Milnor's ford sits on the river, Wassende South, just before it splits again.

The river is just deep enough to allow merchant barges to travel up and down the river. Well at least in seasonal times. the river is shallow in the winter and any barges that don't make it down from Vaxandi are stuck till the spring thaw.

Milnor's ford is largely a hub of commerce. the warehouse district in the northeast. and on the northwest the rich merchant lords elaborate estates. either side littered with taverns, inns, shops, residential, mostly anything you could ever want.

it is the peak of summer and the city is packed full.

the crowning glory of the city is the mages' tower. the dark stone building towers over the city. the tower is older than any other building, even the walls.p
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:49, Wed 24 May 2023.

Magus Sarifina walks across the courtyard of the tower. followed by a cluster of folks. " what is the update?"


A short female elf replies. " The news from Vaxande is not good Magus. it has been completely overrun. this horde that comes from the other side of the Napati Mountains"

"the same for Eorkorti" piped in a  dwarfen male. " the news from the northern towns are filled with many stories of refugees."

Sarifina stops in her tracks. " but are there any facts as to what exactly this horde is? if we are to send anyone out there we must know what it is"

"perhaps first we should send out a scouting party." the short elf replies.

"there may not be time. send a proclamation to all ends of the realm. this threat all ready took down the two largest cities in the area, we must gather the best and met this head-on. I will speak with the Archmage immediately."

.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Fri 19 May 2023.

OOC every one can post their first impressions

A. The news that the cities have been taken over by some unknown entity.
B. The call to Arms
C. their decisions to answer the call
D. the first impressions in entering the city.

or what have you

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

From the Silver Halls of Sorcery, deep in the forests of Eldantien, strides Phirosalle of the Elvenfolk, in answer to the summons for mighty heroes to battle the sinister foreign invaders. For only he has the learning, the wisdom, the knowledge of the arts arcane, the stupendously good looks needed to battle the tide of Evil and overcome!

Well, that, and his masters kicked him out and told him not to come back until he had seen a few things that were neither his grimoires nor his reflection in the mirror. They failed to explain why anything that wasn't either of those two things would possibly be of any interest, but that's masters for you.

Be that as it may, he has stridden for many leagues now, and he's getting tired of it. His feet are unpleasantly sore, and he's getting road dust all over the hem of his stylish robes. Thus, he perks up considerably upon the sight of the city, and hurries his steps towards the mages' tower. Now to get to work. He's sure he can have this invasion business wrapped up in a jiffy, and then he can get back to his true vocation of searching for the mysteries of the spheres, the secrets of the depths, and a more perfect hair tonic.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Tue 30 May 2023.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" K'ajoranguarssuak asks the lynx loping along beside him.  He looks down past the river bend at the town rising up in the distance.  "There'll be more humans there than we've ever seen.  Tens more humans.  Maybe even a hundred."

"Mowr," Meqqusaaq the lynx replied.

"Alright, more humans than I've ever seen.  The most we -- I've ever met is five.  They seemed friendly enough, but still."

Humans were strange creatures, he thought.  They were slaves to their emotions; happy one moment, angry the next, then back to happy.  Like lightning.  So much life to live in such a short time, he surmised.

"Halloo!" came a voice from the river.  Kaj looked over to see a halfling poling a barge downriver.  "Do you want a ride to Milsnor Ford?  It's no trouble."

Before Kaj could reply, Meqq growled softly.

"Why not?" Kaj asked.  The boat trip would cut the time to the town in half at least, and he wasn't averse to enjoy the rest of the trip seated.

Meqq issued another growl.

Kaj uttered an exasperated sigh. "It won't sink.  You're just afraid of water."

Meqq growled again and disappeared into the oat field that bordered the other side of the road.

Kaj uttered an exasperated sigh before turning his attention to the boatman.  "Thank you," he said in heavily accented Common.  He was getting better at the language, but he still had some to learn.  " But my fence is afraid of the water."

The halfling looked at him strangely for moment then said,"you have a very big cat.  Is he friendly?"

"No, he's a boy," Kaj replied.  "Thank you again for your otter.  Have a good afternoon!"  He followed up with a wave that the halfling returned somewhat hesitantly.

As the barge passed them by, Meqq emerged from the oat grass.  "Mrowr."

Kaj switched back to elvish, "He said what?  Friendly?  That's the word for friendly?  Oh, Analor take me!  That halfling must think I'm an idiot."

"Mrowr."

"Oh shut up."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Sat 20 May 2023.

Coraxa stood on the bow of the barge. She watched the city drift by as it sailed in to the north port. The trip from Erkorti had been short. Staying in any one port for one night only. Just long enough for the merchants son to make coin and trouble. Coraxa had began to think she needed to start charging by the skull she cracked, keeping him out of truble.

As the barge was set to dock. A scrawny, gressy haired man stepped out of the the ships cabin. Bane, the name ment Glorious defender. She laughed every time she thought about it. He was weak. Sleazy. And a few other choice words. Coraxa had faught the merchant on the desison to make Bane travle with her. But Master Davis Thought it was high time his son learned how to trade.

At first he was good. Made more coin then Coraxa had seen. But then he spent the extra coin on drink and woman, and often the wrong one. After a few ports Coraxa had decided she had to keep a closer eye on him. He deffanatly gave her a run for her money.

He hopped off the boat first. "I belive you can handle it from here. Ill see you at the manor." Said the gressy haired young man. And before she could even respond he was off. "Aye Sir Davis" she said in a mocking voice just under her breath. She hopped off the boat theathered it to the dock. She orgnized the others in hauling the cargo to the warehouse.

Their journey from milsnors ford to Erkoti and back again was quick. Each put she heard a few rumors about the west. Somthing about the Napati mountains. She had yet to hear about the call from the wizards tower. As she made her way out of the warehouse disgrict she Thought to her self the city seamed full to bursting

Joy's tribe in the savannah was probably one of the last settlements to hear about the coming invasion. They had little contact with outsiders, but occasionally traded with traveling merchants. And the news was dire enough that their elders agreed to send aid. Since the small tribe did not have numbers, they opted for quality and sent their most skilled and blessed warrior. Joy.

At first Joy was not all that eager to accept the mission. The threat was so far away. Was it really worth leaving the tribe undefended for such a long time? But she was reminded that a small wildfire beyond the horizon could become an unstoppable inferno by the time it reached you, if left unanswered.

And so Joy flew from her homeland to go investigate whatever unnatural threat might be emerging. She arrived at Milsnor Ford in the form of a savannah buzzard. She circled high in the sky, taking in the sights below. She had seen cities before, but had never had reason to enter one.

She was impressed by the construction, but at the same time disgusted. It seemed so cold and soulless compared to her home, but for the sake of her homeland, Joy swallowed her disdain and swooped in for a landing. As she landed in the courtyard near the tallest tower, her grassy feathers melted into her smooth skin and soon a wild-looking halfling stood atop the cobblestone, looking a bit overwhelmed.

All around town of a group young boys run around informing the populous "the wizards tower is now looking for adventures off al kinds" says the smallest, a boy about 8. "Old or young, fresh off your mother apron strings" says the middle, a round boy of maybe 11. The tallest and the eldest "seek yee fortune, seek yee fame, or glory." The youngest again" is it was? is it montsers? will we ever know?"

OOC if your char has never been to millsnor befor you may need directions

Kaj wrapped a cloth over his mouth but it did nothing to lessen the muskiness in the air.  How can humans stand this? he thinks. The stink of one human's body odor was bad enough, but several score of them?  He imagined this was what an orc camp would smell like.



"What do those words mean?" the elf asks his feline friend.  "Fame.  Fortune.  Glory."

"Mrowr," the cat responds.

"Fame and glory, eh?  Maybe then I'll be able to attract a proper girl."  Kaj looks through the crowd.  "There's a couple of elves here in town.  Maybe I'll get lucky."

"Mrowr."

"Oh shut up."

Joy stood around for a bit, looking lost as ever. She was pretty sure she was in the correct town, but had no idea where to go now that she was here. Should she seek out the town's elder's? Their chief? Someone else? Luckily for Joy, her question was soon answered by a group of children passing by.

"So... I need to find the wizard's tower, eh?" she said to herself. She put a hand to her chin thoughtfully and tapped her bare toes on the cobblestone beneath her. She looked down at the cobblestone of the courtyard and her gaze traveled over to the tower she had landed near. She had purposefully landed near the town's tallest tower, but what were the chances it was also the wizard's tower? Well, considering it was where they were having everyone meet... the odds seemed pretty good, actually.

Still, she would rather be certain than just assume. The next tall person she saw, she asked, "Is this the wizard's tower? The place that is looking for adventurer's" Her words had determination, but not malice.

---

Any of my fellow adventurers can feel free to be the one Joy is asking. You can even recognize her if you would like, if you have ever travelled through a small tribal village out in the open savannah far from this city.

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle smiles indulgently down at the small human child shouting out the news. They're almost cute when they are small, before they get so unsightly and hairy with age.

"Exceedingly young one, you may have the honour of directing me to the wizards' tower," he says generously. "Please be quite brisk about it, so I don't have to endure the various odours of this street longer than necessary, that's a good child."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Tue 30 May 2023.

It was not often the king under the mountain, Gamul, summoned his nephew.  As such Bailor knew he had to make time to answer the call.  He entered the throne room where with little fanfare he was led into the more secluded council room.

"Bailor, my nephew, it is great to see you.  I wish it were under better circumstances.  However, we have things to discuss of import."

He motioned towards the large table that held the map of the lands, in particular to the bordering lands of the Skeld Highlands, "over the past few months we have heard rumblings of trouble along the Napati Mountains.  Recently some of our border posts on the far western Highlands stopped reporting in.  I have sent scouts.  Some have not returned.  The ones that have bring news of the outposts being destroyed."

"This does seem quite dire, my liege.  I do not understand what this has to do with me and not the commanders of the army."

A small smile though clearly the heaviness of things still showed elsewhere on his face and eyes, "my nephew, as you know our outposts within the Skeld are on behalf our of friendship with the southern lands and include volunteers from their lands to work under our leadership.  I have need of your particular station and skills to act as ambassador to go to Milnors Ford and see what aid we may provide and what information they might share on the situation."

One hand is placed on the king's shoulder and another to the holy symbol that hung on his belt, "uncle, I swear I shall not fail you in this task.  Whatever the situation is we will be victorious with the aid of Brorrel."

Lifting the holy hammer and touching the king's hand with it he silently asks for Brorrel's blessing to keep his uncle safe and ease the stress, "stay safe my king and uncle for I would hate to return and find my place in the line has shifted upwards."

"As would I,"  Gamul couldn't help but chuckle knowing Bailor had no ambitions for the throne and could be trusted with such sensitive tasks, "farewell my nephew.  When you return we shall have a feast for happier times."

---

After time on the road the cleric arrived into Minors Ford with little happening of interest.  He bade farewell to the small group he had fallen in with along the way as they came to the gates and presented the documents stating he was on official ambassadorial business.  The guard provided him directions to give him the best time across the city, which included some routes that though taking him out of the way also avoided the busier streets.  As such he had avoided hearing anything from the boys running through the more crowded streets with their cries.

When nearing the tower he did find it far more crowded.  As he pushed through the crowds as best he could he almost bumped into the curious halfling asking about the tower as someone jostled him.  The dwarf held his composure well after having been shoved and even refrained from shouting some form of insult to the offender as he took the time to answer her,  "by account of directions I have from the guards this is the wizard's tower.  As to if they are seeking adventurers I do not know."

---

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds

Coraxa made her way around the warehouse District. she went over the bridge and into the lord's quarters. The manors and villas here were large. With rolling green grassy lawns. Likely keept green and lush in the summer heat by the many wizards and druids in the city.

She made her way to the Davis manor but was turned away. " Dont you know there is a war brewing? Master Davis is not seeing anyone. " the door slammed in her face.
"Really?! " she shouted to the door. "I'll get the magistrate," a slight pause  "again"
"Yeah good luck with" that came the muffled reply. She walked away with a puzzled look on her face. "Like I have not had to use them before, " she said to herself.

People in town gave her a wide birth. She looked every bit the warrior she was. She wore her leather accented chain mail . Her large sword had hooks and spikes, and she kept it very sharp. the look of determination on her face said she had murder on her mind. However the magistrate was no help. Swaped by the incressed flow of the masses, they were boged down with many complaints. " i'm sorry Coraxa. We're so swamped. I can make a case but there are so many more pressing matters. Might Try Tatty at the tower. Though i'm not sure she will be much help either. " not even her friend and fellow Skeldian warrior Maven was much help. " Whats going on here any way ?"
"  Sometimes i think you live under a rock, or maybe a mug of ale. " she laughed. " have you have not heard?  " Just then a higher ranked officer called her away.
" Im sorry Cora, try Tatty " she said over her shoulder as she walked away.

Mavan Tatty and Coraxa had had several adventures together. Mavan was a beast out in the wilderness. Luckily Tatty, a wizard with a nack for healing magick, had been there to sooth The wounds. Coraxa made her way to the wizards tower. The going was slow, so many people.

Once she was near the tower she could hear the boys criying out as bout adventure, fame and fortune. {{No wonder there were so many people. Young or old? Why would the tower need old and inexperienced people. Must be a big task.}} She thought to her self.

She finaly made it to the wizards tower. Outside in the courtyard she was going to try to find a familiar face. But just then she had to stop dead in her tracks, a kind of bird she never seen before landed and changed into a person. {{ Netta be damned, fuckung druids}} she thought to her self.  She told her self. She was annoyed : annoyed that lord had stiffed her. annoyed that the magistrate was no help. Annoyed that there were so many people.

"Aye of cousre it be. Were'ed you think you were?" she talked over the dwarf.  She tried not to sound annoyed but she was not vary good at hiding emotions. She took a deep breath. " you one of the adventures looking for fame and glory? "

She looked down to see Bailor " do I know you? " she racked her brain. " I mean all dwarfs look the same, at least until I get to know 'em. " she put fingers near her mouth, tapping. " it's right there on the edge my memory " no longer annoyed just lost in thought.

In reply to Phirosalle (msg # 12):

The youngest boy speaks up. "I can show ya Mister. Is not far. " The small boy is quick and full of energy. It's almost hard to follow him. A left, down two streets, through an ally. While the wizards tower is viable over the tops of the building in the area nothing compares to the view as the streets open. The massive building with stone work being that of masters that rival that of the dwarfs.

"Oh, they are definitely seeking adventurers," replied Joy to Bailor. It seemed they knew the opposite halves of the information the other needed. She was glad to have found the correct place so easily, even if it was coincidence.

When Coraxa made her appearance and asked her own question, Joy looked her up and down appraisingly before answering. If Joy was at all impressed by the vicious looking weapon Coraxa had, it didn't show on Joy's face. Even though the halfling only carried a knobby stick to defend herself, there was a veritable zoo within her that she could call upon. And she could think of more than one shape that could probably stand up to whatever skill Coraxa might posses.

Not that she expected it to come to that. Joy finally replied to the warrior after a few moments. "Am I an adventurer? Yes. Looking for fame and glory? No. First and foremost, I am here to do what needs to be done. Whatever that may be. What about yourselves? Who are the tow of you?" She was asking both Coraxa and Bailor. "I myself am called Joy. Joy Weaver." There was very little actual joy in her voice. At the moment she was all business.

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle hurries his steps to keep up with the street urchin. He hopes that this won't keep up long, or he might start perspiring, which is really beneath him. Sitting with your nose in a book all day long does nothing for your stamina, alas...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:03, Tue 30 May 2023.

_{map of courtyard}

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
https://inkarnate.com/maps/edit/11132947/

---

Whether by knowledge, asking directions, or just luck. everyone has made their way to the wizards' tower.

Whether your milling about, chatting with old friends and new ones, Exploring the great tower or just arriving, you notice 10 young wizards in what appears to be in uniforms. they are all wearing the same white initiate  robes, with the towers emblem on the beast. ranging in age 15 to 20.  Filling  out of the towers main gateway in to the courtyard. They are followed by 5 older wizards. That wear robes of the same cut, and have the same emblem as the younger wizards but different colors. One in a deep blue followed by to red and two green robes.

The younger wizards fan out along the walkway of the courtyard, 5 on either side. The five older wizards come forth to stand just before the gate way. The eldest a female' the blue robed one with, had a deeply wrinkled face. Her Hair turning gray at the edges.
  " Greetings to all gathered here this fine day" The day was indeed fine. The middle of summer just enough white puffy clouds in the sky, and a nice breeze, it was not too hot. "We, the wizards of Millsnors Ford have asked all of you, great adventures to gather here because of a darkness that flows over the Napati mountains." the sun hides behind a cloud (( do you notice? Why?)). "The reports come from the north, the west. Some threat, what little news is contradictory.  Eorkorti and Vaxande have both been destroyed," she must pause here to let the news settle over the crowd. It was devastating news to many in the crowd. "they were over run by some " she shakes her head. "The truth is none knows. All the resources of the tower and we know so little. " it is this moment some of the other Wizards with her are startled, did they not know the truth? or did they just not expect her to speak it? It begins to rain.

With the first raindrops, Kaj reflexively went to pull up his hood but stopped.  He nsiffed the air.  Sure enough, there was nothing in the wind that suggested anything but a dry sunny day.  This is magic.  And considering the surprised expression of the wizards, it wasn't their magic that was causing it.

He looked to Meqq was but the cat had already disappeared into the crowd, no doubt to a good place to hide and prepare for a pounce onto whatever was coming.

"Prepare yourselves," he said to those nearby.  "Something is coming."

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle most certainly notices the sun going behind a cloud. A rainfall might muss up his artfully dishevelled hairstyle, after all! Still, he stoically tries to ignore it, since enduring suffering is necessary for a true hero.

"That is most upsetting!" he says. "Dreadful, even! But I'm sure it's nothing that can'be sorted out by a master of the arts arcane such as myself. We'll head over there, and..."

He glances at the other Elf present, who seems to be some sort of country bumpkin... though of course, being an Elf, he is still less horrifically unattractive than just about everyone else here except for Phirosalle himself.

"... what's coming?" he says, in a tone that admittedly sounds rather less dashing and rather more worried than he would have preferred.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:04, Tue 30 May 2023.

He looks between the two before speaking, "I am Bailor and on official business from Kernboldar.  I am unsure of how much I should say at the moment to prevent fear from spreading amongst the people.  Perhaps after I have completed this task we can share a pint to remedy this dwarves looking alike thing."

He let out a hearty laugh that some in the crowd turns to look in their direction.  He made a small gesture that only they could see as if making a point that discussing whatever it is could easily be overheard.  Then he turns towards a few of them, puffs up his chest, fingers tapping the handle of the warhammer on his belt, and then speaks rather loudly, "what is wrong with you lot?  You act like you haven't seen a dwarf before!"

Naturally that draws in a little more attention.  With the display presented they quickly turned to fade away into the crowd.  Some looked relieved and others a bit disappointed that nothing came of the situation.  Once they were gone he smiles politely to the others, "Brorrel says nothing about not having a little fun with people.  Now, how about we go see about things in this tower."

---

When they entered the tower he presented the diplomatic document.  One of the wizards looked it over, "it just so happens this might be related.  Please come with me."

A curious look given while stowing the paper away in his satchel.  Taking the time while walking to admire the various decorations and other oddities within the tower.  This was the first time his travels had taken him this far South of the Skeld so wasn't about ignore the fact he had never been near the rather impressive structure, even by dwarven standards.

Arriving into the courtyard just as the speech was about to begin the one leading them whispers to one of the other wizards present about the dwarven envoy before taking their leave.  The new guide helped to navigate them through those gathered towards the front with more ease than Bailor thought should be possible. The words spoken by the oldest coming as they were doing so.

---

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds

When the rain first started, Joy didn't think much of it. She just assumed weather in this part of the world was more fickle than she was used to. But when someone mentioned that "Something is coming," Joy immediately shifted to fight or flight mode. Every single one of her senses went into overdrive, attempting to locate the potential threat mentioned. She did not want to be caught unprepared.

The halfling climbed atop a nearby barrel for a better vantage. Her eyes scanned the area while her ears strained for any notable sounds over the murmurs of the crowd. She searched for any shifting scents in the air and felt for any changes in the wind. She even tasted the falling rain for any potential clues. She knew well how rain was supposed to taste, so if there were any variations, it may be a clue. She shared her insights with those nearby.

---

Attempting to Discern Realities about the unnatural rain.
10:46, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Discern Realities - weather (with 2d6 this time).

I will ask: What is about to happen?

I get +1 forward when acting on the answers.

The storm came on quickly. It is not a natural storm. Those magically inclined will feel it. It is powerfull, condensed, focused.

"The coming storm is unnatural!" Joy yelled to the crowd from atop her barrel. "I suggest everyone take cover immediately!" An unnatural storm would likely bring unnatural lightning, wind, or even hail.

Joy herself took shelter under a nearby overhang and peeked out up at the sky from there. No way was she going to miss what was about to happen. It was too big a coincidence for it to not somehow be related to what was coming from over the mountains.

To the adventurers nearby, she said, "Feel free to take shelter behind me. If the need arises, I can shield you with my bulk." In hindsight, it was probably a strange claim for her to make considering she was a lot smaller than the rest of them. But luckily for her, her shapeshifting could easily make up the difference in their sizes.

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

The Halfling doesn't look like she's got much bulk to shield anyone with... but as the Fiodandrel's Big Book of Wise Utterances says, 'any port in a storm.' Phirosalle makes haste to get behind her, pulling his spellbook out of his pack as he does so and flips to the chapter on combat magic. Anything uncouth that comes at him is going to get a magic missile in the face, by golly!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Tue 30 May 2023.

Kaj nocks an arrow onto his bow and scans trhe skies for a target.  "Why is everyone running?  It'll take more than raindrops to frighten me, magic or no!" he says defiantly.

"Mrowr!" Meqq replies as he makes a mad dash for the overhang the others are sheltered under.

"Lightning?  Wizards of the bear folk can do that too?"  Kaj takes one last glance at the sky and jogs over to the overhang.

"I am K'ajoranguarssuak of the Nine Cedars Band," he says to those under the shelter.  "Be wavy.  Wizards can throw lightning."

"By the beard," Bailor mutters under his breath seeing the elf's stance in the center of the courtyard.   Instead of taking Joy's offer he rushes forward pulling his shield and warhammer forth in defiance of the storm.  Though it may be foolish he did have some respect for

"I'll protect you," making an offer and statement in one as the rains rolled off the wood of the shield in case something more untoward comes from above.

---

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Wed 31 May 2023.

 "Bailor from Kernboldar. Aye, I know the area well. I have cusins from around there." she would have eagerly joined him or anyone for a drink however the Wizards come out of the tower. Now distracted by the Wizards and the speech. "Eorkorti has fallen?" her Hart sank. "N0! How?" her voice was drowned by the many other proclaiming the same. All she could about was her sister and mother, and many of her favorite people.

And then it begins to rain. She stands dumfounded in the middle of the chaos. "what is everyone afraid of a few rain drops?" though she did not 'live' in Milnors ford she spent as much time here as any where. The weather here could be unpredictable. So many young wizards, clerics, druids in one place is bound to have random rain storms. She knew nothing of magic could not feel the power.

Moments after the first rain drops lighting streaks across The sky. Thunder rumbles, shaking the ground. Lightning strikes the tower., once, twice, three times.The tower is old. The masonry work of forgotten masters , buildt with ancient magicks. The tower withstands the power of the lightning. The lightning strikes the walls around the courtyard, the decorative collums lining the walkway, the trees. 5 strikes. The walls, the collums, the trees, explode into ruble

OOC everyone will need to defy danger.

HP: 16/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle throws himself out of the way of the explosion with a decidedly un-heroic "eeep!"

Defy Danger lets you decide which stat to use, right? I'll try DEX.

07:56, Today: Phirosalle rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Defy Danger.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:57, Thu 01 June 2023.

True to her word, when the explosions started, Joy did her best to shield everyone with her bulk. Which first required her to acquire some bulk. She focused her mind on becoming one of the toughest creatures of her homeland. A rhinoceros. Well, a rhinoceros with a grassy tuft of hair on its head anyway.

With her new thick hide, Joy did her best to block any debris from hurting those behind her, taking the blows herself.

---

Turning into a rhinoceros and defying danger by enduring.
09:03, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 11 using 2d6+1.  Defy Danger + Con.
09:03, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Shapeshifter - Rhino.
2 Hold. If her rhino form has a relevant move for shrugging off damage, she will use one Hold to activate it. I will let you make that call, GM.

As the first strike came Bailor quickly raises the shield in one hand and brings the holy symbol of Brorrel upwards to repel the oncoming danger.  He quickly shouts, "by Brorrel's light repel this evil!"

To those watching close enough just as the impact was about to strike him and those near the shield gained a faint glow and repelled the onslaught leaving the bald dwarf standing as tall where he stood.

---

Bailor rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Defy Danger +Wis.


Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Thu 01 June 2023.

Coraxa was completely unprepared as the lightning starting striking the courtyard.
She had spent the day sailing down river and so was not wearing her armor. Her shield hung uselessly on her back. Crouched down low putting her hands on her head.



17:40, Today: Coraxa rolled 7 using 2d6+1 ((3,3)).

Kaj dodges one chunk of flying rubble only to find himself directly in the path of another.

19:33, Today: K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 6 using 2d6+2.  defy danger +DEX.

Joy Weaver rolled 11 by enduring you take damage. With the think I think half
 1d10
Bailor rolled 10 your good everything is fine

Phirosalle rolled 7 hard bargain. Take damage 1d10 or trample the people around you

Coraxa rolled 7 hard bargain. Take damage 1d10 or trample the people around you


K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 6 you failed. 1d10 damage. And take an experience point

HP: 11/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle tries to throw himself clear, but the meat shields he tried to take shelter behind have turned into the meat barriers that he can't get past. While he wastes an instant debating the relative merit of pushing them down to save his own skin (which is, after all, a far more smooth, creamy and valuable skin than anyone else's), debris hits him in the back and knocks him to the ground.

"Nooooo! I'm too pretty to die!!!" he wails as he tumbles to the ground in a heap.

While it would have been in Phirosalle's character to trample, OOC I don't want that to be my fellow players' first impression of me. ;) I'll take the damage.

11:24, Today: Phirosalle rolled 5 using 1d10.  Damage.

Coraxa crouched down trying to avoid getting hit by the debris. A large stone from the nearby wall smashed down on her. "oh for the love of Netta, that hurt"

04:38, Today: Coraxa rolled 15 using 2d10.  Damage.

A large stone smashes into Kaj's chest, knocking him down and taking the breath from his lungs.  He struggles to his feet and tries to calm his mind.  He had fallen out of enough trees in his youth to know his breathing would return soon.  Still, he could feel the cold fingers of panic at the edges of his mind.

06:38, Today: K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 4 using 1d10.  damage.

Rocks and rubble bounced off of Joy's thick hide almost like she were made of stone herself. She had barely even taken a scratch when all was said and done. But she wasn't about to assume their troubles were over just yet. The halfling maneuvered her rhino bulk to face the courtyard's center, then looked sniffed, and listened for any new threats. Especially, threats she could sink her horn into.

---

Damage Roll:
12:24, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 3 using 1d10.  Damage taken (before dividing by 2).
Three divided by two is 1.5, minus one for my armor is .5, rounding up to 1.

Discern Realities roll, trying to locate new threats. For instance, was the wizard who was speaking the one who caused the weather, or were they just as surprised as everyone else by the magical storm?
12:34, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 10 using 2d6+1.  Discern Realities - any other threats?
I will ask:
What should I be on the lookout for?
Who’s really in control here?
What here is not what it appears to be?

19:43, Today: Master of Tales, on behalf of Coraxa, rerolled damage using 1d10 not 2d10
5 damage



Who’s really in control here?
The young wizards look at each other. Pointing at one another and back at themselves in a "did you do that, I did not, did you?" kind of fashion. The older wizards look puzzled.

What here is not what it appears to be?
There is nothing or no one in the courtyard that is hidden.

What should I be on the lookout for?
As the lightning strike lessens the people in the courtyard pick themselves up. Assessing the damages. There is panic in the air. Thundering from outside the courtyard. More people come trampling in. Just towns folk running in to see what happens? No. They are running from something. loud thunderous footsteps come near. People panic and trampled on each other trying to escape.
What do you do?

Joy positioned her rhinoceros bulk to face whatever the people are running from. She wants to face it head on when it shows itself. While she prepared for a potential charge, the shapeshifted halfling looked to the other adventurers around and motioned with her head that one or two of them could climb aboard if they wanted. Either to ride a rhino into battle, or simply to avoid the trampling crowd.

---

GM, what's my Rhinoceros Move(s)? I feel like it may be relevant soon.

quote:

The GM will also tell you one or more moves associated with your new form. Spend 1 hold to make that move. Once you’re out of hold, you return to your natural form. At any time, you may spend all your hold and revert to your natural form.

HP: 11/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle picks himself up with some difficulty. He wishes he had a mirror. Oh, please, gods, he prays fervently, don't let my beautiful face have been hurt!

He picks up his spellbook from where he dropped it and quickly starts flipping through it. Weather magic... weather magic... he's sure he made some sort of notes about it somewhere...

09:37, Today: Phirosalle rolled 7 using 2d6+2.  Spout Lore.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Sat 03 June 2023.

Coraxa picks herself up off the ground, out of the rubble. "that could have been worse" She looked around in time to see the masses come running. It took a moment for her to realize they were not coming to check in the courtyard but running away from something. {{Of all days to leave my scale armor on the boat}} She reaches up to unsheath Tane from his scabbard on her back. She looked around to see a giant beast, she had never sen before, where Joy had been. How the druids can make such small beings in to large creatures, and visa verse. It always amazed her. Then the beast did this come with me, ride with me head bobbing gesture. When she saw no one else looking they might take the creature up on her offer she said out loud to no one. " oh heck yeah! " and jumped on the things back. " always wanted to ride a mystical beast in to battle"

The eldest wizard that had addressed the gathered folks and been huddled in a group of the other wizards. Two went off to likely complete some task. the other Two stood at the entrance of the courtyard in a defenceive mannaer. Some wizards come from with in the tower. They went to the fallen and injured. Is was frenzied movements by the wizards.

"I know not what come. Be at the ready. Those not able or willing to fight may enter the tower proper. " she stood in the center of the courtyard. A few wizards tried to pull her back to the tower gateway. She refused.

The injured and towns folk filter out. There is one way in and one way out as the gateway in to the tower as it begins to lower.  Wizarss on the inside put up  protective, magickl barriers.

Kaj picks himself up and finds himself next to Joy-rhino.  He's taken aback a moment from the sheer immensity of the beast and how it seemingly appeared out of nowhere.  He thought for a moment that this was the cause of the footsteps, but no, this horned animal wasn't moving in time with the beats that were shaking the ground.

He recovers his weapons and reloads his arrow.  By now a woman has hopped atop the gray beast and has drawn a sword.  There's no doubt they're staying to fight, as is he.

(Assuming the thunderous footsteps sound like they belong to something with giant feet)

"Be ready, bear woman," he says to Coraxa.  "Try to over knock the giant coming.  I'll guard your auntie!"

As Kaj runs over toward the eldest mage, he spots a rather panicked-looking elf...looking at a bundle of leaves?  City elves are a strange lot indeed.  He's just about to shout in elvish but stops; this city-elf may not even speak it.

"Run, cushion!  Stop looking at those leaves and get to safety!"

Kaj will take a up a position between the mage-woman and wherever it sounds the footsteps are coming, arrow at the ready

HP: 11/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

"Leaves? Leaves? This is my tome of celestial wisdom, you... you bumpkin!" Phirosalle wails. This is turning out to be a bad day in all sorts of ways.

He positions himself next to the suddenly appearing rhinoceros (which he supposes is a bit strange, but when the heavens themselves are out to kill you, you don't have time to question rhinoceroi), spells at the ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:08, Mon 05 June 2023.

He spins around hearing the sounds and runs over towards the...rhino...that seems reasonable enough.  Quickly he arrives there while hands moved the holy symbol and pulled the warhammer out to prepare for whatever it was that was going to arrive, "the king under the mountainn wanted answers.  I do not believe he expected me to fall right into the middle of some of them."

---

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds

Joy lowered her horn and pawed at the ground anxiously, awaiting the approaching threat to show itself. Once it did, she was prepared to run toward it to attack, even with Coraxa upon her back. If it was a large group of enemies, she would Stampede as many as she could. However, the more likely scenario sounded like it would be a single larger enemy. And if that was the case, Joy planned to try and Gore it with her horn, despite the likely risks.

---

When the enemy appears, Joy will spend a Hold to use one of her rhino moves. Probably "Gore with risk," unless her "Stampede" move makes a lot more sense. She will have 1 Hold remaining.

The Elder wizard stands in the center of the square courtyard. The gateway in to the tower behind her. The gateway in to town in front. Phirosalle and Kaj in front of her and Joy Coraxa and Bailor in front of them. A few wizards from the tower sprinkled around with two at the entrance. Wizards have now also lined the walls of the courtyard.

One of the two wizards at the entrance stagers, falling backwards. as she see what comes forth. The other sends off a missile. 10 goblins and a stone construct match in. The wizards on the walls release a Billy of missiles and a large of other attacks at the oncoming doom. A set of 3 goblins brake off fighting with a few of the wizards to the left and 2 more to the left.  The stone construct makes a bee line to the tower gate followed by the remaining goblins. The elder wizard fired off a fire ball at he construct. Then she fires up a magical barrier trying to keep it place.

HP: 11/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

What a perfectly hideous thing! Phirosalle feels his refined sensitivities quiver. If he's going to get attacked by a giant statue, couldn't it at least be one with some artistic merit?!

Shakily, he reads a spell from his book. With a final shouted word of power, he flings a dazzling bolt of energy at the stone construct.

09:10, Today: Phirosalle rolled 7 using 2d6+2. Casting Magic Missile.
09:12, Today: Phirosalle rolled 3 using 2d4.  Damage.

At least I'm consistent, I roll 7 every time... ^.^; I think I'll be needing the spell again, so I choose to draw unwanted attention.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:12, Mon 05 June 2023.

Hopefully Coraxa was ready for some danger, because Joy surged forward toward the large construct with the warrior upon her back. She wanted as much speed as possible when plunging her horn into the enemy's rocky hide. Even if she wasn't able to completely shatter it to bits, she hoped she could at least remove a leg or something.

---

Spending 1 Hold to attempt "Gore with risk tusk.”

Also, how big is the stone construct?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Tue 06 June 2023.

Coraxa had some experience riding battle mounts, having lived in the Skeldian Mountains. She clenched her legs around the bulk of Rhino Joy. And managed to not fall off as he she lunged towards the stone creature. While holding on with her legs she attempted to also hack at the goblins that got in the way.




19:49, Today: Coraxa rolled 10 using 1d10+3.  Damage
.Hooks and spikes. +1 damage,
 Sharp. +2 piercing.

19:47, Today: Coraxa rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  HnS goblins.

19:44, Today: Coraxa rolled 9 using 2d6+2.  DD+str

Kaj is aw3estruck by the giant stone creature.  Dwarves! he surmises.  And allied with goblins?  Their treachery knows no bounds.

Knowing his arrows will do little more than scratch the stone monster, he takes aim at a nice squishy goblin.  If the stakes weren't so high, this could have been fun.

He looses the arrow.  It flies across the courtyard.  His target yelps as the arrow pierces deeply into the goblin's back.

18:54, Today: K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Attack+DEX.
18:58, Today: K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 4 using 1d8.  damage.
This message was last updated by the player at 02:06, Tue 06 June 2023.

Quickly looking between the threats and those standing against them he ran to throw himself between the mage throwing the energy bolts and what may be decide they didn't like that occurring.  "I've got you!"

Bailor took a firm defensive stance ready to protect.

---

Bailor rolled 11 using 2d6.  Defend.  3 holds

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Tue 06 June 2023.

The wizards make quick work of the other five goblins. The wizards on the walls fire magic missiles and fireballs at the construct but nothing seems to do much damage.

One 10-foot stone construct
5 goblins


The missile hits the construct but does little more than singe the stones. One goblin swings a spear at Phirosalle.
What does Phirosalle do?





Coraxa swings to the left and swipes to the left. Two goblins go down.
Hard bargain: the construct swings at Coraxa. Take 1d8+2 damages to stay on Joys' back. Or defy danger and hop off



Kaj takes out another.

bailor stands ready to defend.

Joy has managed to gore the stone creature.Damage

- If it threatens bruises and scrapes at worst: d4 damage

- If it’s likely to spill some blood, but nothing horrendous: d6 damage

- If it might break some bones: d8

- If it could kill a common person: d10

Add the ‘ignores armor’ tag if the source is magical, poisonous, or particularly large. I think the rhino would be a d8 damage

One stone construct: after swinging at Coraxa, it moves forward, but stops at the invisible barrier the Wizard put up.

"I don't know how much longer I can hold this," she says in a strained voice

1 goblin remains. -has attacked Phirosalle
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:37, Tue 06 June 2023.

HP: 11/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

"Eeeerrrrkk!" cries Phirosalle heroically and tries to grab hold of the spear-shaft to push the point out of the way of his tender flesh.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Tue 06 June 2023.

Kaj sees only one goblin remains, who is attacking the whiny elf.  And is the elf helping the goblin stab him?  City elves are truly mad.

He casually sinks an arrow into this goblin's back as well.

"You're safe, cousin!" Kaj says in a rustic elven tongue.  "Now get to safety while we destroy this stone creature!"

06:16, Today: K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  Attack + DEX.
06:16, Today: K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 7 using 1d8.  damage.

Coraxa saw the construct swinging at her about the same time she saw the goblin attack the elf man. She went to jump off Joy back and hoped to land on the goblin. However last minute she changed course, some kind of twisty turny acrobactic thing, as an arrow wized by her head.

09:11, Today: Coraxa rolled 8 using 2d6.  DD with dex.

22:33, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 7 using 1d8.  Rhino Gore Damage

It was probably a good thing that Coraxa had dismounted, because Joy hit the stone construct hard. Whether the blow did much damage to the construct remained to be seen, but Joy felt proud of her initial strike.

That said, she was currently too close to repeat the same maneuver, so she opted to try a normal combat tactic. Well, normal for someone who transformed into miscellaneous animals for battle.

---

Attacking the construct with a Hack and Slash this time instead of spending a Hold.
22:41, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Hack and Slash the construct.
Success! Unfortunately normal druid damage is only a d6.

Damage:
22:42, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage.
Only 2 damage this time.

Bailor moves to intercept the goblin.  This one was faster than most though and made it to Phirosalle first.  As they fought over the spear he raises his warhammer and brings it down across the shaft to break it in half.

---

Using 1 hold "Halve the attack’s effect or damage", 2 hold left.

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds

Phirosalle grabs the spear trying to dodge the attack. In the scuffle, the spear manages to slice thru some of Phirosalle's clothes. Luckily Balior brings his hammer down on the spear shaft before it can do any real damage. The spear shatters and the pour goblin takes Kaj's arrow to the head; then slumps to the ground, dead.

As Coraxa is not so gracefully soaring thru the air she gets hit by a stray magick missile from the wizards attacking the stone construct. Landing in the mud.

Roll damage2d4 I think a -1dex ongoing we'll call it muddy debility


Joy attacks the construct, again the attacks don't seem to do much; until one of the magick missiles hit the construct, and it does not just fizzle out. "look the cconstruct'sshield must be down. Hit it with all you got." voices from the wall. However, it seems as though the wizards are running out of steam. The Wizard in the center of the courtyard is now visibly straining with the efforts of keeping the construct in place. She falters, taking a few steps back. It follows quickly.

Only the construct remains.

When Joy heard to "hit it with all you got," the shapeshifted halfling did exactly that. Mustering all the strength she had, she flailed her head and lodged her big rhino horn as deep into the construct as she could. And almost immediately, the druid shrunk back down into her normal halfling form. She sunk to one knee as a wave of exhaustion washed over her.

"Hit it there!" she yelled as soon as she once again had the mouth to form the words. She pointed her shillelagh at the spot on the construct she had just gored moments ago. Hopefully it would be a weak point.

---

Joy will spend her last Hold to "Gore with tusk" again. Then she reverts back to halfling shape because she spent all her Hold.
18:51, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 5 using 1d8.  Rhino Gore Damage

16:00, Today: Coraxa rolled 6 using 2d4.  Damage received
Coraxa picks herself up out of the mud. Her hair standing on end from the magick missile, maybe a bit singed. "thanks a lot guys" she grumbled to the wizards. " watch where you're shooting those damn zappy things" she shouted. When one said something about giving it all they had she knew there was going to be a barrage of incoming missiles. She got low to the ground. And then the barrage was a bit lackluster. She would mumble something about sending a wizard to do a fighter's job. She would unsheathe... Wait where was... Ah in the mud. She found Tane and would try to slash at the construct right where the now Halfling Joy pointed.





17:26, Today: Coraxa rolled 9 using 1d10+2.  Damage done.

17:25, Today: Coraxa rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  HnS+str construct

The Stone construct collapses into a pile of rubble. The mage in the center of the courtyard releases a loud sigh as she releases the barrier. She bends over her hand on her knees. Breathing hard. The gateway behind the party begins to lift. And a few wizards filter out straight to the wizard in the center.

"Magus!" she was swarmed.

" I'm fine. I'm fine. See to the others" she motioned to the band of fighters. Send them to me office. "



The tower gats are now fully up the town folks that took refuge inside come flooding out.

To each fighter: Kaj, Phirosalle, Coraxa Bailor, and Joy to wizards come up you to ask if you need assistance.

"thank you thank you. For defending the tower. Please do you need healing? we can help."

HP: 11/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

"Yes!" Phirosalle wails. "I'm hurt - I'm bleeding! And even worse, I've ripped a seam in my custom-fitted robes! Oh, this is the greatest disaster in the history of elvenkiiiind!!!"

Kaj tried to ignore the elf.  How soft elves have become living with the bear folk.  Shameful.  He was tempted to refuse healing to show his toughness, but he knew how unwise that was, especially if they are attacked again.

"I could use some aid," he said to one of the bear folk priests.  "I think I cracked some ribs."

"Surprisingly, I have only taken a small scratch. I should be fine." Joy's "scratch" was a notable cut along her side, but it wasn't bleeding much. She would survive.

The halfling stood again, now that she had had a moment to collect herself. I would suggest gathering up all the goblins and their gear before the townsfolk start scavenging from them. They could hold clues as to what is going on." Following her own advice, Joy began dragging the goblin corpses out of the way and started searching the corpses for any clues or other useful items.

---

Attempting to Discern Realities on the goblin corpses.
09:34, Today: Joy Weaver rolled 5 using 2d6+1.  Discern Realities - goblin bodies.
Failure. +1 XP!

"Borrel saw to my safety," he spoke to one of the mages before heading over to where Joy was with the bodies, "good idea.  Perhaps we shall find something."

Bailor drags some of the bodies along with Joy then went over to the destroyed construct.  He took a large piece of it off he grunted as he carried the heavy part over to where they were.  He started to rifle through the bodies while the others were getting healed.  Then he turned to the construct piece and looked further at it to see if there was anything that could be determined that may indicate who may have created it.

---

Bailor rolled 11 using 2d6+2.  Discern Realities - goblins and construct.

What here is useful or valuable to me?
Who’s really in control here?
What here is not what it appears to be?

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds
This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Thu 08 June 2023.

"Haha," she exclaimed as the construct collapsed. She winced in pain when she tried a fist pump. When the wizards asked if she needed help she acted as if she was not injured. "no thank you. I'm fine" they kept pestering her" I'm fine I'm fine I just need a bath" she tried to make her way over to Joy and Bailor.

She did not yet see her friend Tatty staring at her. She had a motherly stern face. One of them, 'I know, you know, I know your hurt' looks. " I saw you take that rouge missile. " let us help you."

"Your guards need practice, they are sloppy and soft." Coraxa smiled at her friend. "you know you're the only mage I'll ever let touch me with your magicks" she hugged her friend. " what I really need is a warm bed and a cold drink"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Thu 08 June 2023.

The two wizards with Phirosalle fuss over him quite diligently. They whisper to each other. One steps back. "Sir, I can't find any wounds" the other shrugs and steps away. " There are several good seamstresses in town. I am sure you will easily find someone to fix your robes.

Any who chose  may take 1d8 healing

Joy looks over the body of the goblins but finds nothing interesting or useful; however, she does find about 8 gold.

Bailor looks over the goblins.



Who’s really in control here?
The goblins all wear the same emblem on their shields.

What here is useful or valuable to me?
A map. The city of Milnors Ford. An "X" on the tower. And a path marked out to a home nearby.

What here is not what it appears to be?
A piece of paper with the symbol from the shields. No words just hieroglyphs. Goblins escorting a lightning bolt.
.


As the mages fuss over the fighters they are invited inside. "The Magus Sarafina would like a word with you all."Once you enter the gateway and into the tower proper, you see a grand hallway with a staircase starting at the right side and curving upwards. The hall is white marble and granite. Many people are milling about. The fighters are escorted up the stairs and led to a pair of big oak doors. The doors are carved in a delicate vine and leaf motif.
A young half-ling girl follows With a tray of bread, two kinds of cheese, and grapes. As well as a pitcher of water, a kettle of tea.

The room has a warm welcoming feel. The walls are a soft burgundy color. There is a desk off to the side. And along the other wall are a few cushioned benches. Another door leads further in.

"Please wait here the Magus will see you shortly."

You are left alone with the food and drink.

HP: 14/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

"Well... maybe I'm bleeding internally!" Phirosalle complains. "Did you ever think of that? And I'm sure there aren't any tailors in this one-horse town that can get the stitching right!"

Still, he tries to suffer with heroic stoicism and joins the others indoors.

"Hmpf... it seems our enemy has the ability to conjure up storms on a moment's notice," he says, trying to salvage some of his injured dignity and air of wizardly wisdom. "That's powerful magic, not easy to find. The only way I know is the use of the Weather Weaver's Orb, but that one was lost a long time ago..."

He frowns. Wasn't there something else, too, in the ancient tome where he first read that legend? Something about... twins? No, he can't remember.

07:53, Today: Phirosalle rolled 3 using 1d8.  Healing.

" so what's going on here? What was that all about? Goblins at the tower? How did they get here?" She asked Tatty.
 Tatty laughs. "Maven always says you live under a rock. Did you hear the speech just before the attack? As to how they got here I have no idea."

Coraxa and Tatty must have been too flirty with each other. the healing did not do much to ease the pain. Tatty and Coraxa giggled in whispered tones as they went up the stairs. Tatty left Coraxa at the doors with a promise to meet up later.

"you guys find anything interesting on the body," she asked Joy and Bailor.

12:41, Today: Coraxa rolled 3 using 1d8.  Heal

Kaj is a little nervous having a bear man lay hands on him.  He knows the bear man is sincere but does bear magic work on the first folk?  Analor, guide this healer's magic.

A warmth fills his body as the pain ceases.  It more than ceases.  He steps back, astonished.  He feels like he just awakened from a long restful sleep.

"Thank you, healer!" Kaj says with a big smile.  "I feel indelible!"

18:40, Today: K'ajoranguarssuak rolled 8 using 1d8.  heal.

Bailor gathers the map and the paper and after being fully certain there was nothing else worth gathering he joined the rest.   He gladly took a large leg of whatever meat was present and started to eat.  In response to Coraxa he lifted up the two pieces of information in his hand, "I believe these hold some answers.  This symbol links them all to some organization, though I do not recognize it."

He shows the paper with the goblins and bolt, "more importantly," he continues as he unfolds the map on the table, "I found a map and likely location of where they came from.  If I had to surmise from these things whatever this group is this was a probing attack to see what the tower could withstand.  Are they linked to other events outside I am not fully certain, but likely."

---

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds

"I didn't find anything good myself. Just these," said Joy, handing two gold coins to each of the adventurers. She knew they were used for buying stuff, but she hadn't had much use for them in the past, and so gave them all away without keeping any for herself.

"If the rest of you are up for it, I suggest we go check out that spot on the map before the enemy has a chance to regroup." The halfling woman was always up for a bit more excitement.

HP: 14/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

"Aha!" Phirosalle says brightly. "A clue! Yes, we must surely investigate it without further delay."

He gives Bailor a suspicious glance, even so. Wasn't it terribly convenient that he just happened to find that map? And anyway, he's a Dwarf. Everyone knows you can't trust the hairy little buggers. They're always trying to hurt Elves, on account of being jealous of how pretty they are. He resolves to keep a close eye on this fellow.

"We should show their chief," Kaj adds.  "It was they who were attacked, so they have first right to take inventions.  She said she wanted to seize us too."

"They may choose us to go with them though  I wouldn't mind adding a few more goblin ears to my pack.  Speaking of which..."  The elf heads across the courtyard to collect his arrows and his trophies.  "This should only take a minute."

After a few moments the door that led further in, opens and walks in the mage from the courtyard.She was followed by a short elven lady, and a dwarven male. the elven femal was speaking to the mage mid sentance. " reports from the courtyard, no one quite knows where they came from, but it is suspected the have come from a river barge."
"there are some many river vessels theses days, any come thru today or in the last few days?" asked the mage. the mage smiled at all the fighters. " greeting Adventures." she said without waiting for a reply from the Elven lady. " I want to thank you for helping us out today." she looked at the girl holding the try of food. gave her a gesture. she just sat there start struck staring at the adventures. "Milly!" said the mage gently, getting her attention. the young girl quickly jumped and started to offer the try to the guests.

"right then." she brings her hands together in a small single clap. " you all seam a bit speachless. I guess ill just het right to ot then. " a new person come ro the room.
 A dark skined male hobit. "Magus. i have reports from the wall"

Magus Sarifina looked anoyed at the new commer. " well then out with it"
 He looks around as if only just relizing she had guests. "Well, you have all readt interupted us, get on with it."

"some of the wizards on the wall tried to detect magick. its hard to tell after the tower is full of it always." he rambled on a bit. but there was new magiks out side the wall. the wizards says its was from the south, and moving away."

Magus Sarifina took in the news. "vary well. adventures i have tasks for you. should you chose to take them." she looks to each of the adventures in turn. "the darkness that spreads from the Napti mountains must be delt with, but first we must know what it is. also the attack today must be investigated. Futhermore Arch-Mage Derjecs is missing. " she looks at Bailor " Good Sir Bailor your uncle sent word befor your arivele. I am so glad you got here when you did. So many other have been sent by their homes to help fight. she looks at Kaj, Phirosalle, Joy, and Coraxa. " will you help us further? To either scout the Napti mountains, follow the magic south, or help us find Arch-Mage Derjecs." As snoone has shared the finding with the magus she know not.

What do you do?

Kaj steps forward.  "I am K'ajoranguarssuak of the Nine Cedars Band," he says.  "And I will accept your tusk.  I will find your Derjecs and return him to your safely.  And then we will hunt down whoever attacked you and kill him."

From among the healers a young woman stepped forward.  She was human, but graceful and slender like an elf.  Dressed in rich fabrics of red, blue, and purple, with her brown hair done up in the style of the courts, one could assume she was an aristocrat.  She spoke in a gentle soprano tone, yet forceful enough to be clearly heard, "I am Seraphene of House Luscinia, and I would like to join with the adventurers if they will have me. I'm skilled in the healing arts, and I can shoot a bow if needed." She curtsied to the Magus, and the assembled heroes.

HP: 14/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle nods sagely. "I'll go with my... ahem... rustic friend here and seek the worthy archmage," he says.

After all, he can't let this hayseed run around alone. He'll damage the pride and dignity of Elvenkind if no one takes him under their wing and shows him how to eat with a knife and fork...
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Tue 13 June 2023.

Befor the mage walks in Coraxa askes to see the map.
 20:15, Yesterday: Coraxa rolled 7 using 2d6-1.  SL the map.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Tue 13 June 2023.

In reply to Coraxa (msg # 84):

Yes you know the place but you have never been there. You know the name of the family there but have never met any of themb never worked for them.

"I don't much care where we start our search, so long as it ends with us getting to the bottom of what the approaching danger is. And it seems like too big of a coincidence for these different events to not be related at least a little bit. I mean, a powerful mage disappearing and an attack on this tower happening at the same time as an unknown threat approaches over the mountains?" Joy gave a look of exaggerated doubt.

"So long as this team works toward these goals, I, Joy Weaver, will offer my support. Let's head out." She nodded to each of the gathered adventurers, including the newly joined Seraphene, pledging her assistance to the cause.

"Thank you, Magus.  It was quite a peaceful trip considering what has been occurring.   Given we do have a lead on this attack I personally believe we should aim to settle the dispute and with force, if necessary."

He shows her the drawing of the symbol, "do you have any idea based on this?  It is not one we have encountered before."

---

Prepared spells:
Light, Sanctify, Guidance, Bless, Cure Light Wounds

Magus Sarifina takes the map and the paper, studies the map first. "We will have some one look into this emediatly" she hands the map to to elven lady. The page witht he emblem she looks at it hard. She face contorted in thought. Recognition slowly spreads across her face. "Yes, well then" she speaks outloud to noone. "Arch-Mage Derjecs is an old man. powefull he way be but forgetfull now. he was last seen in the towers library. Im afraid he way just be lost. she almost looks amused. "As to the detect magick that is heading" she looks at the male hobbit. "where was the spell cast?"

"The wizards Calvin, Survina, and Nikloas each said they felt a something from the south. It was fletting, on the move."




OOC so stay together or split up?
Two tasks are presented.
On the chase.
Into The libary. 

HP: 14/16
Prepared spells: Light, Unseen Servant, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic, Charm Person, Magic Missile

Phirosalle glances at Kaj. Personally, he thinks that a nice, quiet library sounds like just the thing, but he has a feeling that the other Elf isn't planning to go near one - and he did just decide to keep an eye on him.

"WE should backtrack the goblins and that giant stone creature.  Where they came from may may give us indignation of how they got smuggled in.  They couldn't have done this alone, which means there are others."  The eld looks to the others for confirmation.  "Maybe they're already planting a new attack."

"you speak strang words elf man" she speaks to Kaj. "Magus, I am sure that you and the elves can find your missing person</Yellow>i think i would follow the reports of the magick. Track down who did this."

"That was my thought as well," agreed Joy. She also wanted to follow the trail back to where the attackers had come from. "Let's follow that map and backtrack the goblins!"

Seraphene nodded, "I agree. The mages of the tower will know best where to find Arch Mage Derjecs. We can do the best service to Milnors Ford by tracking down the source of the attack."

Kaj bristles at the thought of hunting down an old man rather than a possible band of goblins.  "I will track the attackers.  I've tracked goblins dozens of times, whether across soil or scone.  The scrapings of that monster's stone feet against the road will only make it easier."

"I think I can trace them back to where they entered the town before the sun settles.  We'll return here then to hear what the wizards have found?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Thu 21 Dec 2023.

"Of course I see. " She takes the map from The elven lady and hands it back. " Bring them back here, I have many questions." She speaks to the elven lady "Nora please send some one back to the library to find Derjecs. he must be there."