Secret of the Fey

[BlueWizard]

Border of the Feylands:

The peace of the Fey-lands had been long, and almost like a dream, even to the fey. It had been a thousand years since the great evil was driven from the Northern Kingdom, and now the fey were thriving again in this part of the world.

The natural shrines which remained were hallowed and sacred and protected fiercely by all woodland creatures. For eons Evil used the goblinoids as troops in their massive armies. The past few centuries, the goblinoids were kept at bay by the elves and good wizards, all was well in the Northern lands.

Modern times had changed the fey's relationship with humans as more humans move into the woods and hills of the Northern lands. This encouraged the goblins to form raiding parties and steal from the wealthy human farmers.

Relations with the Northern humans was at an all-time high, but Imperial humans from far away began to hear of the return of the fey. Now many seek the ancient sacred grounds. These Imperials actively sought and encroached upon the Northern Kingdom's lands as trespassers. Most Imperials were able to be diverted through little fey tricks and games, but now determined goblinoid raiding parties were getting through and seeking valuable fey body-parts. Many actively seek these rare 'ingredients'. Some are led by strong war chiefs, evil goblin-priests, and even drow!! A pair of fresh pixie wings could make one rich.

This past day began no different than any other in your fey's long lifespan. You were aware of other creatures in the woods, and even the other fey, but there were so many worlds to visit that this material plane held only so much interest to the long-living fey. The otherworld was much bigger, and different, and to describe the land of dreams to a mere mortal is next to impossible. It is a magical world where mere thoughts become real, and magic is the only way.

Raiding parties of hobgoblins constantly try to find the hidden fey portals to the 'otherworld' in the guarded magical woods. The Dryads call out to all defenders of Nature to aid in their battles.

Many good souls died this day, and emotions will likely be running high. It will be such a sad day that the great Queen of the Fairies will be there in the aftermath. The sacred woods had been defended, but at a heavy cost.

These hobgoblins today were led by a great general, and his men served him well. The Forest Defenders can little appreciate the intelligence of the attack they withstood this day, but this was no random raiding party. If lowly hobgoblins were able to penetrate this close to the Sacred Woods then the very existence of Feydom was threatened.

Fawkes and Zohra began this day as hirelings to fight evil goblins. A gothic pixie named Cobweb had put up good money for skilled mercenaries. Many Northern Mercenaries were already dead from the past few years of goblin raids. The fey were willing to give fine gems as payment for helping defend their sacred lands.

Zohra will have seen such displays of crazy fairy magic today with magical shadow creatures in epic proportions that her mind will be blown. She will have been dropped into the feylands quite dramatically. The Fairy Queen soothes Zohra and Fawkes with her voice as the smoke of the otherworld begins to roll around you. Fawkes knows this feeling and has seen this now-clothed nymph before, for some reason her power isn't blinding the human bardess Zohra. "This plane isn't safe. There are scrying eyes." Then as if she is speaking to the fey among you, and the trees. "Now be NICE. These are my friends. AND YOURS!"

Leranya may be horrified at the fey-death in the wood, already he had found out about mass genocides of whole elven races. This day brought him face to face with even more woodland death. A whole squad of brave centaurs were torched by a few goblinoid priests. These priests wreaked havoc before the four heroes saved the day. Amathal will have lost many of his human-druid friends he had recently met.

Cobweb is Leranya's friend, and will have barely survived the battle.
She is also a master of shadows.... perhaps more than he, but in a different way. {OOC- She is a unique fey, but related to the pixie.}

{OOC- Give descriptions of your PC, and here we go. The smoke of the otherworld is coming. Think of it like Ravenloft, but more wild magic then scary.}

Heroes of the Fey:
Leranya- a shadowcaster grey elf {Eldan} Eaten by a Drolem
Fawkes- the masked splinterwaif {Gorgondantess} Disappears in Queen's Courtyard
Amathal- a Clerical Springchild {Zerkai}
Zohra- the sexy dancing human bardess {Mikela}
Aithne- Unseelie Princess Vael

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra stands off to the side, you can see that she is a very attractive woman, and you immediately feel drawn to her. As she moves into view, you see that amazingly enough, she seems to be dressed in dancing silks. The woman looks exactly what your mind would call up when you hear the words ‘gypsy dancing girl.’ She is an exotic beauty, her blonde hair cascades to her shoulders, and her soft brown eyes are gently hypnotic. Her figure is generous, and the fact that she wears only dancing silks does nothing to hide it. Beads, bangles and jewelry adorn almost every part of her, from the rings and tiny cymbals on her fingers, to the armbands on her wrists, the necklaces and pendants from her neck, earrings, beaded skirts, gems nestled in her hair; they are everywhere. She doesnt even seem to have a weapon on her, yet she played a role in the battle. Her movements, even the simplest ones, carry the grace of her dancer’s talent.

picture of Zohra http://i43.tinypic.com/2ihnm05.jpg

[Eldan]

Leranya stands a little to the side, silently watching the many corpses strewn across the battlefield with grey and ancient eyes. His features stand in sharp contrast to the eyes, gaunt, but young-looking, with smooth, pale skin drawn tightly over sharp cheekbones, the almost skeletal body clad in practical clothing, long, black trousers, a shirt which might have been almost any colour once but was now threadbare and faded to grey. A piece of bright grey cloth of thin, silky material is draped across his shoulders, rippling slightly as if in an unseen wind, black shapes dancing across the fabric like the shadows of distant creatures in a dense fog. On his belt hang three black pearls strung on a white thread and an unadorned longsword is strapped to his side.
"It is all fading...", he says, to no one in particular.

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes stands at the fringe of the group, shying away from others. His real body is almost totally concealed: his form is a six foot tall mass of hunched over cloth. Over his body he wears a full hooded cloak and and many layers of frayed, torn and patched rags, old and grey but practical. It hangs loose over an emaciated frame. He wears massive boots of cured leather on his feet, thick and rugged, but oddly silent.
The most catching feature about him is his face- or lack thereof. He wears a Guy Fawkes mask (http://skepticalteacher.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/guy-fawkes.jpg)under his hood, totally concealing any feature aside from massive pools of yellow beyond the eye-slits.
The only thing that reveals his nature are his hands- when he isn't holding them folded to his chest, concealed by layers of cloth, which is rare. He wears once-sturdy gloves, but by now they're little more than tatters. What can be seen underneath is tough green skin, but more importantly wicked claws jutting out of the fingers of the glove, and gnarled thorns sticking out of his hands every which way- any handshake would be extraordinarily painful.
He offers no words, but stares intently at the Fairy Queen.

[BlueWizard]

As the otherworld smoke rolls in the dead fey and woodland friends disappear from the material plane. The dead fade from view. Before you stands the Fairy Queen, surrounded by many colorful fey-lights, her fairy attendants. The Queen is a nymph that Leranya knows quite well. She is no mere nymph and is in fact a unique and powerful enchantress, as well as a master of illusion. She takes many forms, but to not scare the mindboggled bardess, she takes a familiar humanoid form.

The Queen's hair is currently gold and green ringlets, her eyes are bright green, and her skin is tan-olive. Much of her sexy curvy body is visible through a thin green and gold fabric tunic. Her legs were covered with vines as stockings, and green-leaf boots that looked surprisingly sturdy. She will turn to the gothic deep blue pixie limping along with the group, and bows her head. "Cobweb, I will depend on you to aid our guests while they visit... and you'll need to help Leranya on things involving the mortal world."

The dark blue skinned pixie nods her short bob cut wearily, and will magically sooth Zohra with whispers as everything begins to change in the smoky fog. Zohra isn't sure, but she thinks the trees and rocks are developing faces in the shadows.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra doesnt even bother to try and resist the soothing magic that the pixie is using on her, allowing it to envelop her. She watches with interest as the trees and rocks grow faces; she had heard tales of fey worlds before, but now they were coming to life for her, in living color. For now, she watches and waits, content to listen to what the pixie is doing.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"May the tall trees be your headstones. May Elhonna of the Forests watch over them you as the winds guide your spirits wherever they may be..."

A woman was kneeling before fresh graves, hers hands clasped and eyes closed as she prayed to the Druids that she had befriended, and that had died helping her defend her home in these woods. After a moment of silent she stood, picking up her helmet beside her, and wiping the tears from her eyes with her gauntlet, wearing a somber expression.

The woman was a spring child named Amathal, a creature born in the rare instance a Dryad mating with a mortal does not result in another Dryad. She was quite attractive despite her puffy red eyes from shedding tears over the lost. Pale and clear skin, fiery red eyes and hair that was green like the leaves, kept short an inch or two above the shoulder.

Her Pointed ears and features made her look like an elf with a more rounded and robust figure. Amathal was wearing a suit of full plate armor that looked to be in surprisingly good condition considering the battle that had taken place earlier, possibly due to enchantments. She and a longsword strapped to her waist and shield on her back, covering her backpack.

When she was done paying her respects to the fallen, the priestess joined the rest of the group, but dropped down to one knee and bowing her head respectfully. Amathal listened intently to the Fairy Queen's words, noticing the mist of the other world, but her attention was focused on the Queen as the world around them changed

"What is needed of us, your Majesty? What can we do?"

[BlueWizard]

The fairy queen will embrace the pretty Amathal, and magically sooth her. The mists of the fey, however are already making the material plane seem like a dream. Images of her fallen human friends flash before Amathal's eyes as the tingly mist rolls in.

"Great evil has come to endanger our people. We ask that you continue to help protect the fey-travelers of the prime plane. Our Fey way of life is endangered.

I have also come to reward you for what aid you have given us so far." She says t he last part sweetly, as if she wants all of you to be happy.

At this time the fey-fog will recede and begin to reveal a quite magical forest.
She giggles to Leranya and Cobweb, the gothic navy-skinned, blue-hair toned pixie. "Now go easy on our guests. They are used to the freedom they are about to experience."

{OOC- There are no set rules for how or what happens in the 'otherworld'. There is an order and good/evil; however here the landscape can change in the blink of an eye, and even the rocks and mountains can talk.}

[Eldan]

Leranya, down on one knee before the great queen, nods slowly.
Yes, Mylady. What exactly is it you wish us to do? Are we to guard a specific route or caravan, or just to offer our services, as we have done before?"

[BlueWizard]

"My dear, Leranya, you have served us here so well in the past. But, now you are going to have to return with those brave enough, to find the 'source' of these fey-hunters. Why are the goblins so organized? Our seers have been blocked by powerful magic, so we must infiltrate their lairs, and find out if we can destroy this madness they are inflicting upon fey-kind."

She looks at the rest of you, Zohra may be distracted as a troupe of talking, dancing candy begins performing and welcoming Zohra to the feylands. Cobweb laughs, "Children love the Lollipop Kids."

The Queen is smiling as her great fey wings begin to take her and all the rest of you up into the treetops magically. "This is serious." A smiling mountain in the distance will tip its icecap. "It is hard to get things done here, Zohra, as you will see. Anyway, we have much power and wealth that can be given. We only need mortal souls brave enough to join us in our fight."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra tries, with limited success, to tear her eyes away from the dancing candy
I...uh...thank...umm...thank you for the trust...do they always do that?
She looks back to the candy again, then seems to gather herself
I thank you for the trust you place in me, I will try to make myself an asset to this mission...while my skills in battle arent the greatest, I tend to have an invigorating effect on my allies
Her eyes nearly pop as the mountain tips its icecap at the queen, and then she goes back to inspecting the candy.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"We.. have to stop the Goblins." Tears subsided as she recovered form the images of her fallen friends. She put on her helm slowly "So many people died protecting my home... and so many others are in danger from the attacks. We have to fight."

Amathal looked up at the Fairy queen, relaxing a little and taking in the view as they were brought up into the treetops, smiling at the dancing candy and the icecap, but more focused on the task at hand. "Do you know of any nearby lairs we should head to first? Or somewhere we could learn more about the goblins?"

[BlueWizard]

Titania waves off the craziness, and will try to hone the focus onto the local forest around you. But, even this image has trouble holding together with the Queen passing by. Trees turn red, blue, and even metallic. Red oaks with golden leaves, and purple pine with silver needles are a common site among the rainbow of color all around.

The fairy lights around the Queen, glow brighter, and some of the little fairies take a visible form: bumble bees, gnats, and even classic fairies with wings.

Titania {the Queen}, has taken an interest in the human bardess, Zohra, and it will be clear by her focus and fawning.

Amathal isn't forgotten, for a beautiful unicorn will come nuzzling her cheek. The cleric can tell by looking at the unicorn's prismatic eyes that she is indeed Ehlonna herself. She will nod a 'yes' as if in answer, and then will trot away into the wood. "Protect the elves. They are in danger." Amathal receives as a telepathic message.

Titania notices the unicorn as it disappears into the forest. She says nothing, but does admire the graceful goddess in unicorn form. All of you will see this unicorn walk up and nuzzle Amathal, and trot away with playful intelligence as it looked at the cleric as if she were speaking to her.

When the Unicorn is gone, Titania goes on.
"Cobweb knows the mortal lairs of our opponents. However, all of you must know this: Our problems may not be on the material plane." The Queen directs your attention to one of her special servants. Cobweb.

This gothic pixie looks a little embarrassed as all of local feyland turns their attention to her. A pretty, dark-blue-skinned pixie is now more visible than ever in the colorful golden glow of the 'otherworld'. The glow seems to come from everywhere. Cobweb has a pixie-bob-cut, her hair is of lighter blue. She wears deep navy and black robes. Her wing plumage was incredibly gorgeous, an array of black mixed with a few shades of blue.

"Cobweb is going to be your guide. She's been the guardian of that which is now known as the human County of Sunhaven. She knows these lands well."

The weary pixie's powers of illusion would surpass even Leranya, however he's from a slightly different school... :smallamused:

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra is both awed and pleased by the attention directed to her by the Queen, she is honoured to be addressed by one so powerful (and it helps to keep her focused away from the light show being provided by the trees and fairies). She makes a mental note that the first dance she does when they stop for a rest will be for the Queen.
Her eyes widen at the sight of a unicorn, the rare and almost mythical creature of fables. She knows many of the tales about them, but had not expected to ever see one.
When the Queen directs her to Cobweb, she asks
So our treks will start in the fey world? Do you have any idea of what form the problem takes?

[Eldan]

Leranya grinned wrily.
"Form. Form is a very fluent concept over here, truth be told. Auras or true names would be much more telling, but I doubt we have access to those.
He looked around at all the colourful things going on around him.
"And don't be fooled by the behaviour of the landscape around here. It will just as likely eat you as dance around. Politely decline any bargains offered to you by tree or rock or sky, touch as little as possible and eat only what a fey you trust declares safe. Oh, and don't trust the fey. Any of them."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Oh, I know how tricky the fey can be, I know many of the tales of them, you probably even know a few of the stars of such stories. But, Im pretty sure I can trust the Queen.
But what I was asking was if we have any hints as to what we are looking for

[Gorgondantess]

Entering the Feyland, Fawkes is relatively unphased. He's traversed it often enough, and his nature allows him to blend in seamlessly... But in the end, he is detached. The chaotic brilliance of it all, the magical forests and brilliant dens, aren't of his domain.
But, hell, it's nice to go along for the ride, so long as there's so pretty a rider.
Fawkes remains entranced by all he sees, feeling out of place, but drawn in all the same. When the queen speaks of recruiting, he steps forwards, tentatively, reaching out a hand... then quickly adjusting his mask, and retracting it. His words are clear and glib, with a very high-brow tone, but every word seems forced, and he pauses, each and every word picked very... very... carefully.
"Whatever you desire, my... lady... queen... it would be the most... poignant... honor."
He withdraws after speaking, bowing his head.

[BlueWizard]

Your time in the sacred lands of Titania will be as if you were dreaming. At least that is how Zohra the human feels. When the fey-fog finally releases Zohra and her fey friends to the material world, she may even think she dreamed the whole experience at Titania's palace.

Feasts and celebrations abound with Titania, but at some point it was time to leave. Cobweb, the gothic blue pixie, gathered you all. Then she led you away from Titania's lair passing by the Gumdrop Forest.

When you first return to the woodlands of the elves on the material plane the amount of time that passed could be anything. But, it wasn't too long for the weather and seasons seem to be the same.

You will be going to a goblin lair to see what evil can be stopped.

{OOC- Jumping to the planned adventure. If this is too fast please let me know, but it seems like you guys are ready to 'investigate'. :smallcool:}

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra turns to face the party as they get ready to move out

I dont know if any of you have ever fought with someone like me. Because, I dont fight. I dont even have a dagger to defend myself with. My abilities lie in the power to inspire you...aid you...give you advantages in fighting. So dont expect me to go rushing at the target screaming lusty battle cries. In fact, if I do do that, you can pretty much assume that Ive been badly affected by a spell.
She displays a wand
And Im pretty handy with this wand, which can cure. And if we come across magic we dont understand, I can usually figure it out just by fiddling with it.
She smirks
If I dont blow myself up first

[Gorgondantess]

OOC: Well, no, not really. I generally get bored by combat, so... I'd rather not rush through things.
Fawkes enjoys his time celebrating with Titania- even if it all is a bit awkward- but the time to leave comes all too soon. While it is an honor, he doesn't relish battle, even if it is something he is good at.
As they leave, he keeps quiet- he'll speak if necessary, but only then.

[BlueWizard]

:smallconfused:

[BlueWizard]

A wind is picking up... and it can blow people anywhere....

[Eldan]

Well, what are we supposed to do exactly? Where are we in the material world? What does it look like? What's around us? I can't really post, otherwise it just feels like filler to me.
I mean, it's apparently the elven woodlands, and we are supposed to find goblins. But where do we go from here?

[Zerkai]

Amathal

Amathal had spent most of the time in Titania celebrating as well, feeling elated after having met Ehlonna after her arrival into the fey-world

"I am Amathal, a Priestess of Ehlonna. I can hold my own in a battle if needed., but I specialize in healing spells." She introduced herself to the group as they started to journey towards their destination

"... I should thank you all for helping to protect my home."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra turns around, looking for Cobweb. (I assume by earlier posts that he serving as some sort of guide/liaison to us) When she finds him

So Cobweb, we seem to be a little turned around here, without any landmarks to navigate by. Did Titiana mention to you where we can find the nearest lair of goblins? Im assuming that we were deposited rather close to one, since thats our target.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb looks at Leranya with concern, but turns to Zohra to answer the human's questions. "This is the woods of Amathal's home. There is the human county of Sunhaven near here with elven ambassadors! The Northern Kingdom is really a quite progressive part of the world. I hear you have been gone from these lands for a time. This was your birthland the fairies say to me."

She doesn't want to alarm anyone, but the sheer fact that this pixie says next may spook any human mortal. "These lands are full of goblins. Hundreds of thousands. Big ones, little ones, blue ones, and magical ones. They are only kept at bay by the great dragon... but he is old and senile now.

I know hundreds of entrances into the goblin lairs. The only problem is getting back out."

[Eldan]

Leranya nods, slowly and carefully.
"I doubt the wisest move would be just marching into the goblin realms and trying to find information by beating it out of them. We need more to work on. But if even the Queen herself is helpless, I doubt we could find any oracles to help us. The library of penumbra is vast, but we could spend a dozen mortal lifetimes searching there."
He scratches his skin, then, looking skywards.
"That leaves the humans, and I doubt they know anything at all about the vermin lurking here."

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb playfully flies around the grey elf's head. "Leranya, the humans know all about killing them! Their old, dead king sealed many of the exits with stone and cement long ago. The modern human Queen might know something of them. Though getting an audience with her might be tough. What sort of information do you need? I've seen much of the history of these lands while you've been away."

Cobweb hovers right before Leranya's face flapping his hair back. She actually turns purple when she blushes, and flitters away. She obviously has a thing for the gray elf.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

What about speaking with the dragon? If he is old, he might not want to kill us out of hand. Or if you want to speak with the Queen, I might be able to arrange something, seeing as I am one of her subjects.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb breaks character and begins to laugh hysterically, flipping in circles uncontrollably, and spraying dark blue pixie dust everywhere. She finally recovers, and through wet eyes sees that Zohra's comment on the dragon was serious. "Oh, you're such a wonderful bardess, I thought you were performing for me...

Meet the Queen of course! If you think you can manage it. She does have many subjects." She'll turn purple in embarrassment again.

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes stays silent for the longest time, and only speaks up with the greatest hesitation. Once again, every word sounds carefully picked out and practiced. "I... don't see why we would go to the humans for help. Or why they would help us."

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb agrees with Fawkes, showing her flighty personality, "True. True. The humans may betray us. No offense Zohra." Cobweb sits on a branch in a tree a ponders this as the group decides where to go next. She now seems confused.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"Humans might betray us, other Fey might trick us, and the dragon might eat us." The Spring child sighed in an annoyed fashion, shaking her head at the group, expression hidden by her helm.

"Humans are not all untrustworthy... many of my human friends died to protect my home. If you're all this hesitant to even approach leads on information and assistance, how can we be expected to deal with the goblin menace?" Amathal asked them, before turning her attention to Zohra

"Trying to get an audience with the Queen is a good start."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

The humans will help us because they are as much at risk from the goblins as we are. If you like, I will take the lead contact, if they see that there is at least one human among the fey, they will not slay you out of hand. After all, I wasnt kicked out or driven away, so no one is out for blood vengeance against me. Unless someone has a better idea on who to contact or what to do, I think we should talk with them.
Unless you think finding the nearest goblin nest and running in crying lusty battle cries is better?

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb nods in agreement with Amathal, "It is hard to remember though. Sometimes I think of those humans like the fey themselves."

Cobweb could Dreamtravel the group to the nearby human city. Home of the Northern Queen. She can only take so many, and this power usage taxes the unique gothic blue pixie.

She looks at the rest of you from Amathal's shoulder. "Its worth a shot. She is said to be the noblest of all human queens." She gives a wink to Zohra in apology if she'd been offended before.

[Eldan]

Leranya taps his chin, then smiles wrily.
"True enough, humans are gullible that way. Maybe we can trick them into helping us."

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes sighs, and buries his mask in his hands. If the rest of the group wanted to go traipsing off into a foreign unknown land, he is noone to stop them.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb flies over to Fawkes, "Why so serious?"
She transforms herself into a pixie joker-clown, an illusion, but Leranya will note a powerful one. In her strange clown-form she twirls fast around Fawkes.

"I can make you appear as whatever you want. If you want to be a handsome prince. Poof! I can make you one. Whatever you want to look like....

Just know that even I have trouble fooling those with True-sight. But, then, hopefully anyone with Truesight is okay to know who you are."
She shrugs and looks at Leranya for approval, she doesn't know. She transforms back to her dark blue skinned form. And will hover about the wood.

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes raises his head at Cobweb's talk, but then buries it back in his hands for a few moments. From this posture, he speaks.
"Once, travelling through a human city, I came across a brothel. Now, naturally, I do not frequent such places, but a glance inside showed me a glimpse of beauty- a poignant, heartrending beauty, shining through the hazy, dim interior of the house of sin. I waited for the girl to finish her work, clomp up and down the stairs with whatever gentleman desired her- but that was irrelevant.
And when she left the place for her own abode, I saw her, out from under the garish makeup, out from the smoke, out from the coloured lights and into a lamplight- and she was plain. There was a glimmer of beauty, enough to fool, but a stone of quartz looks a diamond under the right light.
Once, travelling through a peasant village, I saw a girl, and through her doughty clothes and plebian surroundings, her beauty shone through. Even in the plain light, even with her low blood, the beauty was there. I watched her for a time, entranced, then moved on, searching for some new spectacle.
Some years later- 4, maybe 5- I returned through that village, and sought her out- and I found her, but changed. Childbirth and hard labor had taken a toll on her- she was stouter, with calloused hands, sunken eyes, and all the beauty had faded.

Such a thing you offer isn't a cure: it is a balm. It isn't true beauty- it is ephemeral and a lie."

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"There is such a thing as true beauty, but nothing mortals can achieve..." This sounded a little odd coming from a spring child, as they do not age at all once they've reached adulthood, untarnished by time.

"The sun shines as brightly as it the day before, and the sky, whether clear, cloudy, day or night or full of clouds and storming, will still have the same beauty as it did in the past as it will in the future A century and it's still a wonder to look at" the spring child remarked, looking up at the sky and slowly cocking her head to the side.

"As for the Humans... It doesn't seem like a good idea to be tricking them. Maybe there will be something we can do to gain the Queen's favor, or make her listen to us. Which way to the kingdom?"

[Eldan]

"So you claim that the beauty of the sun is eternal, and yet you only betray your own short life. You come from mortal stock and can not understand through eternity. Even I am barely more than three thousand years old. But the shadows can remember a time where there were no suns, or skies, no days or nights, neither storm nor cloud. Nothing will endure forever, save the darkness at the end of time, and before."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

So, does anyone have the power to move us quickly to the lands of my queen. Or should we just start to walk. Of course, Im open to any other ideas, but we really need to make a decision on where we are going to go.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb has been a little nervous around Fawkes, but it doesn't really show until now. His words intimidate her, she is silent for a moment, deep thinking and pondering the dark fey's words. She listens intently to the rest of you.

Cobweb finds comfort in Leranya's words, and she flits about the ancient elf's head. "I liked it when your people ruled the world. It was a beautiful place. Pity you only saw the tail-end of your civilization." She remembers her happy thoughts.

She likes the human Zohra, she always liked pretty humans, she looks at the bardess and perks up. "I can dreamtravel us there. I can take us almost anywhere in the Northern Kingdom. Beyond that is asking for danger. Shall I bring back the fog?" Cobweb is almost daring her. "I love the human Queen's city." Her eyes glint with mischief. She will steer clear of Fawkes, but will try not to make it obvious.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Dream travel? Ive never heard of it. Is that something like Air Walk? Did it have something to do with the fog that brought us to Titiana's palace? Is it dangerous?
Zohra is full of questions, her bardic nature showing through, wanting to learn more about this wondrous ability, it might help, and even if it doesnt, theres bound to be a good tale in there.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb will chat with Zohra while in the wood, "There are dreams that can be dangerous. I try to choose... 'friendly' animal dreams. If I chose to travel in a splinterleaf's dream, we most certainly would be eaten. Hopefully not by Fawkes here, but kind as he is, his dreams may be such that none of us can fathom. My power is slightly different than that Leranya will learn to cast some day. I am going to pick a bird. A sweet little songbird, maybe a sparrow. Just don't become an insect, and you are fine. The bird won't see me in its dreams. Just make sure you take a form that is natural, and 'bird-friendly'."

To the confused, she'll laugh. "You can be anything in your dreams. You know that Zohra!"

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes sighs as he sees he's driven off Cobweb.
"I'm... sorry. That was uncalled for. My personal philosophy has no need to be discussed at the detriment of others."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra seems delighted with idea of being something else.
Ive always wanted to be able to fly, and Im a pretty good singer as it is. I think I'll be a bird too. Something that can sing just as sweet as I can.
Zohra concentrates for a moment on a bird form, to see if she changes.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb feels she's been directed to go to the Queen, so the dreamland fog of the feylands rolls over you all. She told you all to take the form of a sparrow. Zohra will have some trouble with this concept, but the rest of you will be able to grasp it quite easily, and moving around this world is literally second nature to you.

Danger is always real.

For a moment you will be flying high in the air, a giant golden bird, that turns out to be a sparrow flies above you. It is open skies as far as you can see in all directions. It is hard to determine up, but that is no trouble for most of you who fly along with the blue sparrow, Cobweb. All of you except Zohra, who is tumbling naked out of the sky, a tiny speck of a human. She is screaming for fright, and Cobweb will have to catch her in bird form, and defend against the giant golden sparrow for a moment.

It all happens fast, and the next moment all of you are tumbling into a circle of citrus trees, all different sorts. A little sparrow sits in a nest above you looking stunned at the apparitions from its dreams. Scared the bird squeaks and flies away. Over a wall, or building.

You will suddenly realize you are in a great park or courtyard. And this is a garden planted by the elves themselves. Everything with you guys is as it should be, and Zohra is dressed.

Cobweb is looking at Zohra like she is crazy. "You need to be careful in the dreamlands. That bird thought it would eat the puny human. That bird was the king in that dream. Remember that!" Cobweb is not mad, just trying to be helpful.

[Eldan]

Leranya looks down at his clothes, then touches his forehead with an outstretched pale finger. For a moment, his shape wavers as a shadow flickers over him. His appearance and clothing have changed: instead of thin and pale, he is now merely slender, with snow-white skin. He looks more outlandish and exotic now than before, the previously grey eyes now larger, slightly slanted black orbs without pupil or iris, his hair now black and streaming down his shoulders, the functional clothing replaced by a billowing, semi-transparent grey cloak and an expensive black vest with silver embroidery. The three black pearls at his belt are now fist-sized moonlight-pale gems on a silver chain around his neck.
He shrugs.
"Mortals expect a little extravagance from a fey ambassador", he says.
"My usual appearance doesn't always get the respect it deserves."
Placing a hand on the onyx-studded silver hilt of his sword, he adds:
"To the queen, then? There should be servants arriving soon to announce us."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra gets to her feet, rearranging her beads and silks, and looks exhilarated.

That was quite the flight, what a wonderful experience. Except for the almost being eaten part, that I could do without.

Zohra looks around, trying to figure out if they have landed in the Queens garden. If it is, she will get her bearings and try to lead the way to the palace.

----

And, if not, if this garden was planted by elves and isnt the Queens she will ask
So, does anybody know where we landed? This doesnt look like any of the stories Ive ever heard of the Queen's yard?

[BlueWizard]

Leranya seems to be expecting the array of blue robed wizards, and armored men with blue/silver draconic tunics that come sprinting in from all around the woods. Seemingly out of nowhere.

A woman with a silver dragon mask with long white hair hanging down stands before you. She seems to be old, but stands strong in her silver dragon scale. This woman looks over all of you, and sees that most everyone looks at the bardess. She points her silver blade at Zohra. You will all realize these people seem to recognize the bardess.

"Zohra the dancing bard? You keep and bring fey to the Queen? What sort of mischief are you playing at."

Zohra will notice that these humans all recognize her, and though she can only see a few faces she knows none of these people; not even the voice of the woman with gray-white hair.

[Eldan]

Leranya takes a step forward and as he speaks, his voice is commanding and strong.
"You may speak to me. I am Dreamspeaker Leranya Shadowsage Nightfall of the Duskcrow Marches, Ambassador of Titania, Seelie Queen of Summer. You may bring me to the queen."


These titles are made up to make him seem more imposing and important. I'll roll bluff and intimidate checks, just in case.

Bluff
[roll0]

Intimidate
[roll1]

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra steps forward with Leranya, and waits as he announces himself. Then she adds
No mischief and with a wink at least, not this time. I and my companions are on a mission of great importance to the fey and ultimately to you, because if the goblins succeed in destroying the fey, they will sooner or later turn their attention to you.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

As the spring child left the dreamworld and arrived at the garden, she quickly looked around to get her bearings, a hand going to the hilt of her sword when the wizards and soldiers appeared.

When the woman clad in silver scales addressed Zohra, the half-fey let go of the handle, looking over her and some of the soldiers that wore dragon scale armor while keeping her helmet on.

"I'm Amathal, Priestess of Elhonna." She introduced herself with a nod of the head, otherwise keeping silent and letting the others discuss the matter with

[BlueWizard]

Everyone, but the woman in silver dragonscale is stunned by Leranya's proclamation.

The blue-green eyes behind the lady's silver dragon-helm focus kindly from Zohra to Leranya and then back and forth again. She will finally introduce herself when Amathal speaks, but keeps the facemask down. "I am Misha*. Guardian of the Good Northern Queen, Allanna. My sister."

Her eyes turn slightly cold and serious when they gaze back to Leranya, "You come seeking the Queen unannounced?" Misha eyes you all carefully. Her eyes look at Zohra again, "It is odd the famous dancer has come with such an curious assortment of fey. We've seen prettier assassins." Misha seems to be toying with Zohra.


* Misha- Zohra believes who she is, and will have heard of her just because she's a Northerner. The rest of you won't have a clue who this lady is; but Leranya will recognize the armor of Bahamut. These are unique artifact/armors/and other items gifted by good dragons to exalted beings for thousands of years. This will be the first time Leranya will have seen a human with one.

[Eldan]

Leranya nods, just a little fraction of an inch.
"Yes, Your Highness, we are unannouced. However,this is a pressing situation, and I will not be slighted over lacking preparations for my visit. I will of course take no offence over your joking remark calling us "criminals"."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Misha, dont be silly, you know me better than that. Im no assassin, I can barely hurt a flea, let alone the Queen. Please, we dont need to turn this into a confrontation, like I said, we're here on an important mission against the goblins, a mission that will benefit both our peoples. Yes, theyre fey, but theyre good fey, and want to help.
Zohra winks one more time at Misha
And who have you seen thats prettier than me?

[BlueWizard]

Misha skillfully sheaths her silver sword in a flourish, and flips back the silver dragon mask. She is of an indeterminable age, but is at least 70. Her face is still very pretty, with some lines of age. Her hair is mostly white with a hint of gray giving even her hair a silver effect. Her blue-green eyes twinkle mysteriously with humor. She seems excited by the fey present.

"Times have changed. The fey have been showing themselves to our people in the County of Sunhaven for sometime. I believe I am acquainted with Lady Cobweb. A pleasure to see you again." Misha nods to Cobweb, who thought she was keenly hidden in the shadows.

Cobweb's mouth drops open. "So good!!"

Misha will bow to Zohra, "If you come about the goblins... we could use the help. They are starting to get restless again. I was young when they last raided as a hoard. Not sure why exactly you need to see my sister, but I might be able to oblige you."

She will dismiss much of the array of soldiers and wizards.

[Gorgondantess]

In the dreamland, Fawkes takes the form of a diminutive, plain hawk. He moves about comfortably, passing under the eyes of predatory dreamers.

He regards the woman in the scale strangely, focusing on her mask. As it is removed, he moves up as if to speak, then thinks better of it, and shuffles away from the group, watching from a distance. He adjusts his mask neurotically, and tries to keep out of the general focal point, more self aware than ever in these noble surroundings.

[BlueWizard]

Misha clears her throat, "So... you were saying....?"

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"My home was attacked just a day or so ago..." The priestess spoke up as she removed her helmet, looking to Misha

"Hobgolins led the attack, and there were drow there as well. They are a much larger threat then most realize, and the threat grows stronger every day. Have you found any unusual goblin or drow activity lately?"

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

In addition, we seek to strike a blow against the goblins and were wondering if you know of any bases that would not be beyond our capabilities. We know of a few bases, getting in would not be a problem, its the getting out that worries us.

[BlueWizard]

Misha looks quite seriously at Amathal and listens intently with her pretty blue-green eyes. Her look is grim, and she bites her lip when Zohra offers to fight the goblins. "You are all very brave. It is true we have noticed a rise in 'problems'. The forces of the goblins seem to be more organized in recent days. I trust the fey. If you say it is the drow than it is very likely their doing. Times have been getting better.... but it seems the greater evil always strikes when we think we are finally at peace.

I cannot recommend you go to any of the known goblin caves. It is against my code as a paladin to risk a fairy's life.

If you insist upon going, heed my advice, and do not go past the dragon's lair. You will know when you have found the Shadow Dragon's domain. He is epically powerful, and already it is rumored that he is the cause of death of many human explorers of the Underdark. He is ancient, and lived in these lands when the gray elves ruled the North. He likes to slumber, so please don't disturb this ancient being.

As for the drow... be wary. Be very wary. They are more active than ever now that there is a new Empress in the Old Empire*."


* Only Zohra knows what this empire is. She was adventuring before in a small part of it. The Northern Kingdom is faraway overseas.
{OOC- Soon Vael will be joining us with her fey PC.... :smallcool:}

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes raises his shoulders to an upright position (which looks almost painful for him) as opposed to his regular gangly hunch, in order to speak with some presence.
"Excuse me, but... I do not know much of goblin heirarchy. And it would surely do nobody good to go inside and just start killing. Might you be able to elaborate on how we can disrupt the goblin's power structure? If we eliminate some of their leaders, the backers, then surely their attacks will fall to disorganized raids, no?"

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra nods in agreement with Fawkes

Thats an excellent idea, goblins are only held together in bands by strong leaders, take out one of them and they'll start bickering amongst themselves....as long as we steer clear of the Shadow Dragon

[Eldan]

Leranya shakes his head.
"As prone as goblins are to bickering... these seem both more organized and more numerous than our usual goblins. I suspect they have a hierarchy up to the dragon itself, and taking out one goblin further down in the chain will at best be a temporary solution, confusing a warband or two until they have a new leader.
A more permanent solution is necessary."

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"Yes... if there are more like the Hobgoblin that led the battle against my home, they would have several capable of leading..." The spring child sighed, folding her arms over her chest as she thought about it

"Still... a new leader of the drow could explain the change in their attacks.... there might be someone new leading Goblin tribes as well. Maybe the drow are using them, or maybe both sides are being used by someone else. Anything is just speculation though till we find out more..." Amathal thought aloud, closing her eyes

[BlueWizard]

Misha looks deeply into Fawkes' eyes, "You will need to go deep into the Underdark to find the source of these organizers. You might even uncover some of your own history. Hidden even from you." Misha seems like a wise old lady, and might even have powerful magics like true seeing or better...

Misha looks over the brave group, and to Amathal to acknowledge her last comment. "Fighting off the drow high command would be suicide for epic dragon-wizards. If you insist upon poking your head into the drow Underdark, might I point you to something that directly effects our kingdom..."

She is about to say more, but notices the fairy fog rolling in. This time it isn't light and airy. Zohra is the last to notice it, and only feels the experience as a scary feeling in her gut. Fawkes will feel powerful as the unseelie fog rolls in.

A mysterious shape takes form in the shadows....

{OOC- Welcome Vael, in her new incarnation....}

[AmberVael]

Aithne

As quickly as the fog rolls in, it disperses, torn apart by the heat that rolls off of the entity within it. The flash of flames that accompanies their appearance dies away before the fog entirely fades, and the heat lingers for only a few moments before dying down to a warming, but noticeable, aura. With a second more, this newcomer becomes clear.

Tall and possessed of unearthly grace, every line of the woman shouts that she is a powerful fey. She carries herself as a noble lady would, and the dancing red and gold of her eyes and hair cannot be natural, alluding to ties to the season of summer. Yet the nature of the fog that surrounded her, and the harshness of the heat that dismissed it point toward her being Unseelie, rather than the Seelie they had allied themselves with.

"Forgive the suddenness of my intrusion,"
She begins, her voice powerful and smooth, but also amused, rather than apologetic. The expression on her face, likewise, indicates that she rather likes the attention she drew to herself.
"But when I found that I had been left behind, I desired to catch up as quickly as possible."

The woman gives an elegant, courtly curtsy, tendrils of fire reaching out to describe the edges of her dress.
"By the ancient laws, as the Seelie have sent out their representatives, the Unseelie must represent themselves as well. As such, I am here."
She smiles, though the smile is half a smirk, then introduces herself.
"I am Aithne Verch Cyric. A pleasure to meet you all."

Verch Cyric... those among familiar with fey would recognize what it meant. 'Daughter of Cyric.' Cyric is a fey of substantial power, formerly of the Seelie court, but banished after countless misdeeds. He later took his place among the Unseelie court, and is rumored to have gained quite some sway among them.

Still, as troubling as her appearance might be, she has conducted herself peacefully, and about as politely as one could expect from a fey. Further, the heat and presence she has is powerful, but relaxing; a soothing and seductive balm that demonstrates a softer side to her powers... and might just put people into a better mood and disposition towards her.

[Gorgondantess]

Misha looks deeply into Fawkes' eyes
And Fawkes looks back. He says nothing in reply, showing respect through silence alone, and takes on a relaxed posture, falling into something of a reverie.
It is broken, of course, by the appearance of the fog, and while it is a fine, intoxicating feeling, it's also just another reminder of his form.
He waits apprehensively for the appearance of the unseelie, but finding it to be nowhere close to the hideous visage it might have taken, he lets his shoulders fall. He regards Aithne with narrowed eyes, and crossing his arms, steps forwards and speaks his mind.
"I of all beings should know of the potential for decency in an unseelie... but I see no innocence in you. I trust you'll try to be a good girl?"
While Aithne likely towers a good foot over Fawkes' hunched frame, and even with his rags and shame, because of the fog- or perhaps even despite of it- he manages to hold himself as high as her- metaphorically speaking, of course.
With his last words, he conveys a smirk, even with the mask. No mean feat.

[BlueWizard]

The paladin's mood is unfazed by Aithne's appearance. She even smiles, "Welcome. I know the name Cyric quite well, Lady Aithne. Forgive me if I do not know your current rank and title it has been a long time since I was there as a child. 80 years is a blink to your people, but to me it is a long time. Perhaps I even met you in that time, but I swear it is a blur to me in my old age." Aithne will almost feel the epic paladin is confessing to her, but can feel that it is merely the genuineness of Misha.

Misha was raised in the Unseelie world as a child. It made her 'special', and she is now tripping out on this experience as if she is having an LSD flashback. Aithne will get a flash in her memories of brunette 'material' child that lived among the Unseelie many human years ago.

Fawkes' words actually draw Misha back to reality and she looks at all of you with softer eyes, almost moistened with tears. "I cannot go with you... I shall not see the Underdark again. Not until I am an angel of Bahamut. But, you can go. Fey guided by fey. You can go anywhere. Remember the dark forces are out to get you. Use your human friend the bardess to ground you to this material world while you are here. Keep her alive, for she might be able to do things that no fey could." She pulls back a bit almost to challenge the group, and looks confidently at you all.

"I can take you to the Queen, but I assure you she is a very busy woman... but I think I can get her."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra seems a bit drawn to the newcomer as well, her power seems to affect
her

An Unseelie as well...again, someone Ive heard of, but never thought to experience. Fey, Unseelie, drow, Underdark, and human, if I live through this, I'll have tales to tell that any storyteller will envy. I'm called Zohra, by the way, but most people will just refer to me as the dancing bard. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
She holds out her hand in friendship...and then turns back to Misha
You were about to mention a target that could be of value to us and yourself? Should we see the Queen about it?

[AmberVael]

Aithne

The lady's lips quirk as Fawkes speaks up, and then she gives a small laugh at his question.
"A good girl? Would you assume that any fey would answer yes?"
She shakes her head, smiling with great amusement now.

She bends down to look Fawkes in the eye, her aura of heat palpable around her, hints of flame flicking out towards him.
"But you may rest easy, darkling child; I'm not here to oppose any of you. You think the Seelie are the only ones who have suffered? These fallen fey, with their weapons of iron are a danger to us all."

"I know the way to the Underdark, and I know what we'll find there. Trouble is brewing, greater than any of you know, perhaps, so you had best be wary."
She pauses as Misha's reference to a human sinks in, and she looks over towards Zohra.
"A human among us?"
There's a bit of fascination in her eyes, as well as uncertainty.
"I'm unused to your kind, but your presence here could be of use. It will certainly be an interesting journey."

[BlueWizard]

Misha seems to be having a spiritual moment, she looks at the unseelie princess, and bows with trained respect as if she were truly raised among the unseelie fey nobles herself. The graceful and powerful respect shown the princess Aithne will be quite noticeable, and even the human Zohra will think that Misha's fluid movement is surreal and other-worldly.

"The dark fey always know when they are needed. I trust you will only do what you came to do. I will be watching these seelie. They interest me. I will know if you lead them astray. My mission was for you to strike a magic items factory. There are wizards there that I think might interest you." She will turn to speak to the human Zohra, she almost speaks differently to her. Zohra might feel she is not in the 'know' completely. Though Zohra is starting to feel this strange world that seems to be surrounding her completely now.

If Misha speaks of the same one, Aithne knows this factory well. In fact, the drow wizard that runs it is part of the cabal that has the item that interests her. If Aithne can determine this drow wizard's clan it might help narrow her search among the many underground drow cities.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra gathers her silks together and faces Misha.

So do we just head out on this mission, or should we meet with the Queen first? Im fine with either

She looks around at the party

Im ready to go, if the rest of you are.

[Eldan]

Leranya chuckles, then inclines his head towards the Unseelie, his black eyes glittering with amusement.
"You are later than I would have suspected, Lady Aithne. Politics usually work a lot faster when one side thinks it's being left behind."
He then bows, politely.
Dreamspeaker Leranya Shadowsage. I owe allegiance to Lord Erebos and Lady Nyx of the Marches of Dreams and Twilight*, but I will be serving as Queen Titania's Ambassador in this affair."


*These are fairly mysterious fey lords making their home in a fortress quite some distance away from the rest of fairy, officially belonging to neither Seelie nor Unseelie. Their domain are Shadows, twilight and ancient knowledge.

[AmberVael]

Aithne


"I have every reason to lead them down the right path... as I'm sure you know."
Wizards and magical crafting, hm? That could be just what she's looking for. Though Aithne is somewhat suspicious about Misha's knowledge of her plans and purpose... maybe she just knew what she was looking for though.

She turns her head to regard Leranya, raising an eyebrow.
"Ah, a fallen fey among us. What a curious group."
She smiles courteously.
"I have heard of those you speak of."
The unseelie gives a small gesture of respect with the inclination of her head and a mock curtsy, but it is something closer to a noble politely greeting someone worthy of respect, but not of equal station.

"If you wish, I can certainly lead the way now. I wasn't aware that speaking to a human contingent was necessary... what did you have in mind?"
She sounds more curious than dismissive of the idea.

[BlueWizard]

A voice might get your attention, but at this point will not startle you.

A beautiful woman enters in a long blue gown trimmed with silver. Her felt cape is blue, and was a platinum crest of a dragon on the back. Her shoes are silver, as is her hair. It will be then you see her pretty, but modest, matching tiara, upon the aged woman before you.

She stands tall for a human woman, several inches over Zohra, and is even taller than her sister. This had to be the Queen, and she was no feeble octogenarian. Her skin nearly smooth and well cared for had some lines of life. She smiles wrinkling her face, and bows to you all. "I am Queen. Or so they say. The drow are a curious sort. I should know, I've killed many."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra does a curtsy, and then drops to her knees before her Queen.

I am ready to serve both you, and the fey. We have a mission before us that will do both.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

Amathal mirrored Zohra, dropping to her knees in front of the queen as well as she placed her helmet back on her head. Mostly it was to hide her displeased expression. Saying one had ended many lives, no matter which, should not be said so lightly, and not with a pleased look.

The spring child decided to go quiet one again and let the others speak.

[BlueWizard]

The Queen laughs and blushes helping Amathal and Zohra off the ground. "Please. I should bow before all of you. Surely, an immortal will be here long after my line has lost power. And you, the dancer. If I were younger.... you know I am a widow now.... I have seen you dance young lady, and your hips are inspired by the fey." The Queen clearly has a thing for Zohra, and the dancer might've forgotten, among the many world nobles that have seen her perform, the Queen might've seen her more than a few times.

Bard and joust competitions are popular fare for nobles, they all want to have 'discovered' the greatest in their lands. It might also surprise Zohra to later find out that the Queen has long been a fan, and often watched in secret or disguise.

[Eldan]

Leranya nods politely towards the queen, more a recognition of an equal than a show of respect, then proceeds in a businesslike tone:
"Ah, your Majesty. We are here for support and information. What can you give us?"

[BlueWizard]

"I know this." The Queen says sadly to the grey elf. "The great guardian of the underworld has died. If anything you have come because you realize the material land you've come to love is in danger and you with it."

Misha is a little uncomfortable with the Queen speaking, but says nothing only shifting uneasily in her armor.
"I need guardians for my people. I fear for the safety of those in my city. Dark evil is coming. It is no wonder the powers of the Fey have gathered, and I am blessed to be a part of this..." The Queen is going to say more, and Misha interrupts her.

"You can't help them!"

"Yes I can."

Misha violently points her sword at the queen, but it doesn't bother her.
"The mere glimpse of your presence bobbing around with fairies! You know what danger that would bring for you, them, and this whole kingdom!!"

The Queen stays calm and playful with her half-sister, almost whispering. She will push Misha's sword away. "I know that. But. I can give them aid." Misha can't deny that and will pull away, the queen's blue-green eyes twinkle as she looks at each of her 'intruders'. "My sister told you of the factory. It is dangerous, so you must be prepared. I am sure that the Fates have guided you to us for a reason. I have the power to grant certain items... even minor abilities. Is there anything that I can gift to you? Bahamut has been kind to me, and I want to share his grace with you."

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes falls to one knee, as soon as the queen enters, and keeps downcast eyes, even after she helps him up.
When she offers a boon, he speaks almost awkwardly, fumbling over his words a bit, violently contrasting with his previous absurdly glib speech.
"To gaze upon one so exceptionally beautiful for just a moment longer would be the greatest gift any woman could give."
If he had the physiology to blush, he would. Not that anyone would see, anyways.

[BlueWizard]

{OOC- The Queen will be able to enchant an item +1; boost an ability score +1, or even give a little skill or knowledge +3. A specially gifted magic item of minor vale would also be acceptable. The Queen is very gifted, and has the ability to grant some wish fulfillment, but only in certain moments.}

"It is good you came now. The Great Dragon spoke with me on my walk. Strange. I had decided to listen to the birds by my stream when He came to me in the atrium.
Now please my masked friend. WE are equals. If you'd seen the bacchanal bars I hung out in you might see I'm no "Lady"."

Her sister Misha snickers at this point, showing that she's actually still in quite the good mood. She will sheath her sword after her theatrics, and pull up a rock nearby and watch the Queen with her fey Intruders. "You're no angel your self deary." Misha only rolls her eyes.

[AmberVael]

Aithne

Aithne considers the woman's presence carefully. She did not like admitting that there were people stronger than her, or capable of drawing on power that she could not... but if it meant her own capabilities increased, she was loathe to let such an opportunity pass up, despite her pride.

"You mention the lord of dragons, and so a request comes to mind that is surely within his domain."
She looks down at the old queen, at once aloof and respectful, arrogant in her eternal youth and fey power, yet acknowledging her authority and the one she represents.
"To be a dragon is to be strong, to be a master of the land, sky, and magic. Though they have many rivals, the dragon is respected and feared, as their power is indisputable. To merely see a dragon sparks a terror and awe.
"Therefore..."

Aithne's gaze and expression is entirely seriously, and she appears to look beyond the queen, seeking the dragon she was asking this boon of.
"I ask to share that authority, for those who see me to accord me the respect and fear that one of Bahamut's children would receive, if I am worthy of it."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra seems to consider the Queens words for a moment, and then gets an inspiration

From what I have heard in the tales of the drow, they have all manner of foul magics to use against their foes. Sadly, while my own agility allows me to dodge all manner of magic that is thrown at me, my ability to resist those enchantments that target the will or my health is rather compromised. I have heard though that there are cloaks that offer such benefits. Would such an item be too much to ask?

[BlueWizard]

As the Queen merely walks the true power within her is revealed. Misha is only amused by this, she is said to be even more powerful than the Queen.

The Queen looks at Aithne and nods, connecting with the unseelie's eyes. Seriousness flows between the two as the tall mighty queen looks at the unseelie female who is even taller than she. Allanna will touch Aithne's forehead with both hands causing a silver flash to blind you all momentarily. When your eyes can see again, there is a fierceness about Aithne's presence that wasn't there before and it makes the hair on your arm stand on end.

When it comes to Zohra the Queen flaps her arms and a silvery-blue cape appears in her hands. When Zohra takes it into her hands it is as if she envisioned the color and style of this cloak. It will become a permanent color, but literally it will take shape before all of your eyes.

Cobweb giggles from the shadows, "I don't think your powers will work on me, your ladyship."

The queen squints her eyes amusedly at the dark blue pixie.
The Queen turns to the others gathered in her courtyard. "Your gift?"

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra unfurls the cloak to show off its beauty to all. She looks back to her Queen with a look of wonder.
Its exactly how I imagined it. I will certainly treasure it.


Zohra sets the cloak aside for a moment, and shakes out her silks, bangles and beads. She poses for just a second, and then begins to move slowly. At first you think she might not even be moving, but her speed begins to build slowly but surely. Her silks start to float away from her, showing flashes of tanned skin, but seem to never fully reveal her. Her bangles and jewels sparkle with light, catching and reflecting rays in a rainbow display of colors. As her movement become more and more frenzied, you would swear her silks are coming off, but you cannot seem to take your eyes off her to check the ground. Her hips gyrate to a beat only she can hear, or perhaps to the beat of her cymbals, which chime on her fingers. She continues, never seeming to break a sweat, and you start to lose track of the pasage of time. When she finally comes to a stop, you realize that none of her silks ever came off, despite the illusion that they did.

[roll0] Perform: Dance

[AmberVael]

Aithne

Aithne smiles as she feels the power of her presence shifting and increasing with this new addition, but before she can focus on it too much, Zohra begins her dance. It's... rather distracting, to say the least. The unseelie watches with eyes that flicker like flames, drinking in the sight, hypnotized by Zohra's perfect, flawless steps.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

The half-fey priestess brought her arm up to shield her eyes on reflex at the flash of silver light, slowly lowering it as the light faded. Amathal looked upon Aithne, feeling quite nervous with her presence now.

The feeling didn't last long however, as her attention turned to the dancing human. Like the unseelie woman, she too became entranced by the bard's movements. Even after the performance has finished she continued to stare, expression unreadable from under her helmet.

After a minute or two Amathal seemed to snap out of it, shaking her head quickly as she looked "A gift! Oh, well... um..." The spring child seemed a little flustered, trying to get her thoughts straight. She felt a little hot in her armor... well, more then one would be wearing a suit of metal armor.

"I want is... resolve." She spoke once she had calmed down, her voice serious as she looked up at the Queen.

"I able to protect my home, but I was unable to save my friends, despite my abilities as a Priestess. I was.... I was not strong enough." Amathal looked down at the grass and flowers in the garden

"I could not ask for more power, I do not des-... I am not ready for it. When that day comes and I am powerful enough, I would want the will and resolve to be able to use that power properly. Then I will be able to prevent such tragedies from occurring."

[BlueWizard]

The Queen is distracted for a moment and enjoys Zohra's dance, but wants to get to the rest of you for your gifts.

The Queen will close her eyes and touch Amathal's forehead, and in the flash she will feel Ehlonna call to her in the exchange between this human. The moment seems to last forever in Amathal's experience, but to the rest of you it is a silver flash. When Amathal opens her eyes the Queen is a little woozy, and the cleric feels enlightened, and at the moment blessed as if the spell were cast upon her by Ehlonna Herself.

The Queen will turn and look to Lerranya and raise an eyebrow.

[Eldan]

Leranya looks the queen squarely in the eye, holding his black gaze unblinking.
"I have only ever wished for one thing, and one thing only. Knowledge. Understanding. A deeper connection to the shadows. If you can give me that, I wish for nothing else."

[BlueWizard]

When the Queen touches Lerranya's head he will suddenly flash through the images and symbols of his long lived people's history. He will have studied their history, but now {in his silver flash} he becomes aware of so much more.

After this the Queen begins to collapse. Misha gets serious and catches her sister, but the Queen waves her off. "No, no..." The Queen looks at Fawkes. "I can only channel... for so long..."

Misha will look to you all, she is still serious flanking her sister for strength, but there is kindness in her voice. "You are welcome to stay in the courtyard. Unless you seek more 'human' quarters. While you are guests of the Queen, you may stay here, and eat with us." The courtyard is actually the size of massive city park, with fruit tree groves, oak forests, and even a few streams and bathing areas. This garden, you will find, is the true crown jewel of this palace. Lerranya will see {with his new found 'knowledge'} that it was very likely designed by a gray elf for a human thousands of years ago. The palace walls likely were built around this most sacred ground.

[AmberVael]

Aithne

Aithne lets her presence relax, the fierceness of it fading away beneath the soothing heat, or at least being masked by it. Perhaps it is still there, waiting to surface, but for now, she maintains the image of an enticing and powerful fey lady.

"Perhaps a little time to relax, plan, and learn of each other would do us good."
Aithne acknowledges.
"Such would be difficult in the midst of a battle."

"Though, while this courtyard is lovely and soothing, to be sure, I think that more typical quarters might suit me best. Of course, I wouldn't want to impose..."
A smirk crosses her face as she looks over the others, particularly lingering on Zohra.
"Perhaps, so as to be less obtrusive, we could share a space? Besides, being kept away from each other would be less conducive to the discussion which will certainly need to occur."

[BlueWizard]

With the group settling in for at least another day Misha will help the old Queen away. The old woman will look and seem her age suddenly, though Misha is strong and vibrant, and even older is able to support her sister strongly.

A blue robed fellow will greet you. He is a kind man with a beard, maybe in his mid-forties. This man will be your guide about the palace.



The palace:
The decor is maybe 100 years old at the oldest. It is very modest, unlike the legends of the Imperial palaces with high magic on open display. A few painting, sculptures, tapestries, and pieces of art will show the relatively young history of this good Northern Kingdom.

The grand dining hall has a great display of pictures of many good looking nobles in epic wall-tapestries. One that receives no special placement is one featuring to 2 pretty ladies in silver dragonscale: a blonde and a brunette. It is clear that the Queen is the hot, tall blonde; and Misha, the gorgeous steel-eyed brunette. Behind them is a gentleman knight in silver dragonscale, likely their father, who seems to be a high ranking military officer by the medals and ribbons. The background is a bunch of sexy squires in silver leather, and the 3 dragon companions: all silver; in the forests of the Courtyard.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra inclines her head to the Queen as she leaves, and then makes the same gesture to Aithne

Your words are wise, there are many things we should discuss. Myself in particular, I doubt I am like any bard you may have met in the past. I do things...differently. We should have some idea of what to expect from each other.

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes smiles, almost enlightened, and bows. "I have already received my gift. To ask for any more would be beyond one so low as myself."
Despite his self deprecating comment, he speaks with renewed confidence. He's quite aware of his position, and he draws strength from that.
He tours the castle for a bit, but feeling uncomfortable indoors- and having nothing to achieve remaining inside, anyways- he retires to the gardens, where he commits a likely futile search for any brambles to be removed and eaten.

[BlueWizard]

You will see Misha often, it seems the queen has gotten ill. She will be recovering in her private quarters.

Cobweb will be quite bored hanging with Fawkes in the courtyard. Within a day, the dark blue pixie will probably be taunting him sexually, and likely even pouncing on him in a display that might surprise him. However, fey are free in their love, and Cobweb might be making love to a bee in light-form the next moment.

With Zohra at the palace many will come to see if she will shake those sexy hips.

Lerranya will find many wood elves live in this palace and are interested in meeting the powerful shadow-caster.

Aithne will find herself under the view of all the queen's wizards. Wearing blue robes of the queen's color, trimmed with blue stars, moons, and other odd esoteric symbols. Wizards of all ages will fawn over her, and want to learn more of this unseelie princess.

Amathal will also find herself taunted by Cobweb, but Cobweb seems more interesting in 'conquering' male energy like shy Fawkes.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra will entertain as many as want to watch her, as long as the shows do not conflict with her meetings with her party members.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"I do not need a 'regular' quarters, I am comfortable sleeping in the courtyard." She spoke up, once again removing her helmet, glancing At Zohra and Aithne.

"Would either of you be able to assist me in removing me armor?" She asked them before she would go back to the courtyard. She could do it herself, but having help would make things quicker.

(OOC: Since we posted around the same time, Maybe we should consider Vael's post to come before mine)

[AmberVael]

Aithne

"I can't say that 'wise' is a word I hear used to describe me often."
Aithne says with amusement.

She looks towards Amathal as she speaks, then moves to assist her. She doesn't seem familiar with the armor, but follows Amathal's instructions.
"If you wish to sleep in the courtyard, I won't mind... but I would appreciate your company for the time being. It's not night yet, after all."

Once she's finished helping Amathal with her armor, she stands, offering a hand to Zohra and Amathal.
"Come. Lets see what we can learn of each other."

Aithne doesn't pay much attention to the wizards following her, though she doesn't dismiss them out of hand, either. She simply fails to care about what they do, instead focusing her attentions on the other members of her group.

[BlueWizard]

Misha will be a little different around the group and blush when seeing Zohra in the dining hall. This wealthy routine will be put up with for sometime. Misha will seem to like your diverse company about the palace. She will get to know the two unseelie: Fawkes and Aithne. She will be amazed at how different each one is.

Misha will have some unseelie and seelie traits. Her charisma is near godlike, and her eyes have a power of domination which she doesn't seem to use. Aithne can tell that Misha is testing herself with the human Zohra. The old dame throws glances at the dancer that seem out-of-character for who she is.

Aithne, Amathal, and Zohra will actually be a power vortex if together. Even being together in a room will create a buzz about the castle.

Weeks could pass, but to the fey this is nothing. However, eventually gossiping guards will speak of goblin raids, and the reality of why you are here may come to you.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra takes the offered hand of Aithne, even though the same level of power is not emanating from her, Zohra seems to remember it and it still affects her. She leads Aithne lead the way to whatever location she deems appropriate to talk. When they are settled, Zohra will tell her 'story'

First of all, as everyone has called me such, I am a bard, however probably not like any other you have ever met. Most bards use their songs, or poetry, or something like that to inspire their allies. I dont. I can, if it becomes really necessary, but I prefer to use...my dance. Its been proven to be as effective, if not moreso than any other bard's talent. Its where my magic will come from as well. Even if you dont see me, the shaking of my bells will inspire you and in time, you wont even have to hear that, just knowing that I am aiding you will be enough.
Another thing about me, I dont carry a weapon. Not even a dagger. I have very little in the way of offense, although I can use a few spells to beguile those of weak will. What I do have are many, many ways to aid you in your battles, and Ive gotten pretty handy at using this wand to cure you afterwards.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"Thank you, Princess." She bowed her head to the unseelie girl once her armor was removed, she was removed a padded shirt she was wearing underneath, now in a tan sleeveless tunic and a pair of black britches.

For all intents and purposes, the spring child looked like an elf to those that didn't know about her kind. Though an elf with a much more... rounded, robust, and callipygian body. She took Aithne's hand and walked with the two girls, with her helmet gone there was something noticable about her hair. While being green like the leaves in color, they had small brown streaks randomly placed among the green.

"Supporting your allies can be as important as fighting. I appreciate the aide you will provide." She nodded to the bard with a smile, folding her arms as she figured what she should tell the others about herself

[Eldan]

Lerranya, changing his appearance almost daily, from pale-skinned wispy figure to tall and dark-skinned elf, spends most of his time in a shadowy corner of the palace gardens, reading what few books he can obtain on the grounds. When the "lesser" elves, as he calls them, bother him, he will conjure up grey and shadowy illusions of whatever his audience demands. Even though they are insubstantial and grey, the figures somehow manage to seem as real as anything in broadest daylight.
"I am a sage. Shadows are my medium. I call them and form them, and they give me power. Like a mage, perhaps, as to the uninitiated, many of the effects seem superficially alike."

[AmberVael]

Aithne

"I can provide offensive power in abundance."
Aithne says with a satisfied grin, looking down towards Zohra. She continues, looking between Zohra and Amathal as she goes along. The heat she emits is much more noticeable now, keeping up a steady temperature that is only slightly above average, the type that makes people just a bit sleepy if they're not on the move.
"My father, as you may know, is a fey greatly aligned the with Sun. I inherited some of his ties, and as such, my powers are aligned with the summer heat, particularly fire."

She lets go of their hands and holds hers before her, and in a flash, searing flame swirls around them... then vanishes with the same speed.
"And I'm sure you can feel my control of heat already."

Her red eyes flick towards Amathal.
"And you?"
Aithne gives a small, friendly laugh.
"You've been awfully shy this entire time. I haven't even learned your name yet."

[MikelaC1]

I have a spell...its called targeting ray. Its usually beneficial when someone is attempting a bowshot against an enemy, but if you actually throw any of your fire, it will help you as well.

[Gorgondantess]

Fawkes is intensely perplexed by the pixie's advances, though they aren't entirely unwelcome. Though he knows it will likely only bring her on harder, he fights off her "attacks" to the bitter end. The taunting, however, elicits little response, though he might politely request she tell him why she is saying such things (as if he didn't know).
When not dealing with the pixie, Fawkes steals books from whatever libraries he can find, taking them to the gardens to read. He always returns them, once finished, exactly as they were before- indeed, if he takes a particularly tattered book, he mends the bindings before putting it back.

His abilities are adequately described simply by the fact that he's never seen... though he makes his presence known in any are looking for him (even Cobweb).

[Zerkai]

Amathal

Amathal noticed the heat the unseelie produced, glad she decided to ditch the padded shirt she wears under her armor, her eyes going wide as the sudden display of fire. Once she recovered, she glanced at Zohra, then back to the princess.

"Myself...? Well, My name is Amathal, a Priestess of Ehlonna. I use divine magic, healing, and some spells that involve nature and wildlife. I can also fight and use a sword decently." She explained, undoing a button or two on her tunic, still feeling a little hot from the heat Aithne emitted.

"On a more... personal matter. I am a spring child. My mother was a Dryad, my father an elf. Normally dryad can only produce offspring that are dryad, and with other fey only, but I am a rare occurrence when mating with a more... mortal race, like humans are elves."

[AmberVael]

Aithne

"Such a spell would certainly prove useful to me, though I am fairly skilled on my own... so perhaps you should focus on helping the others instead."
Aithne says confidently, perhaps a little arrogantly.

She listens attentively as Amathal speaks, apparently quite interested.
"I have heard of such, but I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a bloodline. Did you live among the fey?"
One of her hands inquisitively reaches out to touch Amathal's hair, as she wonders if it has the same texture as leaves as well. Her expression, voice, and eyes skillfully draw attention away from the act, and though Amathal will no doubt notice it, Aithne will try to make it seem like a little curiosity rather than an obtrusive act.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"Most of the fey in the forest helped my mother raise me. Raising a mortal child that isn't linked with a tree is... difficult for Dryad. I've only met one other Spring child, but he said it was the same for him." Amathal answered, her head cocking to the side curiously as she watched Aithne reach out, letting her touch her hair.

The spring child's hair didn't seem to be 'hair'. The strands were just a little thicker then normal strands of hair, and felt, and looked like upon careful and close examination, to be very fine, soft, long leaves, like a moss. Amathal reached up and touched one of her bangs, noticing a brown streak

"Oh... it's summer." she remarked suddenly as she looked at her hair

[BlueWizard]

It was likely a Spring environment where Amathal came from in the woods, but now it was quite warm farther West. Still a very temperate climate, the surrounding woods will be fairly familiar, an extension of the Northern Elven Woods where this whole adventure began.

The city, called Helmswood, was a walled metropolis. There had been some clear-cutting, but now the land was managed, and the folk lived in tall apartment towers. Parks and Gardens aplenty, and the city smelled better than most.

Zohra would've liked coming to this city's many fairs as a girl.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra turns to Amathal
Your hair changes to suit the seasons? Like, green in the spring, brown in the summer...and what some sort of red or orange in fall? What color does it turn in winter, I could see that being a bit unattractive. Mine just stays black all the time.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"Yes, it changes with the seasons... though sometimes it can come early or late depending on the weather. When Autumn comes, it'll be an orange color, and a light blue when winter comes around." She answered the Bards questions with a smile.

"Though its not the same with all spring children I learned from the one I met. In Spring its some kind of green... it's always brown in the summer, in fall it will be from auburn to blonde, and winter white or blue."

[AmberVael]

Aithne

"That's a rather unusual quirk. I like it."
Aithne says, her hand tracing over Amathal's hair and brushing across her pointed ear, giving the tip a little caress with her fingers.
"My coloring tends to remain the same, though there's a bit of flickering through the warmer colors in my eyes and hair."

[BlueWizard]

The way of the fey doesn't see time. Perhaps that is why Fawkes suddenly disappears from the Queen's palace. No one is sure what happened to him.

{OOC- Gorgondaness has been booted. Again! :smallmad:}

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Well, while spending time here is nice and all,we do have a more pressing mission that needs to be taken care of. We should make ready and then head off to deal with this drow magic factory.

[Eldan]

Leranya shrugs, running a finger through his hair, white and short today.
"It's not natural in my case, merely a little illusion trickery, but I change my appearance often as well.
Seasonal colouring isn't that rare in the fey world in any case, at least among the Wyld and Seelie. I knew a nymph who took on the colouring of driftwood and kelp every winter, and of foam and sea weeds every summer."

[BlueWizard]

At some point the report of goblin raiders will call even Misha away, and only the wizard protectors of the queen will be around the palace to attend your needs.

[AmberVael]

Aithne

Aithne gives a sigh at Zohra's words.
"Unfortunately true. Come then, I will lead the way."
Assuming no one has objections, Aithne will take her leave, bidding farewell to the people within the castle and then guiding the group outside and towards the Underdark, where the drow await.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra checks that she has all of her stuff packed away in her purse and then follows after Aithne.

[BlueWizard]

Humans do not know how to act around the fey, so when it comes time to leave those of the palace are confused. The many blue robed protectors of the queen will bid farewell and tell you to be careful. Those of you leaving might sense some bit of fear and envy in these wizards as they watch heroic fey go to aid the land against this ancient scourge.

Cobweb will try to cover Aithne's pathway to the underdark with shadows, illusion, and display. Within a day Aithne will be leading the group westward into woods, by human cottages.

Cobweb will be in her element, and Zohra will almost never see her. Though Zohra might be startled when she sees a 2 foot tall spider: A dark blue widow, with a light blue hourglass on her 'butt'. She looks pretty creepy hopping athletically through the trees, but will telepathically communicate in this form to relieve any tension the rest of you may have.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra is able to restrain herself from casting a spell on the huge spider that attempted to scare her, but she will give it a bop for doing so, with whatever is handy. She will continue to follow along, waiting for the time when she will be called on to deal with a real enemy.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb will giggle spookily as the spider at Zohra's reaction. She seems to enjoy scaring humans.

The way down into the earth, the most directly way Aithne knew {to the factory right?} was to pass through a remote part of the Queen's woods.
Far from human settlements. However, even out in these distant woods away from the Queen's city, there are human cottages, and little trapper huts. Humans had spread their kin far and wide. Most of these folk lived in some harmony with nature that won't offend the fey folk in the party.

There are many trails and dirt roads even way out in these Western Woods. At the moment you will be on a trail, that looks to be well traveled. All the brush, and trees around this area are broken and there is all sort of littered debris from its recent passing. {Chicken bones, broken dagger, a dropped arrowhead, leather strap, buckle, horseshoe and more....}

Ahead the stench of rotting flesh causes Zohra and Lerranya to double over and puke their breakfast. Aithne knows she is near the caves, so this could mean bad news. The stench is coming from the direction of the caves.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

The spring child was back in her armor, following Aithne along with the rest of the group. She wasn't bothered by Cobweb's spider form, smiling a little behind her helm at her attempt to scare Zohra.

Her smile quickly faded though as she took a look around at the broken trees and bushes while she walked on the dirt road with the group. As Amathal smelt the odor of rotted flesh, she brought up a hand under her helm and over her mouth.

"I'm guessing from the stench that we're close to our destination?" She asked, looking to the Princess.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb bobs up and down a bit in the trees, swinging along on psionic web threads. She speaks telepathically as the dark-blue widow. "The evil druids have now influenced the goblins. Be wary of druid-goblins."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra rinses her mouth with water to get the last of the bile out, spitting it away with disgust.

Ive smelled dead flesh before, but never anything that bad. What is causing that? Is it some sort of magic that Ive never come across?

[BlueWizard]

Through the woods up ahead you will be able to see the jumbled rock formations low to the ground, within these are the caves into the earth. You will see the source of the stench.

Hundreds upon hundreds of humanoids, mostly human, are slaughtered brutally in gruesome way. These sacrifices at the cave entrances look to have been going on for years.

This looks to be quite an unholy place. Amathal will have problems in this area due to the vile-evil taint.

[AmberVael]

Aithne

"How crude. Resorting to such old and grotesque methods... they must be desperate indeed."
Aithne speaks distastefully, her voice laced with contempt.
"This is where we want to go, even if I am loathe to go further into a place tainted by this savagery."

She lets her fire spread out from her a little, forming a small ring to try and purify the path she is walking along so she doesn't have to touch any of the remnants of sacrifices.

"I'd burn it, but that might just make the smell worse..."

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra, very carefully, follows in the exact path that Aithne is burning, one step behind her ring of fire, if Zohra were a modern person, she would think of Aithne as a bulldozer.
OOC
Although Zohra thinks Aithne has a much cuter derriere than any bulldozer she might have seen

[BlueWizard]

Aithne burns a pathway through the muck and rot of death. Most of it is so deformed and decayed that it is hard to see what it was. Only flies buzz here. All other creatures have long left this part of the woods. This is not what Aithne expected, but she did know of ritual sacrifices these evil druids performed. Northern slang for these druids is hippy.

Zohra and her bits and pieces of history, will know something about the evil hippies. There was a major battle about 3 years ago, hundreds of evil hippies were slain, as they attacked one of the good Northern communities.{Sunhaven} The druids were dealt a devastating loss, but they fled and have been a continuing thorn in the North's side for a long time.

{OOC- We should make a marching order as you enter the 20'x20' cave. By this point you will be surrounded by death.}

There is movement in the ground, dead or something is rising from the decaying mass of hundreds.

Initiatives:
Aithne 13+8
Movement in the Death
Leranya 8+1
Zohra 1+7
Cobweb
Amathal 3+1

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

With combat imminent, Zohra immediately casts Inspirational Boost (swift action), followed by her Bardic Inspire Courage dance (+3 to hit, +3 damage to all)

[Zerkai]

Amathal

"Ugh... just the fact that they consider themselves druids is an offensive." Amathal grimaced as walked through the cave, walking behind Aithne as well, considering the evil druids that had done this an insult to the title of her druid friends that had past.

At the sound and sight of movement among the rot and decay, she immediately drew her weapon, readying herself.

[AmberVael]

Aithne

The fire around Aithne leaps up even higher, and she waits to see what is going to happen, narrowing her eyes. As soon as anything hostile appears, she's ready to attack it with the flames that coil around her hands.

((OOC: Readying an action to zap the first enemy thing to stick its head out.))

[BlueWizard]

Aithne can fry the ground she spots the movement with an incredible burst of flame. She chars all the death-muck, and seems to uncover a patchwork dragon. It looks pieced together from many types of colorful dragons.
Leranya has no chance to respond, for this creature leaps out at the poor gray elf and maws the shadowcaster before he can even think he's in pain. Leranya is bitten in half, and swallowed partially in one gulp. The top half.
Aithne will indeed see that this large beast is moving slower than before the fire blast.

Only Cobweb knows what it is and squeals in panic, "A drolem!! Good thinking Aithne! The flame will slow it down, but it is totally immune to magic!"

Zohra begins a special dance that inspires you despite feeling SHAKEN by this draconic monster. Aithne and Amathal are uneffected by the fear.

Cobweb {as a widow spider} disappears into the shadows.

Amathal will be quite ready now....

End Round 1--------------------------------------->


Initiatives:
Amathal
Aithne 13+8
Drolem
Leranya 8+1- Eaten
Zohra 1+7 shaken- Dancing +3
Cobweb

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra targets herself, Aithne and Amathal, and casts a haste on all of them
1 extra attack at full BAB, +1 to hit, +1 to AC, +1 to Reflex save

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb appears in the cave ahead as the blue-widow. She calls to you telepathically. "Run to the caves! Run!!" This is the cave you were about to enter with Aithne. The drolem is right next to you.

She dangles from a light blue web-string.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra abandons her plan of casting on the party, and follows Cobwebs advice to run to the caves.

[BlueWizard]

The haste is needed, and Cobweb did her action after. :smallwink:

The haste will ensure everyone gets to safety with no more pain.

You will be in dark smelly caves when the drolem is ditched.

Cobweb throws up a web to block the way behind you. :smallcool:

[Zerkai]

Amathal

Amathal's eyes went wide as she saw the gray elf fall to the drollem, but she rushed after Zohra one Cowbweb told them to head to the caves.

"I.. I don't think we'll be coming back out this way."

[AmberVael]

Aithne

Aithne is loathe to flee, but she heads after the others, their departure giving her little choice. Once inside, she lets her fire flare up again, lighting the way before them.
"Most likely not. Lets continue."
With that terse comment, she'll continue leading the way into the Underdark.

[BlueWizard]

It won't be long before the sounds of grumbling goblins comes to you from deeper in the cave. You can hear maybe 8 speaking and moving about.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra whispers to her companions

Do we plan to engage? As you have seen, my manner ot boosting your battle skills tends to negate any sort of silent attacks.

[BlueWizard]

Cobweb scratches her nose. "I'm not afraid of goblins. Drolems: yes. Goblins: no." She is now in her dark blue pixie form.

[AmberVael]

Aithne

"Goblins are much simpler foes, to be sure. We can defeat them."
Aithne says, quite ready to take her frustrations out on something.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra motions for the party to back away from the goblins, at least out of the range of their hearing.
I have some preparations that will help us even more, and putting them up now is the best idea

She casts haste on the group, and for good measure, adds a mirror image for herself, creating [roll0] images.

Now, when we get back in there, I will use my bardic inspiration on you.

[Zerkai]

Amathal

The spring child glanced back at the web entrance. Her sword hand shaking lightly as she gripped the handle of her blade. For a moment she seriously considered heading back out to recover Leranya's body.

With a sigh Amathal knelt down, closing her eyes "May Ehlenestra guide your soul..." She prayed, calling Ehlonna the name the Elves used for her.

After a quick moment she opened her eyes, looking up at the others as they spoke"I don't think we have any other options then to trek forward and fight..." The priestess said, standing up and preparing a spell

"Maiden of the Forest, grant me strength."

(OOC: Amathal casts Bull's Strength on herself)

[BlueWizard]

Creeping ahead Cobweb will warn that the goblins will see the light's shadowy approach.

It almost sounds like a wrestling match, with other goblins cheering on two others. The group can spell up, Cobweb will even offer to make anyone invisible. Something Aithne will realize the pixie can do at will for anyone.

[BlueWizard]

OOC- Lack of posting is dangerous for PCs.... especially when I see you posting elsewhere on this site. :smallamused:

Cobweb as a defensive move will also cloak you in a dark blue fog.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra takes advantage of the blue mist, hoping it will further cloak her movements. She moves back down the corridor as quietly as possible, but does not lead the way, following whoever leads the group.

[roll0] hide, plus whatever bonus from mist
[roll1] move silently

[BlueWizard]

The dark blue mist will cloak any light you have, and you will be able to get close to the goblin voices. The passage widens, and it looks like there is a guard-post here, but true goblin-style. Basically a pile of rocks and some larger ones for table and chairs. The open area is somewhat defensive, with excellent places to fire crossbows from. However, these dozen or so goblins are in a circle around two other ones beating the Hell out of each other with their fists. The two combatants wear only loincloths and are quite bloody. The rest stand around either watching and/or cheering one or the other. There is gambling, and a small pile of silver and copper is watched by an elder goblin at the edge of the circle.

The 10 non-combatants wear rusty chain or old leather armor, possibly built hundreds of years ago by the Old Empire.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra looks around for an exit from the room, leading deeper into the caves (not sure how much the mist obscures her vision) and if she sees one, she will attempt to sneak past the goblins and press on without a fight.

[roll0] move silently

EDIT: If the rest of the party doesnt show up, I may be in a world of trouble with a roll like that

[BlueWizard]

The passage is wider, but not wide enough to guarantee sneaking by without incident. {20 feet at the widest.}

When Zohra looks behind her, she won't be able to see what happened to everyone. In a moment Zohra will realize she is alone in the cavern. No fey, no anything. Like it was all a dream Now only wrestling goblins and a dark passage.

OOC- Vael and Zerkai are retired for now. The blue mist of Cobweb's illusory magic wisps them away to the fairyland, leaving the human behind.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra is terrified to find herself alone, in an unknown cave, with a bunch of gobins that are likely going to find her any moment now. She doesnt know how long the mist will last, or even if it is still around. She looks around desperately for a place to hide, needing some time to formulate a plan

[roll0] Hide

[BlueWizard]

Somehow she will hear goblin voices also coming from behind her. She will see a side passage that looks long and dark. As she hides some distance away she will see that more and more goblin voices seem to be coming in this direction, blocking her way out.

Those approaching appear to be led by another with a different sounding voice. It could be an ogre?

[MikelaC1]

(The other voices are not coming from the side passage?...or they are coming from the side passage?)

If the voices Zohra hears are not coming from the side passage, she will very carefully and quietly attempt to slip into it, keeping out of sight of both the first and second pack of goblins.

[roll0] move silently
[roll1] hide

(if the voices are coming from the side passage, is there any place that she can hide that are out of view of both the goblins, and the ogre/goblin group)

[BlueWizard]

The other voices came from the direction that she came from. Cobweb's mist seems to linger around Zohra without her. The goblin voices do not go toward the side passage, but Zohra can hang out and listen to what happens... or continue down this side passage away from the goblins.

Or she can go back to the main passage with the goblins and ogre-magi... or whatever that is. :smallamused: Zohra would've heard of Bodi's tales of fighting these magical beings. They do enslave goblins the tales say.

[MikelaC1]

ZOHRA

Zohra quietly whispers the words for the improvisation spell, allowing her to draw on a magical supply of luck. She applies this luck to her chance to move silently and hide, as she slips further down the side corridor, away from the goblins and ogre magi.
she has a 16 point pool of luck (2 points/level), that she can apply to any skill check. No check can get more than +4 (1/2 level). She applies +4 to both checks

[roll0] hide
[roll1] move silently

[BlueWizard]

Zohra won't feel as if she has cast a LUCK spell when she begins to retreat for she will slip on a damp area where water has seeped through the rock-wall. She will then feel the ground collapse and she will find herself slipping down a waterhole. She will be knocked unconscious, but that is a good thing, for if she tried to stop herself, the 4 beholders nearby were going to be drawn to the noise of her struggle.

She will fall for sometime in this underground space, with barely enough room to breath. It is lined with a slippery green moss that is actually pleasantly soft, and smells like jasmine. The passage is cramped, and Zohra can just fit through. She will have no idea how long she'll have been falling. She'll be bruised and slightly battered. It will be dark when the wall gives way, and she falls again this time toward a... dark forest? Zohra will be wondering what the hell happen to her Luck-spell at this time....

Cobweb and the Fey have disappeared. Zohra isn't sure if she dreamed the whole thing, or if this was some elaborate ploy by the fey to toy with her.

OOC- This thread will be closed. Thanks for playing. It at least gave me an exercise in building up a little used region of my world. Zerkai and Vael, please PM if you show future interest in playing. For now I am cutting back. :smallcool:

Mikela: I shall contact you on mythweavers. :smallbiggrin: