Iron Crisis Part 2 (IC)

[Amnestic]

"Good. Anyone got any other questions?" Aintas takes a poll around the room, and receives your confirmation of 'no'. "Alright then. You're coming with me down to the guardpost so we can sort out your escort." He plants a powerful grip onto Tranzig's shoulder, though in truth the former bandit messenger doesn't look like he's planning to run. On the contrary, he actually looks quite happy. "Chances are the Captain will make me do it since I organised it...so if I don't see you guys again before you go, take care of yourselves. I know you'll be in danger, but I know you'll get through it too. Stick together, yeah? And there's still some money for food and drink behind the bar, if you want to indulge a bit more." He smirks at Caelyn.

He offers hugs to anyone who wants one before frogmarching Tranzig out of the room, down the stairs and off to the guardpost, leaving your group alone in Tranzig's former room that is still paid in advance for the next week - handily adjacent to the room Senna arranged for at least one night.

Sam tosses an arm around Aintas and gives him a hug before he shuffles the man out. "We'll stop by again sometime, yeah?"

Going over to the window, Sam opens it up and mentally hails Grepha over. The imp bird flies in through the window to perch on his shoulder, and Sam shuts it again behind her. "Well, I guess that takes care of our business in town. And I guess we've got another stop before the Gate. Anyone know where the bitey woods are?"

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

No idea where those woods are. I really should study a map at some point if we are going to be wandering this world to and fro so much. Caelyn blinks several times and shakes herself, willing herself sober with all her might, for all the good it does. But once we get there I bet I can navigate it. Follow game trails and tracks, you know? Plus I'm still hoping we get to meet a dryad.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

"I can help with that much. At least a little." Melian unpacks Gorion's map and points to a couple of wooded areas to the northeast. "These are Wood of Sharp Teeth and Larswood and Peldvale are roughly here and here," she says resting two fingers on the map. "Once we're there, it's anybody's guess as to where the camp is, but I imagine that a sufficiently large group would leave signs of its passage - signs Caelyn would likely be able to track."

Hello shiny new thread! :smallbiggrin:

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

That settles that, then. Do we head to the woods immediately? Personally I'd be in favor of spending the night here, since Senna already paid for rooms, plus this lavish one just became available. Also, do we have anything to do before we head out to the forest? We have plenty of gold, so it may be an appropriate time to arm ourselves with anything we may be missing. Caelee also hopes that there will be time to indulge more at the inn, but she doesn't speak that aloud.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Well hey, we still got plenty of grub down at the table getting cold!" Sam announces, turning to stroll out of the room with his hands in his pockets. "And dibs on the fancy bed," he adds over his shoulder.

Grepha pipes up as they shuffle down the stairs, "Are there any of those peppers left?"

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

I am not sure who gave you your druid diploma when you cannot even find a forest. Senna says with a beaming face. She gets a bit more serious before someone mentions food. Well, we should rest and recuperate. The last days were hard on us. And we should be better prepared next time. We walked into quite a few traps, and I would like a few tricks up our sleeves.

Mulahey would have won if it weren't for Khalid and Jaheira. He had the army, we were just a tad too stubborn to die. I would say a few caltrops she looks at Vyvian or tricking them to slip on magical bacon grease isn't going to cut it with the people we are dealing with. We should get some serious magic in this, and I do not want to bother this genie. I recall a magical merchant being in the vicinity, I can check with Aintas if he can give us the directions. I will join you at the food table later.

With that, Senna is off to go ask around for a magical vendor. A hub such as Beregost has got to have a wizard or two.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian nods approvingly at Senna's suggestion of a magic merchant, ignoring the "bacon grease" jab. "That's a good idea. I think I'll enjoy a little more lunch and the bard's singing for now." The wizard moved out of the room and, passing under the rafters where her familiar lies hidden, she smirks mischievously - a moment later the tiny pseudodragon pounces from its hiding place right onto Sam's head, playfully biting a horn.

[Amnestic]

The table seems to have been picked on a little in your absence, perhaps by boisterous passers-by who were a bit to free with their fingers, but the majority of the food (and perhaps more importantly drink) is untouched, and you can always order more if you are somehow not full. The tavern's a little quieter since you left it, a little more subdued, and the main cause seems to be the performer's attitude. While they were boisterous before, they seem to have switched gears and tunes, and you return to what sounds like the end of perhaps be a love song, pining for a partner long gone, or perhaps childhood friendship (though the two often intersect). It's unfamiliar to you though. There's subdued, but enthusiastic applause, when they finish the song. "Thank you everyone, that one was a Vala original, very dear to my heart." They give a light, musical laugh. It's perhaps a bit self-deprecating, though the amount of donations heading towards the bowl says it was well received. "This next one's a bit more sprightly though! Get us all in the mood for a bit more drinking." A laugh, and a number of quaffs, are given in response as the fingers pluck and pick once more.

"Now, I am a dragon. Please listen to me.
For I'm misunderstood to a dreadful degree.
This ecology needs me and I know my place.
But I'm fighting extinction with all of my race.

Well, I came to this village to better my health
Which is ever so poor, despite all my wealth.
But I get no assistance and no sympathy,
Just impertinent questioning shouted at me.

Yes, virgins taste better than those who are not.
But my favorite snack mixed with peril is fraught.
For my teeth will decay and my trim go to pot.
Yes, virgins taste better than those who are not.

Well, I'm really quite kind almost all through the year.
Vegetarian ways are now mine out of fear.
But a birthday needs sweets as I'm sure you'll agree.
And barbecued wench tastes like candy to me

As it happens, our interests are almost the same.
You see I'm really quite skillful at managing game.
If I ate just your men would your excess decline?
Of course not, the rest would just make better time.

Now, the number of babies a woman can bear
Has limits, and that's why my prunings done there.
And an orphan's a sad sight and so when I much.
I'm careful to eat only virgins for lunch."

A clear continuation of the song from earlier, and it seems to be quite the crowd pleaser, though the patrons don't shout the last line as they did with the previous dragon-virgin song, instead keeping quiet and cheering at its conclusion. It seems that their current set is come to an end, as once the song finish they gather up the coins and hop down from the stage, heading straight to the bar.

Aintas clearly didn't waste any time lagging and when Senna hits the streets he's nowhere to be seen. While passersby don't seem to be too interested in her questions, a few of those manning stalls give better responses. There's no magical assistance in town, save for Firebead who keeps to himself and doesn't go much in for the selling of goods, but an hour or so out west there's an old mage called Thalantyr set up a home. He rarely comes to town, perhaps once every few months, but adventurers sent his way in the past have had luck convincing him to exchange gold for magical or alchemical items, though getting in the door can be half the problem. The lack of roads, or indeed anything else of interest, in the direction of his home keeps most travelers out of the way.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

With all of the serious business done for the night, Sam allows himself to cut loose a little bit more than usual, and helps himself to another glass of wine. He holds up another pepper popper to the bird on his shoulder and lounges back in his chair. "Hey Caelyn, looks like Ains' girlfriend is done her bit," he says, nudging his sister.

"Girlfriend, hm?" Grepha analyzes the bard from across the room. "Had her pegged for a Harper, maybe. Not that that rules out girlfriend."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn had settled down at the table to enjoy more food, and more importantly more drink. She intended to get drunk with no half ways about it. She was in the middle of a determined sip when Sam's comment caught her so off guard she did a spit take across the table next to theirs. GIRLFRIEND!?! Her voice came out in a high shriek, and when she realized what she'd done and the stir she was causing she blushed heavily, passed a few coins to the table next door to pay for their next round, and sheepishly turned back to Sam. It can't be. Can't. BE. Aintas, with some silly singer like HER? He deserves better! Deciding to drown her shame the old fashioned way, Caelee tips up her drink and takes several swallows before staring daggers at the presumptuous performer sitting at the bar.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna returns as well, this time more hungry than ever. As she piles food on top of her plate, she mentions the wizard Thalantyr. There's a wizard out west, like an hour or so. He is not hostile, but it may be difficult to convince him we are worthy enough as tradespartners.

We may have to present something worthy of his attention. She eyes Melian's blade, but cannot wait to stuff her mouth full of food. Ma'be the momblade will he'p. she mumbles quietly with a mouth full of mashed potatoes.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I'm sure she's not all that bad," getting up from his chair with a glass of wine in one hand, and a pepper popper held up for Grepha in the other, Sam wanders over to the bar where the bard took a seat. "Hello there, friend! Friend of Aintas is a friend of ours'."

[Amnestic]

Caelyn's shout gets a bit of attention - unsurprisingly, though the performer doesn't seem to pick up on this one, deliberately or otherwise. Instead it's Sam who catches the singer mid-sip - a wine, by the looks of things, sparkling and white. She splutters a little, patting her chest to make sure none of the drink goes down the wrong way. "Shouldn't sneak up on someone while they're drinking," she burbles, grabbing a rag off the bar to mop up any spillage. When she's not on stage she's quite soft spoken, with a rural twang to her voice that says she's unlikely to have been classically educated. "You sure you've got the right girl? I don't know any..." Her voice trails off, as she looks at Sam and mentally connects the dots.

"Oooh, that guard you were with is Aintas, right? Tall brooding fellow, forehead like an anvil, jaw like a sledgehammer? Yeah I think we've spoke a couple of times, wouldn't exactly call us friends though. Probably not how you're understandin' it anyway. Nice to meet you anyway, I'm Vala. And from what I heard, you guys are going to solve the Iron Crisis?"

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian sits cross-legged at the table, caressing a napping Fëanáro on her lap, and bouncing a foot up and down in tempo with the bard's song. She sips a little more evermead while enjoying the performance. At Caelyn's outburst, the pseudragon raises its head sleepily, hisses annoyedly, and then resumes his nap. Melian shakes her head. "We don't know if they're involved at all, Caelyn. And even if they were, everyone deserves a little happiness."

"Another wizard nearby?" she says in answer to Senna. "That might actually be worth a visit! Consulting with another colleague can prove enlightening."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Well, if you change your mind, he had nothing but good things to say about you," Sam teases, taking a seat next to Vala at the bar.

"And we noticed you giving our table the eye," adds the bird, peering around Sam's head to gauge the girl. "Unless there was another reason?"

Grepha Insight:
[roll0]

"Oh shoosh and eat your peppers," waggling the treat in front of her, Sam chuckles. "I wouldn't say we're 'going to solve' the Crisis, that's a little overzealous! We've just happened to be someplace we can help a couple times. I'm Sam by the way," he sets down his wine glass on the counter and offers a hand. "The sharp eyed one is Grepha."

[Amnestic]

Vala waves off the suggestion of romance with a delicate laugh. "He seems nice, but he's not really my type." She seems a little bit taken aback by Grepha's interruption, but recovers quick enough. "You're pretty eyecatching compared to the normal clients here, and I just happened to overhear your friend with the fancy sword talking. You sure you're not up to doing good?" She takes another sip of wine with a warm, gentle smile, "because if you were I'd be interested in helping out. I'm pretty tough." She doesn't voice it, but the assertion may be in defiance of her appearance, which is otherwise a softspoken, relatively timid looking young woman. It's possible she's had to make such justifications before. "Oh, and I'm a pretty good chef too. Those pepper poppers are from my recipe. Feel free to order some more, I get a little cut every time they're sold."


She's not being entirely forthcoming about her reasons for paying attention to the table, though the other things she's said seem truthful.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna watches the exchange silently chewing for a bit. She was curious but hungry, so she did not rush to any conclusions. They should do good? They are heroes? she thinks to herself. Ever since they left Candlekeep it was just a struggle to survive, but they did do heroic deeds. They did not need to help Minsc, nor free the Mines. But they did it anyway. She finally swallows and concludes.

Heroes do their work not because they are supposed to do it, but because they want to. Why do you want to join...sorry what was your name again? Senna was innocent, but in a world where there were agents of hostile factions everywhere, she became weary of random strangers joining their cause. She assumed the woman was trying to just leave town but that could be done so much easier by just joining a trek to the Gate.

[Amnestic]

"Vala, just Vala." If the lack of introduction on Senna's part irks her in any way it doesn't show. "I've got a few reasons. I'd like to say civic duty and a desire to 'fight the good fight' was enough on its own, but if that was all people needed then the whole thing would be fixed by now." It's a slightly cynical take, one she punctuates with another sip of wine. "It's part of it, of course. I do want to help out, but stick around in one town for long enough and you start to run out of material, so it's about time I packed up and moved on. No time like the present, right?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Grepha takes another bite of the mentioned food, still watching Vala carefully. Through their mental connection she informs Sam, "She is still holding something back. But all the do-gooder talk, I'm still getting Harper vibes here."

"I'll try not to break Ains' little old heart when I tell him," Sam answers Vala jokingly. "And I don't see a reason to turn you down, long as the others don't. Grepha seems to have taken a liking to your recipe." He takes another sip of his own wine before asking, "You were pretty good on stage. You play the harp, too?"

[Amnestic]

"Harp? No, not really. Lute and viola I've got some practice with, never touched a harp though. Looking to start a troupe after you finish saving the Sword Coast?" She laughs, saying it's clearly a joke. "Well, introduce me to the rest of your friends then, see if they'll have me?" Vala downs the last of her wine and gestures for Sam to make with the exchange of names. Perhaps she had heard Caelyn after all.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Who knows, maybe I will," Sam answers, running with the joke as he stands and leads her over to the table. "I'm not much of a musician, but I am a fine showman, if I do say so myself!" He motions around the table to his sisters. "Vyvian, Senna, Melian, Caelyn, this is Vala. She's interested in coming along to help stop the Iron Crisis."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna leers at the newcomer but does not say anything. Partially because Vala was right about introductions but mostly because she was quite reluctant to be very open. Sam, I think Vyv mentioned being a bit more subtle with our approaches. Half the pub doesn't need to know our names, but we are a quite colorful group so I guess all sublety is for naught.

The cleric shrugs and brushes her magical tabard free of any crumbs. Oh well, to be completely honest Vala, we are at the point of our journey where we havent made a name for ourselves, or any powerful allies, but we have painted a large target on our backs for disrupting a secret society's plans. So joining us will be difficult first, and is unlikely to reap any significant rewards other than the trinkets we find on the way.

[Amnestic]

"Getting rich quick isn't high on my list of life goals, I'll admit. Definitely easier ways for a gal like me to do that than traipsing off into the wild unknowns." She wiggles her eyebrows at Senna suggestively, though there's a tint of girlish peach to her cheeks that says perhaps she's putting on airs and might not be quite as worldly as all that. "Roof over my head and a full belly is most all I need. Not exactly rushing to settle down."

"It's nice to meet you all. I'm pretty handy with a spear, and if you'll have me along, I promise not to let you down."

Vyvian gives a sniff in response, though given her alcohol intake it might just be trying to clear her head. "Sure, fine, whatever. Not as fun to look at as Minsc, might stab us in the back, but sure come along. Whatever." Then, much quieter, "No skin off my nose either way." "Not exactly a resounding welcome, but I'll take it." Vala looks to Caelyn and Melian for their confirmation (or rejection, though she's looking more hopeful than not).

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

A roof over the head we cannot provide, unless you count tavern stays like these. But we do have a wagon with a lovely horse and a large tent. So you kinda can have a sleeping place out of the rain. Senna also turns to her sisters for confirmation.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

"Well met, Vala," Melian says with a slight nod. "I am Melian and this is Fëanáro." The pseudodragon lifts its head a moment, sniffs the air in Vala's general direction, and then decides to just resume his nap.

"I meant what I said when I told you I liked your tales. Do you have formal bard training? Are you versed in the Arcane?" Melian's tone is friendly but it does sound slightly like a job interview.

[Amnestic]

"Oh, no, I'm not some fancy bard." She sounds almost apologetic, giving a slight bow of the head and a wave of her hand. "It woulda been nice to go to a school of college to get some proper learning, but never really had the chance. It's just stuff I picked up here and there. Some say I'm a natural but it's been a lotta hard work, and more than a couple-a cold nights on the street. Not so bad these days though. As for magic, can't say I've..." Vala stops, hesitating, stumbling a little over how to say it. "I've got some...gifts, not ones I can really explain all that well. They're useful though, I can say that much. It's usually easier to see it in action than put it into words."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn eats quietly while Vala is introduced to the rest of her family, taking liberal sips of mead while she watches how the others react. Once everyone has introduced themselves, she puts down a rib and clears her throat. Caelyn Syol'arael. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Her words are polite, but her tone doesn't carry any warmth. If the rest of my family wishes to work with you than who am I to stand in their way. Welcome to the team, Miss Vala. She punctuates the sentence with a great drink from her cup, enjoying the way it made her head spin and hoping that it might improve her mood. This woman was no replacement for Aintas, even if it seemed unlikely that the two were romantically involved on a second glance. Still, Caelee had to admit that they were in need of help. She sighed and reached for another popper, getting used to the extreme heat and starting to like it. Here's hoping we need your spear as little as possible, Vala. I find it unlikely given our history and our plans, but I wish your time with us to be peaceful and friendly if we can manage it. She manages a weak smile at the newcomer that doesn't extend to her full features yet.

[Amnestic]

"Well, spear, song or sustenance, I'm sure I'll be useful somehow." It's a good natured, earnest response. "Where we headed off to first?"

It doesn't take long to give Vala the rundown - Thalantyr's home to the west for supplies, and then the woods to the northeast. As she's still dressed in her stage clothes, she excuses herself and heads off into the back, coming back maybe ten minutes later. She's traded out for something a little more travel worthy. Functional, though not particularly flashy, and light as befits the summer weather. Mostly greens and a bit of white, colours perhaps picked for how they suit her hair. A small amulet dangles visibly around her neck, bearing a symbol of two hands cupped around a white lotus flower. Armaments wise she seems to wear no armour, and her shield is plain without adornment. The same can't be said for her long spear though. Its shaft is cleanly carved and the blade tip long and sharp. Just below the blade is a large tuft of fox fur that dangles loosely, along with a stretch of woven lotus flowers that stretch about one foot down the shaft.

Her bulging backpack, which seems like it might be a bit heavy for her, has a few pots and pans tied to its outside as well. She doesn't seem to struggle at all with it though, setting it down with no apparent exertion of effort.

Once you've finished polishing off enough drink to fell a stable of horses and food to satisfy a dragon (Vala doesn't participate, saying she doesn't eat after a show and one drink was quite enough for her) it's time to pack up and head out, lest you visit Thalantyr after sunset, when it's more likely you'll get shown the door and little else. Vyvian trails the group quietly, though again it might just be the alcohol keeping her tongue stilled.

The path west out of Beregost isn't much of a path at all, closer to being an animal trail. There's evidence of travel, bootprints and the occasional wheel indent in the mud, but it's also overgrown with grass and vegetation, a far cry from the paths that past north-south along the Sword Coast. Still, its absence of use may prove favourable to you as you're not accosted by any on your journey, and it's barely an hour or two of quiet smalltalk and enjoying the rich countryside until you come across the home of the errant mage. And what a home it is.

While it's not quite the size of the central library in Candlekeep or the castle at the Friendly Arm Inn, it's easily the size of a mansion, far larger than any building in Beregost. The main limitation to size is perhaps its height, it is perhaps 'only' two floors tall in total, but its length and breadth easily make up for it. This large stone structure is octagonal in shape, with a large stone bastion tower at each of its eight corners. Judging its full size is difficult, but it's perhaps 200 feet (roughly 61 meters) long and wide, and about perhaps over a third of that in total height, with its towers stretching above the building itself. Circling the building you may notice an absence of windows in the stonework, instead the clean-hewn greystone is clean and clear, remarkably so perhaps. There's no pictures or icons, no banners like you might expect on a castle or a noble family's home.

On the far end from where you started are a small set of stairs that lead up to large set of double oak doors. Perhaps as expected, the doors are shut.



Two hands cupped around a lotus flower is the symbol of Aphine, a minor goddess of love, the arts and family. The fox fur adorning the staff is likely in honour of Aphine's celestial fox companion Sheni.



Aphine's followers are few in number, primarily based in the mercantile nation of Sembia to the east. As a rule they don't preach or evangelise, instead preferring to recruit via doing good deeds or simply keep their faith to themselves, which may be one reason why Aphine's powerbase never grew very far.

Few rituals exist for Aphine's worship, instead the expression of devotion was through acts which glorify her - growing love and affection between yourself and others, the creation of works of art, and building/supporting the family.



Aphine is also dead. She was killed by Idon, another minor goddess - one of chaos and riddles. She's been dead almost 20 years now, and her followers have almost all switched to other gods. As only a very minor goddess her death is neither common knowledge nor a drastic situation like the deaths of some of the major deities, and her portfolio was easily covered by others.

Sheni's fate is unknown, but presumed died along with Aphine.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Throughout the walk, Sam is a little bit chattier than usual, perhaps owed to the wine. And a little lazier than usual, perhaps also owed to the wine. He has to be reminded more than once of the time when he tries to take a break during the hike.

"And then, the worm came up and swallowed her whole," he pauses in his telling of the story of the Battle of Nashkel Mine, as they arrive at the wizard's 'house'. Sam looks up at it with a whistle.

"When you said hermit wizard in the woods I was expecting a vine covered old cottage," Grepha comments.

With a laugh, Sam nods, "Right?" Without any shyness, he goes up to the door and knocks.

[Amnestic]

The thick door thuds at Sam's knocking, before giving way to quiet. A moment ticks by. Then another. And another. Just as you might be tempted to knock again or to simply open the door yourself you hear stomping steps from the inside of the building approaching. Steadily, with a perfect rhythm. They stop right on the other side of the door, then the door slowly creaks open, the wood scraping loudly against the stonework beneath its edge. You can't see far into the building, as most of your vision is blocked by an eight foot tall set of plate mail. Not a person wearing the armour, at least not one you can see. The gaps around bracers, greaves and helmet show the armour to be floating upon empty air, yet it seems to move as one as if it were strapped to a person all the same. An enormous two handed sword is sheathed across 'its' back. The armour itself is black as deep night, and crafted almost in a way to accentuate the absent areas rather than offer the full coverage you'd expect from normal plate mail.

Vala can't help herself, and she matches Sam's whistle with one of her own before adding under her breath, "Well that's something I ain't seen before."

Though the empty helm has no face, and thus no eyes, its movement seems to indicate its gaze sweeping across your group, assessing you in its own way. A voice emanates from the armour, from its helmet as best you can tell, though it might be from its chestplate. "IDENTIFY: PERSON, OBJECTIVE." The voice is deep, and yet has a metallic twang to it that speaks to it not being natural. Its statement given, it waits silently, utterly motionless, for your response. It could have turned to a statue and you wouldn't be able to tell.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian looks at Vala's traveling pack approvingly and raises a curious eyebrow at her holy symbol but makes no mention of it at first.

Once Sam knocks at the door, Melian stands off to the side, a nagging feeling in the back of her mind she couldn't quite unravel. Then it suddenly came back - she remembered reading a minor publication on golemcraft and the name Thalantyr was featured on an article. "We should exercise some caution here, I seem to remember that Thalantyr is adept at creating..." she is interrupted mid-sentence by the ominously opening door and the enormous armor standing before them. "... golems."

Melian steps forth to face the construct. "Please inform your master that a group of six would like to discuss magic and trade on items of magic. If he requires a name, Melian will suffice."

[Amnestic]

"PROCESSING INPUT. STANDBY." The armour booms out before going silent once more. Seconds tick away in silence before it continues. "TRADE TEST PROTOCOL BEGINS. RESPONSE REQUIRED." A quiet whoosh of air echoes through the armour's 'innards', two pinpricks of purple-white light appearing in the otherwise empty eyesockets. When it speaks again, the voice is notably different. It still has a tinny edge to it, but it's clearly that of a person. "-ecording for when people want to trade. What? It already star-? Oh, hells." There's a pause and what sounds like the shuffle of papers, still emanating from the armour's helmet just as the voice(s). "Uh, well. Those who wish to enter the domain of Thalantyr must first prove themselves! Describe the proper manner in which to cast the spell known as Melf's Acid Arrow. Should your knowledge prove lacking, the arcane dominion of High Hedge shall remain closed to you." Then it continues, quieter, "Okay that should do it to keep the ri- wait are you still recording? For fu-" before abruptly going silent.

The purple-white light wanes into nothing and the armour falls still. Vala gives a quiet shrug of her shoulders. "Not gonna be any help with this one, sorry. I'm just glad it ain't a riddle. I'll sit outside and guard the cart, you guys go ahead." "Oh no," Vyvian interjects. "Not leaving you alone, I'm staying out too." If the rogue's tone was intended to put Vala down it doesn't seem to work. The performer-chef-spearfighter shoots a sincere, almost oblivious smile back at Vyvian. "Sounds good, will give us some one-on-one time, we can do a bit of gossip while the rest of them are busy shopping." A little, almost conspiratorial giggle emanates from her, and Vyvian finds herself smiling back, despite her better wishes.


Arcana check of DC12 required to now+explain the casting methodology given that it's a fairly well known spell.

If any of you knew it, I'd give you an auto-pass on the knowledge check.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Standing next to her brilliant sister and her well trained brother, Senna can't help but blurt out. I should know this. Come on, Senna. It is something with rhubarb, right? she asks.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn was standing close to the doorway with her sisters and brother, but when the massive armored figure opens the door she steps back and to the side, stunned by this creation of arcane magic for a few moments. Her jaw drops, and she manages to close her mouth just in time for it's question. Caelee has never studied arcane magic, with little interest or ability in that department, so she leaves the answering to her siblings and instead spends her time observing Vyvian and Vala. She is beginning to feel bad for the less than warm welcome that she gave the apparent warrior, but for now that feeling is just a seed, slowly quickening in her chest but not yet bursting open.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian moves a little closer to inspect the construct while it processes their request. As it relays the recorded message, she can't help admire the creative use of prerecorded messages attached to an input-based request system. "How very clever," she says to no one in particular. "I wonder how many presets it is programmed for. And how many end with it drawing its sword."

Once the test is conveyed, the wizard replies almost immediately. "Aside from proper copying and scribing of the spell, it traditionally requires a pinch of powdered rhubarb leaf - root won't do - and an adder's stomach; these items may be eschewed by use of an Arcane Focus. The somatic components will be variations on basic Evocation kinesthetics while the Verbal components will likely change slightly based on arcane tradition; Material, Somatic and Verbal components are all required. Clearly."

[Amnestic]

The armour doesn't respond for a moment, perhaps 'waiting' for any additional information. Then it speaks, as suddenly and abruptly as before, with no movement to give you fair warning. "INPUT RECEIVED. VERIFYING." Another intolerably long pause of silence. "INPUT ACCEPTED. WELCOME TRAVELER. FOLLOW THIS UNIT INSIDE." The armour turns and moves inside, leaving the entryway clear for you to follow. It doesn't wait or look back to ensure you are doing so, perhaps its programming confident that intruders who stray from its path will be 'addressed'.

Leaving Vala and Vyvian to chat (though it seems like Vala's carrying most of the conversation on her own) the four of you head inside the building. It's sparsely decorated, if it could even be called decorated at all, and it's poorly lit. Long corridors that might follow the border of the building split off to your left and right but they lack any sort of lighting, and those with darkvision just see much of the same cleanly-hewn stone walls before the corridors turn a corner beyond your sight.

Instead the plodding and clanking suit of platemail leads you straight on through a short, dim corridor. It's barely a dozen or so steps from the entrance before you pass through another set of large oak doors into what seems to be the central chamber of the building, judging by the length and breadth of the room. It's a perfect circle, maybe 50 or 60 feet radius. Contrary to the corridors outside, this room is quite well furnished, with shelves of books and chests lining the walls, along with reading desks and reclining sofas for resting on. Far off to the right you see what seems to be an alchemy lab, with all the alembics, mortars, crucibles and other potion brewing equipment you'd expect to see. What's most notable about the room though is the central fixture - an inverted dome-shape sinking a few feet into the floor, adorned with imagery. Each quarter appears to have pictures and representations of either the four seasons or the four classical elements - fire, water, earth and air. The edges of the dome area, and the splitting lines between the four elemental sections, look to be formed of pure silver or white-gold polished to a mirror sheen. At the centre of it, hovering freely in the air is an enormous blue crystal, perhaps large enough that even Sam could fit inside it, at a squeeze. Its sides are cut clean, but its shape is irregular and somewhat jagged. It spins clockwise, slowly, steadily. Occasionally a bolt of electric energy springs forth from the crystal's side, flies to the edge of the 'dome' area, then makes a full rotation around the outer edge before streaming back into the crystal.

A cool wind blows through the room, a gentle breeze the kind you felt just outside, and the ceiling is filled with tiny pinpricks of light that cast the room in a steady, ebbing glow that feels close to the sun on a cloud summer's day.

The armour doesn't give you much time to take in all the sights though, immediately speaking as you enter the room. "MASTER THALANTYR. TRADERS." A man is to your at one of the reading desks, a thick tome set on it. He peaks his head up, revealing a bespectacled face of perhaps some fifty years. Crow's feet wrinkles edge at the sides of his eyes, but his skin seems healthy otherwise. His beard is short, though not exactly neat, and is filled with grey hairs that make him look older than his face might otherwise be were he hairless. His robes, the typical dress of arcanists, lack any sort of sigil or symbol that might betray an allegiance to a larger faction. When he speaks, it's the same voice that provided the question to you outside - though without the tinny aspect to it. His eyes stream across your party - your manner of dress, your equipment, assessing you instantly.

"Hmm? Oh. Some adventuring party by the looks of you. Come to stock up before you all get yourselves killed on some fool dungeon crawl I expect. Come on then, come in, come in. Lets get this over with so I can go back to my books." He stands, motioning you to approach and follow, though he doesn't lead you far past his reading desk to a few chests and cabinets, opening them as he goes and explaining their contents as he goes - one is filled with enchanted ammunition, the other with potions (helpfully labelled), yet another is filled with scrolls, carefully categorised by power. The final cabinet is akin to a wardrobe rather than a chest. Two robes are hung there, and four smaller chests sit on the wardrobe's 'floor', containing respectively two wands, a blowing horn, and what appears to be the mummified claw of something green and scaly.

It's all neatly organised, which speaks to him having prepared this in advance for groups such as yours, and he steps back to allow you time to look through them. You may note that the armour that lead you in has followed behind you and stands - silently - in waiting.



Dart +1 (300) – 30gp / 5
Dart +1 of Acid/Ice/Fire (300) – 56gp / 5
Arrow +1 (300) – 30gp / 5
Arrow +1 of Acid/Ice/Fire (300) – 56gp / 5
Bolt +1 (300) – 30gp / 5
Bolt +1 of Acid/Ice/Fire (300) – 56gp / 5
Bullet +1 (300) – 30gp / 5
Bullet +1 of Acid/Ice/Fire (300) – 56gp / 5

'of Acid/Ice/Fire' ammunition deal an extra +1d6 damage of that type on a hit.



Potion of Fire Resistance (3) – 568gp (Resistance to Fire damage for 1 hour. Upgrades existing resistance to Immunity)
Potion of Healing (3) – 50gp
Elixir of Health (3) – 355gp
Potion of Cold Resistance (3) – 355gp (Resistance to Cold damage for 1 hour. Upgrades existing resistance to Immunity)
Potion of Explosions (3) – 639gp (Use an action to throw this potion to a square within 30. Casts Fireball centred on that square with DC12 save)
Potion of Darkvision (3) – 142gp
Potion of Insulation (3) – 241gp (Resistance to Lightning damage for 1 hour. Upgrades existing resistance to Immunity)
Potion of Magic Blocking (3) – 2130gp (Blocks all level 5 or lower spells for 10 rounds, friendly or otherwise, and ends any existing level 5 or lower spell effects currently active)
Potion of Mirrored Eyes (3) – 568gp (Immunity to petrification and gaze attacks for 1 hour)
Potion of Perception (3) – 497gp (Advantage of Perception and Sleight of Hand checks for 8 hours)
Potion of Regeneration (3) - 710gp (Heal 1 HP every 6 seconds for 8 hours)
Potion of Insight (3) – 426gp (Advantage on any Wisdom skill checks for 8 hours)
Potion of Strength (3) – 497gp (Sets your Strength to 18 for 10 rounds)
Potion of Freedom (3) – 355gp (Gain Freedom of Movement for 2 rounds)
Potion Case (1) – 284gp (Extradimensional storage space that works only for potions)


Weave Protection from Acid/Cold/Electricity/Fire/Poison/Undead/Magic (1 of each) – 1065gp

A Weave Scroll can't be scribed and copied into a spellbook, instead representing a true 'one use only' scroll. It can, however, be used by any class with the spellcasting or pact magic ability. The scroll costs an Action to use, and affects you and up to 5 other creatures you choose within 30'.
For the 'elemental' protection scrolls, it gives Resistance to the damage type for 8 hours.
For the 'Undead' protection scroll, it gives Resistance against any and all physical attacks made by any undead creature for 8 hours, and imposes Disadvantage on any attacks made.
The 'Magic' protection scroll is an exception, affecting only the user. It creates a invisible 3' radius globe of anti-magic around the user that travels with them that prevents any and all spells from passing through, and removing any spell effects currently active on the user. It likewise lasts for 8 hours. Note that this cannot be ended early, and will persist even if the target of the scroll dies.
Shocking Grasp (2) – 74gp
Friends (2) – 74gp
Chill Touch (2) – 74gp
Larloch's Minor Drain (2) – 74gp
Grease (2) – 142gp
Mage Armour (2) – 142gp
Burning Hands (2)- 142gp
Charm Person (2) – 142gp
Colour Spray (2) – 142gp
Protection from Petrification (2) – 142gp

1st level abjuration
Casting time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V S M (a basilisk scale)
Duration: 1 hour
Classes: Cleric, Paladin, Druid, Wizard
Until the spell ends, one willing creature you touch is immune to the Petrified condition. This spell does not break existing petrification.

Identify (2) – 142gp
Darkvision (3) – 142gp
Magic Missile (2) – 142gp
Protection from Evil and Good (2) – 142gp
Shield (2) – 142gp
Sleep (2) – 142gp
Chromatic Orb (2) – 142gp
Cause Fear (1) – 142gp
Luck (3) – 284gp

2nd level divination
Casting time: 1 bonus action
Range: Touch
Components: V S M (a tuft of rabbit fur)
Duration: Concentration, up to 3 rounds
Classes: Cleric, Paladin, Wizard
You impart latent luck to yourself or one willing creature you can see within range. When the chosen creature makes an attack roll, an ability check, or a saving throw before the spell ends, it can dismiss this spell on itself to roll an additional d20 and choose which of the d20s to use. Alternatively, when an attack roll is made against the chosen creature, it can dismiss this spell on itself to roll a d20 and choose which of the d20s to use, the one it rolled or the one the attacker rolled.

If the original d20 roll has advantage or disadvantage, the creature rolls the additional d20 after advantage or disadvantage has been applied to the original roll.

Blindness/Deafness (2) - 284gp
Mirror Image (3) – 284gp
Enhance Ability (2) - 284gp
Ray of Enfeeblement (1) – 284gp
Protection from Fear (3) – 284gp

2nd level abjuration
Casting time: 1 action
Range: Self (30-foot Radius)
Components: V S M (a bear or lion's claw)
Duration: 1 minute
Classes: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
When you cast this spell, all creatures within 30' of the target point gain advantage on spells or effects that cause the Frightened condition for the duration. If any creatures are currently frightened, casting this spell lets them roll a new save to end the condition immediately, with advantage.

Invisibility (3) – 284gp
Hold Person (3) – 284gp
Hold Undead (3) – 284gp (As Hold Person, except Undead creatures instead of Humanoids)
See Invisibility (3) – 284gp
Flame Arrows (3) – 426gp
Fear (3) - 426gp
Skull Trap (3) – 426gp

3rd level necromancy
Casting time: 1 action
Range: 150 feet
Components: V S M (a piece of skull bone)
Duration: Concentration (Up to 1 minute)
Classes: Warlock, Sorcerer, Wizard
You focus your energies to create a spectral skull of necromantic energy, which you then launch towards a point you can see within range. If there are any creatures within a 20' radius sphere when it arrives, the skull detonates dealing 6d6 necrotic damage to all creatures within the 20' radius sphere, dealing only half damage on a successful constitution saving throw. Should there be no creatures within the area when the spell is cast, the skull hovers there until one enters the area, at which point it detonates immediately.

Vampiric Touch (3) – 426gp
Minor Spell Deflection (1) – 426gp

3rd level abjuration
Casting time: 1 bonus action
Range: Self
Components: S
Duration: 3 rounds
Classes: Sorcerer, Wizard
Spells cast against yourself – be they beneficial or detrimental are absorbed for the duration, up to a total of 4 spell levels. This includes spell cast from scrolls or innate spellcasting, but excludes area of effect abilities such as Cloudkill or Fireball. This only affects up to 4th level spells, and if it tries to absorb a spell over 4th level then Minor Spell Deflection instantly fails and ends. However, if a it has already absorbed 3 levels of spells and a 2nd level spell is cast against the user, then it absorbs the 2nd level spell fully.



Wand of Sleep (1) – 2130gp (7 charges, action to expand 1 charge to cast Sleep. Regain 1d6+1 charges daily at dawn. If you expend the last charge, roll a d20 and on a 1 the wand crumbles)
Wand of Cause Fear (1) – 2840gp (7 charges, action to expand 1 charge to cast Cause Fear, DC15. Regain 1d6+1 charges daily at dawn. If you expend the last charge, roll a d20 and on a 1 the wand crumbles)
The Horn of Kazgaroth (1) – 12780gp (“When you blow the horn, it gives you impeccable defences against enemy attack for a short time, though it does cost you some energy to do so”)
The Claw of Kazgaroth (1) – 14200gp (“A dangerous item, it boosts your defensive powers but saps your life to do so. I've not got quite the stamina to deal with it, or I'd be using it myself.”)
Robe of the Good Archmagi (1) – 29110gp (Can only be attuned by a sorcerer, warlock or wizard of Good alignment)
Robe of the Neutral Archmagi (1) – 29110gp (Can only be attuned by a sorcerer, warlock or wizard of Neutral alignment)

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Do we have enough healing potions?" Sam asks the group as they peruse the items. He leaves the shopping to his more knowledgeable sisters, Melian and Senna, but does peer at a few of the things with mild interest. He's not really the best at preparing for things, but medicine is never the wrong thing to have, he figures.

Grepha remains quiet, mostly trying to avoid the wizard's attention. Or at least ire, should he already have figured out her nature.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

One can never have enough, Sam. But it is a rather expensive way to recuperate from battle. Personally my interest is piqued more with the protective scrolls right here. she points at the case with the warding spells. We had issues with necromancers before, and this one protects us against them, if we stay together. They are rather expensive though.

Other than that, everything looks fantastical but I feel this is the right place for Melian to increase her reportoire. Senna shimmies carefully closer to a golem trying to inspect it, but flinches at the most minute movements.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian quickly peruses the mage's inventory and her eyes widen when she sees the robes; mouth slightly agape she has to fight the urge to reach out and touch it. "Never thought I'd see one, let alone two robes of the archmagi."She shakes her head lightly in an effort to dispel her own fascination and approaches Thalantyr respectfully.

"Well met, Master Thalantyr. I am Melian Galanodel, schooled in Candlekeep," she says by way of introduction. Her tone becomes formally academic quite instantly. "Your fascinating inventory will bear further scrutiny but I had a different question for you. I recall reading of you on an issue of The Modern Mage and actually found a copy of one of your publications on golemcraft. While I am not as well-versed as you, I have developed a ritual based on common construct principles to restore a fellow mage's spellcasting after she had her hands amputated. I was curious if you'd like to collaborate, perhaps publish together? My main limitation is that my ritual depends on the subject having an affinity for the Weave and, if this limitation could be broken, this could benefit so many people who are unable to afford proper restoration and regeneration magic." She carefully holds a sheaf of papers - her original ritual developed with Dynaheir - and awaits a response.

• Why yes, I would like to get the golem-making guy to help refine the ritual. :smalltongue:
• What the hells is a Kazgaroth? [roll0] (unmodified)

[Amnestic]

Thalantyr can't help but look a little taken aback by the proposal. It's quite clear he wasn't expecting that from a ragtag adventuring group. The wizened wizard takes the papers from Melian and flicks through them, eyes darting across the pages. "Interesting, but there's some glaring errors here. You say you've already performed this once? You're lucky they're still alive. I'd wager most would've died in the process. Still, there's potential here, the core methodology is sound." He flicks back over the pages, giving them some more time before setting his eyes on Melian's. "You won't be staying, I assume, but I can dedicate some time to this, with appropriate credits being given."


Kazgaroth isn't well known recorded or known, but what you do recall is that he (it?) is an aspect or servant of an evil god. Kazgaroth is/was an intelligent, cunning creature who manifests in the Moonshae Isles (sometimes decades apart, seemingly at random) to cause havoc.

Its forms, and tactics, varied, sometimes appearing as an innocuous cow and sometimes as a devastating tyrannosaurus beast. The parts are presumably taken from one of its previous manifestations. Most conventional wisdom has it serving Malar, the evil god of lycanthropes, however on its last appearance it seemed to be serving Bhaal the deceased god of murder.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee takes some time to peruse the shop, but rapidly discovers that everything here is for arcane casters. She should have realized that coming in the door, but it still stings a bit that there is little in the way of wonders here for her. I'll be outside with Vyv and Vala. Have fun, you three. Don't spend it all on one wand. She leaves the mansion and returns to her sister, their new companion, and Rosc Roche, taking some time to pet the horse, speak to it in elven, and check the traces that bound it to the cart before returning to the other two. It's all math magic in their. Not my type.

[Amnestic]

"Oh?" Vala smiles back, "You've got a bit of juice in you though. Magic's magic, right? Different words, different fingering maybe, but it's all the same." "Not all the same," your surly rogue sister retorts, "There's some magic that's just bad - death magic, demon magic. Even I know that much." Your newest party member gives a light, utterly noncommittal shrug. "Maybe," she says with all the finality of someone whose main concern is not starting an argument rather than standing by any convictions, before switching topics. "Vyvian was telling me a bit about how she learned to stab things, what about you Caelyn? How'd you learn to do what you do?"

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna eyes the wizened wizard. So the process was not meant to drain the subject nor the working mage this much? In some days, they could only get their move on because of Deneir's gracious blessings, if I do say so myself. Senna tries to stay humble, but fails to cover her pride over her god's major help preventing the drained energies from killing neither Dynaheir nor Melian.

Without trying to butter you up, Master Talantyr, are you really a master scribe, alchemist and golem expert? Do you have books in store that could show me how to create my own potions or scrolls? I understand you do not do this as a merchant but more as a collector of rare things. I have a few priced books that I took from Candlekeep, or rather was prevented from returning. I would part with them for the moment if you would grant me access to the basics of alchemy or scribing. Senna proposes with shaky voice and visible cold sweat on her forehead.

I assume my father Gorion would have not liked me dropping foreign books off with you, but I assume we benefitted both from it. She hands him her books.

Playing at my background feature


Feature: The Master’s Name
Basically, you were trained formally in the magic and also name of those which were trained you can open the doors. You have a chance to gain an audience with the another magic user! i.e, simply by dropping the name of your schools or the master. Furthermore, you have a capability to find a place to be among; either the scholars or the magic users, unless until you show yourself to be a danger to those scholars or magic backgrounds users.

as well as trying to get a use out of the 1d4 books I started the game with. (I think I rolled for them in the original OOC or on one of the first pages of the thread, it was 2 or 3).

[Amnestic]

"I assume you didn't try to kill the subject, yes." Thalantyr replies briskly. "Whatever inspiration or failures you concoct are your own to make, not the playthings of some absentee deity. Borrowed power is no power at all." Despite his less than glowing words for the gods, he does look over Senna's offering of a single tome. "Jim." Thalantyr clicks his fingers, and a crab appears - large, for a crab, though you could still pick it up with one hand. Thalantyr stacks the books, thick and heavy, atop the crab's shell. "Beguboo's Basic Brewing and Introduction to Inscription: Third Edition." The tiny creature taps away on its tiny legs, click-clacking its claws that hold the books atop its head.

A minute or two later, 'Jim' returns with two different tomes stacked atop his shell, which Thalantyr hands back. Beguboo's Basic Brewing is accompanied by the rotten-egg pungency of sulphur. Both tomes seem well worn, though dusty from lack of recent use. "I have little need for such basic texts at this point besides occupying space in my library. Consider it a fair trade. Give my regards to your Father when next you see him. And remind him he still owes me for that pouch of Calynthia powder. It may have been thirty years but a debt is a debt yet." He sniffs, his tone a cordial mix of friendship and mild rivalry.


Calnythia Powder is made from a rare flower grown in the far north the blooms only during the coldest winters. In humans it induces a deep sleep and suggestibility. In elves, it induces incredible sexual potency, with some subjects able to perform for days straight without rest or reprieve. Both uses mean that it's highly sought after among the rich, powerful and hedonistic.

Though it lacks any chemical or mystical addictive properties (or so research has found), the psychological impact of prolonged use can be devastating - on both humans and elves.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelee smiles impishly at Vala. Arcane magic and divine magic are VERY different, but most wouldn't know that. My words are in a completely different language known to the druids. And I assure you, my fingerings are COMPLETELYunique. She giggles with the immaturity of a teenager before collecting herself and assuming a poor impression of maturity and dignity. "Uhmm, well... I learned most of my druidic from books in the Candelkeep library that everyone had given up on reading. I couldn't read them at all to start, but the more I tried the more I realized I could understand them better when I tried to decrypt them under my favorite tree. It almost seemed like the tree was teaching me how to understand the symbols of the book. Soon I wasn't so much reading as I was communing with something greater than myself. Then, one day it all kind of clicked. I could read the symbols of the book as easily as I can read common. Better than I can read elven in all honesty. And more than that, I understood how to draw on the power of nature to do magic. I discovered I could predict the weather, make flowers bloom, and things like that. Then I learned how to talk to animals! Not that any of them had anything interesting to say... they were as trapped in Candlekeep as I was... but it was still amazing!" She grins joyously at the fond memories, wrapping her arms around herself and giving herself a squeeze.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I'm afraid Gorion has passed," Sam says, from off to the side, where he'd been trying not to step too much on the arcanists' toes. His voice is sad, but it's the dull sadness of someone who's come to terms with something. "How much did he owe? If we can't pay it back directly, maybe we could help with something in return?"

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian heroically avoids rolling her eyes at the wizard's initial feedback. "I believe that as you read a little more closely you'll find that the ritual was tailored very closely to a particular individual and her connection to the Weave; were the methodology to be applied indiscriminately to any other subject then yes, it should prove deadly. Still, I would appreciate your expertise in making this a more universal ritual and would be delighted to share co-author credits with you."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

The cleric can keep her anger down long enough to graciously accept the old and musty tomes. As she bows and puts the books away, her siblings can see her mentally putting together a retort, ready to be fired when they leave. She can't wait but to fire a small answer in response however.

Do you think because your power is owed to Mystra's insight into this realm, yours is much better than divine might? We both work on tricking the cosmic balance in our favor. Only that we priests have to actually move within a code of ethics rather than the full range and derangement of humanity. She tries to put her point with as little anger as possible, focussing on the argumentative side of things.

[roll0] +3 if you allow Persuasion to run off of Intelligence as in Rhetorics rather than blunt charm

[Amnestic]

"I mean, sure they feel different, but are they different? Mystra, Silvanus, Asmodeus. It all comes back to a god at some point. Everything does, feels like." Vala idly fingers the amulet at her breast, possibly without even noticing she's doing it. "What even is 'nature' you know? Some collective tree consciousness?" She's looking off into the distance - at the trees and grassland that surround High Hedge, though not really 'seeing' them. Her eyes are distant, but she snaps back before you can answer. "Oh! I'm sorry, that was probably really rude. I didn't mean anything by it. Forget I said anything. I think it's cool that it just came to you, like you're some chosen hero. Makes for a good story." Her voice is quickened, hasty to move on from her social faux pas.

"Gorion's dead?" A brief look of melancholy passes over the older spellcaster's features. "Just like him to get himself killed before paying me back. No, I wouldn't worry about reimbursing on his behalf, I'll bother him about it after I shuffle off this mortal coil in a decade or ten. Not as if I need to worry about him running off to T'u Lung and changing his name to 'The Great Gori'." He turns away to busy himself with something that means he doesn't show his face to you all, before adding quietly, "Again."

Melian's continuation of paper discussion seems to break Thalantyr from his funk, though he seems unconvinced by the eladrin's assertions, the doubt of an 'elder' looking down upon an impetuous youth written clear on his features. "It's not without merit, I'll work on refining it."

"Yes, young lady, priests and clerics certainly are bound to a 'code' of ethics." His derision is coming to a forefront. "So when I'm strapped to an altar having my heart gouged out by Lolth's worshippers I can rest easy knowing it's all for a greater reason, that they're got a 'code' they're following. It's much easier bowing your head, scraping at the feet of your god for power in return for following their arbitrary directions. Don't have to think as hard, don't have to worry. 'My god told me to do it!' after all." he snorts, the full scale of his disdain for them obvious. "Mystra might embody the weave but I don't request my powers. This isn't an exchange. She's not giving me anything, and I owe her nothing. Every act I do is my own. Moral successes and moral failings. No one to blame but myself. I imagine that's a scary thought for you, but it gets easier once you're older. Now buy something and get out, I'm not interested in trading philosophy with children."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Don't worry. I'm not that easily offended. Caelee takes a seat on the back edge of the cart and turns to Vala, all trace of humor gone from her features. She takes a breath, then begins speaking slowly to try to express herself accurately. Personally, I think you've got it wrong. I can't pretend to be an expert on religious matters, but it seems to me that there are things out there bigger than the gods. For example- there are multiple nature deities. I worship Mielikki, but as you said there is also Silvanus, not to mention lesser gods of plants, animals, rivers, oceans, and even more. But I don't get my powers from Mielikki. Nature is too big, too... encompassing for any one god to command uncontested. The same could be said for any of the domains the gods claim. Passion, violence, and creation are all broad topics that people divide up into smaller categories that are further divided up into gods who supposedly command them. There are good gods of just battle and evil gods of spiteful murder. But these ideas the gods derive power from are bigger than gods in the same way that gods are bigger than us. It's all a matter of perspective, at least in my opinion. Caelee is silent for a few moments before adding to the speech. "But what do I know? I'm mortal, just like you. For all we know even the gods have gods, and maybe everything was created by something even bigger than even those gods. But I don't mind not knowing. It's all WAY above my head anyway." She stretches her hand up towards the sky to show just how above her all of this was. "I prefer to keep my mind on the world I inhabit and can affect than on powers I can't really understand. Maybe I'll worry about the big picture when I become an archdruid, but for now I'm just... me."

[Amnestic]

"Mortal, huh..." Vala replies, with all the tones of someone deep in thought while trying not to look like she's disengaging with the conversation. She seems to refuse to look Caelyn or Vyvian in the eyes, but switches back to normal when she switches topic, again. "Well you might be right about it being a bit early to worry about such things. But an Archdruid eh? That your endgoal? A nice grove of your own, maybe one not nestled in the middle of some werewolf-filled-forests? Wee druid apprentices running around practicing their craft making you tear your hair out?" It's teasing, just a little. "Sounds nice. Not really sure where I'm going at the moment. I'd like to say I want a small cottage in a little town in the countryside somewhere...but I had one of those and left it to do this, so I might just be a bit homesick." A musical chuckle at her own expense follows. Vyvian says nothing, but a pained expression on her face says she's thinking of home herself. Candlekeep. Not more than day or two away and yet so distant.

"Why did you leave then?" The completely predictable follow up question still seems to throw the musician off balance. "Wasn't by choice, I'll say tha- Hmm, no, that's not quite true. It was my choice, just a little...forced into it." A tear beads up in Vala's left eye as the memories form in her mind but she wipes it away with the sleeve of her shirt, failing to give a convincing performance that it wasn't there. "It's not really a story for weather this nice. Ask me again when we're round a campfire and I've had a bit more to drink. Might feel up for it then."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee notes Vala's tear, concern spreading across her features and the seed of regret in her heart giving a twist. She shoots Vyv a glance that says "don't push it" before continuing the conversation as though nothing was wrong. I don't know if I'll ever settle down to one glade. Don't know if I'm ever going to teach, either. No real idea where I'm going to end up, honestly. Elves live for a really long time, and powerful druids can extend their lives by even more, so assuming I don't die to violence or illness I could live to be like... a bajillion years old. Long enough that talking about it is boring. For now I don't feel like I'll ever settle down. I spent sixteen years cooped up in Candelkeep and that felt like forever. I'd need to see the whole world before I could pick a favorite place and live there permanently. Maybe I'll change my mind eventually, but that's how I feel now. Caelee kicks her legs back and forth off the edge of the cart while she speaks, rocking slightly in place.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

While Melian finishes settling the purchases, Sam heads out following Caelyn. Emerging from the old wizard's fort, he strolls down to the wagon. "If you see flashing lights, Senna ticked someone off arguing philosophy," he quips to the girls outside.

"Wizards are so dry," Grepha drawls, voice dripping with boredom. "I pity the poor suckers who get stuck as familiars to them."

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Quickly realizing that her more sociable siblings have left, Melian tries to salvage the situation amiably, directing a pointed stare at her sister. "Senna, we are in somebody's home. Academic discussion on theology might be best suited for the classroom, no?"

She then gathers a few healing potions, the potion case and a few scrolls, placing them neatly on Thalantyr's desk. "Much as I'd like to clean out your inventory I'm afraid this will suffice for today." She starts taking out coins from the magical moneybag, glinting platinum and gold neatly piled beside the goods. "I intend to scribe these spells but I've used the last of my fractal ink. Can you please also provide me a fresh vial?"

One the transaction is complete, Melian kneels to carefully arrange her pack and carefully tuck away the scrolls. She is suddenly saddened again by their loss and imagines that the news might not be easy to process for the old wizard. Without looking at their host she speaks in a friendly tone. "I am sorry you had to hear of our father's passing like this. Father always tried to point me towards learning and that included biographies of mages he considered worth studying. I suspect I came across your publications because he placed them conspicuously at the Library. In any case," she finishes hefting her bag and facing Thalantyr once again. "Thank you for welcoming us to your home and for agreeing to collaborate with me. I hope to discuss your thoughts on the ritual soon. And then maybe you can tell me how you have pieces of the Kazgaroth beast; sounds like quite the tale."

[Amnestic]

"Yeah, not like you need to stick to one plan you make now. Endless opportunities to change your mind." Vala agrees, seemingly satisfied to bring that little line of discussion and conversation to an end before any further details get pressed for. When Sam and Grepha return, Vala's the first with a counter-quip. "Not sure out here's any better. Just a lot of serious talk about upbringings and our Futures-with-a-Capital-F. You may be stuck between a chunk of salt and a hard place."

Thalantyr nods his head at a nearby cabinet, an inspection of which reveals the appropriate scribing inks available (with little notations for their cost), tipping any and all spent into a pouch at his side - one that doesn't seem to bulge or grow at all as more and more coinage is deposited inside. "When you get to my age, and in my profession, news of sudden death is the norm rather than the exception." He's trying to put on a serious face, but the edges around his lips and eyes says it might be affecting him a little more than he's letting on. Rather than continue, he takes the opportunity to switch subject. "Getting bits of Kazgaroth was less interesting than you might think. Anytime any big magical beastie gets killed by some adventurers or heroes or whatnot they inevitably hack up its body to sell off the parts. The bits I have were picked up at an auction in Baldur's Gate a decade or two back at a moderate price. Once I'd studied them and gleaned what I wanted, I put them up for sale - intending for a modest profit. They're not likely to go 'bad' anytime soon so I'm happy to wait. Someone will buy them, eventually. I've got time yet. Should you find yourself in the city it might behoove you to look up any imminent auctions yourself, you can often find a few unusual treasures at a good price, assuming the rest of the dregs who attend don't grasp their true value."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Futures, huh? Sounds like fun," Sam comes over alongside them and hops up to sit in the wagon while he waits for Melian and Senna to return. "Me, I think I've inadvertently set in stone a future as Lord of the Kobolds... might be a little more dragon in me than we thought, eh?" he jokes with a wide, toothy grin.

Eyeing their new companion, Grepha looks upon the spear she carries with her. "Interesting weapon," she states, feeling a slight shiver from regarding it, much as the discomfort of being near silver. "Almost more art than tool of war. I don't recognize the iconography."

"Oh!" Sam perks up and holds up a finger. "That's the lotus flower of Aphine! She's a minor goddess of love, art and family." He recites, evidently proud of being a guy who knows things for once, with the know-it-alls still cooped up inside.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

"Thank you for the tip, Master Thalantyr," Melian says with a small bow at the waist. "I will certainly look into auctions in the future. Have a pleasant evening." Melian waves at the construct behind her and heads out.

Once outside she takes a moment to let her eyes adjust to the brightness. "Pretty sure I'm all done, but it pains me to leave those robes and wands behind," she says with a smile, approaching her siblings - and Vala.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna thinks on the spot on a retort, but she concedes the point. I did not ask for the power, it became apparent at a young age, the Scribe wanted me as his vessel. I can do as I please with this gift. But I agree with you, the fact that this power could be withdrawn at any point is concerning to me. I had my fair share of conflict with my druidic sister, who relies heavily on her magic. I prefer to have a worldly solution on hand for much but there is little reason to stray from Deneir's candlelight as long as He does provide protection for my family.

She pauses to choke down tears, then continues. Gorion was slaughtered by a large armored man and a Kara-Turian priest, but not because of his affiliations. They wanted us. You know him, can you enlighten us of our enemies' motives? Or at least, what Father stood for? As for merchandise, I think we are content with a few scrolls, tinctures and high quality inks. We will return once our funds match your impressive collection or we have found valuable things to trade. the cleric closes, pointing at her sister holding a few scrolls and potions.

[Amnestic]

"Right you are," Vala clicks her fingers at Sam. "I'd like to say I made it myself but it's not quite true. I had a lot of help with the actual craftsmanship, it's my own design though. Spent a lot of time and sketch paper trying to get it just right but I think it's a fair result." She teasingly waves the spear back and forth in Grepha's direction though with more than enough space to show there's no real danger. "It stabs just as well as any other spear though. You don't need to worry about me not holding up my end of a scrap. I'm a lover and a fighter."

"I'm not familiar with the assailants you speak of, though Gorion had a knack for making enemies. I don't know if you know this, but he was a Harper. Always sticking his nose into things as Harpers are wont to do. Admirable in a lot of ways, but definitely not for me. We rarely discussed his Harper business, they preferred to keep it quiet, though I don't know who he expected me to tell. Either way I don't have any insight into it. However should they cross my threshold though I'll be sure to kill them slowly and painfully." He says the last part with the idle boredom of someone who has zero qualms about doing so. No grand declaration, not defiant intonation, just a simple and clean statement of intent.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Grepha flinches at Vala swinging the spear in her direction. "So what are you then, a priest?"

[Amnestic]

"If you need someone to say a sermon and save your soul," she says, emphasising the 's' of each letter for, apparently, dramatic effect, "then I'm not your gal. I 'believe' in the gods, Aphine included, but I'm not sure you could say I 'follow' them. Not sure I can bring myself to do so, even with the ah...accessories." Vala places two fingers on her pendant, holding them there. "They're just very comforting. Always have been, though sometimes that's offputting all on its own an-" She stops herself midword. "And I think that's enough talking about my extended crisis of faith unprompted for now."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

The cleric leaves the wizard's mansion, trusting in her sister to pick up her items, as she tries to pack her potions in a way that the flasks won't break. She wants to leave the reminder of Gorion's allies as quickly as possible. Outside she catches the latter half of Vala's comment.

Excuse me, I could not overlook your devotion to Aphine. What deity to you serve now, if any? I am looking to broaden my horizon a bit. Apparently Deneir has not answers to everything. she says carrying a humility in her voice, which should at least surprise Vyvian.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --


"If you need someone to say a sermon and save your soul," she says, emphasising the 's' of each letter for, apparently, dramatic effect.

The bird quietly scoffs and mutters to herself as Vala continues her spiel, "Little late for that."

"Maybe it's time we spill some beans instead, huh?" Sam asks Vala, holding out his arms to either side. "I'm an open book, ask me anything."

[Amnestic]

Though she clearly hears Senna's question, it takes the young woman a surprisingly long time to answer. When she does, her tone is strained, and a bit monotone. "It's still Aphine. Gods dying doesn't really seem to be that big of a deal." Vala's nostrils flare and for a moment it looks like she's going to say something more, but instead she purses her lips and leaves it there. Indeed the question - innocuous on its own - seems to have taken a bit out of her and she waves off Sam's generous offer, with a casual "No need to force it. Assuming you all put up with me I'll be around a while yet, plenty of time."

With your business at High Hedge concluded, potions and scrolls in hand (or bag, as the case may be) and Vala ill at ease talking about anything of more substance than the weather, you all head back to Beregost. It's late in the day, though not yet approaching sunset thanks to the seasonal summer dusks, when you arrive back in the town that's becoming ever more familiar. Outside Feldpost's Inn you spot Dynaheir and Minsc standing nearby, clearly keeping an eye out for you. The two rashemi rush over upon spotting your party. "Any longer and we would've had to leave a note. Our intended caravan leaves momentarily so we can't stay, but we both wanted to say goodbye and thank you again, for everything. We won't forget it, for as long as we draw breath." "Yes my friends, you will always have friends in Minsc and Boo and Dynaheir. Hopefully we will see each other again, but the journey home is long, it may be some time yet!" Hugs and/or handshakes are offered by both depending on your preferred level of physical intimacy (a surprising amount of restraint on Minsc's part), with Vala standing off at a polite distance as goodbyes are exchanged. Dynaheir is of course extra thankful with Melian, though Vyvian and Dynaheir share a few hushed words as well. It's barely any time at all before the Rashemen-bound have to go, waving as they head out of sight around a corner. If the two of them had any questions about Vala, they seem to have held them either out of politeness or simply not having the proper time to talk.

"That's probably another story for another day," she says of the now-disappeared pair with a loud, very theatrical yawn. "If the plan's to be on the road at dawn I might head to bed now, get a headstart on sleep, unless there's anything else?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Exchanging a hug with the big friendly ranger, and a more professional shake of the hand with his witch, Sam sees them off with a smile. "I'm glad we were able to help. You two be safe on the road you hear? Or we'll be along to rescue you again, and we'll have to charge next time - only the first one is free!" he jokes with a wink. Grepha doesn't spare them much more than a small nod of farewell.

"I could probably use some sleep too. It's been an exciting... however long we've been at this, now. Think I'd like to veg out and sleep in," Sam is drawn into a yawn by Vala's own and strolls towards the inn. "Got dibs on the wizard's room still."

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian follows the group back to town in silence, her mind equally divided between excitement for her new spells and worry for the future - the conversation with Thalantyr reopening wounds in Gorion's demise and their harrowed flight from Candlekeep.

In town, the wizard gives Minsc a slight hug (and Fëanáro gives Boo a quick lick with a forked tongue) and claps Dynaheir's hands for a moment, smiling. "Fare well, friends. I hope the road is pleasant and your journey uneventful! Please send word that you've arrived safely, if you can."

She waves once more and the morose feeling from before takes hold again. "I just need a little quiet for the night. Lots of studying to do," she says in monotone reply to Sam and Vala.

Long Rest studying Gorion's Spellbook.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna smiles at Minsc's hug, though she hoped it would have been less restrained and more sincere. She can't help but feel a bit melancholic and lost, now that her illusions concerning the divine have been all but dispelled a bit. When even gods die, leaving their servants back and all she stood for was borrowed and could be gone in an instant, what was left of her? What was left of Senna? Did she even have a personality outside of being a cleric?

She knew what had to be done in times like this. Only mundane work could alleviate her worries. So she looked for the nearest shrine and got to work there on those who needed healing. Covering up her tabard, using all but the most subtle holy symbol, she used her gifts of divine and mundane healing to aid the sick.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee blinks in surprise when it is revealed that Vala's god is deceased. She shoots the woman a pained look and that seed of regret in her chest gives another twist, nearly ready to bloom. She rides Rosc Roche back to town in silence, leaving her thoughts to herself.

When it is time to say goodbye to Dynaheir and Minsc, Caelyn embraces Minsc wholeheartedly, giving the massive man a squeeze and a pat on the back. Dynaheir's farewell is more reserved- a simple hand shake, partially to show respect and partially to get a feel for her new earthen hands.

I'll be at the bar. I'll try to be quiet when I come up so as not to disturb your studying, Mel. She gives a weak smile to the group and heads inside the inn, taking a seat at the bar and ordering a glass of wine to nurse while she thinks.

[Amnestic]

Those in need of aid are grateful for Senna's ministrations, and the early evening passes quietly and uneventfully without further disturbances. Vyvian retires to bed at the same time as Sam and Vala, pleading a headache from drinking earlier. Caelyn's drinking goes unaccosted and Melian's studies likewise are not disturbed. Even those staying up need rest eventually though, and before long you've all retired for at least some time in bed. Unbidden and forceful, even to those in a trance, dreams press in on your mind once more.


You find yourself back at Candlekeep, with all of its familiar sights, sounds and - perhaps most notably - smells. The thick musk of book dust from the tomes in your arms, the heavy scent of the woolen robes that the Keepers wear. That you're wearing. It feels odd, for a moment. You'd never worn them before. Except you have. You've been wearing them for years now, of course. Ever since your triumphant return ten years ago. Part of you had planned to leave again, but when they offered you an esteemed position you found you couldn't refuse.

"Senna." Gorion's voice, warm and fatherly, catches you by surprise, though not enough for you to drop the books. Of course he wasn't dead. You'd brought him back. Saved his soul from torment in the afterlife, and he was here, with you, barely aged a day since you'd last seen him. Another gift you'd shared with him. "The newest acolytes have been asking after you. Seems they need something from the High Keeper." He smiles as you hand him the books you were carrying, books that seem weightless the moment you move to hand them away. "Best not keep them waiting."

You're stood in front of the acolytes now, down below Candlekeep in catacombs - tunnels that you've not been down in since you 'got lost' there with Imoen. Their hoods are up and pulled low, obscuring their features in complete darkness. Three of them stand in front of you and you ask them what could be possibly be so important as to pull you away from your duties.

"Of course, High Keeper. We wanted to know if you were happy with your position. With your life." One says with a deep bow. "We are here to serve the Master, after all. To make your every dreams, every wish a reality." The second one continues on, with an identical voice and an identical bow. "Though of course all wishes have a price. We trust you are happy to pay it once more?" The third says, his tone and actions mimicking the first two.

"After all, what's one more against the thousands you have already offered up?" The three intone together, gesturing to the surrounding crypt plaques where you see innumerable names inscribed. Names that you know, names that you don't, names that passed you by in fleeting moments. You swallow, hard, the lump in your throat plummeting to your stomach where it weighs you down. You try to wipe away the sweat on your palms but inevitably more appears. Too far gone. Too deep. What's one more? You nod, almost imperceptibly, and the acolytes vanish. Behind where they were stood is one more plaque, one more grave marker, its carvings appearing fresh as if it had only just been made. The name isn't familiar to you. But it will be. You'll remember them all. You do remember them all. It's the least you could do. Their lives for your happiness. Just as long as you remember.

What's one more?



Your battle against the Shadow Druids was finally coming to a close. It had been a long campaign, rooting them out from both inside and outside your grove. Those who could be convinced had been, but many more had to be returned to the earth by force. May they find peace as part of nature that they never could while alive. "Archdruid Wildheart." Your First - the one who would succeed you should you fall or retire - is stood at your side. "Thanks to your powers we will finally be able to cleanse the taint that has soured the Sword Coast for so long." It was flattery, he'd always been one to say such things, and though you often professed a dislike for it you couldn't deny that a small part of yourself warmed at the pervasive praise on offer. You skip the admonishment (this time) and nod to him. It was time to make your speech, to motivate your grove to final action. Some had taken issue with your somewhat draconian measures, and it was past time to remind them of their necessity. Because they were necessary. The cancer of Shadow Druids had to be burned out utterly, lest it infect more.

"My friends!" You begin. "Agents of balance, servants of nature, druids of the grove! Hear the call of your Archdruid!" All eyes are upon you. Hundreds of them. Not just your grove, but others who had come to assist, all at your behest. Not just druids, of course, but dryads, nymphs, fey creatures and more. "Rise! The skies burn red with the flames our justice! Nature's blessings are with us! Leave only the ashes of rebirth in your wake! The great cleansing begins!" Roars and cheers go up from your assembled army. They'd all come to follow you. Your power is what had inspired them to follow. Power that had for so long seemed distant, unreachable, and impossible to grasp, yet had seemed so natural once you had opened yourself to it, hadn't shut yourself away. Given yourself over to the truth of your inner strength without compunction.

Your leadership of the battle has it proceed as expected - it is short, swift, and brutal in its efficiency. This victory and more are in your grasp, as you quietly realise that the shadow druids were only the beginning, and with your strength and that of your followers you can do so much more. Cleanse evil on a scale hereto unknown. The power of nature at your fingertips. All as it should be.




"No." Your denial of the lich's spell ends it before it can even be made manifest, its arcane bonds unravelling immediately. Strands of stray magic invisible to the naked eye but keenly seen by yourself flutter off into the ether. You whisper a command word and the lich falls to its knees, utterly dominated by your powers. Despite your relative youth your mastery and strength with spells outstrips this ancient undead who gave up everything for power. Power that you claimed so easily. Power that was you birthright. Hold on, birthright? What did tha- The lich grovels at your feet, interrupting the train of thought before it can go anywhere, and it's forgotten just as quickly as it had come. This was the fourth lich you had added to your army of captured wizards, those whose powers had served themselves would now serve you, and your cause. To do good, of course. They might object, they might seethe, but you were beyond them, and they inevitably fell in line. Power hungry as always, they longed for the cast offs, the strength that trickled down from yourself almost as a forgotten stream.

And you would need more power still, for you intended to change the face of the realms in the service of elves. You would start with the reclamation of the ancestral city of Myth Drannor, long held by fiends, cults and various other groups that would despoil the ancient legacy of your people for their own goods. No longer, you had decided. You had accepted the strength inside you, strength that you would put to use for the good of...good of...yourself. And others. This was for your peoples. Elves who wished for a return to days of yore but lacked their own strength. Yes, their praise and gifts felt good. But it wasn't just for that. It was for the advancement of yourself. No, that's not right. It was for the advancement of elves. You stumble slightly. The lich at your feet either doesn't notice or can't react due to your utter domination, but to make sure that no one had seen your moment of weakness you obliterate the being in a single motion, the spell severing the soul-cord that ties it to its phylactery, damning it the torment of an afterlife it had for so long tried to avoid.

The power was intoxicating, and it was sometimes difficult to stay on track, to stay the course. But you know you can do it. You were the smartest elf on the planet, with powers unmatched. Nothing could steer you wrong, because nothing could steer you, except for yourself. And you were always right. Your powers made sure of it.




You are floating in the dark, feet barely scraping the ground as you are held aloft by a power within. Twisting corridors of stone surround you, roughly carved walls made with little care for form, only function. The depths may have at one point seemed claustrophobic, but now seem a mere nuisance. Bodies litter the ground around you - human and kobold - and you realise you are in some version of the Nashkel mines, perhaps tunnels far deeper than you saw, those long since caved in. The bodies are marred by blood and burns. You are carried forward by the invisible force, your boots occasionally getting caught on an arm here, a torso there. The deeper you go the more bodies pile up until the stone floor becomes invisible. The walls begin to be covered with the bodies, and then the ceilings, held there as if by a reversal of gravity until all of them press in around you.

The numbers grow and grow, until you are no longer floating through them, but instead pushing them aside as they press in from above, below, and around. Before long you are crawling through the mess of blood and gore on your hands and knees, and then your belly. On and on, deeper and deeper. For hours. You climb over bodies familiar and unknown to you, though why you're not sure. You simply know that you must go further, and that all these bodies were made by your hands. Finally you see a light at the end of the darkness, beyond the press of corpses. A burning light, a devil's light. The gap widens and the bodies fall away, leaving you back in the stone tunnels with Grepha in front of you. The source of the light, the source of the reprieve, if only briefly. She looks smug.

"Take back your soul," a voice whispers in your ear, in your mind - your voice, yet not your voice. Foreign and yet oh so familiar. A dagger of bone manifests in your hand, cold and rough. "Take back your power!" The voice continues. You look down at the weapon clutched in your talons. In your mind you see it plunged into Grepha's chest. All her power now yours, forever. You toss the dagger aside, though not out of mercy. Instead you step forward and wrap your hands around the imp's body, tearing it asunder with pure force, ripping limb from limb, wing from wing. You keep ripping even as the crash of dead bodies surges from behind and engulfs you, extinguishing Grepha's light and surrounding you in the crush of darkness that lasts until you wake.

Dawn comes as inevitably as it always does. Outside your windows is the lightest drizzle, pitter-pattering against the windows barely audible were it not for the silence inside your rooms. It's not significant enough to rain off the day, and outside the town is waking and preparing for work and play, albeit perhaps slightly less enthusiastic than normal. The rain should stop before long though, judging by the clouds. A short overnight shower which will give way to a humid, warm and windy day. Once awake, those excepting Sam (who stayed in the 'spare' room) and Vala (who has a room of her own) find Vyvian's bed empty, the bedding made and a small letter folded on the pillow. Opening it reveals a short, to the point letter in her familiar handwriting.


Everyone,

I'm not one for long goodbyes which is why I'm not doing this face to face. Grepha's a toad but she was right that what I did with Zephyr was selfish and wrong. I'm going to catch up with the caravan that Dynaheir and Minsc are on and I'll be going to Rashemen. Dynaheir told me they know a lot about spirits and working with them, not [a number of words are scribbled out here, making them unreadable] against them. They might find an answer for my nightmares in the process. Dynaheir agreed not to say anything, but don't blame her - and Minsc didn't know. It was my decision. Even if they hadn't known I would have done this.

I don't expect you to understand, and I won't try to argue it. We've had enough arguments. I'll be long gone by the time you read this and you won't catch up to us even if you wanted to. Trust that I'll be safe and that I need to do this for myself. Stay safe everyone (even Senna).

Yours, Love, Take Care, Sincerely,
Vyvian.


When you do find your way downstairs, you find it empty aside from the barman, snoring loudly in a chair behind the bar. The inn otherwise looks distinctly not-open at the moment, though smells from the kitchen indicate breakfast is being made.The smell of cooked meats and baking bread fills the room. Warm, homey smells. Hungry smells. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs Vala pokes her head out of the kitchen door. She appears bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and in an oppressively good mood. "Mornin' all." It's a loud whisper, audible yet muffled so as to not awake the barman. "Food will be ready soon, grab a table, but try not to wake him, yeah?" Her head vanishes back into the kitchen before a reply can be given.


With these dreams the bond with your inner power has strengthened further - the powers you received previously gain an additional use per long rest, and you now permanently have Advantage on death saves.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Dragons cannot sweat. And were it not for this fact, Sam's quilts covering the fancy bed would be soaked through. In the morning, he jerks up with a start, gasping and hyperventilating. "That was... that was worse than the other ones," he breathes out, to himself, pulling up his hands to rub his eyes.

With the room to themselves, and thus Vala not there to see, Grepha had resumed her true form for comfort. Since he hardly needed all of the quilts, Sam had laid out a bed of cloth for her on the floor. When she hears Sam stirring, she stretches and looks up. "Hm. What is it? More of those dreams?" her tail flicks from side to side, like a pleased cat, as she spies an opportunity.

"There were so many corpses. Everywhere. The kobolds we saved, miners, all kinds of people. It even wanted me to kill you, but... take back my soul? You don't have my soul," Sam tosses aside his blankets and sits off the side of the bed, reaching for the wash basin and splashing his face.

"It sounds like this power is beginning to be too much to bear," Grepha speaks sympathetically, hopping up onto the desk that formerly belonged to Tranzig, so as to speak at eye level. "Perhaps we can find some way to lighten the load."

"If this is some kind of deal for my soul you super picked the wrong day, Grepha."

"No, no deals. Just an idea. Can't I want to help?" she asks, cracking a grin as Sam looks at her with doubt. "Okay, maybe there is something in it for me, but no Faustian bargains or anything like that. You could say the deed is its own reward." When Sam doesn't interrupt and looks at her expectantly, she continues her explanation, "This is an... unusual power. But very clearly an Evil one. If the weight is beginning to be too much to bear, perhaps you could share the burden with someone else. Considering my soul is yours', it should be relatively easy for you to offload some of that power onto me."

"Give an imp a bunch of evil power?"

"An imp under your control, of course. Who better to bear the power of Evil?"

Leaning forwards with his elbows on his knees, Sam stares at the floor in thought. "Let me think about it." He gets up and starts getting ready. As he goes down to get breakfast, Grepha flies over to land on his shoulder and shifts back into her usual raven form. He wordlessly goes to a table, seemingly not even registering Vala's greeting as he is lost in his own thoughts.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee bolted awake, not yet used to becoming fully unconscious. Breathing hard and fast, she reached out her shaking hand out and began to intone a spell, then she swallowed and let the power dissipate before it could manifest in her fingers. The flames that had been wreathing her outstretched palm took a few moments to fully go out, leaving the scent of smoke ambient in the room. She placed her hand on her chest as she worked to slow her breathing. Had her talk of being an archdruid with Vala shaped this dream? If so, it was a future unlike any she had desired for herself. Cleansing and purging evil sounded like the right thing to do, but she could never see herself leading armies and orchestrating slaughter. Whatever outside force... or perhaps INSIDE force... was causing her to dream knew how to tempt with power but seemed unable to accommodate the nuances of morality. Still... if she did have power... great power, like the dream suggested... was it not her duty to use it? There was always plenty of evil in the world, and wasn't it her responsibility to push back against those powers with whatever she could bring to bear? Shaking her head, both to dismiss the quandary and wake herself up, she looked around the room to check if anyone else was awake.

That was when she noted Vyvian was gone. Her heart fluttered in panic as she dashed to her bed, finding the letter that had been left for them. She opened it with trembling hands and read it over once, then again, before crushing the paper in her palm. Caelee's relationship with Vyvian had always been a tempestuous one, filled with rivalry, antagonism, and teasing. But that just made the pain of her absence strike her that more acutely. Releasing her fist, the paper fluttered down to the bed as she slowly began to get changed for the day. It all felt so unbearable. Her clothes felt heavy and uncomfortable, her armor and weapons even more so. Barely holding back tears of frustration and pitch black sadness, she went downstairs with one hand extended to support herself against the wall.

Caelyn crosses the room with only a pained grunt of acknowledgement to Vala, struggling and failing to contain her emotions as she sits down across from Sam at the table. Eyes clenched shut with tears leaking from the corners, chin trembling, she whispers Vyv left us last night. She left a letter, as though that was the proper way to say goodbye to your family. She's going to Rashemen with Dynaheir and Minsc. She's leaving and she didn't say goodbye. Finally losing the battle to control herself after the hellish dream and the cruel reality she'd woken to, Caelee covers her face with her hands and begins to cry, her strangled sobs muted by her hands.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

The cleric woke up like the others, though less stressed than them. Some odd sense of contemplation surrounded her. Her god did not abandon her, on the contrary, but religion did not have the answers she sought after. Her dreams however gave her a path to enable her power, even though the very thought of sacrifice for power was against her will. But she did use her powers to command others in the past. If she could get her hands on ... Vyv left us last night.

Caelyn's comment pulled her out of her stupor. Strangely enough, while Vyvian's presence incited much emotional outrage in Senna, and while Vyvian quieted down a bit, Senna began to understand the worth of her comments on moral superiority, the rogue's absence was not troubling at all for Senna. Her world changed rapidly, but Senna began to cope with it. It was the news of the day back in Candlekeep when Winthrop began using another rag for his countertop - less for hygiene and more because the old one wore thin - but nowadays a day where they did not almost die was a good and relaxed one.

Senna went over to Caelyn and hugged her. And nothing will happen to her, as long as Minsc draws breath. Senna smiles an almost motherly smile. Dynaheir will act as the sensible one so Minsc and Vyv don't plan something exceedingly stupid. They will be fine. Besides, with the third circle of the Metatext unravelled to me, we can talk to her, given a day's worth of preparations and prayers. Which reminds me I have to do my ministrations to the Great Scribe. She smiled and looked at her sister. You should attune yourself to the wilds, too. I feel we will need everything we have when we want to enter the woods.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I'm not surprised," Sam murmurs quietly, looking down at the knotted and wavy patterns of the wooden tabletop. "She was acting distant, brooding. Just like Aintas before he left... it feels like one by one we're splitting apart."

"People grow apart," the raven speaks, her tone oddly not mocking. "Siblings' paths diverge like this all too often, as they find their own. I would be more worried about facing certain threats without her admitted talent at killing," the imp's speech slowly takes a turn away from oddly supportive to clinically analytic. "I suppose we shall see how useful this Vala girl proves in battle."

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

The Elf slowly awakens from slumber with a slightly pleasant feeling; her face showing a somewhat bemused expression. Very quickly it changes to one of confusion as she realizes she fell asleep once more and then to one of guilt and horror as she contemplates the implications of her dream. So much power at her beck and call but such a horrendous ego. Could this truly be a reflection of her inner self? Given the opportunity, would she abuse her position and knowledge in the name of self-serving, bastardized, "greater good"?

She shivered. Then slowly got up and got dressed.

Caelyn had already left the room, which made putting up with the shame she was feeling easier. She then noticed the crumpled paper on Vyvian's bed and, carefully picking it up, read it carefully. She sighed weakly. Another one gone. Tears started welling up and she choked them down as hard as she could.

Pack finally ready, Melian walked into the dining room and sat down soundlessly beside her siblings. Taking stock of the mood, she concludes that Caelyn must have shared the news. "So our paths diverge once more," she begins dejectedly. "I for one wish that Vyvian's road is easy and that she finds what she needs. She..." her voice starts to break and Melian clears her throat and takes a moment to compose a stoic facade. "I will miss her but I know she's a smart and strong girl and can take care of herself."

"There's also the matter of dreams. I had another one and assume you all did as well?"

Scribed Protection from Evil and Good, and Invisibility.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

With a slow nod, Sam shares his dream with the others. "I was floating through the Nashkel mines, I think. There were corpses everywhere, and they were pulled to me like I was swimming to them. The dream seemed to want me to kill Grepha in particular..." as he explains his own dream, Grepha is looking off distantly, mind on other things.

"I feel like that power I got before, after the first dream, got stronger. Do you all feel the same?"

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Embracing Senna, Caelee slowly recovers her composure before releasing her younger sister. She then listen with interest as Sam discusses his dream. After he is finished, she described her own. In my dream I was an archdruid of fearsome power leading an army of nature. We destroyed a force of evil druids, but I was going to use the army to... purge... more evil from the land. I fear what may have happened if I hadn't woken up. Like always, the dream seemed to reinforce that there was great power available to me if I only embraced it. And I woke up feeling more powerful as well. I think I may be able to resist elemental forces with just the power of my mind. She shivers. The power was undeniably useful, but she was becoming more and more circumspect of the source. Perhaps we should try to find a seer or dream reader to interpret meaning from these dreams. Perhaps we could finally get some answers. Hopefully before the cost of these powers manifests.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Something unites us, and it is not that we grew up in Candlekeep, my friends. Senna says. She ponders her siblings reaction, but ultimatively says:

Maybe we should learn to harness and control these powers. The sentence is dropped like a bomb shell. Senna fears immediate repercussions, and protest, but continues before anyone has a chance to stop her. It is obvious it wants to lure us into its dark temptations. But what if, like Sam, we just use its power for good? What if we used these dark gifts to quell this crisis, to avoid death and bloodshed? I hate to say it, but Grepha's reasoning is sound sometimes. If we use our talents with precision, we can and will prevent further bloodshed. After all, we are out to find the bandits trying to throw this region into a war with Amn.

For this cause, we will probably need to kill again. I cannot in good conscience pretend like what we do is not creating corpses, widows and death, but we do it to prevent bigger suffering. I can no longer pretend like we are stumbling into these war-like situations on accident. Deneir has not abandoned me even though I used his powers to kill before. So for all I am concerned we are still doing the right thing. I just ask of you one thing.

We are not the final solution for situations like these, and never ever think you are the last arbiters to judge a person. Even the law is just a joint decision on what is acceptable. So can we just say, if we have the time to decide, we can and will talk to each other before we enact judgment? I promised Vyvian to become less preachy so I just ask you this time.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I don't agree," looking up at Senna, Sam shakes his head. "It wants us to accept it, to let it in completely. It's already getting stronger even though I've only ever used it once - in the battle with the gnolls. If we open the floodgates, how quickly could it overwhelm us?"

"It's just a shame you don't have any way to track down more clues about this," Grepha laments offhandedly as she looks in another direction, then she turns her gaze to fix it on Senna pointedly.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

"Well Senna," Melian says staring at her sister. "In my dream I was a power to be reckoned with, one who could bend liches to do my bidding in the name of greater good. But it wasn't greater good." She grimaces with disgust. "It was a self-serving, hateful expression of power. I think any 'harnessing in the name of the greater good' will turn out to be horrific. Sure, Deneir hasn't turned from you but this power isn't from Deneir, is it?" She takes a breath to calm herself. "You are a glyphscribe. Your knowledge of history and lore is vast. Can you think of a single time when harnessing Evil in the name of Good ended well?"

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

I don't intend to embrace these powers, but I don't intend to ignore them, either. Caelyn wipes her eyes and nose before continuing. I never used these abilities, but they are getting stronger anyway. I don't think using them is the threat here. If anything, they've grown in measure to how strong we've all gotten. I know my druidic powers are stronger than ever, and I bet the same is true for all of us. I don't intend to retire, so it is likely they will get stronger still as our magics grow within us. While I don't plan on indulging whatever dark designs the dream giver has for us, I also don't intend to let myself die if an enemy throws fire, lightning, thunder, or ice at me. So I'll use this power, but always be wary that it stems from something with ill intent. I don't think we have any other options... at least I don't. I don't even know what powers you all have been invested with.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna slowly shakes her head. This is not what I meant. We should use every tool in our inventory, or else we could very well loose someone dear to us. The cleric pauses, then starts again. We may not be as vile as they are, but if we stay our blades, it could come back to bite us. I am just waiting for the moment when Kagain's henchmen will ambush us, or Tranzig's information will lead us into a trap. If we stay as merciful and naive as we were, we may need some less than savory options.

She turns to the elven bladesinger You learned the Skull Trap spell, knowing fully it taps into the Negative Energy Plane*. The same can be said for the Bells of the Dead that Deneir granted me the use of. I have prepared several divine curses for the day. If blinding, cursing and damning our enemies is needed for us to stay merciful, so be it. If using a command spell some dark entity granted me could save a life, I will use it.

The cleric ends, seemingly accepting no further discussion. On that note, do we have a strategy in mind? I feel our usual thing of Deneir blessing you so you go in and massacre everyone is not cutting it, right?

*If the Shadowfell does not exist yet, lorewise.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

"Come now, Senna. You know that’s a false equivalency. Skull Trap is a Necromancy spell and Necromancy isn’t evil in and of itself. Would you deny someone a Resurrection spell on the grounds of moral superiority because it draws on necromantic energy?" The elf’s tone is one close to academic discussion but there is obvious worry in her voice. "We do not know where these powers come from and, perhaps more importantly, we do not know the price attached to them. If you want to use these ‘gifts’ as you call them, I cannot stop you but consider the dreams - or better yet, nightmares - associated with them. Consider the future they show and the dark pall it casts over us. For all we know these powers may be fueled by the souls of the damned. Or may even be damning our own."

[Amnestic]

Vala may have been eavesedropping, or she may just have extremely coincidental timing. Regardless, at the question of strategy the kitchen door slides open and the young musician/chef emerges holding two large, laden trays piled high with food. Plates of sizzling bacon and sausage, sliced bread (some toasted, some not), cheese platters, fruit spreads, some more hellfire pepper poppers, along with jugs of apple juice, water and wine for drinks. It looks like far too much for a woman of her stature, but she carries it with seemingly little issue and practiced balance. Were it not for the padding footsteps of soft shoe on wood floor her movement would be entirely silent - no rattling on the trays, no jingle of cutlery. Empty plates and cups are slid in front of you as she places the trays in the centre of the table, before taking a seat herself, immediately grabbing a few sausages and slices of bacon.

It's only once she's taken a chewy bite that she actually looks at your gathered group and remarks, with hand covering her full mouth and all the tact of someone who may have once heard about table etiquette but never practiced it, "We're missing one. Vyvian not an earlybird?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I would sooner find a way to get rid of it than let any of those nightmares come true," Sam states intently, at Senna's continued justifications. His hand balls into a fist against his knee, and he glances to the side at Grepha. "I'm willing to give your suggestion a try," his words float to her through their telepathic link and, were she not presently equipped with a beak, the imp would have grinned.

That's when Vala arrives, her timely delivery of food all too welcome. Sam immediately grabs some cheese and wine - he always hears them paired together in the nobles' talk, so they must go good together. "Earlier than us," he mutters through a mouthful, before swallowing and telling Vala more clearly, "She left with some friends. It's just us."

"I like this one. We should keep her," Grepha compliments as she snags a piece of bacon.

[Amnestic]

"Huh," Vala seems a bit surprised at the news of Vyvian's exit, but not terribly torn up about it. "Well just us five...or six...or seven...or eight?" She points at the familiars each in turn adding them to the count. "When I say it like tha-" She stops mid sentence abruptly, deciding not to finish whatever thought she had conjured. Sometimes her mouth worked faster than her mind, but it seems she caught up this time. She changes topics, tone clearly hoping to not be pressed further on whatever she had thought. "So, Wood of Sharp Teeth then. Have you got a plan in mind for finding the camp you're - sorry, I guess it's we, not really used to being in a group - we're after? I'm not much for tracking unfortunately, not really something I had to cultivate growing up."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

I can track. And I can speak to the creatures, spirits, and servants of nature that are rumored to be in the woods. If the camp is there, we'll be able to find it eventually. We just need to hope they don't find us first. Caelee quickly assembles a large plate of food and begins tucking into it with a fervor. She was used to eating whatever she could hunt up for the group for meals, so she felt very pampered to have Vala cooking them such delicacies. Assembling a breakfast sandwich from the meats, cheeses, and bread, she enjoys every bite as though it might be their last.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Should we notify and work with the Flaming Fist?" Sam suggests, looking out the window. "We know they're on the roads patrolling for the bandits. I'm sure they'd be glad to know where their hideout is."

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

As Vala enters the room, Melian drops the discussion and focuses on the food. She pointedly ignores the reference to Vyvian and silently thanks Sam for addressing it.

"Working with the First might be wise," she says in agreement, spearing a sausage with her fork. "We've helped with the iron crisis so far, they may welcome more help."

Pouring herself some wine, she turns to Vala and thanks her. "This is an amazing spread. Thank you." Despite being perfectly friendly, her voice still betrays the sadness she feels at Vyvian's leaving and the unease from the interrupted discussion.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna sits down, picking a hearty but moderate portion. The Fist will grant us protection but likely will rob us any chance of sneaking in or surprising the enemy. But we may want them to take a few people into custody.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I'm thinking we could slip in and open up the defenses for the Fist? We don't have the numbers to take on two full bandit gangs, not in the middle of their own camp. And without Vyv we really don't have the skills to sneak in and pick them off or anything like that... And the Fist probably don't have enough to spare on short notice to take them down head on. But maybe together we could manage it," Sam explains his plan hopefully. "I could go with the Fist too, and cover them with my darkness spell when they move in to keep them from getting picked off with bows. And Grepha could help with infiltrating."

"Just remember that the Fist cannot learn of my true nature," the imp reminds him telepathically.

[Amnestic]

"Mmm." Vala sounds skeptical, taking a moment to down a cup of juice, with an appreciative 'ahhhh' afterwards. "If the Fists had any real idea of how to fix the bandits wouldn't they have done it already? Bunch of clankers running around the forest, even if they can spare them, probably give you - sorry, us - away before we get anywhere." She gives a non-committal shrug. "But I'll follow your lead. You've been doing this longer than me."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee chews her food for a few seconds, considering this information. Swallowing, she takes a drink of water and then speaks up. Bringing the Fist in seems like a good idea. Sam is right- even with our magics reaching new peaks we may have issue taking down that many bandits, let alone their brutish leader. I also agree with your tactics, Sam. We should go in first to cause mayhem and smack the bee's nest, then have them come in to match their numbers against the bandits while we take on any elements of particularly strong resistance. The trick will be actually getting them to coordinate with us without inhibiting our strengths. I don't know about you all, but I don't want to take orders from soldiers used to fighting man to man in hand to hand combat. She takes another bite and finishes it before continuing. I think I will have far more luck then they will at finding the camp. We may be able to leverage that in our negotiations.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Other than the Flaming Fist, we do have a lead and a bit of an internal power struggle to play off of. Senna says barely breathing through her teeth as she tasted some poppers for the first time. She tries to alleviate the pain and quickly remembers only diary or other fatty foods can quench her burning throat. She takes a large cheese wedge and plainly bites into it.

I propose the following. she says with a full mouth. We ask the Fist to follow us into the bandit areas, with an hour or two of delay. We stir up the situation and try to make prisoners rather than create bodies. When we are done, they swoop in and take them into custody. If we fail, at least someone knows were we are and they may try to free us.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

"We'll likely encounter a patrol or two enroute, we can try enlisting their help that way," Melian says before taking a sip of wine to wash down some cheese and bread. "We might consider asking Aintas for a letter of introduction. Something stating that we helped clear the Mines and apprehend an informant. If we have the official 'seal of approval' from the guard we might be taken more seriously."

[Amnestic]

Vala concedes her barely-argued position with a pleasant smile. If Flaming Fist help is the decision, then she supports it - though mostly in the form of moral support, she doesn't have any special connections or knowledge that can help. It takes a bit of time to polish off breakfast, with Vala eating a significant portion for her figure ("Well we're going to be hiking aren't we?"). She cleans up after you, grabbing the now emptied plates and trays and evacuating them to the kitchen while you grab your gear and finish any final preparations needed before you head out.

The cloudy morning is still drizzling, but only ever so slightly, and in the distance you can see shafts of sun beaming through the cloud cover splitting the heavens open. A lukewarm wind filled with cool raindrops promises clear weather before long. Your walk over to the guardpost goes smoothly, with no one bothering you save for a few very early setup stalls hawking their wares - meats, cloths, carved wooden trinket and toys mostly. The guardpost itself is missing the crucial component you were seeking in Aintas. Two familiar faces, for better or worse, are there instead. "Already buggered off south ain't he?" One of the two less-than-brilliant guards offers by way of explanation for his absence. "Escortin' that exile of his, came in right and proper and how do you do with his big success story, 'I've cracked the case!'" The second mocks. "Cracked his case right into a 3 day cross country trip guarding a ruddy messenger, as if that's a good way to spend our time." "Got important guardin' work to be doing don't we?" Their words are betrayed, somewhat, by the two of them sat at a table playing cards. They do, however, produce an unsealed envelope - not opened, it looks like it never had a seal applied at all - and hand it over. "Captain did say to give you this if you showed up, would have our hides if we messed that up. Aintas had her sort it out for ya."

Inside the envelope is a single piece of folded paper, revealing itself to be a letter of sorts. The penmanship is impeccable, with clear readability while still having an aesthetic style. At the bottom of the paper is a wax seal pressed onto the paper, the symbol contained therein being that of Beregost itself.


To whom it may concern,

Know that the bearers of this document are the individuals who were crucial in the cleansing of the Nashkel Mines. Their prowess in
combat has been recognised as an asset to Beregost, and to Baldur's Gate as a whole. Likewise they have shown skill with
regards to information gathering and investigation, albeit not without missteps at times. Though rash in their approach it is my belief
that their worth cannot be overlooked in these trying times. I attest to their abilities and put my name forward in granting them
support should they require it. Those of fair standing and of a lawful inclination should offer support in kind, so that they might continue
to aid us in when we are in need.

In honour,
Guard Captain Jessa Vai, Beregost Town Guard.

A second, smaller piece of paper flutters out of the envelope, and on it are just written the words
Had her fluff it up a bit. Hope it helps.

-Aintas


Letter in hand you get a chance to share any parting words, pleasant or otherwise, with your favourite two guards before returning to the street. Your last business concluded in Beregost for now you head out, slipping out the town's north road. Vala seems in a good mood, alternating between quietly humming, whistling and singing under her breath so as not to be too distracting but also quite clearly incapable of containing the song in her heart despite (or possibly because of) the wet weather. There's more traffic on the roads than you saw between Beregost and Nashkel, though it may feel a bit anemic still, and those you do see give your eclectic group a wide berth. It's some time - almost up to the ideal 'break point' to leave the roads to head east - before you do finally spot a Flaming Fist patrol - three soldiers, all wearing full plate armour from the top of their helmets to the toes of their boots. All three are clutching polearms, with crossbows slung across their backs. You hear the wet, squishy clanking of the metal before they get close, as the ground is still a bit sodden. The sun has broken through the cloud cover though, and your clothes should start drying off before long. The Flaming Fists stop a short distance away - within crossbow range but outside of melee - and one calls out "Hold! I am a member of the Flaming Fist. I require you to identify yourselves." Identical wording to the Flaming Fist member you met on the road to Nashkel, but the voice might be slightly different. The faces of the soldiers are obscured beneath their helmet faceplates.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Finishing up Breakfast

Swallowing the last of her sandwich, Caelee turns to Senna, attempting to keep her voice even. I will do my best to take down foes nonlethally, but I must admit that fire and lightning are not optimal for this task, and that is what I intend to bring to the fight. Other than that your plan seems sound. She pours herself a small glass of wine and begins nibbling at the cheese with Melian.

On the Road

Caelyn rides astride Rosc Roche as he drags the cart, affording her an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. She never was bothered by rain, so she periodically shook her head side to side to clear the droplets from her hair. She also never needed her hands to ride, so she was free to clap along to Vala's music, encouraging the song rather than suppressing it. The seed of regret was beginning to bloom into something warmer given time with the woman. She was just about to ask for another verse when they spotted the Flaming Fist patrol.

Stepping down from her horse, Caelee approached the Fist with her hand up in a hail. Travelers, adventurers, and would-be-heroes, sir! I'm Caelyn and these are my companions! We've been working on twarting the Iron Crisis, and we have a new lead that we'd like to share with your organization in hopes of taking down a major threat! She advanced on the soldiers with her hands clearly visible, the Beregost's town guard letter in her hand, ready to present it.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian alternates riding in the cart and walking to stretch her legs; she's quiet throughout the trip, keeping most of her attention on her familiar. Fëanáro flits among the trees by the road, both scouting and chasing small wildlife.

She offers the Fist a noncommittal wave when approached.

[Amnestic]

The plate-clad Fist takes hold of the paper, giving it a readthrough - or so it looks, at least. Face and body hidden behind metal it's difficult to tell their reaction. After a few moments he folds it and hands it back to Caelyn. "Says they're the ones who cleared Nashkel up, seal looks real enough too and they're not far off the reports." He remarks offhand to his fellow metal military, before turning back to the group. There's a definite street-twang to his voice now that he's speaking more naturally. It was hidden when he gave his command, perhaps masked by the practice he'd had to give it, but more casually his tone is one expected of kids growing up in street gangs (not that you have much experience with them in Candlekeep). "If it's a forgery it's better than one I can spot. I'm Corporal King. Make any jokes you want now, because this is the only time you get to."

Vala, who had grown quiet to let you take the lead, interjects immediately. "What's Corporal King's favourite drink? Royal-tea!" It's hard to gauge his reaction, but the two guards in the background give small snickers at the joke. King continues after any other puns or jabs are made, with a mix of amusement and resigned weariness in his voice.

"This is Private Tuna," he points his thumb over his right shoulder, "and Corporal Early." King jerks his head to the other one, with both soldiers giving casual salutes of greeting. "What's the lead?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Sam spends much of the trip lounging - or perhaps brooding - in the wagon and shuffling his cards idly. When they encounter a Fist patrol, Sam tucks away his cards and slides out the back. It's his plan, after all, so he should probably take some responsibility for it. Grepha remains behind, perched on the wagon.

Strolling up after Caelyn gives them the letter, he waves to each of them. "They call me Cheerful Sam - and if it makes you feel better, you can pretend Cheerful is my first name," he jokes with a wink. "We were able to track down one of the messengers for the bandits plaguing the roads, and he revealed their hideout. Mostly at least. They move around often in the same area. Buuut," he shrugs, "There are too many for us to handle alone, you see. Some of us might be able to infiltrate and sabotage the camp's defenses, but we're gonna need help with actually taking it down."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

On the trek
Say, Vala. I kind of did not want to bother you, but for a lady this strong you are pretty unassuming. Senna smiles a sheepish smile and she blushes. I do not want to impose anything on you, but if you derive your strength from a magic item, we should know. There are enough weird things we have seen at Talantyr's and peculiar stuff we carry around ourselves. But you have about my figure, and I am not holding my pack as easily as you do. Even though Rosc Roche does the majority of the heavy lifting.



In front of the Fist.
Senna bows to the Captain and approaches. Greetings Corporal. she says, omiting the pun inducing name to stop her from insulting a friendly face. To add to my friend's plan here, we are planning on investigating the bandit's involvement in the hostage situation at the Nashkel Mines. We have written proof that the leader's of two major bandit clans are linked to the head of the Mines desaster, led by a Cyric priest named Mulahey. She waves the letters in the air where Corporal King can see them. Our plan is to infiltrate and disperse the bandit group, with the Flaming Fist picking up any fleeing stragglers and bringing more order, and less dead bandits, to justice.

She looks at the expressionless 'faces' of the helmets, her face becomes grim. Even if you prefer them dead, we simply lack the strength to put several dozen bandits down. We are better agents than soldiers for the lack of a better word. Well, aside from Vala over there.

[Amnestic]

On the trek

Vala doesn't seem at all perturbed by the question, instead poking at the equipment stowed on her back. "Spear's magic, shield's magic, but that's it. Not got anything to boost my strength up, it's all 'me'." She gives a little hop on the last word, her pack jangling with pots and pans tied to the outside of it, almost to emphasise the weight she was carrying. "I know I don't look it, but it's just always felt very easy. Natural gifts and all that. I imagine if I trained my muscles properly I'd become the strongest woman in the world. Or nothing at all would change and I'd be exactly the same. One of those two. Maybe we'll find out on this trip. Gotta be more exercise than singing songs in taverns."

Flaming Fist Patrol

You can't see their faces, but when Corporal King speaks next it's hard to miss the air of skepticism in his voice. "That seems...pretty vague. Not like we could deploy on to a large area when we're stretched thin just patrolling the roads. If there's as many as you say it's going to take more than just me and these charmers, so you're probably after a deployment order from the higher ups. If you want to sell this as an 'operation' to the officers they'll need concrete details, as much as possible. What exactly do you know?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"There are two bandit groups working together," Sam begins explaining to the Fist, "The Blacktalons are your typical bandits, and they've been recruiting like crazy. The other group is the Chill, who are mostly 'monsters' like orcs and ogres. They don't get along too well, so the camp is likely split into two sections. They move from place to place in the Forest of Sharp Teeth, so the camp has to be something they can pack up and move, probably not any permanent fortifications like a fort."

[Amnestic]

Corporal King exhales through a loud, doubtful whistle. "That's...something at least, but no way do they sign off of on going to the Sharp Teeth if we don't know exactly where the camp is. Nevermind the manpower required, chances are we'd lose half of 'em trying to find the camp we're after. Not exactly a sneaky bunch our lot." Muttering from Tuna and Early behind him seem to back up the assertion. "Not to mention it'd take time to prep that many of us in the first place. If you can find where it is exactly and get word or lead us to it, then I can probably sell that, maybe start working the officers now to get some guys ready for the hike, but they won't sign off on a fact finding expedition in those woods, no matter what letters you've got. Confirmed location only sorta deal for sure." He glances over at Grepha, on the wagon. "Messenger bird would let you keep an eye on the camp and let you tell us where it's at."

Vala says nothing in the background, though if you were to try to disentangle her expression it perhaps be 'disappointed, but not surprised'.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Sure, we should be able to scout the camp's location ourselves," Sam agrees hopefully, not as dissuaded or skeptical as the others might be. "If you can smooth things over with the bosses, we'll get you the info you need."

[Amnestic]

"It's settled then. When you have the information send it to the Friendly Arm Inn - if I'm not there, those in the area will pick it up in my place, I'll let them know ahead of time. A sizeable squad it'll take at least two, maybe four days before we can get to you inside the woods, so you'll need to stay hidden until then. Of course if you want to clear it up without us..." he shrugs, "I wouldn't mind missing the action personally." Early knocks on the back of King's armour and whisper's something in his ear. "Yes, we're heading north now." King replies, to which his two companion's deflate, mumbling objections about "night in Beregost" and "Lady Heels".

"Anything else before we go?"

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

"Sounds like an easy enough plan for now," Melian adds somewhat quietly. "Better get going if we're to get much further."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Once we are out of the worst combat, I could plead my Lord Deneir to grant me the ability to instantly communicate with you. Just don't be alarmed when my voice echoes in your head, corporal. Senna smiles innocently. You two. she adresses Tuna and Early. if this works, you all might may be promoted. I cannot speak for your commanders, but vastly reducing the numbers of bandits in the area is a very nice thing, that would vastly improve Lord Eltan's standing, and with that, yours. So keep a stiff upper lip.

[Amnestic]

Senna's words do little to assuage the grumbling from Tuna and Early - a future benefit is distant, whereas Lady Heels was close, and now no longer is. They do follow King though, despite their grumblings. With your business concluded, the Fists turn on their heels and head north, while you split off east. The vast woods, partially obscured by small hillocks, quickly come into view and span as far left and right as you can see. Peaking out from above the treetops to the far south you can make out what seems to be a tower, likely Durlag's from your map, at least a day or two out of your way to the south (though you lack any cause to visit it currently).

Reaching the forest edge, it's hard to consider it as anything other than natural. The trees themselves are thick - mostly oaks and birches, with a few others mixed in for good measure - and blocking sightlines beyond maybe thirty or forty feet at most at a time. The close-knit trees make following the animal trail that Caelyn spots (your only indication of any sort of path or track) difficult at the best of times, with Rosc Roche's wagon frequently requiring either a roundabout route or unjamming from an errant branch or tree that's stuck in the wheel spokes. This slows your progress significantly through the forest, and given your lack of specific aim to begin with it makes it difficult to feel like any real progress is being made. Vala, for her part, seems to grin and bear it. Or at least bear it, after the third time she has to unjam the wagon's wheel her good mood is diminished somewhat.

The wildlife seems to give you a wide birth, though you occasionally catch glimpses of rabbits, foxes and birds, and distant animal calls are a common backing soundtrack to your trek. Maybe two or three miles into your journey, the trail suddenly breaks into a wide clearing of trees. The sun's still high in the sky, with hours left before it reaches the horizon yet. Thick, but not overgrown, grass and bushes are spread across the area but more notably are the thick stone slabs laid around the clearing edges. They're roughly hewn, if they were carved at all and not simply the byproduct of natural rockfall or splitting. Some are stood tall, some laid longwise, almost as if they're benches alongside fallen tree trunks, and a few of them are arranged atop one another in what could be called an altar. Standing in the centre of the clearing, by the altar, is a man with his back to you. He's dressed in hides or leathers, with a staff decorated in leaves and feathers clutched in one hand. A mop of bright ginger hair, easily reaching past his shoulders, falls against his hunched back. As he's over 50' away from the treeline where you're currently stood, any words he might be speaking are lost on the winds.

Vala clutches her spear quietly, but doesn't make any sort of move. "What's the plan then? Make nice and hope they do the same?"



It's a big tower or castle or something like that. I guess a guy called Durlag owned it at some point?



A local landmark previously constructed and owned by Durlag Trollkiller, a famed hero who amassed a great fortune during his life, and constructed the tower to safeguard himself, his family, and his wealth.



To say his fortune was 'great' is perhaps selling it short - entire rooms of his tower were filled with bulging sacks of gold, gems and other precious objects. Years as an adventurer hunting dragons, slaying drow and destroying troll clans had given Durlag wealth beyond measure, and at one point he may have been the richest man in all the world - a claim he would sometimes state, and those of 'old money' would vehemently dispute.

The tower itself is, or at least, was, protected by a vast array of traps mechanical or magical or both, and it has not been inhabited by 'civilised' creatures - of Durlag's clan or otherwise - for hundreds of years, despite its relative proximity to Baldur's Gate and Beregost. Though some have attempted to pierce its depths in search of wealth, they often run afoul of traps or monsters that have taken up residence in its absence.



Rumours abound that the tower is now home to devilish fiends once vanquished by Durlag, or the haunting ghosts of the Durlag's family who was slain by the fiends, or both. How and why Durlag died is still a mystery left to the lower floors beneath the surface. The most common theory is that Durlag's wealth turned him mad, and when trolls came to to claim revenge for their slain brethren he and his family were in no position to retaliate properly, leaving them all to be massacred. The trolls then fell to the magical traps - traps which reset themselves.

None who have penetrated so deep have lived to discover the truth leaving it up to little more than speculation by scholars, and few in modern times wish to sincerely attempt the expedition. What is known is that a number of basilisks have recently 'claimed' the upper floors, and the few people who tried to take it back ended up as little more than ghoulish statues, putting even the most brave of treasure hunters on edge.




While this is too small and lacks proper coverings to be a druid grove itself, the arrangements of the stones and the altar especially indicate this was a spot used by druids to conduct rituals, meetings or other business.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

As Sam begins to absentmindedly wander into the clearing, Grepha snaps at the side of his head with her beak to get his attention. "Back." At her pecking and telepathic warning, he scoots back into cover with the others.

"Sorry," he whispers, even though the mystery figure is still far away. Looking around at the clearing's 'decorations' he hums a bit to himself. "I think this is some kind of druid site. Caelyn, maybe you should take the lead here?"

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn looks at Sam and swallows, nodding. She felt a twist in the pit of her stomach as she stood straight, removed her story staff from it's strap on her backpack, and strode into the grove on unsteady legs, trying her best to seem serious, serene, and wise. That's how druids were supposed to act, right?

Hail! She spoke in common first, then cleared her throat and spoke in Druidic, hoping she didn't have some sort of accent.

Hello! I come with my friend and family to find an enemy that hides in this forest. An enemy that takes from nature, leaves death in it's wake, and has drawn the ire of the lords of men. My name is Caelyn Syol'arael. May I come closer and speak with you further?

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian perks up noticeably when the fortified tower comes into view. "That must be Durlag's Tower! I've read accounts of it in Candlekeep; Durlag Trollkiller's castle and homestead, where he and his family lived after he amassed a fortune adventuring. It is a shame that he and his kin are no more. Still, it must be a wonderful sight!" she then thinks a moment before continuing. "Although, accounts of fiends and devilish traps abound. And basilisks. Thalantyr has spells to protect from the latter; not sure about the former."

As the group comes across the clearing, Melian looks upon the stones with interest but hangs back, allowing Caelyn to represent the group.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Say Vala, what is your opinion of planar Outsiders?" Grepha asks offhandedly as Caelyn ventures out.

[Amnestic]

Vala doesn't even look at Grepha, her eyes are set on the (potential) druid in the centre of the grove. Her expression softens just a touch around the edges of her eyes, but the grip on her spear stays tight. "You're cute and all Grepha, but if you're asking me out on a date I'm going to have to turn you down. I just don't think it'd work between us." She doesn't smile when she speaks, but the quiet amusement in her voice says she's not taking the conversation that seriously, even if the grove is taking most of her attention.

Out in the open the man turns to Caelyn's voice and you get a look at his face for the first time. Haggard, with deep black bags underneath his eyes. Dried tearstreaks mar his sallow cheeks. His beard (or what's becoming his beard) is as unkempt as his hair, with tufts that seem to have either been pulled or simply fallen out of it, leaving it uneven and patchwork. Shivering sable eyes lock on Caelyn as she speaks, though how much he actually takes in is another matter entirely. When he does speak his voice is panicked, broken, escalating between high and low octaves with every word, every syllable, as if he isn't used to speaking in the first place. Hot spittle flies from his mouth when he opens to reply. The words are loud enough that they carry into the treeline, with the rest of the party able to hear it clearly, half-shriek, half-shout. "M...MONSTER! You slaughter my brothers, poison my mind, and then mock me by speaking our sacred tongue!?"

He turns away, muttering to himself inaudible words, head jittering this way and that, before spinning back round to face Caelyn, staff brandished directly at her. "I will avenge them, avenge them all!"

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

We mean no harm and have a druid on our own. As far as I know druidic teachings center around a cosmic balance, so I don't think an archdruid is an extremist. Or at least I hope they are not. Senna says as she waves to the old man and approaches. Halfway there, she summons Glyph into her arms and whispers into the cat's ears. The familiar bridges the rest of the distance between the cleric and the old hermit, pawing at the legs of the old man and starting to purr.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Grepha snickers at Vala's comment. "No, just wondering how long I have to-" she's cut off as the old man in the circle of stones starts yelling. Sam stands and steps out of hiding, holding up his hands placatingly.

"Whoa, hey, easy there. We're not whoever you think we are, dude. We just got here!"

Diplomacy (Treat Senna as Help?)
[roll0]
[roll1]

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn raises both hands, eyes going wide with surprise. I swear to you on my connection to nature that it was not us that did these things. As my dragonborn friend said, we have just arrived here. She takes a deep breath and begins speaking in Druidic again, though hesitantly.

Peace, friend. We come to fight monsters, not become them. Please, calm yourself and tell me of your troubles. Perhaps we can help.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

As the man's maddened voice breaks the stillness, Melian instinctively begins scanning the clearing and the treeline opposite their position, fearful of a possible ambush. He left hand lightly grasps her blade's scabbard and, pushing a thumb against the guard, loosens it so it is ready to draw.

• Perception: [roll0]

[Amnestic]

The vagabond druid plants his hands on his ears, staff still in hand. "No no no! You're lying, you're all liars. I know what you are, what all of you are! Let the wrath of Malar destroy you and your faithless companions!" He kicks out at Glyph, who evades the foot before ramming his staff into the ground. Vala immediately breaks the tree cover and rushes to the forefront but - and you - are too slow to stop the spell from taking effect. Thick roots burst forth from the staff's base in four directions as the altar glows with a sickly green light. The fast plantgrowth immediately begins to take form into that of misshapen animals, recognisable despite being made up of little more than vines, mud and grass, yet clearly 'wrong'. A bear, an eagle, a wolf, and a boar. Tusks and teeth and claws seem to be formed from stone pulled straight from the ground.

The plant-beasts summoned, the mad druid tugs his staff back into his hands and brandishes it once more.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/786233741919387688/unknown.png

Dim light while under the trees, but otherwise bright light abounds. 1/2 cover if you're at least two squares 'in' to a tree cover.

Couldn't find decent tokens for "plantbeasts" so they're just normal tokens, sorry about that. They are decidedly plants though, and not normal beasts. Imagine shambling mounds (or Tanglea from pokémon if that's more your thing) except formed into animal shapes.

Difficult terrain trying to climb over rocks or the altar. That's about it I think.

No sign of an ambush or anything for Melian.

Initiative wise the druid rolled low, so everyone gets a turn first. I'll be taking Vala just for this fight to get some narration about her abilities, then let others pilot (if so desired) for future fights.





Malar is a lesser deity, evil, and usually associated with lycanthropes.



His titles include the Beastlord and the Blackblooded One. He finds worshippers among druids and barbarians, who often receive blessings or curses similar to or associated with lycanthropy. His dogma involves the spreading of the lycan curse, and a general contempt for civilisation. He is often depicted as a monkey-wolf hybrid, with a head covered in blood-red fur and his symbol is a lcyanthrope's claw dripping with blood.



Malar was originally one of the Deities of Fury and lead by Talos. He often sided with Lolth, the spider goddess of the Drow. He was defeated during the Time of Troubles by Nobanion the King of Beasts, an exarch of Silvanus, but as with most/all gods they're never truly gone.

Notably Malarites are forbidden from slaying young or pregnant, in apparent recognition that they are not worthy targets of the Hunt.

High Hunts are their primary form of celebration, occurring 4 times a year on Midwinter, Greengrass, Midsummer and the Feast of the Moon. They involve a sporting event in which a predetermined 'mark' (usually a humanoid male) is equipped with non-magical equipment and set loose in a vast area with a guarded boundary, often woodlands. Participants in the hunt must find and kill the mark before sunrise to earn glory and prestige with their good. Should the mark survive until sunrise, they are allowed their freedom and immunity from all future hunts, along with a boon from the Huntmaster/Huntmistress.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Sam steps up behind Vala and places a hand upon her back. "Stand fast," his voice resonates, granting her magical protection. He steps back into tree cover, to avoid being bunched up. He's seen all the widespread magic Caelyn can use.

Taking of from her perch, Grepha vanishes from view, keeping an eye out for anything she needs to do.

Sam
Move 1 SE.
Cast Heroism on Vala.
Move 1 S, 1 SW.

Grepha
Action to go invisible.
Take flight and move 3 spaces above where Senna currently is.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

If you cannot see reason, we will make you see it. Senna says as her holy symbol is already encapsulated in a mandala of magical circles. Deneir, shackle these creatures so arcane and natural retribution can hit them.

A pale light bluish hue shackles the creature's hooves, claws and paws to the ground.

Bear [roll0]
Eagle [roll1]
Wolf [roll2]
Boar [roll3]

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn took a step back at the utterance of the name of the god of predation, recognition flooding her features. This was not a brother druid, dedicated to a benevolent balance. This was a druid who worshipped an evil aspect of nature. Her lips drew back in a snarl as a small bead of light began to grow in her palm. She lifted her hand, braced her wrist with the opposite hand, and began to shout.
In the name of Mielikki I burn you, servant of dark power!
The small bead of flame zipped forward, coming to rest directly in front of the mad druid. For half a second Caelyn was confused. Was her power too weak for this spell? Then the bead of flame erupted into a massive fireball, racing out in all directions to encompass not just the druid but his plant servants as well. The young woman's eyes went wide, her jaw dropped, and she clasped her hands in a moment of pure awe. So pretty...

Fireball, I choose you! Dexterity DC 14 for half. Druid- [roll0]. Bear [roll1]. Eagle [roll2]. Wolf [roll3]. Boar [roll4]. Damage- [roll5]

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian draws her sword and for a split second time seems to slow to a crawl - she sees Vala begin her advance and notices the small, familiar bead streaking from Caelyn's outstretched hand.

"Malarite," Melian says in disgust as she begins the arcane gestures with her offhand before pointing to the druid and the altar. Another small, fiery bead streaks forth and erupts in a cacophony of flame, enveloping the malarite and his creations.

• Move: Draw weapon
• Bonus: --
• Action: Fireball centered on Malarite
- [roll0] Fire damage, DEX Save DC 15 for Half
- Druid: [roll1]
- Bear: [roll2]
- Eagle: [roll3]
- Boar: [roll4]
- Wolf: [roll5]

[Amnestic]

Senna's spell shimmers around the four plant-beasts, their vines creaking loudly in response, their movement slowed. Slowed enough that when two bursts of fire fly forth directly into the druid, they are far slower on their reactions than they might otherwise be. The cataclysmic boom-pow double explosion sends birds flying from the trees around you and animals screeching in fear. Heat engulfs the entire grove, washing over you and bringing water to yours eyes. By the time the smoke clears the green grass of the grove at the impact point has been burned to cinders, the stone altar blackened with ash and char and the treestumps turned to black coal. Three have fallen immediately - the bear, the eagle and the boar, but the wolf and druid still stand.

Vala nods thankfully at Sam's passing spell, barreling forward to stand between you and the druid. As she moves, her voice - louder and more reverberant than usual - calls out a single word. "Ascleh!" A shimmering white aura forms around her along with a spectral crown of lotus flowers around her head. The aura exists for just a moment, fading quickly, though she does seem a touch more...radiant afterwards, as if the light is bending to highlight her. Her feet carry her forward, raking her spear across the side of the plant-wolf's body head-to-tail to finish it off. Not content with that she leaps and makes another strike on the druid, but despite his burned skin, singed hair and now a spear-wound in his side he refuses to concede. Instead he brandishes his now-burning staff at Caelyn, ignoring the warrior in his path and instead focusing on the one who would dare to 'befoul' the language of druidic, in his mind at least. He mutters a quiet incantation and Caelyn immediately feels the effects of the spell as necrotic energy surrounds and pierces her body, siphoning her strength. Her mouth goes dry, her sweat evaporates, and it feels like all the moisture has left her world. Even the grass around her seems to have dried, withered and died, simply due to its proximity to the spell affecting her. Despite the pain and the thirst, somehow she knows it could have been worse, and that she managed to fight off the worst of it.


https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/786560470546382848/unknown.png

Caelyn made her save, so she only takes 21 necrotic damage instead of 42(!). The wolf had 4 HP before Vala finished it off.

Vala also used one of her 3/LR Divine Fervors.




Its closest direct translation is simply 'Invoke', though that doesn't capture the nuance of its use - 'Convoq' is usually used instead to mean invoke in common celestial speech. 'Ascleh' has more significant connotations specifically related to calling on a god's power, both to give praise and as a request - or in some extreme cas. It's often used specifically in rituals and isn't a word used lightly or freely by most celestial beings.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Running further into the field, Sam gathers two bolts of crackling green energy in his palms and hurls them at the mad druid. Grepha circles the clearing from above, watching for trouble that might be lurking - or drawn to their loud and bright display of magic.

Sam
Move 6 E.
Cast Eldritch Blast on Druid, twice
[roll0]
[roll1] force damage
[roll2]
[roll3] force damage

Grepha
Move 3 N, keep watch over the surrounding woods.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Moving slightly closer while still keeping the treeline as cover, Melian weaves an icy ray to strike at the druid.

Looks like there's half of a 2x2 token NW of Melian. Please let me know if it's an actual creature, in which case my plans will likely change a bit.
• Move: 2 squares E
• Bonus: --
• Action: Ray of Frost vs Malarite
- Attack: [roll0]
- Damage: [roll1]
- Crit: [roll2]

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Reeling with pain and recognizing how close she came to death, Caelee shakily stands from one knee, a look of determination in her eyes. Lifting her longbow, Caelee knocks her white birch arrow and draws back the string. A searing arrow flies from the bow without the string being released, soaring towards the druid.





Fire bolt away! [roll0] to hit and [roll1] fire damage.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna moves closer, to where the plant bear was. Her tabard glows a faint blue, as she invokes her deity's power. We have the power of the divine, the arcane and nature on our side. Submit!

Magic Missile [roll0]

[Amnestic]

The combination of spells slamming into the druid bring his life to a swift end. As he falls to the ground a long, perhaps inch-wide crack splits up along one side of his staff and there's a rush of magic energy escaping - harmlessly, it seems, but noticeable regardless. Vala didn't even get a chance to attack a second time leaving her somewhat unfulfilled. As if to make sure the man's dead she flips her spear grip to reverse and thrusts the point down into his neck, twisting it twice before removing it. The blood that slowly seeps from the wound tells anyone with a basic grasp of anatomy that the druid's heart has stopped beating.

To the north, The Invisible Grepha spots another figure hiding in the treeline, dressed similarly to the malarite you just dispatched. He appears older, though this may just be short, neat grey hair giving him an aged look rather than any actual years. He's clearly trying to hide himself, though not doing a very good job of it. His hides, furs and leathers do a poor job mixing in with the greenery around him. He seems to have been there from some time, and he's making no moves at all. Indeed he seems rather pleased with the situation, a sly smirk playing across his features, and he makes no attempt to either leave or advance for now. There's none of the madness that your previous opponent had, his eyes seem keen, calculated and cunning. He also appears well fed and groomed, all things considered, though the dirt of the wilds still clings to some of his skin and clothing.


Saving loot until you get a moment of quiet since there's more potential conflict on the horizon, but this fight at least has ended.

I'm pretty satisfied with how that fight went, considering the resources expended.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Another druid to the north it seems. Very pleased with himself that we slew the malarite. Be cautious, he has a devil's eyes," Grepha communicates to Sam, silently.

Going over to Melian, Sam pats her on the shoulder. "Nice work! You and Cae were right on point with those fireballs, what a show! There's another druid to the north. Grepha says he's not an ally of this guy, but to be careful of him."

Should the second druid begin to leave, Grepha will tail him invisibly.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Approaching the lighting, Senna kneels down to investigate the corpse, and more importantly his staff. I assume the staff's magic has ceased, but we should take it with us regardless. the cleric says without touching it. Caelyn, do you assume it is safe to touch? Sam, do you think we should bury him?

Should we make him think he can leave undetected or confront him? I am for talking.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian approaches her siblings and pitches her voice low. "We should speak with this observer. He might be allied with the bandits and it would not bode well for us to have our presence made known yet."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Taking the two votes as consensus, Sam turns to look at the northern end of the clearing where Grepha spotted their unknown watcher. Raising a hand, he waves, "Hail, friend! You look pleased as the cat that caught the canary that the old guy bit it. Why don't we talk?"

Persuasion: [roll0]

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn strides forward, stows her bow on her back, and snatches the staff with one hand. She didn't know why, but it felt... important. Then she turned to face the druid her family had identified, facial features and eyes hard as stone.

[Amnestic]

When Caelyn picks up the staff it's cold to the touch, chillier than the air around you, as if the rush of magic leaving it has left it hollowed of warmth. It doesn't feel 'hostile' at least, there's no twinge of negative energy, at least not one you can perceive at the moment. Vala gives it a passing glance, eyes pinging between the staff and Caelyn's face, but whatever she was looking at it seems to not be there, since she turns away towards the man to the north. The crown of lotus flowers wilts from her head, spectral petals falling one by one and vanishing as they touch the ground.

The moment Sam calls out to the man a flicker of concern passes over his face, but he collects himself quickly enough, replacing the smirk with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. He holds no weapons in his hands, that are outstretched and raised in a gesture of peace, but a wooden club does hang loosely at his belt. "Peace, peace," he says. His tone oozes with a smug superiority, and he moves as if he's under no real threat. "I must apologize for the actions of Osmadi. He had lost his mind after what happened here... some days past. A group of bandits, calling themselves the Chill, entered our camp as we worked upon this shrine. They killed and murdered everyone they came across, including some of Osmadi's close friends. I couldn't bear to leave him in this state and so was keeping watch in the hopes that he might recover and find his mind once more. Ah, but I haven't introduced myself, you may call me Corsone."



Need an hour or an identify spell to learn what the deal is with it, so put a pin in that.



If his attitude didn't give it away all on its own, you get the distinct impression from his body language that he's lying about a few things.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian walks carefully towards the approaching man, suspicion obvious in her eyes. "If you were watching over him why didn't you intervene when we fought?"

• Insight: [roll0]

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Weirdly calm after seeing such an explosive spectacle, Senna approaches Corsone.

You are awfully quick with excuses and explanations, and fast with trying to make us our friends for someone who just saw their good 'friend' slaughtered before them. Senna uses air quotes around the friend part of the sentence. At the very least I do not think you two were as close as you claim to be, so you better tell us the real deal, or we can get very complicated very quickly. And I know you carry yourself as if we were just mere gnats waiting to be squished, but believe me when I say we are pretty sturdy.

Senna's voice carries no intention of threatening yet, but she does not seem amused or in the mood for playing around.

[Amnestic]

The man's arms drift down slightly at your resonably-founded accusations, his expression briefly twitching to frustration before returning to the same, thin smile. "It just happened so fast," he begins, voice sickly sweet, "I had little time to react. By the time I saw what was happening you'd already killed him, though in truth that may have been a mercy. And after you dispatched him so readily, I didn't want to make myself known. You do seem rather dangerous. Oh, not that I begrudge you at all. He had lost his mind. I think you can understand that sometimes one doesn't have a choice." His fingers flex a bit, as he maintains his position of holding his hands in the air.

In the background from the conversation, Vala tugs open a small bag at her waist and removes a small fruitcake, perhaps the size of a child's fist, and pushes it rather hastily into Caelyn's empty hand. "Eat, quick." she whispers before quietly moving up to stand with the rest of the party's discussion with Corsone.


Should Caelyn eat the cake she gains 6 temporary hitpoints.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

While he has spoken with the group, Grepha circles around behind Corsone, keeping an eye out for hidden weapons, of which she will naturally warn Sam.

"And what exactly is this shrine for?" Sam asks, watching the man's twitchy facial movements carefully. "Osmadi was a worshiper of Malar. Clearly whatever druid circle the two of you were a part of was up to no good. Give us a good reason to let you keep doing whatever it is this wretched site was made for."

Grepha Perception: [roll0]

Sam Intimidation: [roll1]

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 18/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee takes the fruit cake and eats it down in two bites, quickly finishing it off and wiping away the crumbs. Then she takes a moment and intones a spell, passing her hands over the withered skin from the enemy druid's spell and wincing as the familiar pain of her healing magic takes effect, curing some of her wounds. Then she steps forward and plants the staff, moving into a loose formation with her family, but keeping her distance in case of some large magic. Speak plainly, druid. It is unbecoming of our allegiance to nature to lie so freely. Or, in your case, so poorly. If you must, speak in the tongue you and I share and be done with your lies.





Casting a cure wounds spell with a first level slot. [roll0]. Also, yummy yummy cake. Taking the help action to give someone advantage on their social roll.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

The wizard circles slowly to the west, crossing her arms but resting her fingertips on her sword's hilt. She readies herself in case the druid attacks.

[Amnestic]

Corsone gives a wide, heavy, patronising sigh. "Truth then, I suppose. You know, I was more than happy to let you all traipse on your merry way after putting down Osmadi for me. Not that I couldn't have done it myself, I was just enjoying watching him suffer." He says it with only the slightest hint of casual malice in his voice. "Perhaps if he'd kept his mad mouth quiet you would've accepted what I said and gone on with your life? Maybe? Hm, probably not. Alas, alas. The Chill really did kill them all, that was the truth, but they were only able to do so after I had them dosed with poison that addled the mind and muddled the body. They were weak, so weak, even before the poison, and merely because they also served the Beastlord does not mean they were worthy of his blessings. My fellow Shadow Druids and I will purge all weakness from the ranks, so that we might carry out nature's will completely and absolutely. We will not be held back by weakness" He adds, switching language to a flawless and yet still smug druidic in response to Caelyn. "Now you will all feel the fury of our powers."

He tugs the club from his belt and magic begins to flow around him, but Sam is quicker on the draw, getting a chance to strike first.


https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/788395380110524456/unknown.png

Initiative went less in your favour this time.

Turn order is Sam->Enemy (Corsone)->Everyone->Enemy.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

In the midst of the Shadow Druid's monologue, Grepha drops to the ground and shifts back into imp form, creeping nearer to him invisibly. Once close enough, she reaches for his belt and pockets to pluck from him is spellcasting focus.

Meanwhile, Sam moves forward and gathers flames in his hands, throwing them forwards with an Infernal incantation invoking hellfire.

Grepha
Move 3 S, 1 SW.
Grepha attempts Sleight of Hand to steal Corsone's Druidic Focus.

Stealth: [roll0]
Stealth Advantage: [roll1]

Sleight of Hand: [roll2]
Invisibility/Surprise Advantage?: [roll3]

Sam
Move 2 SE, 1 E.
Cast Burning Hands on Corsone, using 1st level Bard slot.
Damage: [roll4] Fire
Save: [roll5] Dex for half (DC 14)
Grepha is hit, but is immune.

[Amnestic]

Grepha's claw slips into Corsone's pocket, the invisibility keeping him from noticing her ahead of time, but she finds no focus, no spell components to steal. Instead she grasps a few dried fruits and nuts, along with some small bones - probably a bird. No, his spell focus was already clenched in hand. Even as Corsone turns against the worst of the flames the magic is coalescing around the club as he raises it to the heavens, incanting his spell. The sun that otherwise blazed bright upon you begins to dim, the light morphing as the sky blue turns from bright to dark. In but a moment night has settled in over the grove - a localised night though. Beyond the trees, beyond the immediate area, you can see that sun shining down on the rest of the Wood of Sharp Teeth, but here in this place night has fallen, and the moon is shining, all too brightly.

Around the central altar is where the power seems to be focused the most, and before those nearby can react the light intensifies, changing from oddly soothing to immediately painful. Vala and Caelyn receive the worst of it, but Senna isn't saved from the searing power of the moon, it burns down on the three ladies nearest the altar but Corsone isn't done. He collapses forward onto all fours and his body begins to change. His nose elongates into a muzzle, his ears sharpen, and his entire body grows out, all the while covering his skin with thick brown fur. A tail bursts forth as his armour and clothes split apart and by the time the transformation completes a ten foot tall humanoid wolf monster is stood in Corsone's place. He howls at the moon above, hot spittle oozing from between his razor sharp fangs. He drops into a half crouch, ready to pounce against his foes.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/788448194849144832/unknown.png

Senna takes 10 radiant damage. Caelyn and Vala both take 21 (already updated on map) because they missed the Con save. It's not really a secret but this is a refluffed Dawn spell which I'm creatively going to name 'Dusk' which does the same thing except with night time/moonlight instead of daylight. If Caelyn is interested in the darkness she can add it to her spell list when she gets to 5th level spells, but might not be exactly on theme for her.

Everyone's turn!

Vala's turn is going to involve running forwards and stabbing it, just an fyi for tactics planning.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

With Grepha telepathically helping aim his shots, Sam fires two bolts of crackling green energy at the giant wolf-man in an attempt to fling him into his own spell.

Sam
Cast Eldritch Blast at Corsone.
Blast 1: [roll0]
Adv: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] force and shove 10 feet
Blast 2: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] force and shove 10 feet

Grepha
Help Action to attack Corsone. This should not break her invisibility, as it is not an attack, I believe.
Move 1 NW, grab a healing potion from Sam, and move 2 W, 2 SW.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 14/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: Blood in her teeth
Concentrating on: Moonbeam (10 rounds)

Releasing a scream to the newly darkened heavens, Caelyn has to fight not to crumple under the searing moonlight of the Shadowdruid's spell. The pain causes her mind to go blank for a second. Shaking, she nearly stumbles. But then she catches herself. Taking a deep breath, she stands straight, her eyes wide open with anger. She remembers the dream. She remembers how good it felt to slay the Shadowdruids in that vision. And now she wants that feeling to be real. If you're still offering power... I'll take some now, whatever you are... Then she breaks into a sprint, running thirty five feet to the west, seeking to get some distance from her companions. Spread out! Stay out of the light! Drawing her bow as she runs, she nocks her white birch arrow and draws back the string, sending a bolt of radiant energy flying up into the newly darkened sky. Shouting in Druidic, she curses her foe in a tongue only they can understand and a beam of radiant light of her own comes down focused on him.

You're not the only one who can control moonlight, you bastard!





Moving 35 feet west, out of the effect of his spell. Casting Moonbeam, centered on the Shadowdruid. He makes a DC 15 Con Save with disadvantage for half of [roll0] damage. Save- [roll1] Disadvantage [roll2]. If he fails he must change back and can't transform while the cylinder of light is on him.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: Bestow Curse (disadv. Wisdom)

Before Senna is hit by the rays of moonlight, she is able to wave her hand forcing the Weave to deflect the brunt of damage. Without the proper incantations however, she is still hit and manages to wrestle down a high pitched scream.

She leaves the area of the burning moonlight to the west. If you choose insanity, then Deneir shall muddle your mind with divine riddles! she points at the wolf, and a coronet of glyphs appears on its head.

All that talk about divine shields is just fluff.
Wisdom save vs. disadvantage on wisdom saves [roll0]

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h), Bladesong (1min)
Concentrating: --

Melian draws both her sword out of her scabbard and the Weave around her in a flash, she falls into the now familiar Bladesinger stance and slowly edges her way toward the enormous wolf-man.

• Move: draw Moonblade, move 10' NE along log (edit: if wolfman gets pushed south, make this 10' E).
• Action: Mage Armor on Self
• Bonus: Bladesong

• Bbbbbuffing round complete. Will proceed to whack-a-wolf next round.

- Bladesong: 1min, +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration.

[Amnestic]

Whatever quips or remarks Corsone may have made, they're stymied by his new form, and at the roar of anger and pain from the beams from Sam knocking him back, followed by the moonlight shining down from Caelyn. His own searing light fades away before he can be hurt by it, though the dim light of night remains overhead. Vala surges forward, igniting for a second time with energy just as quickly as the last bout had vanished, lashing out with reckless abandon with her spear. Two solid hits draw blood. With an immediate target now occupying Corsone's attention he launches at Vala, biting and clawing at her that draw her own blood in turn though she shrugs off the worst of it. Corsone pushes past her, putting Vala between him and Caelyn's spell, snarling with blood and torn clothing around his muzzle ready to unleash further attacks.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/788757691844657182/unknown.png

Vala takes a total of 10 damage (thanks to resistances from rage divine fervor). She's currently at 38/66 HP.

Also the guy should have +9 attack not +10, didn't affect anything in this round though.

The curse hit Corsone, though only barely. He made his saves vs. the moonbeam.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

As Corsone draws nearer again, Grepha serves around between his feet, attempting to trip him up invisibly before scooting out of the way and moving around the transfigured druid, making way towards Caelyn. She skids to a stop at the druid's feet.

Sam places a pair of fingers against his temple and whispers, the words slithering on a trail of inky darkness that swirls into the Shadow Druid's ears. "Poison... Worthless... Weak... Coward..." all manner of unflattering insults worm their way into his head, filled with malicious intent.

Sam
Will wait until Melian gets adjacent (if she does) and cast Dissonant Whispers on Corsone.
Wis Save: [roll0]
Disadvantage: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] psychic, halved on a save; if save fails, he must immediately use his reaction to flee from Sam as far as its speed allows, which should provoke from Vala (and Melian if adjacent).

Grepha
Help Action to attack Corsone, whoever attacks him next.
Move 5 SW.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 14/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:Moonbeam (9 rounds)

Drawing her bow back again, Caelee aims at the enemy druid and mentally refocuses the moonbeam, sending it roving over the field, passing harmlessly over Vala, and settling on the shadowdruid again. Change back, damn you. Change!





At the beginning of the shadow druid's turn the moonbeam takes effect again. DC 15 Con save with disadvantage for half damage. Must transform back and cannot shapechange in the beam if it fails. [roll0] damage. Saves- [roll1] and [roll2], taking the worse of the two.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: Bestow Curse (disadv. Wisdom)

More in sync, the small red-head steps a bit closer to the werewolf and let's the bells of the dead toll for Corsone.

Wisdom save vs Toll the Dead [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Stepping about 5 ft northwest.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h), Bladesong (1min)
Concentrating: --

The wizard twists the Weave into an icy ray to strike at the druid and advances until she can engage it in personal combat. Her voice, musical with the bladesong, rings out clear. "You will pay for attacking my family, Malarite."

• Action: Ray of Frost vs Big Bad Wolf
- [roll0]
- [roll1] cold
- Speed reduced by 10'
• Move: 10' E
• Bonus: --

- Bladesong: 1min, +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration.

[Amnestic]

Corsone is assailed from all sides - in front, behind and even above. Sam's spell doesn't seem to fully take root against the beastly malarite, and Senna's washes over him entirely, but Melian's chilling beam combined with Caelyn's blazing moonlight overhead combine to have him howl in agony, only accentuated when Vala curves her shield to knock his legs out from under him and deliver two piercing stabs with her spear as a follow up. He howls, louder and angrier than previously, and leaps back to his feet, immediately planting a bite into Vala's side. Blood covers his muzzle more than it already had, until Vala's able to push him off with a concerted effort.

Corsone doesn't wait around though, he rampages on, sweeping past Melian with a sideways swipe. Energy shimmers around the claws, the same colour as the energy that surrounded Vala, and it seems to dull or deflect the attack slightly turning it into far more of a grazing hit. Melian isn't the prime target though. Corsone's eyes are set on his 'fellow' druid who keeps assailing him with hostile moonlight.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/789101275627126794/unknown.png

Despite disadvantage from Vala, Melian still takes a hit, but it's half damage, so 3 slashing.
Vala took 10 damage plus 10 from it critting, but resistance knocked that down to 10 only, so she's 28/66 now.

Made his wis save against both Sam+Senna's spells (though only barely, in Sam's case). Failed his save against Caelyn's moonbeam...but stayed a big wolf man! He might not be a normal werewolf after all. Which is good for Vala because she's been bitten twice now.

Melian gets an OA on Corsone, Vala flubbed her own OA.

If you want an estimated health update on Corsone I would say "bloodied".

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Seeing his spells prove ineffective at combating the enemy, Sam runs over to place a healing hand over Vala's horrific bite wound - only to find it not nearly as bad as it should be. "Ryzwary." At the Infernal word of the spell, menacing red light surrounds Sam's hand and seeps down into the wound to mend it, gnashing and shying away against her divine aura but doing its job regardless and pulling together torn and bleeding flesh.

Grepha scrambles up onto Caelyn's shoulder, the imp's invisible presence now tangible. She pops the cork on the potion in her hands and holds it up to Caelyn's lips. "Healing. Drink. He's coming around after you."

Sam
Move 2 S, 1SW.
Cast Cure Wounds on Vala for [roll0] hit points using a Warlock slot.
Move 3 S.

Grepha
Move 1 SW onto Caelyn for a ride.
Applies Healing Potion to Caelyn for [roll1] hit points.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: Bestow Curse (disadv. Wisdom)

Senna is a bit shocked her spell was shrugged off by that massive beast, but she would not have expected less from such a fervent zealot of his faith. She steps forward and with all her ancestral authority, she issues a mandate of near irresistible power. SLEEP!

Her voices echoes through the lighting.

Casting Command [roll0] or [roll1] wis save vs DC 15

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 22/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:Moonbeam (8 Rounds)

Caelee's gaze hardens as the massiver wolf beast doesn't change. Instead it makes to come after her. Come on then. Let's have a chase. She wordlessly accepts the healing potion from Grepha before immediately taking off towards the south, moving as fast and far as she can, shouting over he shoulder at the monstrous druid.
Come, shadow druid. Surely you can catch a young elven girl? Or are those teeth and claws for show?
In the last few seconds of the sprint, she jumps forward while turning, aiming down her bow at the beast. Her moonbeam refocuses on him again, bathing him in searing moonlight. Melian, keep him slow!





Move 35 feet south. Move the moonbeam to be on him again. DC 15 Con save with no disadvantage- [roll0] to halve [roll1] damage.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 31/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h), Bladesong (1min)
Concentrating: --

Melian sees an opening as the monster begins to move away and, quickly wreathing her blade in thunderous power, strikes forth. She then closes the distance and summons thunder once again.

• Reaction: OA vs Big Bad Wolf
- Booming Blade (War Caster)
- [roll0]
- [roll1] (1d8+4 slashing, 1d8 thunder)
- [roll2] thunder if continues to move.

• Move: 1SW+1W
• Action: Booming Blade vs Big Bad Wolf
- [roll3]
- [roll4] (1d8+4 slashing, 1d8 thunder)
- [roll5] thunder if moves before my turn.
• Bonus: --

- Bladesong: 1min, +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration.

[Amnestic]

The wolf shrugs off Senna's spell, but it might pose enough of a distraction on its own. Melian's thunderous blade smashes into the beast's hide twice in quick succession, the detonation of her first spell causing Corsone to scream in agony but keep moving, though he's brought to an abrupt stop when Melian blocks his path. Vala follows up from behind, again tripping him with her shield before delivering a spear thrust right through the wolf-man's eye socket. Any howls and screams are cut off instantly and Corsone's body falls limp. The moment the last breath leaves his body, the fire-and-moon burned altar cracks open at the centre, the stone split clear in two as if smashed by an enormous hammer. A cursory investigation shows a number of items were concealed beneath the stones, and with Corsone's death seem to have been revealed to you.

Vala givess another stab or two to make sure he's dead before falling back to sit on the ground panting. Her crown of flowers falls away as she pants "That's more like it, really got the blood pumping with that one."


Vala's healed from Sam's spell, 47/66.

Once you short or long rest, you discover the items you've acquired are as follows:-

Quill of Forgery
Wondrous item, uncommon
This appears to be an ordinary feather quill pen, but it can be used to imitate any handwriting. You must take a written sample of the handwriting to be copied, consisting of at least 10 words, and burn it before mixing the ashes with ink. When writing with that ink, your handwriting will perfectly match the sample for up to 500 words.
Once used, this property of the quill can’t be used again until the next dawn

Value - 600gp

Saw of Cutting
Wondrous item, uncommon
This is a regular hand saw and is about 2 feet long. As an action, you can speak the saw’s command word and for the next 10 minutes you can use the saw to cut through any non-magical wood, metal, or stone, at the rate of 1 foot per minute. Once used, this property of the saw can’t be used again until the next dawn.

Value - 250gp


Gem of Seeing
Requires Attunement

This gem has 3 Charges. As an action, you can speak the gem's Command Word and expend 1 charge. For the next 10 minutes, you have Truesight out to 120 feet when you peer through the gem.

The gem regains 1d3 expended Charges daily at dawn.

Value - 4500gp


Scroll of Protection from Elementals

Using an action to read the scroll encloses you in an invisible barrier that extends from you to form a 5-foot-radius, 10-foot-high cylinder. For 5 minutes, this barrier prevents elementals from entering or affecting anything within the cylinder. The cylinder moves with you and remains centered on you. However, if you move in such a way that an elemental would be inside the cylinder, the effect ends. A creature can attempt to overcome the barrier by using an action to make a DC 15 Charisma check. On a success, the creature ceases to be affected by the barrier.

Value - 500gp


Osmadi's Broken Staff

Requires attunement by a druid

This staff can be used as a druidic focus. Its full power is drastically diminished following Osmadi's sudden death, but it both retains a measure of power and could be repaired with time and proper consecrations or energy infusion.

Currently its power is limited to casting the Entangle spell once per long rest, and offering a +1 bonus to both attack and damage rolls that are made with it.

Value - 750gp (at current power level).

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Sam begins to rush over to Melian, expecting her to be attacked by the beastman - but he goes down, and Sam slows to a stop. "Phew. Everyone alright?" he calls out, looking around. On Caelyn's shoulder, Grepha sheds her invisibility, remaining in her true form. Something of a test to see Vala's response - though she expects that the valkyre-like woman has already guessed.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Frustrated with her spell's effectiveness, Senna approaches the now dead druid and kicks its corpse. Less interested in her allies' injuries than usual, she sees the cache of curious trinkets. We should investigate those. Lest they are dangerous. The staff, too. A small pause is needed, then she adds: Oh gods, are you hurt? Vala, you took more force than needed to cave in a stone wall. Are you alright? Cae, you too? As the sturdy woman waves Senna's worries away, she concentrates on bandaging her druidic sibling first, then herself and then Vala.

Medical Supplies
Cae [roll0]
Senna [roll1]
Vala [roll2]

[Amnestic]

"I'd like to say I've had worse but I'm drawing a blank on when that would've been." Vala replies, gently raising an arm to let Senna get at the wound on her side. "Took down two evil druids though didn't we? Not bad for a first day." She says nothing at Grepha's appearance, acknowledging it only insomuch as she doesn't comment or linger on it. She doesn't seem particularly interested in the loot, instead - once her bandagers are applied - lying back on the grass and shutting her eyes. "Tell me when we're moving on, I need a breather," she calls out to no one in particular. From the semi-irregular raising and lowering of her chest she doesn't fall asleep, though she might not be far off.


If you are short resting, Vala will contribute her chef feat to give an extra +1d8 healing to anyone who spends a hit dice.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 34/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee leans heavily on the broken staff once the shadow druid falls dead to the ground. She doesn't truly relax until Vala has stabbed the beast twice more, after which she slumps down to a stoop. When her sister asks if she is wounded she simply lifts her arm, showing off a series of burns from the radiant energy of the dusk spell the enemy had cast. Ow. I'll be ok, but very much ow right now. As Senna patches her up, she catches her breath and looks at the staff, turning it over and taking it in from butt to crack. I think I can fix this... and I think it may be worth it. Once she had been healed, she stands up and walks over to the stone altar that spontaneously split after the druid's death. Looking at the wreckage and the loot, she instead begins picking up pieces of stone, looking for shards from the size of a coin to that of a clenched fist. She takes six pieces, then, after some consideration, picks up a seventh, dropping the stones into her backpack. Then she takes a seat on the remains of the altar and truly rests.





Short rest healing- [roll0] plus [roll1] from Vala.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Sam takes a seat on the ground, leaned up against some of the stones. "That was a pretty cool light show, Vala. Where'd you learn that?" he asks, letting the others partake of the food. He's feeling fine. As they rest, he feels some of his infernal pool of power come welling back up.

Shooting a look over at the wolfman's body, apparently not shifting back to its original shape. Grepha snidely remarks, "Tch. Fitting, Malarite. You ascended yourself into a dog." Then she shifts her gaze over to Vala, with an arched brow. "Usually it's the supernatural ones that pick me out so easily. Genies and old wizards."

"Why would anyone want to worship something like Malar anyways?" Sam muses, not to anyone in particular.

[Amnestic]

Her answer to Sam's question is both more detailed than you might expect while still being vague. "Natural talent I was born with. My grandpa taught me a little about how to use it before he passed away, old age. After that it was solo practice. Grandpa didn't tell me I was special or anything but it didn't take long for me to realise not everyone can do it too. You can only show off to the kids around the village a few times before the adults start stepping in with lectures." She doesn't open her eyes or look at Sam at all during this, staying on the ground recovering.

"Are you calling me old, Grepha?" Vala replies back with a tired jovial tone, rolling over onto her uninjured side. "It's rude to ask a lady's age." She sighs, adopting a more explanatory voice. "Even when you're shifted there's a little whiff of power coming off you, probably not noticeable unless you're real close and have time to sniff about. Not seen many demons or devils before but I knew you weren't any ordinary familiar, and after you seemed antsy of my spear it narrowed it down enough. You're not undead, obviously, and you definitely don't have a heavenly vibe, so only one choice left."

After maybe twenty minutes of lying around she seems to have rested enough for her tastes - and indeed her wounds seem to be healing nicely thanks to the combination of magic and mundane healing on offer. She spends the rest of your rest preparing a small snack for you all (including the familiars), that being a small arrangements of sandwiches filled with thinly sliced cured meats and cheese.


Vala spends 1 HD [roll0]+[roll1] from chef.

Gonna shift along to next point...probably tomorrow? Maybe? We'll see. Depends if any juicy RP starts up or if people are ready to move.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna watches Vala's heaving chest probably a bit too long but it oddly calms her. She smiles at the radiant warrior. You know, you don't need to decorate yourself for combat. We are a bunch of priests and arcanists. Parlor tricks don't impress us much. she says removing a few flower petals from Vala's wounds. I thank you for taking the brunt of his attacks. I wish my magic was of more assistance but his will was nigh indomitable, even after bestow him with Deneir's riddles.

You guys relax while I sift through this odd stuff. she says as she concerns herself with the insides of the evil altar. Another half hour or so later, Senna exclaims. By the divine sonnets of Illefarn. This gem offers vast power. The other things are trinkets, and the staff is heavily damaged, but this. This unveils all as it is. No one can trick us again if we use its power wisely. Who wants to bear it?

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Now, now, I was under no impression you were a wizard," Grepha quips back. "But I suppose I should be more wary. Thus far none of the perceptive ones we've encountered have cared, but that could change."

After Senna identifies the items, the imp guesses, "I assume the saw saws things particularly well? I could see myself finding some use for it if nobody else desires it."

[Amnestic]

"The crown of flowers isn't by choice, it just kinda happens." Vala idly replies as she serves up the food. "Not that I've really tried to stop it or get rid of them, mind you. They're pretty, and flower crowns tend to grab attention towards me, so it all works out. If the hits are coming my way it means they're not going to the rest of you, and I'm pretty sturdy."

"If you say that sort of stuff out loud, you're just guaranteeing that the next one you meet will take issue Grepha. Fate's fickle like that." She knocks on the shaft of her spear twice to drive the point home.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (16) HP: 31/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h)
Concentrating: --

As the shadow druid falls, Melian takes advantage of the Bladesong's increased focus and stalks around the clearing while Senna tends to the wounded. Her circuit complete, she finally releases the song and feels her senses and reflexes dull a bit - the feeling is compounded when she sheathes her sword.

She walks back to her siblings and takes a seat among them, calling Fëanáro to her. Her familiar quickly flits and to her and curls up on her lap. She watches curiously as Senna examines the items found but lets her attune to them herself. For her part, she half-closes her eyes and tries to relax, simply listening to the conversation around her.

Short rest:
- 1 HD recovers all HP
- Arcane Recovery to recover 3rd level spell slot.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

They are beautiful. Senna says absentmindedly as she looks for other petals with an eager hand. She then reveals an almost empty flask of oil. This will sting. she warns as she applies it. Vala does not flinch but Senna just looks in awe at her muscles.

Your body is impressive. Ever since Aintas left, we lacked someone with these qualities. With my work at the infirmary and at copying the books back home wasn't so damn time consuming, I could lift more than a letter opener for combat too. Senna complains in a very laudatory manner towards Vala. Sometimes I wish I could do everything.

Senna's head becomes a bit red at her next thoughts, and she packs her things again. Since Vyvian is not here anymore, I feel Caelyn should have the Gem of Sight. We want an attentive person, but I am not skilled at sneaking about when scouting. If she can do it, she should.

[Amnestic]

" I think it's good to have stuff you're bad at." Vala says, idly fingering Aphine's symbol. "Helps keep you grounded. Even gods have limitations and they're..." She trails off, leaving her thought unspoken.


When you touch Vala's skin a feeling rushes over you, though you can tell it's not quite 'you'. It feels almost similar to the dreams you've had, except with the light of the waking mind changing their tint. It makes your skin crawl, with an underlying hint of fear and anger in it.

Whatever is going on in Senna's mind, Vala doesn't seem to notice, though she does seem to pick up on an expression shift. "Something up?" It's soft concern, genuine but not seeing any severity yet at least.

Later, in the forest

Having finished your rest and gathered your things together, your path through the forest continues with a similar lack of guidance or direction beyond following what few animal trails you have and searching for any signs of the bandits you're after. The early afternoon swerves into late. The shadows of the trees grow longer and the woods seem to cluster tighter around you as the blazing sun begins to dim. Around you the birdsong, ever pervasive since entering the woods, grows louder, and yet more harmonious. Disparate notes and clashing tones, the typical back-and-forth of bird chatter, give way to a unified melody. The trees closing in break suddenly to allow you into a small glade. A wider space, though only a fraction of the size of the druid's grove. It gets slightly more sun than you've had for the last hour or so.

A burbling brook splashes quietly from the north, carving a small path to a wide, crystal clear pool perhaps ten feet wide. On one side of the pool stands a small, yet weathered cherry tree, one you might look past in a moment were it not for its solitary positioning and unusual standing in the rest of the forest. It's draped in healthy-looking vines, glowing with green colour in the light of day. As you step into the glade the bark and vines of the cherry tree shift slightly, changing shape to form the rough silhouette of a woman. A woman who then steps out of the silhouette and into physicality. She's humanoid in appearance, with a slim build, possibly shorter than all of you, although only by a touch if so. Her skin isn't skin at all, but instead is clearly made of the same treebark that she stepped from, though smoothed over slightly. High, rigid cheekbones give her a haughty look. Her body is covered in what could be described as a poncho woven of green leaves and the vines that wrapped around the trunk of her tree, with her wrists wrapped in bracers made of thick twigs and sticks pointing in all directions. Rather than hair, her head is topped by a wave of pink petals. Instead of humanoid eyes like your own, her the sockets are instead filled with a single glowing pink colour matching her 'hair'.

"You have the touch of death about you, mortals. Why do you enter my glade?"




She is perhaps some sort of malevolent tree demon. Or devil. Or both?



This is a dryad, a lady of the trees, protector of nature.



Dryads are often associated primarily with oak trees, however in truth their natural spirits can be linked to any type of tree. Often their appearances shift to match the season, with a dryad in winter sometimes lacking the leaf-hair normally seen from them for example. Their personalities can also be affected, though to a lesser degree. Desperate for warmth, some winter dryads have been known to lure unsuspecting hunters to stay with them - forever, though this is rare (if only because knowledge of such things is spread far and wide). Dryads are usually positive and 'good' spirits, dedicated to protecting nature's bounty and granting aid to those in need, or those who aid in kind. as with many fey their attitudes can be fickle, changing abruptly.


While a dryad made be connected to only a single tree, they can move through other trees at will allowing them to move through forests with supernatural speed. It's said that old dryads whose roots go deep know every footfall that occurs in their land, hear every whisper, feel every heartbeat, though this may be an exaggeration. Regardless, even a young dryad is a force to be reckoned with when nature is threatened, as they can call upon the beasts of the forest to aid them and quickly overwhelm those who would do harm.



Half-dryads are rare but do exist, and are universally male. Already a rarity for humanoids to mate with dryad, the female children of such a pairing are born full blooded dryad. Half-dryads often resemble eladrin, though unless the father of the child happened to be an elf, their physicality is closer to that of their mortal father's features with their mother's special traits. Half-dryad inherit their mother's connection to nature, though without a tree bond they often take to roaming between forests rather than settling in one.

Archdruid Loak the Woodblooded was a semi-famous half-orc half-dryad from Cormyr.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee goes down to one knee, her face shining with awe and excitement before she tilts it down towards the ground. Looking back, she quickly gestures for her siblings to follow suit. Then she turns to face the dryad again, head inclined downward with the same reverence that others might show a noble lord. She speaks in common, like the dryad. Lady, we are adventurers. Travelers. Birds fresh from the nest and far from home. We come seeking other mortals- bandits who kill and despoil wherever they go. We have had quarrel with the shadow druids who live in this forest, and it is their deaths that linger on us. But we seek to bring no violence or death to your glade. We hope to find our quarry, eliminate them from this forest, and end their killing and burning forever. It is much to ask, but have you perceived any camps of mortals in this forest? It is said they move regularly.





Go go diplomacy! [roll0], and [roll1] if anyone wants to help and give advantage.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Glancing aside at Caelyn's response, Sam kneels down with her when she motions for everyone to follow suit. After her plea, he nods along with her and adds, "With any luck we can get the bandits gone from the woods, and things can settle down again."

Grepha remains on Sam's shoulder, keeping quiet.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (16) HP: 31/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h)
Concentrating: --

Melian watches amazed as the woman steps out of the tree. "A dryad!" she exclaims softly. "What beauty!"

Fëanáro hops out of Melian's hood and tilts his head at the dryad. He sniffs the air and advances toward her, the flicking of his forked tongue and swishing of his tail displaying his curiosity.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

With Vala.

Yeah, I mean no, I mean... Senna sighs. I should start being open about us. Something haunts my family even though we are not blood related to my knowing. Some dark power. And this very entity just reacted...badly to your presence. There is some tinge of the divine about you. Whether that is my own subjective opinion... Senna blushes and turns as red as a tomato. or fact, my mind revolts at the thought of touching you again. You are....it is too good, too pure.

Senna buries her now glowing red head in her hands.



Enchanted by the dryad's almost flesh-like forms, Senna takes out a notebook and roughly sketches the creature rather than talk to her. Seeing the petal crown on her, she inches ever closer to Vala. Are you a dryad? she asks mockingly. You share a taste for the flowery stuffs.

[Amnestic]

Earlier, Druid Grove

Vala seems a little taken aback by the cleric's outburst, lightly putting a hand on her shoulder, careful to avoid any more skin to skin contact. When she speaks it's a gentle tone, trying to soothe the concerns. "Don't put me on a pedestal like that, no one's truly pure. We all make mistakes, we all have regrets, we all have dark moments. So, chin up Senna." She moves away to grab her gear and prepare to move out, before adding with a little bit of a joking voice: "In the end, we're all just human. Or elves...or half-dragons...or devils. You know that saying lacks a bit of punch when we're in a diverse species group like this."

Present, Dryad Glade

How exactly a literally wooden expression can soften isn't well explained, but it happens regardless. Her stance becomes visibly, although not significantly, less rigid. "I know of those you speak of. They ravage the woods, felling tree after tree to form their camps before moving away and leaving nothing but devastation in their wake." She beckons you closer, bringing her sharp-tipped fingers into clear attention. She points one long finger at her pool, the surface of which shimmers with light. For a moment you just see the clear bottom but the image changes. Reflected in the pool of water is a wide open space with dozens of treestumps dotted around, clearly felled by axe and hand recently. A rough wall of sharpened logs and sticks points outwards for protection, though inside the wall there are no signs of any accommodations. No tents or shacks or anything of the sort. At least, not anymore. It's difficult to get an eye on how many people the walls could have held, but a camp of that size may hold at least thirty people, if not more. "They were here last I felt, however they have moved on beyond my roots. Where they are now I cannot say."

Vala's expression could be described as thoughtful when she quietly responds to Senna. "I don't...think so?" She replies in a surprisingly unsure way, though she might be doing it for comedic effect. "No, probably not. Maybe? Not wooden enough."

The dryad doesn't seem to notice, or care if she does, continuing on: "If you seek to cleanse these woods I will give what aid I can. Through my pool I can send you to this location, that you might pick up their trail, though I would ask something in return." She cups her hands together, and a small pile of seeds grows from her palms, perhaps two dozen in all. "These woods will recover in time with my care, but I wish to spread my roots wider still. I ask that whenever you pass by a settlement, a town, a traveller's stop on the road, that you plant one of my seeds nearby, that I might see more of the world."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Did your roots happen to pick up which direction they went?" Sam asks, peering curiously into the scrying pool. He gets up from his position squatting near the water and smiles, "We'd be happy to help. I'm sure Caelyn would love to do the honors- how about it?" he asks, looking over at his druidic sister with a wide grin.

"I'm Sam, by the way. Nice to meet you," he introduces himself to the dryad, now that things are on friendlier terms.

Grepha Insight on Dryad's motives for seed spreading:
[roll0]

[Amnestic]

The dryad nods graciously at the apparent agreement, speaking calmly. "Many of them went further north, they did not seem to conceal their tracks or hide their paths, while other smaller groups split off in different directions, some to the west, some to the south west. I am sorry, I do not know where they are now." She gives a small headbow, her petal-hair wafting forwards, filling your noses briefly with a powerful scent of cherry blossoms.

Vala, peering into the pool too, screws her face a little bit in thought. "So do we go after the main lot first or try to hunt down the stragglers? If we find one of the small groups maybe we could...convince them to let us into the camp, work at it from the inside?" She stands up straight, stretching slightly. "Could kill 'em and steal their clothes or badges or whatever they've got for identification too I suppose." It's a casual addition to her suggestions.


No indicators she's anything but curious about the wider world.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

With Vala.
I do not mean in a personal way, I mean metaphysical. Something about us is different, on a divine level. I cannot grasp it, I would need to experiment with a few spells to be perfectly honest. And we neither have the time nor the resources for either. You said you can 'smell' Grepha, right? Does the same smell linger with us, Sam or me? Senna inquires.



Should we plant a seed to whereever the bandits are camping once we are through with them? Are you capable of guarding the place once we disorganized them? I assume small groups are no issue, but an coordinated raid could seriously endanger you, Miss....how should we call you?

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee accepts the seeds with wide eyes, looking up at the dryad with an ear to ear grin. Absolutely! Of course I will! I'd be honored! Thank you! She struggles for a few moments to contain her excitement before emptying out a pouch at her side into her bag and gingerly putting the seeds inside. I promise I'll find good spots for them! Then she turns and responds to Vala. I would tend to agree. We may find information that we need hunting the smaller parties. Something that could get us close to the others unsuspected. I'm no Vyvian, but I suspect I'm the only one here who excels at stealth, so we'll need every advantage we can get.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (16) HP: 31/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h)
Concentrating: --

"I like Vala's idea," Melian says softly. "Easier to deal with a smaller group and if we have to we can track our way back to the main camp."

[Amnestic]

Druid Grove

"No, I can safely say you don't smell like Grepha, thankfully. Well, Sam's got a bit of a devil-smell to him but that's what you'd think right? I mean they're..." She pokes her two index fingers together, crosses and then links them, "you know? I don't really know what to make of you all though, which is..." she blushes, just a little, at the confession, "...part of why I wanted to join. Curiosity. Wanted to know if the weird vibe meant you were all like me, whatever 'me' is. Verdict's still out though, but I guess we'll work it out eventually?"

Dryad Glade

Her seeds handed over, she bows her head in thanks before addressing Senna. "You may call me Tilia, and you need not worry about the forest, I will care and recover it in time, and my sisters will do the same for any areas beyond my reach." With her hands now empty she gestures to the pool once more. "When you are ready, simply jump into the pool and you will appear at the empty site." She peers over at Rosc Roche and the wagon, before looking back at the pool, suddenly in thought. "You may wish to send your wagon first, so it does not fall on top of you."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

With Vala.
Well, I have my theories. But I do not want to color anyone's opinion or judgment before we actually know. the cleric adds. None of my siblings seem particularly interested about the metaphysics of this, but they keep me grounded. Their issue is with the partial control this applies to our being. But this may be the more pressing matter really. Something within us enjoys destruction. But seeing as Deneir is a deity of specifically inventing things that should not harm others, I believe the desire to destroy and kill is ingrained in our common cultures. I hope and pray, my faith is enough to counterbalance this issue.

Senna looks Vala up and down again. I already stated you do not look like you're destructive enough, I have seen a difference. Maybe we are just the weird ones for pointing this out. Other adventurers and mercenaries regularly kill and destroy: Take the Knights of Myth Drannor or the Companions of Mithril Hall. Take Brianna Burdun or Cadderly Bonaduce. Even the high priests of my own faith were forced to take up arms regularly. Out of necessity, not out of lust for killing. She pauses, touching her healing kit which she keeps outside of her backpack. After all, the rush of battle is the best anesthetic there is. Maybe it is just nature trying to keep us alive.



Do you allow me to write down your name in our records, or does it hold power, or endanger you, Tilia? Senna asks gently.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I'm down with the plan," Sam concurs, nodding to Vala. "If we can question some of them or keep them from getting back to camp, we could get an advantage later on. Could even blame their disappearance on Malarite druids if you guys get questioned trying to get into camp, we already know those are around here."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn walks back to mount Rosc Roche, gently urging him forward toward the pool. It would be rough running for the horse- he had no conception of magic, and would have to operate purely on his trained loyalty with Caelee. Hopefully it would be enough to convince the big brown boy that it was safe to walk into the pond while bound to a heavy wagon.





Ready to take the plunge!

[Amnestic]

Druid Grove

"You say I'm not destructive enough...but you did see me stab that druid-wolf-guy-thing through the eye, right?" Indeed there's still a few flecks of the crimson lifeblood speckled across the end of her weapon. She gives a clear sigh, picking her words carefully. "I'm not going to say I like killing. I don't think most people have any ingrained or inherent desire to hurt others. I mean, I guess some might? But how much of this is just how they're brought up?" Vala languidly gestures at the results of your battle - the bodies, the burns, the blood. "Then again the gods can't seem to go half a day without waging some sort of war on each other. It's only been...what, ten years or so since they all got thrown down here for the Godswar? No wonder some people jump to killing as the first, or only, solution when that's who we've got to 'look up to'." There's a bitterness in her voice, but she seems to push it down when she adds, a little more sheepishly, "That was probably not the best thing to say to a devout priest?"

Dryad Glade/Abandoned Campsite

"Tilia is but the name I give to others. I doubt you would be able to spell, or perhaps even hear, my true name. It is a word of the woods, of the winds. It is not something that can be easily scribed." She responds with a somewhat prideful, though not necessarily denigrating, tone.

With any final questions asked, answered and confirmations given, you are beckoned to head into the pool. The process is less than gentle. Regardless of whether you step or leap, as Tilia advised, you find your world rotating immediately. Perhaps to ensure you are not left half-in and half-out the moment any part of you touches the pool you are sucked through it until you are completely submerged by water, though this lasts for only a second. Falling down into the water shifts to falling 'sideways', blasting you out horizontally into the centre of the abandoned campsite one by one. The shaded cover of the glade gives way to the blazing sun overhead, which is good, because you are all now thoroughly soaked from head to toe. Any hopes that the water would be left in the pool is short lived, and though brief you've all ended up with a coat of water.

Rosc Roche is, predictably, upset by this turn of events, stomping their hooves and braying loudly in confusion, and it takes some time and careful coaxing before he's willing to move anywhere at your direction. When he does so it's markedly less assured than before, which slows your pace further.

True to Tilia's word, the tracks of both the large group and the smaller ones are easily located when you're there in person and not peering through a pool of water. With a trail picked, you begin to follow it back through similar-looking woods as before. So similar you might be forgiven for believing you were on a trail you'd already passed from another direction, though Caelyn's natural knowledge says this is unlikely.

Unfortunately while the trail is still there, you do not find your intended bandits by the time the sun begins to drift down towards the horizon and night approaches. A decision point presents itself - continue on through the dark, eschewing rest and threatening to exhaust yourselves in hopes of finding your target, or make camp and begin the journey anew in the morning?


My guess is you'll be resting (though if not that's totally fine too) and if so, pick a watch order. Assuming you want anyone on watch that is...

Vala will want the last watch, so she can get a headstart on morning food making.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

The emergence from the pool leaves Sam dripping wet, holding up his arms and flicking them downwards to slough off the excess water. Grepha flutters and flaps her wings to dry off, spraying Sam and the others in the process. "Ugh. I'm not sure what I was expecting."


As they progress down the trail, into the evening, Sam suppresses a yawn. Without knowing how far they are from the bandits they're trailing he talks quietly to the others, "Should we set up camp? I'm still good to carry on for a while, don't know about the rest of you."

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (16) HP: 31/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h)
Concentrating: --

Melian takes a moment to ensure her pack is as watertight as she can make it and that her books are protected. She then holds her familiar tightly in the crook of her elbow and takes the plunge.

Once out, she immediately begins using her magic to dry her belongings, worried about the tomes, and only once satisfied all is well, begins to dry herself and the others. Fëanáro, surprisingly, did not seem to mind the experience.

Night begins to fall and her eyes start adjusting to the dark. "I can keep going a while longer," she answers Sam.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn immediately hops off Rosc Roche once they are out of the water, grabbing a blanket from the back of the cart and beginning to rub him down. Horses could easily get sick if they were wet for too long, and that was the last thing she wanted to happen to her friend. She also sought to refresh the trust that had inevitably been damaged by driving the gelding into a magical pool he could not possibly understand. She cooed to him, whispered to him in elvish, and took the time to let him smell her, hoping it would calm him down. Once she was done babying him, she hopped back up on his back and urged him forward on the trail of the smaller party of bandits.

Later that evening...

I can keep going, but at this point I would suggest I take the lead. I can move quickly, quietly, and hidden. If we do come upon these bandits in this large a group they are going to know we are coming. She gestures to the cart as she speaks as though to demonstrate her point.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Seeing nothing without any light, Senna incants a small light charm onto her tabard. I am not sure if the gods were especially cruel to eschew infravision only with me. But at least I got a buddy that has the same problem as me. she looks at Vala. Having a difficulty reading her reaction, or if the spear fighter even heard her, she adds. unless you're saying I am the only one again.

Dabbling with her cat familiar, Glyph, she tries to maybe just guide herself through the darkness with its infravision. I can take a watch if you want, but I think I should just set up a few alarm spells around camp. The password for tonight is Tilia.

I assume using the familiar as eyes balancing on her shoulders is both dependant on the cat's acrobatics and not viable in fight?

[Amnestic]

Vala looks up at the dimming sky. "My glow thing's really only for fighting or impressing kids. Not exactly a long-term shine, unfortunately. And uh...nope, can't see in the dark, we've got that in common there." She shoots Senna a small thumbs up of acknowledgement. "Woulda been nice if there'd been a magic pair of glasses for that in the weird druid altar instead of a magic saw, but what can you do?"

Deciding to press on, you continue following the trail even as the sun vanishes and night presses in around you. In the light the woods had been somewhat claustrophobic, with clustered trees pressing in and any straight paths, but it had otherwise been a fairly calm walk. At night the difference is stark and immediate. The moon in the sky, halved by its phases, offers little in the way of usable light even before its cut off by the canopy overhead. Every shadow ahead, to the side, in the corner of your eye, becomes a monster constructed by the mind. Flickering and shifting silhouettes are only enhanced by the sounds of the night. Howls of wolves meld with screams of man - or worse - off in the distance, but through the clustered trees it sometimes sounds like it's just one corner away. Already spooked and on edge from the watery-portal, Rosc Roche's pace drops further, unaccustomed to nocturnal excursions like these. It isn't helped that you are going for longer than normal, and though the constant watchfulness of the surroundings keep you alert, it doesn't necessarily make you feel any less tired for lack of sleep/trancing. Perhaps even the opposite.

Roughly five hours after night fell, when "night" is now "early morning", though still a few hours away from dawn, Caelyn spots another source of light breaking through the trees. Straining ears you can't hear anything over the noise of the forest at night, but should you send an advance familiar-scout or three they'll find a small campsite with a fire at its centre. Two small tents, perhaps large enough for two comfortably or three at a squeeze, are set up in a clearing. A few wooden logs have been dragged around the fire to serve as seats, and there's a number of dead animals - deer, rabbits, pheasants and the like - bundled together. Your scout familiar(s) also see two humans, sat on opposite sides of the fire with their backs to it. They're dressed in loose clothing, with what looks like leather armour pieces patched in where they could. Crossbows sit at their feet, daggers and axes at their belts. Though they may have been intended to serve as camp watchers, one is clearly asleep, with his chin to his chest and rhythmic snoring, while the other is engrossed in skinning a rabbit. Two large mastiffs are quietly sleeping by the fire, with a pile of what looks like dog-armour piled next to them.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Grepha returns from scouting, climbing up to Sam's shoulder in her true form as her invisibility fades away. She reports her findings of the camp and suggests, "We should knock out and capture the lot of them, before they can raise the alarm. Then we determine who has useful information and interrogate them."

"Uh, as long as interrogate doesn't mean like.. torture or anything, I agree," Sam says. "We need more info about the big camp. And we kinda don't really know if they're bandits for sure yet - not that I see much chance otherwise."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

I think they are quick to agree once they realize they are outnumbered and outmatched. Senna states plainly. I'll just say that more fire might possibly ruin any viable disguises we could take off of them. The cleric glances at Caelyn, clearly smiling.

If you have any tricks or plans that do not involve an open attack, say them now. The only thing I have is this bell and it kind of is pointless unless I can walk inside. She shows the soothing bell she attained in Beregost meant to put people to sleep.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

I do have tricks other than just fire... Caelee sounds a little defensive about this, rapidly proceeding into a plan. I have a spell that will shroud us in darkness and deaden our footsteps. As long as we move in one group, we could use it to get very close. Then I can make the dogs a non-issue with another spell. We can move to surround the enemy, display to them overwhelming force and numbers, and hopefully, with a little intimidation from Sam, they will surrender to us. Anyone see issue with this plan?

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (16) HP: 31/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h)
Concentrating: --

Melian nods agreement at Caelyn's suggestion. "I can also make at least one of us invisible. We must be careful that they do not sound any alarms."

[Amnestic]

Caelyn's spell wraps you in quiet, muffling your footsteps. Errant branches seem to almost move themselves from your path as your party sneaks forwards towards the campfire. As expected, the situation hasn't changed any since Grepha's scouting. All four of the individuals outside of the tents don't notice your approach. The sleeper keeps sleeping, the skinner keeps skinning and the dogs quietly snooze away. You're able to approach such that you can stand right behind the...bandits? hunters? whatever they might be, you can get within breathing distance, and still they don't notice you. The spell from Caelyn cast seems to not only muffle your sound and camouflage your forms, but also dull your scent, as the dogs don't seem to perk up at your approach.

With weapons in hand - for Vala at least - you stand in perfect position to act, literally on top of your targets.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

I always wanted to do this. the youngest sibling whispers. She then sneaks into the camp with relative low effort, her clanking armor somehow cushioned by the druidic magic. She then taps the guy on the left shoulder, swiveling to his right.

Turn slowly and do not make any mistakes. We got you surrounded. she states clearly.

If he attacks, I would like to cast Command "grovel" on him.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Let's keep this friendly, shall we?" Sam adds, from his spot beside Senna. His hands are lifted, palm up, in what looks to be a gesture of being unarmed. Of course it's also a perfectly ready position to begin hurling bolts of force. "Name and affiliation seems a good place to start."

Grepha, still invisible, takes to the sky to watch the surrounding area with her keen devil's sight.

Sam: Persuasion with Advantage
[roll0]
[roll1]

Grepha Perception to keep watch:
[roll2]

[Amnestic]

Vala accentuates the threats by placing the point of her spear not directly on the man's throat, but near enough for the threat to be well understood. The skinner drops what he's holding - knife included - and gently raises his hands in an open gesture of surrender. He turns, slowly, in place to face you, his eyes glancing to the sleeping dogs and snoring companion, all of which have yet to wake up. "Sure, ah, 'appy to 'elp o'course, wha'ever you wan'." He keeps his voice low, apparently not wanting to change the situation of the interrogation he's now found himself in. He swallows, eyes continuing to dart around the camp - at each of you in turn, to the tents, to the fire, to the darkness of the woods. "Name's Loog, me'n'my friends here are hun'ers, sell our game to t'Friendly Arm nearby see." He juts his head towards the bundled caught animals. "Take 'em if you wan' 'em, I won' say nothin', they're all yours."

Through the darkness, and also just in general, Grepha can't see anything concerning nearby.


He's lying.

[Spore]

]
https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

I know you are lying, 'Loog'. Did it occur to you people confessed to their priests? Did it occur to you I know lies?

We know you are affiliated with the Blacktalons. And we need your 'help' in exchange for your lives. she says calmly.

[Amnestic]

"Wha? How'd yo-" He shifts forward slightly but his words are cut off when Vala presses the blade of the spear directly against skin, wagging the finger on her free hand in a clear Don't even think about it gesture. Loog - he wasn't lying about his name - huffs. "Alrigh' alrigh' fine," he continues, defeated. "So maybe we are Blacktalons, i' ain' the sorta' thin' you just go blabbin' ya know. But I'm in this for the coin and the comfort, none of which I get if I'm wormfood, so uhhh, how can I help?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"To start off, let's make sure everything stays quiet," Sam motions to the others, "Let's provide him some rope to muzzle the dogs. I trust you'll keep them quiet if they wake up Loog, for the sake of civility. Let's bind and gag his friend here, too while we're at it."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

If you provide us with a way to find the base of yours, and an easy way inside, we will not turn your scalps into a reward we are guaranteed by the Flaming Fist. We feel their ways are too cruel but we understand they cannot take every bandit prisoner. So if you are too much hassle to keep alive, you know your fate. Your life is on the line, for us, you are naught but a roadblock at best.

Senna says this with the cold air of a killer. She is unsure if she believes her own words in this, but the priest would prefer not to be tested.

[Amnestic]

"Uhh, okay, so.." Loog puts up a hand, gently, to try to halt Sam from getting the ropes out immediately. "You wan' into the camp easy ye've really go' two choices, prisoner or possible recruit. I'm guessin' you don' wan' to go in a prisoner. Prisoners don' get treated well, no weapons, bound, gagged, blindfolded." He looks across at his sleeping companion, and sighs. "I'm on board with bringin' you in as recruits, wha'ever gets me through the nigh' ya know, but I dunno abou' the rest of them if you tussle them up in ropes. Two more in the tents too." "We tie them up, they'll die from animals or starve. We let them go they could warn the main camp. So you're saying we should just kill them now and leave you alive?" Vala presses the spear a little bit harder into his neck, to emphasise the point. "I mean tha's up to you, but yeah, tha's how I'd do it."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Even before the voice in his head speaks up, Sam wears a disapproving scowl as he listens to Loog talk. "We can't trust him to get us in. Anyone who would so readily turn on his comrades is going to sell us out the moment he is no longer under threat." With a subtle, almost imperceptible nod of agreement, Sam motions again to the rope.

"I don't think I stuttered, Loog. Muzzle the dogs. Everybody else, let's get the rest of them gagged, restrained, and disarmed." He glances aside at Vala and adds, "We should decide what to do after we question the others."

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

That would be a grim fate. But from your cold words I can tell you killed before. As did your fellow 'hunters'. the cleric spews the last words.

Killing your comrades now would make this world a better one, it would be merciful and give law and order the time needed to sort out this. You are a treacherous monster, but I agree, Loog. Senna says with a shaking voice.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee seems content to watch and wait through the interrogation and final decisions on the fate of these bandits. Truth be told, she didn't have strong feelings either way on their fate. But looking at the dogs, she suddenly has an idea that she cannot contain. Loog, are there more dogs like this in the main camp? Not wolves, but dogs? She turns to her family and grins. If there are, and we can get within five miles of them, I can find the camp.

[Amnestic]

"Uh, prolly yeh?" Loog moves for a moment to scratch his head, but quickly shifts back when Vala twists the spear slightly. "There's six of 'em, two with us, two with 'nother group, so should be two back at camp? Unless they sent another group out. Normally don't send more than two sets of hunters at a time though. Taugozz likes having a few dogs on hand to sniff out anyone dumb enough to try sneakin' in. N...no' tha' I'm sayin' yer dumb o'course." He adds quickly.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I'm not killing defenseless people," Sam snaps back at Senna, pushing past her and beginning to restrain the still-sleeping bandit with rope. "If nobody's going to help, I'll do this myself. Can Caelyn at least try to pacify the dogs?"

Circling and swooping down, Grepha lands just outside of the tents and peeks inside, moving to quietly divest those inside of any nearby weapons in case they wake up.

Grepha Stealth with Invisibility Advantage?
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Not pushing back on Sam's principles, Senna watches them do their deeds.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Oh! Yes, I can do that. Caelee points her white birch arrow at the dogs, whispers a few words in Druidic, and attempts to make some new friends.





Upcasting Animal Friendship with a second level slot to pacify both dogs. DC 15 [roll0] and [roll1].

[Amnestic]

The sleepers in the tent don't stir at Grepha retrieving their weapons, and though you don't have enough rope of your own to tie up three people, the camp does have some lying around for other things. They're ill-prepared for being sprung upon in the night, and they're quickly bound and gagged before they can muster up any sort of response. Any chance of the dogs helping them is cut short by Caelyn's spell, and they seem more interested in getting pets or sleeping than their masters being tied up and threatened.

Loog, for his part, just sighs quietly. "Could've at leas' done 'em in their sleep, now they have to see it comin'."


Turns out only one of you actually have rope on their character sheet, who knew? I did. Because I just checked while writing this post right now.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"Nobody's getting done by anybody," Sam insists. He looks over the captive bandits and then to his siblings, suggesting, "Once we send word to the backup, we have time. We could use that time for some of us to drag them back to Beregost, or something. Right? Or we can put them up in a tree, and... and check on them once in a while so they don't starve before they can be arrested." He knows perfectly well the likely punishment for their crimes will be death, but he can't bring himself to carry it out when they're not fighting back.

The devil settles upon Senna's shoulder, and a quiet voice whispers in her ear. "If you'd like, we can play along with the tree idea. Then I will put the brigands down once he is out of earshot, and catch up to the rest of you. I can make it quick..."

I did, it's why Sam asked for some instead of just pulling it out of his own pack. :smallwink:

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 23/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Watching Sam bind them and Grepha's whispers, the anger, helplessness and frustration in Senna bubbles to the top. She draws her knife. STOP THIS AT ONCE!

She points at the devil, forcing it to fly or drop down. Grepha, you want more than just their deaths, you want their souls. Go back to your master. She looks at Loog. You are right, but that does not exempt you from your punishment. You will meet with the law, and your help will lessen your sentence but you will be punished.

Then she snaps at Sam. You are such a hypocrite. Too weak to kill them. You would rather command your little fiend to do so? It is so much easier when it is firey explosions or force blasts than cold hard steel, now is it? We are adventurers. We kill. Finally she snaps at her silent siblings, Melian and Caelyn. What does father's book say about this? The only reason we are in this is because of bandits like these. And of course the dogs are innocent, but they have our scent now. They should be put down too.

With that, Senna takes her knife, and unless stopped, approaches the first bound bandit to slit his throat herself.

Now I know why Vyvian was of such a bad mood.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Flapping her wings, Grepha rides the force up onto a tree branch above, invisibility fading so that Senna can see her sneering down. "I have no interest in wheeling and dealing with two-bit bandits. This Loog is going to turn on your the moment he is no longer under the blade. If you insist on doing this yourself, make sure to put him down with the rest."

From where he's double checking some of the bindings, Sam looks up and a deep growl erupts from his throat at Senna's accusations. "What the hell are you talking about?" he gets up and steps between Senna and the tied up bandits. "I didn't command Grepha to do anything. Grepha, what were you doing?" he demands, meeting the fiend's gaze up in the tree.

"Offering to make the problem go away without staining your conscience, 'master,' that's all. It seems Senna prefers to handle the dirty business personally."

"You and I are having a talk later," he points accusingly up at the devil, then fixes his eyes on Senna again. "And you. We're not 'adventurers,' Senna. At least I'm not. I never wanted to be. And if you can't tell the difference between a fight and cold-blooded murder, I don't want to be whatever you are."

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee is busy petting, whispering to, and rubbing the tummies of the bandit's dogs while the others are arguing, trying to ignore the fighting to the best of her ability. When it rises to a fever pitch she takes a moment to kiss both the dogs on the nose, takes a deep breath, then turns to face her murderous sister and upset brother, her features set in stone. She waits for a lull in the uproar and shouts ENOUGH! at the top of her lungs.

Turning to Senna, she speaks quickly and without pause. Senna, these men are living beings! Killing them in their sleep is taking authority into our own hands that we may not deserve and may not be ready for. If we take that authority into our own hands right now, we open up the possibility of execution to any and all persons who end up on the other side of us. We can use our best judgement to decide who lives and dies, but we are mortal, we are fallible, and we WILL make mistakes that are not easily unmade. This decision CANNOT be made lightly or with a distressed heart. If we kill defenseless people to serve our own goals, we risk becoming EXACTLY like the evil men who killed Father!

Then she turns to Sam, and speaks with the same conviction. Sam, these men and women are, at best, accessories to banditry and murder for profit, turning their faces away as their mates killed, looted, and pillaged innocent people. Much more likely, they have committed these crimes themselves! We cannot drag them along after us, we cannot tie them in trees or put them in holes without making them easy prey to werewolves, shadow druids, lions, tigers, and bears! We live in a world of magical beasts that are not easily put off their meals by a difference in height. Leaving them here, in any state, is just another way of killing them- an end that would inevitably be theirs if they came into the possession of the Flaming Fist anyway! What is the blinking difference if we end them ourselves, ensure the safety of our mission, and send them to answer for their crimes to whatever god claims their misbegotten souls? In the eyes of a druid, these filth are mulch either way, whether it happens now or in a hundred years!

She takes a few moments to collect herself, slowing her breathing and calming down before continuing, speaking to the whole family at this point. I am willing to take these people's lives to aid the peaceful living of others. And I am willing to put the whole mission on hold to make them dig a hole that just may keep them alive and in misery while they wait to be picked up by the Fist, or at least delay their betrayal long enough for us to do what we need to do. I can legitimately see both sides and do not feel strongly enough in either direction to lose sleep either way. But what I am NOT willing to do is lose the only family I have to fighting over the fate of men and women who chose, for whatever reason, to walk a path of damnation, orchestrated violence, and theft! This must be decided, so I will let Melian cast the deciding vote. If we wish to include Vala in the discussion before rashly acting, which I would recommend considering she is trusting us with her life and this burden would be on her soul as well, then she deserves a voice in this as well. If for some reason the vote is tied and no side can reason with the other into a consensus, then I will flip a damn coin, let fate decide their end, and do my absolute best to maintain the love and respect of the only people in this world that I would be damned or die for, no matter what way the coin falls and whoever thinks less of me because of it!

Caelyn pauses for a moment, then shouts And these dogs will die over my dead body!




And just like that Caelee took a BIG step towards True Neutral. Might shift her alignment soon.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (16) HP: 31/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h)
Concentrating: --

The wizard does a lazy patrol around the camp while her siblings argue and she winces as their voices are raised, worried that it might draw too much attention. She narrows her eyes as they start using their own names in front of the prisoners.

When Caelyn snaps, Melian considers that killing them outright might be better; they know the group’s names and faces and intent after all. But the thought is fleeting. Shameful. She feels both the weight of her vows and training and the reassurance of the Seldarine in knowing that killing them would be wrong. Even without doing so, she knows she could not draw a moonblade to strike down a bound and unarmed prisoner. Now resolute, she turns and walks back to the group, patting Caelyn on the shoulder as she faces the prisoners.

"I will not raise my blade against unarmed and bound prisoners." Her voice is even and calm. She stares down the prisoners without facing her siblings and Vala. "But we are presented with the logistical issue of what to do with you all. So I say we just let you go."

She raises a hand to stop any arguing for the time being and continues, still addressing the prisoners. "It seems to me that you’re all fairly low on the totem pole and could learn to find good, honest work elsewhere. I know you will not consider going back to the camp or raising any alarms against us because I’m sure you realize how easily we infiltrated your camp and took you unaware. You see before you a cleric who can read your soul and knows you’re Blacktalon and lying, a druid who tracked you across the forest and now knows you and your hearts and can track you no matter where you go in the Sword Coast. The warrior behind me has survived injuries that would kill any of you outright and laughed in the face of death. The other one has dragon blood and a pact with the lower planes and you can scarcely imagine the kind of power that entails. As for me," she pauses dramatically and calls upon the Weave - her eyes glow bright silver, reflecting and amplifying the waning moonlight tenfold, an eldritch blue glow surrounds her and her voice booms like thunder. "I have the arcane at my beck and call. Make no mistake, if we are met with any organized resistance at the camp we will track you down and we will find you."

She then stands up and faces her own group, the magic around her fading slowly. "So I say we cut them loose. Loog can present us as new recruits, replacing the men who just deserted. Deserters who would be unwelcome at their camp. "

Minor Illusion and Prestidigitation to crank Scary Wizard up to 11.

[Amnestic]

Vala gives a quiet sigh of relief, happy that perhaps cooler heads had prevailed for now at least. "It's dark, it's late, we've been walking all night. We can keep them tied up - Loog included - and rest here, then head out in the morning? Any further and my feet are going to give out underneath me. Maybe in the morning once we've had some rest and sleep everything will feel a bit clearer." She slips her spear across her back, before grabbing Loog and dragging him easily across to the others. She ties him with the remaining rope, making sure to gag him too. He stutters half a word out before his mouth is stuffed shut. "You make any noise during the night, we hit you until you stop." She warns them all. They nod, emphatically. With quiet (as much as you can get in a wolf-filled forest) confirmed, she goes to set up her own tent - yet another thing that she carried around like it was nothing.

It takes her the better part of 20 minutes to set it up, but she does so quietly and efficiently. With a final yawned goodbye she slips through the tent flap with a "Wake me up in like...6 hours? 7?" but doesn't wait for an answer.

The threats from Melian and Vala seem to be enough to keep the Blacktalons in place, as none of them make any moves during the night. Indeed those on watch notice that at some point they all seem to drift off to sleep (it was, after all, a sleep that you wrested them from). You are, thankfully, undisturbed during the night. Whether that's because of your fire or because those that strayed too close decided the weapons on show were enough reason to satay away, the watches pass peacefully if not quietly.

Dawn comes maybe 5 hours later, leaving the non-elves of the group trying to force sleep into not only a bright but a blisteringly hot day. Even without the sun on you, you can still feel that today is going to be worse than others. Vala's already sweating when she finally emerges from her tent, after the required six hours of sleep, quietly groaning at the heat and lack of comfortable sleep. She soon sets about fixing breakfast (nothing cooked, mostly berries with some hard cheese and bread).

Once everyone has had their full 8 (4 for elves) hours of rest, it's mid-morning, having expended a few hours of light already - though in the summer months there's plenty to spare. You get a chance to make any final threats, assurances or words of encouragement to the bandits before you send them off - unarmed and unarmoured - in the opposite direction to where you believe the main camp is. Watching his companions leave, Loog tuts and mutters to himself "Shoulda slept on watch, would've got to go too." "Say something?" Vala asks pointedly, tugging on his ear, to which he replies, louder "I sai' if you're gonna play it off like they ran, yer gonna need a reason. Attack durin' the night or whatever, somethin' for you to save me from." He tuts again, as she lets him go, looking a bit less sure of his words now. "S...so you're gonna have to rough me up a bit, get some cuts or bruises. Make it look real, otherwise they'll know somethin's up. They wouldn' just run off for no reason, we got a good thing goin' here, mostly."

Vala scratches her head and looks to the rest of you. "Think he's right?"


Today you are visited by SCORCHING HEAT because the weather roll was very high.


Blistering heat that is unpleasant to travel in. Creatures that attempt to travel during the daylight hours require twice the ration of water, and creatures that travel for 4 or more hours, or engage in heavy activity for 1 or more hour, during the day and do not immediately take a short or long rest under cover must make a DC10 Constitution saving throw or gain a level of Exhaustion.

All fire damage rolls have a +2. All cold damage rolls have a -2.

Since there's ample food and water (thank Caelyn) this mostly just means you'll have to slow your travel pace slightly and take regular rests, and gotta keep the damage changes in mind for any combat.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

Melian sets her bedroll against a tree and enters her trance in a seated position. Before daybreak, she returns to full alertness and silently puts away her pack. She reviews her spellbook and prepares her spells and spends the rest of the early morning consulting Boreathar's Tome before the others awaken.

When Loog speaks up, she considers it for a moment. "True, though we many people here capable of healing. Unless we plan to keep that a secret, us healing you might actually be a better story."

Study Boreathar's Tome during Long Rest.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

That Night
Caelyn smiles at waves at Melian when she settles down to trance sitting down, as the druid always does. She sets up her own bedroll, folding it into a comfortable seat, and staggers her trance so that she should be closing her eyes when Melian wakes. While she stays up, she wanders the area surrounding the bandit's camp, searching for ingredients. Some red berries here, some sap there, and specific types of loam found with the roots of an oak tree. Mixing these ingredients in a small wooden bowl she normally used for plant collection, she adds water and makes a thick red paste, then adds a bit more to thin it out into a primitive paint. Then she began drawing on the pieces of shattered stone she gathered from the altar, preparing them to receive the paint. She was no artist, but she knew if she got them just right she could make something magical happen. Tongue stuck out, eyes nearly crossed in concentration, she works for hours sketching with coal, dabbing paint, and murmurring to herself in Druidic the whole time just to prepare to attempt the infusion of magic. That she will save for another night. Putting the shards of rock out to dry, she contentedly closes her eyes and begins to trance, imagining the possibilities of her creation should they come to fruition.

That Morning

Caelyn wakes up in a sweat, immediately hot and immediately thirsty. She quickly gathers her rocks, rolls up her bed, and removes her armor. She would be worried if she was caught in a fight with it off, but she would be brutally overheated if she kept it on. In a way she felt naked without it, but the immediate relief of stripping down to just her shirt was enough to convince her she'd made the right decision. She eats quietly, keeping her own counsel as she waits to see how things resolve- how the parting with the bandits would end and how her family would manage the fallout. She'd never seen her siblings fight over something so dire since Father's death, and then they were all in mourning. She only hoped that the harsh words of the evening would grow smaller and easier to deal with in time, and that unlike that feeling of loss they would go away.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

The night before:
I don't usually ask you for spell requests, as I prefer to do this between Deneir and myself, but do we have an approach for tomorrow? I will prepare a few blessings ready for combat as I feel at least the commanders will not go without a fight, but for the more powerful miracles I am granted I would like to know if we focus on keeping quiet is our focus, or not.

Also should I keep an option to be able to send a message to Captain Commander or however his name was, she chuckles: to tell him the direction and size of the camps?




On the road with Loog:
That is an issue I have been thinking about ever since I was gifted this tabard. Anyone with half an education is going to realize Deneir's symbols. While not explicitly a deity linked to only our home as a place of learning, it does link our group pretty heavily to the place. Senna says without any sublety.

In any case, it outs me as a devout follower of a decidedly non-violent deity, even if I feel I have kicked that tradition with my feet. I can disguise myself as a nondenomital cleric, or a follower of Gond or Mystra. Can you come up with good arguments that could convince a priest of following your cause, Loog? Or are your friends just thugs without vision, trying to get by? she adds without any judgment, even if Loog could easily interpret it as condescending.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

The Night

Sam still stands stiffly, hands shaking from the flood of anger and adrenaline. He breathes out a sigh through his nose at Melian's suggestion to just let them go. It might not be wise, but maybe it's the best he's going to get. "Alright." As Senna brushes off her gruesome attempt on the bandits' lives and returns straight to strategizing, Sam turns away in disgust and walks over to the bandit 'pile'. "Assuming you take this as a wakeup call," he begins, straightening out his ruffled sleeves. "You should look for work at the Nashkel mines. They're going to be looking for miners again soon, after we clear out the roads."

Grepha flies down from her perch and lands on Sam's shoulder, causing him to tense up a bit. He closes his eyes and takes a breath, then adds, "I wish you luck." Turning away, he claims one of the bandits' tents that are already up, and crawls in.

"What was that out there? Offering to kill them behind my back?" Sam chastises Grepha telepathically while he takes a drink from his waterskin and stares at his knees.

"I was only trying to help. Bringing Loog in on the plan, it's foolishness. I would sooner trust the bandit dogs than that man."

"No more side business," Sam states, out loud and with clarity. "Any offers, deals or whatever you want to make go through me from now on. Check in telepathically, and no agreements or offers without my permission."

Folding her arms, Grepha has little choice but to agree. "You're the boss. Just remember. Honor and benevolence feels good, up until it gets someone you care about killed by those who have none. Try considering that before it happens."

Without indulging more on the subject, Sam turns away and tries to get some sleep.

Persuasion on the bandits to convince them to seek legitimate work at Nashkel.
[roll0]
[roll1] Advantage from Melian's warning?


The Morning

In an uncharacteristically uncheerful mood, Sam slumps around camp in the morning. After the prisoners go - Loog excepted - he tells the others, "I'm not going to fit in around the bandit camp. I should go join up with the reinforcements and come in that way." His infernal companion is quiet that morning as well, returned to her disguised form of a raven.

[Amnestic]

When the bandits go it's difficult to tell if there's any agreement, or if your words have settled in. At least one seems thoughtful about it, but the other two are stonyfaced - perhaps more concerned with making it out of the woods than whatever comes 'next'. Still, you've disarmed them for now, so it's unlikely they'll be a threat any time soon, and desertion may not be looked kindly upon among the Blacktalons.

"Wouldn' worry about it too much." Loog says to Sam. He seems quite open with his information, perhaps because it's the only thing keeping his head attached. "Chill're in camp too - hobgoblins, gnolls, some half-ogres. Yeah they ain' go' any scales but it's close enough righ'?" Vala, quietly so Loog doesn't overhear, adds to Sam, "I don't know if splitting up is a good idea, there could be more bandits or worse in the forest. And you'd look very silly as a werewolfdragon."

Loog seems confused at Senna's question, as if he doesn't recognise the words being spoken - his expression is the same look you might expect when speaking to someone who doesn't know the language. "I 'unno 'bou' any o' tha'. Think being a lass is gonna be more of a problem. They won' be paying attention to your 'tabard'." His eyes dart down for just a moment. "No' a lot of women in camp...none, actually, now tha' I think 'bou' it." He shrugs. "Dunno though, maybe tha'll help with whatever you're doin'."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Looking up at Loog, Sam raises a brow ridge. "My looks aren't really what I was worried about."

"Samuel does not have the makings of even a fake bandit," Grepha cuts in, her voice more withdrawn and held back than usual. "The moment he is tested they will know."

"Besides, I heard the Chill have this really awful initiation beating. And I don't want them to damage this pretty face after all," he halfheartedly jests.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelyn turns her head to Sam, giving him a slightly hurt look when he mentions leaving the group. Under that logic, neither am I suited for infiltrating the bandit camp. I cannot hide my disdain for them, nor profess my loyalty to their cause in a believable manner. I may escape suspicion if I tell them I am here to cleanse the shadow druids, but I doubt that lines up with their strategy for handling my personal enemy. She reaches out and puts a hand on Sam's arm. "If I'm not mistaken, with Vyvian gone you might be the only one of us who can get away with a lie, Sam. I'm not sure what we'd do without you."

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: --
Concentrating: --

- Earlier -
Melian consider's Senna's spell suggestions for a moment. "Informing the Fist where the camp is seems like a good idea. If we inform them that it moves they will know to track it."

- Later -
"I do think we should stay together for this one," Melian chimes in, joining the discussion. Her familiar hops from her hood onto Sam's shoulder, giving the half-dragon a quick lick on the cheek. The wizard smirks at it and scratches Fëanáro's chin. "If this goes poorly, we will need to have each other's backs."

The wizard seems unfazed by the blistering heat. The more observant ones may notice she periodically draws upon the Weave and the air grows colder around her.

Prestidigitation every now and again to cool off own clothing. Personal HVAC SystemTM! (patent pending) Eat your heart out, gnomes :smalltongue:)

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

Senna blushes heavily at Loog's hint. You think my sisters are an issue as well? Or Sam? she says, realizing gender was never an issue to them before. Neither was Sam's draconic heritage, which was weird to say the least.

I mean, uhm, uh, she stutters, fully knowing she could just shave her head and count as a tomboyish male. what would you propose? Senna did not consider herself vain in any case, but the thought of loosing the bit of hair that made her seem like a girl after so teachers in Candlekeep mistook her for a boy, she was flustered. She was already fidgeting with her dagger's sheath, unsure if she should cut her hair.

[Amnestic]

"I think Melian's right, either we all go in together or we all stay out. There's gotta be too much risk if we split." Vala asserts, concern about splitting writ quite clearly on her face. Deception doesn't seem to be one of her great strong suits either, at least when it's not in song-form. "Strength in numbers and all that, right?"

"I think you all stand ou' yeah, but s'long as you're good a' making money they'll probably overlook it." Loog says relatively noncommittally. "Doubt you could pass for a guy with a quick haircut, they'd sniff you ou' in a second. Tol' you to rough me up, you wouldn' do it, so why'd you wanna listen to me now? I'll be slippin' out first chance I get. Wha'ever yer after, I don' wanna be 'round when they find out. Gettin' you in I can do, maybe, but outside of tha' you're on your own." He lapses into quiet as your progression through the woods continues. Rather than following any specific trail, Loog (bound), points you instead in a single cardinal direction, using the sun to make sure you're staying on track. It's a north-easterly pattern, not quite along the trail you followed yesterday but instead heading on what he asserts is the shortest path to pick up the camp trail. From what you can tell, he's not lying, and the direction does make sense from the patterns you saw back at the emptied site you were teleported to.

Squeezing around trees and over logs it's no more than an hour into your journey when you hear a slobbering sound up ahead. The sound of gnashing teeth chewing, of drool and juices falling down faces, of bones crunching in jaws. It stops, quite suddenly, as they hear you - the carts wheels, the snapping of boot on twig, the scuff of clothes against branches and leaves. Through the undergrowth your two sides lock eyes. You, a bunch of delicious looking morsels to add to their feast. Them, three trolls with red blood matting their moss green faces, spackling their rubbery skin. Clutched in their taloned grips are chunks of flesh with clear bitemarks. One is simply holding a human arm, dangling on its own. They were crouching before but at the arrival of new sounds and smells they stand up to their full nine feet in height, even with a severe hunch to their spine. They drop what they're holding, leaving their long gangling arms free to reach out and take hold of their next, fresh meal.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/797168047327936522/unknown.png

Attacking from range at more than 10' away will give them half cover. Attacking at more than 20' away will give them 3/4 cover. In both cases, this is because of the dense trees.

Before you go throwing any fireballs, be aware of the potential to cause forest fire (only you can prevent them). It's very hot, and therefore very dry, and the trees are very close together. Fire-based AoE may have unintended consequences!


Walls, trees, creatures, and other obstacles can provide cover during combat, making a target more difficult to harm. A target can benefit from cover only when an attack or other effect originates on the opposite side of the cover.
There are three degrees of cover. If a target is behind multiple sources of cover, only the most protective degree of cover applies; the degrees aren't added together. For example, if a target is behind a creature that gives half cover and a tree trunk that gives three-quarters cover, the target has three-quarters cover.
A target with half cover has a +2 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws. A target has half cover if an obstacle blocks at least half of its body. The obstacle might be a low wall, a large piece of furniture, a narrow tree trunk, or a creature, whether that creature is an enemy or a friend.
A target with three-quarters cover has a +5 bonus to AC and Dexterity saving throws. A target has three-quarters cover if about three-quarters of it is covered by an obstacle. The obstacle might be a portcullis, an arrow slit, or a thick tree trunk.
A target with total cover can't be targeted directly by an attack or a spell, although some spells can reach such a target by including it in an area of effect. A target has total cover if it is completely concealed by an obstacle.

Loog is still bound, armourless and weaponless so he won't be fighting. You may want to make sure someone keeps an eye on him though, either because of trolls or in case he decides to try something... He will act on Vala's initiative.

Turn order is Senna/Melian, Enemies, then everyone.





Those are some BIG goblins.

An 'uncivlised' species that is incredibly widespread despite having no common grouping, they can be found in various forms/subspecies across all biomes. Their primary weapons are sharp claws and sharper teeth, and they can be surprisingly agile for such tall, gangly creatures. They average 8-10' when fully grown and often sport large noses that have exceptional smelling capabilities. Very rarely do trolls live together, sometimes grouping together under a shaman or warlord, but these groups rarely number more than 20 and often fall apart from infighting.

Trolls are known for their incredible regenerative powers, being able to heal from wounds that would be 100% fatal to any other creature. This regeneration is hindered however by acidic substances (magical or otherwise) and fire, which cauterises the wounds and prevents regeneration. Some troll subspecies are more or less vulnerable to one or the other (arctic trolls are more susceptible to fire than acid) however forest trolls like the kind you're encountering here are roughly equal.

They usually speak their own language (commonly known as 'troll') but it's less of a unique language and more a guttural mix of a few tongues - giant, orcish, common and goblin being the most common ones, though it can vary by region. They're extremely aggressive, and extremely ravenous.


It's said that even beheading a troll is insufficient to overcome their regeneration. Professor Jowd of Waterdeep once bisected a troll down the middle as part of an experiment, and the result was that the regeneration created two, separate trolls - effectively cloning the original.

Because of this, and a troll's dangerous nature, troll blood is a quite expensive, sought after ingredient. It's often used in alchemical formulas for potions, poisons, antidotes and more. It's an infrequent spell component. The flipside is that con artists and tricksters will sell people fake 'troll blood' as a cure-all. A vial of authentic, preserved troll blood can be sold in the range of 300-500 gold pieces, depending on its quality. Dilute troll blood or aged specimens sell for lesser amounts. It's not the sort of thing that can be sold casually however, and usually troll blood is more of a "purchased to order", with groups specifically tasked to acquire it for a buyer, since people with the gold to buy it and need to do so are niche.



Experiments by people using trollblood to extend their lifespan (obtaining eternal youth/immortality as the end goal) have thus far met with less than stellar results, though it hasn't stopped people from trying. The most successful case to date was an exceedingly rich Cormyrian nobleman who spent his entire fortune on acquiring trollblood to drink, causing a minor local genocide of the creatures as people rushed to fill his request. He managed to extend his life, somewhat, living to the ripe old age of 233, however it had less regenerative properties than he hoped and for the latter 111 years of his life he was unable to move under his own power, only able to drink the blood that kept him alive as his body withered, his muscles atrophied, and his mind failed.

He was mercy-killed by his great, great, great, granddaughter.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

"I guess," Sam says, reluctantly, to the encouragement and insistence. He picks up his bag and shoulders it, still looking uncertain.

"...If you are amenable to me making an offer." Grepha's voice resounds in his head and he looks over, nodding. "If you doubt yourself, know that I am here to advise or to delegate to," Grepha tells him telepathically. Then she adds out loud, "And you can at least heal yourself after the initiation."

Grimacing in anticipation, Sam walks along with the others. He's not paying much attention when Grepha jostles him out of it, at the appearance of the unfriendly green giants. "Good news, Loog. Someone willing to give you a beating has arrived," the imp jabs.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: Bless (Vala, Melian, Caelyn)

After reciting a few lines of prayers to Deneir, Senna closes with a short notice. We need fire or acid for these ones. Take care of the trees. Caelyn?

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h), Bladesong (1min)
Concentrating: --

Seeing the trolls between the trees, Melian grunts audibly. "Better than werewolves," she remarks to no one in particular. With practiced ease, she draws the weave around herself and, unsheathing her Moonblade, holds her ground

• Action: Mage Armor (8h)
• Move: Draw sword.
• Bonus: Bladesong (1min)

Bladesong: +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration.

[Amnestic]

The three gangly monstrosities lumber forward, pushing aside branches and weaving between trees to get close. Only one manages to reach you - Vala, specifically - however, the other two instead raising their claws in preparation for a strike. The 'lead' monster (by geography, rather than any notable hierarchy, at least from what you can see) swings its razor talons down at the young musician, she blocks or dodges the swipes, but she's a touch too slow to avoid its keen-tooth maw that reaches down and scrapes against her shield arm. "Hey, hey, you're gonna protec' me righ'? I can' figh' like this!" Loog stammers as he sees Vala take the hit.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/798875615431884840/unknown.png

Vala takes 9 damage from a bite (why is it always bites with her) updated on map, 57/66.

The two "far" trolls have their claws raised, some might say in a ready position.

Everyone's turn!

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentration: Bless (Vala, Melian, Caelyn)

Senna snaps her fingers and pulls out a middlesized bell. You remember it as the one she used to talk to the deceased merchants, an action Caelyn protested against. The tendrils of vile necromancy wrap themselves around the bell once more, now echoing a dirge towards the eastern-most troll.

Put away dagger, draw bell and ring it for Cause Fear: [roll0] Wisdom save

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Caelee looks over the rushing trolls and make a decision in an instant. She had to get Rosc Roche to somewhere safe while this fight raged. She dropped the reins and spurred the horse onward and away from the fight with her knees and feet, encouraging her friend to head for safety. Riding atop his back, she reaches for her longbow, but quickly realizes that it would be more than awkward to draw it while riding. Instead she draws her wand and points it at the nearest troll while moving, spitting a sizzling word in Druidic as a bolt of fire rushes at the monster from the tip.





Urging Rosc Roche north west away from the fighting. Don't know what his speed will be like, but best get him away from the trolls. Handle Animal of [roll0]. Casting Firebolt at the troll fighting Vala, suffering the cover bonus. [roll1] for [roll2] fire damage.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Drawing a card from his deck, Sam points it at the troll at the back of the group. His mouth moves, and whispering sounds emerge, weaving through the air. Audible only to the troll, they heckle and claw at it with imagery of hellfire and burning pain.

"I'll try and keep the other ones off you. Kick ass, Vala!"

The devil in raven form vanishes from sight, the light rippling around and washing off of her like water off of a duck's back.

Sam:
Cast Dissonant Whispers on the middle troll that nobody's targeted yet.
Save [roll0] Wis vs DC 14
Damage: [roll1] psychic damage, or half on a save.
If save fails, it immediately moves its Speed away from Sam.

Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration on Vala.

Grepha:
Use Invisibility.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h), Bladesong (1min)
Concentrating: --

Melian closes her eyes for a heartbeat and communes with her familiar. Up into the trees, Fëanáro. And keep an eye on our prisoner.

Opening her eyes, she strides forward beside Vala and lashes out with her sword, once again crashing with thunderous power.

• Move: 5' NE (beside Vala). Familiar goes up into the nearest tree to the S of our position, moves to keep track of Loog if he makes a run for it.
• Bonus: --
• Action: Booming Blade vs Troll
- Attack: [roll0]
- Damage: [roll]1d8+4[roll] 6 (from discord) + [roll1] Thunder
- Extra [roll2] Thunder if it moves before my next turn.

Bladesong: +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration.

[Amnestic]

The furthest troll roars in a combination of fear and anger, screaming bloody murder at the bell's intonations. It's torn, torn between the desire to taste on the supple flesh of the party but pushed away by the clang that pierces its heart with terror. Sam's spell is just as effective, forcing the central troll to immediately flee to the north. It gets to roughly as far away as it had been when it started, before stopping, looking around for a moment, and then turning to move back towards the party. None of you are experts in troll expressions, but the look on its face could be taken for one of confusion.

The closest troll, befuddled not by fear or confusion, is instead struck by flames and steel. Caelyn's firebolt makes it scream in agony, the damage seemingly more potent than usual due to the scorching sun overhead. The flames seem to have an added effect however. When the flower-crowned Vala strikes with shining spear and Melian with spellsword the skin doesn't knit back together, the blood doesn't stop, and the gashes remain as gashed as ever. It is not regenerating, the singing of the flames seemingly 'turning off' its power to do so, if only temporarily. Adding its screams to the cacophany of its feared companion it slashes with claws and jaw at Melian and Vala, trying to force its way. Melian slips past the troll's clumsy attacks, though Vala takes a scrape on the shoulder from one of the claws.

Rosc Roche, and Loog, both step back hesitating, Loog glancing around at the forest around you. For better or worse, Rosc Roche can't easily move through the trees, and bolting with the wagon attached seems unlikely, but Loog's concern seems to be passing to the horse, and neither seem exactly



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/799586072241635328/unknown.png

Vala takes 6 damage (after resistance) from a claw, updated on map. 51/66. Right-side troll failed his save to remove Cause Fear so he's still stuck in place (or rather, can't move forwards at least). Central troll ran away and then immediately ran back which is why he's not 'moved' on the map.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: Spiritual Weapon
Concentration: Cause Fear (Troll)

The bells don't just ring for the eastern troll, they toll. Senna also snaps, evoking a candlefire next to it.

Spiritual Weapon [roll1]

Toll the Dead [roll2] Wisdom save vs 15 or take [roll]2d12 necrotic 9 necrotic damage

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Invisibly flying above the troll fighting with Vala, Grepha grabs onto its dreadlocks and yanks on them in the air, attempting to distract it and make for an easier target.

Sam, meanwhile, keeps his eyes locked on the troll he'd given the run around. He maintains the psychic disturbance, keeping it at bay so that they are not overrun.

Sam:
Cast Dissonant Whispers on the middle troll that nobody's targeted yet.
Save [roll0] Wis vs DC 14
Damage: [roll1] psychic damage, or half on a save.
If save fails, it immediately moves its Speed away from Sam.

Grepha:
Help action on the next attack against the wounded troll. Ideally Cae's next fire bolt, we wanna keep that regen down.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Realizing the horse and cart are mostly blocked in, Caelyn throws herself to the side and preforms a rolling dismount, moving closer to the trolls adjacent to Sam and pointing her wand at the troll Vala is engaged with, tears of flame flowing from the corners of her eyes as the excess fire magic started to heat the air even hotter than the summer sun.





Getting down off the horse and moving to the west of Sam, then casting fire bolt. [roll0] to hit 24 from discord to hit (Troll gets a +2 to AC) and [roll1] fire damage.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h), Bladesong (1min)
Concentrating: --

Melian ducks and weaves as the troll attacks, thankful that her siblings have managed to keep the other two occupied for the time being. Noticing how the troll's wounds aren't mending, she calls out in encouragement to Caelyn as she lashes out again with her blade. "The fire's working, Caelyn! Keep hitting it!"

• Move: --
• Bonus: --
• Action: Booming Blade vs Troll
- Attack: 1d20+7 16 from Discord
- Damage: [roll0] + [roll1] Thunder
- Extra [roll2] Thunder if it moves before my next turn.

Bladesong: +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration.

[Amnestic]

The central troll continues to be forced to run away, stop, turn around and come back, screeching with frustration as the magic dances around its feet and bids them to run this way and that. Senna's glowing spirit-weapon skitters across the feared troll's rubbery hide, and the necrotic slice of magic from her bells makes a mark, but it seems to heal entirely almost immediately. At the same time, Vala and Melian lay into the closest opposition, with Caelyn's flaming bolt striking it right in the face, engulfing its hair in fire. It collapses to the ground, overcome by wounds that no longer shut, and Vala steps over its corpse to begin work on 'Yoyo'.

At the same time, perhaps offput by its inability to move forward and seeing its companion die, the feared troll takes a step or two backwards, its roars less angry and more concerned. There's a clear indication in its body language that its interest in continuing the fight is waning, having been unable to attack even once and watching its fellow fall to flames.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/694162563092578364/801076867464429608/unknown.png

One down. Vala down to 44 health. Right-troll still feared.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Holding onto the troll's dreadlocks with grim satisfaction as it burns up, Grepha lets go only when she feels it go limp and fall to the ground. She flaps her wings and circles around to do the same to the one Sam had been forcing to dance back and forth, snatching at its hair and making a deliciously flammable and open target for Caelyn.

Wanting to conserve at least some of his magic, Sam gathers energy bolts in each hand and hurls them at the new target.

Sam:
Move 1 East, 1 Southeast to just below Melian, to get a better shot on Yoyo.
Two Eldritch Blasts, no shoves this time.
[roll0] Blast 1
[roll1] force damage
[roll2] Blast 2
[roll3] force damage

Grepha:
Help action on Cae's next fire bolt against Yoyo.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h), Bladesong (1min)
Concentrating: --

The wizard briefly considers casting a disabling spell on the trolls, but Senna has one of them occupied and the other already has a small imp clinging to it. The fight seems well in hand, so she advances by Vala's side and again strikes at her foe.

• Move: 5' NE, beside Vala
• Bonus: --
• Action: Booming Blade vs Troll
- Attack: [roll0]
- Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] Thunder (holey moley max damage :smallamused:)
- Extra [roll3] Thunder if it moves before my next turn.

Bladesong: +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration.

[purepolarpanzer]

https://i.imgur.com/GJ0Oi1N.jpg
Caelyn Syol'arael (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158173)
Wood Elf Druid
AC: 15 HP: 39/39
PP: 17 PIv: 10 PIs: 17
Conditions: --
Concentrating on:

Stepping forward at a measured pace, Caelee moves adjacent to her older sister and flicks her wand across her eyeline while spitting a few words of Druidic, fire guttering into life at the end of the wood and igniting around the sharpened metal arrow head. In the wake of the flames, three scorching rays appear and hurl out, one at the uncertain troll and two at the troll being engaged by Vala. If the doubter was looking for a reason to flee the fight she would give it to him. Licks of fire flowed down from the corner of her eyes, the tips of her fingers, and from the corners of her mouth. She didn't realize she was laughing until the rays hit home, when the smell of charred troll reached her. Just a few more spells. Don't go full torch yet, Caelee. Keep it together.. She did her best to silence the laughing, but she couldn't suppress a few giggles.





Move NE to be directly W of Melian. Three rays total. First one at the coward troll- [roll0] to hit and [roll1] fire damage. One with advantage at the troll Vala is whaling on. [roll2] to hit, [roll3] advantage, and [roll4] fire damage. Third ray at the troll fighting Vala again. [roll5] to hit and [roll6] fire damage.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: Spiritual Weapon
Concentration: Cause Fear (Troll)

Seeing as her siblings had things under control, Senna does more of the same, this time focussing on the troll already engaged with Vala.

Spiritual Weapon [roll0] [roll1] force damage

Toll the Dead [roll2] Wisdom save vs 15 or take [roll3] necrotic damage

[Amnestic]

Your movements fall into sync with one another, bouncing spells and steel one after another. Vala doesn't even have a chance to strike at the troll again, it falls beneath the onslaught of magic and melee (some of which is also magical) before she can pull her spear into another attack. It collapses at her and Melian's feet, leaving only the troll still gripped by the tense fear that Senna has inflicted upon it. The arcane fear has now given birth to real fear however, and after seeing its fellows cut down so brutally and quickly, and after receiving a searing burn on the shoulder from Caelyn's ray, it decides that discretion is the better part of not getting murdered, turns on its heels, and flees into the forest.

Its trail is obvious, of course, it's making no attempt to hide itself, just put distance between you and it. It's not difficult to follow if you so wish, but the immediate threat has ended. Vala's aura and flower crown dissipates, she can still fight, but the brief interlude is enough for the magic to disperse, turning her back to 'normal' again. Loog gives an impressed whistle. "Glad I didn't try to fight you."


The troll is still feared and is now in full retreat mode. Not gonna keep up with maps (since limited square footage and not very interesting to picture) for it but if you want to pursue to finish it off you can do. Otherwise combat ends here.

[cigaw]

https://i.imgur.com/1Y4OJ9B.png
Melian Galanodel (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2159322)
Eladrin Bladesinger
AC: 13 (20) HP: 34/34
PP: 14 PIv: 17 PIs: 11
Conditions: Mage Armor (8h)
Concentrating: --

Melian allows the troll to flee, holding on to the Bladesong as she scans her surroundings one last time. She then lets out a slow breath and feels the grip of the song release. With an easy flourish, she flings the trolls' blood from her blade before sliding it back in its scabbard.

She turns back to Loog and offers him a noncommittal shrug before calling her familiar back down from the treetops.

[Amnestic]

You get a moment to catch your breath as you leave the troll to its life - for now, at least. So efficient was your dispatching of the trolls that Loog seems to have given up on any further thoughts of escape, and now stands quite dutifully next to Rosc Roche, waiting for you to finish up so the travel can continue. A survey of the troll's previous feeding site reveals a number of mutilated, mostly consumed bodies with scattered bloody parts left over. Judging by the scraps of armour, bent swords and scattered accoutrements those being fed upon before your arrival may have been bandits, just like Loog. He doesn't seem particularly torn up at their deaths. Most of their gear is damaged beyond repair and good for nothing, but you do spot a fetching multi-coloured cap, a somehow-unsmashed potion vial, and a few pockets of coinage.

Once you've finished dealing with the bodies and salvaging what you can, your path continues on through the dense forest. Hours pass under the scorching sun only helped slightly by the dense tree cover. Over small dried rivulets, circling minor ponds and lakes, Loog directs you on and on, using Caelyn and the sun to make sure that you stay following the direction intended. "Way it works," he says, by way of explanation, "is the bosses pick a direction and hunting groups are meant to just scout around 'til they get back to camp. No proper markers or 'owt."

Later afternoon, when the sun is casting longer shadows but still blazing, you come across the trail of what is clearly a massive troop of people (not all of which are human, judging by the size of some footprints), horses and equipment that's been carved through the forest. With all the prints on top of each other it's nigh impossible to get exact numbers, but Loog bends down to look at the prints, poking at the edges of some gently, as if to ascertain just how rigid the marking is. "Reckon we're pretty close. If you wanna get inside you'll want to stay on the path so they can see you comin'. Come outta the forest, even with me in tow, and they'll feather you faster than you can say somethin' fast."


Coinage: 45gp


While wearing this cap underwater, you can speak its command word as an action to create a bubble of air around your head. It allows you to breathe normally underwater. This bubble stays with you until you speak the command word again, the cap is removed, or you are no longer underwater.

https://dungeon.su/gallery/items/249_1_1539742196.png



Heals 4d4+4 when quaffed. Gulp!

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/uiCpskB.png

https://i.imgur.com/vcn8uLV.png
Cheerful Sam (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2157088)
Half-Dragon Warlock | Imp Familiar
AC: 12 HP: 39/39 | AC: 13 HP: 10/10
PP: 10|14 PIv: 15|10 PIs: 11|13
Conditions: --- | --

Landing on Sam's shoulder, Grepha inquires to him telepathically. "May I go ahead and scout the area?" Sam nods in agreement and she takes off, flying invisibly in her raven form to get a literal bird's eye view of the bandit camp, and perhaps sweep lower to examine their defenses and facilities.

"Greph's scouting, so we can take a break," Sam tells the others, leaning against a tree. "How are you doing, Vala?" he asks, offering a hand glimmering with eerie red infernal healing magic if she needs it.

[Spore]

https://i.imgur.com/cVnpd70.png
Senna (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2158923)
Human Arcana Cleric
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 12 PIs: 17
Conditions: -
Concentration: -

We should probably know the general makeup of the camp. Say Loog, is it a more permanent affair, so you could mark the general areas on a crude map? she says as she has taken four different sized branches to craft a relatively detailed map in the sand, apparently expecting some kind of eidetic memory.

Also remember that if you run or alert the others, my sisters can end you silently, and my brother and I can end you with magic even if you evade their attacks. she adds calmly, as if mentioning what's for dinner tonight.