 posts
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 02:32
  • msg #462

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn and Althaea found Thorin and Sebastian in the inn, where a make-shift quarantine area had been set up for the infected.  Thorin, hearing their approach turned to face the pair, and that's when they saw her.  Standing behind Thorin, across one of the beds of the infirmed, was a woman never seen in Vertigo.  Her hair was a dull silver, her eyes a piercing green.  Even inside the inn, the woman had her hood drawn up and around her head.  The most noticeable thing however, was the large scar underneath her left eye.  The wound itself looked fresh and extremely sore.  The woman wore a scowl on her face and looked jittery and anxious, but not in a nervous way.



Hello there Thorn, Althaea.  It's a pleasure to see you both again.  Great news!  This woman here, Victoria Blackweather, says she has a cure for the mushroom plague, coupled with Erik helping us to determine who is sick, so we may be on the road to recovery!  We've already administered the first dose to one of the infected, and it seems to be working quite well.  We have enough ingredients to make a batch large enough for the entire population.  I'm leaning towards doing that.

Thorin stepped forward, leaning in closer to the two so as if not to be heard, and whispered, I know it's a little strange that she just showed up out of nowhere, but she says she heard of our dilemma and came immediately.  I made sure to thoroughly test the concoction to ensure it was not only safe, but pure in its ingredients.  I tried it myself, even though I'm not infected, to make sure there were no ill side effects or that there was magic involved in its making.  To be honest, I don't know why she's helping us or how she even got inside our gates.  Maybe we didn't notice with all the chaos.  There's something off about her, but our people are recovering, and quickly.  I don't want to look this gift horse in the mouth, when we are in such a dire situation.

Thorin steps aside, showing one of the guardsman that was manning the wall, laying in bed asleep.  He seems to be breathing normally and without discomfort.  Sebastian grabs a chair and sits backwards on it, his arms laying on the chair's back. He sits next to the guard, focused on being at his side, leaving Thorin to do the all the talking.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:49, Mon 12 July 2021.
Mathorn
player, 97 posts
Elven Ranger
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 23:17
  • msg #463

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As their decision to admit Thorn had made abundantly clear, the people of this settlement were far too trusting. But this was absurd. And welcome, as it reminded her of one of the fundamental laws of nature: the weak and foolish perished while the strong and cunning survived. That was the crucible which had forged her. She would not forget again.

As far as Thorn was concerned, no further action was necessary. Vertigo would live or, infinitely more likely, die by its own choices. But if her companion disagreed, she would abide. She glanced over at Althaea to see how the female would react.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:20, Mon 12 July 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 174 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 01:44
  • msg #464

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As I walked into the inn, walking being a bit of a stretch as it was more of a stumble, I saw a new face standing behind Thorin and Sebastian. The woman had her hood drawn, even inside. Even with her hood drawn, a few of her features were noticeable; bright, green eyes, dull silver hair, and a fresh wound under her left eye. It was difficult to tell with her hood up but her features appeared human. Victoria, as Thorin called her, kept fidgeting as I watched her. It made her seem very antsy as if she was in a hurry to leave, but something else was keeping her here.

As Thorin spoke, I felt such a rush of relief. "That is great news! I was worried about how we were going to deal with this. I was not infected, but the exposure took its toll on me nonetheless. Knowing that it is being taken care of, I can relax and focus on my continued recovery. I, for one, did not see her slip inside, but I was not fully in my senses last night. She does seem a bit odd. Did she say where she got that wound, it still looks sore."

While waiting for Thorin to respond, my gaze kept being drawn back to Miss Blackweather.

Insight: 20 (1d20+3)
Perception: 20 (1d20+5)
Takmarin
GM, 223 posts
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 03:45
  • msg #465

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

When I first saw this unfamiliar woman standing inside our walls, I was a little worried as well.  While she seems nervous about something, she explained that she is here to help.  I did ask her if there was anything I could do for her sore, being skilled in the magical arts of healing, but she said that she was fine and that I shouldn't trouble myself with such things.

I pressed further of course, but she grew quite dark, adamantly saying that there was nothing I or anyone could do for her and that the people of Vertigo should be what I am concerned with, not her.

I let it go at that point and that's when I brought her here and begun the testing of this cure.  It really is quite remarkable and yet so simple, once you understand it Kali.  Victoria and I had a long discussion about it.

It seems the cure is just highly purified water mixed with some herbs that are actually quite common.  Apparently, this engineered infectious disease uses the mucus of an aboleth in its creation, that causes an internal suffocation to the host.  The highly purified water is what dilutes the mucus and allows the host to breathe normally again.  The mushrooms that we saw growing inside the bodies aren't what killed them.  This disease just creates the perfect environment to accelerate the mushroom's growth, so we THOUGHT that is what killed them.  It's quite fascinating, isn't it?  While the cure might be simple, whomever engineered this disease...is a diabolical genius.

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 175 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 04:22
  • msg #466

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I am not much of a healer, knowing only basic remedies, so I doubt I would be much help to her. I was just curious if she had received any treatment for it.

An aboleth, you say? They are not native to the Feywild, so I do not know much about them. They sound like nasty business. It is curious how one would engineer a disease from its mucus, but that has never been my area of expertise. Hopefully, I never meet the person who did. You seem to have this situation fully under control. Any word on how the hunters are doing? The curse they are under has to be taking a toll on them.


Intelligence: 9 (1d20+1)
Takmarin
GM, 224 posts
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 13:26
  • msg #467

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Not knowing whether Victoria could hear you the whole time, or if suddenly your words peaked her interest, but she closes the short distance between you quickly and says, You have MORE injured here? She says with an exasperated tone.

What have they been cursed with?  You know what, it doesn't matter.  Just show me where they are and I will see if I can help them.  Victoria pushes past you to the door and looks back with annoyance.  Are you going to show me the way or not?
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 176 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 21:41
  • msg #468

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Looking back to Sebastian, "She may be speaking to me, but the question Miss Blackweather is asking is directed at you, Sebastian. I have been in quarantine for the past day, I do not know the current whereabouts of the hunters."

Turning back to Victoria, "Miss Blackweather, I do not mean to dismiss your abilities; however, how much do you know of the Feywild? The curse they are suffering from is caused by ingesting food native to my home plane. In my many years of life, a cure has not been known to counteract the effects of eating the food while on the material plane."
Takmarin
GM, 226 posts
Wed 14 Jul 2021
at 22:42
  • msg #469

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sebastian looks up from the body of the guard, when hearing his name.  The hunters were relocated to the room where the Drow elf's body was...disposed of.  Sebastian says, looking at Thorn.

Sebastian puts his head back in his hands, his full attention now back with the infected guard.


I know a bit about the Feywild, Althaea was it?, but even more about curses.  Just show me where this cave is, and I'll see what I can do.  How long have they been afflicted?

Victoria sways from side to side,  unable to keep herself still, as she waits for you to begin moving, so she can follow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:44, Wed 14 July 2021.
Mathorn
player, 98 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 15 Jul 2021
at 00:25
  • msg #470

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

An aboleth? Thorn knew something of the aberrations, but that did not quite fit the facts of this case as she understood them.

While she may be personally indifferent to Vertigo's fate, it seemed to matter to Althaea and Thorn had a vested interest in proving herself to the Eladrin, so she patiently awaited an opportunity when everyone else was distracted and gently nudged the female, quickly tapping her own temple. Should they continue traveling together, they would need to establish a proper system of silent communication, but she hoped for the moment this would indicate that she wished to speak telepathically to Althaea.

A moment later, she felt her companion initiate the link. Suppressing her discomfort at the unwelcome intimacy, she briefly conveyed the relevant facts:

Aboleths do produce mucus that can cause victims to be capable of breathing only under water or to suffer acid burns if not submerged. But I am unaware of any racial connection to mushrooms. Or necromancy, she added darkly. And their psychic powers can enslave.

There was more, and worse, but that should suffice for Althaea to determine whether she wished to pursue the matter.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Thu 15 July 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 177 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Thu 15 Jul 2021
at 04:08
  • msg #471

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

I have no desire to be enslaved. Solving the matter in its entirety can be someone else's problem.

As I lead Victoria to the cave, I answer her query. "Yes, my name is Althaea. The hunters have not been infected for long, between three and five days. The exact time, I am not sure. They were held captive by a Satyr before we freed them.

Althaea's appearance always had an ethereal presence around her, but at the mention of the Satyr, a dark look crossed her face. Her features twisted maniacally for a moment, which would give pause to even the most brave-hearted. There was a deep-seated hatred there, that much was clear to anyone watching the exchange.
Takmarin
GM, 227 posts
Thu 15 Jul 2021
at 17:32
  • msg #472

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

If it wasn't for Thorn slipping to the back of the group, the coincidence might have been lost, as at the exact moment when Althaea said the word Satyr, Victoria stumbled, falling forward with her hand grabbing the only purchase she had, which was Althaea's shoulder.

When Althaea turned around and Victoria saw the darkness and anger in her face, she immediately thought it was directed at her.  I'm sorry, I..uh...tripped on a rock or something.  Didn't mean to startle you.  Are...are we um...almost there?
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 178 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Fri 16 Jul 2021
at 04:50
  • msg #473

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

At Victoria's words, the look of darkness and anger left Althaea's face, almost as quickly as it came. "It is quite alright, Miss Blackweather. Are you hurt?" As Althaea helped Victoria to regain her balance, she pointed to a cave on the right. "We are close. The cave entrance is just ahead."
Takmarin
GM, 228 posts
Fri 16 Jul 2021
at 12:36
  • msg #474

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As the group was finally reaching the cavern where the hunters were, as Althaea pushed aside the curtain on the cave entrance, Victoria, a bit more careful about her actions, softly pushed past Althaea, seemingly in a rush. Strangely enough, after just pushing past, she turned to both Althaea and Thorn and said without emotion:

If you both would be so kind as to each bring me a bottle at least as tall as two stacked apples?  I'll need these in order to draw their blood and the curse, out of their system.  Please only one bottle carried by each of you; it is important to the process.

With that, Victoria turned back around, and marched over to Althidon's bed, sat down, and began whispering to him, her hand on his shoulder.

The hunters both briefly looked up, in hopes to drink in Althaea and all her wondrous beauty, however seeing the wood elf who brutishly roughed up Darcassan standing there with her, they both averted their eyes to just about everywhere else in the cave, BUT the direction of where Thorn and Althaea stood.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 179 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sat 17 Jul 2021
at 00:36
  • msg #475

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

That is an odd request.

No matter how odd the request sounded to Althaea, she nodded and left the cavern. Making her way back to the inn, she quickly found the item Victoria asked for and returned to the chambers the hunters were in and waited.
Mathorn
player, 99 posts
Elven Ranger
Sat 17 Jul 2021
at 14:59
  • msg #476

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

No. Thorn didn't trust this woman, she wouldn't spend a moment longer than necessary with the hunters who were clearly aware she had caused Darcassan's injuries and, above all, she'd not be carrying this stranger's bottle. For all she knew, it might be "important to the process" in order to link her to some sort of highly suspect mystical ritual.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Thorn turned to Althaea. "You fetch these bottles, if you wish. I shall inform the others." And without giving the Eladrin time to respond, she set off in Sand's direction. If anyone could determine what this Blackweather was up to, it would be the intelligent construct.

She intercepted the mage on his way back to Vertigo. "Sand, there is a woman who claims to have a cure for the plague and perhaps the hunters' condition as well." Not wishing to prejudice his judgment, Thorn added none of her own observations or suspicions. "She's in the cave where the Drow was imprisoned."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Sat 17 July 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 180 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sun 18 Jul 2021
at 01:04
  • msg #477

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Looking at Thorn's receding figure with a scowl on my face, I turn to Victoria, "Thorn is refusing to help in this ritual you have, what will happen if I retrieve the other bottle?"

Thorn is infuriating.

Looking between Althidon and Elias, "How are you two feeling?"

Upon closer inspection, now that I was close enough to see them properly in the better light from the torches in the back of the cave, the pair appear emaciated. The skin under their eyes was a dark purple, the sleepless nights clearly starting to take their toll on the hunters. Their once strong figures were frail, their fingers thin and bony, the muscles beginning to atrophy from the lack of food and use.

We need to cure them soon or they will not live much longer. How could Thorn turn her back on them when they need her most?

If the hunters or Victoria looked closely, they could see a single tear roll down Althaea's cheek.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Sun 18 July 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 229 posts
Sun 18 Jul 2021
at 02:49
  • msg #478

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Victoria sighed in frustration.  We need someone of Fey descent in order for this to work and both you and Thorn were already here and would have satisfied that requirement.  Find another of Fey descent and have them carry the bottle separately.

When you return, please wait outside and do not open the curtain until I tell you to.  When I say it is okay for you to come in, you will take the lids off of the containers holding them in your other hands.  Then close your eyes and push your way through the curtain and into the room.  You will feel the bottles filling up, so make sure you have a good grip on them.  Do not put the lid back on until I tell you to and when you do, hold the lid closed tightly.  When it is safe to do so, I will tell you to open your eyes.  Do you understand my instructions?

Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 181 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Mon 19 Jul 2021
at 02:41
  • msg #479

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Victoria explains the procedure, I understand why two people are required. There were several residents of Vertigo who were of elven descent, but no real fey. I bid farewell to the hunters and Victoria, heading through the passages to locate Aleena. While we may not get along well, she is one of their companions and it would serve her best interests to help me. Once I am close enough to cast the spell, I message Sebastian to determine where I could find her.

Do you know where I can find Aleena?

I can sense the annoyance from Sebastian of hearing my voice in his head, but he gives me the information I seek. My chambers.

Once I reach Sebastian's chambers, I call out to Aleena, "Aleena, there is someone here who claims she can cure Althidon and Elias, but she requires your assistance for the ritual to work.

"You may enter."

Stepping through the curtain to Sebastian's chambers, I find Aleena splayed across the large bed, half-dressed. I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes and beckon her to get ready. "The procedure is simple. You will need a bottle such as this, we will enter the chamber once Miss Blackweather has instructed us to, albeit with our eyes closed. The bottles will start to fill, and once done, we will place the lid on the bottles and hold them on tightly. Miss Blackweather will instruct us when to open our eyes."

I stand and wait for Aleena to give me an answer.
Takmarin
GM, 230 posts
Mon 19 Jul 2021
at 13:55
  • msg #480

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Not even a hello or a how are you?  Just skipping the formalities I see.  I want to say it's surprising, since Fey royalty would know better on how to conduct themselves, however that remains to be confirmed with you.  Aleena smiles wickedly before continuing her expected berating.

Who is this Miss Blackweather then?  Why can't we open our eyes during the ritual?  What will the bottles be filling with and why must they be held tightly?  What if you're not strong enough to keep the bottle closed?  So many questions to be asked and I'm sure you didn't take the time to ask any of them, just following orders blindly.

Before I help, I want those answers.  Please come back to me when you have them.


With that said, Aleena turns on her stomach, revealing an ample amount of her backside, and looks back, smiling at Althaea's displeasure.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 182 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 00:20
  • msg #481

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

"I am not your message runner, Aleena. If you wish to know more about this procedure or Miss Blackweather, you may go ask her yourself. It is of no consequence to me if your compatriots starve to death before another cure can be found."

Without waiting to see if she believed me, I turned and strode out of the room.

Deception: 20 (1d20+5)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Tue 20 July 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 231 posts
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 03:05
  • msg #482

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

As Althaea left, pushing the deep velvet curtain aside, it wasn't long before she could hear Aleena scrambling behind her, knocking a couple things over in the process of her haste.  The same curtain opened shortly after, and out came Aleena, hopping while still putting on one of her gold colored sandals.

Just wait up, will you.  I'm coming, I'm coming.  You are more mischevious than I expected Althaea, I'm impressed.  I LIKE this side of you.  Maybe we can be friends after all.  With a devilish smile, she finally caught up and was walking in tandem with Althaea.

Aleena kept quiet for the rest of the walk, which was unlike her, as she spent most of her time taunting others or putting oil on a fire.  As they got closer to the cave entrance where they knew the hunters to be, Aleena popped off for a second to grab one of the bottles from the inn. By the time she returned, Althaea was already standing patiently at the curtain, waiting for Victoria's instructions.  Aleena stood beside her, looking Althaea over for a second, seeing that the lid of her bottle was off and in her opposite hand, so she followed suit.  Aleena whispered with a sarcastic tone: Well that makes a lot more sense.  I was wondering how the bottles would fill with the caps still on.  Any other instructions I'm missing, princess?

Althaea didn't even entertain the thought of giving her an answer.

It wasn't much longer before Victoria called out to the both of them, reminding them to keep their eyes closed until she said to open them, and waited for them to enter.  Once they did, she told them to walk slowly forward, and when they got to the right spot, told them to stop.  Both Althaea and Aleena felt Victoria's hands on them, moving them slightly about to get them into the perfect positions.  Once satisfied, she walked back facing the hunters and began chanting.  It wasn't long before the room had an electric energy and buzz to it, like the calm before a storm.  The two women couldn't see anything specific, but a deep, dark purplish hue lit up the room and could be seen even through their closed eyes.  The air crackled and hummed with power; both Althaea and Aleena could feel dirt sprinkling them from the ceiling and hoped that the whole mountain wasn't coming down on top of them.

The hunters groaned in pain, but Althaea and Aleena were oblivious as to why...

Victoria watched as the blood was being pulled through and siphoned out of the hunter's pores; a mist of red slowly forming above their heads and coalescing into two amorphous pools of blood.  The process was excruciating for the hunters; both physically and mentally draining.

We're almost done.  Just a little bit longer! Victoria said, holding on to her magic with dear life, groaning in the process.

It was at that point, that Aleena screamed a blood curdling scream.

Enough! What are you doing to her? Althaea said, just as she felt the weight of her bottle growing.

She opened her eyes!  There's nothing we can do for her now; if I stop, the hunter's will die too!

She's dying!  Can I bear some of the magic for her?  There must be something we can do?!?!

If you open your eyes, you will die.  You can not bear this burden for her.  She chose to disobey the instructions and she is paying the price.

Althaea jumped to the only action she could think of and that was to get help.  Using the hand still holding the lid to the bottle, she pointed with her index finger in the direction of the curtain covering the cavern entrance, sending a message to Sebastian:

Thorn refused to help the hunters, so I asked Aleena. Something has gone terribly wrong. Get a healer and come quick. Do not enter until you are told.

Aleena's scream was short lived, suddenly changing to a gurgling sound as Althidon's blood, once the floating mass, now surged forward into her mouth and eyes.  Choking on the blood that now filled her mouth and throat,  Aleena couldn't hold on any longer...and let her bottle go.  The bottle came crashing to the ground and shattered, leaving glass shards along the dirt covered cavern floor.  Aleena's body shook as if in a seizure, the blood forcing it's way throughout her body pushing against its sides from the inside; the sickening sound of bones cracking and ribs popping filled the air, until Aleena's body lay motionless on the floor.

Close the bottle now, quickly!

Althaea obeys, closing the bottle and holding it tightly shut.  The bottle moves a bit in her hands, but it doesn't take long, maybe thirty seconds or so, and the hum of energy finally dies down.  The purplish light fades.  The bottle stops moving.  The room, eerily quiet...

You...you can open your eyes now.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 183 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 03:55
  • msg #483

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

When I open my eyes, Victoria in front of me is trembling, from the exertion of the magic or from witnessing the effects on the lifeless and broken body of Aleena, I cannot be sure. Knowing there is likely little I can do for Aleena at this point, my specialty in magic not lying in the art of necromancy, I turn my attention to Althidon and Elias. Both hunters appear to be unconscious, but I notice the steady rise and fall of their chests, indicating that they still live. Almost forgetting the bottle in my hands, I notice it is filled with blood. There is something else, what appears to be long, dark wisps of seemingly burnt paper are mixed in, but it is hard to determine if that is exactly what they are. Off to my left, about three feet away, lies a sizable chunk of the ceiling about a foot in diameter, that fell during the ritual. Recalling hearing the crash of the bottle, I notice the broken pieces lying alongside the splayed corpse of Aleena.

Kneeling down near Aleena, I try in vain to find any sign of life. While we may have not gotten along well, I did not wish death upon her. Perhaps, now that I can see, I can determine what sort of magic was used in the ritual. I examined the blood-filled bottle as well as her body, but was not able to pick up anything new that I could use to answer my question.

Just as I was finishing my examination, Sebastian burst through the curtain, not heeding my warning to wait for entry.

Medicine: 6 (1d20+2)
Arcana: 12 (1d20+2)
Sand
player, 132 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 04:04
  • msg #484

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn came running to met the construct as he was leisurely walking back to the inverted mountain. She told him about someone working to cure what was ailing the town and even the hunter, things that had been worrying the artificer.

Someone is healing the infection? That is good news, Thorn.


But something was seriously disturbing the huntress, her small tics and shifty movements clearly visible to him.

Thorn worried, Sand can see.

Cursing his inability to convey complex thought in common, he switched to elven.

What worries you this much? If that person can really do as she says, why not give her a chance?


The taciturn huntress clamped up, tense, and Sand nodded his head.

All right, let's go see what is happening.

He started running, as fast has he could, toward the town.

Today: Sand rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  sand insight
Takmarin
GM, 233 posts
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 13:27
  • msg #485

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sebastian came crashing through the curtain, practically ripping it from the cavern walls, before sliding on his knees next to the body of Aleena.

There was no holding back as Sebastian just crumpled onto the body of Aleena, crying and sobbing hysterically.  This went on for a good minute or two, before Sebastian picked his head up, his face twisted in torment.

What...what happened here Althaea...what happened to my Aleena?

Before Althaea could speak, the once trembling Victoria, spoke up with confidence; an edge of power in her voice:

She got exactly what she deserved Sebastian.  Much like you crashing into what could have been the middle of the ritual you had no understanding of, with no care of how it would affect the others here, she thought she was untouchable, went against my instructions, and paid an appropriate price.  That is why she is dead Sebastian, because she is an half-wit like you. This couldn't have gone better if I had planned it myself. Oh wait, I DID.

Sebastian looked up in horror at the words coming out of Victoria's mouth, completely in shock.  It was at that point that Victoria slowly pulled the drawstring of her cloak as she flipped back its hood with her other hand, and let the cloak drop to the floor in one fell motion...and Victoria's facade with it.

The creature that emerged was terrifying and beautiful at the same time.  Large wings unfurled and stretched; the tips almost reaching the sides of the cavern.  Large horns jutted from Victoria's head, where there were none before.  Her eyes were blood red and lacked pupils.  It was then, that she spoke again:



Oh and I must say, the agony on your face is most exquisite...and well deserved.  Remember me Sebastian?  You wouldn't forget the witch you betrayed so effortlessly, now would you?  You knew I would eventually find you and extract my payment.  Consider...us...even.  A wickedly devilish smile crossed the witch's face as a serpent like tongue slithered from her mouth and licked the air around it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:40, Tue 20 July 2021.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 184 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 15:45
  • msg #486

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Upon seeing the full transformation from Victoria, Althaea was shocked. And while she had noticed there was something off about the woman, this was not what she had envisioned. And while she felt for Sebastian's plight, you reap what you sow, as they say.

"Miss Blackweather, if that is truly your name, while I am grateful for your help curing the people here, I do believe it would be best for you to take your leave. Not everyone here is likely to be understanding that Aleena passed from her own actions during the ritual. They will likely be hostile and the people here need time to grieve their loss. What should have been a happy moment has turned tragic and we have much to prepare."

You will get your due, Miss Blackweather, you just are not aware yet. Aleena was mine to take down and death was not what I intended for her.
Takmarin
GM, 234 posts
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 18:19
  • msg #487

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

You should be careful what you say my dear Althaea, especially when you think no one is listening.  It took a couple seconds for Althaea to realize that this piece of the conversation was happening in her head telepathically somehow, until Victoria decided to cut the link.

Looking up and addressing the room, Victoria started to circle around Althaea as she spoke.  Just because I wear a different skin, one you may not be as comfortable with, doesn't mean I've done anything but good for you people.  I have cured these hunters of their curse.  I have brought the antidote to help the people of Vertigo recover from the toxic mushrooms that plagued them.  Why would the people be mad at me, their savior?  I should be praised!  Would you lie to them and say this was my fault, when it was clearly Aleena who made the wrong decision?  After all I've done, would you not speak on my behalf?  If they will listen to anyone enchantress, it would be you, would it not?

The telepathic connection kicked in again, and Althaea was able to discern the change this time when Victoria spoke.

Have you not figured out that I am here for a more important reason, Althaea?  I'm here because of your link...and pact, with Magorian. Victoria let that sink in for a bit before continuing, knowing how delicious this moment was.

He sensed that you were in danger...that your lifeforce was at risk through this very link he has with you, and he wanted to...protect his future investment. Victoria smirked as she gently gave Althaea's stomach a pat.

However, don't expect such royal treatment in the future Althaea.  Magorian was just surprised at how callous you were with your life and his rightful heir.  After seeing you take part in a ritual you didn't understand in the slightest, a blood magic ritual no less, just solidifies how right he was.  You seem to be willing to throw your life away at any possible moment, but to prevent you from trying to renege on your end of the bargain, he wanted me to leave you with this little juicy tidbit.  Should you continue to be reckless with your life and his future child, Alaric will pay the price for your carelessness.  Is that clear enough for you Althaea?

It was at this point, that Andraste, Sand, and Thorn arrived at the mouth of the cave entrance following behind Thorin.

What in the hell is going on here, Althaea?  Who is this and oh my god, what happened to Aleena?!?
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 185 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 23:18
  • msg #488

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The only response I gave to Victoria was a scowl on my face before turning to address Thorin and the rest, "Thorin, I would like you to meet the true form of Miss Blackweather. What happened here is a blood ritual used to cure the hunters of their curse. Aleena would have been fine if she had followed the instructions given to us before the ritual started. They were not overly complicated. We simply had to hold the bottles with the lid in the opposite hand to close when called upon and keep our eyes closed. Miss Blackweather can likely explain the specifics better than I, should you ask."
Andraste Giltris
player, 147 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 02:55
  • msg #489

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

It took some time for Rolland to calm down but eventually he did settled back on the cot and I gave him some more water. We sat their together in silence for a time before he once again got restless. With nothing to do while I waited for the others to finish their tasks, I quietly told him of my journey from Eternis to Vertigo and while he initially was engaged and asking questions his exhaustion soon got the better of him and drifted off once again into fitful slumber.

The itch began shortly after, slowly working its way deeper into my thoughts, urging me to take action. What it did not matter, just as long as I was doing something! The breathing exercises were not enough so I quietly hummed a soft tune and tried a deeper meditation technique. That did the trick, for now, a narrow victory in an ongoing war but I take what I can get. Nothing easy achieved is truly worthwhile.

A throat is cleared behind me and I turn to see Thorin standing in the door frame, beckoning for me to follow. Standing up I move to do so but he has already left the shelter and his hurrying on his shorter legs back towards the town. I am not sure what he want but given his hurry it must be important. By the time we reach the store room where Thorn had executed the prisoner Thorin is several strides ahead of me.

"What in the hell is going on here, Althaea? Who is this and oh my god, what happened to Aleena?!?" Thorin's startled voice echoes back from the room ahead.

Carefully squeezing passed his broad back I find Althaea standing in the room holding a jar of red liquid; a haughty, angry expression pinching her face. Across from her is a strange women in a revealing red dress with red eyes, large horns, a tail, and broad membranous wings folded neatly behind her shoulders. I would have thought someone in town would have mentioned a visitor like this. At their feet, slumped on the ground over the still form of Aleena, much too still, is Sebastien; his shoulders shaking and his breath coming in ragged gasps. Stepping further into the room I gently lay my hand on his trembling shoulder in a feeble offer of support and gently murmur a prayer for the departed but my eyes never leave the stranger.

Questions rage behind my lips, demanding to be asked but I refuse  for tt this time I am better served by listening. More is happening than I can begin to guess and I best get a sense of what before I risk a missed step and bring down more suffering.
Sand
player, 133 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 03:35
  • msg #490

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

During the run back to Vertigo, Sand kept an eye on the elven huntress, and asked her again why she was so worried, her eyes shifting more than usual, her hands never far from her chakrams. She replied that she preferred him to see and judge by himself, causing him to redouble efforts to reach the small settlement faster, the elf keeping pace, but always a step behind him. Was it a submissive bias or an attempt to use Sand as a shield? Either way, he arrived in town faster than he had expected.

As a construct, he didn’t need to breathe, and that was fortunate as he quickly moved to the cavern Thorn had indicated without pausing to catch a break, Clacker by his side, Scamp flying overhead. Thorn, he noticed, stayed behind him, barely breathing hard after the sprint they had done. Would there be battle? He didn’t know and just as a precaution, he took his spear in hand, his shield seconds away from being ready.

There was a commotion in front of the cavern, Thorin looking distraught, Andraste going inside, head lowered, and some bystanders he didn’t know. Using his frame, it wasn’t hard to get near enough to see that Althaea was kneeling and holding a bottle with a red swirling liquid in it, a curious expression on her face… was it cold fury? Beside her, Adraste had put her hand on the shoulder of a sobbing Sebastian, holding the mortal remains of  Alleena, one of the hunter they had just rescued a few days ago.

Only after this periphery sweep did he looked further in the cavern and saw the being that was Victoria. His brain engaged in a automatic triage of demons and devils, trying to figure out what was that thing.

It looks like a succubus, but not really… there’s a mix of different type of demons here, this does not seem possible. What is that thing?

Spear almost ready to be thrown, he briefly looked at Thorn, speaking in elven.

Is that the healer you talked about? It doesn’t look like it’s very benevolent. It looks like a Succubus, but it’s not quite that. Of course, succubus are shapechangers so it could still be one… unless it’s an illusory appearance?

Concentrating, he attempted to catch some sort of illusion magic on the demon.

Today: Sand rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  sand arcana.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Thu 22 July 2021.
Mathorn
player, 100 posts
Elven Ranger
Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 14:55
  • msg #491

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Althaea had answered Sand's question near enough, so Thorn ignored it in favor of finding an easily-overlooked spot that still offered a clear line of sight to observe the proceedings.

The broken, bloody corpse bothered Thorn not at all, the demon did not seem actively hostile and could probably be dealt with one way or another, but the noble's display . . .

Weeping over the body of a sexual partner was unpardonably sentimental, of course, but to show such weakness publicly defied comprehension. Did these people possess no sense of self-preservation nor decorum?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Fri 23 July 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 235 posts
Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 19:42
  • msg #492

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Good little girl.  Althaea heard Victoria say telepathically in her head again.

Speaking out loud now, Victoria says:  Althaea, that bottle you hold is tainted with fey spirits and I need to dispose of it.  Please don't make the same mistake Aleena did and decide to not follow my instructions.

While waiting for Althaea to hand her the bottle, she addresses the rest of the room.

Your hunters are cured of their curse.  Your people will soon be cured of the toxic mushrooms that plagued you, as Thorin is in the process of distributing the antidote.  You are all welcome.  Once I have the bottle from Althaea, I will be on my way.

Victoria held her hand out, waiting...

Sebastian doesn't flinch at Andraste's touch, but doesn't seem affected it by it either.  When there are no more tears to cry, he puts his hands underneath Aleena's lifeless body, picks her up, showing strength unbecoming of his thinner frame.  Thorin tries to put a hand on Sebastian's shoulder, but Sebastian turns and pushes past Thorin, as if he is not even there.  As Sebastian steps out of the cavern, his eyes catch someone standing partially in a niche of one of the nearby cavern walls, a place he has squeezed into many times as well to stay out of sight.  When the flickering light catches the spot and he sees that it is Thorn standing there, he stares daggers at her as he walks down and out of the main cavern's entrance.

Thorin watched as Sebastian left the cave, his head down, looking defeated.  He looks back at Althaea, the scene, the demon...and just walks out of the cavern, without saying a word.

What, no applause?  No thank you?

Don't bother mourning the dead.  This one died of her own stupidity.  The fault is hers and hers alone. The BOTTLE, Althaea.
Victoria said, growing impatient.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 186 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Sat 24 Jul 2021
at 02:31
  • msg #493

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Someone's a little touchy.

As I hand over the bottle, I say, "You only needed to ask once. You did not give me an opportunity to hand the bottle over before demanding the second time. Thank you for your assistance and I bid you farewell." I say in my head, with zero regard for whether she hears me or not, Hopefully, our paths will not have a need to cross again.
Sand
player, 134 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Sun 25 Jul 2021
at 18:05
  • msg #494

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand listened to and watched the complex interplay between the not-succubus, Sebastian, Thorinn and mostly Althaea. The elf gave the blood bottle to the creature, that was gloating about having saved the hunter, saved the village from the mushroom curse, and telling everyone how Aleena had died from her own stupidity.

While there might have been some truth to all that gloating, something was worrying in all this situation and the warforged struggled with its memory to put the finger on what was disturbing him. Thorin turned around and left without a word. Sebastian took the body of Aleena and roughly got out, tears still flowing from his eyes. Seeing the body of the woman they had saved triggered something in the big construct's mind and he decided to stop the grieving man, speaking to him in elven.

So very sorry for your lost, please allow Aleena's soul some solace. This is appropriate.


Without waiting, he picked up his half reconstructed jade symbol and started a quick prayer for the dead in archaic elven, something very ancient, the words hard to understand but soothing. He finished the prayer by touching his jade symbol on Aleena's brow.

Go in peace to your new life, Aleena.

Letting the impatient half-elf go, Sand looked at his symbol, wondering, once again, why he acted that way. The prayer had popped in his mind, seemed very familiar as he was saying it, but he could not remember when or where he would have learned it. Another mystery to be solved... eventually.

Turning back to Althaea, he finally caught what had been eluding him earlier.

The non-succubus demon has done great things for this town, but what's the price? Did it ask for one? Demons never work for free.

Sand insight roll on Victoria, 15
Takmarin
GM, 236 posts
Mon 26 Jul 2021
at 13:35
  • msg #495

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sebastian, with tears still trickling down his face, looked at the warforged but gave no expression, other than a slight nod when Sand lifted the jade symbol from Aleena's brow, before continuing to walk out the main hallway with Aleena's limp body.

Victoria, bottle in hand, smiled at Althaea as she sauntered past the group, having to tighten her wings against her back in order to clear the  cavern doorway.  As she walked down the main hallway, you could see various citizens, frightened and scared by the creature's appearance, clinging closely to the cavern wall in order to stay out of her way.

At the same time, a guard came running down the hallway with purpose, and upon seeing the creature, also moved to the side of the cavern with his hand on the hilt of his sword, before scurrying past and catching Thorin right before he entered his personal room/cavern niche.  Thorin turned, somber and depressed, as the guard addressed him, slightly out of breath.

Thorin, sir.  Sorry to bother sir, but we have two um..peop....well creatures at the gate.  One, uh...looks like that mechanical creature, uh..Sand, and the other is...well it's a giant turtle sir.  Nothing like I've ever seen before.  What should I do sir?

I'll be there in a moment, Seth.  Just tell them to please hold on.
Althaea Sylvaranth
player, 187 posts
Autumn Eladrin
Enchantress
Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 04:57
  • msg #496

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Overhearing Seth, I started to make my way toward the gate, careful not to overtake Victoria in my haste to arrive on the scene. Even the thought of more newcomers could not completely overtake the words from Victoria, that she came because Magorian could somehow sense that I was in danger. The threat to Alaric's safety, though, was something I could not ignore. I would have to be much more careful moving forward.

Research would have to be done, of course, for a way to break Magorian's link to my body. I need to find a way to act, even if doing so is reckless, without him knowing. The very war he mentioned could put me in grave danger, thus endangering Alaric further. I put these thoughts from the forefront for now, but this would not be the last time I pondered over them. It was time to meet the new arrivals of Vertigo.
Andraste Giltris
player, 148 posts
Half-Elf Female
Envoy of Rau
Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 00:01
  • msg #497

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Standing aside to allow, "Victoria," to pass is difficult. This...creature...just killed a young women and is laughing about it! Why is no one stopping her! STOP...A lot has happened here that I do not understand and taking action now will likely only make things worse. My breath is coming too fast, my fingers are tingling, and my heart is pounding in my ears; why is this so hard!

A short figure, with a carefully braided beard moves at the corner of my vision, turning away towards the door. Thorin. For a moment, it is another more familiar, cherished presence; one I would give my life before disappointing. I force myself to take a deep breath and than another...and another.

Familiar words reach my ears and I look over to see Sand murmuring a soft prayer over Aleena, his pet rock clutched in his hand. Where did he learn that, did I say that prayer during the funeral for the drow? It seems he has continued his meticulous repair of the rock, its shape looks familiar but it is not quite right. The thunder of my heart fades as reason takes a hold once more; unfortunately, while the words have helped centre me, they do not offer Sebastien any comfort. Maybe they will later when the emotional wounds are not so fresh.

"Thorin, sir. Sorry to both-" I can barely hear the words from out in the corridor so I focus and hold my breath a moment to hear them better. "- creatures at the ga---like that mechanical creature---giant turtle---" Mechanical creature? A giant turtle? It seems the surprises just keep coming, and I hurry out the room heading towards the main gate.
Sand
player, 135 posts
Warforged
Battle Smith artificier
Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 01:49
  • msg #498

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Sand looked at the demon while she was passing beside him and felt a twitch in his arm, his hidden blade unconsciously coming out its secret compartment. Quickly concentrating on the wood and metal acting as muscles for him, he returned the weapon back in it's place.

What going on? Why is the non-succubus demon invoking such reactions? Let's hope nobody saw that.

The gloating hell denizen took flight as soon as it was outside and the warforged slumped his shoulders, in a imaginary sigh. He was preparing to go back to his loot that he had left in front of the cavern, under Clacker's watch when a human guard came to Thorin and detailed the arrival of two new persons at the gate. Shrugging, as this was not really his concern, he turned back when the man said something that had the unexpected effect of rubbing Sand the wrong way. Purple eyes blazing, he turned to him. He hesitated a moment, unsure if he would understand elven, and, shaking his head, he resorted to common, as he approached the man, using his size to overwhelm the smaller human.

Sand is sentient being, not mechanical creature. Sand does not appreciate being called like that. Would man like if Sand called him meatbag? Don't call Sand mechanical creature. Sand is Sand.

Letting an articulation voluntarily grind in a loud metal on metal screech as a show of displeasure, the big warforged stormed out of the cave. As far as he could recall, that was his first angry outburst since he had been freed from the ice and it felt... weird. Had the demon affected him that much? He would need to ponder on his reaction. But the man deserved the outburst... mechanical creature... that was insulting!

But the most important news was that there was another like him at the gate! As he was going towards it, he would not wait after the grieving Thorin to learn more. Mentally probed by his master, Scamp left its perch on top of Clacker and took flight, to go over the gate and give Sand a first look at the newcomers.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Wed 28 July 2021.
Mathorn
player, 101 posts
Elven Ranger
Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 03:10
  • msg #499

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

Thorn observed impassively as the demon departed the cavern and, she sincerely hoped, the settlement. No good could come of having a potent creature of unknown motivation lurking about.

Sebastian passed her, casting what he intended to be an intimidating glare in her direction. Instinctively, abject meekness replaced her accustomed submissiveness. Despite moving only slightly, Thorn made herself seem smaller - almost less substantial, as if she did not occupy as much space as she should.

Under normal circumstances, the male's displeasure would not concern her overmuch. However, here he held every advantage, and his lapse in control was enough to make her wonder if he were in full command of his faculties. In her experience, once nobles began to deteriorate mentally they became incredibly dangerous, even if they had not been especially so previously. Power should never be combined with unpredictability.

Still tucked away in the niche, she listened as Sand murmured an unfamiliar prayer for the dead in elven, and a guard informed Thorin of two new arrivals. The fact that they appeared outside the gates made them less suspicious sight unseen than the Blackweather demon, but she would still prefer to inspect them personally. Besides, another construct and a giant turtle? Despite herself, Thorn was . . . intrigued.

She prepared to ghost after Althaea and Giltris when Sand's outburst gave her pause. So, he had a temper. She made a mental note of the information, and of the fact that she should refer to him only by name. But for the first time, Thorn also wondered how old Sand was. Not physically - his archaic form of elven and the rust on his towering form suggested that he had been crafted centuries, maybe even millennia past - but emotionally he seemed naive. Only very young children expected to be judged on who, rather than what, they were. The wise accepted it and learned to make use of others' assumptions. That Sand had not realized this despite his obvious intelligence was revealing.

Still, she had no time to consider it further; she did not wish to miss whatever was transpiring at the gates.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Wed 28 July 2021.
Takmarin
GM, 239 posts
Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 14:11
  • msg #500

Re: (IC) 1:  The Rescue

The guard stood there in shock as the large mechanical cr....Sand, said in a booming voice that he was not a mechanical creature, yet stormed off after some strange metal on metal screeching.  How could he know?  He's never met a creature such as Sand before.  He also had both a mechanical spider beetle thing and an owl too; they were both metal.  He just assumed it was a machine creating more machines.  Well, from now on, he'll just have to keep his mouth shut around the...well Sand.
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