The black haired woman felt the tears on her cheek as she closed the eyes on the deceased man, amid the burned and twisted remains of the creatures he had fought valiantly, to no avail. He was not the only one, in fact, all the guardians had met a similar fate in the last few days. She still examined the body but already knew the result, she would not find the seal. None of them still possessed their seal.

Shaking her head, she wiped the tears from her eyes and rose, looking to the heavens. The night sky had no clouds, the twin moons shining, and to the east, the alignment of the stars was only a few days away, signaling the Arrival, that the human race had worked so hard to prepare for.

This series of attacks against the guardians was not a coincidence, the attacks too coordinated. Someone wanted to do something with the powers of the seals, using the heightened magical powers that the alignment would bring. To what goal? The woman had been working tirelessly to find out why ever since she had received news of the death of the guardian of Light. And she was not closer to an answer, which frustrated her. Murmuring a quick prayer to the god of knowledge, that she had served faithfully for all those years, she turned to her companions.

Like the others. Cousin, sister-in-law, this is really bad, this is the fifth seal we have lost trace of, and I am tired of being two steps behind. Did your contacts managed to trace the remaining guardians?

The women she was addressing couldn’t have been more different if they had wanted to. One was dressed in a silken white robe, her golden hair framing a maternal face, more used to smiling than frowning. The other was taller, with broad shoulders, dressed in a black and red full plate armor that seemed to pulse, like if it had a beating heart of its own. Although from opposing religions, normally enemies, they had come to the summon of the smaller woman, family to both of them.

And they had the same reaction to her question, a resigned shake of the head. The scholar closed her eyes a moment and sighed.

Whoever is doing this is playing with the fate of our entire world…

The White Swan left Caer Callidyr at the next tide, barely resupplied, with extra material to have the ship repaired at sea. The harbormaster was really disappointed, but there was no way the captain would needlessly risk any of his crew, so he set sail south toward the island of Gwynneth.  The following days were not easy for Styx, Ersin, Kali and Wind. Their disobedience of Machrel instructions had resulted in them getting having extra duty, all their skills used to repair the ship, from sun up to sun down. But the fact that they saved their crewmates from an unknown fate at the paws of intellect devourers and their iIlithid masters did spare them the whip the woman was know to be very good with.

Ersin in particular had attracted the ire of Hector, to which the half-elf simply shrugged and did what was required of him, Esa trying to convince him to blast Hector into the water. The captain did bring him in his office and questioned the half elf about his true identity, the ship wizard present, the captain ultimately telling him that he didn’t care who Ersin was without his magic mask, the sincerity and actions undertaken by the warlock to warn the crew of the imminent danger were all that he needed to trust him. Ersin did however receive a cautionary tale and a story about hiding his true face, the captain recalling when a elven shipmate of his turned out to be a drow concealing his heritage with a magic mask. The actions of this legendary drow were all he needed to have the trust of his shipmates, not the color of his skin.

Sandron asked, ordered would be a more appropriate word, to the two new crewmembers followers of Selune to prepare and cast detection spells against aberrations, to which Torinn accepted, Asuni not advanced enough in her studies to have gained that spell yet. Fortunately, everyone in the crew was really who it said it was, lifting a big weight of suspicion that had permeated the first leg of the journey. This also lifted the additional duties the four delinquents had to accomplish, the captain interceding in their favor.

Torinn quickly learned that heavy armor had no place on a sailing ship, but his strength was quickly valued by the crew, his politeness marking  a sharp contrast with the roughness of the sailors. Captain Mattegan seemed to have something for people with scales, as evidenced by his friendship with Sandron, and his invitation to the Tortle. He also took a fancy for the paladin,  inviting him and the tortle to his table, Asuni following as she was never far from Torinn. The male half elf proved to be a very gracious host, with a lot of sea stories and the evening proved to be a good time.

The tortle wizard kept smiling through all this, getting to be known and liked by the crew with its easygoing, no worries, attitude. He did become the target of a less scrupulous member that though his constant smile meant he was not very bright and tried to fleece him at a card game, but Sunny was not fooled  and the lad ended up being laughed at by his crew mates, when he spent a good part of a day finding it very difficult to lift anything, the wizard always smiling at him.

There was one person the Tortle tried to approach and was not successful. Sandron remained elusive and the younger wizard barely managed to extract a handful of words from the lizard folk.

Kali approached Torinn after her days of extra duty were over and asked if she could spar with him, the dragonborn being the only one in the crew to approach her martial skill level. The clacking of wooden swords became a regular occurrence and it was after one of those sparring session that she asked him about what it meant to be a paladin, and what would it take for one to fall from grace. Torinn gracefully replied to the best of his knowledge, but got stonewalled by the tiefling when he asked why she was interested in the subject.

All the followers of Selune were enjoying the night sky, basking in the moonlight the mostly clear sky offered. One night, Torinn had to leave earlier, called by Wind to help him with a sick crewmate, leaving Asuni and Styx alone on the deck. No one knew what transpired during that night, the watchman recalling that the bugbear and half elf talking for a long time. But there was a change in the relationship between those two after that night, the half elf caught a few times calling Styx “Hugbear” while giggling. The shy woman became ever more devout in her prayers, often joined by Styx. There was an underlining frustration in the acolyte, that she worked really hard to conceal.

Wind… was being Wind. The druid did have a scare when he had to go climb down the side of the ship to repair a hole created by a ballista bolt and a stray wave washed him off. Fortunately, Kali was watching him and she was able to pull him back on the ship with the safety rope. Wind shook himself dry, before telling Kali that she had had her wish, a wet Tabaxi!

Reaching the bottom of the ladder into the starboard Bilge, water laps gently above my ankles as the ship rolls. Damn it! I guess I will be going barefoot while these dry out. Florence was right we must have a leaking seam in here somewhere. Well better to patch it now then wait for it open further during a storm or action. I leave the lantern above and bring the rest of my tools down with me and close the hatch leaving the bilge in total darkness except for one small ray of light just above the water level. There you are.

I make my way over to the leak and ready my tools. Once I have everything ready and marked the leak I whisper a few words and throw my left hand to the side while holding my crystal focus in my right and release four glowing motes that fill the bilge with soft white light. Just cause I can see in the dark doesn't mean I like working in it.

"There's got to be something more interesting you can do with your time. Maybe you could go thwack Azure Scales or Lashing Tail with one of those wooden swords? Or that Torn Ear, surely we can find some means of getting him over the side. That one is too full of his own importance!" Esa has draped herself across one of the rungs of the ladder near the hatch to the floor above eyeing the water below with loathing.

I smile at the thought. "Hector has served with this crew for a long time and earned his position. It was my own actions that earned his animosity; there's no point earning more."

As I continue patching the small leak I thought about her other comment. It might not be a bad idea to get in some practice with Kali and Big Blue, I might prefer to keep a distance in a fight but as demonstrated at the Spitting Mermaid that's not always possible. Still, there are some things it is better to keep to myself for now.

"You're right; sparring with Torinn and Kali is a good idea. That creature would've had me without your help."

I am not sure what to do about the others. While it is always useful to have a friend with Asuni's skill set she seems closed off except to those who share her faith. I could pretend to worship Selune but I don't want to keep that up long term and it would probably anger her and the others when the truth was inevitably revealed. Sunny seems intelligent, hell probably more than me. Maybe I can approach him and talk about history, that might be something he is interested in. I should really try and get a sense of his capabilities it might have relevance in the near future.

My thoughts wander back to that conversation with the Captain shortly after we were underway. He meant well but he doesn't really understand, how could he. Of course a legend might be accepted for what they are but for someone less notable it is very different. Some day I hope to reach such status but that is far in the future.

I sit back and watch the patch to see if it is holding. After a few minutes I do not see any trace of a leak. I nod in satisfaction as I gather up my tools and head towards the ladder, the motes of light slowly fading out behind me. Maybe I can convince the First Mate to have Styx work the Bilge Pump. Some honest work would do him good.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Sun 09 Aug 2020.

We set sail at the next tide and as I predicted, I had extra work to do. Thankfully, I didn't have to clean the privies, but it still wasn't fun. After roughly four days of non-stop work, the Captain finally took pity on us and let us go back to just our normal duties.

Now that I had a bit more time, I took to sparring with Torinn. The Dragonborn's style meshed well with mine and I knew with practice we could be a formidable team. His also being a Paladin could pose useful in finding out about what my father may have been like. Although, I wasn't sure I was ready to admit I was curious about him, even less that I felt a pang of sadness that I was not able to know him.

Torinn, what does it mean to be a Paladin? What manner of things would cause a Paladin to fall from grace?

Torinn was proving to be a great ally, but I was not quite ready to admit why I wanted the information when he asked, I just shook my head and the tip of my tail twitched in such a manner that he didn't push the subject further.

A few days later, I was on deck helping to secure the ropes of those tasked with repairing the ballista bolt hole in the side of the ship when a chance occurrence made this the most glorious day. Wind got caught in a wave and had not been braced well enough on the ship and he was swept into the sea. I was able to pull him up easily enough, but I could not contain my laughter once I had dumped the tabaxi back on deck. I was fairly certain the rest of the crew either hadn't known I could laugh or had forgotten since I had been rather surly during the days of extra duty. Seeing the waterlogged druid had me doubled-over scarcely able to breathe. Once I had finally caught my breath, I stood straight and wiped a tear out of each of my eyes.

Thank you, Wind. That was precisely what I needed. That has made this journey much more bearable.

The night before we were to dock at the next port, I had an odd dream. Off in the distance of what appeared to be my birthplace, a fully armored person rode atop a flaming horse. I could not tell for sure if the person was a man, but it seemed large enough it almost had to be and he seemed to be leading me somewhere. I was never allowed to get close enough to identify the person atop the horse, but he never got so far ahead as to lose me. It stopped beside the entrance to the cemetery and dismounted. The flaming horse ran off before blinking out of sight. I stood there a moment unsure of what to do when the rider went through the gate, seemingly with a purpose. He led me through a maze in the cemetery until he stopped in front of a grave and then he too disappeared. I didn't often go to the cemetery as I was not religious and was usually too occupied with work to make the trip out of town, but the path I was led down seemed familiar. I finally made it to the grave and read the name on the stone.

I woke up in a cold sweat and sat straight up in my bunk, Father?

Great, back on the boat.  Styx wasn't nearly as comfortable on the boat.  He liked having his feet on solid ground.  Sure, the sleep (or lack thereof) was great with the swaying back and forth motion, but Styx thrived in urban environments; not that anyone would believe it.  He was flustered and had a hard time focusing.  His mind was much more occupied these past few days and he needed to get back on track.  While not really sure what the root cause of his lack of focus was, he had a lot of time to think about it while pulling double duty throughout week long journey.

There wasn't much free time in the first 4 days, the punishment making it hard to do anything but work and then crash from exhaustion, but he tried to find the time to speak to everyone, including the crew he was less familiar with, in hopes to gather information.  It wasn't that Styx was trying to play any game here or use the information against any of the others.  It was just that, even though Styx oozed confidence from every pore, he wasn't the most intelligent of the group and he knew it.  Having the additional information allowed him to make more informed decisions, so as to not make things worse, especially in social interactions.  He knew himself well enough that it was a necessity.

Not surprisingly, Styx found comfort in the never-ending smile of Sunny the Tortle, as he was very similar in that aspect.  People tend to think that Styx doesn't take things seriously, but in reality, keeping general morale up through humor and a goofy smile, worked wonders on a crew that seemed to be more business than pleasure.  Don't get me wrong, you need that sort of coordination on a ship, but you can't let the things you can't control, control you....might as well do it with a smile.

Anyways, he knew he'd get into some trouble with Sunny (and some more with Wind for that matter), but it would all be in good clean fun.  Styx liked that Sunny seemed much more deep than he led on and that he didn't let others roll over him due to his "Sunny" disposition.

Torinn was a tough one.  He knew calling him a coward at their first interaction was a necessity at the time, but also knew the consequences of that action.  Torinn was abrupt and cold to him most of the time, but not unpleasant.  It would take time for him to warm up to Styx, if that should ever happen.  He'd work on rebuilding that relationship another time, as Torinn kept himself busy sparring with Kali most of the journey.

Kali was a spitfire, that is for sure.  He really liked her Bravado and her willingness to get into trouble just for the sake of trouble, especially when it was needed for manipulation's sake;  the spitting mermaid being the perfect example of that.  Styx made sure to meet with Kali a couple of times over the course of the journey, to foster that camaraderie.  He could see a real friendship coming out of that one, though he could tell there was something deeper that irked her, that she wasn't ready to talk about now.  In time....

Ersin...where should he begin with that one.  Ersin was not a fan of him, that much he could tell.  He chalked it up to Ersin falsely judging a book by its cover and not reading between the lines when it came to Styx, however, he really couldn't blame him.  That was the persona Styx oozed, but he had his reasons for doing such.  He'd have to tone it down a bit around Ersin, as should they be working together in the future, he didn't want someone around who wouldn't have his back.

Then there was Asuni.  That night on the boat was quite magical in a lot of ways.  Styx truly believed it was Selune that brought them together that night under the moon. They were complete opposites in a lot of ways and it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for their shared faith;  they just felt comfortable with each other.

They each shared a lot about their past that night, something that Styx wasn't always keen on talking about.  Hearing about Asuni's past was eye opening.  The pain and hardship she endured under the iron fist of the high priest since his arrival at the church, brought conflict to her faith and frustration with her studies.  In a way she seemed lost, but Styx was good with helping those who couldn't find their way, like the orphaned kids he had grown to love and take care of back home.

Each day their relationship grew, spending most, if not all of their time together during prayers and finding more and more time to talk together while the others sparred or .  Styx tried to reassure Asuni that progression was not a race and that she was already much more advanced than he was.  That seemed to help, but he could tell that she would need more encouragement on the days and weeks to come, something that he was more than happy to do.  It was nice having someone around that knew where he came from and accepted him for it as well, a common bond of broken pasts.

He made sure to meet and talk with most of the crew, like Ernesto, Hector and Machrel, but knew that after the trouble he had gotten into at the Spitting Mermaid, those relationships  were a bit strained at the moment...and Ernesto tended to keep his distance, not wanting to lose any more money in cards.

Styx also spent a lot of time thinking about his path forward too, after talking with Asuni that second night on the water. His faith wasn't wavering, not in the least.  It was just hard to have a path, with no real sign of what that path was.  His High Priestess said he was the one Selune needed, that his unique skill-set would be what sets him apart and to embrace it...to use my inner darkness to be her shining light.  It was all so vague, that he now always found himself on his toes, looking, waiting, wondering if this time or that time was when his real journey would begin.  So Styx did what he knew best, he continued to information gather in hopes that something...anything would become more clear.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Sun 09 Aug 2020.

This ship was amazing! It had only been a short stay in Alaron for Sunny but he had already been looking forward to being on a ship again. He had never been a sailor really but that didn't stop him from enjoying the taste of salt in the air and the sea spray constantly blowing up and sprinkling his shell with the passing winds. There was something about being far from shore on what was essentially a floating island. Away from land for even a few days meant they would have to depend entirely on the ship and the people aboard it. There were no landmarks out here, only the eyes of the sky and their twinkling brethren at night. His memory and recall of maps and terrain were useless out here, and there was something inherently risky about that. That thought of risk... Well that's what the call to venture into the world was all about wasn't it?

For everyone on board there were duties, meals, places to sleep, moments of peace, and moments that were less so. Yet to some extent, all aboard the vessel contributed to the nature of their isolated society. One day, toward the end of his life, he would tell his clutch the tales of these days and those to come. He could feel it. But for now he contented himself to listen to the tales told to him by the captain. And to play a prank or to here and there. For the professional sailors here, the voyage seemed to be a way of life with rules of conduct and a distinct social order. For Sunny though, the voyage was a temporary interruption, a period of little responsibility or control.

He wasn't idle though. Even if he hadn't "learned the ropes" he could still be useful here and there and there was always room to make time for a good laugh. At his expense usually or just in good fun. Sunny enjoyed the company of every person he interacted with on the ship but there were some he found himself gravitating toward more than others. The short and well groomed, though perhaps not as sea ready, bugbear, Styx was one of such individuals. "Hugbear" he had overheard the pet name just once, but once was all he needed. And now after opening his mouth he was stuck with a nickname of his own, "Shelly". A fitting moniker for sure and of course it too was all in the name of keeping morale up.

With most of the folks on the ship busy with their various tasks, Sunny found himself wishing he hadn't lost the wood cricket he'd played day in and day out when he was younger. He could still clearly remember rubbing the odd little instrument's spine with the wooden stick up and down on its back making a cricket's chirping or buzzing sound. While thinking about it he ran the wood of his staff along the ridges of his shell creating a familiar much deeper almost croaking sound. It wasn't pleasant. Maybe someone on this ship would know a thing or two about carving and could either recreate his wooden cricket or teach him how to do so himself... He'd ask around.

When time permitted and there were crew who were willing to accept his help, Sunny went about the deck lightening loads for people for a short time here or a short time there while chatting with them about anything and everything that they might want but never forcing conversation on someone who didn't want it. His smile was ever present but it was most evident when there was a lightness to his step that shouldn't be possible as he practiced his understanding of gravity. It would have been great to get another wizards take on the things he knew and those within his father's tome but it just didn't seem to be possible to grab the attention of the older lizard folk who he was told studied the arcane arts.

All in all it had been a pleasant few days for Sunny.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

As I would occasionally walk down by the docks on my walks trough the city I often wondered how long it took the sailors to adjust to a life at sea. How long until their legs adjusted to a constantly moving floor, how long it took to fall asleep to the rocking of the ocean, how quickly they would manage when caught in a storm. I wonder no more. It was quicker then I had expected it to take. Life in a vessel such as The White Swan was always busy. My new friends had be given extra duty because of their disregard of the captain’s orders but none got it worse the Ersin, which seemed strange. The captain is an honorable man and made it a point to get to know me. There were many a night where Asuni and I would join him and Sunny for meals and speak of many things. I enjoyed hearing his stories and getting to know Sunny better. His name fits his disposition, Sunny. In any situation a being like that only make things better for all those around them.

I accommodated to the ship as quickly as I could, since Asuni and I were only added to the crew recently I wanted to carry our weight. I cast spells to protect the ship (which was also useful in being able to teach them to Asuni), healed the sick or injured and used my strength whenever it was needed. My armor and weapons sat well prepared but unused most of the time in the chest I use, near Asuni’s space (she insisted I sleep as close to the curtain separating women and men). When not “on duty” with the ship or healing I have been spending my time practice fighting with Kali. She was right that our fighting techniques work well together and having a constant partner to practice with keeps both our skills sharp. She is a very talented fighter, I’m glad to be next her and not in front of her blade. I occasionally see Ersin watching us practice, I will need to invite him to join us. I have yet to see his skill with a weapon, I’m interested to see how he fights. It’s always good to see how strong your companions are. In our conversation he’s very logical in his thoughts and actions. This seemed to be in direct conflict to our first conversation. It seems he was playing me, I would find humor in this if it wasn’t me he was trying to play. He’s cunning, I’m beginning to like him.

Rare is the time Asuni is far from me these days, I am glad for this as she is my constant companion and now dear friend. She has been slowly reaching out to others. She has stuck up a friendship with Styx. I’m glad about that. I should not be her only source of friendship. I’m doing my best to handle my feelings with Styx. I know his insults to me and my devotion to Selune were to stir up my complacency but Dragonborn are a proud people. I try to to keep a tight reign on my pride but it’s bred in me like an instinct and it’s hard not to be colder to him. I will have to work on that.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:48, Sun 09 Aug 2020.

The night of the alignment happened and the plan was revealed to all with the power to sense the disturbance in the heaven given order of things. Watching with magical screening the black haired woman looked on with horror as the energy vortices appeared over the land, seemingly at random, causing natural disasters wherever they touched down. Grabbing her staff, a powerful artefact in its own right, and her magical bag, she ran to the teleporter room. Panicking acolytes and seraphs were running around, trying to do something, anything, to stop this disaster, and Kristal, a normally level headed scholar, trained by the woman herself, tried to stop her.

Chosen One, no! You can’t go there, you won’t be able to come back!

Let me pass, Kristal.

No! I won’t let you! We need you here!

Need me, Kristal? You are under the protection of our God here… I need to go protect those that aren’t as close to Him.

But what could you do?

The woman hesitated a second before answering, her solid purple eyes glowing.

I’m disappointed in you, Kristal. I thought you knew me better. Now let me pass.

Chastised, the seraph moved aside, tears in her eyes. The woman strode in the room and took hold of a rock engraved with a opened book that she keep on a necklace, beside the one that held 2 feathers, said a single word and disappeared.

**************************************

The wind was the first to announce the horrors to come. Howling fiercely, coming from nowhere, it buffeted the White Swan like a  toy boat in a bathtub with a trashing baby. Caught by surprise by the sudden gale, the crew scrambled to prepare the ship for an unexpected storm. Worried, the captain ordered to set sail towards the nearest land to try to find a shelter, but the wind kept pushing the pirate chaser towards the open sea, despite all the efforts. The growing waves forced the crew to lash everything down, dropping the sails to preserve them.

For most of the day, the ship was rocked by the wind, under an impossibly clear sky with not a single cloud in the sky, several of the experienced sailors feeling sick of the motion. Anyone non-essential to the running of the ship was locked below deck, and safety lines tied those brave souls above deck to the ship, should they be sweep overboard. Kali and Torinn were asked to stay close to the hatch, as their strength might be needed to haul up crewmates thrown overboard by the waves, but the constant motion got to Kali and the poor woman was wracked by seasickness. Styx, while not as strong, volunteered to take her place, hoping that his long limbs would be of help, but fortunately the security team was not needed. The tiefling was taken away by Asuni, who had taken the task of helping the sick, with some help from the druid. Wind gave a red berry to Kali, that settled her stomach somewhat, but did nothing for her queasiness. It did have her question where the hell did he find fresh berries on a ship….

Just then, the blue sky was suddenly zigzagged by hundreds of weird purplish lightning strikes, black and red clouds appearing in the wake of the lightning, covering the entire sky in a matter of minutes, blocking out the sun, turning the day into a dark as ink night. Storm lamps  lit on the ship barely pierced the gloom and it felt like the entire world had reduced itself to the ship and the weirdly silent lightning streaked sky. This lasted  for what seemed for hours, time perception distorted in the hushed environment, until suddenly the light show stopped and the battered ship found itself in the middle of a windless night, a large full moon shining on the ship, with no land in sight.

Cautiously, the crew got out on the deck to get some fresh air. Work crews  were swiftly organized to clean up below deck and to assess damages the ship might have sustained. The captain got his sextant out, to calculate where the wind had pushed the White Swan. Looking confused, he asked for Hector and Machrel, Wind delighted to replace the wiry man up in the crow’s nest. The three sailors started an animated discussion, pointing at maps and at the sky, all three of them taking turns with the sextant. Sandron came to join them, his brusque manner event more abrupt than usual. Kali and Ersin overheard the concern of the vessel leadership  and they approached Sunny, already seen as a learned individual, telling him what they overheard. In the week they had known him, the tortle had never lost his smile, but it did dip now, concern in his voice :

Those aren't the stars my mother taught me... I don't think we're where we were before that storm. Maybe another world entirely. But the night eye, the moon, is unchanged... This is... Intriguing...

Asuni had volunteered to clean up below deck and was just coming out of the hold, bearing a bucket of soiled water that she prepared to dump overboard. She heard the wizard and called Styx and Torinn, both working far enough to not have heard either the captain or the wizard, to look at the moon.

Something was very wrong.

Asuni, her bucket forgotten, approached the other two followers of Selune and taking both their hands, told them in a fearful voice.

We need to pray, now! I don’t feel Her as much!

And just as the trio was dropping down on their knees, they all started to see a second,  unknown, moon raising up at the horizon….
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:26, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Not quite like Charlie's stories but I will take it! This is exactly the kind of opportunity I have been hoping for! Well not this exactly, I mean I wasn't expecting my first adventure to include possible travel to another world but beggars and choosers right. Unknown location, mysterious circumstances this is just fantastic!

As the second moon broached the horizon a wide smile split my face and I had to suppress the desire to whistle. You know what fuck it who cares what the others think and I start whistling a jaunty tune trying to get some of the other sailors to join in. Who cares if the religious folk are in a tizzy this is the start of something amazing.

Esa sat in her perch on the spreader staring at the new moon, her head cocked to the side but keeping her opinion to herself. That is proof enough foe me that we are in for interesting times ahead!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Asuni came running up to me, her eyes screaming panic, her voice cracking. 

We need to pray, now! I don’t feel Her as much!

Relax Asuni, it will be okay.  I can't feel her either, but that doesn't mean she isn't here.  It could just be that this second moon is causing some sort of interference with our connection to Her.  It could be that we are in a completely different place too and we are cut off from Her in some way. While I never had access to her magic, are you both still able to use the favors she has given you?  Can you still cast spells Torinn...Asuni?

As he waited for a response, he knew that his mission had been set in motion.  He may not know what he was supposed to do, but this was a sign he couldn't ignore.  This was too big to not be his path.

He pulled Asuni close, reassuring her that whatever happened, they will find a way to fix it.  Don't lose faith when we need it most Asuni.

Two moons. Moons. Plural. This was very intriguing. His first thought of being somewhere else entirely was all but proven with this development. It was strange to look into the night sky and see alien constellations. More than strange though, it was fascinating. Concerning? Alarming? Yes. But fascinating as well. That smile on his tortle face that had begun to dip with his concern was already creeping back. This would be a tale for sure.

His eyes never leaving the night sky and the bright moons hovering there, Sunny reached for his tome, ever present in the satchel that hung at his side, and opened it. Flipping past the trivial bits about spells and arcane knowledge he had poured over year after year he came to the section that had always been more personally interesting to him. The bit where his father's journaling on the mechanics of gravitational effects and the manipulation of such began to be filled with more and more specualation as there were some things that his wise and intelligent father had never been able to prove or even test. He'd never had the right environment. This spelled opportunity.

It was a hard thing to keep one eye in the sky and one on the pages of his tome. Impossible really to truly manage and so he diverted his gaze to the pages of his father's work until he read something that brought him back to the moment.

No world revolves around a single entity.

Though it was his father's writing it was his mother's voice he heard reading it in his mind. Her empathy flooded him again and he snapped back to reality looking around at those who may be panicked or at the very least worried rather than intrigued. Searching for something to say to calm folks he blurred out. "A storm like that... Well it's a good thing we're not in it anymore. Nice weather now though. Uhm as soon as the Captain gets his uh bearings I'm sure it will be smooth sailing eh? We'll figure this out. Don't worry."

Hearing Sonny put voice to my fears made my heart jump into my throat. Calm down and think Kali. There has to be some way to track this, just like any other event. It has to be big enough to leave some sort of trace behind.

Sonny, is there some sort of way to track magical signatures? Something big enough to pull us to a completely different world would have to leave something behind, right? Like footprints?

From behind Sonny, I could see a second moon rising on the horizon and a small, almost inaudible gasp escaped my lips, my hand reaching out as if to touch it.

Wow! Would you look at that? Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?

I took a few light, quick steps over to the railing, my eyes flitting back and forth between the two moons, my tail held low to the ground to help stabilize my balance, slowly brushing back and forth as if I was preparing to leap in the air to join them. The awed expression on my face, softening my features from the usual glare I wore to keep the weak-willed from approaching me.

Asuni came running over to Styx and me. Panic in her voice.

We need to pray, now! I don’t feel Her as much!

She was right! The song that I hear deep in my heart, my soul, Selune has grown quieter. We drop to our knees in prayer. It’s so quiet, why? Asuni is getting upset I can hear her quiet weeping. Styx begins consoling her. He is a devoted follower but he doesn’t understand, not in the way Asuni and I do. We are connected to Her differently then he. I take the moment to try something. A spell, a quick easy spell that I could perform in my sleep. Something easy like detecting good and evil. Ironically Ersin is not near to see the spell he so badly wanted to see earlier. I begin the ritual, but something is wrong it’s taking to long and needs more energy then usual. It’s draining, it’s never been like this before. It’s taking twice or more of the divine power that I have learned to harness. Selune what has happened.

Everyone’s voices pull me away from my focus to see finally the source of our separation. There is a second moon. It’s it disrupting our connection. I hear Kali speak of its beauty all I see is it the pain it will cause.

No

Was all I could say.

The stars...the constellations...were they forming a pair of eyes in the night sky or was I just seeing things? Are you guys seeing this? Styx says while pointing up to the night sky.

While the others look where I was pointing, I notice something else.  Far out at sea, sitting low on the horizon is a moving light that seems to go out in all directions. I can't tell what it is, but maybe in the Crow's Nest I can get a better view.

Using my talents for acrobatics, I shuffle up the mast bouncing off metal hooks or swinging higher on ropes, finally settling next to Wind in the Crow's Nest.  What the heck could that be Wind?

I peer out into the night, hoping to get a better look.  I close one eye, mimicking a pirate with an eyepatch, but that doesn't work at all.  I am just not good at this.  Either way, looking out, I notice that light must be at least a good 60 miles away, at the edge of the horizon.  Something that bright at this distance must be powerful.

I quickly scamper back down to tell the others what I see.

With some direction from Styx, I was able to look past the second moon long enough to see the constellations shaped like eyes. I was not sure if this was the work of a powerful mage or if one of the trickster gods was having the time of his life up in the heavens. There seemed to be something else bothering Styx, but he didn’t voice his concerns so I didn’t push him on it. However, he did mention seeing a light while up in the crows nest, so I climbed the mast up to it to see if I could identify it when he could not. Unfortunately, I could not see the light. Maybe it was short lived and had dimmed already. I greeted Wind before climbing back down once more.

I went to go join Asuni and Torinn since they were looking troubled.

You two seem to be much more bothered by the appearance of this second moon. What’s going on?

There was a lot happening on the deck of the White Swan, many sailors in awe of the spectacle of a second moon slowly rising over the horizon, Ersin and Kali among them. Other were predictably more terrified, the Selunite included. Styx seemed to keep his cool and pointed at the sky, having noticed a peculiar constellation that when you looked at it, looked like a pair of eyes, that always seemed pointed at the viewer. Without warning, the bugbear climbed the mast.

What are you doing here, Moonbeam?

Do you see that moving light, Wind?

What moving light?

But despite the bugbear pointing him in the right direction, the druid couldn’t see anything, and Styx climbed down, soon replaced by Kali, that could not find the light either.

All that agitation attracted the attention of the ship leaders and Machrel approached the companions.

Do you have something you wish to tell us, mister Styx?

Kali got nearer to the praying Selunites and asked what was wrong with them. Asuni lifted her tear filled face toward the tiefling and said, her voice near the cracking point.

I barely feel Selune, Kali, Her presence is so far! I don’t know what I’ll do without Her, serving Her is all I’ve known in my life!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:28, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

The moons, yes moons. Two, the sky, things are very wrong here. Styx and I move our eyes from the moons to the sky. If the moons are wrong the sky is so much worse. Not only do I not recognize any stars patterns but they have shaped themselves into two enormous eyes that seem to be looking upon us. Asuni clutches close to me, openly weeping now. Kali comes running over to us asking why we are so bother by the appearance of the new moon. I don’t know how to explain it to her.

For we who follow the moon this is wrong. Selune is our goddess, the goddess of the Moon. This is upsetting the balance of all things. Our connection has suffered. I can’t explain it all now. Kali please stay with Asuni, I’ll be right back. I need to get my things.

I feel better that Asuni is with someone I trust. I make my way down into the ship and find my chest. Although chain mail is not needed for sailing I fear I may need it now. For the eyes in the sky we’re bad but the lights make me nervous as well. Lights on the horizon and moving, fast. I finish buckling my armor, take my shield and axe and make my way back to the deck. I make my way over to Kali and Asuni. I do not know what will happen and with out diminished connection I hope there I will still be able to help as I usually can. I look to the horizon, to the sky, to the two moons, I fear I don’t know much of anything anymore.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

I take Asuni’s face gently in my hands and wipe the tears away.

There is no reason that I see why you can’t keep serving her here. Perhaps the reason she feels so far away is she is not yet worshipped in this world? Mayhaps you are just thinking about this with the wrong frame of mind. What if the reason you were brought here is to bring the light of Selune to this place? This could be your greatest achievement. Do not fret just yet, dearest Asuni. All is not lost.

I smile at both Torinn and Asuni and settle myself near Asuni, laying backwards to keep my eyes on the new constellations.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

After Styx's report of a strange light on the horizon I step up to the rail and remove one of my most prized possessions. The spyglass was old and showed signs of much use but its lenses were clear. I have mixed memories surrounding getting the instrument but it was very useful. I sweep the horizon slowly but I don't see anything after nearly a minute.

"There! Something is moving just to the right of the bow." Esa whispers into my right ear as she perches on my shoulder.

"Starboard." I correct her gently and a laugh softly as the strange tingling sensation along my shoulders where her claws would be intensifies. I look where she directed and there, just above the horizon, is a soft, wildly moving light not unlike those I can conjure. Just much much bigger.

"Almost looks like a giant firefly." I mutter under my breath as I stare at it. "Good eyes Styx. Well done!." I call back to the Bugbear. He took his duty on the bilge pump with grace; I almost feel bad about that joke.

I lower the glass down and look at the others on deck with me. Who might know what that thing is. My eyes fall upon Sunny as he stands staring at the strange constellations and speaking with a couple of sailors pointing at this star or that. Are they making up their own constellations or trying to find familiar ones? Whatever. "Sunny can you please come here a moment."

When the Tortle reaches my side I hand him the spyglass and point him towards the light. "What do you make of that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Hey Captain.   There's a weird light bouncing around on the horizon.  It's about 60 miles off ar the moment.

Also, if you havent seen, the stars have eyes and they are watching us.

After his attempt at encouraging everyone the tortle stood there on the deck looking up at the stars and the moons. Someone asked him about identifying magics this powerful but it sort of washed right over him. He sort of shook his head and mumbled something to her while he continued to gaze upward and outward. "I don't have anything like that committed to memory right now. I'd have to use a ritual from the tome and that could take a while.."

Styx pointed out the shape of the stars appearing to be eyes looking down on them and Sunny latched on to that. He flipped to another page and started the process of creating a star map, beginning with the eyes constellation and expanding outward from there. He may have commented here and there about the stars and the moons to any of the sailors who asked but his attention was almost wholly absorbed until someone else called his name. It was the half-elf fellow, Ersin, and he had a spyglass.

As requested he pointed the spyglass in the direction he was pointed toward. It took him a moment to see what it was Ersin and apparently Styx had seen. There was a light way out there only it wasn't a stationary light. It was moving to erratically to be something like a structure on a landmass or even another ship he thought. He lowered the spyglass and squinted but couldn't see the light with his naked eye so he raised the glass again and peered a little while longer.

"Nothing comes to mind immediately that could fit that things behaviors. The erratic movement visible at this distance indicates it's moving about very rapidly though for it to be visible this far away. Whatever the source of that light is, well I don't know for sure but, whatever it is I think it is either very quick or massive."

Another might advise caution after those words but Sunny felt something inside him about all this. An almost giddy feeling that had him feeling quite light all about. For the sake of others' sanity he tried to suppress it. He handed the spyglass back. His head turned to look at the moons again. He spotted the paladin looking out at them as well, newly dressed in his armor notably.

"Torinn might I query you? The moons, as a devotee of Selune, you would know your moon very well yes? Do either of these moons seem alike to ours?"

Ersin and Sunny were joined at the prow of the ship by the captain and first mate. Using their own spyglass, they looked at the light and discussed about it, even asking the opinion of the half elf and tortle, but there was nothing new that came out… there was a light at the horizon, two moons in the sky and a pair of starry eyes that seemed to watch everything. After conferring with his officers, the half elf called for everyone on the deck. It wasn’t hard to get everyone’s attention. Standing tall on the back deck, he removed his hat and seemed to look at each and everyone in the eyes.

Companions, we have all sailed together, some for years, other for less. This bond, this solidarity, is all around us. I would put my life on the line for all of you, and I know you would all do the same for me, for any member of this crew, of this family that calls the White Swan home.

He paused, letting that sentiment sink in, and smiled when he saw most of the heads nodding.

A week ago, we have left Caer Callydir in an hurry, because of what was uncovered by our family members, a danger to all. We had to do this to ensure the safety of all of us. I am proud of the reaction you all showed, despite the shore rest that was cut short. I promise you, next time, we’ll stay longer at port, and I will pay for enough rounds to each of you to have a night to remember!

That earned him cheering and clapping, that he let occur for a minute, before talking again.

Tonight, we experienced something new, something that probably no one in the Realms has ever lived. I cannot, and would not, hide the truth from you, the signs are manifest. Was it Umberlee that brought us here? I cannot say. What evidence we have, you can all see it. I do not think we are in the Realms anymore.

His hands gripped the balustrade and he leaned forward towards the crew.

Sisters, brothers. We are in a unique situation, where we’ll need to depend even more on each other, until such time where we can go back home. The White Swan has sustained damages during this storm, and we need to find land, a port, a shelter of some sort in this new world, to do those repairs. The sharp eyes of mister Styx has detected a light at the horizon. With no other immediate alternative, lets sail towards that light and see where that will lead us. But first, we need to honor Umberlee, if She can hear our prayers, for preserving us from the worse during that storm.

Brothers, Sisters. We will go back home! Keep that hope, keep that faith in our gods, in our family, in ourselves! WE WILL GO BACK HOME!

A loud cheer erupted on the deck, as everyone received their assignment from Machrel, the crew enthusiasm obvious in the preparation to set sail towards the light. As if Umberlee answered the prayers and sacrifice of gold the crew did in her name, a breeze lifted up, the expert sailors harnessing it to propel the ship towards the light…

Intellectually I know that sailing towards a large, moving light that no one can explain is a terrible idea. But the Captain is right, the ship is in a bad way and there's only so much we can do with the materials we have on hand while underway. I have a feeling we'll all get a turn on the bilge pump before long. Emotionally, I am excited at the prospect. I have wanted this chance for years and i am looking forward to the trials to come.

Besides we're in strange waters with no land in sight, all we can do is pick a direction and pray.

"It's finally happening Esa! This could be everything we've wanted for so long. Pleny of food for you and I will have a tale of my own to tell Charlie when we meet again. Maybe then she'll want me around."

Esa rubbed her head against the side of his and let out a gentle purr. "You know my thoughts on that One. She may have her reasons but she was horrible to you and I wish you weren't so eager to please her. You've always been worthy, it's her failure that she can't see that."

We pause to enjoy this moment of companionship looking out over the water before I must resume repairs. "Sustenance would be appreciated. I know you've done your best but it's been so long since that Abomination. I need much more if I'm to regain what's lost."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:55, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Of course a captain who could tell the tales he did around the table would be capable of such a rousing speech for his crew at a time like this. Sunny found himself smiling and nodding along with the others and adding his own voice to the cheers as well as applause. It was good to get spirits high again. With so many unknowns ahead of them everyone would benefit from a little morale boost. However long or short lived it would be remained to be seen. He set to helping wherever he could. By this point he knew which things to make light at what points to at least keep things moving. Better yet he knew when to stay out of the way of a smooth sailing machine. In those moments of stepping aside he continued to record the stars in their new positions. No, in their positions. For all he knew these stars had always been here and the only thing truly out of place was the ship and it's crew.

To ensure his star map was accurate he fell into a pattern of holding his hand out to the stats at a full arms length away, incanting, and creating an illusory overlay between his thumb and foreclaw of whatever constellation was next on his pattern spiraling outward from The Eyes that were so prominent. With the overlay only lasting a few handfuls of seconds he would then use the same incantation and a pinching motion toward his pages to set a more permanent mark in his tome that replicated the overlay perfectly but on a smaller scale. With the mark in place he would ink in the stars and start the process again. With only two marks remaining at a time since the overlay also required his attention he slowly but surely pieced the next bit of the puzzle into his tome. Piece by piece it fell into place.

He couldn't help but smile in wonder at the brand new sky of discovery available to him. Whoever lived in this world surely had their own constellations that he hoped to learn upon meeting them but for now he took joy in finding his own, presenting them to whoever happened to be passing by and labeling them in the chart.

"Look, Styx, doesn't this one here look like it could be a bison?"

"No Wind, there. If those are the eyes then just there where an ear would be. Those fifteen stars roughly make the shape of an octopus, or a kraken..."

"You're right, Kali. They do look more like a crown than a shell."

"Eight, nine, ten and eleven there. They flow like a river don't you think, Torinn? Or perhaps a serpent."

"A bird, but what kind of bird..."

"Do you have a name in mind Ersin? I mean my first thought was Felis but that just seems a little on the nose for something in the form of a cat."

"Oh yes a whale makes more sense. Thank you."

"Some sort of arachnid I'd think."

And on and on...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:05, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Sure, the speech was rousing and had a great effect on the crew, but something seemed off about it.  Styx couldn't help but remember some of his training.  When someone tells you they are not lying to you, they are usually most definitely lying to you.  When the captain said he wouldn't hide the truth from us, Styx wasn't so sure.  He didn't have any reason to not trust the captain, but everything seemed too convenient.

I mean, why does it seem like we were the only ones effected by the storm?  Was the whole world pulled into this new realm or was the storm more centered around us?  That seems doubtful.  Why us, why now?  For someone who has been sailing for hundreds of years, I find it surprising that he knows nothing of what transpired and didn't anticipate it in any way.  How were there no warning signs and if there were, how did he miss them, as experienced as he and his crew was?

Styx felt there was more to this and while he cheered and smiled at the Captain's speech, inside he thought to himself, something just wasn't right and he was going to uncover the truth.  If there was no truth to be found, so be it, but Styx decided to remain on guard for now.  He didn't share his thoughts with anyone, at least the thoughts of mistrust, as he didn't want to raise question to ghosts that weren't there, but he decided to speak with Ersin in hopes to get his opinion on the matter.

Ersin, what do you think of all this?  It seems very strange to me that this storm pulled us into this realm.  Was our whole world pulled in?  Was the storm seen everywhere and by everyone?  That seems unlikely don't you think?  Why would this storm be happening in the middle of the ocean and were we just that unlucky?  That seems too convenient to me.  What is your take?

Insight check:  8  (Captain's Speech)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

"I think this is fantastic. I'm sure it's going to be dangerous and getting home will be difficult but that's what makes it interesting."

I pause a few seconds to think about Styx's other questions. "I don't think our whole world was pulled here, if it was we would see signs of it. If I'm wrong, we'll know shortly; after all, we were on a well traveled route.

"Unfortunately, I can't say if the storm was seen everywhere. It seemed to originate very high up in the sky so I am sure it was seen over a great distance. Given how severe the winds were I am sure it is affecting the entire Sword Coast."

"Most of our world is covered by water so it seems highly probable that this would occur over the ocean. The worst storms build up over the open ocean so why not a mystical one?"

I guess you could see us as being unlucky but I would rather think of it as being gifted a unique opportunity. Given the scope of what we saw I am sure some god was involved and it's no fun for them if it doesn't inconvenience any mortals."

"Besides, while portals between worlds or planes aren't common they happen more than you think. The fabric of our reality is a lot thinner than many are willing to believe. But there are many different ways to travel between them and since we were pulled here there must be a way back. We will just have to find it."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Oh, don't get me wrong.  I'm excited about it too, I just find it strange that it happened to us.  Especially since we don't see any other ships in the area, including the ones that were in our general vicinity when the storm occurred.

I'm not as well traveled as you Ersin, it seems, as I wasn't aware that most of our..old world was covered by ocean.

Maybe unlucky was a poor choice of words.  I'm more curious why WE were singled out in all of this.  Do you think it has to do with us or the captain?

What worries me, is that if we were pulled here, what came through the same portal into our world?  Our world could be crumbling and we are stuck here and can't do anything about it.
Or maybe we need to do our part from this side, in order to save our world.  There are just so many if's here.  Hopefully we get some answers soon and get off this boat.

As the crew was working hard to profit from the wind to go towards the moving light, it was decided to split the crew in half shifts, to allow rest, as much as could be gained in this strange and exciting environment. No one knew what would await the White Swan over the horizon. The going was slow at first, the wind barely allowing 3 knots of speed so the excitement turned quickly to a vigilant boredom, with as many of the crew resting as possible.

Debris! Debris in the water, port side!!

The call from Wind had the duty crew jumping, as they started looking for what he had seen. It started slowly, a crate here, a few plank there. Hector, the shift leader, got his boarding crew, Kali and Ernesto, prepared to pick up survivors. Soon the macabre spectacle of a corpse floating in the water came to view, followed by others, until the remains of a fishing boat appeared, still bearing the Gwynneth flag. A quick search for survivors didn’t find any, the small boat obviously ripped apart by high wind and waves. The somber discovery was not the last. In the following hours, more debris were found, mostly ships of various sizes, and the sailors recognized most of the insignias and flags.

But not all. One in particular attracted the attention of the captain during his shift, a white winged ankh on a field of light blue. It was picked up from the remains of a fighting ship that must have been about the same size as the White Swan, the wood burned and blasted by lightning bolts, like those Saudron inflicted on pirate ships. This prompted the half elf to get his crew to prepare for a fight.





Those observing the light noticed as the hours passed that it seemed to be moving generally to the right, still zigzagging in the sky, floating about 100 feet above the horizon, but not getting much bigger. And another thing was noticed. The ship had been out of the storm for more than 15 hours now, the moons sluggishly moving across the night sky… but there was no signs of a raising sun.

Suddenly, there were flashes of lightning coming from the direction of the bright light, the man in the crow’s nest using that extra luminosity to call.

Land ahead!  Captain, that light seems to be attacking a town, 3 miles away!!

The half elf looked at Machrel who nodded.

Battle stations! Let’s be ready for anything!

Once we started seeing the remnants of other ships floating in the water beside us, I decided it was time to put my armor on. I came back up on deck just as the call rang out there was land ahead.

I strapped my shield on my left arm and pulled out my longsword, swinging it around deftly to help loosen my muscles for the possible fight ahead. I then found Torinn and Asuni. I would hate to see anything happen to Asuni and I knew our ability to fight together would give her the best chance of survival.

You ready for this, Torinn? I'm not sure of what to expect here. Whatever happens, protect Asuni. She's the best of us.

Action: Put on shield
Item Interaction: Pull out longsword
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Thu 13 Aug 2020.

The flotsam wasn't a surprise to me, but was concerning.  Whatever was taking out this many ships and doing so this quickly, didn't bode well for us.

Following the lead of Kali, I went and got my armor and weapons, and quickly started passing out some of the potions I've been neglecting to distribute for a while, giving 2 each to Torinn, Ersin, Asuni, Kali, Sunny, and Wind.  I explained to each of them they were healing potions and to keep them at hand, should they need them.

My rapier at my side and my crossbow on my other, I grabbed my more important belongings as well, should the ship not make it through the battle.  Running quickly back upstairs, I looked for the captain.  Seeing him bellow orders out, I ran up to him and asked:

Where do you need me Cap? Spreading sand on the deck?  Helping to secure and arm the cannons?  Or do we plan just on ramming the town and fighting whatever looks like the bad guy?

Lightning, okay I am going to want some solid cover. It looks like this thing can do a number on ship our size so better make sure my stuff is ready to go if we need to abandon ship. As I finish prepping my gear for a quick exit, yes there is plenty of food and water in the life boats that's good.

At the call for battle stations I move up to bow of the ship I reverently take out my old spyglass and look towards the flashes. It looks to be a good size town with buildings and walls made of dark stone, must be a good local source nearby. The docks of the town are moderate with a number of boats of varying sizes tied up to the pier. And hovering over them is a brightly glowing humanoid, that is casually casually blasting the docked ships with lightning. I guess we know what happened to the other ships. I can't see anything else threatening the town but you never know.

Esa is sitting up on the railing next to me on her back legs trying for as much height as she can. "The Glowing One looks powerful. It would provide much sustenance."

"I'm sure it would but it'll probably turn me into ash before you can get more than a taste. We don't know what's going on here so I don't want to just jump in. However, I doubt that thing will leave us alone."

I call back to the other sailors what I saw as I gently put away the spyglass away and ready to fight. This is where it starts, this is where I begin to earn my name.

Summary
Ready Shield
Take as much cover as I can from the creature while remaining in sight.

I pulled my longsword out of habit but thinking on it, my new dagger might be the better weapon choice here. It was slightly easier to hit with and the damage was purer. Plus, in a pinch, I could cause the enemy to become poisoned which may cause some unwise decisions to be made on their part. I swapped weapons while waiting for the ship to get close enough to shore that we could do something.

Item interaction: Put away longsword
Action: Pull out +1 dagger of poison

As the hours progressed Sunny continued to devote his attention to his record of the stars. His star map spilled over from page to page until he had to begin labeling them in sectors. The moons progressed across the sky and where others may hold beliefs about what drove celestial bodies from horizon to horizon, Sunny held to his father's graviturgical discoveries. Fifteen hours and no sign of a sunrise meant the stars were more readily studied. If there was a point in the sky that didn't seem to move over the hours while the rest moved around it, that should be north... or south. The captain and other weathered sailors would no the basic premise behind the idea as well. After all, how could one navigate the seas without knowing the stars.

When the crew switched to shifts, Sunny stayed vigilant and ever recording. The process was long and arduous but precision now while he had the opportunity would pay off in the long haul. Slow and steady. Even the call that there was debris in the water didn't distract him. Not immediately right away. When the search for survivors began he did put down his book and put his eyes to the task of helping look but found nothing except for the spectacle of corpses here and there. It put dreary thoughts in his mind that he didn't wish to dwell on. He was only able to record his stars a few hours longer before finally having to put it all away when the call went up that the light was attacking a town.

The crew and company looked to be readying for a fight, and well they should be. After Ersin explained what was seen through the spyglass Sunny wasn't sure what he should be doing other than preparing himself as well. He tucked away his tome and retrieved his staff. He would use everything in his arsenal to keep this ship from becoming like the others. He really liked the crew here and felt at home in their company. True he felt at home anywhere he brought his shell, but these were good folk.

"Remember folks, lightning and water don't mix... If we can get it into the water instead of in the sky we may be able to disadvantage whatever this thing is." That smile had returned but behind it was a sort of determination and he began preparing to draw to mind all of his father's graviturgical knowledge for the coming fight.

Concentrate on being light unless someone else would like to bound about.

I’m glad I took the time to grab my weapons and armor. Since the two moons I’ve had a feeling gnawing in my mind that something like this was coming. The eyes confirmed it. Even with my connection to Holy Selune strained I feel more confident in this battles then any I have faced before because unlike the others now my companions can fight. Especially the Tiefling at my side.

I’m ready whatever comes it will not get what it wants. I will protect Asuni with my life. This is what we’ve been readying ourselves for Kali!

I look over to Sunny smiling!

My color is not just for show my friend. We get them in the water we will bring them a thunderous death!

Asuni stay behind us!

I lower my stance, tighten the grip on my shield and my axe. Now the hardest part...

waiting.

Slowly the White Swan creeped in amongst the destroyed ships carcasses and the captain directed it toward the shore about one mile out from the town, instructing a skeleton crew to go back at sea with the ship, to protect if against the glowing humanoid. On shore with the majority of the crew, the half elf then turned to Styx.

You wanted to know how to help Mister Styx. Despite your indiscretion at the Spitting Mermaid, I think I can trust you with leading a hand picked team in that town and see how you can help. The population probably needs help to evacuate, fires to put out, anything to create a good name in this new world. Even if this town is full of orcs, we can’t let it burn down. I will go with Sandron and those you don’t pick toward the port and try to stop this floating menace. And we’ll let Umberlee  sort who’s who after, there will be time to apologize. The population first.

He moved aside to let the bugbear see everyone on shore, although he didn’t need to, as the rogue was towering over everyone and could see quite well over the captain’s hat. The eyes of the crew were on him, expecting an answer quickly, there was work to be done and peoples to save…

Styx was surprised when the Captain asked him to lead a hand picked team for the town.  It was his second chance and he wasn't going to mess it up.Can do Cap'n!

We have a tough task ahead of us.  Whomever needs our help in there, we can't let them down.
So, I'm going to need those with me whom I've come to trust will watch my back, as I will theirs.

Sunny - You're not only our morale booster, but someone who can "lift" our spirits, and is only rivaled by Wind when running a rig.  You're with me.

Torinn - I know we got off to a rocky start, but after seeing how you've overcome such difficult circumstances with honor, my respect for you has grown tenfold.  You're with me.

Kali - Who am I kidding.  We need you to kill as many bad things as quickly as possible, with the same vigor and passion I saw at the Spitting Mermaid.  You're with me.

Ersin - While at times you seem quite distracted with some internal conflict, you've proven to be a most helpful ally both on the ship and off.  You're with me.

Wind - If you cause half as much trouble as I've seen just in this past week, the enemy will have no chance whatsoever.  You're with me.

Asuni - The strength of your faith is inspiring and unwavering.  We will need...I will need that strength for what is to come.  You're with me.

The rest will go with you Cap'n.  Good luck and you're welcome.  I'll be expecting more pay for my new leader type position as well. Styx smiles at the Captain, enjoying his moment of busting his chops before heading off into battle.

Alright team Styx.  Let's go save the world!

Bold decision Captain, taking sides with as little information as we have. This could really come back to bite us. He is right though about needing to establish a reputation for ourselves here; that will open doors for us later.

Styx leading the splinter group; an interesting choice. He has the presence to pull it off but being a Goblinoid may not go over well with the towns people but if the rest of us back him up he should do fine.

Esa's ears drooped when we weren't selected to engage the glowing creature. "I was hoping to taste the Glowing One; I'm sure it'd be most satisfying. Perhaps we can sneak into Big Hat's pride when they leave."

"No. We have our orders and I won't cause the Captain or Styx any problems while they are dealing with a crisis. But don't worry, I'm sure there'll be many opportunities for you to feed."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

The little troop selected by the bugbear set out into the gloom, only illuminated by the light of the stars and moons. They quickly found a road paved with cobblestones going towards the town and decided to follow it, as they did not came as infiltrators but as potential saviors. Styx bid them to make haste, as the glowing humanoid was still hovering over the town, generating lightning strikes, the thunder deafening, the strobing light from the bolts creating a surrealistic view in the cultivated fields surrounding the road.

Alert but quickly moving, the hand picked team started to see the walls of the city looming, half a mile from them, the screams of the citizen piercing the night. There was a massive door ajar in the wall, but curiously no one was flowing from it to flee. They continued closer, when a massive lightning strike illuminated the road, the grisly scene of humanoid corpses covering the ground visible for a second, struck down as they were trying to flee. The sharp eyes of Ersin, Kali and Torinn also noticed something else,  a dozen small balls of light randomly flying around the vicinity of the door, like guarding it.

It looks like those balls are stopping anyone from leaving! Shall we dispose of them, fearless leader Moonbeam?

Wind smiled and showed his sharp teeth like he wanted to transform right away but Styx stopped him, telling him it might be premature.

Not as blood thirsty, Asuni, looking uncomfortable in the leather armor she had borrowed from a female crew member that stayed on the ship, was nervously gripping her crossbow, and had to remind herself constantly to point the thing away from her allies.

Informed of the lights, Sunny examined them from afar and said

Huh, these things are like Ignes Fagui, oh uh will-o-wisps, but will-o-wisps with lightning... Fulgars Fagui, wisps-o-lightning one could say hmm. Try not to touch.

Examining the location, one could see that the wall ss to the east of the party, with the road on a strait west-east line, cultivated land with some wheat growing, starting 50 feet from the road on each side of it. The Fulgars Fagui are patrolling from the ajar door to about 100 feet away from it, over the road and surrounding area, but not entering the field.

Still out of sight of the electric will o wisp, the group huddled and discussed what skills and spells they could bring to the fight to come. Wind was simply disappointed that he couldn’t just charge in as a bear, but relented to cooler heads, and agreed to help by raising earthen barricades in a effort to channel the flow of enemies, and give cover. They decided to hide the defenses in the wheat, even if it was a little far off, and then Sunny explained to Styx he could make the bait lighter on his feet.

Now can I transform and attack them, Moonbeam? I’ll bring them back here.
I think I will do it, Wind. I have a nasty surprise for them and I can run fast too… Remember that chase in Caer Callidyr?
Oh yes, that was fun!

The bugbear apparently took his leadership responsibilities seriously, Wind still insisting to stay on the first line, with Kali and Torinn, for when the fight would come to them. The tiefling had an hungry look in her eye, her sparring sessions with the paladin good fun but not like a real fight and she was itching for one. The trio of Selunites did their prayers to the moon together, before taking their positions, Asuni struggling a bit with the crossbow she had learned to use at the temple, but never really practiced with.

Styx nodded to Sunny, who used his powers over gravity to affect the bugbear. Unused to this lightness, the rogue struggled to crawl through the wheat and on the patch of grass to approach the closest wisp.

Nearing his firing point, the bugbear, still struggling, brought his hand crossbow in front and froze when his intended target also changed it movement pattern  and seemed to start scanning around, like unsure if it was seeing something or not.

(Situation : Asuni, Ersin and Sunny are behind ¾ cover  in the back line of defenses, Ersin taking position to always see Styx and prepares to cover him with EB

Kali, Torinn and Wind are holding steady behind another series of inverted V barricades, to try to funnel the wisps in a killing zone.

Styx is crawling, trying to approach the closest wisp at the NW to strike it.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:48, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

I carefully crawled through the thick wheat, knowing that any erratic movement could easily be seen on its top layer, if I didn't take it slow.  The earth was a little moist, maybe from a recent rain or storm, though it probably helped muffle some of the sound of my large body as I moved through it. As I crept closer, the tension was palpable.  Why was I so nervous?  I've been on so many high risks jobs, why couldn't I get it together?  Maybe because I always worked alone and I was only responsible for me and now...now others are depending on me...risking their lives with me.  I'm not used to that.  I'm used to knowing my own capabilities and not having to worry about anyone but myself.  If I didn't get away, it was my own fault, but now if something happens to these friends who I've grown close to, how will I be able to live with myself....

I give my head a quick shake, trying to focus my thoughts again as I get to the edge of the wheat field.  I slowly remove my crossbow from my belt, already loaded and ready to go.  I creep out onto the road quietly, moving slowly so that I blend in with bodies strewn about on the ground.  I stopped periodically, pretending to be one of the dead, when I saw flickers in the ball of light, in case that meant it might be looking my way.

It was unsettling, seeing all those dead faces staring back at me as I waded through the blood and the blackened charred bodies.  I had never seen carnage like this before, at least not up close.  I must have crawled around 30 bodies or so; I couldn't help getting some of the spilled blood in my fur, the sticky wetness still fresh, though at times I found clumps of it with charred hair, which almost made me empty my stomach right there and then.

Keeping an eye on the ball of light ahead of me, when I got close enough for a more accurate shot, I quickly stood up, aimed, and fired in one quick motion.  Knowing I can't change the outcome once the bolt was loose, I turn and dash, making as much room between the ball of light and myself, hoping to draw it in to our trap.  Now, with my feet under me, I could feel the lightness in my feet provided by Sunny.  I could get used to this!

Crossbow shot (Advantage): 15, 18
Bugbear Damage: 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 4
Crossbow Bolt Damage: 5

Total Damage: 14

Move action:  40 feet away from wisp.  (extra 10 feet from Sunny!)
Bonus action: Dash - 40 more feet away from wisp. (extra 10 feet from Sunny!)

It always amazes me how someone that big can move so quickly. Especially with Sunny’s help it would seem. As the Bugbear bounded back towards us, each step with a little more bounce to it then I think Styx wanted. I don’t think any of them will get close enough to him for me to have to intervene but I keep an eye on him all the same. We are in this together I will not let them down.

Esa has continued down the road and is casually examining one of the larger wisps before jumping up and balancing on the little ball and is staring into the heart of the glow.

”Most interesting, I cannot see anything at its centre; it’s as if the whole creature is nothing but energy. Is this what you call an elemental?”

”I don’t know, I haven't heard of such a creature. I’ll be sure to examine one after the fight if we have time.”

”As you will. Either way these will do nicely, I feel I am on the cusp of something, perhaps these will be enough for me to reach it”

The thought of Esa regaining more of her potential fills me with joy and the smile on my face is for once fully genuine. I have always craved an adventure of my own but even more I want to help my oldest, dearest friend regain what she’s lost.

I ready myself for the creatures to advance. I wasn’t planning on sharing this aspect of myself with these people; not yet anyway. Trust takes time to develop and we hadn't reached that level yet. Still I can’t afford to hold back this time; if I do and someone is hurt or killed it will only upset them more when they learn what I can do. Still, I hope I can hold onto some of my secrets for a little longer.

Summary:
Reaction pre-turn: If a Wisp gets within 10 ft of Styx attack it with Eldritch Blast (19 to hit for 6 force damage)
Bonus Action: If the target Wisp for my main action is within 90 ft I will cast Hex on it.
Action: Target a Wisp in range, preferably in the middle and that has not acted this round, my intent is to split them up so that they do not all hit us at once, with Eldritch Blast (8 to hit for 9 force damage and 3 necrotic if I am able to cast hex)

Alternate: No Wisps are in range during my turn.
Action: Ready Eldritch Blast, trigger a Wisp moves into range, see above for targeting priority
Reaction: Cast Eldritch Blast (8 to hit for 9 force damage)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Sun 16 Aug 2020.

The creatures were too far away for me to do anything effective from my current spot. I didn't want to leave Torinn to face these things alone. I double-checked my shield was on correctly and gripped my dagger, stepping into a defensive position to wait for the wisps to approach.

Action: Ready to hit with my dagger if one comes within 5ft. 8 to hit (NOT!)

Sunny prepared for a fight as best he knew how, which wasn't all that great. After making Styx lighter on his feet, he ducked down behind some of the cover and got his father's staff ready. The gravity slinging one, not the noggin bonking one. He ran through the spells he'd had on his mind this morning trying to think of what might be useful in this situation and didn't come up with much right away. Peeping his head over the earthen barricade to see what was happening he got ready to do one of two things depending on how the lightning wisps reacted to Styx's ambush...

If they stayed distant there wouldn't be much he could do so he may as well just hide. If they got close he might be able to try sapping the strength out of them. They didn't seem constricted by the norms of gravity but he could at least test the theory and try to slow them or even pull one to the ground. Couldn't hurt to try... Right?

There wasn't much more time to think, Styx was on his way back now! Like it or not they were all about to learn the gravity of the situation.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

If the lights don't get within 30ft: Sunny will hide in his shell. AC goes to 21, he's prone and has advantage on Strength and Constitution saves, disadvantage on dex saves, 0 movement until he comes out of his shell.

If one to three lights are within 30ft: Casts Sapping Sting on one of them - creature makes DC14 con save or takes 2 necrotic damage and falls prone (if it even can)

If four or more lights within 30ft and can fit in 10ft radius sphere: Casts Magnify Gravity - creatures make DC14 Con Save or take 8 force damage and speed is halved. Half damage on save.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Sun 16 Aug 2020.

Styx knew the wisps would be breathing down his neck, but he had to get some idea of their position.

Turning around, he took a glance, hoping not to be blinded by an army of glowing lights.

Rapier Attack: 15
Rapier damage: 8

Bonus action: Disengage and move 30 feet to position self in trap tunnel of doom.

The lights are coming, I try to judge their distance. I think they’re close enough now. Now it truly begins!

Behind me Kali!

I feel the energy pool in the back of my throat. I can feel it building, the sparks, it builds, the energy pooling. So much now, I can barley contain it now, just a little more!

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

I feel it release pouring out of my throat, through my mouth and across my teeth. Lightning! Pure power flows at them, the lights, the will o wisps.

Breath Attack: Dex DC 12 lightning damage
Damage: 2 on fail, 1 on save
This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Mon 17 Aug 2020.

A single electric crackle was all the warning that anyone in the vicinity needed to know that an attack was underway, almost drowning the clack of the small bolt falling on the road. The ball of light that Styx had targeted winked out of existence, as eleven others ceased their random looking movement. The two bigger balls started pulsing, as the small ones started to pursuit the fleeing bugbear, one right on his heels, their speed much higher than the lazy floating they had used before had presupposed.

Styx was bonding towards the defensive position when a flash of purplish light came from the rear of the line, Ersin directing the mystical energies strait into the pursuing ball of light, that crackled with power. Seeing that it was still intact, the paladin jumped from behind his section of the earthen wall, and let loose with the power given to him by his blue dragon name sake, the sparkling lightning passing within an hair’s breath from the fleeing bugbear, to strike the ball, that let out a burst of energy and disappeared. Styx turned to slash, but there was nothing to strike close to him. He dashed back to his companions, as Ersin let loose with another eldritch blast, that passed between 2 moving balls. Asuni let loose with a crossbow bolt but it flew off in the air, nowhere near the electric creatures. A mighty roar announced to everyone that Wind had had his wish, and there was now a bear in the defensive position.

Quickly coming in, the closest balls are now 40 feet from the defensive positions, with another batch at 60 feet, including the rapidly pulsing bigger balls, more still at 80 feet.

The quick thinking Sunny noticed something that he warned his companions about, before shelling in, his extremities disappearing, the body falling on the ground. 

Fast as lightning these. Much quicker than any of us!

The tortle prediction came true, as six flying balls of light came in, one unknowingly carrying Esa. Two of them converged on the paladin, unprotected by the earthen walls, striking him with lightning bolts, while four continue their pursuit of the bugbear, finding the fighter and bear waiting for them. One still managed a hit on the bear, that grunted.

Situation : 2 balls on Torinn, that both hit for 4 + 6 Lightning damage, I didn’t reduce the damage for your resistance
4 balls are in the kill zone, one struck Wind, the one with Esa is in this group, it's not the one that hit Wind.
The two bigger balls are still 10 feet from the position, with 2 small balls 20 feet away.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:05, Mon 17 Aug 2020.

My first bolt manages to connect with the closest Wisp as it chases Styx leaving is wobbling in the area to be blasted by Big Blue's shocking breath. Not bad.

As the Wisps streak towards forward Esa leaps up and swipes at one of the closer ones before fading away from view and I launch a second bolt but I failed to account for their bobbing movement and its sails past, the ripples of its passage not even causing it to wobble.

Well one hit out of two isn't great but still not the worst start to a fight. Their speed caught me by surprise but that isn't an excuse. Well one benefit about revealing this skill is I can start practicing openly again. Silver lining to everything I guess.

Let's see if I can't do better. I draw my arm back once more and thrust it forward, with a whispered, "Edhallen," cold travels down my arm and a third bold is released. That looks better.

Summary
Attack: Eldritch Blast Wisp affected by Hex (22 to hit for 7 force and 6 necrotic damage)
Bonus Action: If the Wisp dies transfer Hex to a Wisp in the group 20 ft from our position.

After ducking away Sunny could soon here that it was all happening very quickly and very close. Now they were in the trap they'd set it was time to spring it. Up he popped out of his shell. He stood and surveyed the situation. They were truly fast these wisps of lightning. And there were two that were larger than the others and just a little further back. Those would be his target. Along with whatever other wisps he could catch. Time to try that magnification field his father had cobbled together. Still it was untested by Sunny in the field and he didn't know what it might take out of him to cast it.

With his appearing out of focus but locked on to the point in space he wanted to affect he spoke to words in a tone with far more weight than any he'd used before. "Mariti Gravitatia."

What happened wasn't necessarily visible to the others but throwing ones metaphysical presence about was something quite draining. The area around Sunny or maybe it was just himself felt very different but that wasn't even the goal of this particular spell. With almost no visible difference the space nearest to the larger lightning wisps suddenly increased it's gravitational presence tenfold. Forcing each of the wisps caught in the area of his effect to have to respond.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Bonus Action: Emerge from shell (AC back to 17)
Movement: Stand and survey the area
Action: Magnify Gravity centered on a point in space that will catch the two largest wisps and the two further back plus however many more can fit in the 10' radius (20' diameter) sphere.
  DC14 Con Save or take 9 force damage and speed is halved. Half damage on save.
 

---

The plan seemed to be working so far, though they were getting swarmed by the wisps of light.  The blast from Ersin saved his ass, taking the one out that was zipping towards him from behind.  He'll have to thank him later.

Ready, willing, and able, Styx stabbed at the closest light in hopes of putting it out for good.

Attack with Rapier (advantage):  19, 10
Damage with Rapier: 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 5

Total Damage: 10
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

Almost as soon as Sunny called out that these things were fast, they were upon us. Two of the wisps tried to strike out at me but were not accurate enough to get past my armor, my shield blocking the brunt of their attacks. One of the two on me got hit by magic from Ersin, completely obliterating it, leaving just the one within range.

I carefully calculated where the best possible point of connection would be and swung my arm up and into the ball of lightning to where its heart might be, getting a shock in the process. My swing was true and the ball of lightning fell before me. Seeing there were two on Torinn and only one on each Wind and Styx, I moved forward to stand beside Torinn.

Attack: 27 to hit with dagger (crit)
Damage: 11 (2d4 +7)

My lightning did little to affect them, as their attack is lessened by my draconic ancestory. Now to show them the true power of the moon. I say a prayer and again I find the power requires more of me. Still I fill my axe with Selune’s holy power. I choose one of the wisps and strike!

This ends now!

Pray for Divine Smite
Attack: 24 (19 + 6)
Damage: 9 + 13 radiant
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Mon 17 Aug 2020.

Ersin casted another eldritch blast, Esa disappearing from the evaporated ball of energy, before reappearing on another one, 20 feet away. Almost simultaneously, the bear swiped at the ball that has singed his fur, the energy dissipating in the air in a loud crack. His follow up bite only tasted air, the ball too fast for him

Kali found her mark and stabbed with the dagger, the ball seemingly surrounding her hand for a second before flashing away, the woman feeling her hand numbing for a second, as she was moving out of her position to stand beside the paladin. Torinn did not take any chances and called on Selune to smite one of the balls, that literally exploded in brilliant white light.

Sunny, after coming out of his shell, surveyed the situation and pointed at the 2 bigger balls of light, speaking an arcane phrase, and the orbs  immediately dropped a few feet towards the ground, one seemingly a bit less bright than the other, but still very much active.

Styx took a swing of his rapier on the ball that Wind had almost made a snack from and made it explode too, clearing out the kill zone of the trap of any enemies.

Torinn, no! Leave him alone!

Was it the gods just playing dices with mortal life, or just the sight of seeing her only friend at the temple attacked? As Torinn got struck by the balls of electricity, Asuni dropped her crossbow,  and a small ball of fire left her hand, striking the remaining attacker, that staggered but stayed in the fight. And apparently, the other balls of light did not understand common, ignoring the Acolyte’s scream, as all four of the survivors converged on Kali and Torinn, the slowed down two bigger balls each striking the front line fighters, profiting from the confusion created by the zipping smaller balls to bypass the pair’s shields.

Kali gets hit by one big ball for 10 lightning damage
Torinn gets hit by the other big ball for 22 lightning damage (yes it’s a crit, no I did not apply your damage resistance)

Almost immediately after I moved up next to Torinn, I was zapped by one of the bigger balls. This zap was a lot stronger than the shock I received from stabbing the smaller one. It took my breath away for a moment before I shook it off and prepared to strike. This ball was quicker with its reflexes and it dodged out of the way of my first attack but put itself in prime position for a backhanded swing to help position my shield arm between myself and the lightning creature.

Action: Dagger Attack 9 to hit (XD)
Bonus Action: Second wind- heal for 12
Action Surge
Action: Dagger Attack 16 to hit (1d20+7) for 9 damage
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:38, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

Those two larger Wisps definitely pack a punch. I could target them but their proximity to Big Blue and Kali is a bit of risk. No, I will go after the smaller targets, hopefully I can clear them out and allow Kali and Blue to focus on the bigger threat.

I wonder what that was with Asuni? That didn't look like an ability normally associated with a divine spell user. I'm going to have to keep an eye on her.

At least Esa seems to be having a fun time. I watched as she clung to the top side of the Wisp with her front paws while simultaneously raking with her back paws and biting. It might not physically harm the thing but you got to admire the enthusiasm.

"Edhallen."

Summary
Action: Eldritch Blast Hexed small Wisp (22 to hit for 13 force and 1 necrotic)
Bonus Action: If target dies transfer Hex to one of the larger Wisps)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

I looked over and saw the remaining wisps swarming Kali and Torinn, and knew I had to react quickly.  Luckily, I was still quite light on my feet.

I ran forward, dodging and weaving, circling around to get directly behind both of the wisps.  Almost stunned for a second, by Asuni using FIRE?!?, the crackling of energy and lightning arcing between Torinn and Kali, snapped me back into it.  Seeing an opportunity, I stabbed at the large wisp that had Torinn practically on his knees.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Move action: Disengage plus light feet (move behind the 2 big balls...not mine)
Attack with advantage: 9, 20
Damage from Rapier:  11
Damage from Sneak Attack: 4
Total Damage: 15

---

Sunny had felt that last spell drain a significant part of himself and didn't think he wanted to risk running out of reserves before they had even made it into the town to help folks. With little else he could do at this range and with to much ground to cover in the time it took these things zap around Sunny decided to give another little trick a go. Something not unlike what he'd just achieved just focused on a much smaller scale going after only one of the few remaining electric balls. He didn't have high hopes for it but he snapped anyway and spoke "Cadea" He felt the smallest surge of something leave his person. He really needed to practice this stuff...

They were lighting Torinn up, thankfully the dragonborn was probably the most capable of absorbing their attacks but he didn't look good. Time for Sunny to wade in and try to draw their attention. "Hey you little wisps of nothing, over here!" He shouted with a smile as he came around the makeshift barriers they'd set up snapping all the while like someone try to get a dog's attention.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Action: Sapping Sting Snap -
  DC 14 Con save or take 1 whole necrotic damage.
Movement: 30 ft closer to the conflict

---

This isn’t good, I’m burned...badly. Lucky for me to be born with my ancestry or I’d be dead already. So what now? I can heal myself but I’d have to back away to do it and I can’t leave Kali alone to face these things. I can’t let them get to Asuni. I have to fight, have to. I draw up my strength and attack.

For Selune!!

Attack: 10 (4+6) (assumed miss)

Embolden by their earlier successes, the big lightning balls renewed their attacks and it took all the two warriors could give to push them back with their shields, a sudden surge unbalancing Kali just enough to make her miss her counterstrike. Taking advantage of the distracted front line, the smaller balls, zipped in, one missing kali, the other two striking the pair with painful electric shocks.

Seeing this, Enrin continued with a successful strategy and let loose again, the ball Esa was perching on evaporating, the shadowy cat reappearing on the big ball facing Torinn. Seeing the opening, the bear charged in the hole but caught his paw  on a protruding root and tumbled behind the battle line, smashing in one of the defensive walls, that showered loose earth on him.

Sunny snapped his fingers pointing at one of the remaining small balls and a quick shadow reduced the light intensity for a second.

I SAID, LEAVE HIM ALONE!

The young acolyte seemed pretty angry and she glowed with the light of a moonbeam, her hairs floating by themselves as the light coalesced in three miniature full moons that launched themselves at the big ball facing Torinn, each striking it, in a crackle of energy. Last but not least, Styx ran in the same opening Wind previously took, nimbly sidestepped the root and positioned himself to menace the 2 big balls, plunging his rapier in the middle of the one that had done so much damage on his fellow Selunite. Styx felt his arm numbing as the electricity ran up his weapon, his jaw painfully clacking shut, the ball rapidly expending and contracting, the energy sounding almost like a scream, before dissipating in a flash of bright light.

Esa fell down, her perch disappeared, but shook her head and jumped on the other big ball.

Kali gets hit for 9 electrical damage, it’s a crit.
Torinn gets hit for 1 point of electrical damage, damage resistance applied.
Wind fumbled both attacks so he becomes a laughing stock this turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

The shock from the little one was more distracting than I had hoped for, I swiped at the big one just narrowly missing.

Attack: 18 (1d20+7)

There's still one of the smaller Wisps on Torinn but Kali is in danger of being swarmed. Alright, lets try for the large Wisp.

Esa re-appears hanging off the back side of the wisp gripping tightly with her rear paws while savagely slashing with the fore. A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth at her antics as I release another bolt but the creature shimmers and darts to the side circling Kali and the bolt goes wide.

Well shit!

Summary
Bonus Action: Transfer Hex to the remaining large Wisp
Action: Cast Eldritch Blast at Hexed target (16 to hit for 9 force and 6 necrotic damage)

Styx, his hand still stinging from his previous blow, couldn't blame his compatriots wanting to miss hitting the nimble, electroshock ball, who was wreaking havoc on Torinn and Kali, and so with a loud roar, he shoved his rapier forward, hoping to not only hurt the agile ball, but to somehow get its attention.

What the in the nine hells was Asuni doing now?

LEAVE THEM ALOOOONE!!!

Attack with Advantage:  24, 15
Damage with Rapier: 9
Damage for Sneak Attack:  5

Total Damage: 14 BABY.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Wed 19 Aug 2020.

I see my friends rally and I feel a surge of strength. We are in this together now. All of us fighting as one. Fire is flying past at the wisps, I assumed it was Sunny but it’s not from where he is standing. I quickly look back, Asuni her hands ablaze. She’s done it! Through the pain, through the sweat, through the struggle I smile. Here we make our stand and I will do my part. For Selune, for us all. I size up the wisp and strike!

Attack: 23
Damage: 6

For whatever reason the balls of lighting hadn't paid him any mind as he got closer, probably because he wasn't doing much to them anymore... Sunny wouldn't let that or his failure to do much to help out his allies frustrate him though. All he could do was keep trying. With another snap and another, "Cadea!" He released more energy at one of the things hoping to drag it down. It was that or give it a good bonk with his bonking stick but he really didn't think that would work all that well here. So snap it was. And this time it was good snap, with a solid sound produced as well. Hopefully that would translate to doing something more to these things.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Action: Sapping Snap - DC14 con save or take 4 necrotic damage and prone

---

After that last attack, the warlock realized how much quicker the bigger balls were compared to the smaller ones, missing with his blast for the first time of the battle, Esa looking at him like saying “you’re slacking, I want my meal!”. The sudden jerking also threw off Kali’s almost perfect aim, and she felt the heat coming off the ball’s body on her hand, missing by a millimeter.

Wind and Asuni weren’t luckier, the dazed druid taking a second to get back on its legs, shaking off the dirt from his fur… and ending up knocking off the wall, that partially fell on him. Apparently the druid didn’t know his own strength when in bear form! Asuni, still reeling from her newfound Selune given powers, tried throwing another ball of fire and ended up blasting the wall she was hiding behind, peppering her robe with dirt.

Fortunately for the group, there were some who seemed determined to finish it off with the big ball. Courageously, the severely injured paladin trusted in his goddess and struck the ball, giving off sparkles. The wizard, snapped his fingers, the big ball dipping in intensity noticeably, before the rogue did what he did best, apart from charming damsels in distress, backstab an enemy. Like the first one, the ball’s final  crackling sounded like a scream, as it’s light extinguished forever.

Not to be undone, the two remaining small balls turned their attention toward the bugbear that had killed both their bigger brothers… and struck him with painful electrical shocks.

Styx receives 10 lightning damage, and some burned fur.

Nicely done Styx, now we just need to clear out the other. Unless there are more around. I wonder if Wind can climb up the wall and get a view of what's happening in the area. Hmm, Better check there are not any archers watching the walls. Well that's a problem for the future; better to deal with the now first.

Alright, I have to do better this time. As the Wisps dart in and glance off Styx's arm, leaving behind a darker patch of skin and smoking fur, Esa appears above the one on the left and slashes with her claws as she falls, fading from sight before she reaches the ground. I release a bolt and watch the ripples strike the Wisp as it circles for another pass, fading from view.

Huzzah!

Summary:
Bonus Action: Transfer Hex to one of the Wisps
Action: Cast Eldritch Blast targeting Hexed target (25 to hit for 7 force and 2 necrotic damage).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Styx was glad his plan worked, happy to see the wisps could be manipulated, but was paying for it with a nasty burn, his now tender skin turning bright pink underneath the fur.

He took a step back, staying within close range for him, and tried for 3 out of 3, with a vicious stab at a wisp, but was distracted by the both balls zipping around, unable to hit dead center.

Attack with advantage:  23, 14
Rapier damage: 5
Sneak attack damage: 2

Total damage: 7
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

Wisp not dead:

I moved a few feet so I would be in a position to flank the last wisp with Styx. The added distraction was enough for me to accurately strike out with my dagger.

Action: 20 to hit (1d20+7) for 11 damage

Wisp dead:

As the last of the wisps fall, I breathe a sigh of relief. Seeing the anguish upon Torinn's face, I pull out one of the potions given to me by Styx, and pour it down his throat. He can berate me for wasting the potion on him later...after we make it out of this town alive.

Action: Give potion to Torinn heals for 7

I watch as Kali ends the last of the wisps. That is good, I’m not sure how much longer I could hold out. Before I can move she grabs my head and pours a deep red liquid down my throat. It’s bitter, a healing potion. I want to tell her not to waste it but I’m in the middle of swallowing it. I want to complain but I can see some of the burns heal. I look up at her and smile.

Thank you my friend. I owe you one of mine. Here let me help you now.

I press my hand onto her where the wisp burned her. I feel my life energy pour into her, healing her.

Now we can both carry on better. We have to check on Asuni. Something has changed in her I need to see she is alright.

I stand, unsteady at first but feeling better then before. I walk to Asuni and smile.

Are you alright Asuni? That was you wasn’t it? The fire, you’re changing, getting stronger. In the middle of all this, I am happy for you. You’re fears should be put to rest, you’re learning and growing. I’m proud of you.

I stumble, she reaches for me. I take her hand and with Kali’s help as well I’m back on my feet. Unsteady feet but steady companions. I’ve never been stronger.

Lay of Hands: 5 hp to Kali

As the last of the balls of light winked out, the roar of a explosion was heard coming from the town… or rather from the sky above the town, the light illuminating the night like it was day for a second. As the rolling sound abated it was answered by thundering lightning directed towards the port. A second fireball moved up in the air and the spell battle reminded everyone that this fight was only starting.

Asuni supported Torinn, helped with Kali, and she answered his question with a shy smile.

Selune answered my prayers when I saw you hurt. Why did she grant me fire, I don’t know, I will have to pray on it. Her presence is weak but I have still have some power, let me heal you.

Without waiting for an answer, her hands started to softly glow and a healing warmth spread through the dragonborn's body reducing the pain from the electrical burns he had covering his scales.

With a groan, the bear extracted himself from the collapsed earthen wall and moved away from it before shaking off the dirt, spreading it in all direction. He then ambled to Styx and playfully head butted him, before moving out to get out of the field of wheat, towards the town.

Asuni casts cure wounds on Torinn, for 8 HP healed

"Well, on the bright side, that spell battle yonder bodes well.. ish.. for us. I don't recall the captain or any of the crew being able to achieve such things but the magics look to be being traded in a battle. Someone else out here is trying to stop that thing over head. Best we find them quickly before our bear of a friend makes our introduction more difficult. Lets go." And Sunny charged after Wind the bear toward the town as well.

Crap, everyone is just running in.   We need a plan, albeit a quick one, but a plan nonetheless.

He hoped they could hear him over the din of the surrounding battles, and screamed out:Wind, Sunny, get back here!

Everyone, we need a plan, and on a side note, I should probably heal myself before we leave, but first, a plan.

I'm thinking a couple of us quickly sneak in, assess the situation,  and then we come back and decide best path forward.

That was all he needed to hear. Digging his heals in, Sunny skid to a halt. Then with a thought he concentrated on making Wind in bear form even heavier for just a moment. Enough to cause him to stumble and have to heed Styx's call as well before dropping his concentration and turning around. To hear the bugbear out.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

What the hell. "I could openly go through the gate; all the bodies are human so I will likely be the least startling to the towns folk. If someone stays near the door on this side I can report back what I see. Also, we may want to get higher so we can better see what is going on and plan accordingly. The walls are an option but I recommend we check that they are not being watched by archers first."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Fri 21 Aug 2020.

Wind was going towards the town, like they had been instructed to go to by the captain, when suddenly his steps became heavier to take. He powered through a few more steps but then turned to look back and saw the wizard smiling and beaconing him to come back. With an annoyed “ARUMPH”, he turned around and walk back towards his companions, his steps coming back to normal.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:08, Fri 21 Aug 2020.

Now that Wind was back, it was time to take our plan into action.

Listen, we are all highly trained and specialized soldiers.  Let's charge in, assess, and do what each of us does best!  As Ersin said, keep an eye out for archers.  Charge!

Styx, with a big smile on his face, glances at Wind and Sunny, enjoying his moment of making them run back for no reason other than to rush back in.  Hopefully they've learned their lesson.

Fantastic. I walk towards the largest group of bodies and call over my shoulder. "Sunny can you come look at these with me? I'd appreciate any conclusions you have."

"You said you would examine the bodies but there are no bodies." Esa pouted while carefully examining and cleaning the claws on her fore paws. "I don't like not knowing what we're fighting"

"I'm sorry; I didn't know that would happen. Maybe someone in the town will be able to tell us about them."

I reach the bodies and crouch down, careful not to disturb any. Okay, it looks like we have 45 individuals, looks like 30 civilians and 15 wearing an unfamiliar uniform and bearing weapons; town guard perhaps? Weapons are a mixed lot, nothing too interesting, and the guards were wearing chain shirts, not bad if non-standard gear, probably means this town was reasonably prosperous. Their injuries match those the others suffered from the Wisps, electrical burns. That's comforting, no indications there's another threat in the area but we can't assume that. It looks like this happened recently, maybe while we were pulling up to the dock.

They're all human. Is this gate near a human neighborhood or is this is an all human town? If that's the case it could make things very interesting for our eclectic group. Skin tones cover a wide range so these peoples families came from diverse areas. Not sure if that means anything or not.

Well time to get down to the unsavory side of the job. I start going through the clothing and any bags near the closest bodies. They're not carrying much, very few of them seem to be carrying any personal belongings. It doesn't look like this was a planned evacuation; they probably didn't get much advance notice that the giant Glow Globe was coming. That or they didn't know what it was either. Joy.

Hmm, that's interesting. Most of them seem to be carrying an amulet of a winged ankh. Where have I seen that before?..The flag the captain found near that strange ship! Is that a symbol for the town, a religion, maybe a nation? I don't have enough information, I will have to ask someone in town.

I look over at Sunny. "It looks like they panicked and tried to flee out the gate and ran right into the Wisps. That seems foolish given how the things were glowing but maybe they can dim themselves for an ambush? It's mostly civilians but a few of them are wearing a uniform, so there's probably a town militia or guard force still inside. They had weapons but it doesn't look like it did them much good. That's probably unfair of me since the Wisp's faded when we killed them so maybe these people took some with them when they died? They weren't carrying much so it doesn't look like they were prepared for this."

"What do you think Sunny?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:33, Sat 22 Aug 2020.

Sunny joined the half-elf as Ersin went to the grim task of examining the many bodies. It had been a slaughter out here before they arrived. It was enough to make the smile falter on the tortle face and while Ersin took his time so did Sunny. They'd best know as much as they could. A few minutes of going through the steps outlined by his father in the ritual he had practiced a few times and his eyes opened up. It was an expression really because the feeling of detecting magic was much more of a sense than just sight.

To speak to that he could feel a strangeness in the air and earth of this place. An oddness to the feint tangibility of magic that permeated everything and everyplace. The background radiation of the world. Strange, it seemed almost sluggish but oddly, and worth noting, slightly unpredictable as well.

With his initial assessment of the energies pressing in on him done. He walked over to join Ersin as he was already finishing up with his process. When he asked Sunny what he thought the tortle started to shake his head and almost said there was nothing in all this grim spectacle that drew his magical sense but then suddenly on the periphery as his head turned he caught a feint something coming from one of the corpses. Carefully he picked his way over to the richer dressed guard there.

"There's something over here Ersin. That amulet as well as his sword and bracers are giving on a feint aura. More than likely minor magical alterations to make them better at what they do. I'd have to identify their exact qualities later. Perhaps he was a leader among the guards who rushed out here with the people..."

Now he did shake his head and look at the others.

"Whatever that thing is in the sky, it's not going to be pleasant to face... If these Ignes Fagui served it and could wreak this much havoc on the people trying to escape I'm afraid there won't be many left for us to save... We should hurry."

He looked again at the equipment but didn't want to bother the body by taking any of it from him. It. Death was a tragic thing.

I carefully pick up the items Sunny pointed out to me and stash them in my bag for later. They're no good to anyone on a corpse and if the townsfolk ask about them we can always return them. If relations with the town are not going well we can offer them. I pause for a few extra seconds and take a close look at the man's face, trying to commit it to memory. If he was someone important someone may ask about him. Standing up I wave my hand in front of my face and feel the cold wash over me, my ears tingling slightly now that the illusion is hiding their pointed tips.

"We should catch up to the others."

The battle in the sky raged on for the few minutes that the group took to examine the victims of the wisps ambush, the fireballs replaced by firebolts, and the group could hear the crackling of fire inside the walls, with screams and directions in a language none of them had heard before. Finally, the glowing figure had enough and flied away from the town, going inland, leaving with a final massive lightning strike. Those with sharp eyes could see that the light from the figure was much dimmer than when the White Swan crew had spotted it… that thing could be injured.



As the group was discussing what to do next, a lone, small figure with long hairs peaked her head out of the blasted door and spotted the group, stifling a gasp. Noting that she was spotted she dipped her head behind the wood, peaking again after a few seconds.

Styx saw the girl pop out of the door and knew exactly what he should do.  Keeping himself aware of his surroundings, he put on a big, goofy smile, while making bending down slightly to not appear as large as he actually was, and said, You're safe now.  We may not look like it, but we're the good guys.

Bending down on one knee about 10 feet from the door, he waved for her to come out.  I know it's hard to believe, but I am most definitely the best looking one out of this mangy looking group!  My name is Styx and I'm the leader here. We're here to help in any way we can.  What's your name?

I heard Ersin and Sonny mention something about finding more magical items on one of the guardsmen. Perhaps the weapon would end up being a better fit than the dagger I got from the Priest and can see if Styx would want it. They seem more up his alley than mine, anyway.

Looking toward the town entrance, I see a young girl poke her head out and see us and duck back behind cover. Styx being our appointed leader, started walking toward the girl. I slowly followed about ten feet behind so as to not scare her. I heard Styx say he was the best looking of the group and that did it. I couldn't help but laugh. I continued walking so I was level with Styx, Don't let this one lie to you. He's the mangiest in the group. I am Kalista, but my friends call me Kali. Are you hurt?

I see Styx and Kali trying to convince the young one from out of what was probably her home. They’re having a bit of trouble with it. Seeing as he’s a gigantic Bugbear and she’s red with horns the little one is probably more scared of them then the wisps. I may look like a walking dragon but I have a small advantage. I need to help her leave, staying will keep her in danger. I walk over and put my hand on Kali’s shoulder.

My friends, let me speak with her.

I bend down trying to get to level as much as I can. I use as soft of a voice as I can and I start with a smile.

Hello little one. My name is Torinn and I’m a Dragonborn. Have you seen one of my kind before. We look scary but we are actually very kind. Asuni come over here please.

I wave for her to come over. She looks more human then any of us, it may comfort the young one. She comes over and rests her hand on my shoulder.

This is one of my closest friends her name is Asuni and she is like you. We help protect each other and keep each other safe. We would like to help you as well. We would like you to come with us. We are afraid that if you stay here you might get hurt. If this was your home I’m sorry for what the monsters have done but we won’t let anything happen to you. Please,we are trying to find others like you and help them. We do not know your town and your help would be greatly appreciated. You are very important little one and we need to protect you.

I reach out my hand. Waiting to see if she takes it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Sat 22 Aug 2020.

The girl was visibly fighting between fleeing the weird creatures or listening to her curiosity and stay. The non-threatening tone and smile of Styx kept her rooted in place, until he started to speak. The mask on incomprehension she displayed then was almost comical, and she looked at the tiefling approaching, seemingly fascinated by the woman’s horns. But her speech did little to help the girl understand what the newcomers were saying. She looked behind her, seemingly torn between calling for someone to help or stay there and she had almost decided to call when Torinn came in.

The dragonborn spoke the same common language the inhabitant of Torill were used to, and it was obvious the girl didn’t catch a word of it. She looked at Asuni as the half elf came near, and nervously moved a strand of her hair behind her ear. Torinn then extended his hand towards the young human girl. Looking again behind her, she went back at the hand and then Torinn’s dragonlike features. She took a step forward, revealing that she was about 16 years old, bit her lower lip then spoke, a rapid fire of words that did not sound like any language the party had ever heard. Seeing that her language did not seem understood, she stopped and put her hand on her chest, slowly saying a single word.

Lorelei.

Still looking mostly at Torinn, she coughed and scratched her throat, like trying to prepare it for something. She then haltingly said something in a weird tongue, that seemed like the rumbling of thunder, the roar of fire, power incarnate.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:05, Sat 22 Aug 2020.

She speaks draconic. The words even in my head make little sense. She speaks draconic. I have to hold back a laugh. All this time we have been trying to talk to her in the common tongue and she speaks my first language. Now, lets try this again.

It is very nice to meet you Lorelei. My name is Torinn-ra Orinth-a Barath-ra Erath-thu Selune-tha (The Flower that Blooms Under the Light of the Moon) and I am here to help you. I am a Dragonborn we are beings who share a ancient common blood with dragons, we are humanoids and dragons together. You speak the tongue of my people, I am pleased to hear it, it has been too long. Please come with us, we want to keep you safe. Truth be told we could use a guide in this city. Will you come with us. Please call me Torinn.

I could feel the eyes of the others on me. Draconic can sound harsh to the inexperienced in the language but it can be beautiful when understood. I look back at Kali and Styx.

She speaks Draconic. I can speak to her. Her name is Lorelei and I don’t think she speaks the common tongue. I wonder if everyone here speaks it? Do any of you speak Draconic?

Asuni smiles shyly and says in common.

You know I do speak your tongue, Torinn. Nowhere near your level of course, but it is one of the languages I learned at the temple.

Gripping her robe, she bowed to Lorelei and started to speak in the harsh dialect.

Well met Lorelei, I am Asuni, and my companions are Styx, Kali, Sunny, Ersin and Wind. Torinn already introduced himself. Like Styx told you, we are here to help.

Lorelei had her eyes wide, and she looked at each of the member of the party, Asuni pointing at them as she was naming everyone. Nervously twirling a strand of her long black hairs around her finger, she coughed again, not used to speak in Draconic.

Help. Did….. you…. Destroy bad lights? Killed so many… Elios…. Told us… back… in Lighthaven. Lights not follow, kept us….. in … for… bad light man…  to kill us.

She looked at the sky, much more quiet now that the glowing humanoid was gone, although the crackling of fire and screams were still audible from the town.

If come help… come see Elios… he knows…. Need help.

It's been a long time since I heard anyone speak Draconic. Krailgrik used it occasionally, but he never had the time to teach me. Pity, it'd be nice to not have to rely on an interpreter. I'm reasonably confident Big Blue would translate accurately but Asuni; she likes to play games and now she shows another unexpected, convenient talent. I'm going to have to make the time for that conversation.

Great, now everyone was speaking in a language that sounded like growling while banging pots and pans.

Torinn, can you please ask the young lady if she knows who these beings are, why they are here and attacking this town?  It would be good to get an idea of who our enemy actually is, before we tread much further.

I listen to her words and try to decider their meaning. Elios must be a leader of some type and they care here from a place called Lighthaven. The wisps followed, send from a Bad Light Man as she calls him. I listen and translate as best I can into the common tongue. I never take my eyes off her, listening intently.

Yes, we destroyed the bad lights. We would very much like you to take us to see Elios. I would like to meet him. We will follow you.

I turn to Styx, Kali and Asuni.

As far as I can tell their leader is named Elios, they came here from a place called Lighthaven. They didn’t expect the wisps to follow but they were sent by a Bad Light Man, as she calls him. She wants us to follow her to meet Elios. He may have the answers we seek. I think we should go.

I look to Styx since he’s leading this expedition. Although, I think I know what he’ll decide. I turn back to Lorelei and smile.

While this seems all a little too convenient, and most likely a trap, let's push ahead, as we have nothing else to go on.  Everyone, keep your guard up and eyes open.  I have a feeling this is far from over.

Torinn translated the latest question Styx had about enemies and Lorelei had the universal “I don’t know” gesture of raising her shoulders. She then repeated that Elios might know what is happening, and invited the group to follow her. Styx nodded his head, asked Wind to get out of his transformation and the eclectic troop was brought through the battle scarred town, the girl asking her way a few times, to a building that was obviously an inn transformed into an impromptu command center. Inside, the group attracted attention, as the entirely human contingent looked on as they entered, before Lorelei started talking, in her rapid fire way, so different than her halting way of speaking draconic. One by one, the women and men in the room looked towards one serious looking man, obviously a veteran warrior, wearing an half plate armor that had seen better days, but that was well maintained. He was standing behind a table with some papers on it, and the way to him seemed to magically open, as the others in the room moved aside. Walking to him, Lorelei spoke to him for a couple of minutes, the man asking some questions to her, while never removing his gaze from the bugbear and his group.




Lorelei eventually translated that Elios said he was glad the wisps had been dealt with and accepted the help the party was offering, a lot of the militia injured fighting the floating humanoid. There was a lot to do, and he assigned them to accompany a small cadre of workers going to the west of town. As Lorelei beaconed the group to follow here, she was accosted by a woman that looked a lot like her, dressed in leather armor, the quiver at her hip empty, and they embraced. Turning to the group, she started to speak quickly, then remembered the language barrier and simply said in draconic that the woman was her mom , named Lorraine, and that she would be accompanying them.




Over the next few hours, they worked as an rescue unit in the western part of the town, Lorelei following them as translator. Styx and Wind took to climbing buildings to help out trapped villagers, some freaking out to be rescued by the hairy duo, until Lorelei was able to calm them down. Torinn and Kali used their great strength, helped by Sunny making the loads lighter, to open jammed doors and move heavy debris out of the way. Ersin and Asuni set up a little triage and first aid station in a neighborhood market square, the acolyte using her new Selune given powers to stabilize severely wounded locals.  Finally, they had pretty much everyone they could recue in the sector assembled, and with the help of those that could move by themselves and the other workers, they brought the citizens to the town main temple.



A massive structure of stone, the building had suffered some damage from the lightning attacks, but was still structurally sound and was being transformed into a make shift hospital. Priests and priestesses were moving around the wounded, administering potions and applying bandages. This is where the party reunited with Captain Mattegan and the survivors of the assault against the glowing humanoid. The half elf explained that after the menace had fled from Sandron’s magic and the groups arrows and wands, they also found someone who could speak Draconic and managed to communicate their intentions and helped in the dock area.

As the group’s wounded were taken in by the priests, the stress of the trials at sea, the fight and recues started to really take it’s toll and they asked Lorelei where they could get some rest. She happily pointed towards the biggest inn on town, using her halting Draconic to tell the group that they could rest there when suddenly a young priest came to talk to her. After a small moment, she turned to Torinn, wide eyed.

Black Fang …. wants to …. see you all. That is great …..honor!

Asuni frowned and said something in draconic, before getting an answer from the young girl, then she turned to the group

Lorelei is really excited about this. Someone named Black Fang want to see us, she says it's a great honor to get to meet him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:36, Wed 26 Aug 2020.

Black Fang, that's not ominous. Better see what they want rather than irritate them this soon in our relationship.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Wed 26 Aug 2020.

I was a little surprised to see this many people still alive after all the carnage witnessed right outside the front gates.  I'd have to remind myself to let them know, if they didn't already, about the all the bodies out front.  Maybe they already knew.  Wasn't looking forward to being the bringer of bad news, but luckily Torinn was doing all the talking at the moment.

Walking through the chaos, seeing the sick and dying, those that were hoping to be healed, and the dour looks on the faces, I knew this was far from over.  We've stepped in some dragon-sized shit and we were now in the thick of it.  It was nerve-wracking, the scale of the fighting, the amount of people hurt and my inability to really help them; it put a perspective at just how insignificant each of us were and that we can only hope to do the best we can, but I really hoped that Selune would see in me what the high priestess did, and would just grant me the powers to help others already.  I mean what was she waiting for?  These people needed more...more than we...than I could give.

We tried though.  Wind and I hitting the rooftops, helping people that had become trapped up here.  Most of the people we helped were scared shitless until they saw that we were there to help them; well, all but one.  There was a younger girl, maybe no older than 6, who must have been on the rooftop with her father or an older brother during the attack, and she seemed more fascinated by Wind and I, then scared, though she was tentative when we got close to remove some of the rubble holding her down.  She kept trying to talk to me and I did my best to mimic her enthusiasm, though my words fell flat with the language barrier.

Reaching into my backpack, I pulled out one of the mini stuffed doll versions of me that I used to give out to the kids back home, to let them know I was watching over them and keeping them safe.  I only had a couple left with me, saving them for special occasions, and what could be better than trying to build a bridge using a universal means of communication...laughter.  Her eyes beamed when she saw the doll with the goofy look on the hugbear's face, and it made her giggle with glee.  After removing the final piece of the rubble from her leg and setting her free, she gave me a big hug, much to the chagrin of her family who were too nervous to move closer to pull her from me.  I smiled and waved as she left.

Later, when Wind and I made it back to the church, it was nice to see that the Captain made it back safe and sound.  I was a little relieved, wondering to myself if this meant my time as leader was complete, but until he said anything to me, I would continue with the orders received.

Lorelei had approached us and said we were to meet with someone of importance, known as the Black Fang.  I turned to Torinn.

Torinn, while we couldn't refuse an offer to meet with this Black Fang, given his obvious importance, maybe just ask who is he is and what he means to their people, so maybe we can show the proper respect given his station when we meet him.  We're moving quickly through here and not gaining much knowledge in the process.  After this Black Fang, I think we should rest and figure out what is going on here and what our next steps are in helping these people.

With my inability to talk to anyone and get a reply that I was able to understand, I was grateful for something to do that did not require it. Whatever the lightning creature was, it caused a lot of destruction. With some help from Sonny to lighten some of the bigger loads, Torinn and I cleared most of the rubble from doorways and in the streets. After a few hours of this, I was starting to sweat and was definitely glad for the break when we reached the temple.

I'm not scared of someone named Black Fang. Let's go.

I whispered in Ersin's ear, I don't suppose you and Sonny figured out what those things you found do? I'd like to be prepared if this meeting goes badly.

After we worked to clear the rubble and the battle with the wisps I am tired. I hear talk of a rest and it sounds a bit like heaven. Before we get further down that road though Lorelei comes to us, strait to me and speakers in her halting Draconic. It still sounds sweet to ears that don’t hear it enough. That someone named Black Fang would like to speak to us. I confirm Asuni’s translation.

Asuni’s right, Lorelei says Black Fang wants to speak to us and it is a great honor.

Styx wants to know more and Kali states she’s not afraid of them. Her enthusiasm is infectious, gives me strength, she has to be exhausted too. I turn to Lorelei and speak in my native language.

I am honored by this request to speak to us. If I may ask, who is Black Fang? Is he a higher leader then your father? I’m interested to know more about Black Fang.

In reply to Kali (msg # 93):

When did she think we did that; Sunny and I were working in different parts of town!"We haven't had the time. If things go that badly we're fucked and a couple of trinkets won't make a difference." I whisper back. "Besides, it's not a good idea to show up to a meeting using items we stole from them."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

Lorelei nodded her head when Torinn asked who was Black Fang and smiled.

Black Fang is….. elder… very wise. I like him. Last…. spoke to him…. Many … months ago.

And she started to walk, almost bound, towards the temple, her own tiredness evaporated after that bit of news.

Asuni again took the translator job, clutching her robe.

She says he’s some kind of wise elder and that she likes him. I assume she saw him more than once, the last time a few months ago.

She stifled a yawn and looked at Styx for his decision as Wind came in, scratched his head and stretched, his arms seemingly ready to pop out of their sockets.

I’m curious do see where this will bring us, Moonbeam, shall we go? After that we can rest, I’m tired!

Aye, we will go Wind. I'm tired too friend.

Everyone, this is obviously someone important to them, so please, let's all remember our manners.  I know we are all sore and in need of rest, but we can't afford to make any new enemies this night.

You are probably right, Ersin. However, their families may allow us to have them since we helped save the town. We just need to know what they do in order to gauge their usefulness. Once this meeting is over, we can discuss this in more depth.

I turned and followed Lorelei toward the temple.

Language barriers were one of the hardest things to deal with for the inexperienced but something Sunny was quite comfortable with honestly. Like Styx he did his best to make light of the situation regardless of the troubling things they saw. The sheer destruction this one being apparently wrought alone was a terrifying thing to consider. He helped as best he could making things lighter of course was one way but he also put his back into things as well. Stronger than your average wizard he set to helping folks with as much gusto as the others.

The rescue and aid efforts had taken all of his time and attention so much so he hadn't even thought about the magic items he had pointed out to Ersin what seemed like ages ago now. At least not until Kali had brought them up. It was something he would try to remember as given time he would be able to identify what sort of properties they had if they even kept them. Perhaps as further sign of good faith they would be a good thing to return. Maybe they could even learn who the closest relative of that particular guard was so they could return what may be family heirlooms. It was so smart and selfless of Ersin to think ahead and grab them.

"I wouldn't say stole, I think they would be good to present to the family of the guard as they obviously had some importance for the man..."

His mind started to drift and for the first time since they had really got to know him, Sunny's gaze sort of went out of focus perhaps it was because he was so tired. Or maybe he was just thinking. It had been quite something to hear the Draconic tongue spoken here and just as interesting to hear another language entirely. It was something Sunny did his absolute best to try and listen too. He had never been one for linguistics, that was more his sister's field, but he would like to learn what he could so they didn't have to be completely reliant on a broken translations. Maybe that elusive ship's wizard knew something about understanding new languages. It was something Sunny's father had noted in his tome as a possibility but never went further into detail. On the note of his father's tome, after all this work with gravity in this new place he was beginning to have some thoughts of his own about new ways of using that. He'd have to study up on the things that had always seemed a little to complex before. Having experienced it himself he was thinking that he might be able to learn a few new tricks from his father's old writings. Of course that would have to wait until they had time to rest but first there was this Black Fang fellow they needed to meet.

His eyes sort of refocused back in the moment and he stretched his arms and his neck. He checked on Wesley who was soundly sleeping and clicked his tongue against his cheek.

"Little fellow hasn't done anything but sleep since we got here. I wonder if it has to do with the celestial bodies. I bet this has messed with all our internal clocks. May contribute to why we are so tired. Aside from the obvious... A rest would be nice, but I don't think we should keep someone this important waiting any longer eh?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:20, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

The young girl kept almost bouncing towards the temple, everybody noticing the reworked façade, with six symbols : the white winged ankh, the black winged sword, the open book, the scale, the tree and the stylized cross, the same Lorelei was wearing on her simple necklace. But the temple visit was not for today, as she bifurcated to a side building, greeting a passing priest, that apparently said something funny, as she started giggling, the older man frowning in return, before making a huge effort not to stare at the group. Looking back, Lorelei made sure everyone was still following and entered the building, picked a lantern waiting on a table and lit it. She smiled  and opened the only door in the room.

Inside was the entrance to a large tunnel going down. It was well maintained with a cobblestone floor and regularly spaced wooden beams securing the excavation. There was  a kind of natural luminescence giving everything a greenish glow to those having more sensitives eyes, but Lorelei was still holding her lantern high, the phosphorescence  not enough for her human eyes. After what seemed like 300 meters the tunnel stopped going down and leveled off, continuing in the murky darkness. The girl did not seemed phased at all by it and continue walking, humming a little happy song. Suddenly, out in the distance, her song seemed to be answered, a low rumbling that was in tune with the improvisation. Lorelei clapped her hands excitedly, almost dropping her lantern in the process and continued her song, still being answered by the rumbling.

After another 500 meters, the tunnel suddenly widened into a vast cavern, the feeble light of the lantern not enough to reach either walls or ceiling. The green luminescence was brighter here though, reveling a huge shape lying prone on the floor, the immense head bobbing in tune with the music from the girl.






Ah, little one, so good of you to bring me snacks… oups, I mean guests! Greetings, I am Black Fang.

Something amazing occurred as everybody understood him, in his own native tongue!

The huge beast smiled, as a rumbling was felt through the floor of the cavern. It was laughing!
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:44, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

At the time, I could have sworn that the last thing I wanted this night, was for a walk down a long, dark tunnel.  However, I was mistaken.  The last thing I wanted this night was to meet a dragon.  I was tired, hungry, and even I had a hard time keeping up my positive demeanor with all I'd seen above.  Rest would clear my mind of it, but now, in my frustrated and cranky state, I must speak with a dragon and hope to not be eaten.

The Dragon was magnificent, for sure.  At any other time, I would have probably been struck in awe, but upon seeing him, my anger grew.  All those people up there, hurt, dying, or dead from the attack on the city, and here is this obviously powerful being, just..making..jokes.  I don't know what his excuse is, but unless he was bound here by some magic and physically unable to help these people, he's already lost my respect, though I wasn't stupid enough to show it...well, we'll see.

As I walked up to the Dragon, I noticed Kali was standing close to the door.  I have to say, that surprised me.  I guess there's a time when everyone's survival instincts kick in.  Maybe I was just too tired to care or too stupid to heed their warning.

Good evening Black Fang.  My name is Styx and we are part of the crew under Captain Mattegan of The White Swan.  It's been quite a day for us, so please forgive me if my manners are not at their best.

First we were transported through some sort of portal to this unknown land, then we came across your city under siege and have done as much as we've could to help the people here in any way we could.  We are hungry, tired, and wounded, and could have really used your help out there.

Oh my, I am so sorry, where are my manners? Lorelei, would you please be a dear and show your friends to the guest area? You can rest and eat there. Oh and please don't worry, I won't eat you. I haven't eaten a sentient being in over 800 years, and that one deserved it, dreadful fellow he was. It was just a little joke, I know my appearance can be frightening.


Of course, wise one! Follow me!


The group got another surprise as they could understand the young girl, that almost ran down a ramp to the floor level, veered towards the dragon and went to hug one of his claws. Black Fang chuckled and looked at the still hesitating group.


You don't need to hug me, Lorelei is such a spirited child. Run along now!


Giggling, Lorelei went to the side of the cavern and entered a smaller but still spacious room filled with cushions, cupboards installed on the walls containing all sorts of food stuff. Lorelei busied herself to light up lamps installed on the wall, creating an inviting glow, before starting a small fire to boil water for tea.

Not waiting to see if the group would follow the girl to to the guest area,Black Fang rested his head on his fore paws and sighted.

The answer to your question is complicated, Styx. I felt each and every one of those deaths in my heart, these humans are like my children. But I could not intervene, the Overgod would not allow it.

Please eat and rest, I am  truly grateful for your help up there. I promise we will talk more after.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

As we were walking down the tunnel, I noticed the closer we got to the bottom, the more I was able to see a greenish hue in the air. While it seemed to be the natural state of the light here, it still felt ominous to me. Once we reached the bottom of the tunnel, Lorelei started singing an odd song, seemingly growing in her excitement. Overly cheerful people were strange to me, and being this cheerful in the dark, being far enough below the surface that if the tunnel were to collapse, there would be no getting out was even more strange. I wasn't picking up on something, however, I was at a loss for what it was. I didn't have long to wait though, as we walked through the now leveled tunnel, a rumbling could be heard in response to her song. It seemed to grow louder the farther we walked until suddenly we emerged into an immense cavern.

The greenish hue was brighter here and it revealed Black Fang, the reason for my unease now apparent. I may have stated on the surface that I was not afraid of Black Fang, but that was before he was revealed to be a huge dragon. We had barely entered his sight when he greeted Lorelei, thanking her for bringing him snacks, before quickly changing his wording to guests. While he seemed to be joking, it was hard to tell how much of it was an act. This creature was much larger and more powerful than I and it wouldn't take much effort for him to swallow me whole.

If the rest of the group wished to venture closer to him that was their prerogative, however, I stayed by the door to the tunnel ready to flee at a moment's notice should it come to it. I studied the creature from my vantage point, hoping for more insight on whether he was good or if we really were to be a snack.

Almost as if he knew what I was thinking, he continued on about how his appearance is frightening, but he was not going to eat us. I could tell from his mannerisms that he was indeed being sincere but he was still a dragon and it was good to be leary. Lorelei called to follow her to a separate room where we would be able to rest and eat. At just the mere mention of food, almost as if on cue, my stomach made an audible growl. When was the last time I had eaten? Long enough ago that now I could feel the pangs of hunger. I hoped Black Fang was far enough away, he had not heard, but I doubt I would have that much luck. I started to move forward toward Lorelei making sure to give Black Fang a wide berth. I did not yet trust this dragon, no matter how good he claimed to be. Black Dragons back home had low intelligence and were the very definition of evil. He would need to do more to reassure me he meant me no harm. After I had eaten of course.

History: 14 (1d20+1)
Insight: 23 (1d20+3)

Black Fang is a black dragon; a large black dragon. Not the most creative name but appropriate. I'm sure that's not his actual name but if that's what he wants to be called then so be it. Wow, I always wanted to meet a dragon though I was hoping for a metallic one rather than a chromatic. But this one's not acting like the black dragons I've read about, nor would I expect to find one in this environment. Is that because this is a different world or is this an unusual dragon? Or is he just fucking with us? I can't see an elder black dragon being interested in befriending a young human woman but I can't get a read on him.

Unsurprisingly Esa, finds the huge creature fascinating and has trotted forward and is sniffing at the dragon's folded fore paws and poking at them with her own.

I watch as Lorelei moves about the room getting out foodstuffs and putting a kettle over the fire for tea. This is a very different girl than the one who met us at the gates, gone is the timid, frightened youth replaced with a happy, affectionate one. I'm not sure what that means considering the day she's had. How many people she knew died during the attack? Did her house survive or was it badly damaged? And yet here she is bouncing and giggling. Could the dragon be influencing her somehow? Or is life so hard here that today wasn't the shock I expected? I'll have to pay more attention to the townsfolk, I may not be able to understand what they're saying but there are other ways to communicate.

Other ways to communicate. I take off my backpack and dig around until I find a piece of chalk. I move to a clear space on the wall and scrawl out a quick sentence in each of the languages I know. Well since we seem to understand each other now, at least in here, I might as well test this.

"Lorelei, would you come here for a moment." I call to her quietly and she looks up from the kettle and makes here way over to me. "Can you read this?"

She looks at at for a moment but shakes her head. "No." She reaches out to touch the middle line of text, running her fingers softly over the graceful loops of the words. "This is pretty, what is it?"

"That's elvish, my mother taught me when I was very young."

She stays a few seconds more staring at the lines of text before giving me a large smile and bouncing back to the kettle. I'm not sure if I envy or pity her mother.

I sit down quietly towards the back of the room and look over my companions as they settle into the room. They're all tired and some feelings are slipping passed their normal facades. Kali is obviously frightened of the dragon in the next room, I can't blame her for that, but is concentrating on the food right now. Styx is obviously upset by what he saw today and is getting a bit snappish. Asuni seems bothered by our earlier conversation, she keeps looking away rather than meeting my eyes. That's right, I see you.

"If you're done eating there's more we must do tonight." Esa's voice  catches me off-guard for a moment and I look to the other room to see her lounging on Black Fang's snout, fore paws tucked under her chest, one rear leg dangling off the side near his canines, and her tail gently swishing through the air.

"What did you have in mind?"

"You'll see. Follow." And with that she hopped down and started back up the tunnel towards town.

Well that's that I suppose. Better not keep her waiting. I pick up my bag and move over to where Sunny sits at the table, Kali's eyes seeming to lock on to me as I move toward him. I dig through my bag and remove the items we had salvaged earlier, careful to hide them from Lorelei with my body. "You found these so I'm giving them back to you. Do with them as you please."

And with that I pick up my gear and head to the other room and towards the tunnel, bowing low to the dragon in passing. As I round the corner into the tunnel I see Esa ahead, her tail beginning to lash back and forth; she really needs to learn some patience. Once we exit the tunnel she leaves the building and lead me towards one of the worst damaged areas near the docks. Most of the townsfolk have abandoned this part of town and have found somewhere to rest over night but I can see a few people still picking through the damaged buildings.

Esa leads me into the ruins of a small shop, a block away from the waterfront, that seems to have taken a direct blast from Mr. Glow Globe. The front of the shop is badly burned and has partially collapsed but it looks like the fire brigade was able to stop it before the fire got to the rest of it. Unfortunately, it looks like the shop owner didn't make it out and I have to step over a pair of legs sticking out of the rubble as I continue to the back of the shop.

Esa sniffs at several bundles of dried herbs hanging on the wall and points vaguely with one of her fore paws, "We need this."

I shrug and go to pick up the bundle of herbs but feel a sharp tingle flash across my arm as Esa swipes at me with her claws. "Not that one! That one." She scolds me before pointing more carefully at the next bundle over. "Pay attention."

Wow, this is very important to her. She guides me around the store pointing at a number of other herbs and incense before coming to a small, portable brass brazier beneath the counter. I wonder if this was the owners? I put all of the items in my bag and we move back towards the front of the shop but she stops at the collapsed entry way and points at the burnt rubble. "We need charcoal too. Three small pieces will do." As I reach in to pull out some pieces she continues, "Ones with blood on them are better."

Well that's great, sorry buddy and I pull out a piece that had been embedded in her torso when the front of the building fell on her.

With that done we continue along the street before Esa turns down an alley and perches on top of a small pile of rubble. "Under here, carefully."

"As you wish my dear." I kneel down and begin carefully moving  the rubble to the side. After a few minutes my fingers rub against wet, matted fur. Oh no. I finish excavating the pile and find the body of a small stripped cat, its body burned in places and part of its chest caved in. It must have been trapped under here unable to breathe and suffocated. I gently cradle the small creature to my chest and stroke its fur, tears filling my eyes. Judging by how thin it looks and the condition of its fur it was probably a stray; it looks barely over a year old. I really hope I'll get to take a shot at that glowing bastard next time.

"Bring it. We have everything we need."

I know she has never understood my feeling towards cats but rarely is she this cold. She's really focused right now.

She leads me into one of the destroyed building and we find a cleared area on the ground floor. "This will do. Come, this will take some time."

Following her guidance I lay the body of the young queen down next to the brazier and using the blood covered charcoal draw a small circle surrounding it. She coaches me through the strange words and symbols that I draw at the cardinal points and the inside of the circle. As we continue, she speak less and less and yet I understand what is it she wants me to do and my body seems to move on its without conscience direction from my mind. I insert the rest of the charcoal into the brazier and light it watching as the smoke begins to rise. As it does I draw a small knife and carefully cut my thumb before rubbing the welling the blood onto the runes at the cardinal points and on each of the small bundles of herbs and incense before carefully tossing them into the brazier causing the smoke to change from dull grey to dark teal green. I hold my injured hand over the brazier and allow three drops of blood to drip down onto the burning herbs and incense and the volume of the smoke expanded rapidly. I lean over the brazier and breathe deep of the smoke and hold it in my lungs before moving to  hover over the corpse of the young queen, bring my mouth level with it, pry open its mouth, and breathe the smoke into its lungs.

I kneel back to watch as the body twitches and begins to thrash lightly on the ground. The wounds on the body fade away, and its chest reinflates and the creature begins to breath again. Slowly its shape and colour begin to change, its fur shifting to a bright turquoise with a darker back and stripes, its ears growing small tufts like that of a lynx, and its front paws lengthening into fingers. Esa had been perched on my shoulder during this whole process, leaps down and lays on top of the cat for a moment they occupy the same space before she fades from sight. A moment later the cat's eyes snap open and a familiar gaze meets mine.

Shakily, she stands up and turns to sit facing me holding up one paw in front of her before carefully drawing a claw across it leaving a small, bleeding cut and holding it out to me palm held vertically. Using my knife I carefully cut my own palm and reach out to touch her palm-to-palm. Cold rushes up my arm and a brief, intense pain fills my head before a familiar voice fills both my head and my ears.

"Hello Little One."

The small cat then stands up and jumps into my arms purring softly before falling asleep. I re-arrange my bag so that there was some clothing she should use for bedding at the top and gently place her inside. This will be quite an adjustment.

"It'll be easier next time." I relax as a familiar weight settles on my shoulder. "A small part of me resides within that form and can be restored if needed. But don't worry I will always be with you but this will allow me to interact with the world myself."

I stroke the small form in the bag with wonder. "I think it's time to return to the others. I don't want them to worry. Besides its getting late and I should turn in." And with that I put the straps over my shoulder, stand up, and start back towards the tunnel. "I wonder what Sunny did with those items?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Sat 29 Aug 2020.

A dragon, an honest to goodness dragon. Sunny had never seen one before. Honestly he had always hoped he would get to see one. Even just a glimpse of such a magnificent creature flying miles above his head was a thing he had hoped for. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined actually being directly in the presence of one. It was awe inspiring and terrifying in one. Black Fang, as he apparently desired to be called by his "children" seemed pleasant enough. Despite his awesome size and presence Sunny soon found comfort and reassurance in the dragon's words. Maybe he was just a little starstruck. I mean, a dragon! This was quite a day. His thoughts drifted back over the events that led to them being here and he sobered up a little bit. From being shocked at being in Black Fangs great presence so suddenly to being a little frightened at the prospect of being a snack to unsure of what he should do. It was quite a roller coaster of emotions that had flooded over him so quickly but he was just as quickly back to smiling. He even laughed when Black Fang joked about the disposition of the last person he ate so long ago.

And he had food and a place to rest! Well, Sunny wasn't a tortle that refused hospitality. Much like a sudden and unexpected adventure on a ship, he was more prone to saying Yes to the opportunities in front of him and going with it. He wanted to learn more about this dragon and this place and well everything but first some food. And maybe a nap. No the nap should wait. He should learn everything he could while he could.

While the tortle was eating, Ersin returned to him the items they had salvaged outside of the town from the... Well they had rescued these items and it might be smart to know what it was they were capable of. Kali particularly seemed intrigued by them. Well time to get down to it then.

Finishing his food, Sunny cleaned up, set aside everything but his tome and one of several exquisite pearls he had tucked away in his component pouch alongside quite a bit of individual small packets of gold dust. With tome and pearl he sat down and began to examine the items one by one. Having placed himself in a corner of the guest quarters provided with his large shelled back turned to everyone the exact process of how he examined and identified these things was lost from sight unless someone became extremely curious and peaked around him. He wouldn't be disturbed by such an action. Mostly it consisted of a measurement of the weight of each item both physically and a sort of metaphysical aspect that wasn't obvious to the naked eye. Having a relatively known variable as the pearl from his childhood helped the process immensely, not to mention the many existing notes his father had scribbled into many portions of the tome. There was a lot of muttering and writing in his tome involved as various properties became known to him and over the course of a half hour or so he seemed to be wrapping things up.

"Well these are interesting, in that they all are magical and simple enchantments meant to help improve ones protective abilities. Minor things really, the bracers being of the most difficult to create. We could still return these to the nearest kin of the guard they were on of course if that would be desired. Essentially this amulet can keep one healthy and disease free. I can think of a few of our crew that could benefit from something like this during shore leave." He smirked a little. "The sword is simply more keen and magically imbued to deal a stronger blow. It might even be able to strike things like the Fagui we encountered. He may have been the only effective weapon against them. Its a shame he fell. I'd reckon he took a few with him. The bracers though are quite something. I'd imagine wearing these would provide a certain defensive protection to whoever wielded them." His rambling musings coming to an end he looked around at whoever was listening. "So, shall we offer them back to the town and try and find his family?"

Black Fang is a dragon...a Dragon! I’m not sure how I feel about this new situation. He is large, ancient and powerful so we must tread lightly. I have been told many stories in my past about dragons, both good and bad. He is a black dragon, usual the markings of an evil one but Lorelei is very devoted. Most humans would not show such devotion to an evil master. I would very much like to ponder these questions more but rest is what I need and this gift Black Fang has provided so I shall take him up on this.

Both wary and weary, the group finally accepted the dragon’s invitation and he respected their privacy during the hours the group rested. Asuni ate and prayed until she fell asleep, exhausted. Wind found a ledge about three quarters up to the ceiling and perched himself there, long limbs and striped tail falling down. Lorelei, with the energy of a teenager tried to resist sleep for a long time, fascinated by the elvish script, and had the time to see Ersin leave the dragon’s cave. The half elf later found the teen snuggled against the dragon when he came back with his new familiar, noticing the beast’s red eye opening at his passage.

Nice cat.

Finding a spot in the spacious cave, exhausted too, the warlock simply crashed down and fell asleep quickly, his cat rolled up near his face.

The resting conditions were better than what they had known for the last few weeks and the much needed sleep was restful. But as the group approached their waking time, they started dreaming and all could see themselves as a human, looking at the stars in that weird eyes constellation, watching them, judging them. They sensed approval and calm, bringing happiness, until a dark shadow passed  over them, hiding the eyes from view and ripping several glowing colors from the land, swallowing them whole. The darkness dissipated and the eyes were no longer approving, but sad and disappointed.

Ersin was the first up,. Kali and Styx started stirring not long after, then Wind yawed, stretched and creeped down his perch to grab a loaf of bread and some cheese, before returning to his chosen bed and munching on his loot. He then looked at the awakened party members, thoughtful.

Good morning… I guess. I did sleep well, how was your night? I dreamt of those eyes in the sky, it was weird how they looked happy then sad. How could stars have an expression? I don’t get it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:30, Sat 29 Aug 2020.

I awake to the familiar darkness of my sleeping hood and proceed with my morning ritual, feeling the cold ripple over my body and the expected tightness in my skin. Sitting up I remove the hood and gloves and examine my features in a small mirror: dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a tanned complexion. That should do nicely; though the rounded ears and smaller eyes will take some getting used to.

What a strange dream, I will have to think about that for awhile; provided I can even remember it ten minutes from now.

I gently pull my bag over and look at the make shift bed inside; it's empty. I look around quickly, the others are still sleeping and there is no sign of Esa's new body.

"Easy Little One, all is well. Sit back and close your eyes." I do as instructed and flinch as a tearing jolt rips through my mind and I find myself slowly creeping across the floor towards Kali's sleeping back, my eyes focused on her tail as it twitches back and forth under her blanket. No these aren't my eyes. I can feel the muscles bunching under me as I ready to pounce. Without a sound, I leap, sailing through the distance separating me from my prey and land on the twitching tail, grasping it with my front paws and biting down on the spade-like tip.

Kali awakes with a cry of surprise and I am bolting across the room and leaping up to land on top of the cupboard in the back left corner before turning back to watch the room. I flinch as I feel another jolt, gentler than the first, and I am once again looking at the back of my eyelids. I open my eyes and look towards the back cupboard but I can't see anything there. For a just a second I see Esa crouching on top of the cupboard looking far to happy with herself before she shimmers and disappears from view.

This has possibilities.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Sat 29 Aug 2020.

I cried out as I was awoken from an odd dream of those eyes in the stars by a sharp pain in my tail. I bolted out of the blankets, grabbing the end of my tail in the process, and saw teeth marks. From their size, they appeared to be from a cat, one smaller than Wind. I looked around the room while rubbing the marks, trying to get the stinging sensation to go away. My eyes lingered on the back cupboard thinking I had seen something there for a second, but nothing appeared the longer I looked at it.

Seeing that most of my companions were also awake, I ventured to ask them about the cat, hoping I would get lucky. Has anyone seen a cat? And no, I don't mean Wind. It bit me and it needs to learn I bite back.

Nature: 16 (1d20+1)
Perception: 7 (1d20+5)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Sat 29 Aug 2020.

I heard someone stirring awake, Ersin from the sounds of it, given that it as coming from the direction where he was sleeping, but I was way too tired to get up just yet.  Rolling over, I decided to relax and take the time to think about the questions I was going to ask Black Fang.  I already had a lot of them on my mind, but I knew once we started asking, they would start spiraling out of control even more so.  More about the world, the overgod, why he couldn't help those he protected, who was attacking the town and why, what were those eyes in the sky, why were we transported here and were there others, is this something that has happened before, my strange dream last night, where are we located in the grand schemes of this world, what are some of the general things we need to know about this world, what should we expect, what may be different from our world, dangers that we may not be aware of.

My head was already spinning, knowing each answer would likely bring more and more questions.  I pondered this for some time, until I heard Kali nearly jump out of bed, saying that a cat bit her and then Wind talking about what sounded like the same dream he had last night as well.  With everyone getting up, I felt it was finally time as a leader to get my tired ass out of bed and get things rolling.  I already knew this was going to be a terribly long day.

Kali you said a cat bit you?  I didn't see anything.  Ersin, I heard you stirring earlier.  Did you see anything?  We should ask the dragon, as being in a strange world, what if it wasn't a cat and was some strange poisonous rat living down here or something.  We shouldn't leave this be.  We shouldn't just let this go to the wayside.  Let me take a quick look and make sure it's nothing too serious Kali.

I carefully and gently picked up and examined the piercing bite marks in Kali's tail, looking to make sure she was okay with it first and not wanting to aggravate the wound in any way, though I didn't see any remnants of a venom or any secretions of something that could become a problem later down the road.

Kali, the wound looks clean to me, but honestly the light isn't great in here and I don't want to aggravate the wound.  I think you should have it looked at when we are back at the church, just to make sure it's not something you need to worry about.  Better safe than sorry.

Medicine check: 8 on Kali's tail.

"Oh it was definitely a large, poisonous rat; fortunately, it didn't break the skin. Kali was very lucky."

I stand up and stretch. "Well I'm going to go outside for a while. Come get me if you find out anything interesting.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

I knew from the bite marks it wasn't a rat. Whatever Ersin was trying to cover up, I would find out eventually. In the meantime, I grabbed the items from the guard and took them out into the main cavern where Black Fang was.

Alright, Kali, you're not scared of some big dragon. You're strong, you're fierce, you ARE a force to be reckoned with. Go get what you seek.

After giving myself a little pep talk, I took a deep breath and started walking over to Black Fang, the items from the guardsman in my arms. About halfway to where he was, my arms were shaking so badly I dropped the items from the guard. I clumsily bent down and picked them up, repositioning them so they were less likely to fall. I had to reassure myself a few more times that I did not need to fear him before I was able to move my legs again. Once I was close enough to him that he would be able to see the items I carried, I posed my question, speaking so quickly it was hard to understand what exactly I was saying. Black Fang, I have some things here from one of the fallen guards of the town. I know not who he was or if he had any family. My companions seem to think it necessary that we find them and return these things to them. So, can you help me with this? Once I had finished, my breathing was so quick, it almost sounded as though I was hyperventilating. Remembering exercises the Captain from my post back home made us do, while I waited for Black Fang to respond, I was able to slow my breathing.

Wisdom save: 6 (1d20+3)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Sat 29 Aug 2020.

Before Ersin and Kali leave the room, Styx speaks up:

Listen Ersin, you can't bullshit a bullshitter.  I am aware that you know what bit Kali, so fess up and we can move on from here.

Insight check: 24 (Crit)

"Very well Styx, I didn't see a large, poisonous rat. I was trying to be supportive. I didn't see what bit her. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to try and get the lay of the land so we can start planning our next move."

I didn't ask you if you saw what bit her, I said I know that you know what bit her.  Kali's life could be in danger.  This isn't the time for games. What bit Kali?

It had been a strange thing on the ship to see a tortle climb hanging in a hammock whenever Sunny had taken a turn in one to get his sleep but stranger still was seeing him actually fall asleep surrounded by cushions. Having thrown a blanket over his shell and then proceeding to pull all of his extremities inside of it he almost looked like one more cushion in the pile. It wasn't often that he pulled days as long as this one and it was immediately noticeable that he was going to sleep like a hibernating polar bear in a snow storm when the extra large cushion amongst the other cushions began to emit a sort of snoring sound. Luckily it cut out shortly after he truly fell deep into sleep and didn't reemerge until he came toward the end of his rest. Something must have been disturbing his sleep as he smacked his reptilian beak a few times in his shell.

Having spent the better part of 15 hours studying the stars, and recording them, it came as no surprise to him when he dreamt of those very same stars. What did seem strange was how those stars that had been inanimate in waking seemed to change in a manner that evoked emotional states of being in this dream. Stranger still was looking down at his own body he found himself to be... fleshy... and naked, well without his shell at least. Never once in all his life had he dreamt of being anyone other than himself. But even this was somehow himself just different? Perhaps. Strange how even in dreams he would analyze the world around him.

As the others woke and interacted with each other, even argued with each other... a sudden yawn echoed out from the large cushion that was truly just Sunny in disguise through true attempt or pure accident. If someone had decided to climb over or beside him or even stand on him at some point in the night he probably wouldn't have noticed, that's how sleepy he had been. How nice that they had had such an opportunity to rest peacefully and safely after such a day. Such a Day! They were still in the den of the dragon! At least Sunny hoped that hadn't all been part of the dream. Slowly the shell moved and the blanket rolled off and a head began to emerge. A little blue lizard head followed by the rest of the little familiar Wesley. The little lizard popped out of one part of the shell then disappeared into another with his mouth wide open again. "Youch! Wesley! I was just about up anyway..."

Sunny emerged as Wesley pattered away. He stretched his neck in that long strange way he did and yawned again, this time not as cavernous a sound without the reverb of the shell to amplify it. His eyes cleared very quickly as he took in what he had hoped to see. Black Fang. And the gang of course. He was glad they were all here. Was that Kali bringing the equipment they had found the day before to the dragon? Good, someone needed to do it. The tortle stood up and packed away his blanket into his full pack. "So we are truly here and it was not just a dream." He noticed the dragonborn was the only other one not up yet and went to wake him. "Torinn, Torinn my good fellow, rise and meet the day. Wipe the dream from your eyes. A very strange dream it was. I have never seen stars in that way..."

Speaking of the stars he retrieved his tome and reviewed the sky map he had so carefully created the day before. He would wait until Kali was done speaking to Black Fang before he bothered him with his many many questions. But he was very obviously sneaking glances at the dragon and even sketching something new into his many paged book.

"I don't know what to tell you Styx. I've no control over what you believe or what you know that's up to you. I'm sure she'll be fine; in fact, I think you're doing her a disservice. Do you really think she would be bothered by such a trivial injury?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

It didn't surprise Styx the way Ersin was acting. He had something to do with it and wanted it to remain secret.  Maybe Ersin didn't really know what it was like to have trust in one's comrades, but that was something Styx knew all too well.  Unfortunately that meant that Ersin didn't have our backs and that means he was a liability to the group.  At some point that will need to be rectified, but that time wasn't now.

At this point it was really up to Kali what she wanted to do with this.  He called Ersin out on his bullshit, but sadly Kali was the one who would suffer from him keeping secret about it.  Sure, he knew it was an exaggeration, but he also knew that Ersin was straight out lying.

It's a shame you feel like you can't speak the truth to your comrades here and continue to deny your involvement in it Ersin.  Your toying with words reminds me of what someone from the Feywild would do and everyone knows they can't be trusted.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

"I'm afraid any involvement I had in this is all in your head Styx. If you can't trust my words I hope my actions will prove otherwise in time."

Asuni stirred in her sleep and yawned, before passing her hands through her hairs to try to untangle the mess but all she ended up doing was adding more static in them. Giving up, she opened up a pouch on her belt and got a leather tong from it, tying the unruly mass in a pony tail, her pointed ears showing.

What with all the commotion? What are you arguing about?

Meanwhile Kali had taken her courage in two hands and went to see the dragon with the looted magic items, Lorelei still asleep on the flank of the scaly beast. Her nerves did show in front of the elder and her breathing accelerated almost to the point of hyperventilating.

Now now… Kali is it? Take a deep breath, little one, you have nothing to fear. You retrieved those items on one of the dead in town you say? Let me have a look.

But Kali was rooted on place and with Lorelei sleeping on his flank, he unfurled one his wings, almost as big as the White Swan’s main sail, and lightly brushed the teenager with it, until she woke up and he told her to move. He then took a step forward towards the petrified Kali and looked at the items.

Ah yes, I see. Poor Captain Leifson, I remember he was so proud of his sword. He slayed numerous skraugs raiders with it. He will be missed. Lorelei, do you know where his wife lives?

The blurry eyed teen wiped the palm of her hands on her face, before grunting something that sounded like a yes. Amused, the dragon looked towards the guest area, where Styx was confronting Ersin.

Excuse me, gentlemen, if I could get your attention? I would like to talk to all of you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:32, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

If an elder dragon wants to talk who am I to say no. My plans can wait. "Of course Wise One."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:49, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

Styx heard Black Fang calling for him and was somewhat relieved.   There was nothing else to be said at this point anyway, not by him anyway.

Kali didnt seem like someone who would shy away from someone wronging her like this, but that was on her.  He said what he had to say.

Maybe because Styx knew Black Fang wouldn't hurt him, was the reason why he wasn't overly unimpressed with the Dragon.  With the fear factor gone, the whole situation left a sour taste in his mouth, especially because he let someone else tell him he couldn't protect his so called family.  The dragon was weak, even in his grand state, and it felt more sad than intimidating.

Good morning Black Fang. What would you like to discuss?

The dragon plopped his head on his forepaws, bringing his eyes as close as eye level with his guests as he could.

Good morning to you as well, Styx. I hope you slept well. Now that you have rested, I would like for proper introductions, and if you’ll pardon my curiosity, I would like to know how your races are called. Only two of you I peg as humans…

He interrupted his speech when he noticed Asuni coming out of the side room.

I stand corrected, only one human. You see, in this world, it is the age of humans, I have never seen or heard of sentient beings like you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

Styx kept pushing Ersin to admit he knew who or where the cat that bit me was. I think Styx believes the cat belongs to Ersin but I've never seen Ersin with any sort of animal or really around people either. He definitely fits under the loner category. I didn't have enough information to accuse him of something, however, I would pay closer attention to his activities. If it happens again, I'm not going to be as nice about it as I was this time.

Thankfully, Black Fang called everyone over and broke up the argument. Also, his attention was no longer focused on just me, so that was a plus. I was finally started to relax just a little bit around the huge creature. So far, he has held up to his word and hasn't hurt us. Lorelei knew where the home of this guardsman was located, Captain Leifson was what Black Fang called him. I really hope his wife would let me keep the sword. I would get better use out of it than she will anyway. I'm sure we'll be taking care of this as soon as we've piqued Black Fang's curiosity about us non-humans. I'm surprised none of our kind has been here before.

Talking to Black Fang was a little easier this time with all my companions surrounding me, but that didn't stop my voice from squeaking on the first word or two. I have been told I am a Tiefling. My mother was human and from pictures at home, it looks like my father was as well, so I don't know why I'm not. No one has really been able to fully answer that. Asuni told me on the ship that my father had to have been either a demon or a devil for me to turn out this way, but my father was a paladin in service to Tyr and I very much doubt Tyr would grant powers to one such as that. I don't know why I am rambling now, you probably don't care about things such as this.

I hid my face behind my hair, embarrassed to have said so much about myself.

Styx was already foaming at the mouth woth impatience when he heard the Dragon focusing on trivial curiosities.

I am known as a Bugbear.

While I can understand your curiosity Black Fang, there is a crisis going on up above that I'd very much like to help out with, but in order to properly do so, we need more information about this new world we're in, who attacked, why they attacked, who is this overgod who prevents you from helping his people and why you agree to it, what you can help us with, where we even are and what our next best course of action might be.  I'm not trying to be rude, but since we CAN help your people, we should try to focus on information that is relevant and important, so we can get out there and save lives.

Fuck, I didn't want to reveal this yet. If he doesn't know I could keep this up but it will cost more to drop later after he explicitly asked about this. Its not hard to maintain but if we meet him later I don't want to make a mistake; being caught is much worse than choosing to drop a charade. Or is this a test? This dragon is obviously important to these people and I don't want to alienate him.

"I'm afraid none of us are human Wise One." I wave my hand across my feature and whisper the familiar words to restore my normal appearance. "Asuni and I are what is colloquially referred to as half-elves. I apologize for the deception, but I've found that when you're different from the majority it's best to blend in until you've a better idea how they'll react."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

The Age of Humans. In this world. Black Fang seemed to be very aware of the strangeness of their arrival. Perhaps he would even be willing to share what he knew in exchange for pleasantries. He had been rather forthcoming thus far. Although Sunny understood Styx's frustration with the situation he also knew that they had left the recovery of the town in not only the capable hands of the man who had been running things up there but also the combined efforts of the captain and wizard they had come with as well. They had an opportunity hear that the others above ground did not have. A well of knowledge rested here in the dragon's mind and the more they could pick that magnificent brain the better prepared they could be for any coming events.

Sunny stepped forward. There was a shyness in his step and a goofy looking grin on his face. He had never been at a loss for words since the others had met him and he'd even been known to be a little clever now and then but today in the presence of a gods honest dragon he seemed to be stumbling over his own thought process as he tried to even explain what he was to a dragon. A dragon!

"T-tortle." He finally spat out and then cleared his throat and the word stream started. "I mean, I'm a tortle. Even in our world, well you obviously know we aren't from here I mean of course because you already mentioned that in your world it's the age of humans which implies that this world isn't our world and it's not. Uhm well in our world even, tortles aren't a common race walking about. Part of that is because we have a knack for going off and adventuring and following our hearts calling which is actually how I ended up with these lot but you see in front of you a strange grouping of folks because in our world folks like us don't always come together on the same side of things. There's definitely a lot of humans where we come from in fact some of crew we arrived with were human but we're kind of a rag tag team of strange individuals, you're right. Uhm a I'm a-a tortle." He snapped his beak shut and cleared his throat again. A few times. Did the air just get much dryer in here?

"I well if you'll allow uhm I, Styx asked some good questions I'm sure mine aren't important... Well no they they are important I just want to get a few things straight. Relevant and important... Relevant uhm. The overgod is that the eyes in the sky? I recorded them here." He opened his tome to the star map he'd made and pushed it toward the dragon's face. "I also had a strange vision, well dream last night unlike any over experienced before. And I was human and the eyes seemed to FEEL different. It was strange. Uhm sorry maybe someone else should take the reins here I'm obviously going off the rails, it's because I've never met someone like you..."

His mouth snapped shjt again and his eyes looked around at everyone a little embarrassed for his word vomit... His head dropped a little and he looked over toward Styx.

Asuni nodded her agreement when Ersin presented her as an half-elf. Clutching her skirt with both hands, she was obviously nervous and tongued tied facing the dragon. Which was not the case with the other member of the party. Crawling on the wall like a spider, the Tabaxi got out of the guest area, startling Lorelei that was dragging her feet that way to get some food. After apologizing to her, he simply found another impossible perch in the main cavern wall and started grooming himself, very cat like.

I am Feather in the Wind, a Tabaxi, sometimes known as Cat Peoples… we prefer Tabaxi. But you can call me Wind. I do agree with Moonbeam, I think we should go help those persons in town. There will be time for talk after.

The dragon listened to the fascinating adventurers, strangers to this land, but willing to help, even risking the displeasure of a dragon to go out and do something. They obviously couldn’t know that the powers of the dragon included sensing all life in his area of responsibility and that he was already mentally helping in the search for survivors, has he had since the battle had ended. This is how he had known about the two groups of strangers that had  appeared in town and that he suggested to send some peoples to meet them.

One thing he had not anticipated was that the young girl, Lorelei, would have been the first to find this intriguing batch. Fortunately, she was also one of the few that were willing to learn the ancient language of his kin, and that served them well, with that pseudodragon in their group that could also speak it. Which raised more questions in the keen mind of the dragon!

But one thing at the time. They had some questions, and were itching for some action, so he would be patient with his own interrogations and allow them to go help Elios and the rest of the militia.

Did you all have the dream about the eyes in the sky? Fascinating. It occurs daily for all humans, ever since the Alignment that would bring the Harbinger to the World. Those eyes are the sign that the Overgod is watching his creation. Maybe the darkness represents a great evil but I do not know what the bursts of light represent.

But I can see that you do not want an history lesson now, that would take some hours, if not days to fully explain. You want to help, and you have, greatly. Without the intervention of the wizard in the other group, and your own, the damage would have been much greater. I was itching to help physically, but this is the Age of Humans, not the Age of Dragons. I am forbidden to intervene in a direct way. Please believe me, I am doing as much as I can behind the scene.

Munching on an apple, Lorelei got out of the side room and started to talk, her mouth full of fruit.

Did you know the Chosen are out there on the world and looking for something, Wise One? I’ve heard rumors that one of the Chosen of Orgrimar is in the woods surrounding Lighthaven, Torri said he saw her when he was looking for mushrooms and herbs. Of course, he hid, he didn’t want to be seen by her!

She swallowed her mouthful and continued.

Would they be looking for why magic has been so erratic since the alignment? It takes a lot for the Chosen to walk among us.

The dragon closed his eyes and sighed.

The little one is right, magic has been seriously disrupted since the alignment a week ago. Wasn’t that when your ship got caught in the storm? I believe this perturbance has affected more than our world. This is powerful indeed!

His eyes opened and focused on the only human present.

Lorelei, are you sure about that Chosen? It is not within my power to know their reasons to walk the land, or even to sense them.

Lorelei nodded vigorously, while taking another bite of her breakfast. Black Fang looked as Ersin, then his gaze passed on each and all of them.

Then your desire to help might be even more needed than even you expect. You seem to have access to your own magic. We don’t. And that floating creature was a manifestation of primal magic, from the reports I heard. I do need to do some more research on this matter. But first, I have a gift for you all.

Raising his massive head, towering over the group, he started scratching his neck with one claw, then lowered his paw, palm up. In it was about forty loose ebon colored shiny dragon scales, around 8 inches in diameter, half an inch thick.

Take these scales and keep them with you, share them with your crew. You will be able to understand the language of the Humans with them in your possession, and read their writings. Now go find Elios, he will be able to use your talents. Once the town is restored to some normalcy, my recommendation would be to seek an adept of Aracnath, the God of Knowledge.

The Aracnathians have been hard to find since the Alignment, Wise One. I know Elios has been asking for one for a week!

I know little one, I know. This is another mystery to solve. But the most learned scholars of the land follow Aracnath. They might be able to help understand what is happening. And please, come back to me one day, you will always be welcome. I do have my questions to ask too, you know!
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:04, Tue 01 Sept 2020.

Styx felt more frustrated than ever as he heard the Dragon speaking, going on and on without really answering his questions.  He needed the information, but didn't have the time to hear it in a roundabout way.  For someone who wants to help his people and who was supposedly so wise, you'd think he'd provide it willingly so we could finish and get out there to continue helping.  Styx finally understood why dragons were hunted in his world and it wasn't because they were dangerous, it's because they were annoyingly useless.

With an exasperated sigh, Styx spoke up again:

What alignment?  Who is the Harbringer?  So, the age of humans means that Dragons have no power to help? How are you forbidden exactly?  What would happen if you did intervene? Who else has no power then?  We need to know what to expect and more information about this world if we're going to properly navigate and help it.

Who are these chosen and what are their purpose?  How has magic been seriously disrupted in this world and what do the chosen have to do with it?  Is the chosen someone we should be seeking out as well?  If magic is disrupted, how did this primal magic manifest and why did it attack this town?  Is there something special about this town that would warrant an attack here?

So far nothing has really made much sense, and while I appreciate the scale, I'd prefer not to be whisked away without knowing more....Wise One.

It took everything in Styx's body not to be sarcastic when saying, "Wise One".  While he appreciated the scale, what good was knowing what everyone else could say, if they were going to be as unhelpful as this dragon.  Styx's head was spinning with all the questions he had that were most likely not going to be answered properly, but he would be disappointed with himself if he didn't at least ask them.

I awoke. A deep and troubled sleep it was. Filled with things I could only see in shadow. There were moons, too many and too bright. As if the wisps were held in the sky. It was a listless sleep, but sleep nonetheless. I felt refreshed in body but not of mind. Troubled dreams they were. I wash to try to clear my head. I dress in my clothes and armor, ready as always. I heard my companions speaking with Lorelei and was going to join but when she spoke of bringing them to see Black Fang I held. No, I don’t wish to speak to the dragon. Through my childhood dragons or “true dragons” the priests who taught me would call them were always creatures to be best avoided. Some Paladins are especially trained to fight them. Years are spent in this special study. I am nearly a beginner and don’t feel equipped, yet. So I follow, I make my way to the chamber but do now enter. Now I do the most important thing, I listen.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Tue 01 Sept 2020.

Black Fang cocked his head to the side, looking strait at Styx for a while. His focus changed toward the exit, Kali having commandeered Lorelei’s attention and was leaving, followed not long after by Ersin. He refocused on the bugbear and the rest of the group.

My my my, so many questions. I told you that to answer them all would need time, that you seemed eager  to spend helping the town folks.  I was simply respecting your wish, Styx, and I provided you with a means to communicate with the humans of my world. Feather in the Wind is right, there will be time after.

A low rumbling came from the dragon’s chest.

But if you are willing to listen, I am willing to teach. Is that what you really want?

He waited for an answer, almost expecting Styx to leave. What he got instead was Sunny, wearing his widest goofy grin, that plopped on the ground, taking a book from his bag with writing implements, ready for the lecture. A little annoyed, Styx grunted and sat down too… he had asked the questions after all. Torinn continued to sulk at the entrance of the guest area, still trying to decide what to do about the unusual dragon, so unlike what he was taught a black dragon was supposed to be like.  The ever caring Asuni went in the side room and brought back cushions that she gave to Styx and Sunny, before retreating back to the paladin’s side. Wind was still on the side of the wall, in a seemingly uncomfortable position, tail whisking back and forth.

Where to begin… Now I must warn you, I might be over 2 millennia old, but the Overgod’s will is as much a mystery to me than it is to the Humans. This world is deeply religious and the Overgod only has one command for the inhabitant: Worship your gods. The Harbinger is the Overgod’s right hand, the one that executes the judgement.

There are 6 deities that are worshiped on this world. Humans have given them filial affiliations to better understand them but I think that is irrelevant when dealing with gods. But you’ll need to see the relationship to understand the humans’ view.

The Overgod’s two sons are Artherk, God of Light and Order, and Orgrimar, God of Chaos and Darkness.  Artherk has two children, Aracnath, God of Knowledge and Secrets and Mylesis, Goddess of Travelling and Commerce. Orgrimar has one daughter, Naolya, Goddess of Justice and Vengeance. And the druids worship The Mother. She is not the wife of the Overgod, I think it is how the druids call creation.

You might have seen the façade of the temple in town. For centuries, this place was dedicated to only Artherk, but with the alignment coming and the efforts of Chosen… Oh, let me explain those. Chosen are humans that showed exceptional dedication to their gods and are given longer life and special powers, to carry on the will of their god. Artherk’s Chosen are given white plumed wings as part of their powers, Orgrimar gives his black plumed wings. The other gods are not as flashy and their gifts are more subtle, you might cross the path of a Chosen without realizing it.

Before being selected as a Chosen, there is an interim state where one can be granted some minor powers called an Seraph. You might meet some of those, they do walk with the Humans. But I disgress.

He looked at his audience, Styx still looking impatient, Sunny writing furiously, Torinn listening, Asuni having taken a cushion and was seated on it. He then frowned when he couldn’t see the druid anymore and looked around for him. Not finding him with his eyes, he concentrated a second on his mystical senses and smiled when he realized where Wind was.

Now like I was saying, the Temple in Lighthaven has been rededicated to the worship of the six gods in the last century, by the efforts of a group of Chosen from different Gods that worked tirelessly to prepare the Humans for the coming Alignment. Their efforts spanned the entire world and there was an unprecedented unification of all religions, all the gods worshipped. The last decade has been a flurry of preparation for this event and everyone was confident to have done what was required of them.

The Alignment is what you saw in the sky, the arrangement of stars that looks like eyes. It is said that this represents the end of an Age and is when the Overgod comes to judge the dominant race of the Age… it is the Human’s turn.

But something went wrong. If Lorelei is right, the reappearance of Chosen can only mean that they are concerned. We haven’t seen the sun rise since the Alignment, a week ago. I do not think this is the Overgod’s doing. I think the dream is His way of warning the Humans to correct what went wrong, before he passes judgment.

Any questions so far?

I leave the room and head back towards the tunnel, once more bowing to the dragon; if Styx wants to stay he is welcome but I want to know what is going on outside. Finding out more about this world is important but I've more immediate concerns on my mind. Half way up the tunnel a light weight settles on my backpack and Esa rubs her head against mine in greeting.

"Was it worth it?"

"You've no idea how long I've wanted to do that to Lashing Tail. Totally worth it!"

"Well it seems to have damaged my relationship with Styx. Strange, I didn't think he would get so wound up over such a minor thing. Where does he find the energy?"

"You could've told them about me."

"I've no intention of keeping you a secret from them; that's untenable long term. However, I want the introduction to happen under more positive circumstances."

"Won't they be upset that you lied to them?"

"Probably, but this is a minor issue; they'll get over it. Anyway, it doesn't matter, you always come first."

By now we had reached the entrance to the tunnel and I open the door to the outside and step out. Where is the sun? The sky is overcast, judging from the puddles on the ground it must have rained overnight, but the clouds are not so thick that I couldn't see the sun. Is the length of day significantly different here or is it something more ominous? A number of the townsfolk are moving around, digging through the debris and salvaging what they can. They're a resilient bunch.

"What I want is to get a look at the surrounding area; get a better sense of where we are. Your new form seems to offer certain advantages and apparently I can share some of your senses. Is there a limit to that capability?"

"That works over a fairly short distance, maybe a 100 ft, but there are ways we can extend that; I'll show you one of them. We can even summon other minor spirits to assist us. They will take an animal form and you can interact with them much as you do with my avatar.

"Owls would be good; I've read wondrous things about their night vision. What do I need to do?"

"We'd best find somewhere you can sit down, you'll be unaware of your surroundings when you look through another's senses.

We walk through town making sure to avoid any working parties of townsfolk until we find a small park that doesn't appear to have been damaged during last night's attack. I take a quick look at the sky to try and gauge the weather and while it rremains overcast nothing looks too ominous. I set my bag down against the trunk of an evergreen tree and sit down with my back resting against the bag. A moment later the air in front of me shimmers and Esa is sitting in front of me with her tail tucked around her paws. As I watch her features begin to change, her feline snout flowing into a long feathered beak and a raven stands before me.

"Neat trick."

"I thought so. Now relax and I'll show you what you need to do."

Just like last night, she guides me through the words and gestures and soon I find my body moving of its own volition while I keep the image of a great horned owl firmly in my mind. As the spell progresses two blurry images waver like a heat mirage beside Esa, gradually gaining focus until at the conclusion of the spell, with a small pop of displaced air, two striped owls with brown and white feathers are standing next to Esa. Strange, though I had only pictured a single bird, both had distinct marking that were closer to the actual bird then the picture I held in my mind.

They sit staring at me, their heads cocked to one side. "I want you to fly above the city in a spiral pattern extending out as far as you can communicate with me. I want you to look for any points of interest or threats in the area and report to me. I especially want you to focus on the area to the north of town. Understood?" Esa understands what I want but the owls just stare at me. Okay, that didn't work.

It takes a few minutes but eventually I find a combination of emotions and pictures seems to get my intent across better to the two owls; I guess the spell has an easier time translating that into something they can understand. With a leap all three birds gain enough height to flap their wings and are soon flying high above the town and I settle back against my bag and begin cycling through their viewpoints.

I couldn't feel the wind flowing over their wings as the birds soar through the air but its sound fills my ears and the sights take my breath away. Everything looks so different from this perspective; my own concerns seem small and far away like all the other pathetic creatures crawling so slowly along the ground below. It's....amazing. Over the course of the next 30 minutes. I alternate through each of the familiars perspective as they roam up to mile away from me. To the north there is a trail of destruction stretching as far as I can see; that's probably the path Mr. Glow Globe took when it fled. We may be able to follow it but I don't think that's a good idea. The east-west road stretches from town over the horizon. Where does that lead? Most likely to another town; you don't build roads to nowhere. Finally, to the northeast maybe five miles outside of town, there is a large stone circle in the middle of the forest. There is a path leading to the circle but I cannot make out where it originates. The circle is not natural, it's too regular. I wonder what it's for?"

Having reached the extent we could see overland I redirect them over the water; maybe there are some ships that managed to evade the Glow Globes rampage. I am not able to see any large ships but there are two fishing villages to the east that seem to be unscathed. It looks like they have sent out their boats and are combing the water for survivors. I can't tell if they're having any luck though. Best of luck to them.

Esa begins flying back towards me and shortly after I feel the connection to the two owls begin to flcker before it dies entirely and I find myself watching through Esa's eyes as she enters the park. A moment later I can see myself sitting under the tree, her vision seeming unaffected by the darkness, and she lands once more in front of me. I open my own eyes and smile at her. "Thank you, that was amazing." I stand up, my back a little stiff from sitting still so long under the tree, sling my backpack over my shoulders, and head out of the park. A moment later Esa lands on the bag, still in her raven form. "I think it's time we check in with Elios, he'll probably like to know that we didn't see any threats. Besides, now that we can understand each other he might be able to tell us more about the area."

We make our way through town towards the inn where we met Elios last night. More people have joined the work parties and the cleanup is going rapidly; unfortunately, repairs will take much longer. Still it's good to see them getting on with it and not moaning about how cruel or unfair life is. Bad things happen to good people all the time, you deal with it and move on. Upon reaching the house we're informed that he has gone to console a family who's loved one was lost last night, probably a lot of those, and receive directions to a house in one of the more prosperous part of town. Upon reaching the house, we find Kali, Lorelei, and Elios standing outside huddled together in conversation. I wonder what they're talking about? As I approach the man lets out a harsh, barking laugh; it seems friendly anyway.

"Good morning all. I just finished a reconnaissance of the surrounding area and I wasn't able to find any sign of those creatures that attacked last night. The large one left a trail heading north as far as I could see."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

Lorelei, while Styx gets the information he requires from Black Fang would you be so kind as to show me to the dwelling of the Captain and his wife? I don't know if she's been made aware of her husband's death, but I wish to ask her for his sword if she doesn't have use of it.

She looks at the dragon and Styx, before smiling at you. Of course, I will help you. I'm so glad we can talk now! As she starts moving towards the exit, munching on her apple core. I love your hair color, were you born with it, or is it a coloring? Please tell me it's coloring, I would love having that!

I smiled at her enthusiasm. It's the hair I was born with. I'm sure with the right plants we could make a coloring for yours. I know a thing or two about herbs.

Really? She claps her hands, dropping her apple, You promise to look for that? Mom will kill me but it will be worth it! She sombers up a notch. Of course, if the sun would raise, it would be easier to look for herbs... we haven't seen it for a week.

I promise. It shouldn't take too long as soon as I can spare the time to go out and find them. I bet you'd look fantastic with purple hair. I paused to think for a moment. A week since the sun has risen? Has it ever done something like that before?

No, everyone is baffled by its absence. It's starting to grate on everyone's nerves too. We were all ready for the Alignment, sure to please the Overgod with our devotion, and then... this... darkness.

What exactly is the Alignment? I understand the Overgod is the eyes in the sky. Is he the only god here or is he just the one worshipped in this town?

Everybody knows... Oh... right, you are not from here... She stops walking and forms a triangle with the fingers of both her hands. I don't know everything, but its something we all learn. The top is the Overgod, with his right hand, the Harbinger. No one worships those two.... well that's not true, some kind of sect worships the Harbinger.  The Overgod told us to worship the gods. His two sons are Artherk, God of Light and Order, and Orgrimar, God of Chaos and Darkness. She moves her fingers to focus attention on the base of the triangle. Then there's Artherk children, Aracnath, God of Knowledge and Mylesis, Goddess of Commerce. Orgrimar has one daughter, Naolya, Goddess of Justice and Vengeance. And the druids worship The Mother, they are outside the triangle. The Alignment is the end of a cycle, where the Overgod watches what the Age has produced, how the dominant race has fared, before judging us. It was supposed to be the human's triumph... now the Harbinger will judge us unworthy. Her head drops, her hair hiding her face.

I lift her chin so she's forced to look me in the eyes. That's enough of that. We are not going to have a pity party when we don't yet have all the details. Remember, you're strong, you're fierce, you ARE a force to be reckoned with! I paused to give emphasis on my words. Now, how long is each cycle? Is it a set amount of time or does it vary? I'm just trying to piece everything together. What does the Harbinger do, determine whether the race has been worthy or unworthy? Worthy of what, exactly, survival or something greater? Does the sun rise and set based on the worship of Artherk and Orgrimar?

She sniffles. No, the sun should be moving in the sky as it has always done. Even Black Fang cannot explain it, and he's been around for so long. I don't know how long the cycle is but I know it's not the first one.

We're gonna figure this out and you're not allowed to be sad until we do. Now, how do I convince the Captain's wife to let me keep his stuff? You know her, I do not. I nudged her gently with my elbow, to try and help cheer her up.

She shrugs and wipes her nose with her sleeve. I said I know where she lives, not that I know her. I've seen her at the inn, served her and the captain, but we are not what would be called friends.

I pull out a handkerchief I kept in my belt. Blow your nose with this, it keeps your clothes looking and feeling cleaner. Do they have children together, do you know?

Yes, they have three, two boys and a girl, the oldest, Grant, is a little younger than me, he's a pest!

Have any of the children taken any interest in becoming a soldier like their father?

She starts laughing. Grant would not know what side a sword is supposed to be taken from... no, he's studying at the temple to be a healer.

I grinned devilishly. Perfect.

The duo reached the end of the tunnel and exited under the still dark sky, clouds hiding the stars and moons. The smell of smoke and wet earth is heavy in the air. Lorelei takes a minute to orient herself before guiding Kali to a slightly more prosperous part of town. She stops in front of a two-story stone house. Light comes out of the windows.

I knock on the door and can feel myself fidget while I wait for the door to open. Will you wait with me, Lorelei? I don't want her to be afraid of me.

The door opens and Elios is there, he frowns when he sees you with the sword, before looking at Lorelei. Translate this, child. How come she has Leifson's sword?

Lorelei looks at you, a little confused, before looking at the man. She can understand us now, Black Fang saw to it.

I didn't like the tone he was taking with Lorelei, but that flail didn't look like something I wanted to be on the receiving end of. I have Leifson's sword because my companions picked it up off his corpse. There are roughly forty people of your town outside the gates that were slaughtered by the wisps we took care of. I came here to offer my condolences to his wife and ask her permission to use his things during the time we continue to help your town. If you plan to accuse me of something, I won't wait to ask her for permission.

He looks at you, frowning, I know about those deaths...I was there. Those Orgrimar cursed things kept us boxed in the walls to be slaughtered. They have been collected so they can be properly sent to Artherk's side. I am not accusing you of anything...yet. But I would like to know your name. I am Elios Myrae the Third, Leader of the Humanists in Lighthaven.

My name is Kalista. A pleasure to meet you.

A choked up female voice behind the man says, What is it Elios?

The man looks back, then his gaze comes back to Kali. Someone who found Karl's sword and is bringing it back.  He moves aside, letting the two women in.

Good evening Mrs. Leifson. I bow slightly as I greet her. I know you don’t know me or the people I arrived with, but my companions found the items your husband used and thought we should return them. We were too tired to do it last night, so here I am. We identified the magical properties during our rest and I came to beg use of them while we help your people. His sword is a better version of the one I currently carry and his bracers would help one of my compassions who cannot wear traditional armor. I understand I am probably being insensitive and for that, I apologize. These are strange times we find ourselves in and I would very much like things to return to normal. I promised Lorelei I would make her a dye so her hair can look like mine, but finding the herbs will be a lot easier in the sunlight. From the little I’ve heard of your family, the children are not pursuing a career as a soldier.

The woman looks to be in her late thirties, with brown hair starting to be streaked by gray. She obviously cried for a long time, and on the table, you see the corpse of the man you took the items from. One teenager in a white robe is bravely holding back his tears as he performs rites over the body, watched by an older woman. You see one girl about eight years old asleep under the table, no traces of the other child.

Elios looks at you, surprised by your demand, and says, That is an unexpected demand, Kalista. You really think Captain Leifson's sword will help break this curse?

If I was demanding the use of them, I wouldn’t even be here Elios. Some creatures are unaffected by non-magical weapons. I have never been here, I can’t presume to know what sorts of dangers I will face in trying to restore order to your world. Please excuse the sound of my desperation, but I got transported to an entirely new world Elios. I may never see anyone I knew again. I didn’t just lose one member of my family. I lost ALL the people I have ever known. Let that sink in for a minute. I turned now to face Mrs. Leifson. I am so sorry for your loss and for interrupting the funeral rites. If any of your children wish to learn how to fight, I would be glad to teach them once we have restored things to their natural order.

The woman clutches an amulet shaped like the winged ankh you saw before. This is terrible, Kalista. I pray Artherk that you will be able to find your way back home. If Karl's magic can help restore our world by your hand... then take it. He would want a capable warrior to continue his work.

Elios looks at both of you, then to Mrs. Leifson. May I speak with you outside, Kalista?

After you, Elios. He goes out, waiting for you outside. Thank you again, Mrs. Leifson. I’ll pray for your family. I follow Elios outside.

Elios looks at you with hard eyes. That is a sobering story, and I would like to know more of your circumstances. You are right that this is an unusual time for us all, and I'm not even sure the Gods know what is happening. You said you would pray, who do you pray to, Kalista?

The gods of my home are different from the gods here. My father was in service to Tyr, the god of justice. My mother worshipped Lathander, the god of renewal and birth, among other things.

You are deflecting my question. Which god do you follow?

I don't follow a god, but that doesn't mean I can't pray to the appropriate one for this situation.

He looks pensive. In this world, even us humanists have to pay homage to the gods, for the Overgod's judgment to be positive on the humans. You are not human, I don't know what you are, maybe you will escape this obligation. But be careful.

I don’t know how the Overgod can expect us to follow gods we know nothing about right before he passes judgment on a world we are not from.

He laughs, the harsh bark of an overworked and tired man. You are certainly right on that end, Kalista. I hope the gods heard you. His lips form the start of a smile. Thanks for the laugh, it has been too long.

I am here for the foreseeable future. Should I be unable to find a way back to my home, I will join your militia here. That was what I did back home. It’s all I really know.

Ersin walked up to the group at this point to talk to Elios. He said something about a trail leading north, but I wasn't sure exactly if he needed me for this conversation or if I could go eat. I wasn't smart enough to grab breakfast before coming up here and right on queue, my stomach growled.

Here Ersin, this is for you.

I press the necklace into his hand and take a step back to listen while I nibble on a rice cake I pulled out of a pouch on my belt.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

I'm sorry if I'm a little impatient, Black Fang.  It's not your fault.  A lot in my life has changed recently and I fear it's taken its toll on me.  I'm used to being in more control and it feels like I've lost all of it.  I'm in a new world that seems to be overrun in chaos, far from my home where I have people...children who depend on me, and while I've made some really great friends, like Sunny here, on the ship I was hired to, I have one dear friend that I was searching for, that is now well out of reach.  Plus, the captain of our ship made me the leader and that is new to me as well.  To lead, I'm going to need the proper information.  To help as many as possible, I'm going to need brevity in our discussion.

I do have a couple questions.  Are the Chosen always human, since this is the age of Humans, or can they come in any form?  Why is the church dedicated to all the gods, if some of them are evil?  Why are they working together?  Is it strictly because if they don't as part of the alignment, they will be judged poorly?  It seems that just doing something so you won't be punished is not what the gods are looking for when judging.

How have the dominant races been judged in the past?  If humans are judged well, do they just continue to exist?  If they are judged poorly, are they exterminated?  What are the rules for this judging and how does anyone know if they are where they need to be?

So no one really knows what went wrong and they are trying to figure it out.  So how do we help?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:30, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

The tortle listened and wrote furiously. When Black Fang detailed the gods of this world he took a moment to sketch approximations of the symbols they'ed seen prominently on the temple in addition to the various amulets and necklaces and other acutramon that had shown up here and there since their arrival here. The ankh with white wings, a sword with black wings, a book laid open, a scale, a tree, and less stylized cross than what he could recall seeing.

"I have never seen stars hold position in the sky like this before. It is truly unique." The tortle mused aloud. To styx he offered some comfort as well as some input on the thought processes flying through his mind. "As a leader you've done well Styx and will continue to do so I'm sure. Now Black Fang never actually said any of these deities the humans worship were evil. I find when people have a tendency to try and boil actions down to black and white, good and evil they start to see patterns that don't actually exist. But the world, pardon worlds, may not always be so simple. In fact they rarely are. I don't know enough about religion, gods, and deities but I know people. If they invest in an idea enough of their ideals and beliefs they often cause their own realities to shift accordingly. If the whole of this world believes that an end of an age is coming then there is little we can do to change that unless we were to change the minds of an entire people... And I don't think that is something we should endeavor. We are visitors here. What we can do is help. And as you've said it's good to know how these people think and what motivations lie behind their actions."

He returned to finishing and reviewing a few notes before looking up again.

"Great dragon Black Fang, you say you have lived through two millennia. You have witnessed much in that time. Please tell us if the age of man has been as long as your lifespan or if you lived through other ages and how did they end. Was it a natural decline of an era or was it a sudden shift? If you cannot act directly in this age is it because of some action or inaction of the past? You seem to care very much for these people and want them to succeed on their own. What will you do if this judgement is passed and your friends fail whatever arbitrary judgement breaks them? Will you still lie here andd await a new age or will you stand with them? Who are you to this overgod that your actions change how your friends are judged and what evidence have your witnessed that these are indeed the actions of a deity driving the change of the world?"

There were so many more questions to ask so many things to learn... If there was not an impending something hanging over them Sunny's question would never end. How often did you get a chance to pick the mind of a creature that had lived for so long. Still he had to wait for answers before continuing...

Black Fang was not surprised by the questions about the previous ages, and nodded his approval for them. That demonstrated to his ancient eyes that they had been listening, and saw further than the typical human he regularly entertained.

Alas, I might be old, but I have not known the previous ages. What I know is from ancient texts I could read, and what long gone Chosen explained to me. And I will be pleased to pass on that knowledge to you.

He paused, letting Sunny finish writing his sentence.

Legend has it that this is the fourth age of this world. I do not know much about the previous ones, except that the second age was dominated by the Elves, and the third by Dwarves. I have never seen either of those races on this land. There are still some leftover dwarven ruins in mountain fortresses, but I haven’t visited one of those in 500 years, so I don’t know if they are still standing. The first age is lost to history, maybe some Aracnathian scholar would have some answers, but I don’t.

What happened to the elves and dwarves? This is mostly speculation, but it is said that the elves were judged unworthy due to their extreme arrogance, and neglecting their gods.

Asuni couldn’t repress an audible ironic laugh, before half hiding behind Torinn, trying to escape the gaze of the dragon, who let the interruption slide.

They were wiped by the Harbinger. The dwarves fared better, had a great prosperous civilization but ended up attacking the Harbinger when their turn arrived, I speculate here, out of fear. They also disappeared.

I admit I have high hopes for this Alignment, I have never seen such devotion as the human  demonstrate. But like I said, I think that something needs to be fixed before, I wish I knew what. This last week has simply been… unbelievably chaotic, no one knows what’s happening.

He smiled at the group when Sunny asked what would happen to him if the humans did not pass judgment.

I do not know what will happen to me. But I will let you in on a little secret. I am, like you, an anomaly, not from this world. Most humans in this town are so used to my presence that they consider it normal. With their short lifespan, they forgot I arrived only 1200 years ago. But it was a long time before I was accepted.

In my original world, we did not have Tortles, Tieflings, Tabaxis and Bugbears, that is why I was so intrigued by you… although I have known many humans, elves, half-elves, halfling and dwarves. I have fought people like your quiet friend that speaks draconic, we called them Draconians. They were created by the corruption of metallic dragons eggs, and were thoroughly evil creatures.

Seeing the sudden alarm in Torinn’s eyes, he raised a massive paw in a gesture of peace.

Do not worry, I don’t see you as an enemy here. If fact, I am pleased to see you all. I do get lonely. As you can see from my scales, I was born a black dragon with all the piss and vinegar that comes with my race. But I was raised by an elf, that I called Father, from the moment I hatched from my egg and through his extremely patient care and guidance, I came to realize what good and honor were and decided to follow that path, becoming, in the words of Father, the first obsidian dragon.  I followed the teachings of Kiri-Jolith, god of honor and war on my world. I was, for over a century, the willing mount of Ofilaniis, one of the Dragonlance wielder. We fought in the great battle against Takhisis, and it was during that battle that I was caught in a spell maelstrom and ended up in this world.

The dragon growled,  his wings unfurled, as the memory of these events playing in his mind’s eye.

I was hunted here, before a Chosen of Aracnath took the time to listen to me and my story. I made a deal with him and his God, and ultimately established myself here, serving as a mentor and living memory to those people. And part of my deal is to let them choose their own destiny. I do guide them as much as I can, but their successes are their own. I am told the Overgod is aware of my presence and that my activities will be compiled in the humans judgement, that is why I am careful in what I do. You are right, I do care a lot about them and I want them to succeed.

 I totally understand your circumstances and frustrations Styx… I was you, 1200 years ago.

+++++++++++++++

Elios looked at Ersin, in his human mask and nodded.

Thank you for this information. Ever since this night fell, the militia has, contrary to my recommendation, decided to turn inward, so we barely know what is happening outside the wall. We have not been properly introduced, I am Elios Myrae the Third. Tell me, with whom did you do this reconnaissance? I am usually told of groups leaving town and I was not advised you had left.

I want to thank you both, and the rest of your group, for your help against those lights. We certainly can use warriors like yourselves in those troubled times.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:20, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

"I wasn't so bold as too leave the town. My companion," I reach back to scratch the raven under her beak, "and two of her friends conducted the reconnaissance; I was merely an observer. I also checked out over the water, the two villages to the east have dispatched boats to search for survivors from the wrecked ships but I could not tell how successful they were.

I pause a moment to consider his other point. "We're happy to help as best we can. Capt Maddegan tasked us with helping you so that's what we'll do. What we are lacking right now is information on what your people need. It was recommended that we speak with a Aracnathan scholar to see if they'd any insight on what is happening. Could you direct us to one? Also, we heard that one of your people sighted an Chosen of Orgrimar in the forest. Can you tell us where?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

By the Gods, if I could find one of those bookworms, I would have him researching this darkness already! They come and go as they please, each with their own specialty… but somehow, the Alignment that should have fascinated them made them disappear. Last one I saw was buying supplies oh… 2-3 weeks ago now…

He frowned when Ersin told him about the Chosen in the woods, his hand instinctively gripping his flail handle, the curious weapon having two heads, on ball pure white, the other pure black.

A Chosen from Orgrimar in the woods? This is the first I hear of it, where did you learn that?

Lorelei squirmed and the man turned towards her.

That would be me, Torri told me that he saw a Chosen, and hid from her.

Elios looked back to Ersin.

Maybe you should check with this Torri then. A word of caution if you decide to follow that path. Orgrimarian serve the God of Chaos, they are unpredictable, and a Chosen would be even worse. Although they participated in the unification, they are still the weak link to this alliance, in my opinion.

"Thank you for your advice Sir, we'll keep it mind. Kali if you're done here, I think it's time we get back to the others."

"Yes, that’s where the food is. And there are things we should probably discuss."

"Agreed." I turn and we start walking back towards the church before calling back over my shoulder, "Lorelei, can you show us the way?" I pause for a moment as the young girl scrambles to catch up before continuing on. Once we are around the corner and out of sight of Elios, I look at Kali with a smile, "I grabbed something on the way out but I definitely want some breakfast." I turn my attention to Lorelei, "I don't want to inconvenience you but we could really use your help. Hopefully, we can get everything sorted out shortly and you'll be free to do as you wish.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:28, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

As Black Fang talked Sunny wrote and bobbed his head in a uniquely tortle motion with the neck extending downward far more than should be comfortable or even possible for another creature. All the while as he wrote he would break away from his main paragraphs to write little notes to himself in the borders of the text. At one point little blue Wesley came back from wherever he had run off to after waking Sunny up and climbed up the toetle's she'll to perch there looking down at what Sunny was writing. His eyes almost looked curious for a bit but then he yawned his little lizard mouth and those little lizard eyes started to droop.

When Black Fang came to another breaking point Sunny continued bobbing his head looking up only to confirm that he wouldn't be interrupting.

"Hmmm this is very insightful, thank you. It all raises more questions though, let's see."

The tip of of his quill pointed back to the quick marginal notes he had made and on reviewing them it became apparent they were points where he had additional questions. It seemed as though he would be happy to sit here asking as many questions as came to mind until Black Fang was blue in the face from answering. Although he was running low on his first inkwell. Best make these as concise as possible.

"The ages of elves and dwarves have passed and with them the elves and dwarves themselves... If the elves have been judged and found lacking how will this harbinger feel about the elf-blooded such as some of our companions aiding in the final phase of the age of humans?

You learned much of your knowledge directly from some of these chosen. What were they like, the ones you knew not from the ancient texts, and what happened to them?

The magic of this world is so strange to me, and like you said, it currently feels quite chaotic in nature. You mentioned that we have brought our own magic and that those who are native to this world seem to not have access to magic. How could that be if their devotion to their gods is so strong surely some divine magics have manifested if not the study of the arcane or even some other means... Have your ancient manuscripts or your conversations with chosen passed enlightened you to the arcane channels of this world?

Stars and stones, you come from another world... You say you are an anomaly like us. Does that mean that after all this time you never found a way back to your own world?

The texts and manuscripts you learned from... Do you still have access to them?"

The fact that this magnificent dragon had been so forthcoming with information had seemed to encourage the tortle even more. For every answer there were more questions. With some of their little group out and about he didn't feel as though he himself was under any time crunch and he wanted to use the time he had effectively.

"Another thing. Having to do with the magic of this world. Something must be sustaining life in this seemingly perpetual darkness otherwise things would go awry very quickly to my understanding. Have you felt anything arcane or divine in nature strong enough to work such magics? It is not as though something has blanketed the world in darkness as the sky is still visible and the celestial bodies still move. How can this be?"

He had so much more but he felt another big yawn from the critter perched just above his neck and he realized he needed to pause and allow for answers before continuing. And so he shut his mouth and listened.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

Styx was glad that Sunny was here with him.  Not because he was afraid of the dragon, but because he asked the one question that Styx was afraid to ask.  ... Does that mean that after all this time you never found a way back to your own world?

1200 years and he still hasn't found his way home.  I'm sure he's tried, I mean, why wouldn't he? If someone so powerful couldn't find his way home, how could they ever hope to?  He realized then that there was a good chance he would never see his home again, the children he cared so dearly for, or his missing friend.  While Sunny talked, Styx could feel his will draining.  Black Fang's words slowly began to slur in his mind as he let Sunny take over, his mind now preoccupied with darker thoughts.

He picked his head up and glanced over at Asuni.  He smiled at her, though it was forced, hoping to put her at ease, but she saw right through him, a look of concern on her face.  Well, he knew this would be a conversation later.

Styx looked back at the dragon, his ears still mostly deaf to what he was saying.  He thought of Asuni, or the people above who needed his help, his companions, and of all those that would be judged if he couldn't help them.  It was a good long minute or two before he cracked his neck and back in a pandiculation, as if coming out of a reverie, and decided that he was better than this.  He knew when he got here that it wasn't going to be a short stint; that he would be stuck here for awhile.  He decided to do what Styx does best; be positive and make the best of a bad situation.  He immediately perked back up, as Sunny was coming to a close on his questions.  Not wanting to interrupt, he waited for Sunny to finish, before starting back up.

You've answered a lot, I appreciate it Black Fang, but I'm still curious why the church dedicated to all gods, as isn't Orgrimar the god chaos and darkness?  That doesn't necessary sound like a benevolent god.  Nor does his daughter, the goddess of Vengeance.  I'm trying to see how they are able to all work together and why coming together makes a difference.  With all the chaos going on, it sounds like there is an imbalance in the power, in favor of the chaotic side, though again, I still don't understand the rules around this judgement.  If the humans have no clue what they should be doing, it seems unfair that they should be judged without any guidance or understanding.

Also, where are these Dwarven Ruins you spoke of?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

Of course! But let go home, it’s real close to here, we can eat there! I’m hungry too! Mom often goes in the woods, she’s a hunter, maybe she can help too!

The young girl skipped along, going in a more modest part of town, the main streets having oil lanterns installed recently to help dispel the continuous gloom of the night. She finally stopped in front of a simple one story house, with the lower half of the walls being stones, and the rest in wood. Opening the door, she shouted.

MOM! I’M HOME!

The common room was lit by a fire in the hearth and one low burning lamp on the single table of the room. Two doors were on the back wall, on each side of the fire. The left hand door opened and Lorraine came out of it, surprised that her daughter had brought guests.

Lorelei, I can’t speak with them, will you translate all the time?

That's fine mom! They can understand us now!

Oh, by Mylesis! Oh… well… Heu welcome to my humble abode! I am Lorraine. Thank you for your help yesterday.

Lorelei was already foraging in the cupboard, picking a fresh loaf of bread and tearing the end, starting to munch on it as she brought it with some smoked meats on the table.

I invited them to break fast with us, Kali is going to die my hairs!

Heu… yes of course, please sit down… Wait a second, who is Kali and what’s that thing about hair dying? 

I smiled and waved at Lorraine. Hi, I’m Kali. She wants purple hair like mine. I’m good with herbs and can make a solution that can change her hair color provided I am able to find them.

I sat down at an empty place at the table, the smoked meat in front of me making my mouth water. They looked so tasty. I popped one in my mouth and was not disappointed. I ate a couple more pieces before cutting a slice of bread.

Lorelei, could I trouble you for something to drink?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

As we approach the single story house I feel Esa moving about on my backpack and look back over my shoulder to see a see a small white mouse with oddly feline eyes staring back at me instead of a raven. The whiskers twitch in what I take for a smile before she darts down into the bag and disappears.

"You're enjoying this a little too much." She chooses not to respond but a sense of satisfaction comes back over the link.

As we enter the house we are met by a woman we had met last night, Lorraine I think. Apparently Lorelei was a lucky girl last night, both her home and family seem to have escaped unscathed. I smile broadly at the woman and give her a brief bow. "It's nice to meet you again Ma'am. I'm sorry for dropping by unexpectedly but your daughter was kind enough to invite us over for breakfast. If it's a problem we can go elsewhere; we don't wish to impose. Kali of course, has already sat down and started eating. Well hopefully it's the thought that counts.

"I understand you're a hunter. Lorelei was telling us that someone saw a chosen of Orgrimar in the forest recently. I don't suppose you have seen any sign of them during your travels?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

You want your hairs purple?

Lorraine looked at her daughter, bewildered, then turned to Kali, stuttered a moment then turned her head and says nothing. Fortunately for the woman, Ersin intervene and diverted the conversation where she was more comfortable.

I’ve… I’ve heard of this, but I haven’t seen the Chosen. I… I can show you.. heu.. where she was seen if you want. Please, eat. I know … it’s hard to know what time we are, with the darkness, we have …. Yes stick to … a routine.. that’s the way.

"Thank you Ma'am"." I sit down at the table and take a small chunk of bread and meat before taking a bite. Salty, but not too much and so much better than the hard tack on ship. "Keeping a routine during such times is very wise; I'm told people who live at the top of the world where a single night lasts half the year do the same. It'll keep you focused and working rather than panicking. I take another bite before continuing, "I appreciate any help you can offer. I don't suppose you know where we can find a map of the area?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Sat 05 Sept 2020.

Lorelei rose and went to get some pewter glasses, that she filled with water from the well, before distributing them to everyone.

A map… yes, yes… I have… I have a map… Done it myself, its not perfect but …. Heu…. It does give most of the interesting point. We can.. if.. you’re not busy… heu we can go see the site where the …. Chosen was seen. After eating.

Can I go Mom? I’d love to see a Chosen!

No! I told you before, you can’t see in the dark! You are much safer here!

But Mom, Kali will need help to find the herbs for my coloring!

We’ll talk about this later.

Looking at both visitor, she started stuttering again… was it only nerves? Lorelei started sulking and crossed her arms.

Oh, it’s really heu… dark outside …. the walls. You will need… lanterns, to see.

"That would be great. Can you get lanterns that can be quickly shielded? Also, we'll need to stop by the cellar to tell our friends where we're going."

I take a bite from my sandwich and a large sip of water before continuing, "Do you know of any local holy places or places of power from before your religion was unified?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:23, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

Your mom is right, Lorelei. I don’t know the terrain or the local wildlife enough to feel like I can reasonably keep you safe outside the walls. Won’t lanterns let the Chosen know we’re coming before we get close enough to see it? I can see in the dark without one.

I took a drink of the water recently brought over by Lorelei and ate another piece of meat. I had eaten enough that I no longer felt the gnaw in my stomach that came with hunger, but I still wasn’t quite full.

I listen and listen, it doesn't even matter. My mind just plays out one line over and over. "I have fought people like your quiet friend that speaks draconic, we called them Draconians." What are Draconians? He needs to know I am a Dragonborn. We may be similar in appearance but I am not a Draconian. With his own words he said, "They were created by the corruption of metallic dragons eggs, and were thoroughly evil creatures." I can't let this stand. I look to Asuni and she already knows what I'm going to do and smiles. Finally I walk in.

I'm sorry to interupt Black Fang, Styx but I feel I something must be explained. That something is me, more specifically what I am. You called me a Draconian, but I am not. In my world I am a Dragonborn. We are a strong and proud people. We are good and honorable. So we and your Draconians may be similar in appearance we are very different in who and what we are. I myself am a Paladin of our Moon goddess Selune, dedicated to fighting cruelty and injustice in her name. Although Dragonborn are unsure of the origins of our species I can guarantee that we are not corrupted. I am not a Draconian I am a Dragonborn.

I hold my head high and try my best to bring honor to my people.

Lorelei looked at Kali, stunned to hear the fighter take the side of her mother. Turning around, she clenched her fist on her Milesys pendant and seemed to squeeze hard while muttering a prayer. Lorraine looked at her daughter, some concern in her eyes. Finally the teen seemed to calm down and said, in a hurt tone.

I will go to the garrison and get lanterns and oil, mother…

Stomping, she left without another word, almost slamming the door behind her.

I’m sorry… Lorelei can… be stubborn and difficult… She will get over it. I’ll get the… the map.

She rose and went to the door right of the fireplace, coming back after a few minutes, bearing a roll of thin leather. She moved some plates to the side of the table, before unrolling the map on it. Revealed was a pretty detailed regional map, showing Lighthaven, the town where you are, to the north west is the circle of stones, 2 small villages on the coast to the east, some hints of a mountain range to the north edge of the map, with the word “Skraugs” at two locations to the north, and to the west, an arrow along the road with the words “to Windhowl”.

Lorraine points to the circle and says.

That is a sacred…. Place for… the druids. The …. Temple here was … to Artherk… before.

******************

Black Fangs looked up when Torinn approached and declared his pride in being a Dragonborn, not a Draconian. The dragon smiled and said in Draconic.

I hear you, little brother, and have no fear, I never thought you were a Draconian, you don’t have their evil smell. Keep your head high, Dragonborn Paladin, for you will certainly encounter many foes and challenges before this unnatural night is over. I envy you, you know. A whole new world to explore for you!

He switched back to Common to address the group.

I have looked for a way back. But my only magic is what came inherently to me, I have never learned. I am a warrior, and for the first 300 years after my arrival, once the hunts subsided, I consulted the greatest sage and mages, and none could help me. As for Ashlein, the Chosen of Artherk that listened to me, she was a marvelous woman. We were friends for well over 4 centuries, but alas, the Chosen have longer lives, they are not immortals. She helped me accept this world as my new home.

The documents might be at Silversky’s royal library, the current crop of royals are keen to save those traces of history. It was Ashlein that presented them to me, she didn’t tell me where she got them.

As for your question Styx, I had my concerns with the Orgrimarian, that play the role of “villains” in a lot of stories, and  I have to admit I was surprised when they joined the alliance.

Although, I think a lot of their acceptance of the alliance is due to the De Valds, a prominent family of Orgrimar worshipers. A few of them even became Chosen. They were the glue that held the factions and forced them to work towards the alliance. I've met the Matriarch once, at the dedication ceremony, and she's not a woman to be trifled with... dreadful person!

Their stronghold is still on Stoneheim, one of the three continents that compose the kingdom of Goldmoons, the other being Raven’s Claw and Arakas, where we are right now. The ruins I visited are located in Raven's Claw but that was 500 years ago. 
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:02, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

I knew Ersin would get the information we needed from Lorraine. I stood up, looked at them briefly before running over to the door. Ersin, I'm gonna go help Lorelei carry the lanterns back from the garrison.

I quickly ran out the door and spotted Lorelei walking a little ways from the house. I caught up easily and grabbed her hand to stop her walking. Lorelei, wait! I didn't mean to upset you, I just don't know enough about your world to risk putting you in danger. I promise once we've done some reconnaissance I'll bring you with me to look for herbs for your hair.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

Thank you Black Fang.  I think I have enough to go on for now.  I'm sure I'll be back daily with more questions, but for now, I want to go and see what we can do to help.

Sunny, is there anything else you wanted to ask?  Torinn and Asuni, what about you?

As Kalista joined up with the teen, she was received by a cold shoulder and an icy tone.

You’ll be just like the other adults, I just know it. Making promises and not keeping them.

And she continued stomping along, not caring if Kali was following or not.

****************

You will be welcome anytime. I will help you as much as I can, like I do with the humans. It was a pleasure to meet all of you. Please, bring the extra scales for your crew, and if you’re looking for your Tabaxi, he’s already exploring the edge of the forest. I guess speaking with an old dragon in a cave was not to his liking.

Asuni rose and picked up the cushions to put them back in the guest area, shaking her head when Styx asked her if she had any questions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:51, Mon 07 Sept 2020.

I could see her eyes were starting to tear up. I was barely older than Lorelei, why did I feel so responsible for her?

I can't in good conscience say you can come along, Lorelei. I've never seen you fight. Spar me and prove you can hold your own and I'll vouch for you with your mom. If you don't know how to fight then I can't let you come until I know what's out there. I know it's not fair but I will NOT be the one to come back and tell Lorraine that you died out there. There are creatures even I'm not strong enough to defend you from.

Insight: 6 (1d20+5)
Perception: 9 (1d20+5) (Passive: 15)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Mon 07 Sept 2020.

A spar? With you? Is that what it would take?

Lorelei looks at you and lets out a sigh.

There's no way I can beat you and you know that! That's unfair!

She turns around and walks a few steps before stopping, her breath shuddering. Clasping her pendant, she seems to do a prayer again, before turning around.

Mom did start to train me as a traveler, but I have no way to prove it to you, I don't have my own bow.

She drops her head before turning around and starts walking again.

Nevermind. Let go get those lanterns.

Don't we have to go to the garrison to get the lanterns? Can't we ask them if we can use a bow? I never said you had to beat me in the spar, just that you had to spar me so I would know you can fight. I don't know that you can't beat me. I've never seen you fight.

I caught up to her again, Don't get discouraged just yet. One of my companions might also have a bow that you could use should we not be able to obtain one at the garrison. Wanna race?

Are you sure you want to race me? With your armor? Alright then, see you at the square in front of the temple, ¾ miles that way. I’ll even let you go first, that weapon does look heavy.

She wiped her eyes, stopped walking and smiled mischievously to Kali… apparently she knew something the warrior didn’t.

Before the race started, a young blonde boy about 10 years old came out running of a side street and skidded to a stop when he saw Kali, eyes wide with fear. Lorelei quickly intervene and introduced the boy as Lewis, and fear became fascination. Lorelei reminded Kali that she wanted to do that race and, Lewis started laughing, before saying to Kali.

I hope you haven’t bet any money Ma’am. No one is faster than Lor’lei.

That earned him a playful slap behind the head.

Shut up, now she knows!

She smiled again at Kali, shrugged and winked.

That’s why I’ll be a Traveler, I am pretty fast. You can start running if you still want it.

I challenged you, I shall not go back on it. I want to see how quick you are; if you are as good as he says. I don't know what being a traveler entails so I cannot fully test you if I take a headstart. Boy, give us a countdown.

The lad raised his hands and started counting down from three while we got in position for the race. As his arms dropped and he shouted to signal the start of the race, I pushed off with my right foot, not knowing exactly what to expect from Lorelei. I knew I was not the fastest of the group I sailed with, but I was quick enough on my feet that should Lorelei be able to beat me, she would indeed have to be fast. I dashed forward as quick as my feet would take me.

Action: Dash
This message was last edited by the player at 17:34, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Lewis’ arm dropped at the count of three, and the race was on. Kali took an early lead, taking advantage of her superior night vision to avoid raised cobblestone and water holes. Surprised by the fast start the heavily armored woman could muster, Lorelei had troubles keeping up, her feet slipping on the wet rocks composing the street.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kali noted that the lithe teenager almost stubbled and recovered beautifully, taking advantage of her forward motion to roll on the ground, barely loosing a beat in the race. But to the tiefling, this race was only one of many such runs she had endured when she was training in Daggerford’s militia, fully armed and armored, so it was a simple matter for her to find her grove. She also knew how to pace herself, and when Lorelei’s superior pure speed got her to take the lead, half-way to the church square, Kalista did not panic. On the contrary, she waited her occasion, that came when the overconfident girl looked back and slipped on a stone, nearly twisting her ankle. Kali used a burst of speed and arrived in the square half a step before Lorelei.

You are a quick one. I do believe if the sun had been up, you would have beaten me by a mile. I winked at her before continuing, How much farther is the garrison from here?

Following Styx's lead, Sunny closed up his tome with everything Black Fang had detailed and stood. "I too will have many more questions. I would bow but I'm afraid I would topple over and further embarrass myself. Black Fang, thank you for everything." He packed up and followed the bugbear out.

My head and heart feel lighter. At least he knows Dragonborn and Draconians are different, very different. As Styx and Sunny prepare to make their leave of Black Fang I see Asuni leave quickly and return. She has no questions for the dragon and in truth neither do I. Styx asked all i needed to know and all that is left is to decide our next move. That would be easier if we were all together but we are scattered at the moment. I’ll stick close to Styx, Sunny, and Asuni and hope the rest join us soon. I look up to the large ancient dragon and speak in the Draconic tounge, I will miss speaking as often as I have been.

Thank you for your time and wisdom Black Fang. I will have to reassess what I have learned today compared to what I have learned and believed from the past.

With that said he meets Asuni and follows the rest of his companions.

The group still with the dragon left the beast, their head still full of questions, but with a lot of answers to ponder. As they exited the building covering the entrance to the dragon’s lair, Styx noticed that Wind was perched in a tree nearby and called him. The druid climbed down the tree, his face concerned.

The plants are dying, Moonbeam… they need the sun. I half listened to what that big babbler was saying, but I think he’s right in this aspect, something is wrong with this place.

Just then, running feet could be heard from the church square, and a barely winded Kali could be heard speaking. While too far to understand Lorelei’s bewildered reply, the two groups soon reunited and after a few explanations, all ended up at the militia barracks, where Lorelei borrowed three lanterns and oil for them. Looking at Kalista with a hint of defiance, she also took a short bow with a quiver of arrows, brought the warrior to the courtyard and shot at a practice target. Her first arrow struck the edge of the dummy and she snarled. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she let fly again, this time hitting the bulls eye.

That’s another traveler skill. I guess if I can’t beat you in a race, at least I can show you this. Mom must be waiting.

She put the bow back in the weapons rack and lead the group outside, where they heard the delicate sound of the thunderous Machrel nearby. The first mate was accompanied by Hector, trying to negotiate some food stuff for the crew. Remembering the scales the dragon had given them, Styx gave them to the fiery woman, to be distributed among the crew. This task done, the group followed the teenager back to her home, where Lorraine was waiting, fully equipped to go in the wood. The presentations done, the woman reverently took a circlet with a yellow gem in the middle from a wooden box and slipped it on her brow.

I… I’m ready… Let’s go. Lorelei…

I know, I’m staying here.

Nodding her head, the woman moved out, her movements fluid, her steps light.

Now that we were all together again, I figured now was a good time to offload a few things before we set off. The dagger I had taken from the priest I handed to Styx and the bracers I handed to Sunny.

Styx, Sunny, I think you guys can use these better than I can.

"Everyone this is Lorraine, I believe you all met her briefly yesterday. She's been kind enough to volunteer to take us to where the Orgrimar chosen was last seen." I say to the others waving my hand to indicate the woman.

As Kali and Lorelei returned with the lanterns I step up to the young girl. "Thank you." I say to her as I take one of the lanterns from her. "If you could come with me for a moment." I say to her and step under one of the street lamps, she looks confused but follows me. I hand her a small mirror and make the necessary gestures before waving one hand over her head overlaying it with an identical illusion of herself with hair the same shade of purple as Kali. "I thought you might like a preview, before dyeing your hair" She has a minute to look at her reflection before the illusion fades and I retrieve the mirror.

"Alright, lets head out."

As we start towards the gate I feel Esa softly running across my shoulders in her mouse form but when I turn my head I cannot see her. Looking forward again, a small paw grips my right ear and a naked tail curls around the back of my neck. "I am going to be busy looking for signs of this chosen. While I'm doing that I need you to keep an eye on our surroundings. Also, keep an eye on Lorraine; we don't know these people and I'd feel better if someone is keeping an eye on them."

"I can do that. The darkness has little effect on me."

"That's good to know."

As we exit the gate, I stop at the edge of the town lights to ignite the lantern. Lets get this adventure underway!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Putting the scales in a bag at his side, Styx was eager to get out and help, therefore his steps were quick.  As soon as exited the cave, he saw Wiind, perched strangely in a tree, and decided to call out to him.  Wind, where did you run off to?

Styx looked around and saw just how bad it really was. The flowers hanging in baskets all around town were either drooping or already dead.  Of course some of them were charred to a crisp from the lightning monstrosities, but most were just unable to hold on. Even the dragon lilies outside the cavern entrance to Black Fang, which were a nice touch, were having trouble staying upright, though they were some of the hardiest of plants.

Wind, I know you can't help all the plants, but is there any way with your druidic magic, that you could possibly help the state of the city's crops so the people won't starve?  I'm sure knowing it is under control would put a lot of the people at ease.  I just wasn't sure if it was in the realm of your magical talents.

The group seems determined to find this Orgrimar chosen in the forest and I see nothing wrong with the logic in that.  I'm hoping this Chosen is able to answer some questions or give us some more information on what's going on.  He may not know anything, but it's the best lead we have right now.

When they reached the barracks lanterns were being handed out, but Styx just waved it off.  The lanterns would just throw off his night vision and he was hoping to scout ahead with Lorraine, if she would be okay with it.  Plus, he wanted to make sure both his hands were free in case of an attack.

Thinking about everything Black Fang has said, Styx got lost in his own thoughts and for a second, completely forgot about the scales he had to hand out.  Making sure to hand them off and still rolling through all the questions he still had for Black Fang, he mechanically followed the rest to some teenagers home, where her mother was to lead us into the forest.  As Ersin introduced Lorraine, Styx's first impression of her was that she held herself with a confidence that was inspiring.  He could tell by the way she walked and spoke, that she was all business and quickly got them out and moving.

While some of the others were talking, Kali came over to me and slapped the dagger against my chest, with more force than was necessary.  What Kali said was, I think you can use this better than I can Styx.  What Styx heard was, "You can use this better than I can Styx, because you're the greatest fighter of all time!"

You know, if you didn't know how to use it, I would have been happy to teach you.  My rates are reasonable....let's say 1 gp per session?  That's the lowest rate I've ever given.  You should be honored.  With a hearty laugh, Styx grabs the dagger and adeptly  attaches the sheathed blade to his belt in one smooth motion.

Seeing that it was time to leave, Styx did a quick check to make sure he had everything he needed and that everything was fastened and secured properly.  Seeing that everything was in order, he ducked under and out of the doorway, his height and muscly girth always having trouble as such, and followed Lorraine towards the gate.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

The group left the town through the same door they had came in, the portal having been hastily repaired, the dead all picked up. The transition from the semi-lighted town to the dark exterior outside the walls was brutal, the overcast sky blocking all light from the moons and star.

I have prepared a spell to give better vision in the dark, who would need it? It will last for some hours.

The Tortle wizard declined the druid's offer, taking one of the lantern instead, Ersin and Asuni taking the others.

How far are we from this site, Lorraine?

It… we… should reach… by the end of the… day. Follow me .... closely. Stay on your ....guards.

Anyone need a meal then? I have magical berries. Those will last all day.

The druid popped a berry in his mouth, and offered some around. Lorraine was suspicious, but did take one after the rest of the group did. The woman, bow in hand, then started walking in a west north west direction, through the dying wheat field. Farmers were busy harvesting the not quite ripe stalks, before they died on the spot. Wind approached Styx and answered his question negatively, saying he was still not attuned enough to nature to affect it to that scale. He could use his powers to create some berries, but that would not be enough for the entire town. But the discussion was cut short when the group entered the wood, the darkness enveloping the small party, even the darkvision blessed members finding it hard to find their bearing.

But Lorraine seemed to know exactly where she was going, her eyes cat like with the magic of her circlet, her steps almost inaudible. Wind moved out in the scout position and, visibly excited, he disappeared  in the forest, simply showing to the group that he was still around once in a while.

After 4 hours of following paths that would have been very hard to spot without knowing what to look for, the party stopped in a well hidden clearing for some rest. But the berries had magically provided all the nourishment they needed for the day, so they soon got up, anxious to find the Chosen, if he was still there. It was then that a certain pattern on a tree trunk caught Styx’s eye, reminding him of the secret symbols used in cities to denote gang territories…

Whispering quietly, Styx motioned to Lorraine and Wind and said, Do you guys see this?  This looks like similar symbols I've seen back home that were gang signs, meaning we were on their turf.

Lorraine,  have you seen these before and do you know what gang this may belong to and anything about them?  Or of any gangs are frequenting this area?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

Lorraine looked at Styx, her eyes wide with amazement. Then she started to laugh, the soft sound of one used to spend a lot of time in silence.

I’m…. I am impressed, Styx. Few are those that…. That can see the travelers symbols without… being trained.

She smiled at the bugbear, causing her laughter crow’s feet to crease at the corner of her eyes.

We travelers are charged by Mylesis to keep the roads and surrounding areas safe for travel and commerce. Since we are often in the wild, we have different safe havens, like this one, scattered around. You could say that we are Mylesis’ army.

Curiously, her stuttering seemed to disappear with this subject, that obviously fascinated her, her eyes twinkling.

It’s rare that I have to escort such a big group and you don’t all know how to walk silently. We are approaching grobble territories, small nasty semi intelligent critters, pretty vicious when cornered. They are known to eat humans when they catch one, and will gang up on you if you are isolated. Wind, I would not roam around now, it is dangerous here.

Skraugs are also known to send patrols this far south, but we can negotiate with them if we encounter them. They are intelligent and some say the next age will be theirs, if the humans fail. 

Wind started to protest but the look in the traveler’s eye did not lent itself for discussion.

I’ll do my best to steer us away from them but be extra cautious and keep your eyes and ears opened. Lorelei told me you fought off those lights, I’m sure you know how to handle yourselves if it comes to that but I would still prefer to avoid a fight. With the lanterns, we will be seen, but with Mylesis’ blessing, they will shy away from our numbers. Stay close to me and walk where I walk.

Smiling back, Styx said:  Thank you Lorraine.  Back in my home world, I had a knack for noticing such things.  I'd love to learn more about what it means to be a traveler in this world, what all the different symbols mean and such, when we are finished with all of this, if of course, you'd be willing to show me.

What do the Grobble and Skraug look like?  What are you doing to steer us away from them?  Have you seen any of either as of yet?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

Grobbles and Scraugs, I wonder if they have equivalents in our world? It would have been nice to have this discussion before we left the town but I didn't ask. I'll have to remember that next time.

Styx's questions are good but I have some of my own. "Lorraine before we continue, I too have some questions about the Grobbles and Scraugs:

     Do the use weapons? If yes, what kind?
     What are their preferred tactics?
     Can they be intimidated? Or is diplomacy a better option?
     Do they have magical capabilities? If yes, what kind?
     How will they respond if they come across a group of travellers?
     Have they grown more aggressive since the Long Night fell?
     How do they communicate?
     What signs should we look for if they're in an area?
     What do they want?
     If we run into a group are there individuals we should target first or be careful of?
     Will they investigate the light or leave it alone?
     Can they see in the dark?"

Sunny had at first been a little awkward with the bracers but he slowly grew accustomed to them. He enjoyed the magical berry he'd eaten and was fascinated at how it kept him full. Other than those things and holding the lantern, he'd kept himself busy wondering about this world and it's gods and everything they had learned from Black Fang, turning it over and over in his head. When they'd stopped to discuss the markings Styx found he'd nearly bumped into the next person in the group but kept himself from doing so only just barely.

Stx and Ersin had good questions and Sunny had nothing really to add but while they talked he cast his light about looking for sign of these dangerous critters.

That is a lot of questions, Styx and Ersin.

The woman, who had prepared to depart, turned back towards the group and put the tip of her bow on the ground, looking serious.

But they are all good questions, that deserve an answer.

She put her free hand about 2 and half feet high, like measuring the height of something.

Grobbles are about that high, scaly things that hunt in pack. They don’t use weapons but coat their claws with their poisonous saliva, so bites and claw strikes are to be avoided, you’ll be sick as dogs and easy prey if they poison you. We think they have a primitive pack intelligence, they speak to each other but I don’t know anyone crazy enough to have tried to learn their language. Ambush is their favorite method of attack. I hope I can recognize the signs before that happens, I am a good traveler, but those things are crafty. They are more active during the night, so this constant darkness must be to their liking.

As for Skraugs, they are generally bigger than you, Torinn, think of them as humanoid rats. They are a proud race with a tribal warrior culture, and don’t need much provocation to start a fight. All the weapons we humans use can be found in the hands of Skraugs, and I’ve heard their shamans are magic users, but I don’t know if they are affected like ours. Most of them follow their version of Orgrimar, but there are the rare exceptions that pray to the other gods. I know a few Skraugs travelers. Their tribes are often fighting each other, and the easiest, if simplistic, way to recognize one’s affiliation is to look at the color of their markings. The red Skraugs are predominant in this region.

She paused and looked at the party, making sure everyone was listening. Even Wind seemed caught in the explanation and was still with the group, his back to a tree.

I haven’t seen traces of either yet, but we are skirting the edge of the Grobbles traditional hunting grounds, I pray Mylesis that they haven’t expended during the week. I’ll make us do the detour to avoid them. This will add a few hours to our trip, but it should be safer. Where the Chosen was spotted is a few leagues away, not too far, but the strait path would cause us to travel in the heart of the Grobbles territory. It is relatively safe during the day, but now…

She looked up at the still covered night sky, her thought clear. She then turned her gaze to Styx.

With an eye for detail like yours, I’m sure you could learn the travelers’ ways. You already know how to walk silently, which is certainly a big advantage. I can teach you a few outland tricks, but you would have to convert to Mylesis to learn more as most of the training is transmitted only to followers. I’m sure you understand, that is our competitive advantage over the other religions. If an Orgrimarian Dark Blade, or any of the other Gods followers could stay on our Travelers paths, we would lose that advantage. Even though we are now allied to face the Overgod together, there are still centuries of bad blood that are not easily forgotten.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:07, Sun 20 Sept 2020.

"Are there any likely ambush spots along this path?"

Yes there are, I will try to avoid them, but grobbles can hide in a bush, with their small size. Be prepared for one, that's the best defense.

You've given me a lot to consider Lorraine.  I follow Selune and she will always hold my heart, but perhaps she will understand if I learn other ways to survive here under the guidance of another god, at least until I return to my home world.

Styx couldn't see the moons on this overcast night, but looked up at the sky anyway and wondered to himself how Selune would react to such a thing.  Would she forgive him if he adapted to this world for the greater good or would she abandon him, thinking he had done the same.  He'd have to talk to her the next time the moon was visible and see what she had to say about these things.

I look over at Lorraine and smile.

Dragons, Draconians and now little goblin things and giant rat men. This land never seems to be out of strange and interesting things.

I tighten my grub in my shield and spin my axe. Looking over at Asuni and Kali.

Well, guess there’s no better time to start the now. May holy Selune guide us all.

"When in the realms of men, do as they do." The tortle mused to himself. Sunny was ready to go as well.

The questions answered, the huntress picked up her bow and started forward on the path, an arrow ready to be pulled on the string. Wind approached Styx and her and it after a short discussion, it was decided that the two would cover the flanks, never more than 20 feet from the group. Ersin sent an invisible Esa in front, keeping mental contact with her at all time. Thus formed, the group maximized it’s coverage to protect itself against ambushes while staying close enough to cover each member in case of attack. Guiding the directions with short phrases during the next hour, Lorraine brought the group to do a wide arc towards the east, before starting back towards the north. This proved to be a wise decision, as most of the members, except the poor Sunny, found clawed tracks of various freshness at one point or another during the trek, but no grobbles were seen.

The subtle song of running water caught  the attention of Styx on his flank, and he signaled it to Lorraine, that acknowledged the find, saying they would cross that small river soon. Still there was something else in the background, and he invited Kali to come to his side. The tiefling listened and heard what was bothering the bugbear, the animals eerily silent, like waiting for something….

Styx signaled me to join him in front, pointing out the river nearby. I could see something else was bothering him, something he seemed unable to place. I stood still and listened, gazing off into the distance until my eyes could see but I was not hindered by their sight.

The animals are quiet. Something troubles them. We should be careful moving forward. I said in a whisper to Styx.

I resecured my shield strap and reset my grip on the magical longsword in my hand.

Styx could feel the buzz in the air, like the calm before the storm. Something wasn't right and so he quietly waved Lorraine over and whispered: The animals are quite quiet.  Something is amiss.

Styx pulled out the dagger that Kali had given him, curling his fingers around it a couple times, to get a good feel for the new weapon and firm grip on the leather strap.  His hands were a little on the larger side and so it took up the entire space from hilt to blade on the dagger.

He bent his knees a little bit more, so when the attack came, he'd be ready to pounce.

Lorraine say Styx coming and replied in a whisper.

Good catch, lets continue like we didn’t know they are around… there’s a widening of the path about a hundred paces further, we’ll have a better defensive position. They are far from their usual hunting grounds, it might be to our advantage. Lets have Wind stay closer.

Taking a normal voice, she called to the druid, that replied like he was blissfully unaware of the threat, approaching the group like it was a natural thing. But Styx and Ersin had been with the tabaxi long enough to know he was looking forward to the fight, the growl of his favorite form already in his voice. Torinn and Sunny also felt the tension in the air, and gripped their weapons a little tighter, Asuni doing a quick prayer to Selune, as Lorraine subtly accelerated the pace, her arrow being pulled a little more.

You have passed some of those scaly things, there are more ahead. Little one, I’m getting hungry!

But the grobbles might have been only semi intelligent, according to the traveler, they were cunning hunters. Seeing their preys alerted to their presence, the bushes surrounding the group started to expel scaly monstrosities, over a dozen of them…

Here they come!

Looks like we are going to have to fight here. I carefully stoop to put my lantern down, leaving the hood open to maximize the available light. Standing tall I bring my shield up in front of me facing the towards the three Grobbles Esa had spotted in front of me. Hmm, they're too spread out to easily defend against all of them; I hope Lorraine was right and they don't have ranged weapons.

"They're sticking to cover. Can you drive one out?"

"Perhaps, be ready."

I gather the energy for a bolt, feeling the cold sensation surge down my arm but at the last moment rather than releasing it I grasp onto it, holding it at bay. The cold in my hand begins to burn and the air around my finger ripples but I don't relent.

With a startled cry one of the Grobbles in front of me stumbles forward, just clear of the brush swiping its hands by it head as if trying to drive off a bothersome insect. Or a bird maybe. I smile as I release the bolt and it slams into the shoulder of the flailing reptile knocking it reeling, but still standing. Damn it.

"Was that what you had in mind?" Her voice in my head was terribly smug but I had to admit she had done exactly what I had asked of her. It was I who failed to properly capitalize on it.

"That was perfect, thank you." It tell her as I move back towards the others. It will not do to get isolated and swarmed.

Summary
Ersin
Action: Ready Eldritch Blast, trigger - Esa takes the Help action (19 to hit for 8 force)
Bonus Action: Nil
Move: Fall back towards Kali and Torinn
Reaction: Release Eldritch Blast

Esa (invisible)
Move: Move to within 5 ft of target (fly speed 60 ft)
Action: Help, target Grobble (whichever Ersin has the best shot at)
Bonus Action: Nil
Move: Move back towards party along south edge of path

Alternate 01 (Grobble close to within 5ft before my turn)
Ersin
Interact: Draw long sword one handed
Bonus Action: Hex closest Grobble
Action: Attack closest Grobble with long sword (18 to hit for 6 slashing 5 necrotic)
Move: If no Grobble are within 5ft, fall back towards Kali and Torinn. Else, try to position self so that any Grobble that wants to attack in Melee must step onto the path.
Reaction: Opportunity attack if available.

Esa (invisible)
Move: Fall back to Ersin
Action: Help action if passing by a Grobble on the way back.
Bonus Action: Nil
Reaction: Nil

Alternate 02 (Hostilities have not broken out by Esa's turn)
Ersin: No change

Esa (invisible)
Move: Fall back to Ersin along the southern edge of the path
Action: Look for hiding Grobbles.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Mon 28 Sept 2020.

Seeing the creatures emerge put the thrill of battle in Styx.  Seeing the North side already covered by a bear, he thought the South side needed one too.  He could see one creature trying to sneak up from their back and so decided to end that threat first.  Dashing forward with the speed of a spitting cobra, he quickly closed the distance to the creature and attacked with his rapier.

Move 30 feet and Dash to Grobble E.

Attack:  20
Damage with Rapier: 4
Sneak Attack: 7
Bugbear Bonus: 6

Total:  17 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Sun 27 Sept 2020.

I'm not sure exactly what caused it, the bloodlust, I was always ready to fight. Perhaps it was the Devil blood running through my veins. I growled my own kind of warning as I ran up to the other Grobble and attacked.

Action: Attack Grobble D with +1 Longsword 24 to hit (1d20+7)
Damage: 8 magical slashing (1d8+7)

If Grobble is not dead, Kali will mark it.

Sunny couldn't see the threat but he could see his compatriots reacting to something out there. He looked at the lantern that he'd been floating around with his helping hand and decided it was better to leave it floating there about ten feet off the ground above where he was standing as he concentrated on making himself light. He wouldn't be much help until he could see what was going on so he preferred a better vantage point. It was a fun little practice he had picked up as an outlander, leaping into the branches of trees. Sure his shell was bulky and hard to maneuver around most branches but if he picked the right one he could at least have a slightly better vantage point. Taking a running start the lightened tortle leapt up, it looked more like a slow motion jump, into the nearest load bearing branch he could see and hunkered down to see what happened next.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Action: Adjust Density to half Sunny's own weight. (Can jump twice as far among other things.)

Movement: Run and jump onto a tree branch.

Note: I rolled for how many rounds remain of mage hand holding the light and got 8. Sunny's been casting it every minute to float the lantern around.

---

Well, don’t these things move fast. Let’s see if these little not Goblin fall as easy as ours back home. They came all this way to fight us and tried to surprise us so I guess I shouldn’t disappoint them. I tense my grip on my axe, ease up my shield grip a bit, and leap into action. I move as swiftly as I can past my friends and attack the nearest in with a swing of my axe!

For Selune’s glory!!

Attack: 22 (16 + 6)
Damage: 6 (2 + 4)

Styx was ready to fight. As soon as he saw the first grobbles, he decided do secure their back and rushed one of the scaly beasts, skewering it with his rapier, eviscerating the monster.

Two of the enemies made a dash towards Lorraine, probably recognizing her from before. The first one slashed at her, the sharp claws finding flesh, forcing the woman to drop her bow, growling in agony. (Lorraine 7 damage)

The squeal of a dying grobble could be heard from the north, followed by the roar of challenge of a huge bear. Lorraine whipped her short sword out and slashed at the one that had injured her, cutting it’s throat, the creature falling on the ground, holding its neck.

The bear’s challenge was apparently answered when two growls of pain were heard (Wind, 10 damage, poisoned). Sunny decided that he needed a better vantage point and jumped on a high branch, to the north of the road, while Torinn saw that a grobble was rushing Kali and decided to go help his sister in arms, scoring a nasty hit. Esa got in the action and swooped in to impede the grobble that had first rushed Lorraine, Ersin letting his blast go a few feet in front of the traveler, seriously wounding the monster.

Asuni threw a ball of fire at one of the grobbles attacking Wind, blasting a scorched hole in the creature’s chest, killing it. As an experienced fighter, Kali decided that is was better to kill the grobble that Torinn has wounded, and cut its head, readying herself for the rush. Coming from two different directions, two grobbles slashed at Kali and Torinn, stopped by the shields the warriors wielded

Tactical outlook :

to the north, 2 grobbles are attacking the bear, that looks woozy

Sunny is in a tree to the north of the road, straight north he sees the bear being attacked, and 2 more grobbles straight east of him, that are 20 feet NE of Lorraine

Lorraine, Ersin and Asuni did not move, there's a wounded grobble at Lorraine’s feet and another that Ersin attacked 15 feet due east from her

To the south of the road, Torinn and Kali are practically back to back, with one grobble each on them, 2 more grobbles are closing in fast from the NE and SE of them, about 15 feet from them.

Styx is 30 feet due west of Kali, he has no targets in sight.

Yes I do have a complete battle map of this mess lol
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:26, Mon 28 Sept 2020.

Styx, feeling the bloodlust from a quick and early kill, rushes up to flank another Grobble that was pressing fast against Kali, stabbing it with his rapier.

Move 15 feet to within 10 feet of Grobble and flank with Kali.
Attack (with Advantage for flanking): 21, 6
Rapier Damage: 6
Sneak Attack Damage: 6

Total Damage to Grobble D: 12

Move remaining 10 feet and dash the rest to get immediately North of Grobble "C", to flank it with Torinn.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:44, Mon 28 Sept 2020.

Two of the Grobbles dashed towards Lorraine and I am bit slow interposing my shield allowing one of them to inflict a long scratch on my weapon arm. I quickly draw my sword and flexing the arm and bring it to a low-guard position. Though the scratch burns slightly, the arm still works find. Just ahead of me, Lorraine hisses in pain; damn it, of course they focus on our guide! I guess that is the risk you run being on point. Well lets see what I can do to fix that.

"See if you can't pick off one of the wounded ones."

"Very well."

I whisper the incantation and make the gestures causing Esa's shade to manifest next to the Grobble in front of me and she launches herself at the creature slashing furiously with her claws. I step forward quickly catching the creature off-guard, slamming my shield into its face causing it to reel back before following up with a short thrust to the chest causing the creature to gasp in pain before crumpling to the ground dead.

With the way clear, I step up beside Lorraine as she kicks the other creature hard in the chest, buying her the space for a heavy swin,g and decapitates it. With no foes immediately around us, Esa slips in behind us and the three of us eye the surrounding trees for more threats.

Turn Summary
Ersin
Interact: Draw long sword
Bonus Action: Cast Hex on closest Grobble
Action: Attack with long sword, target closest Grobble (25 to hit for 7 slashing and 6 necrotic damage)
Move: If no Grobble is within 5ft, take position to the N of Lorraine avoiding any opportunity attacks.

Esa
Move: Take position behind Ersin and Lorraine.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

Styx came up behind me and slaughtered one of the Grobbles that had approached us from the rear. His swift appearance startled me and my swing was off balanced as a result. The Grobble in front of Torinn was easily able to evade the blow.

Action: Longsword attack 9 to hit (1d20+7)

Of all those here, Sunny knew the least of Lorraine's capabilities. The bear that was Wind might fall but Sunny had some idea that he could revitalize himself or even become something new again if that happened. For now protect the squishy woman in the middle of all the grobbles. With a muttered word and motion of his clawed hand not holding him to the tree, the tortle created three minuscule singularities of condensed gravity that shot out from his hand. The singularities he just created were so small there wasn't even a name for that size in this world but from his father's study of gravity and the work he put into labeling things Sunny knew some of the reasons behind how it worked and why he shouldn't create any singularities larger than those he'd just made. They streaked toward the grobbles nearest Lorraine leaving a glowing trail that almost looked like darts spiraling through the air. Sunny knew that the singularities were far ahead of the glow which was part of the reason none of the grobbles were able to dodge out of the way of his missiles of condensed gravity. The poor things... If he had thought it possible to engage in some form of communication with them before the fighting commenced he would have attempted it. As it were he watched as his missiles struck the grobbles, felling at least one them.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Action: Magic Missile, three darts for 5, 3, and 3 damage.

---

We are deep in the fray now. These Grobbles are a bit braver then their Giblin cousins. Kali and I were back to back, do these things believe they even have a chance? Styx snuck up from behind and slaughtered one of them. I have to keep in mind they are deceptively fast. Kali swing a mighty attack and missed. Now it’s my turn. We need to end this now!


Attack: 21 (15+6)
Damage: 5 (1+4)

With a rarely seen blood lust, Styx rejoined his companions and ran his rapier through the body of the grobble menacing Kali, smiled at the woman and continued running to position himself in a advantageous position beside the paladin. Grobbles are feared for their relentless and the two closest to Lorraine decided to press their attack, despite being both severely wounded, one of them striking at Ersin (4 damage to both Ersin and Lorraine)

The warlock was not happy about it and cursed his attacker, before striking with his sword, killing him. The growling bear missed the quick-feet grobble he was targeting, but managed to clamp his jaw on the creature’s arm, crushing bones. Lorraine got tired of being hit by the first monster that had attacked her and finished the job, decapitating it, the head rolling a dozen feet away.

Sunny, seeing the two targets around Ersin and Lorraine dead reaimed his spell and the 3 balls of concentrated gravity caused the grobble to contract, as the limbs twisted and broke, trying to enter the body. Torinn barely noted the appearance of the bugbear near his target and struck, the axe biting hard. But the remaining grobbles started to act together against that trio and managed to strike both Kali and Styx (4 slashing damage each, Kali is Poisoned), Torinn working furiously to avoid the sharp claws, as Kali was missing her attack, the poison on the claws coursing painfully through her body.

From the road, the roar of a small fireball coming from Asuni struck a grobble near Wind, as Esa was taking position near Ersin.

"I’m still hungry, little one!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:21, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

While Torinn distracted the Grobble with his attack, Styx swept in, seeing the perfect opening, coming down and through the Grobbles throat.

Attack with advantage 17, 25 (crit)

Damage from Rapier:7
Damage from Sneak Attack:14

Total Damage to Grobble C: 21

After killing C, disengage and move directly behind H, so Torinn or Kali can flank.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

The poison from the grobbles claws coursing through my veins, I found it harder to swing my sword with my usual fervor. Gritting my teeth, I pulled deep and swung as hard as I could manage, pulling my sword away bloody.

Action: Longsword attack 15 to hit (1d20+7)
Damage: 13 (1d8+7)

With no threats visible near us I turn towards where I had heard Wind fighting in the trees to the north. They are just at the edge of the light but it looks like three of the creature are surrounding the bear.

"See if you can help Wind." I ask Esa as a transfer the curse to a badly burnt Grobble and the shade Esa latches onto the creatures left ankle, raking with her back claws and sinking her fangs into its Achilles Tendon.

"Why bother it seems the Scruffy One can take care of itself?"

"Please." I wheedle as I launch a bolt, striking the injured creature at the base of the neck causing it to fall forward without a sound, its tail and legs twitching once before going slack.

Summary
Ersin
Bonus Action: Transfer Hex to A
Action: Cast Eldritch Blast target A (25 to hit for 5 force and 2 necrotic damage)

Esa
Move: Fly to flank one of the remaining Grobbles around Wind or Kali's group (in that order)
Action: Aid action against surviving Grobble.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Fri 02 Oct 2020.

With most of the grobbles falling to their attacks Sunny decided to take on one of those few remaining by Wind. With another antigravity assisted leap he dropped down from his tree branch. As his foot touched down the tortle grabbed his bonking staff with both hands, bounded again and swung it at the grobble aiming to incapacitate not to kill. Problem was, it was dark out here and he didn't really want to hurt these little guys in spite of their savage attack. Still he might have achieved something.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Movement: Astronaut jump twice toward grobbles (was 8 feet off the ground so shouldn't have to worry about fall damage right?)
Action: Bonking staff non-lethal (14 to hit for a whopping 3 bludgeoning damage)

---

Kali’s hurt, I need to help her. I hope Asuni’s alright. I’ll check on her as soon as I can. First thing is to kill this little bastard in front of me. Follow his movements and anticipate as best I can...NOW!

We end this now, Goblin!

I know it’s not a goblin but it’s instinct I realize it as I say it.

Attack: 16 (10 + 6)
Damage: 8 (4 + 4)

Styx heard Torinn use the word goblin...Hey!  I resemble that remark!

Between the three fighters, each skewing or chopping their opponent, Wind ripping the arm, and the life, of his grobble, and Ersin blasting the firebolt victim, to Sunny and Asuni combining their efforts to bonk and burn to a crisp the last grobble, the battle was quickly over. A quick  inventory of the injuries suffered by the party was made, and Lorraine got a jar from her bag.

This will help to prevent sickness from the wounds. The weakness will pass in a few minutes. Grobbles use the poison to weaken their prey to shred it more easily, but you won’t die from it. But you can get sick and die from the wound if the sickness sets in.

She opened the jar, revealing  a strong smelling poultice and took some of the greasy looking mixture, before offering the jar around. She applied it on her own cuts, wincing from the pain.

You fought well, but we need to move. This was a small hunting party, there might be more roaming around. The spot the Chosen was seen is not too far. With luck, we might still see some tracks, but it rained in the last few hours, so I’m not too hopeful. The Chosen was seen right before the night started too, so it was a few days ago… I think, it’s hard to say without the sun.

Recovering her jar from the last party member that took some, she close the lid tightly and carefully put it back in her bag, picked up her bow and started walking, a little slower because of her pain.

Thirty uneventful minutes later, the forest suddenly opened to a large clearing, created by an old forest fire, that new vegetation was quick to invade.

Ah, I see, that is indeed a good place to collect herbs.

Yes  Wind, this is where the youth said he saw the Chosen, at the edge of the trees over there.

His allies were very aggressive... Sunny had hoped to knock out and perhaps detain one of these creatures but the very one he concussed was soon after burnt to a crisp... Nothing to do about it now though. Over the half hour between the fight and arriving at the clearing the only things he said was the incantation required for the recasting of his mage hand to hold the lamp every minute or so.

When they arrived he sent the lamp out ahead of them to view the clearing better. If someone told him to bring it back or cover it he would but for now he just wanted to see what everyone else could see.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

Entering the clearing, I glance up at the dark sky overhead. How long will it be before all the plants die? And once they do, how long until everything else follows? I know that there is an entire ecosystem below ground that exists without light but they have had unknown thousands of years to adapt to such conditions. Will the surface become a barren wasteland or will that ecosystem slowly spread and take over the surface too? It was harder to see under the older trees of the forest but the younger, smaller plants in the clearing are showing clear signs of distress.

”Let’s take a look around, see if we can find any sign of this chosen.”

Esa doesn’t deign to respond but I feel her leave her perch on my bag and hear the flapping of her wings as she takes flight.

The party spreads out across the clearing, Sunny’s lantern carrying, phantom hand leading the way. That’s a neat trick; I wonder if I could learn how to do that? Oh well, that is a matter for the future and right now I need to focus on the present.

I hear a rustling sound along the tree line behind me and I whip around to face it, shield ready and lantern held high. I closely examine the place I heard the sound but I cannot see anything. The attempted ambush earlier must have me more on edge than I'd thought. As I'm about to turn away I notice a small cat, small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, with tan fur with dark stripes and spots running down its back and face, slip out of the clearing and back under the trees. Oh my god it’s so adorable! But it’s not a pet and would not appreciate my attention; anyway there are other things I should be doing.

”There looks to be the remains of a camp over here.” Esa’s calls out in my head a moment later. Not all that helpful given that I cannot see her. I hold still for a moment and follow the link back to her, taking a quick look through her eyes to get a bearing and head towards her.

Reaching the site, I squat down to take a look. ”Well done.”. It looks like four or five people were camped here. ”Kali please come here a moment.” A few seconds later she steps up beside me, Lorraine a few paces behind her, “What do you make of this?” I ask her indicating the camp.

She prowls passed me and examines the camp squatting down like me to take a closer look at some foot prints left in a patch of softer earth. ”Five people stopped here maybe five or six days ago. One of them looks to have been smaller than the rest and another larger. They left heading to the north-east.”

”I agree.”

”L-l-look over here.” Lorraine said indicating a small pile of wood shavings. Someone was making ar-r-rows.”

”You’ve good eyes.”

”And here.” Esa voice sounded in my head and again I follow the link back to see what she is looking at. Whoever was here buried a number of small animal carcasses along with the rest of their garbage. I’m really hoping that was dinner.

”Lorraine, how long ago was the chosen sighted and do you know if anyone was with them? Also, do followers of Orgrimar sacrifice small animals in any of their rites do they?”

No… no, Ogrimarians don’t do small animals sacrifices, the… this looks… more like their food remains. The Chosen was seen about.. 5-6 days ago. This is consistent with the tracks, the darkness started not long after that.

The traveler crouched near the remains of the fire and examined the ground, pointing at a trampled patch of ground.

The big feet person stayed beside the small feet one, they might be a couple, their bed rolls were together, right there. The other kept apart, here and there.

She rose and turned to Styx.

I did what I said I would do, bring you to this site. What do you want to do now?

Styx thanked Lorraine for the poultice before heading out and decided to drop back and bit, having a long conversation with Asuni, before resuming his scouting duties.

Lorraine, you've already done so much for us, but none of us can match your tracking skills.  Would you be able to join us longer, in hopes we can track the Chosen sooner as opposed to later?  We would be most grateful.

The traveler nodded and took her water skin, taking a swig of lukewarm water.

All right then, onward we go.

Following the tracks going to the north east, the group walked for half an hour before starting to realize something was different. It started with the smell, the tang of drying tree sap mixed with upturned soil, overpowered by the stench of rotting corpses. Soon the group encountered a wall of fallen trees, their base splintered apart, covered by scorch marks. Finding a way around the timber, they discovered that some rotting flesh was sticking on the wood… and a recent massacre, a blasted wasteland full of fallen trees and unrecognizable  body parts. The scavengers had gorged themselves and Sunny noted that there had been too much to eat it all, the vultures having troubles to take flight as the group approached.

Was this done by the Chosen? By Selune, this is terrible!

But Kali noticed that the track they were following to the grisly scene passed over the corpses, the big booted person having clearly crushed an already rotten rib cage. An almost perfect round clearing of about 50 feet diameter had been created by the blast and as the adventurers navigated the outskirts, they noticed a splash of a colored garment in the center of the clearing.

That's disgusting. Asuni is not wrong, but she will have to learn to accept such things if she wants to continue in this line of work; healers are rarely needed for the gentler side of life. It doesn't matter, I am sure one of her admirers will offer her comfort, the fools; this is just another scheme to bind them too her. She really needs to learn some subtlety.

What would cause such a blast? Was it magical or mundane? Sadly my own training will be of little value in determining that. Why would something at the centre of the blast survive better than something at its edge? And if it is just a piece of clothing, or even a body like these others, why was it not thrown outwards like the rest? This has the feeling of a trap.

"Please circle around the clearing, maybe 10 or 15 ft into the tree line. See if there is anyone readying to ambush us." If they are there they are surely aware of us but that could work to our advantage if we are careful.

"Very well." With a quiet flutter of air she leaves her perch on my backpack and is gone.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

The track I was following led us to a clearing. The closer we ventured the stronger the scent of rot became. I could stomach the smell, but I wasn’t sure all of my companions would be able to. As the corpses came into view I could see another detail that was curious.

“The Chosen didn’t do this. His boot crushed an already rotten rib cage. Something else did this, but what did I don’t know.”

Looking at Lorraine for guidance, Styx asked her quietly, Have you seen anything like this before? What of the tracks? Can you tell how long ago the blast happened and when the boot came through here?

The woman was looking around the carnage with wide eyes until Styx shook her out of her daze by asking her opinion on the situation.

I… I… don’t know. This was… was.. not here…. 2  weeks a… ago.. when I … last came… here.

Wind had been sniffing around and perched himself on the remains of a splintered trunk. Drawing a claw on the wood, he tasted the drying sap.

I would have to concur with your assessment Lorraine. Those trees were killed not too long ago, between 5 and 7 days. This would coincide with what we’ve been hearing about when this unnatural darkness started and our own experience with that storm on the White Swan. Notice those scorch marks, I am not well versed in magic, what could cause those?

Asuni had entered the circle of death and started looking around to see if there were survivors, although it had been over a week. She did find something curious and called the group over.

Some of those dead are much more decomposed than they should be if it was only a week ago. I fear undead were among the attackers.

Meanwhile Esa was flying around the clearing and suddenly sent a telepathic message the Ersin

Little one, I see torch light rapidly approaching, from the north! They are not discrete!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Tue 27 Oct 2020.

"Can you get a closer look at them? We need to know who they are and how many there are."

"I will try."

"Be careful."

That's done, now we need to decide how we will handle this latest development. "Someone is approaching from the north; you can just make out their torch light. They have probably seen our lights as well. We need to decide how we're going to handle this quickly. I believe we have three options: flee, meet them openly, or try to hide some of us while the others attempt to speak with them in case they are not friendly."

Styx, nodding in agreement to Ersin, "Let's get at least 2 people hidden, one on each side, so we can flank them if need be.  Torinn, why don't you and Lorraine take the lead on speaking with them.  You're best equipped in this situation and Lorraine might know something about who approaches.  Wind can take the left, I can take the right, and the rest will meet them head on, however, I would recommend finding the most advantageous spot here, that has quick cover behind the fallen trees and such.  Does that work for everyone?"

Stealth (for when needed): 22

Sunny hadn't been taking this venture to well. His unusual silence this whole time attested to that. And now there was a possibility of Undead out here to boot. He didn't think he could hide as well as some of the others so he elected to stay visible. Since the new arrivals were supposed to be coming from the north he floated the lamp out to the nearest tree in that direction and hung it on a branch so the light wasn't centered on them exactly and then stepped back into the dim light but not full into darkness. He drew out his Bonking staff in addition to his magic one and tried his best to strike am imposing figure in the near darkness behind whoever was to greet the newcomers. His strange shape and size might do something so long as his actual features weren't all to clear.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Sun 08 Nov 2020.

Since I've one of the lanterns it's likely they've already seen me so it's probably not a good idea for me to hide. It's not like the others have a similar silhouette. But I still want a position where I can take cover if necessary and a little distance from the main group would be beneficial. Unless there is another group circling to flank us. Hmm, I think I'll ask Esa watch my back when she gets back.

I settle in to wait as the others ready themselves as best they can. Waiting for the other group to reach us gives us some say in where the encounter happens but it yields the initiative. I'm not sure that is the best choice but given our lack of information it's not the wrong one.

"There are three of them roughly 400m ahead of you: a very large one holding a large axe and carrying a smaller one over its shoulder and a winged one that is shooting a bow at something glowing behind them. I could not see what it was shooting at clearly. They both have stones embedded in their foreheads, that is the source of the light." Esa's voice reaches me shortly after I have taken my position, that Raven form sure is fast.

"Excellent work. Please keep an eye on them and when they get within 100m of our position loop around and come back in behind us to make sure they haven't snuck in any flankers. If you get the opportunity to get a better look at whatever they are shooting at do so but keep the risks to a minimum. You're more valuable than anything you can learn at this point."

She doesn't respond but my sense of her presence drops noticeably and when I reach for her with my mind I can't find her. I know she's there but I can't connect. This range limitation is very frustrating; I'll have to look into more ways to extend it.

I relay the information to the others and focus my attention to the East and North East, trusting in Esa to watch the North. Hopefully the others can keep an eye on the rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Fri 13 Nov 2020.

With the help of Esa, the group prepared itself in the most likely path of the running trio, Thorin, Sunny, Lorraine, Kali and Asuni standing in the path, Ersin, Styx and Wind finding hiding places to wait their arrival.

The wait was not long, as a barely dressed, tattooed, dark haired, almost 7 feet tall giant of a man soon crashed through the underbrush. Armed with a huge double handed axe with a broad double blade, he was easily carrying a body over his shoulder. Half looking where he was going, he noticed the group in front of him at the last second and shouted.



Get out of my way!

Karnak, what is happening?

What?

Being called, the man finally focused on the living obstacles before him and stopped, bewildered. At that moment, a harried long haired blonde archer exploded out of the wood in the tracks of the man, turning to shot a flaming arrow behind her. Dressed in black leather, the woman displaying a majestic pair of black feathered wings collided with the giant and fell down.



Why did you stop, you idiot?!?

At the sight of the woman, Lorraine stepped back, pale, and her stuttering worsened, making it almost impossible to understand her.

A….a…..a….a…..ch…. ch… chhhhh…..chooo…. choss……chosss.s……chossss….

The blonde warrior picked up her fallen bow and rose, flapping her wings to remove the mud from them. She looked behind her and pulled an arrow on her bow, shooting at some blue white glow visible through the trees. Slapping the big man in the back to get him moving, she finally looked at what had stopped the man, expertly putting another arrow on her bowstring and raising her weapon, as the arrow head caught fire.

I don’t know who you fools are, but by Orgrimar, if you wish to live, you’ll leave this place!

Sunny watched the three and heard what Lorraine was trying to say. Putting two and two together he said simply in response to their words and actions.

"Chosen of Orgrimar. We need to talk."

His long neck turned toward the glow that was approaching.

"But first. How many, how strong, and how do we beat them. Quickly now, we may be the only aid you get."

His words were calculated and may have only seemed slow in the fractions of moments they had to act. But he gripped his staff still looking beyond the three and toward the thing they fled from. He very clearly did not look ready to flee with them.

Wesley on the other hand peered out from his position on the shell made a peep and disappeared somewhere between it and the bag Sunny carried.

By the gods, the Chosen had wings! The fall she had taken did not dissuade from her majestic presence. I would have to keep my awe of her under wraps for the present moment. The man who accompanied her did not appear to be someone easy to tussle with.

I shifted into a readied stance and looked the Chosen dead in the eye, "I will not run from you. Now tell me, what strengths and weaknesses does the creature possess?"

While I waited for her answer, if she gave me one, my gaze shifted to that of Karnak and the figure thrown over his shoulder.

Insight on the Chosen: 12
Perception on the body thrown over Karnak's shoulder: 9

Well...I'll be. Styx managed to get out, stammered by the beauty of the chosen.  Styx didn't even bother looking at the small statured man with her, as he dwarfed the man by almost a full head's height.

Styx stood up and approached the pair casually, not wanting to frighten the little man or the chosen, while also letting them know he was friend and not foe.  Had he popped out of hiding in the middle of battle, there might be no time to explain who he was before taking an arrow in the back or axe to the face.

Styx stood tall and silently watched on, while his friends barraged the pair with questions, not wanting to add to the chaos.

"They're pursued be more of those large, glowing orbs and giant rodents. Some of the rodents appear to be dead."

Wonderful. "Thank you. Come back, I think I'm going to need you shortly."

Hmm, how do I tell the others without revealing my position? The situation is already tense enough as it is; the chosen and her entourage may react poorly to another person appearing out of the dark unexpectedly. Ahh.

I crouch down in my cover and quietly whisper an incantation, and I hear my own voice call out from the dark well away from my position. "Get ready, more of the larger Lightning Wisps and giant rats are coming. Be careful, some them are already dead."

Turn Summary:
Action - Casts Minor Illusion (Ersin's voice loud enough for all friendlies to hear), origin 30 ft away from my and and known friendly positions.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:01, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

The blonde chosen sidestepped her hulking companion and walked a few steps in front of him, the light from her flaming arrow creating weird shadows over her toned body. Taking a few trembling breaths, her exhaustion was now visible to all, in the twigs stuck in her long hairs, the rips in her pants, the deep shadows under her bright blue eyes. But the tilt of her head also revealed her underlining pride and she made a visible effort to  straighten her shoulders before looking at the surprisingly diverse group around her. Looking back at the bright light still approaching, she sighted and drew her arrow, shooting wild in the forest, in the direction of their pursuers.

You want a fight, you’ll have one… Orgrimar will witness a grand battle! And if we survive, then we’ll talk, turtleman! Those damned spirits have possessed Skraugs and animated their dead, we have to destroy both the living and the dead!

The big man simply nodded, and moved beside a tree, grunting as he deposited his burden slowly, his state of exhaustion similar to the woman’s. Taking his heavy axe with both hands, he moved to protect the chosen. As he passed beside her, he growled in a determined voice.

Good, I was tired of running. It is a good day to die and see my ancestors!

 Asuni moved to the robed man on the ground, discovering a young man with a large slash wound across his abdomen, barely contained by the filthy dressing covering it. But there was no time to start treating the man properly, so she quickly prayed to Selune to stabilize him, hoping he would still be with them in a few minutes.

Here they come!

The druid called from his perch as 2 glowing balls of blue-white light appeared 300 feet from the group, followed by a dozen giant, 6 feet, rats-beings, some running with the viciousness of rabid dogs, others more slowly in the shuffling gait of the reanimated dead.

So the Fulgars Fagui were spirits capable of possessing or animating the dead. Noted. Based on how their last few encounters had gone this could go well or very unwell for the tortle and his companions.

Sunny nodded acknowledgement to the Chosen and stepped up to a protective position of the woman as well with enough space for another to stand between him and the exhausted, axe-wielding, beast of a man. He gripped his staff tight and looked over.

"Try to get them to bunch up if you can. I can do more to them if they're close together. And perhaps we can all keep you and your ancestors distantly acquainted for a while longer."

Sunny grinned a little and then had to marvel at the wonder of the gift Black Fang had bequeathed them. It was truly beneficial to be able to understand and be understood in situations like these.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

I moved up between Sonny and the large man.

"I can make it harder for the creature to hit you. You look a little tired there old man."

I looked briefly over to Sonny and nodded my approval of his plan and waited for the fastest of the creatures to come into view.

Initiative: 12 (1d20+3)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:59, Sun 17 Jan 2021.

Styx found a hiding spot off on to the side where he knew the balls of light would most likely come.  He was well covered, but still had a good view and was close enough to spring a surprise attack.  He readied his blade, removing it from it's sheath, as there would be no time to waste once they came through.

Styx will ready his attack so the moment a will o' wisp passes him, he will attack from hiding.

Stealth: 11, 22 with advantage

Initiative: 16
This message was last edited by the player at 16:45, Sun 17 Jan 2021.

Writing for Torinn:

Could it be true?  Could Selune really be talking to him?  Why now though?  How could it possibly be so urgent?  He looked at his fellow compatriots; the ones he had grown to love and care for.  How could he just leave them like this?  What would Asuni think of him...and the others?  But...if she was calling to him, telling him to go now, this was his chance to fully understand what she wants and needs of him.  There was no mortal here that could keep him from his true path...his true calling.

Turning to face the group, his back to the oncoming enemy, he gave a quick, but long bow...and then, ran off.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:37, Tue 19 Jan 2021.

Well fuck... I'm sure he'll find some way that his faith justifies him leaving us in a bind. Note to self, take more precautions when dealing with people who believe they've some holy calling. But that's a future concern and the present just got more hazardous.

The path to my fallback position is still clear so that's good and hopefully the chosen and her allies can make up for Torrin's loss. Too bad Kali was so keen to take point; if we end up fighting them next it would be easier if they took the brunt of this attack. On the other hand, if it looks like we're manipulating the situation for a better position at their expense or they'll more likely turn hostile. Tricky... What we need is means to control how many reach us at a time or makes them easier to deal with so our line doesn't get overwhelmed. Unfortunately, none of my talents meet that need. Maybe Wind or Asuni has something? Once more I whisper the incantation and my own voice calls out from the darkness. "If anyone has a means of slowing them down or spreading them out now would be a good time."

A soft fluttering in the air behind me tells me that Esa has made it back. Reaching into the small pouch at my waist I pull out one of my few health potions and place it carefully in a protected niche nearby. "If one us gets knocked unconscious I need you to take this and get it to them as quick as possible."

"Very well."

Turn Summary
Action: Cast Minor Illusion
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

The paladin’s move to retreat surprised his companions, and drew a sneer of derision from the winged woman. But there was no time for recriminations as the two balls of lights were furiously speeding up toward the mismatched group, a score of giant rats following them. The Chosen raised her bow and shot, the flaming arrow going wild, as the woman winced in pain, her practiced movement reopening a still healing wound in her torso. She pressed a hand to her side, unable to shoot again while the creatures approached, the pain obvious on her face.

Asuni followed the dragonborn’s path with astonishment, raising her hand to her face, gasping for air, dumbstruck at the action of her friend. As the battle lines closed in, she shook herself and balls of fire appeared in her hands, keeping her more powerful magic energy for the inevitable post battle healing.

The druid was already moving following the recommendation of the warlock, reminded that his powers over nature did not limit themselves to transforming into a bear, and waited for the right moment to call vines and roots to impede the small horde’s way forward, leaving the running ratmen to separate themselves from the shuffling, and now struggling to move, ones.

After those firsts moves in the battle, the rest of the group waiting for the enemies to get closer, the balls of lights approached to 60 feet from the fighter line, three rat men are following at a hundred feet and the rest are slowed down by the vines at a hundred fifty feet from the group.

Let us see how well you can wield that shiny  blade, horned one.

The big man lifted his heavy axe and seemed to prepare himself to charge.

As the man looks ready to charge, Sunny gently moved his staff in front of the axe shaft and said calmly. "Wait for them to come to us. If we spread ourselves to thin we wonts stand a chance. Better to prepare yourself to swing as they arrive. And if you can throw something, throw it. Unless you know something about these spirits that we don't."

 Recommending he readies an action rather than charging to his death.

Having said that the tortle set to incanting and gesturing with his hand once more, and for the first time in front of their new temporary allies, created his three smaller than miniscule singularities that he sent hurtling toward the closest of the Fagui, the glowing trails spiraling and weaving as they orbited each other until impact.

Action: Magic Missile for a total of 10 force damage

Trust a Wizard to kick things off with flare. This may not be as spectacular but it should be useful. Whispering more quiet words I point at the wounded Wisp and watch as one of Esa's spectral form appears above it to pounce on it claws extended. That done, I pause to aim before thrusting my arm forward, releasing a blast of force and watch with satisfaction as the bolt slams into the wisp centre of mass causing it to careen wildly into a tree, sparks arcing off in all directions, before fading away.

Esa's tail brushes against my leg as she moves to pick up the health potion I had laid out. "Focus on what's before you, I will watch for treachery."

Turn Summary:
ERSIN
Bonus Action - Hex wounded Wisp
Action - Cast Eldritch Blast, target wounded Wisp (23 to hit for 12 force and 4 necrotic damage)

ESA
Action - Perception check (18) focusing on looking for any threats approaching from the flank or rear.
Interact - Pick up health potion
Note - Still invisible
Assumption - She was able to revert to her true form before they moved to close with us. Otherwise her action will be spent reverting before she picks up the potion.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:16, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

The battle almost upon them, the wizards starting throwing their magic in hopes to weaken the oncoming creatures.  Styx, his blood pumping and heart racing, had his rapier out and ready, just waiting for them to get into range before pouncing.

Readying a strike at the first Will O' Wisp, when in range.

I posed myself ready to strike once the wisps got into my range. I didn't particularly enjoy being called horned one and spent my last few moments before battle fuming about that, causing myself to be a bit distracted.

Action: Hold action to attack once the wisps get into melee range 12 to hit (1d20+7)
Damage: (should it actually apply) 9 (1d20+7)

If my attack hits, I will mark the creature with my unwavering mark.

As the two wisp flew in, closing half the distance to the fighter line in a few seconds, the invisible form of Esa started raking one of them, followed by a rippling in the air coming from an unexpected direction. Sunny targeted the same ball with his singularities and in a blinding flash, the creature dissipated.

Not to be left alone, Asuni threw her ball of fire at the other wisp, but missed, burning some branches on the ground. That ball arrived in front the line and Kali, trying to show off to the tattooed man, started a complicated flourish, that amounted to nothing, as the ball of light was too fast. The man smirked and landed an heavy two handed chop…. Strait into the ground, the wisp easily dodging the clumsy strike.

Sucking her breath, the blonde archer moved back and to the side a few feet to have a line of sight on the glowing ball and lifted her bow, grimacing. As before, the arrow head bursted in flame and she let fly, taking advantage of the ball’s move to avoid Kali’s attack to hit it dead center, a weird crackling sound coming from the creature. That was all the opening the running Styx needed to backstab the lightning monster and it too exploded.

The running rat men, not realizing that the undead where not following as fast, continued their run, moving within 90 feet of the group, while the rest of them was still struggling in the roots and vines, still 150 feet back, except for two that got out of the zone and continued their shambling charge, both at 120 feet
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:53, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

After seeing how sluggish the giant oaf of a man was, I starting chuckling to myself. Thankfully, the wisps were already taken out and I had no immediate threat to my person. I couldn't help myself but say, "The big, bad, tough guy was worried about how well I swung my sword. You seem to be the one in need of assistance." I held my shield up higher so he couldn't see the big grin plastered on my face. I readied myself for the Skraug's to arrive.

Action: Hold action until the Skraug's come into melee. 16 to hit (1d20+7) Longsword attack
Damage: 8 (1d8+7)

I will mark the Skraug with Unwavering Mark giving it disadvantage on attack rolls against anyone other than me.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Fri 29 Jan 2021.

These wisps were far to quick and dangerous for Sunny's liking but if dealt with swiftly as the first one had been that could become a non issue. But the ratmen, no, the Skraug, ought not be discounted either. As the pack closed the distance he considered his options. He put as much information together as quickly as he could in the few seconds he had. Time to put the limits of Black Fangs gift to the test.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

 Contingent Turn option one:
 (If wisp is still alive by Sunny's turn)
 Action: Magic missile the wisp for 10 force damage.

Contingent Turn option two:
 (If wisp is dead by Sunny's turn)
 Move: to stand directly under the lantern light
 Action: Prestidigitation - create a palm sized illusion of a Black Winged Sword floating at the end of his staff held raised to be clearly visible.

Either option is followed by this announcement.

---

As an illusion of a Black Winged Sword burst into existence at the end of his staff Sunny called out. "Skraug!" The tortle's raised voiced was unexpectedly loud, especially since he had never spoken out with this force before. Well there was that time he guffawed so loud he woke some of the crew but that was nearly forgotten at this point. "Your god, he who commands darkness and chaos, demands respect for his Chosen. Your prey no longer runs in fear but stands to fight. Lay down your arms or face the fate of these spirits. Your undead brethren will be dispatched and if you accept you can give them a respectable end."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

Not a bad start, all the most immediate known threats dealt with and the rest broken up into more manageable numbers. We have to balance trying to impress these strangers and holding enough secrets back in case this meeting takes a wrong turn.

With that in mind, I shift my spell over to the furthest back of the living Skraugs running towards us, take aim, and release another bolt catching the creature below its left eye as it hopped over a small hole causing half its head to explode backwards while its body spun through the air for a moment before crashing back to the ground in a heap.

That was lucky. And gruesome.

Turn Summary:
ERSIN
Bonus Action - Shift Hex to furthest living Skraug not caught in the Entangle?
Action - Cast Eldritch Blast target hexed Skraug (15 to hit for 13 force and 4 necrotic damage)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Sun 24 Jan 2021.