Ice (5e Solo Campaign)

[PolloMark]

Word has spread of a great collection of riches deep in the heart of the Golden Mountains. With no more information offered, countless adventurers made the trek into the mountains hoping to strike it rich. Being tucked so deep into the mountains, few adventurers made it to their destination and even fewer lasted more than a day. While plenty of adventurers have wandered through the countless caves and ancient mines the mountains have to offer, most explorations have come up empty.

Approaching your destination, a lone building stands in the deep snow. It is quite large, a wooden structure held together with twine and prayers to the gods. Although random parties dot the snowy white mountainsides, it is the building that draws your attention. You wander inside, unsure of what to expect. Hoping to get away from the chill outside, you step into the building. Rum stings your nostrils and a burning sensation runs around your ears.

A large iron golem stomps from table to table, delivering trays of ales and other alcoholic adventuring drinks. Laughter fills the room, and the volume of the room rises. Dirtied individuals crowd the tavern, and a sign reading "ROOMS" hangs over a doorway. A mustached man behind the bar waves you over with a dirty towel.

Welcome to the adventure!

In this campaign, you are free to recruit anyone to join you at any time. They are not guaranteed to join you, but some might! You are free to choose your own path, as it is a little sandbox-y, but there is a story if you want it. Looking around the room, you see the following at various tables:

-A pair of Orcs stand at a table in the corner. A pile of green goo sets on a chair alone at the table.

-A pair of Dwarves are drinking at a table. Dozens of empty mugs sit on the table between them.

-An Aarakocra sits alone, reading a book quietly.

- A group of Gnomes are playing cards together. A Minotaur is playing with them.

- A skinny man rolls some dice at a table and begins to write something down.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Entering the building is a figure in leather armour and dark clothing. As it enters, it lowers the hood and mask covering its head, revealing a feminine face with Elven and Human features, and long dark hair in a neat bun. "Let me see, here..." she mumbles to herself, taking in the sights. One dagger is strapped to the outside of each of her boots, a sickle sits at her right hip, and a hammer sits at her right. She is positively laden with adventuring gear.

Quite the crowd. There's a moustachioed fellow behind the bar, gotta be the propietor.
Iron golem whose cost alone might be responsible for the apparent budget cuts in construction and safety... Wouldn't be surprised if there were a mage about. I suppose, in the long run, an unthinking and unfeeling automaton is a better investment than flesh-and-blood staff.
Dwarves who've gotta have as many livers as a cow has stomachs; one of those bird-people I'd only read about; Gnomes and... a minotaur? I see Orcs, there, too. This place really seems to cater to all types. Ope! Yep, there's a goo. Really does cater to all types! Skinny fellow playing with himself...

This woman saunters up to the bar, and greets the man behind it. "Heya. What's on your menu?"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial Pact (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
The italicised text without quotation marks is meant to be her thoughts. I figure since no one else is playing in this game, it'd be safe to think visibly!

For those of you reading this, consider "Image" to have this (https://www.dialectsarchive.com/wisconsin) accent! Is it the result of a concussion? Is it hereditary? Is it acting? Who knows! We'll find out!

[PolloMark]

The mustached man offers you a thin smile and tosses the rag over his shoulder. You see pointed ears poking out of either side of his head, and he seems to be wearing fifty shades of beige.

A new adventurer! Excellent! X-19, bring me a fresh ale! the barkeep orders in an excited yet deep tone.

The Iron Golem pauses in the middle of the tavern and stomps towards you. The ground shakes slightly. It stares at you with black empty eye sockets in its metal head and slams a drink onto the bar beside you. You notice the bottom of the glass crack slightly as the golem loosens its grip around the glass bottle. The golem then turns and returns to its task of waiting tables. The bartender motions to the bottle and grins.

This one's on the house! The name is Mortimus, and I am always excited to see a new adventurer around these parts. This here is the Golden Arches. We are the best, and only, inn-slash-tavern you'll find in these parts. Mortimus pauses to look you over before continuing. So I take it you're here for the legendary treasure of the Golden Mountains? Or does something else bring you into the middle of nowhere?


Good you found it! Character sheet passes the eye test, and I love the voice you choice for Image. Funny thing... I'm actually from Wisconsin!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Eyeing the bottom of the tankard, the woman carefully picks it up. "Well met, Mortimus, I am called 'Image'." She takes a sip of the drink. "And I am." She lifts one finger from the drink, and then another, contemplating briefly as she raises each. Her other hand finds its way into a compartment on her backpack, from which she draws two golden coins. "If you've got any good information about that treasure for me, I'll give you these on top of what I pay you for a room and a hearty meal. And when I come back, I'll give you a cut for your help." That arrogant scoundrel!


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
I'm from Northern Illinois!

[PolloMark]

Mortimus looks at the gold pieces then lets out a deep chuckle. If I knew anything about where the treasure was, I can tell you I wouldn't be wasting my time running this place! I do hear a rumor spreading around about this treasure though... He watches you take your sip and a twisted smirk curls across his face. Your head begins to feel light and your vision doubles. The two Mortimuses (Mortimi?) watch you sway and twin X-19s stomp towards you. Two then three of each blurred patron stare at you, but nobody moves from their seat. In moments, everything goes black...

You awaken to the sound of click-clacking horses. Beneath you, you feel wooden planks shake and you notice your items piled in a corner. Brightness from the sun peaks in through an open wall. As you gain your wits, you realize that you are in the back of a carriage, staring out into the road you are forging ahead on and watching those Golden Mountains move further and further away with each gallop. The carriage goes airborne momentarily, and you the realize your hands and feet have been bound.

No way! haha small world. Nice to meet a fellow midwesterner!

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Son of a [REDACTED]...!" Image groans. "Couldn't just draw [REDACTED] on my face like the last mother[REDACTED] to put something in my drink?" She fondly remembers being given powdered mushrooms in her tea, by a Gnomish friend and associate. As it were, there was only one thing for Image to do in this case... She does her best to wriggle free of her bonds, at least on her wrists, and cries out about something being seriously, dangerously, structurally wrong with the carriage. Sure, getting back at that burst appendix of a man-ling was also on her list, but for now, came the freedom that she would need in order to do this to begin with.

Sure, she would also need to buy incendiaries, but again, one step at a time.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Complaining about something being broken in the back -- like a beam near the seats, or something.

[PolloMark]

It takes a few moments, but eventually your hands wiggle free of the loosely-tied binds. As your hands come free, you can see that they were not tied with care, but instead were simply wrapped around your wrists a few times. As you stay seated in the carriage, the wooden slats continue to bounce as the horses continue to gallop along at a somewhat light pace.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Before proceeding to mess about and find out, Image performs a really quick once-over of her person to check for signs of long-term poisoning: Discolourations, cramping, soreness, nervous system or cardiovascular distresses, digestive issues, and the like. She also flexes her fingers and toes and face, to make sure that the muscles in those are working.

After this head-shoulders-knees-and-toes, she will begin to re-equip herself. Quietly!

[roll0]
[roll1]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Hey, my food allergies make my neuropathy act funny, hence the "nervous system" part of it all.

Medicine is to self-diagnose.
Stealth is to be quiet about the re-equipping herself.

EDIT: DAGNABIT! I forgot the +2 to Medicine and Stealth!

[PolloMark]

As you perform a self-diagnosis in the darkened carriage, you feel a bit light-headed and a lingering aching sensation tingles in your left wrist. Both seem like they should be better in a matter of mome... oh! You're starting to feel much better! Whatever knocked you out did not have any lingering affects, but it may have impacted your ability to perform basic trigonometric functions.

As you grab your items, you are silent. So silent in fact that you do not even hear yourself! As you grab your gear, you can't help but notice that the carriage is empty besides you and your precious items. As your eyes adjust to the darkened space, you notice the space between the wooden slats and see the road go by between the planks.

The horses click-clacking has become a bit rhythmic at this point, providing a soothing background noise to your actions.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Well, Image was very clearly alive and well. Her ability to do complex equations, however, may be momentarily hampered, but then again her magical abilities came from some mysterious benefactor, who guided her to kindly folks who trained such as her. Her magic did not come from... triangulations, and correlations, and study.

Tcheh!

Hearing hoof-beats, she gets an idea in her head... She did know magic. There was schooling in charms and illusions, as well as some lessons in the divine. For now, however, an illusion, a glamer, would have to suffice. She had no line of sight to where the driver could see, but she could make a convincing enough sound come from where she could see... yes, that would have to do. But, to simulate the sounds of combat would startle the horses, which could be bad.

Focusing her thoughts on the talisman she wears, which bears a strange crystal, she begins to gesture and intone. Quietly, of course... "I believe the truth before my eyes... they shall believe it, too. I call now this minor illusion."

This very cunning caller chooses to simulate the sounds of splintering wood coming from, again, the front of the wagon. Teach them to ignore my warnings about the wagon! She also draws her sickle. She wasn't going to hurt anyone with it, without good cause, just scare them a little.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Casting minor illusion to create the auditory illusion of board creaking.
Spell Saving Throw Difficulty Class is 13.

Dungeons & Dragons, throughout its Editions, is unclear on how people cast their spells: sometimes, it's in any language that they can speak, sometimes it's as if they are "speaking in tongues" and using strange words with magical power... while Image knows Celestial, Common, and Elvish, she's really only going to use the latter two for most communications. She's a bit of a throwback to older Editions, in that she finds speaking in "Alignment Languages" in public to be distasteful, akin to speaking in tongues and flashing signs in public in real life!

[PolloMark]

As you cast the spell, the sounds of creaking wood echo around you. You hear a deep male voice offer a grunt.

Did you hear that?

You mean the horses? a second voice asks. This voice is still male, but a bit higher pitched.

No, I think it's the girl. I think she's waking up back there.

The voices quiet, and you notice that the click-clacking of horses slows to an eventual stop. A pair of feet jump to the ground, and you hear a squeaking shoe step around the side of the carriage. As your eyes follow the sound of the squeaking shoe, you finally follow it to the back of the carriage. A man comes into full view, shocked at the sight of the woman standing in the center of the carriage. He wears a blue hooded cape and a tattoo of a blue crescent moon is prominently displayed on his forehead.

Oh! the man utters. It is the male with the higher pitched voice. The man fumbles around his belt, trying to draw a weapon of sorts but failing miserably in his rushed and frantic manner. Looking at his belt, you see a thin club dancing around his fingers.

Love it! Personally, I would love to watch a stranger start some incantations at the local mall, but that could just be me. NPCs will react appropriately to how Image casts her spells.

As for the man before you, the carriage is about 10 feet by 5 feet so he is about 5 feet away from you if you are standing in the center of the carriage. Because he is surprised to see you, you get a surprise move on him.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"I want such excellence allowed to me, that I may win them over..." Image, again, begins to intone and gesture. Lowering her sickle, she breathes a sigh of relief, her demanour that of a friend momentarily shocked by, well, a friend. A friend grasping feebly for a bludgeon with which to concuss, contuse, and crush her. "Hey, it's alright. I'm not gonna hurt you."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Casting charm person to befuddle this bungling boob.
Spell Saving Throw Difficulty Class is 13. Wisdom. Failure results in the target regarding Image as a friendly acquaintance. He will become aware that he has been magically charmed after an hour passes, which is the duration of the spell.

[PolloMark]

As you cast your spell, the fumbling continues. Finally, the man gets a grip on his club and squeezes it tightly, yanking it from his belt. As he pulls it from his belt, the spell is cast, and the man freezes. He looks at the club in his hand then passes a glance towards you.

Then he looks back at the club.

Oh... of course. I knew that! I was... um... er... I thought you were in danger back here. Has the ride been comfortable so far? Is there anything I can get for you? the man asks. Underneath his blue crescent moon tattoo, he manages a toothless smile.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Thank the gods... I just got this armour repaired. Hate to stain it with this toothless imbecile's blood.

Image smiles back at the man, breathing a sigh of relief. "Oh, I'm fine. I just noticed that some of the boards were coming loose. I was going to offer to fix them. My daddy was a carpenter, you know." She pauses almost animatedly, rolling her eyes internally at the lie and verbiage thereof, and then says, "Say, where are we headed?" She also ponders the markings on his head.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Attempting to see if Image can't remember hearing anything about people bearing this dude's tattoo.

[SCARY WIZARD]

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Roll attempt did not work above. Code error. Attempting to see if Image can't remember hearing anything about people bearing this dude's tattoo.

[PolloMark]

The man shows some concern as you point out some flaws with the carriage. He reaches into his pocket and places a small pouch on the edge of the carriage.

I'm sorry to hear that the carriage has not met your standard. I hope this sweet roll makes the ride a bit smoother for you though. As for where we're headed, they should've told you we were taking you to the Ogres to do some mining. That's where we take all of our passengers. the man offers pointing to the road ahead.

Galoo! the other voice calls from the front of the carriage, Did you get lost on your way to the back of the carriage again?

Galoo rolls his eyes and looks at you. It looks like Nathaniel is eager to keep going so I should probably head back. Enjoy the rest of the trip! Galoo offers another toothless smile.

As you see the crescent blue moon tattoo, you feel like it has something familiar about it. Thinking about the tattoo for a moment, it hits you that this tattoo is the symbol of the Blue Moons, a large group of bandits that are known for kidnapping people. The most devoted members will have the crescent blue moon tattooed on their forehead as a symbol of commitment to the cause.

[SCARY WIZARD]

That would not do at all.

"Galoo, could you do me a favour and convince Nathaniel..." She looks at his club, and then at him, raising her eyebrows. "...by any means necessary, to go to the nearest settlement, instead? I'm not really cut out for mining, you see..." She shakes her head and grimaces. "I am, however, really good at recruiting people for work like that, so I'd be of much better service, yanno, doing that. Recruiting people."

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Not at all attempting to convince Galoo to murder his companion if he won't just turn around for the polite witch.

[PolloMark]

Galoo stares at you blankly with steel-colored eyes. He scratches his bald head and finally nods with a smile. You hear the squeaking shoe hurry around the carriage to the front as Galoo talks to Nathaniel.

Nathaniel! We have ta turn around! you can hear Galoo call out.

Are you kidding me Galoo?! Did you lose her?

No no! She wants ta help with the recruiting. She wants us ta take her to the nearest town.

Galoo, why do I ever ask you to do anything? I'll just go knock her back out.

You hear a loud cracking noise echo through the carriage, and a loud thud, followed by silence. For a few moments, you hear nothing. Time seems to have stopped. Then... you hear the familiar and rhythmic click-clacking of horses hooves. As the carriage wanders down the road, you see a body lying still on the side of the road. Judging from the blue cape covering heavy armor, you can guess it's probably Nathaniel.

The carriage continues down the road for a few moments before it finally comes to a stop. You again hear the sound of feet hitting the road and the squeaking shoe you know far too well. In moments, Galoo pokes his head around the side of the carriage and motions for you to come out.

We have arrived at our destination. Welcome to Twine! It may be a small farming town, but it's got alot of heart. If you find some recruits for Ogre mining, just send them north. Is there anything else I can do for you?

Galoo totally didn't kill his partner.

Although you cannot see much out the back of the carriage, Twine is a small town that is home to a couple dozen people. There are a few humble buildings spread out and multiple large carrot fields. It would not be on any maps, so you likely would never have heard of it.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image briefly considers healing Nathaniel with the strange powers bestowed upon her but decides against it.

Let the bastard feed the worms. He had it coming.

Sure, some of the people that mentored her would be mortified, but she was a pragmatist and a survivor. They were idealists and martyrs.

"Oh, yeah... you could tell me about some of the other places around here. After all, the more, the merrier!" Really, Image was interested in civilisation, and not... No-Prospect, Middle-of-Nowhere places. Although, there was work to be done here.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Galoo looks around and scratches the top of his head. He stares off into the distance for a moment then looks back at you.

Well... you've got the city of Makirak a good day's travel east of here. I think there are other small towns nearby, but Makirak is the closest city. I'm sorry if you did not like your destination though. Would you like me ta take you ta Makirak instead? Galoo offers.

For your reference, it has been about 10-15 minutes since the spell was cast.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image pauses. "Well, yes, I could do with a ride there... to Makirak." She produces five golden coins, and hands them to Galoo. "These will be for your trouble."



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
I'm not throwing you too many curveballs, am I? I know that this is solo, and sort of sandboxy, but Image's kind of not "feeling" the mountain, anymore, what-with getting drugged and dragged, and all that.

[PolloMark]

Galoo nods and his squeaky shoe rushes to the front of the carriage. In moments, you hear the click-clacking of horses as the carriage jolts forward. Twine ends up behind you, and you see the small farming town fade further and further away. The carriage rushes ahead at a rapid pace, eventually slowing to a stop. The squeaky shoe returns and Galoo flashes a toothless smile.

I present... Makirak.

From your vantage point, you don't see too much, but you do see a sturdy stone wall surrounding what you can only assume is the city of Makirak. You can see the edge of a tall tower and guards strolling atop the wall disappearing from view as they pace. You do see one guard standing watch beside a large gate, but half the gate is out of view from your vantage point. You hear the loud chatter of a busy market, and you can smell all sorts of delicious hot meals coming from over those walls.

No worries at all! I can understand your apprehension about returning to the mountain. Those places (mountains and Twine) do exist, so they can always be handled later if wanted. Your Charm spell should be expiring any minute now as well... just for reference.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image leaps out of the wagon, taking that sweet roll and putting it in her bag. "Very good, Galoo. Thank you, and safe travels. You have earned that five gold coins!"

Realising that her spell might be wearing off on Galoo the Simple, she waits until she hears hoofbeats again, and calls another illusion, this one summoning the sound of a whip-crack. "I believe the truth before my eyes... they shall believe it, too. I call now this minor illusion." With any luck, Galoo's comparatively erudite horse would get moving.

With a friendly wave and no weapons in her hands, she approaches the gate. She gives the guard a friendly nod and a wave, doing her best to look as disarming as possible.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Is this dude thick? That's a day's travel, charm shoulda worn off about... twenty-three hours ago, give or take!
Alright, I didn't want to get under your skin, but she probably ain't gonna return somewhere she was drugged and bound. There's just as many prospects for adventure in a city!

[PolloMark]

As you cast your spell, you watch as Galoo and the carriage rush away at a rapid pace, forcing Galoo to grip the carriage tightly in a desperate attempt to not be thrown off.

Heading towards the large city gates, the guard offers you a simple nod. Welcome to Aramoor. the guard utters.

As you enter the courtyard, you find yourself surrounded by massive grey stone buildings and grey stone walls. Canvas covers countless stalls that run as far as you can see with each merchant insisting that their product was the best around. One elderly woman in particular is holding up a pouch that she insists possesses magical powers. The courtyard is crowded, packed in fact, and people are forced to push and stumble their way through the crowds to their destination. In fact, as you read this, a child rushes past you laughing as he is being chased by other children. He bumps into you but keeps on running away from his friends without acknowledging you. To offer some color to the courtyard, someone hung colored flags on a line over the courtyard. It's simple, but effective.

While the markets caught your attention immediately, before you is a tavern with a painted sign reading "Last Call" besides the doorway. From where you stand, you can see a crowded tavern and hear plenty of noise coming from in there. To your right, you notice a stone building attached to the wall with a the word "GUARD" painted in black beside the doorway. A man with a blue crescent moon tattoo stands outside the guard shack, watching as people pass by.

Not a day's travel, but also not Makirak... today was just not Galoo's day.

And of course! I don't know I would return to where I was drugged either.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Oh, [REDACTED]. More of those buffoons with the tattoos! She steps into the "Last Call", hoping to find, well, decent accommodations. With flesh-and-blood service staff, washrooms, structural integrity, and drinks without sedatives in them.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Attempting to discern if she knows anything at all about these, to borrow a term from Jayne "Hero of Canton" Cobb, Moon-Brains. Arcana is at +3, but since the last roll failed, it's doubtful to her that they're some neato secret cult with a handshake, and instead a bunch of painted idiots.
Well, now, if I were in possession of cool magic stuff, I might re-assess that... well, and several thousand experience points under my belt, what-with the golems. Dude's gotta watch his back! Heavens know, one of these days, Galoo might be compelled by a scrappy neophyte adventurer with a gang of pals...

[PolloMark]

Your brain hurts as you think about those moon-brains, and you feel something not unlike brain freeze. Stepping into the Last Call, you hope to recover with better treatment than you have received so far.

As you step into the tavern with stone walls, a table of Dwarves raise their glasses to you and offer a hearty Ahoy!

The tavern is packed with people, with multiple people crowded around small wooden tables. Almost everyone in the tavern is human, save for a pair of Elves and the Dwarves that welcomed you in. Two people scurrying behind the bar are eager to keep up with the countless incoming orders and fail to acknowledge you entering the tavern. There is a small table open in a dimly lit corner, but anywhere else puts you at a crowded table or beside a large human at the bar. Looking at the empty table, you do see a note that was left behind.

Anything specifically pointed out is available for interaction beyond a mere "hey". So the bartenders, the Elves, the Dwarves, the large man, and the note all can start a questline for you. If this was a video game, they would each have an exclamation point over their heads.

Also, I'm not sure I fully understood what your roll was for. Were you trying to figure out who the Blue Moons are?

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Well met!" Image says to the Dwarves, giving them a friendly nod of acknowledgement.

With the look of someone who is supposed to be here, perhaps to meet a friend, she takes in her surroundings. Among this, she looks past the large human so as not to arouse suspicion, and then approaches the table with the note and gives it a look. Nothing is touched, Upper Planes forbid that! She just glances at it...

After reading a little bit of "how-and-why" from the paper, she proceeds to the bar. She was down, oh, two coins from that moustachioed miscreant, five for galloping Gallo about... but she should have some coin left in her purse.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Yeah, that's the deal, was trying to figure out who they are, so Image can get an idea of what to do and not to do around them.

Heya! Sorry for the comm silence, there was some fat dude outside my window in red the other day. Looked kind of like Uncle Jesse from The Dukes of Hazzard, had a big, fancy-looking trash bag he was caryring over his shoulder, and he kept coming in and out of people's chimbleys! Called the cops on him, so no need to worry about him anymore. Although the cops were upset, and kept rattling on about some "Santicles", or something.

[PolloMark]

The Dwarves offer you a cheer with half-empty glasses raised as you respond then hunch back over the table. There are about 6 Dwarves in total hunched together around this table, with the Dwarves "borrowing" some chairs from nearby tables. You can hear one of the Dwarves speak to the other in a hushed tone as you walk past them.

Dwokhumlin, tell us more about where to find those rudder pieces before we...

As you nonchalantly pace your way around the tavern, few pass a glance your way, as most seem much more interested in the conversations taking place at their tables. Pacing around, you do happen to hear conversations about everything from painting bedroom walls to claims of a slain dragon. Walking by the empty table in the corner, you steal a glance at the abandoned note and are able to read it. The handwriting seems rushed and sloppy, but it is legible. The paper a ripped and wrinkled piece of yellowed parchment.

C-

I have headed to Twine to investigate mysterious earthquakes. Come if you can.

-Dr. Headward Case

Leaving the note behind, you finally find your way to the bar and pass a glance at the barkeeps behind the bar. One of them, a younger female dressed in bright red, lets out a sigh.

I'll get to you when I can. My filthy brother has yet to return from the market with supplies though, so I don't quite have a full menu at the moment.

haha no worries! I actually had someone break into my house the other night. It was weird though, because instead of taking anything, he left stuff under our tree!

As far as the Blue Moons go, the key thing is that it is a large criminal organization that takes villagers and takes them to Ogres for hard labor. There may be more to this organization, but only high level members would know those secrets!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Earthquakes? Not as profitable as looking for swag, nor as dull and depressing as mining. Might be worth a look.

"Very well. I can wait." She takes a seat next to the big fellow, considering him to be no threat to her, but still pantomiming all of the niceties that one taking an unoccupied seat next to a stranger might take. As soon as this poor, overworked server makes her way back to Image, the mage will order "the mankiest beer you have available, and some bread for now".


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Sad state of affairs, innit.

[PolloMark]

As you wait patiently at the bar, the larger fellow nods towards you.

These two 'ave been runnin' around like Arrowhawks with no 'eads! He offers with a chuckle before taking a sip from his almost-empty glass. He has a bit of a scraggly graying beard and a mohawk that seems more bushy than he intended. I've been here all mornin' waitin' for a refill on me ale, and I have yet to get any service!

Standing nearby, one of the two barkeeps rolls her eyes at the large man and passes a glance at you. Ignore Willem. That big gelatinous cube just likes to complain. Willem offers a scoff than a bit of a laugh as he tries to take another sip from his glass.

The bartender takes your order and returns with your items a good while later with a weak and forced smile. She tosses them onto the bar, and forgets to give you a plate for your bread instead just tossing it straight onto the bar. More patrons enter the bar, and the volume of the bar rises more and more with each patron that enters. The bartender shakes her head and sighs.

I'm sorry we're a bit off today. Our brother was supposed to return from the market with some supplies for the menu, and he has been gone all morning! Ever since he got that hideous dragon face tattoo, he just thinks he's too cool to work! The bartender looks at the growing crowd, and shakes her head. If you happen upon a scrawny young man with a hideous dragon face tattoo, tell him that I may be his sister, but that doesn't mean I won't fire him!

Due to the wait and not-so-great service, the bartender only charges you a pair of copper pieces for your stuff. Yay for discounts and crappy service!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image ponders the situation. She ought to be in enough of a working condition, all things considered, especially after that... however-long nap.

She chews on her bread and drinks her manky malt. "Scrawny kid with a dragon tattoo? Sounds like one or two mages I've come across, elsewhere." She puts five Copper Coins onto the bar for the server, recalling the scrappy slingers. "Any idea where he might be off to?"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

The barkeep forces a smile as you throw some extra copper on the bar. You'll go hunt him down? Ugh, thank you! Punnuh should be at the markets buying up some ingredients and other supplies. Knowing Punnuh though, he may have wandered out of the gates to the community garden instead, so it may be worth checking out. The garden is to the right out of the gate. It's pretty big like Willem so it's hard to miss.

Willem gives a hearty laugh at the jab.

I'll tell you what, if you manage to get him back to work, I'll give you free lodging here any time you need.

Willem coughs with a mouth full of ale, choking momentarily at the offer. If I knew that was at stake, I would've done this myself!

If I wanted to be missing my brother and a paying customer, I would have asked you.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image, ever the adventurer and skinflint, stifles a giddy squeal of delight at the offer of free room and board. Putting on her best "game face", she downs the rest of her beer, hands it back to the barkeep, and says, "Consider him found."

She takes her bread roll with herself as she makes her way out of the tavern. She absently nibbles at her bread as she walks. Finding the nearest, friendliest-looking person of any age, she approaches them and says, "Heya. Newcomer, here. Where's the market?"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

The townsperson watches you eat your bread before pointing to the long string of markets right behind you.

Turning around, you see an endless number of stalls with loud vendors declaring their products to be the best around and significantly better than the other merchants' goods! It's a sea of people throughout the market which only adds to the relentless noise. In the crowd however, you do spot an young man with a terrible looking face tattoo that looks like it could have been designed by a small child. It's a pastel blue color and shaped awkwardly on the young man's face. He seems to be arguing with a merchant, pointing at a random jar of spices on the table.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image, a little embarassed, says after a bite, "Oh. Thanks. Just a little faint from forgetting to eat, and all." She gives her bread a shake before looking around the market as best she can for this Punnuh. Easily enough, she finds him!

She approaches the stall, slowing her pace as she draws within a few yards, listening in on their conversation as best she can before coming up beside the hand-painted boy. "Punnuh?"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Punnuh turns and looks at you. He brushes some of his shaggy black hair from his face and looks at you with a bit of confusion. Do I know you?

The merchant points at Punnuh as he looks at you. This scrawny fool thinks he can just take my spices for free! There are a wide array of spices spread out across the table. Each little jar is labeled with a unique exotic spice name, and each sports a beautiful color.

I didn't say free! I said 5 gold! Punnuh insists.

The merchant folds his arms across his chest. These are the best spices in all of Aramoor! I'm the only merchant that sells them, so they cost 100 gold.

Punnuh looks at you and rolls his eyes. He knows my sister needs these spices for like half the things on her menu, so of course he overcharges.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image says so very matter-of-factly to Punnuh, "I don't know you, but your sister does, and she misses you terribly."

Very desirous of free accommodations that, again, do not likely come with "things in my drink" and golems stomping about, Image hatches something up almost immediately. "Why not work out a 'payment plan'? Hear me out, here, here's my idea..." She nods first to the merchant. "You take this paltry five Gold coins as well as five of my Gold coins as a down payment, while you..." She nods to Punnuh. "Pay a pre-arranged amount every, say, week. With..." She counts on her fingers animatedly, "Half a percent interest every week. To compensate for losses. I'm no economist, I'm just a customer and an errand-girl, but it sounds sound to me..."

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Attempting to convince Pun-Pun and the merchant to do a payment plan dealie.

[PolloMark]

The merchant looks at you with a cold stare before passing a glance to Punnuh. I don't trust "payment plans" as you call them. Especially customers with foolish face tattoo!

Punnuh shakes his head. The merchant looks out towards the gate and nods slowly after a brief moment of thought. I'll tell you what. You want to help this kid out so bad, perhaps we can make a trade. Just outside the gates is a large number of Aramoor hornet nests. They're hanging on large oak trees, so they are pretty easy to find. Bring me a hornet's nest, and I will give you all the spices this kid needs. Deal?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Hmph! Everyone was a critic. Although Image does stifle a grin at the merchant's remark about Punnuh's self-expression.

"Fine, I'll see to these hornet's nests. Do you want me to bring them in warm, or cold?"

After she receives her instruction as to whether the merchant wants the hornets stiff or soft, she says to Punnuh, "I'll be at the inn momentarily, go tell your sister that the cute girl she sent out to find you is risking her life getting hornet's nests for a merchant you're trying to fleece."

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Image wants to see if these hornets are different from other hornets, like how a Barn Owl is different from a Short-Ered Owl.

[PolloMark]

You have never heard of these hornets, but they sound like they could be the same thing.

The merchant shrugs. However you bring it to me, I'll take it.

As you talk to Punnuh, he watches you silently as you head out to retrieve the hornet's nest. He scratches the tattoo on his face, but is otherwise still.

Stepping outside, it is quiet. The pair of guards remain at their posts, staring straight ahead at nothing in particular. As you head where the merchant directed you, you notice some larger trees standing among a patch of trees. As you edge closer, the hornet's nests come into view. And they are massive.

Large gray clumps cover entire branches, causing the branches to look twice as large as they otherwise would. Red hornets hover around the trees. Each hornet is about the size of your head, their stingers running longer than a dagger and possibly just as sharp! Scanning the trees, you do notice a hornet's nest off by itself, but it has a pair of the massive red hornets buzzing around it.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Finishing her bread as she makes her way to the forests, Image draws her sickle and assesses the situation. Might not be a good idea to attack all of these... She circles around to the lone nest.

"I command the beautiful and uncertain things..." Image begins her intonations, making gestures with her "free" hand that call crackling, white energies into its grip. She throws this at the nearest of the hornets.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
If necessary, sneaking up to the lone nest, and then firing an eldritch blast at it. Attempting a distance of 120 feet.

[SCARY WIZARD]

[roll0]
[roll1]

Raw code was posted when I attempted these attacks with parenthesis over "attack" and "damage"... let's hope this works.

[PolloMark]

As you creep towards the isolated hornet nest, your eyes are drawn to the two red hornets hovering around their nest. You observe from a great distance, eventually sending a blast to the nearer of the two hornets. It lands squarely on the body of the hornet, sending bursts of energy in each direction. The hornet flutters around aimlessly, struggling to stay airborne, but tries to fly to you. Its red color grows deeper and darker, turning into a somewhat deep burgundy.

While the damaged hornet struggles to maintain flight, the second hornet notices the jolt of energy and spots you immediately. It flies towards you rapidly, its red color growing brighter and brighter as it comes closer and closer.

You blast the first hornet, but it is still alive. It is clearly damaged VERY badly, and it is trying to fly towards you, but it is only going a fraction of its normal speed. The second hornet is approaching you at a much faster pace.

First hornet: roughly 110 feet away and severely damaged
Second hornet: roughly 70 feet away

[SCARY WIZARD]

Wasting no time, Image attempts to finish the injured hornet with the same energies she used to harm it to begin with... she also keeps her distance, because what do you know, colossal hornets are scary.

Eldritch Blast - Aramoor Hornet 1 - Attack]1d20+5
Eldritch Blast - Aramoor Hornet 1 - Damage]1d10[/SIZE]
[/SIZE]

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Maintaining as much distance as possible after the eldritch blast attack...

[SCARY WIZARD]

well at least this isn't the RPoL die roller, which has antisocial fantasies when trying to roll 4d6 and drop the lowest and reroll 1s

Eldritch Blast Aramoor Hornet 1 Attack]1d20+5
Eldritch Blast Aramoor Hornet 1 Damage]1d10

More finnicky than Image's player remembers![/SIZE][/SIZE]

[PolloMark]

The hornet watches your dice rolls and scoffs.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Eldritch Blast Attack]1d20+5[/SIZE]
Eldritch Blast Damage]1d10[/SIZE]

You're more embarrassing than rolling a 1 on an Original Edition Magic-User's starting Hit Points.



From all of these blunders, Game Master, shall come large-scale successes. And funny stories to tell people.

[PolloMark]

haha so true!

If you're having trouble with the dice roller, just put 1dwhatever. You can put what the dice roll is for outside of that!

[SCARY WIZARD]

And a-one, and a-two, and a...

Image Eldritch Blast Attack - Wasp 1
[ROLL]1d10 Image Eldritch Blast Damage - Wasp 1

Yeah, I kinda figured! I was like, "Wait, how did I complete two games here, and now this happens...?". Myth-Weavers has spoiled me, that's how. And RPoL. On the fence about RPG Crossing.

[SCARY WIZARD]

[roll0] Image Eldritch Blast Damage - Wasp 1

Jeez, and to think that I don't even drink anymore!

[PolloMark]

The burgundy hornet flutters around aimlessly as a bolt of energy blasts the hornet into oblivion. Pieces of the hornet explode in every direction, leaving nothing behind.

The second hornet continues to fly towards you, its reddish hue brightening with each moment and its long stinger bared.

haha it would make sense that no one has the same type of dice rolling in their forums. Why make something simple and consistent? :smalltongue:

As for the living hornet, it continues to fly towards you at a rapid pace and is roughly 50 feet away from you as you continue to move away from the hornet.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image continues her tactical retreats and tactless attacks, blasting away at the hornets.

]1d20+5 Eldritch Blast - Aramoor Hornet 1 - Attack
]1d10[/SIZE] Eldritch Blast - Aramoor Hornet 1 - Damage
[/SIZE]

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Maintaining as much distance as possible, eldricth blasting hornets.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Dice Roller test thread behaved...

[roll0]
-Attack because I just want to get an attack roll out so we can continue with things.
[roll1]
-Damage because I just want to get a damage roll out so we can continue with things.

...really not a fan of this dice roller. Was there some sort of an update while I was absent from here that made it behave like a petulant toddler who just got told it couldn't have its snacks?

[PolloMark]

You shoot another blast of energy and that second bright red hornet disintegrates into a billion pieces, maybe more. Looking at the hornet's nest, you have an opening to get it without any hornets nearby. While the hornets hover above the treeline, it seems you may be able to sneak in and take a piece of the hornet's nest undetected...

I have no idea what is wrong with these dice rollers, but they officially are the worst. If issues continue, we may have to figure something out for dice rolls moving forward.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image keeps her sickle out, but draws one her hammer... She pauses, though. Chucking anything at a nest might attract the attention of the hornets. So, she decides to distract those that remain.

"I believe the truth before my eyes... they shall believe it, too. I call now this minor illusion." Image creates an auditory illusion of a man as far away from the other hornets as possible, screaming something about how much he dislikes hornets.

With any luck, this will distract the winged demons, enabling Image to throw her weapon at it and knock as much of it as possible from the tree.

[roll0]
[roll1]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Attempting to dislodge nest with a thrown hammer. Disadvantage rolled because I assume it's a bit high off the ground!

[PolloMark]

Casting you auditory spell, you watch as the large red hornets buzz away towards the noise. They buzz further and further away into the open fields in a mad hunt for the source of that voice. Of course, you know they will never find anyone (at least you hope there's no one over there!), but you take the free opportunity to knock down some of the nest from a tree branch. You chuck your weapon at a sizeable hunk of gray hive and manage to break a sizeable chunk loose. Handfuls of gray matter crumbles off the tree branch and falls a few feet before you.

Your rolling skills have gotten much better... :smallwink:

Also, after killing the hornets and distracting the rest of these hornets, you have hit level 2. Congrats on the level up!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image, triumphant, grabs her hammer, grabs the nest, and beelines it back to town. Once she finds the merchant who sent her on this mission, she hands him the hive fragments. "Here you are... I would have brought bodies, but there aren't any." She makes an "exploding" gesture with her hands.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
I's just playin' the way Gary intended it, with my brain-holder! Now, for Hit Points, am I using the averages, or rolling? Also, I'd like to take Beguiling Influence as one of my Invocations so's I can talk more good, but that'd get me proficiency in something that I'm already proficient with: Deception... what do?

[PolloMark]

The merchant looks at you with wide brown eyes, surprised at your explosion gesture. You killed some Aramoor hornets? That's a first. You know, if you ever want to make extra coin, I am always in need of help retrieving some rare goods. I could use someone as... explosive as yourself. The merchant introduces himself as Adelbert and thanks you for your trouble. He gives you the spices that Punnuh wanted and turns to talk to a customer. I already told you! 100 gold or you walk!

For HP, give yourself the full HP amount. Because it's a solo campaign, I don't have a problem giving you the extra HP. For invocation, choose similar charisma skill. We homebrew little. Me like. Why say lot word when few word do trick?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image's Id speaks in her head. Well, here is a rough translation of the simple thoughts of an Id: He could help me get work. Work means money. Money means power. Power means being able to get back at that bastard that drugged me. Getting the treasures that are rightfully mine. I will do this.

Then, her Super-Ego: By helping him get his rarities, I could help others. I could help out with economic growth, his personal financial growth, and culinary growth. Perhaps I could get him lessons in etiquette, too, so that we could both benefit even further. I will do this.

Finally, her Ego: I will do this.

The mage shakes Adelbert's hand. "Pleased to meet you, Adelbert. I am called 'Image'. And, you have yourself a deal. I am going to rest up and get something more in my belly than just bread, but I'll be back to see to your needs."

Image carries the jar to the inn, nodding to the Dwarves if they are present and handing the spices to the woman behind the jar. "It took a little more effort than I expected..." She nods in Punnuh's direction or gestures to her forehead in a rough shape of his tattoo if he is not available to nod at. "...but I was able to secure these spices for you."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Sounds good to me!
Invocations taken were Beguiling Influence, and Eldritch Spear. Look at me, I'm a Revised 3rd Edition Warlock! Boy, was I surprised to see them in the Player's Handbook when I preordered 4th Edition! Cause fear for a spell.

[PolloMark]

Adelbert nods for a moment before turning to a new customer. Whoa whoa! That is going to cost you 100 gold!

Returning to the Last Call, you enter a tavern that is just as busy as before, maybe even more busy. The Dwarves offer you a hearty Oi! as you enter and raise another half-empty glass. You see the bartender scurrying behind the bar, rushing from customer to customer. You see the seat next to Willem still open and use this as your opening to turn in the desired spice blend.

Willem nods in approval, drinking a now-full glass of a foul-smelling substance. It could be ale or mead. The barkeep looks at you with tired eyes that light up at the sight of the spice blend. Oh thank the gods! Punnuh returned empty-handed, so I sent him off to be useless somewhere else. If you're looking for work, you are much better at this than Punnuh! At least you seem to be the most useful person to enter this bar since old moneybags Willem opened a tab. Either way, you've got a free room. Just let my sister or me know, and we can make sure the room is clean whenever you need a stay. The barkeep introduces herself as Jame and her sister as Lark. Jame takes the spices and immediately rushes to put together some items for customers.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image nods, and before Jame departs, says, "Well, I could use a room today, and a meal, at your earliest convenience. Please, don't rush." While she waits at the bar, she does her best to "tune in" to different conversations...


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Jame nods and tells Lark to get your room prepared. Lark promptly disappears through a doorway, leaving Jame alone at the bar. Jame bounces from barfly to customer to Willem, stopping only to put together drinks and meals. Jame tosses a bowl of brown... something in front of you and a second bowl of the same stuff next to Willem. Willem grins as he stares at the bowl and grabs a heaping spoonful, stuffing it into his mouth. Last Call Stew. he utters between chews.

As you look over the bar, you cannot help yourself but to hear some conversations. The Dwarves are possibly the loudest table in the place, so they are the easiest to hear.

Dwokhumlin, we cannot just sit at Aramoor forever, one of the Dwarves offers to a particularly heavyset Dwarf with a thick black beard. If we don't repair our ship soon, we may never get our... prize. The Dwarf called Dwokhumlin lets out a hearty belly laugh and finishes a glass of whatever-it-was-he-was-drinking. He then goes on about the weakness of the alcohol.

Bored by the talk of weak alcohol and broken ships, you notice the pair of Elves still sitting at a table near the Dwarves. They are both blonde and both carry a forlorn expression with their purple and gold robes. They have glasses of a reddish drink and plates of greens that have barely been touched.

Aldon one Elf says quietly I am aware the path home is overrun, but if we are not willing to fight our way home, what right do we have to call ourselves guards let alone Elves? Aldon shrugs before his shoulders slump and his expression droops. He picks at his plate of greens, but never actually eats anything.

Lark returns from the doorway and Jame yells to you from across the bar that the room is ready for whenever you're ready to get some rest.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image breathes a sigh of relief as she sits down and collects herself. Moreso when the food is placed in front of her. She smiles at Willem's remark about the stew, and eats it, listening in on the conversations while conversing idly with Willem.

The plight of the two Elves catches her interest moreso than that of the Dwarves. The prizes of Dwarves are often guarded by Dragons and Goblinoids, it would seem. And there is no food or song or cheer to be found or gained from any of their coins...

The Elves, too, could wait. Her tiredness could not! When Lark tells her of the room being ready, Image bids Willem farewell and crosses the dutiful woman's hand with a Gold coin before entering her room. "How much would this buy me, in terms of meals, and for how long? I've rations for on the road, but a warm meal on your own time would be preferred should I ever return here." Is Image showing humility?


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

As you take a bite from the stew, you pass out and awaken on a boat... just kidding!

You enjoy a meal that tastes surprisingly good, and are surprised when Willem tells you the Last Call stew consists of food that is about to spoil. After Lark returns, she takes the gold coin. Lark looks at the coin, then at you, then back at the coin. This will have you covered for a long time! she beams and brushes some blonde strands of hair from her face before she hurries to stow the coin in a nearby jar. People continue to filter into the tavern and each chair is filled. More patrons file in, and they opt to stand around tables and the bar.

If you are heading to your room for the night, let me know if there is anything Image does before before or after she wakes up before she heads out. The room is pretty basic, and lacking in decoration, but it has everything you need.

[SCARY WIZARD]

The food was cheap, the accomodations free, and the staff friendly. Image could get used to this. She closes the door to her room and changes into, well, clothing. Anything that isn't cuir bouilli. And takes account of everything. She keeps her sickle and crowbar next to her bed, daggers in the wall between planks at each side of the bed, and hammer on the nightstand, if present. Then, she puts one of her pitons on top of the doorframe, so that it would make noise if she were to be intruded upon. Every point of entry gets the same treatment.

Her paranoid preparations perfected, Image settles in, and takes a nap. Or goes to sleep for the night, depending on the time of day. Anything to get naturally-occurring sleep, and not that drug-induced nonsense!


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Nothing special for her!

[PolloMark]

While the tavern is loud and rambunctious that night, the room is quiet and you awaken well-rested.

Heading out into the tavern, it is surprisingly quiet. A man in dark robes sits at a table alone. He sips on some dark-colored beverage while reading a note, but the tavern is otherwise empty. Jame is behind the bar, wiping down some flatware as you walk in. She gives you a nod and a smile.

I take it you slept well. Any idea where you're headed today?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image had a dream, of a silver sea inhabited by motes of light and floating islands and structures. Then, of wilderness and mountains. Marbled cities on islands in vast seas. In this dream, she hears a voice speak to her in the Celestial language. Upon awakening, she recalls the voice telling her about her destiny and the path that she is taking to fulfill it. She awakens with a longing to see these places again for herself, but that quickly fades.

After donning her armour and weapons and removing her pitons, Image comes downstairs. "Oh, just to discuss business with someone... I'm in the market for supplies. Mostly oil for my armour, I'm running low. Perhaps whetstones and chalk, too. Whatever breakfasts you recommend, I'll take."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Jame nods. Business? Well gods be with you on that. Whatever supplies you may need, you'll likely find it on Trader's Row, and of course each merchant will insist they have the best prices and best products. Also, if you happen to find Punnuh out there, let him know that the vendor never arrived with our weekly stock of produce. Punnuh probably forgot to set up the appointment again, and he'll need to get that taken care of.

Jame hands you a soft-boiled egg covered in sausage and returns to her daily duties.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image found herself once again being asked to find... babysit... Punnuh. She eats her meal, heading outside to peruse the stands. The chalk, oil, and whetstones were a ruse. She seeks out Adelbert, to see what work he wished.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Walking out into the courtyard, you find it to be much quieter than it had been when you arrived. Carpenters haul large planks across the courtyard, while merchants haul various goods around. A pair of guards enter the guard house to your left, offering a brief greeting to the same man with the blue moon tattoo before going inside. To your right, some merchants are setting up their tables and stands, but you see Adelbert is already working over a customer. His table is lined up neatly with a colorful array of spices and oils all contained in neat little glass jars. He waves his arms before pointing at the customer. 100 gold! You can take this deal, or you can take a hike!

The customer walks off mumbling to himself, and Adelbert shares a grin as he looks at you. I see you've come for some work! Excellent!

Adelbert looks to the merchants on either side of him before leaning towards you and speaking quietly. I'm in need of a rare gem located at Horn Lake for a new spice blend. It's called Psilch Pearl, but I don't know for sure where it is. I know there's a Kobold camp at that lake, so maybe you can... persuade them to tell you where it is. Since you handled those Aramoor hornets, I'm sure some Kobolds should be no trouble.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image looks thoughtfully at Adelbert. "Sounds like a plan... How do I stand to benefit from this, though? I am putting myself at risk, engaging these kobolds."

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Attempting to Persuade Adelbert to not be a skinflint and remunerate me for my troubles!

Would it be possible, since I haven't used Eldritch Spear yet, to swap it out for Mask of Many Faces? I feel like that would help me more right now, and in general.

[PolloMark]

Without hesitation, Adelbert responds. 100 gold.

He places twenty gold pieces on his table and motions for you to take them. I did not think a brave warrior like yourself would be scared of some measly Kobolds, but if you need it, here is the deposit. Adelbert also offers you a crudely drawn map of the area so you know where to go for Horn Lake. It has Makirak, Twine, and other random locations marked on it too.

As for the edit, yeah that is totally fine!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image pushes the twenty back, as a gesture of her good will. "Less afraid, more afraid of working for free." She retrieves the map, and looks it over before putting it in her bag. "I'll be back."

Image makes her way out of town as fast as possible, heading to Lake Horn. Attacking the kobolds head-on would be downright stupid as but one person. But with a disguise, she could manage to go in and out of the encampment with minimal difficulty. She recalls learning how to weave her illusions so long ago, and how she was always so close to perfecting them on herself, but so far from maintaining them. But from her dream, she felt flashes of insight. Saw herself training.

Perhaps now...

"I believe the truth before my eyes... they shall believe it, too. I call now this disguise upon myself." Image weaves illusion magics around herself, and concentrates. Blonde hair. Tan skin. Human ears. Really ostentatious grey robes. She seems satisfied with what she can see of this, frowning however when her fingers pass through the sleeves, smiling when she draws her dagger to check her reflection. With a nod, she sheathes the weapon and casts the spell again. This time, she focuses on an armour-clad dwarven form. As she comes closer to the lake, she focuses on aslightly taller form with stooped posture, clawed hands, filthy dark hair, green-tinged skin, sunken yellow eyes, and torn leather robes with bits of had, boiled skin fastened to it. Kobolds, meet "Antsy Vanessa Rubblebody"...

She stops just short of what she hopes is their field of vision...


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Disguise self -- first, to see if Image can do it, since she doesn't know that she can really cast this spell, and is just sort of theorising at this point. Once she's confident in her ability, she will assume the form of a (short) green hag who can speak better and more amicably than most hags.

[PolloMark]

Approaching the Kobold camp, you are promptly met with the strong smell of burnt meat. A pillar of smoke comes from a cooking fire, with a mysterious meat rotating just above the tips of the flames. A pair of red-scaled Kobolds watch over the burning meat but do not seem concerned by the very-well-done roast.

Across the rest of the camp, you watch as a few dozen Kobolds walk about the camp. Some seem to have purpose, tending to nets and huts, while other Kobolds seem to just be wandering aimlessly. The Kobolds' scales all glisten in a different color, offering a Kobold rainbow across the camp. A larger Kobold sits on an oversized throne made of what seems to be bones from a large beast. The Kobold has a crudely made crown on its head and points to the lake.

You also notice a pair of Kobolds rowing out on the lake on a small canoe. It looks like they are casting a net, but it is hard to tell from your distance. Horn Lake looks quite peaceful, with only the canoeing Kobolds breaking the stillness. The lake is a deep blue with only a few tall blade of grass breaking through the surface.

Your spell is cast successfully.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image decides that the best approach would be to sneak up to the nearest and most isolated kobold and beguile it. In the case of more than one such kobold, she will choose the one that looks the most impressionable... and isn't looking in her direction. "I want such excellence allowed to me, that I may win them over..." Being somewhat sensible, she stands as far away as demi-humanly possible while working this spell, even over such a simple mind.

Once this has been accomplished, she beckons it over, approaching slowly, her weapons sheathed and hands down. "Hello, pretty..." Image attempts a guttural voice.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Charm person on the nearest, most isolated kobold. Deception roll -- just in case it can smell through Image's prestidigitating palookie.

[PolloMark]

With all the Kobolds wandering about, you do notice one of the Kobolds wandering aimlessly away from the camp. Unsure of what it is doing, you determine this Kobold is isolated enough for you to charm. You step out, casting your spell, and the Kobold freezes immediately. Its green scaly face stares at you blankly.

Pretty...

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Please, help poor Vanessa..." Image pleads to the kobold, pointing to herself. "I've a need for something that grows around here... Psilch Pearls, if you've heard of them? Some nasty gnomes have run me out of my home, and... I've a need for them, that I may get back at them." She pauses. "With the pearls."

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Attempting to persuade Meepo to help an old woman out.

[PolloMark]

The Kobold stares at you blankly, watching the strange-looking figure ask for a favor. After a moment or two of silence, the short Kobold points back at the large crown-wearing Kobold that continues to point at the lake.

Me no know. Kobash know.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Could you show Vanessa to Kobash? I feel like we could all work together against those horrible gnomes..."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

The Kobold continues to give you a blank stare, nodding slowly in a low-effort attempt to show he is listening. The Kobold looks back at Kobash then looks back at you and shrugs. The Kobold leads you into the Kobold camp, and you can't help but notice that all the Kobolds stop and stare at you, even the ones that were aimlessly wandering. All reptilian eyes are fixed on you as you step deeper and deeper into the Kobold lakeside camp. Thankfully, it's not a very large camp. A few dozen Kobolds seem to be camped here along with a few dog-like creatures tied up by the lake. As you get closer, you notice the flimsy build of the huts. Twigs and twine hold these little huts together, and it seems a gentle breeze could be devastating for this camp. The smell of burnt meat gets stronger with each step, masking that dreaded dead fish smell.

Finally, you approach the throne of Kobash. The large bones that make up the throne seem to be from a giant beast of some sort, so thankfully they are the bones of Elf or Human. Kobash is staring out into the lake, watching the canoeing Kobolds until you approach. He stares at you with yellow eyes and rubs his tubby tummy. His gaze slowly turns to a glare, and he looks at the Kobold that dared bring an uninvited guest.

Vanessa kill Gnome. Vanessa need Psilch Pearl.

Kobash hunches forward in his throne, maintaining a silent stare. Kobolds begin to close in on you slowly, maintaining a safe distance, but clearly curious to observe the interaction. Moments pass until Kobash finally speaks in a growly tone.

You want Psilch Pearl? Everyone want Psilch Pearl. I help you get Psilch Pearl, but Kobash need your help first. Kobash points out into the lake, and everyone watches the canoeing Kobolds. As if on cue, the canoe tips over and submerges in a massive splash. The canoe shoots back out of the water, but the Kobolds remain submerged. You can hear Kobolds gasp as they watch their mates disappear in the lake, and you hear them mumbling among themselves in hushed tones.

You want Psilch Pearl? Kobash asks. Kill Horn Lake Beast!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image lets out a sigh of relief internally as the kobolds seem to fall for her trickery. Aside from the occasional adjustment of her posture or staged popping of a bone back into place, she nods politely... manipulatively... at Kobash. At first, she thought that the simple fellow would need her help in repairing boats, or perhaps not asking fish to politely come out of the water but catch them with lures or nets. But then, she sees the two boating kobolds capsize... and get eaten? She stifles her gasp with a loud hiss of disapproval, and a growl. Then, she turns to Kobash. "Vanessa will see to that beast..." Her voice is as sinister as a hag's might be, yet reassuring.

She turns her torso and cranes her neck, and then returns her gaze to Kobash. "What will lure this horrible eater of kobolds out? Vanessa will help you, if you will help her to help you." She points to her enthralled kobold. "And could her friend, here, be of service to her?" Feigning the madness of a hag, something that she had only read about and heard of in stories, she repeats, in a hushed tone, "Help her to help you..."

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Roll was Nature, to see what those dog-critters in the cages might be.

[PolloMark]

Kobash nods slowly as you make a request for some support from your enthralled Kobold. Kobash looks over the green Kobold beside you before looking back at you with a bit of confusion. Old Hag need Kloppa? Old Hag can have Kloppa! Kobash responds before trying to lift from his throne. He pushes up with scrawny scaly arms, but his thick torso barely lifts from his seat before he gives up and sits back, playing it cool in hopes that no one noticed his failed attempt to pull himself to his feet. He continues his response.

Kobash only know that Horn Lake Beast eat Kobold. Kobash know no more. The Kobolds around you nod and murmur in agreeing grumbles. Kobald no understand help Hag help Kobash. Kobash want Hag to fight Horn Lake Beast. You kill Horn Lake Beasts. Kobolds be free. Kobash help Hag with Psilch Pearl! The Kobolds around you applaud and cheer in short gravelly cheers and hoots.

Hag! Hag! Hag! Hag!

The 4 caged dogs you observed are Mastiffs. There are a scary size, but they do not seem to care at all that a Hag has entered the camp.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image-Vanessa does a nod that turns into a bow and a turn, tenting and wringing her fingers as she does, and beckons Kloppa to follow her. "Come with Vanessa, Kloppa... you will become a hero of your people." She circles the lake until she is more or less out of the sight of the encampment. As she does, she asks the hapless little fellow what the beast likes, and what lures it out of its lair. She also asks for a description, just to see what she might be up against. Some overfed alligator would be fine; an aboleth, however, would not at all be fine.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Kloppa rushes along behind you as you work your way about the lake. He is unsure of what you are looking for, and he looks around when you finally stop. He offers a confused look in response to your statement.

Kobolds no know about Horn Lake Beast. It make large shadow in water, but pull Kobold in water before Kobold can see what Horn Lake Beast is. Kobold never survive. It like taste of Kobold. Kloppa offers with a disappointed shrug. Kloppa did see Horn Lake Beast shadow once! It was... Kloppa stops as he scans the area. He finally points a scaly finger at a tree about 10 feet away. Horn Lake Beast shadow size about from Kloppa to tree. Shadow change shape, so Kloppa take canoe away from Horn Lake Beast, but other canoe... not as fast as Kloppa.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image stops with Kloppa, and mutters to herself as if consulting with herself, much like she figures a Hag might do. While she pretends to give the kobold little heed, she is taking his counsel. "That will do... yes, Vanessa, that will do..."

Image grabs an idle stone, or even a clod of dirt, and then begins to intone and gesture. "I believe the truth before my eyes... they shall believe it, too. I call now this minor illusion." Image points at the surface of the water, chucks the stone, and creates the illusion of a swimming kobold. With any luck, this beast was, again, dumb and impressionable. She draws her sickle. "It shan't eat you, Kloppa... heroes don't taste very good." Her illusion's grimy teeth show in a sickening smile.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Casting minor illusion to create an optical illusion of a kobold swimming in the water; throwing something into the water to make the illusion more believable.

[PolloMark]

Kloppa nods silently and watches as you toss the stone into the water. A substantial splash sprays across the area, then the waters still. Kloppa narrows his gaze, as he watches what he thinks is a swimming Kobold. He looks around the area, curious about where this Kobold came from. He looks up at you, and motions to the swimming illusion. Where did Kobold come from?

In response to his question, you witness a growing shadow working its way towards the illusion. It rests underneath the water, but it is difficult to make out its shape. The shadow begins to shift its shape and closes in on your illusion in a hurry. The water around your illusion ripples before going frantic as flashes of blue and orange are seen around the Kobold illusion. In moments, the water goes calm again, the Kobold illusion still swimming in the still water.

Kloppa looks at you. Horn Lake Beast.

To make out what the blue and orange flashes were, I would need a roll for that as it was pretty quick.

[SCARY WIZARD]

[roll0]
Mystery Roll As Ordered By Game Master!

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Vanessa called an image of a kobold! It wasn't a real kobold, it's as fake to anyone as a gnome's love for its children is fake. Umm..." Image removes a crowbar from her bag, and then some rope. She ties the two together, and also fastens three of her pitons close to the crowbar.

Once again, she creates an image of a kobold, this time over the crowbar. She hurls it into the lake.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Minor illusion over a crowbar and pitons tied to a rope, to try to once again lure this beast out.

[PolloMark]

Kloppa watches you toss the crowbar quietly. You wait patiently, hoping to snag the Horn Lake Beast with your makeshift fishing system. Kloppa is impressed by your craftsmanship, and sits down beside you. The lake is quiet and calm, free of Kobolds.

The shadow reappears, and water begins to splash around the crowbar! You watch the shadow shift below the crowbar, bolting to the surface in a mess of splashing water. The crowbar bounces along the splashing water, but there is no big mouth that grips onto the crowbar. Instead, you watch as dozens of smaller mouths nip at the crowbar and Kobold illusion. Flashes of orange and blue swirl around the crowbar in a splashing frenzy, and you recognize the "Horn Lake Beast" immediately as a swarm of Quippers. After a few moments pass, the Quippers fail to get a substantial grip on the crowbar, and the Kobold illusion loses its luster. The Quipper Swarm slows down.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Fish-creatures. Dozens of fish-creatures. Image sighs, but masks it as a growl -- she does, after all, have to pretend to be haggish. This might take her a while...

[roll0]
[roll1]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Eldritch blast at the quippers...

[PolloMark]

A bolt of energy shoots from you, splashing into the water and sizzling on contact. A few Quippers float to the surface and drift in the slowing current, clearly dead, while the rest drop below the surface into a shadowy figure below the surface. The shadow shifts in shape slowly moving towards you well under the water’s surface.

With your blast, Kloppa jumps to his feet and pulls a dagger. He bares tiny pointy teeth, and stands ready to pounce on any Quippers that dare approach.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Confident in her ability to kill this foul "beast" plaguing Horn Lake, Image drags her "lure" out of the water, but stops once it is out when she sees that she shadow in the lake is getting bigger... and approaching her. She draws her sickle, and searches within for a moment.

"Uncertain and beautiful things I command... this guiding bolt is one of them." Wasting no time, Image fires a blast of positive energy at this shadowy approach.

[roll0]
[roll1]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Guiding bolt at... whatever it is that's approaching Image and Koopa.

[PolloMark]

Your bolt whizzes through the air, hitting the shadowy figure in a sizzling splash. Kloppa stares keenly where the bolt hits the water, his little blade still ready to slice.

You smell fried fish, and several more fish float lifelessly to the surface. The shadow shrinks down considerably, but continues swimming towards you. Before you are able to cast your next spell, the shrunken down shadow in the water emerges, and five Quippers lunge at you from the water. Four of the Quippers manage to scrape you with tiny sharp teeth, cutting like little knives against you as they fly by. The Quippers all fall onto the shore, flipping aimlessly before you. Kloppa rushes towards one with his blade and pierced one, causing it to die instantly.

The remaining four Quippers slow their flopping before you, struggling to breathe the fresh lake air.

The Quipper “Swarm” deals 4 damage to you. The swarm is also considered prone.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image cries out in pain, and then like any in combat exerting themselves would as she hacks away with her sickle at one of the Quippers. "Your entrails will make a fine trophy... YES THEY WILL!"

[roll0]
[roll1]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Hewing at the Quippers with sickle.

[PolloMark]

With the Quippers flopping around you, you hack away at the nearest fish. Your sickle misses the small fish, pulling up chunks of earth instead.

The Quippers flop around a bit, with two of them moving for the lake. With a desperate heave, they both flip into the water like a gymnast, beautifully sticking the landing and disappearing into the lake.

The Quipper that you had swung your sickle at retaliates, flipping up and getting your hand with a scrape of its teeth. The last Quipper flips into the nearby Kloppa. It manages to scrape Kloppa, forcing out a screech from the green Kobold.

In a bit of a frenzy, Kloppa swings out his blade frantically, but manages to only slice the air in his desperation.

Both you and Kloppa take a point of damage. The two Quippers in the water are retreating from combat, and the two Quippers on the land are still flipping around.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image continues to attack fish alongside a scaled and atrophied dragonkin. Surely, the highlight of this nearly fifty-year-old's adventuring career. Having been struck, however, she steps back after she swings her sickle.

[roll0]
[roll1]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Hewing at the Quippers with sickle.

[PolloMark]

Your sickle glistens in the sunlight as it slices towards the struggling Quipper. It cleanly cuts through the floundering fish, leaving it gutted in the grass. The final Quipper flops into the air aimlessly before Kloppa swings out his tiny blade at the fish. He skewers the fish with the flick of his wrist, killing it instantly.

Kloppa stares at the Quipper at the end of his dagger then looks at you. “Horn Lake Beast dead?”


Sorry for not having red text in the speech. I’m out of town and on my phone...

Anyways! You have succeeded in combat against the Swarm of Quippers! Because of everything you’re doing, I’ll just let you know when you’ve leveled up. So far, your reward for this combat is a pair of dead fish. Congrats!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image breathes a sigh of relief. "The beasts are dead... they're dead. They won't trouble you anymore. They're dead. We need to bring your loved ones proof, that they might rest more easily, and that you might be a hero." She then skewers as many intact fish as she can on her crowbar, which is still tied to her rope, two on the spikes, and as many as she can fit on her sickle. It's a grisly, nauseating display, but she does want to bring proof to the kobolds.

Image makes her way to the kobold encampment with Kloppa and her grisly trophies. She hides any disgust that she might have at this, covering her groans with more positive(?) verbal tics.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
If need be, Image will renew her illusion, claiming if questioned that it's to throw off gnomes.

[PolloMark]

As you skewer the Quippers with anything that can skewer a Quipper, Kloppa nods and stares at the fish at the end of his dagger. He sniffs it, then chooses to take a bite of it. Chewing slowly, he nods in approval.

Returning to the Kobold encampment as a hag with an abundance of dead fish, Kobash sees you coming and straightens on his bone throne. Other Kobolds take notice as well, and a gathering quickly forms around Kobash. Kobash looks you over with yellow eyes, seemingly staring directly into your soul... if only a Kobold understood. Seeing the Quippers that you carry, and the half-eaten Quipper that Kloppa brought as well, Kobash sits quietly for a few moments before a toothy grin stretches wide on his face.

You bring Kobold feast, Hag?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image carefully removes the skewered fish from her equipment. "Vanessa has brought you the Horn Lake Beasts. There were many beasts. Vanessa and Kloppa killed them all. There are more bodies down there. Bodies, there are more bodies. We brought them to you, that they might feed you, as you once fed them. Eat them. Eat them."

Image scowls at the fish. "Vanessa also smells the marks of gnomish magics on them... the gnomes tricked them into acting this way! Vanessa knows trickery, too. Vanessa will trick the gnomes' badgers and moles and voles into eating them..."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

The Kobolds all close in on you in a hurry, chanting your name. Hag! Hag! Hag! Hag! They all fight over the fish, each trying to snatch handfuls of the dead Quippers. Kobash sits quietly on his throne, nodding slowly. A toothy grin stretches across his face, and he raises his hands. Well done Hag! You prove to be true protector of Horn Lake!

Kobash attempts to pull himself up from his throne, but his arms give way, and he tumbles forward off his throne. He rolls a few times, finally landing on his stomach a few feet before you. He looks around, and exhales as he sees the other Kobolds are more interested in the fish than their fallen leader. He offers you a smile, and speaks as though he had not just fallen off his throne and tumbled a few times, totally eating dust the whole time.

Psilch Pearl in Psilch Clam. Kobash groans, pointing a scaly bony finger to his throne. Under the decorative bone, where he had firmly planted his rotund tail, you notice a large large clam. It is about as wide as a mule, and shares the same color white as the bones that adorn it. Kobash rests his tired head on the ground, as the Kobolds continue to fight over the fish behind him.

Congrats!

You can now crack open the Psilch Clam and obtain the Psilch Pearl! I believe someone is waiting for it...

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image shoves her crowbar into the clam in an attempt to open it. "Vanessa thanks you for your service." She presses down with her foot, hopefully wrenching the clam open.

[roll0]



(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Strength check, if at all necessary.


(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

With minimal effort, the clam opens up and you see a massive cream-colored pearl resting in the center of the clam. It is about the size of your head, and it glistens in the sun. Kloppa walks up behind you and stares at the Psilch Pearl with widened eyes.

Psilch Pearl he utters quietly.

Still lying on the ground, Kobash calls to you. Hag, you help Kobold. Kobash thankful. he says and motions to a pile of various goods. Take.

For helping the Kobold camp, you are able to retreive 50 gold and a mysterious dark cape. Also, if you plan to return to the merchant alone, let me know. If you would like to stay, or do something else, let me know what you would like to do from here and we can proceed!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image takes the cloak, and looks at it, turning it around in her hands and craning and turning her head to go with the illusion. "Well, aren't you pretty...?" Then, she takes the pearl, which she wraps in the cloak, followed by the rest of the beautiful swag.

"Vanessa thanks you for helping her... she must now away, to deal with the gnomes. She will feed them to their moles and their rats and their rabbits and their weasels, for feeding you to their fish." She backs awkwardly away from the gathering of kobolds, before, well, turning and leaving.

After returning to the site of the Battle of Horn Lake and collecting some fish on her grisly crowbar/spike/rope tool, she makes her way back to town, taking every care to doff her illusion when out of sight of the kobolds... In no time at all, she goes from looking like a tall and rough hag who tics and croaks, to looking like a young and well-adjusted and confident half-elven woman who does not have tics -- primarily because she has suffered no severe neurological damage that her magic can not cure for her. Ye gods, was that stage show a joke. At least I got my pearl, and whatever this cloak is. Well, the townspeople seem to be aware of them, that's on them, and not me. I'm not going to go killing kobolds for them on top of running errands for merchants. Mind, if there's good pay in it, that's an entirely different story...



(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestia

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Returning back to Aramoor, you see Adalbert heckling a customer. You can see that he still has the exact same jars of good that he had before... so he hasn't really sold anything. Still, he waves his arms wildly at the potential customer. I said 100 gold! You don't have 100 gold, you aren't good enough for my goods!

The no-longer customer scoffs and walks away, shaking their head furiously. Adalbert lets out a sigh but smiles as he sees you enter the walled city. You look terrible! he says with a laugh. Anyway, I'm sure it wasn't too hard to find. Adalbert pulls out a bucket full of gold and begins to count out 100 pieces. Some people that are walking by slow down, observing the aggressive merchant that has a random bucket full of gold. He notions for you to take your payment and examines you for the Psilch Pearl. 100 gold. Just like I said. 100 gold. Anything else?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image keeps her expression blank as Adelbert heckles people. When she gets her money, counting each coin by the tens as she puts it into her bag, she says, "Are there any armourers or weaponsmiths about town that you know of? I might like to check them out sooner or later."

Once Image has gotten her directions, she returns to the inn and orders a meal before returning to her room and examining her new cloak...

She will also take the time to carefully concoct disguises for herself using this strange, new ability of hers. This strange, convenient ability.

And, of course, she will consider her next course of action.



(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestia

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Short rest; examining cloak, per page 137 of Dungeon Master's Guide.
Image will also spend a little while extra, probably no more than a half an hour after her rest and examination, concocting disguises... disguises will be listed in Other Notes on her character sheet. I'll let you know when I've fully concocted them!

[PolloMark]

Adelbert nods at the question of weaponsmiths and armorers and points to some nearby stalls. They have what you're looking for. Fair prices too! Just tell them Adelbert sent you!

Entering Last Call, you enter a tavern that is crammed full of patrons. Willem is at his usual stool sharing a laugh with an also-large man. You see the group of Dwarves again, and they offer you a hearty Oy! as you enter. Behind the bar, Jame is rushing about anxiously like a chicken with no head. She brushes hair from her face, and she stirs various bowls of substances at a rapid pace. She sees you and gives you a half-hearted nod as you walk by towards your room. On an end table in your room, you find a bowl of that strangely good food you had had the previous night with Willem. It isn't hot, but it is warm enough to be good enough.

As you examine the cloak, it seems to be made of a special knit fabric. It has a rough texture to it, but it feels durable, like it can handle a fair amount of damage. The cloak offers you a +1 to your AC. And of course, AC is Armor Class and not Air Conditioning... although Air Conditioning could have some value too.

As you rest up, you are able to get the rest you need and then some. Your room is quiet like usual, giving you the peace you need in this chaotic place. You work through your disguises, but as you finish up, you hear a scream coming from the tavern. The scream is quite loud, loud enough to make its way into your room!

You are able to do everything that you were planning to do in your room before you hear the scream. You can investigate if you would like, or you can just attempt to sneak out a back door if you would prefer to not deal with it!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Letting out a sigh of disgust, Image comes out of her room and cautiously, quietly steals a glance at what is transpiring...

[roll0]



(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestia

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Donning cloak of protection +1. Stealth to attempt to see what's going on without being too noticed. [/QUOTE]

[PolloMark]

You sneak your way out of the room, and stealthily sneak your way towards the scream. It was actually not in the tavern portion, but rather in a pantry down the hall. You only know this because the door is wide open, and you can see a pantry full of various food and drink items. Standing just outside the doorway is Jame. She is looking inside the doorway frozen like a statue covered in ice. Looking at her feet, you see the still hand of a corpse. You follow the hand to an arm and the arm to a body. A head is just visible in the dim lighting, and you see Lark lying dead on the floor in the pantry.

You hear plenty of chatter coming from the tavern, but it is silent at the other end of the hallway where Jame stands alone.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Oh, [REDACTED]." Image does not touch Jame, touching people in shock is generally a bad idea. Instead, she speaks to her. "Jame, sweetie, what happened, here?" She can't take her gaze off of Lark.



(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Jame stands motionless staring down. She exhales slowly, and her shoulders lower. She responds at a decibel just above silent. I... I... I don't know...

Jame turns and looks at you. Her eyes are dry, but her expression is one of shock, that the gravity of the moment has yet to sink in. She draws a sharp breath, and stares into your eyes. I... I should've been here. I... could've seen... I could've seen what happened...

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image puts a calming hand on Jame's shoulder. "It's not your fault. Stay here with me. I'm going to see what happened..."

She kneels down and examines Lark's body -- checks her pulse, looks for extremely obvious signs of what might have killed her. She does not do anything else. If no wounds are present, she will ask Jame if Lark was exhibiting any signs of illness, or even a little headache. If Lark's body is warm, she will attempt to focus positive energy into the body.

[roll0]
[roll1]




(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Medicine check to attempt to determine the cause of death.
Provided that Lark's body is still at least a little warm, Image is expending two uses of Healing Light to see if perhaps Lark can't come back.

[PolloMark]

Jame stands motionless as you pass her and examine the body of Lark.

The body is cold, the type of cold that shows the warmth of life is long gone. As you look over the body, it shows little sign of injury. There is almost no blood on the floor, and the pantry looks untouched. There is a small wound located in her upper chest, possibly a stab wound, but little else to suggest that something foul took place here. A jar of some spice blend is broken on the floor by Lark's feet, but nothing else looks out of place.

Evening Glory, may you guide her soul to peace. Jame whispers quietly as you examine the body.

Unfortunately, Lark is gone gone.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image looks completely confused, and frustrated. "A stab wound...." She rises to her feet, attempting to locate anything of help, but then turns to Jame. "Are you going to be alright? I'd like to alert the guard, then get my weapons and follow the trail, but also I don't want to leave you alone. ...especially with Punnuh."

[roll0]
[roll1]




(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) First Roll: Investigation to gather any sorts of clues.
Second Roll: Survival to see if there's even anything resembling a trail to follow... on a wooden floor. Did I mention that Image isn't a Ranger?

[PolloMark]

Jame nods quickly. You were in your room right? Did you hear anything? Jame asks quietly. She stands over the body of Lark, staring down at it with a face of stone.

As you examine the scene, you find a pantry that has not been touched, save for the broken jar at Lark's feet. All shelves seem fully stocked and nothing seems moved. The colorful array of spices and various other food items smell great and help to mask the smell of death. Besides the wound on Lark's chest, you look over the body, but do not seem to notice much else off about her. Looking around, the hallway offers the pantry, your room, the doorway into the tavern, and a pair of doors that are both closed. You do notice one final door all the way at the end. It is cracked open slightly, and a bit of daylight suggests that the door leads outside.

Those great Ranger skills are helped by great rolls. haha

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image seems to be considering things and wags her finger, as if to herself. "I only heard a scream. I'm honestly surprised no one else heard it..." She looks in the direction of the tavern. "Can you close up early? You're in no condition to see to things, and I can imagine it wouldn't do for a customer to see what's transpired, here." She doesn't mean to, but the thaumaturgist groans. "And, umm... I'll cover your lost wages. And I'll make the call. I'll think of something." Image does her best to keep a calm tone.

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Imagegorn the Warlanger.
Roll was Persuasion, to convince Jame to please let Image help close up.

[PolloMark]

Jame stares at you with her mouth open for a few moments before she blinks. If you... if you think that would help. she offers softly. Willem is probably watching over the bar to make sure nothing goes missing...

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image puts another, reassuring hand on Jame's shoulder. "Very well." She heads to Punnuh, and whispers to him, "Please, close up early today. Something bad's happened to Jame. I'm going to do what I can to help -- get my weapons, alert the guard, all that. I'll cover the day's costs."

Direct.

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) This boob needs a Persuasion check. Likely concussive, but let's not short-staff The Last Call anymore than it already is!

[PolloMark]

Entering the tavern, you find it be crowded as usual. All of the usual characters are there, with the Dwarves naturally at the center of it all. They see you enter the tavern and offer you a hearty Oy! as they all raise mostly-empty glasses. Punnuh is actually not at the tavern, but you do see Willem standing behind the bar. He isn't mixing drinks, but he is hamming it up with another heavy drinker, this one an oversized Elf with a grin that almost stretches as far as his pointed ears. Willem is in the middle of a story about dragons as you enter, and he offers you a wave with a massive hand.

Any smiles fade quickly as you mention the need to close down the tavern. Willem promptly turns and faces the rest of the tavern. Last Call is out of booze! We get a new shipment tomorrow, so come back then! he yells out over the Dwarves and other random voices. The tavern goes quiet for a moment before everyone yells, complains, and stampedes out the door. The oversized Elf is the last one out the door, leaving you alone with Willem. Lack of booze will clear out a tavern faster than a fire. he offers with a chuckle before his face gets serious. You mentioned Jame is in trouble. What's wrong with her? How can I help?

No Punnuh here, but I figure the dialogue still applies to Willem.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image is relieved that Willem is there, and not Punnuh, and so pliable to her demands. She smiles weakly at his remark about booze and fire. "I mean... Lark. It's Lark. She's dead. There was a small puncture-wound in her chest, but little blood. I managed to calm Jame down. Since they helped me out when I got here, the least I could do is help them find out whoever the hell killed poor Lark. I'm gonna grab my weapons and head out, and talk to the guard."



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Willem does a double take as you mention that Lark is dead. Lark is dead? Good gods! Willem shakes his head, his lips curling in disgust. Jame had asked Lark to retrieve some supplies a while ago, but I figured Lark had gone off to the market. I... wow I don't even know what to say.

Willem nods approvingly as you mention that you have calmed down Jame. He also continues his nodding through your explanation of grabbing weapons and taking to guards. I'll stay here to keep an eye on things. I may be semi-retired, but I still know how to swing a sword should any trouble return. Willem utters. Good luck with the guards though. They tend to stay out of... peasant-ly affairs.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image sniffs. "Well, that's on them, then. Looks like I'll have to go it on my own. Do me a favour and give the taxman some wooden coins when he comes by, and tell him that the guard can shove them up their arses." She retrieves her equipment and storms out of the tavern, first looking for anyone at all that might be outside of the open door. To Jame, she says, "I'll be back."

She will ask the first person that she sees if they have seen anyone exiting the tavern from the door she just exited out of, if it is within eyeshot.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Retrieving weapons, looking for anyone outside of the tavern to question...

[PolloMark]

Willem chuckles at your wooden coin comment then watches you disappear out the back of the tavern. Jame does the same, still standing quietly over the body of Lark.

As you escape out the back door, you find yourself in a narrow alleyway with a stone building uncomfortably close to you. If you stretch your arms out, you can touch the door to that building. The door is closed and locked. To your left, the alley is closed off, giving you only an exit to your right.

As you look down the alleyway, you notice a kid sitting on the ground at the alleyway opening, tossing rocks. Getting closer, you see he is tossing rocks at random people that walk by, just barely missing them with each toss. He scowls at you as you exit the alleyway and tosses a rock at a nearby lady. He has shaggy red hair and looks to be no older than 13. He scoffs at your question about people coming out the alleyway.

What's it to you lady? he asks with a sassy tone. I don't babysit that alley!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Ugh. Children. She might as well be talking to a kobold. She grabs his hand when he goes to pick up a rock. "Tell me. NOW." Her tone is grave, expression serious. Her normally pleasant and melodic voice is almost shrill. "Or I'll run you out by your hand and tell everyone that you're responsible for the rocks, and you'll probably spend the rest of your natural-born life rotting in a cell. Do I make myself perfectly clear, child?"

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
No, Image is going to use intimidation on this little scrapper.

[PolloMark]

His eyes go wide as you grab his hand, and he begins to cry. Loudly. I... want... my... mommy!!!

Various people walk past, watching as you grab the boy's hand aggressively, but no one stops. Everyone simply continues on their way, not stopping for even a moment at the pained boy. In fact, you even think you hear someone mutter, Serves Nelson right!

The boy, presumably Nelson, looks over to the people walking by, and after a few moments, the tears disappear and he looks at you with the same scowl. I ain't scared of no old lady! he says, trying to jerk his hand from your grasp. He fails.

As Nelson stares daggers at you, a woman approaches. She had been sitting on a bench beside Nelson, watching you emerge and question the red-headed boy. She offers you a smile before sneering at Nelson.

That brat didn't see anything. In fact, he just sat down not long ago. The woman offers. I did see a few people walk out of the alley though. I'm not sure why you're looking for them, but I see no harm in telling you... especially if you're this desperate! There was an oversized Elf, a man with a blue moon tattoo on his forehead, and another man that had a face tattoo. I couldn't tell what that one was, but... it looked like a mistake. the woman gives you some information then looks you over. Are you hunting for someone?

[SCARY WIZARD]

If a tiny clerk scares you, you'll not survive on the streets for long!

Image snorts derisively at the brat. She listens carefully to the woman, however, and stifles a gasp when she hears about the blue tattoo that looks like a mistake. She describes Punnuh, sincerely hoping that he was not the person being talked about. Sin. Cerely. Hopes. She then says, "You could say that... tell me, did any of these people seem agitated, or have a weapon in their hands...? I'm looking for a possible murderer."

She produces a Gold coin. "For your cooperation. And silence."



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Kid just got intimidated by Zooey Deschanel with Spock ears. NERD! [/QUOTE]

[PolloMark]

Yeah? Well I think she did it! Nelson blurts out, nodding towards the lady. He tries again to wiggle free from your grasp but fails again. He finally gives up, and stares off into the crowds that refuse to rescue him.

The lady rolls her eyes at Nelson's random accusation and nods confidently as you give her the gold piece for her discretion. The confidence wanes as the possibly of murder is mentioned and is replaced by a look of concern.

Murder? Oh gods. I'm afraid all three men came out of that alley looking upset, but none carried a weapon. At least, not that I could see. she offers with a disappointed shrug. That guy with the stupid face tattoo does fit your description though. It was a different tattoo than the blue moon forehead tattoo the other guy had, but he definitely fits your description.

While Punnuh does have a ridiculous face tattoo, it is not a crescent blue moon like you have seen a few times. The woman does feel confident that the man she saw fits the description of Punnuh though!

Also, what a great reference to Zooey Deschanel! You get some super awesome XP just for that.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image ignores the boy.

"Saw the elf earlier... I think he was a customer. The tattooed people, I'm interested in. Did you see the direction they went in?"



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Hooray! Yeah, when I put together the portrait using a, uhh, 3D program, I went, "Wow, it's like someone took Aubrey Plaza and Zooey Deschanel and gave her Spock ears. Well, whatever. Funny thing is, I used a face generated entirely by an Artificial Intelligence, grafted it onto the 3D program, and did some more work.

[PolloMark]

The woman nods. Well they came out at separate times. The weird tattoo guy... well... the one you seem most concerned about... he went towards the market. The man with the blue face tattoo went towards the guard house.

That is impressive! Usually I just Google search a character and copy one of those images...

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image nods.

Now we're getting somewhere...

"Might I ask who left first?"



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

The woman nods and informs you that the man with the Blue Moon tattoo left before Punnuh.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image sets her jaw for a moment, then nods. "Thank you."

Probably the Blue Moons... wonder if I can do some damage in disguise?

"Remember, we never met." Another Gold coin crosses the woman's palm. Image returns to the Last Call, and reports her findings -- Punnuh being among the people leaving, and the Blue Moon. She declares that she will see to things, but needs some time to think and formulate a plan. But first, she asks Jame and Willem if they know anything about the Blue Moons.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Willem and Jame both sit with you in the otherwise empty tavern. Lark's lifeless body still rests in the pantry behind the bar, a haunting reminder of what has taken place. Willem continues to look over to the door, hand on blade, waiting for anyone to dare enter the tavern. As you mention the possibility of Punnuh's involvement, Jame gasps. That can't be true! Punnuh is a bit of a... character, but he's our brother! He could never do anything like that!

Willem looks to Jame, but maintains a steady expression. Unfortunately, we cannot rule anything out at this time. I'm sure Punnuh didn't do this, but he may have some answers. Jame nods at Willem's words. Willem then looks at you as you mention the Blue Moons. Those wretched demons are the blight of society. I've tussled with more than a few of those crooks! They hide in caves like cowards and only come out to kidnap the vulnerable, selling them to the highest bidder. Willem says as his face turns in disgust. I know there's that lousy Blue Moon recruiter that hangs out by the guard station. I can fold that spat into a pretzel to figure out what he knows.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image gives Jame a sympathetic look.

With regards to the Blue Moons, she says, "I've seen who must be the recruiter, talking to guards..." Image frowns. "I've had run-ins with them, myself." She does not, however, tell them the nature of these run-ins... "I'd much prefer to do things my way. I've powers of thaumaturgy." She conjures up a two human-like silhouettes in her hand. After a moment, the silhouette closest to her reaches into the other's head, moves what passes for hands around in it, and then removes them. The silhouette whose head has been "tampered with" uncrosses its arms and nods and shakes the other one's hand.

"I'm not terribly fond of tampering with minds, but if it helps innocent people out or saves lives, I'm willing to."



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Casting minor illusion, just to show off.
Image calls herself a "thaumaturgist", primarily because what tutelage in magic she had, had to do with thaumaturgy, or "miracle-working".

[PolloMark]

Jame and Willem both exchange glances at your... magical prowess. Willem looks at the glass of liquor in his hands and shakes his head slowly. I did not think this ale was that strong...

Jame takes a sip of the alcohol in her glass and pours a glass of a caramel-colored beverage for you, not bothering to ask if you wanted it or not. Well whatever you need to do to get some damned answers, thaumaturgy or otherwise, Evening Glory be with you as you handle this... spat. she says in a cold monotone.

Willem nods in agreement. Yes answers are critical, but your safety is also critical Jame. We have no clue as to why someone would kill Lark, and no idea if they will return. Willem says to Jame before looking to you. I am happy to stay here and watch over Jame, but if you require any assistance of any kind, know that we both are ready.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image assesses the drink, pretending to savour the smell. She gives it the smallest of sips. To both Jame and Willem, she says, "Thank you."



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Unless you're house ruling that warlocks don't regain spell slots spent after a short rest... Image is ready to go! [/QUOTE]

[PolloMark]

Heading out into the courtyard, you see the city of Aramoor is still well alive outside the tavern. The smell of fresh baked goods hits your nostrils, and there's an extra dose of freshness in the air. People crowd the markets to your right, and the volume of the many merchants forcing customers to buy their product is louder than usual. Even with the rise in volume though, you still can hear Adelbert yelling 100 gold!

Meanwhile, the guard house is rather empty to your left. You see that Blue Moon recruiter standing outside the guard house, offering a smirk to townies that wander past. A few guards walk past the recruiter, offering a nod before they head into their refuge.

No weird rules here! You are good on spells and such!

[SCARY WIZARD]

"You're going to have to sit this one out until I clean you..." Image removes the harness for her sickle, and leans it on her chair. "That's a story for another time."

"How rude of me, not even dressing for the occasion..." Image puts one of her magical disguises on herself before exiting The Last Call. This one is of a tall, younger human woman with a long auburn braid, steely grey eyes, and tanned skin. Her armour is changed to a less fantastical design and made into a brownish colour, hammer disguised as a club, and daggers sheathed at her thighs rather than her boots. She counts down, her accent and voice changing at the second syllable to a twang and a "whiskey voice". "One... two..."

Image staggers and leaps out of the tavern, as if drunk and being shoved. "Ay, piss off, you! I'll go and find somewheres else for to sleep off the hangovers what your rat's piss of an ale gives me!" Then, as inconspicuously as demi-humanly possible, she attempts to get into a place where she can work her magic on the recruiter with enough discretion. She attempts to override his mind, much like she did his fellow not too long ago.

This complete, she saunters up to him and gives him a friendly nod. "Hey, fella."

[roll0]
[roll1]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Disguise self to disguise herself as a roguish human woman. Stealth, to attempt to cast the spell on the fly. Charm person on the recruiter. Deception to attempt to make the casting look, well, inconspicuous!

[PolloMark]

Approaching the Blue Moon recruiter, he offers you a smirk. He folds his arms across his chest, and leans back against the wall behind him and looks you up and down in a not-so-discreet manner.

Hey. he offers in a velvety voice.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Haven't been back in town since I was a little girl, and that's the greetin's I gets..." Image slurs to the man. "Whatsa deal with them types in that Last Call tavern, anyway? Buncha jackasses in there. Betcha you an' I could run a more better tavern. 'An less worse!"



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
The power in my building went dookie until only a few hours ago!

[PolloMark]

The man smirks at your comments. He nods in a calm manner, and passes a glance at the Last Call behind you. Yeah, they're a bunch of spats in there. he offers in his velvety tones. His jaw is tense as he speaks, his mouth barely opening with each word that comes out of his mouth. What brought you back to Aramoor? Get bored out there? Because I can tell you that Aramoor is the same spathole you left.

A guard walks past the two of you as he exits the guard house. He offers you both a nod then disappears into the crowd of people filing through the overstuffed courtyard.

Eeesh! Dookie power sounds like a bad time! Glad all is well though!

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Jes' heared from a little bird that this place's getting better. Some'n about new types in town." Image slurs. "I goes by 'Artistry', by the by. Used to be a locksmith's apprentice, 'fore I found better work guarding people, places, and things what needa be locked up in the first place." Something about the tone that Image is affecting suggests that she couldn't care less about what was being guarded and that it was all a matter of money.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

The man looks you over as you speak. He nods, seemingly disinterested in your words, staring blankly in your general direction with beady silver eyes. He shifts his weight, and offers you a smirk. The smirk turns to a light chuckle as you finish speaking. Artistry the Locksmith, eh? The man shifts his weight. Cute name. Tell ya what, you want to use those locksmith skills again, I may just have some business fur ya.

I thought you succumbed to the dookie power. Glad to see you returned!

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Sure thing, just gots some business to take care of in town, a couple childhood chums I wants to see. Catching up to do." Image slurs, making a lewd gesture. "Why don't we meet at the Last Call tomorrow morning? Just you and Artistry, and your and Artistry's business. I'm buying. Place might be a [REDACTED]hole, but the stew and drink's good enough, and stays down. And, it ain't too far from yer job!"

True to her drunken façade, Image staggers into the crowd once the man has spoken.

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Stealth check to blend into the crowd.

[PolloMark]

The man looks over you and his brow scrunches. Ya want to meet at the bar ya just got tossed from? Let's meet at the Salty Spitoon instead. Other side of Aramoor. They ain't so quick to toss ya out there. The man offers with a knowing nod.

As you step away into the crowd, you don't disappear into the crowd quite as well as you had wanted to, and his eyes follow you into the crowd.


Because the man is more interested in going to a different tavern, and it may adjust your post, feel free to retcon in your next post, and I can retcon my post as needed!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image titters, and then shouts over her shoulder. "Tch, and eat stew that's rubbish? Go find someone else to kill rats in a cellar. I gots me some work to do on my back!"

That guy's creepy. I need to keep a close eye on him...

Image spends the next several minutes "perusing merchandise", until she reaches the nearest "left" on a main street within the city. Without being too obvious, she makes a note of her surroundings, including buildings and landmarks... as well as idiots with blue tattoos of any sort.

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
"Drunken" staggering about.
Perception to notice any people "out of the ordinary".

[PolloMark]

The man with the blue moon tattoo shrugs as you wander off into the busy crowd. It does not take long before you find yourself in the middle of chaos. People brush past you in every direction, heading somewhere that is not where they once were. No one seems to acknowledge the vagrant-looking girl that looks not unlike a teacher named Jess or a girl that works as a Christmas elf at a department store. With the flood of people, it is hard for anyone stand out. You do hear a voice above the rest however.

100 gold or you walk!

There is a rustling among the bustling, but that distinct phrase is repeated over and over. 100 gold! 100 gold! 100 gold!

The constant chatter echoes through the courtyard before you notice someone with a face tattoo turn away from you and rush through the front gate. The figure is slender and frail, but the individual is gone from sight before anything more can be seen. A small crowd of people block your line of sight, making any rushing towards the gate nearly impossible.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Cities could be so intimidating to adventurers! Not to Image, however. She wasn't some smelly druid or ranger, she was a city girl! This was just sort of annoying, all things considered. The half-elf-in-drunken-human-guise decides to casually saunter through the crowd. And then, to the gate. Once, hopefully, she gets out of the city gates before the next epoch, she attempts to follow his trail while acting very casually as if she is going for a leisurely stroll away from the smell and hustle and bustle.

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Har! Riotous post, there! I figured Image still had her disguise on, though. If anything, she'd look like, ehh... Linda Hamilton, just a few inches taller, less grim if you've seen The Terminator movies, and with a really lazy red braid.
Also, I'm still regular, just had a busy day at work. What started as checking light fixtures for bad ballasts turned into "damn it, which one was it again...?".

Survival, to at least try to see in what direction the Bloke with the Blue Tattoo went in.

[PolloMark]

As you pass through the front gate of the city, you promptly scan your surroundings. There is little evidence that someone passed through here, as the space has a calming peace about it. One of the guards utters quietly to the other. Lotta people headed into Aramoor today. Makes you wonder if there's something going on they forgot to tell us about...

You think our employer would forget to tell us about an important event and leave us understaffed? Please Ivar! Don't be so foolish! the other guard scolds.

You make a scan of the horizon, and with one last glance, you notice a horse disappearing into the treeline far down a path. From your distance, it is a bit difficult to tell much about the appearance of the rider, but it looks like it could be the person of interest that led you outside the walls of Aramoor. The horse looked to be headed down the same path that you took to Horn Lake and the Kobold camp, but is that destination? Without asking the horse, it would be impossible to know.

Linda Hamilton is a great disguise! So Zooey Deschanel in a Linda Hamilton disguise. Got it! You are indeed still in disguise, so continue on as the vagrant drunkard-looking Linda Hamilton!

And no worries! I am back at the grind myself, so all is well!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image does her best to locate a stable or anything of the sort from which this horse might have originated. Chasing horses on foot was a bad idea, unless one was a hero of legend!

If there is no stable present, however, she will follow the rider as best she is able, only picking up speed to a jogging pace when she is confident that she is out of the sight of the guards.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Looking within eyesight for a stable; if none present, following rider.

[PolloMark]

You look, but you do not see a stable. You do, however, notice a wood railing where a few horses have been tied up. Judging by the many droppings around the horses, it seems that this is quite the popular tie-up spot for riders to leave their horse when the enter Aramoor. The horses are all unattended, and they all seem rather interested in the large piles of hay waiting to be munched in the trough before them.


I am not familiar with the technical term for these wooden railings, but it is something like you would see in a wild west film outside of a saloon.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Heeey, sweetie..." Image comes up to the nearest horse, making sure to be visible to it. "What say you and I find you some better food? I hear that other horse knows a great spot for a meal." She scratches behind its ears, as if that would convince it to let her ride it if her babbling at it in some incomprehensible way wouldn't do the trick.

[roll0]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Animal Handling, to try to convince the horse to let Image ride it.

[PolloMark]

As you approach the horse, it remains fixated on the hay, offering you little more than a curious side-eye. You babble and scratch the horse, but it remains far more interested in the delicious hay before it, enjoying the not-so-delicious meal by the mouthful. In a gesture of indifference, the horse remains motionless, its bareback ready for a rider.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"How do I do this, again..." Image starts for the horse, but pauses. They'll want to know that the horse will be back... Before mounting the noble beast, she takes her dagger out and scratches "BE RIGHT BACK" on the railing. Next, twenty-five gold coins are set on the ground. "Down-payment." She then attempts to mount the horse and take off after the mysterious person.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

You take off!

Leaving the gold, the carved post, and the complaining guards behind, you disappear into the treeline after the mysterious rider. With your eyes focused ahead, you only see trees ahead as the dense forest dominates the space around you. After riding for a few moments, you begin to smell that familiar smell of dead fish, dirty lake water, and the mysterious meats being cooked on a Kobold grill. The dense forest becomes less dense, and you break free into the open once again.

To your left, you see the Kobold camp at Horn Lake, still functioning at its normal pace. A few Kobolds now ride out in canoes, rowing about comfortably and chatting away on the water. To your right, a rocky hill forms. You do notice a few small cave mouths dotting the rocky face, but see no movement beyond a furry critter skittering about. The path you are on does continue ahead past the lake and the rocky face into a wide open wilderness ahead, where a few mountains await.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Damn!" Image hisses. Going into those caves would be a bad idea, right now. She takes a mental note of where she went, but returns to the "stable" -- or at least as close to the stable as she can. Dismounting from the horse she stole, she gives it a few appreciative scratches behind the ear and smacks it on the backside in the hopes that it will proceed, well, to the stable.

She opts to enter town through any other gate than the one that she used. Her disguise is also dropped before exiting the trees, and when arriving back in town she takes more notes on where she has arrived.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Returning the the "stable", you find your gold has been taken but nothing else looks different. Your... "borrowed" steed returns to its hay-munching ways, almost like the quick jaunt up the road never happened. Funny thing about horses. A mouth full of hay can make for a short memory.

Looking for a new way into Aramoor, you find you don't have to travel far to find it. As you walk along the stone walls, you turn a corner and find another entrance similar to your normal entrance into the walled city. A pair of guards stand watch here as well, staring off into the lightly wooded plains that stretch out from the city. The smell of baked goods hangs in the air, possibly cakes made of juniper berries, maybe a cream pie! It is definitely a much more welcoming smell than the stench of the "stable". A few people walk in and out of the gate, each seemingly having their own story to tell. None seem to be interested in the half-elf that has just ventured from another part of the city though. As you enter the gate, the guards give you a quick nod, but seem otherwise frozen in place.

As you enter into a new part of Aramoor, you find yourself on the other side of the busy and hectic marketplace, complete with its long row of merchants to your right. Even from here, the words 100 gold! can still be heard. The courtyard is a bit smaller than what you're used to at this point, but there are also less people to contend with. You actually possess the ability to stretch your arms, possibly even dance! A few children run past you, disappearing into the market row. A man in bright clothes juggles a variety of fruit with a growing crowd cheering him on.

To your left, you see what seems to be a cellar door. It leads down into the earth, but a sign hangs overhead. The Salty Spittoon it reads. A man with a peg leg leans against the stone wall beside it, talking to a Minotaur with an expression of annoyance. Next to the cellar door, a brightly colored shop stands out from the otherwise drab gray surrounding. It has splotches of paints from pastel colors that seem to fade a bit in the daylight. The name of the place Prancing Pony Baked Goods is painted beside the doorway in a faded pink paint. The smell of fresh cakes is strong, and the entire courtyard smells of lemongrass and thyme. A Gnome enters the bakery as you continue your observations around the courtyard.

Straight ahead, you see the road that leads you deeper into the city. The road is lined with homes and other various shops and schools, each with a unique sign created with the intention of pulling you in purely out of intrigue. At the far end of this road, a temple stands. Even from the great distance at which you stand, you can see robed men carrying barrels into the temple.

Welcome back!

[SCARY WIZARD]

That smells amazing, I'll have to check it out sometime. Just wish that Adelbert would shut up long enough to... hmm. Hey! Image internally snaps a finger, following Adelbert's voice. She had an idea of who might have committed the foul deed against Lark, but she was confident that Adelbert had seen something more.

Once she finds him, and if there are no suspicious characters about, she says, "Adelbert, a favour to ask of you..." She describes Punnuh, and if the person with the strange tattoo that she tailed is different enough in apperance from him, them, asking if he's seen either one of them.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Market Row gets more and more crowded as you weave your way through the curious shoppers and average townsperson. You follow the boisterous voice of Adelbert, finally seeing the familiar merchant in a spat with a would-be customer. Adelbert waves his arms frantically as a bushy brow bounces over his eyes.

I don't care if you're my mother! 100 gold! he loudly yells.

The customer scoffs and wanders off, disappearing into the crowd in moments. Adelbert looks around, and smiles as his eyes set on you. He offers you a toothy grin and a wave, motioning to a new jar of some liquidy yellow substance. The rest of the jars seem to be familiar, even possibly the exact same jars from before, but this yellow liquid substance is new.

Psilch Pearl! he declares to you, beaming. 100 gold. Easy!

As you ask about Punnuh and the stranger with the face tattoo, Adelbert nods. He looks around then leans in and speaks a bit softer than his usual boisterous declarations. It is actually now at a normal speaking volume, but based on his mannerisms, he believes he is being quiet. Scrawny punk with the stupid tattoo is not the same man you describe, Adelbert offers. Believe me. I know that SPAT and his stupid tattoo quite well. The man you speak of... I never see him before. he offers with a shrug. He look at my goods, but he no want to pay 100 gold. Not my problem.

A customer approaches the table and picks up a jar of leaves. Adelbert holds a hand out in front of the would-be customer, motioning for them to set the jar down. I already know you will not be paying 100 gold. he says. The customer walks off. Adelbert looks back at you and looks around. The stranger I actually did not see much of. He shopped a few stalls, but he wasn't here for long. Poo-nuh... who cares. I saw him heading into the Salty Spitoon, but that was a while ago. I don't care where that little spat is now.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Thank you, Adelbert. Did you see the stalls that he went to, in particular?" Image decides where the wise would not, to continue to ask him for information.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) I'm picturing this guy as sounding like Jimmy Richard, that dude who'd yell at people all the time from King of the Hill.

[PolloMark]

Adelbert nods and looks over the various stalls down Market Row. The market is, as expected at this point, quite busy with customers seemingly bouncing from stall to stall. Many hold handfuls of supplies, yet still remain determined to purchase more goods. The buzz of eager merchants and desperate shoppers brings a hum of life to the long row of otherwise lifeless stalls. I see everything. he utters with a grin and a wink. He stares down the row and eventually points down the row of stalls, not really to any stall in particular. Stranger went to Breya and her spell stuff, Yazz and her spell stuff, and Weezy and his spell stuffs. Adelbert looks at you before motioning to his table of merchandise.

You know, you look like you could use a special jar of Psilch Pearl nectar. I got a jar of fresh stuff right here. Only 100 gold.



HA! That is awesome! What a great show.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image purses her lips and just walks away. Rather than make herself look even more suspicious by asking about, she steps back into The Last Call to speak with Jame and Willem and make her report of everything that she's seen and observed.

Highlights from this report consist of her interactions with the strange recruiter; her pursuit of the tattooed person and her decision to not pursue them into the caves; her discovery that this tattooed person went to find spell components of a sort.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Just say no to pearls.

[PolloMark]

You return to the Last Call and find Jame and Willem sitting around a table of an otherwise empty bar, chatting quietly. Both look to you with a smile.

Ah, you've returned! Willem says, motioning you to take a seat beside them. He pours a glass of caramel-colored liquid and sets it in front of an empty chair.

Both Jame and Willem nod as you explain your adventure thus far, offering the occasional Hmm to show they are still listening. Finally, Jame speaks.

You are pursuing people with a face tattoo? Why is that? Do you think the Blue Moons may have murdered my sister?

Willem scoffs and twists his face in disgust. Those spats are always nothing but trouble. I'm curious about that guy that may have disappeared in the caves by Horn Lake though. It's odd that he was only shopping at magic shops. That... does not seem like something a Blue Moon would do.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image pauses for a beat, and then speaks. "I've no reason to trust those Blue Moons. If you've an ear to bend, I've a tale to tell. It started out, oh, a few months ago, when word reached my ear about treasure beneath the Golden Mountains. It took me a little while, but I managed to wrap up enough loose ends in my life that I was able to make my way there. While gathering information like any smart adventurer would, I was drugged and bound by someone in league with them and chucked onto a wagon to work some sort of a mine. I managed to attract the attention of the drivers, both Blue Moons. I also managed to convince them to bring me here."

"I've every intention of looking for that treasure once again, but that will have to wait. At first, I just wanted to supply up and find a well-equipped hand or two to help me out, here. But, you gave me nice and clean accommodations, and for that I'm going to help you. I'm not saying that the Blue Moons did it, but they're creepy, and I wouldn't put it past them." The normally blasé-sounding Image sounds very intense, now... she tells them what she knows of the Blue Moons.

Then, to Willem, she says, "I'm going to talk to those merchants soon." She pauses, a devious look crosses her face, and she wags her finger as if she's thought of something. "I've got just the disguise in mind for it, too!"



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Yeah, she's still gonna go delving, but right now she's grinding experience on the side quests.

[PolloMark]

Ah yes... the mythical treasures hidden deep within the Golden Mountains. I know of it, Willem responds to your story. Some insist the legendary treasure is real. Others believe it to be a ruse started by the Blue Moons themselves. It's quite the interesting legend.

Jame looks at Willem then at you. I believe I've heard some talk of the treasure here. At least, some insist they are headed to the Golden Mountains now to find it. Jame takes a sip from her glass then brushes a strand of hair from her face. Thank Evening Glory that you were able to convince the Blue Moons to bring you here though. You must have quite the gift of persuasion! Hopefully you can persuade someone to tell you what happened to Lark... her voice trails off as does her gaze.

Aye, well I think it's a good idea to talk to those merchants. Even if this stranger of yours is not related to this murder, those merchants at Merchant Row see everything, Willem says. He chuckles as you mention having the perfect disguise. With your disguises and persuasion skills, I can only imagine the sort of work you did before coming here! Perhaps an actress of sorts?

Grind away my friend. Grind away!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Grind away my friend. Grind away!



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320) Alright. Yeah, I'm not, like, abandoning a dungeon you've likely agonised over putting together... I've just been conditioned by video games as early as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, to farm Heart Containers a little bit before doing anything too "cute". Except "Image" is far chattier than Link, but I feel like while they wouldn't get along they wouldn't confront one another either... I still feel like Link would win, in any timeline, and any story of his.
Post coming later today, playing with cooling tower components and looking for rat faeces at work.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Actress? No, I used to be a clerk," Image says to Willem. "But, just as no two stories are exactly alike, no two clerks are exactly alike either. I mean, few adventure as I do, and even fewer in this world, I can image, are capable of wielding magic as I do."

"I just feel that illusions and other 'tricks', when used wisely and right, are more powerful than force and violence. I just hope that those who taught me agree with me..." She once again disguises herself, this time as... well, what "Antsy" Vanessa Rubblebody might look like if she were a younger and normal-looking human. Six feet and two inches of tanned skin, blonde hair, and flashy grey robes that don't have humanoid effects woven through them. Her eyes turn hazel, and a foolish tattoo appears on her face, a teal, forward-facing eye on her forehead. "These merchants would be fools not to deal with Visionist and Evoker Vanessa Rumboldt!"

In her plain-and-tall disguise, Image leaves The Last Call, heading to the first of the merchants that Adelbert mentioned. She pretends to be very interested in their wares, whatever they are.



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Willem leans forward in his seat as he grasps onto every word you say. He offers a few "Hms" and "Ahs" as he listens, nodding intently.

Well, if you ever have the time, I'd love to hear more, he offers. Jame nods along in agreement.



Stepping out into the busy courtyard, you push your way through the crowd and into the markets. You step past multiple overeager merchants and stop before the first of three magic merchants, a Goliath woman. The woman is large, obtusely large, and towers over you even in your tall disguise. She holds the shape of a large cylinder, her broad shoulders stretching almost as wide as her table. Her silver hair is pulled back tight, and her forehead seems to have grown over time as her hairline seems to have pulled back with this hairstyle. She folds her thick arms across her chest, staring down at you disapprovingly with beady silver eyes. On her table, you see all sorts of dusts and powders, some in pouches others in jars. The table is missing any sort of decorative elements, making the plain wooden table stand out from its neighbors.

Need something? Ya blockin' my table.

[SCARY WIZARD]

[PLACEHOLDER]



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
[PLACEHOLDER]

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image thinks, as always, on her feet. "Oh, well, I'm looking for charcoal, catnip, and ahh... I think it was savory. My apprentice's just finished her tutelage, and I'm going to instruct her in calling a familiar as a sort of way of marking the occasion..." She then pauses, licks her lips, and waggles her finger as if trying to remember something. "I might actually have seen one of her little friends a little while ago... had a strange tattoo on his face, seemed in a hurry. Wish I could have gotten a hold of him, I'm always interested in meeting her friends..."



"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

The 1st Edition components for a find familiar spell! Brazier not included.

Sorry for the delays, work caught up to me for a few seconds, there... First, my jobsite was going to be re-opened to select members of the public, and then they decided to belay until September, thankfully.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
*dramatic shake* Game Master! Game Master! Ya still with me?! 🙀😿 Seriously, Image's got some of those healing bootstrap thimgumy with her. [/QUOTE]

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Are we still doing this, Game Master?

[PolloMark]

Play that out-of-tune horn! I have returned unceremoniously!

The Goliath woman looks you up and down as you speak, her sleepy face not even twitching at your explanation. Looking at her, you may have even caught her roll her silver eyes at some point. Still she listens, her tree-trunk arms folded across her chest. Yeah, I got ya charcoal and catnip. I ain't no chef though, so ya need to go somewhere else for da savory goods, she offers as she grabs a box from below her stand and tosses it onto the bland stand. Some of the nearby noisy crowd pause as the box hits the table with a resounding thud. She pulls out some charcoal and catnip with a thick hand and places the items firmly onto the stand. 25 Silver pieces. No discounts. she states gruffly.

Ya sweet on da tattooed boy? He looked frail and small, more a boy than a man. the Goliath woman offers with a slight smirk, her arms flexing as she speaks. Tattoo boy came by not long ago looking for da magic stuffs. Seemed up to no good. I sent him away.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image does not throw up in her mouth. Instead, she laughs and says, "Perish the thought! My apprentice is the one sweet on him, I've a..." She begins to fish through her coinpurse for those twenty-five silver coins. Yes, twenty-five silver coins exactly, no more, no less. "Spouse back home. And, personally, I can't stand younger men. But, well, I would like to surprise her on her graduation day with his presence because they seem to be so fond of each other... so if you could tell me where he was sent off to, she'd appreciate it, and I'd appreciate it on her behalf."

Oh, would you look at that, there are twelve more silver coins on the table... and five coppers! These are separate from the rest of the coins, and Image's hands are a little close to them.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
We're back! Just like We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story.

Deception, to B.S. this gal into thinking that Image is really telling the truth about this guy. If the woman is not forthcoming with information, Image will grab her coins back.

[PolloMark]

The Goliath looks down at you with narrowed eyes, scoffing at your explanation. Riiiiiight.

A customer wanders towards the stall and begins to look over the bland stand. Breya stares at the customer silently, her eyes following their every move. The customer notices the gaze and quickly steps back, slinking back into the crowd. Breya rolls her eyes and shakes her head. She takes the exactly twenty-five coins from you, and counts them. She looks to you. Exact change. Nice.

Da frail boy bounced to some other stalls but rushed out of da city walls. Blue Moon spat that hangs out by guards left with him. Ya know, ya... I mean ya girl should find real man to be sweet on. Not a frail boy with face tattoo, especially one that hangs with da Blue Moons. Breya says as she flexes an arm and slaps it with her other hand. Anyways, merchants tell me there's a camp East of here. That could be where your frail boy went.

Breya notices the random coins scattered on her stand. Looks like ya dropped some coin, she says as she points to the coins.


What an AMAZING reference! Wow! I loved that movie!

I was thinking back like Backstreet, but that was way better of a reference.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image only shrugs. "Oh! So I did... Well, such is the foolishness of youth, falling in with frail fools..." She takes her purchase, and her "extra" coins. "I was in love with a lantern maker for the longest time, and then a button-maker and ostler, and finally a soothsayer. But enough of my stories! Farewell, and good business to ye!"

Her bizarre performance out of the way, Image makes her way out of sight. Very, very out of sight. And then removes her illusion over herself. Once this is done, she makes her way to the east, doing her best to stay out of sight while locating the camp.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Oh, year!

Stealth, to remain out of sight if need be.

[PolloMark]

The Goliath watches you slip into the crowd as you wander your way far far far far away.

You attempt to sneak your way East, and in your attempt at stealthiness, you find yourself cracking a few branches with most steps. Thankfully, not many people are wandering around outside the city walls. The ones that are do not seem to care for the young woman sneaking around the open area.

Continuing East, you begin to catch sight of what looks to be a campsite. Your first clue is the thin pillar of black smoke coming off the campfire, but more comes into view as you edge closer. You see a pair of men with blue tattoos laughing and tossing a potato back and forth. Neither is trying too hard to be hidden, as you can hear them joking about crazy merchants and complaining about their boss. Behind them, the mouth of a cave stands open, ready to swallow the next person that ventures in. A bird flutters by, chirping through the air, but the area is otherwise quiet.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image studies the men for a moment, before she hatches up a plan. A lone frontal assault would be foolish. I don't have the means or time to gather any more intel than I already have... time to be pragmatic.

But, she does not try anything too brave... no, instead she circles around to where the kobolds are -- however long that will take her, and once again assumes the guise of "Vanessa" the hag. Once there, she calls out, wailing pitifully. "'Tis worse than Vanessa thought, friend kobolds! 'Tis worse than she thought! The gnomes are in league with... with villains! Villains with blue moons! THEY called the Horn Lake Beast!" She balls gnarly fists, and shakes them. "Follow Vanessa. Avenge your dead! Avenge your dead."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial

(https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Fun with disguise self.

[PolloMark]

It does not take long for you to make your way around to the Kobold camp. The sun still shines high in the sky as you make your way towards the all-to-familiar reptilian allies. Their encampment is a bit quiet though, and you can see a majority of the Kobolds are crowding around Kobash. The throne of Kobash still sits solemnly behind the grouping of Kobolds, its seat void of Kobolds. As you approach, Kobash notices you, and his eyes smile. He shares a toothy grin, and the other Kobolds turn and watch you. They begin to raise scaled arms into the air.

Hag! Hag! Hag! Hag!

Kobash breaks through the crowd and approaches you to welcome you back with open arms. He listens to your wail, and his eyes widen. Kobash and Kobold happy to help Hag. Kobash and Kobold always happy to help Hag.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image sighs inwardly, relieved. "This is good to hear... arm yourselves, and march with me. March around the humans. The humans do not concern us. The humans are not concerning. We march on the men with the Blue Moons. I will use my magic to harry and harangue and harass them! Yes, I will! The Blue Moons will wax and wane beneath us! They will deal with no more gnomes, and they will harm no more humans and they will harm no more kobolds and they will summon no more great beasts!"

[roll0]

Should the kobolds comply with no further questions, Image will direct them very far around town and out of sight, quietly, before directing them to close on the Blue Moon encampment.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Persuasion, to convince the kobolds to behave themselves.
Directing the kobolds in a very long way around to the Blue Moon encampment, following their preparations.

[PolloMark]

The Kobolds stare at you blankly as you give them a charged speech. As you finish, the group of Kobolds stand quietly, dozens of eyes staring blankly at you. An uncomfortable silence fills the space until Kobash finally steps towards you and whispers. Kobold no understand you. Kobash tell them.

Kobash turns to his fellow Kobolds and begins to say some words in his reptilian tongue. The rest of the Kobolds look over each other, each one haphazardly shrugging in response at various points of Kobash's talk. After sharing a few words, Kobash turns back to you and grins a toothy grin.

Kobold help Hag.

The Kobolds follow you with primitive tools and crude weapons in tow. Kobash walks beside you, hissing random commands to his fellow Kobold and ensuring that they stay in line. The walk feels like quite the walk, and you can hear some Kobolds talk out in a whiny pitch. Kobash maintains his hissing tone as the whines continue. Finally, you begin to make your way back towards the Blue Moon camp. The sun is beginning to set, but you can still make out the flickering flame of the Blue Moon camp. Kobash points to the camp then looks to you. Kobold charge? he asks.

As you confirm that you would like the Kobolds to close in on the camp, Kobash looks back to the small group of small reptilians and screeches out. The rest of the Kobolds return the screech and charge into the camp, crude spears raised with thin scaled arms. The two Blue Moon members look surprised at the charging collection of Kobolds and promptly through their arms in the air in surrender, jumping to their feet as the many mini lizards charge them. You watch as the Kobolds surround the men, and a few Kobolds poke them with their spears. Kobash turns and looks at you. Kobold do good.

If you did not want them to just charge in, or you had a different order to give, just disregard that last paragraph.

[SCARY WIZARD]

As they marched, Image refreshed her illusion on herself. First when they set out, and then finally when they reached their destination. The incantation was done in the Celestial tongue, as quietly as permissible for spellwork. Each time, if questioned, she would say that she was consulting with a "Cegilune".

She also ordered Kobash that anyone not bearing blue moons be spared, as she would gather them for "her own purposes", "at a later time for tribute, and on her own terms". Sickle is drawn. Orders are also given to prioritise spell casters and ranged combatants.

Image begins to raise her hand as if to belay Kobash's order, but then pauses. These Blue Moons were going to have me work a mine. She thinks to herself. Who's to say what else? What they've done to others? What they will do to others? They are a part of the corruption eating away at the this world. They don't deserve mercy. They are past redemption. Those they've wronged deserve justice.

Her command to the kobolds is not at all syllable-intensive, and should be understood by even the simplest of them. Her hand raises, alright, but not into a halting fist, but instead an out-thrust finger. "CHARGE!" She does not even make a disturbing grin to go with her façade, her face as grim as her thoughts.

She advances at the back of the throng of kobolds, making sure to let as many of one threat to the good people of Makirak as possible stand between herself and the other threat to the good people of Makirak. "Leave none alive."

The first of the Blue Moons to emerge from a tent will be fed an eldritch blast by the half-elf, perceptible-hag.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Cegilune is a hag goddess, featured in a few issues of Dragon Magazine.

Initiative. Then an eldritch blast on the first Blue Moon to emerge from a tent. Priority: Spell casters, ranged, melee.

Ordering kobolds to do Image's dirty work for her.

[PolloMark]

The Kobolds let out a host of shrieks as they charge at the encampment. Both of the Blue Moon members sitting beside the campfire jump to their feet at the sight and sound of an angry throng of Kobolds. Their hands shoot to the sky as the insist that they surrender to the Kobolds. The Kobolds promptly surround the duo, poking and prodding them with their crude spears. You can hear them yip with each uncomfortable poke.

A nearby lone tent shuffles a bit, and a third man emerges with the familiar Blue Moon tattoo. As you shoot off an energy blast, he locks eyes with you. His gaze darkens before the blast of energy lands square on his chest. He launches back into the tent, and the loose cloth structure collapses with a loud ripping noise. You hear a very painful groan come from the tent, and you can see something crawling underneath the fallen tent; it is the man you just blasted, and he is struggling to find his way out of the tent or even to his feet.

The Kobolds repeatedly poke at the two men they have surrounded and occasionally let out a growls at different pitches. Kobash yells out orders from behind you, and some of the Kobolds strike the duo harder with their tiny makeshift spears. Both men start to bleed, but one falls after several stiff strikes from the Kobolds. Kobash and several of the Kobolds cheer at the fallen man, and a few even spit on the fallen man.

The second Blue Moon grimaces, but reaches for his belt and pulls a dagger from his waist. He lets out a loud and vicious growl, and he swings the dagger wildly in front of him. In his blind rage, his blade slices over the heads of all the Kobolds, slicing nothing but the air. Meanwhile, the man under the tent continues to crawl around but fails to find his way out.

Begin next round!

Initiative Order in case you couldn't tell...
1. You
2. Kobolds
3. Blue Moons

[SCARY WIZARD]

Momentarily consumed by a desire to see what is right done, Image bellows, "Kill them! Forward!"

Another spell is cast, this time at the air-slicing Blue Moon Bloke. It is a burst of positive energy in the form of a flame...

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Sacred flame on slicey. Don't wanna Friendly Fire the kobolds! Yet, anyways. He gets a Dexterity Saving Throw.

[PolloMark]

As the air-slicing Blue Moon regains his footing after the wild swing, a burst of flame hits him square in the face. He lets out a deep grunt, but falls to the ground almost instantly in a flickering flame. The Kobolds around him cheer, waving their spears in the air. Hag! Hag! Hag! Hag!

As the other Blue Moon continues to crawl his way around the collapsed tent, the Kobolds turn their attention to the shuffling figure. They charge in and completely engulf the crawling man and swinging their tiny spears wildly at the lump under the tent. You hear multiple little grunts and plenty of chattering as the Kobolds swing at the lump. After a few moments, they quiet down and stare down at the collapsed tent. They give blank stares at each other in silence before erupting in loud cheers. Spears go flying in the air as the Kobolds celebrate their latest kill, and a stray spear flies a few feet over your head. The Kobolds march around in a shapeless mass, eventually working their way into the cave behind the camp. They chant as they march in. Hag! Hag! Hag! Hag!

Kobash turns to you and offers a toothy grin.Kobold do good.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image forces a smile. "Yes... Very good!" Except... she picks up the spear that went over her head. "CAREFUL WITH THOSE SPEARS! They are for the Blue Moons! NOT ME!"

She advances behind her throng of kobolds, at least ninety feet behind. The spear is slammed into the ground for a kobold to (hopefully) pick up.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

One of the Kobolds skitters towards the stray spear and grips it tightly, offering a cheer as he follows the throng into the cave. There are roughly twenty Kobolds before you, and their chants echo in the cave.

Kobash stays back with you, wandering into the gaping entrance of the unknown. His eyes dart back and forth repeatedly upon entering the cave, searching or perhaps waiting for something to jump out.

As you enter the cave, you can hear the chanting of the Kobolds as they march deeper and deeper into the cave. The entrance space is large with a ceiling above you that stretches many many Kobolds tall. Looking up, a scattering of bats flutter about. The space looks like it has been lived in though. There is a sleeping bag unrolled on the floor in the corner with a burned out candle nearby. A journal rests open beside it. Besides this, a table stands with a pair of chairs, a smattering of half-eaten food still waiting to be eaten sits on a plate.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image picks up the journal, thumbs through it ridiculously briefly - only a sentence or two's worth of perusal - and slaps it shut in one hand. She tucks it into her bag, which, per her illusion, looks to be made out of... head skin. "Intel, as they call it. Valuable intel. Gnomish duplicity."

The half-elf, apparent-hag, advances further, with the largest concentration of kobolds.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

As you thumb through the journal, short entries flip past. In the moment you take to look at the journal, you see some personal anecdotes and part of a foiled plan. Whatever the case, you stow the book away and follow after the hoard of Kobolds that have wandered blinded and aimlessly into the belly of the cave. Kobash looks to you and shakes his head.

Kobold keep going until end. he utters.

The two of you follow after the large grouping, but you do not make it too much deeper. The cheers of the Kobolds go silent before they are replaced with grunts and groans. You turn a corner, and you see the Kobolds caught in a sprawling thick web. The entire room (about 60 feet by 60 feet) contains countless strands of thick webbing, and you watch as all of the Kobolds try to wrestle free from their hopelessly sticky situation. Their collective grunts echo across the cave, and Kobash waves his arms in a useless attempt to calm them down.

You hear a rumbling coming from above, and you can look up just as a massive spider floats down from a thick strand of web. It lands on top of a collection of webbing, its countless eyes looking in what seems like every direction. The Kobolds all watch the massive spider before making a more frantic attempt to escape the webbing. It only makes their situation worse however, as they all find themselves more entangled in the sticky mess. The spider lets out a hiss and the ground trembles.

Initiative!

https://i.ibb.co/5smgCgB/spider.png

For placement (assume the Kobolds are just sprawled across this grid in random spots):



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Image
Kobash

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image does not hesitate to make herself look like a hero and saviour to these hapless kobolds, and readies a blast of positive energy. "Uncertain and beautiful things I command... this guiding bolt is one of them."

[roll0]
[roll1]

"After her!" Image instinctively looks behind herself, and then at the spider.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Guiding bolt on the spider! And commanding the kobolds not stuck in the web to do something about her.

[PolloMark]

https://i.ibb.co/0nMXQ7S/Kobash.jpg

A flash of light bursts across the cavernous space. It soars across the room, flying just to the right of the massive shadowy spider. The burst of light collides with the wall on the far side of the cavern, fizzling back into darkness in mere moments.

The spider's hiss echoes throughout the cavern causing the ground to tremble beneath you. It skitters across the top of the strands of web, focusing in on a Kobold that is struggling to break free from the web's grip. With the sound of silence, the spider lunges into the Kobold. A horrifying sound reaches your ears as the spider pierces through the Kobold with fangs that about the size of the Kobold itself. The spider towers over its recent victim, and you see a dead Kobold now motionless in the webbing.

A couple of Kobolds are lingering around the outside of the room and free of the webbing. On your command, the Kobolds charge into the webbing in an eager attempt to take down the shadowy beast. The Kobolds do not make it very far but get stuck in the webbing immediately, their situation only worsening as they struggle. Kobash looks to you and shakes his head in disappointment. He pulls a curved stick from his waist and stares coldly at the spider. He tosses the curved stick at the spider, but you watch as it whips around the outskirt of the room slicing nothing but air. The stick takes a complete lap around the cavern and returns to the grip of Kobash. He mutters something in his native tongue as he catches the curved stick.



1 Kobold down, but combat rages on! No one has moved, but here is the map!



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Image
Kobash

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image growls audibly and just begins lobbing her strange, eldritch blasts at the spider.

[roll0]
[roll1]

To any kobolds not caught in the web, she cries, "Throw your spears! Throw your spears!"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Eldritch blast at spooderkins. Telling kobolds to use branes.

[PolloMark]

A bolt of energy shoots from your... well somewhere off your person and shoots straight into the spider. A loud painful hissing noise echoes through the chamber as the spider recoils in pain. You can see a large burnt marking on the spider that glistens in what little lighting exists.

The spider skitters in a circle, head frantically jolting in various directions. It eventually fixates on a Kobold. The spider stares down at the struggling Kobold before striking it in one fluid motion. The Kobold goes still as the spider stands tall. It limps slightly as it moves, but it is still moving.

You hear the high-pitched yells of Kobolds and watch as 4 tiny spears shoot through the air. They all pierce through the spider, and it lets out yet another loud hiss. The spear handles poke out from the spider's body, and the spider lets out a painful hiss with each movement. Kobash nods his approval of the spear-throwing before throwing his boomerang again. You watch as the curved stick shoots across the cavern, hovering along the wall in a complete rotation before landing back in the grasp of a very disappointed Kobash. He mutters something yet again in his native tongue and shakes his head in frustration.



And... MAP!



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Image
Kobash

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Lovely tool... very lovely tool..." Image commends Kobash, before lobbing yet another blast from her outstretched hand at the spider.

[roll0]
[roll1]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Eldritch blast at spider. Yanno, I forgot initiative!

[PolloMark]

Kobash scoffs at your comment then shakes the curved stick in an attempt to remove any bad luck on it. Meanwhile, the cavern illuminates as a blast shoots from your outstretched hand to the spider. The blast misses its mark, sizzling into the wall behind the spider and dissipating quickly.

The spider turns and strikes at yet another hopeless Kobold, killing it instantly.

Kobash grunts at the curved stick in his hand and tosses it to the ground in frustration. As you hear the other Kobolds grunt in their hopeless attempts to break free of the webs, you watch as a blazing inferno shoots from the hands of Kobash. The fiery blast engulfs the spider, and you watch as it curls up in a raging ball of fire. It’s legs crumples up beneath it, and the spider lets out a vicious hiss before going stiff.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image begins to hew at the webbing with her sickle, making sure not to step in it. "I knew I should have brought oil." She curses. She then does her best to cut the kobolds down, reassuring them in the way "Vanessa" does best, with creepy and repetitive phrases, and disturbing gestures and tics.

"Vanessa will leave this great spider's remains for you to eat. Feast on its flesh, when we have slain the gnome-friends."

As she cuts, Image gripes out loud about the gnomes being in league with the drow. That'll show them. She thinks to herself.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Hewing down boobish kobolds.

[PolloMark]

Each of the Kobolds is thrilled as they are cut loose. They all gather around you, tiny fists raised in the air.

Hag! Hag! Hag! Hag!

As you cut the final Kobold loose, you hear a deep grumbling as the Kobolds continue their chant around you. The grumbling turns into a loud crack, and the ground shakes beneath you. The wall before you begins to crack, and the crack grows wider by the moment. Debris showers down on you, raining in a relentless storm of pebbles and dirt. The Kobolds quiet down, watching the crack grow its way up the cavern wall. As it reaches the top, they stare blindly as debris continues to pour down on them. Kobash waves his arms frantically, hoping to get the attention of you and the Kobolds.

Cave collapse! Run!

Without hesitation, the Kobold mob turns in unison and charges for the exit. Kobash tries to calm them down, but they simply stampede past him, leaving their fearless leader to fend for himself. Kobash looks to you with frantic eyes and motions for the exit. Come Hag!

The cave is caving in! I am assuming you will run for the exit, but if you wish to stop in that lounge space by the entrance, let me know. Just note you have very limited time left! Upon exit, feel free to communicate what's next for you and orders for the Kobolds.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image does not at all waste time, and books it to the entrance. "What in the Hells...?"

She growls, turning around and looking at the cave-in. "Let us try Door Number Two..." She points down the other prong of the fork, directing the kobolds to go before her. "And step carefully!"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

The Kobolds lead the way down the path to the mouth of another cave. Kobash walks alongside you, barking orders to them in his native tongue. He herds them like a sheep dog as they eventually funnel into the cave. He look at you and offers his toothy grin, his teeth looking like off-white toothpicks in his mouth. Kobolds no chant so loudly this time. No more cave-ins. Outside of the cave entrance, it is quiet. Nothing marks this cave as anything special, and the rock face is a smooth taupe color. A bird flutters by overhead, and you can hear the Kobolds shuffling about inside the mouth of the cave. Eventually, you hear a deep gravelly voice call out in surprise.

What in the hells? She's not gonna like this!

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Damn straight..." Image mumbles to herself. She concocts an illusory noise, of a horrible, guttural laugh. It is directed at the direction from which the human(?) voices are coming. Sounds like that one abjurer back at the sanctuary, when he'd tell his dumb jokes... Image recalls a fellow who specialised in abjuration magics and disapproved of illusions and transmutations. Who told really, really bad jokes, and would laugh at them in a somewhat off-putting way. Wonder how that guy's doing, now...

[roll0]

She presses herself against the nearest wall, her sickle in one hand. She makes a playful gushing gesture to the kobolds and points towards the sound of the people who are in for a nasty surprise.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsHtXKaAeQI < ---- Big white thing's laugh, kind of, for an idea, but with an echo!

Stealth.

[PolloMark]

DAMN STRAIGHT... DAMN STRAIGHT... DAMN STRAIGHT... Your voice echoes in the cave. You hear a rustling around from inside, and a voice calls out.

Hello? I know you're out there!

A horrifying laugh responds, echoing in a horrific fashion inside the cave. The voice lets out quite the loud gasp followed by silence.

Kobash looks at you and nods. The remaining Kobolds follow your guidance and charge into the mouth of the cave, spears raised high. As the Kobolds disappear into the mouth of the cave, you hear the deep guttural voice gasp in pain for a few moments before going silent. You hear more commotion come from inside the cave, and you hear the sound of stone on steel. A few more grunts and groans echo their way out of the cave before silence reigns supreme again. Kobash looks at you with a somewhat confused look.

What happen?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image shrugs. She just advises for Kobash to hide himself, while she... attempts to do the same. This time a little better, hopefully.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Stealth, to avoid detection.

[PolloMark]

As you and Kobash stay hidden along the cave mouth, the silence hangs in the air. Moments pass, and you hear nothing from inside the cave.

It takes a few moments, but a Kobold steps out from the cave. It stumbles around the cave's mouth, looking desperately for you and Kobash. It eventually sees you both, and steps towards you. It is followed by another Kobold and then a few more. 15 Kobolds wander out of the cave, circling around you and Kobash, eventually stopping and crowding around the two of you without saying a single word. Each of the scaly critters stares at you with buggy eyes that twitch, jerking the Kobold heads in various directions. One hisses something to Kobash in its native tongue and points at the cave. Other Kobolds grunt in approval and also point to the cave.

Kobash turns to you and shrugs. Kobold say it just one large room. No Gnome, but more Blue people. Kobold kill all three of them.


The Kobold army is proving successful! You have leveled up! Celebrations all around!

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Good to hear! Good to hear! Please have your friends be dears and stand guard outside... Be dears. Vanessa will examine the room... Where there might not be any gnomes, there might be signs of conspiracy. This is good to hear." Image plods into the room, ready to investigate it. "Do also just stand guard... it might be better for us to keep some of them alive, at least for the time being, that Vanessa might inquire with them."

It might help if I kept some of these Blue Moons alive...


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Looking, looting, lying.

[PolloMark]

Kobash nods and looks around at his fellow Kobolds. He hisses and speaks in a firm tone to them, motioning with his hands repeatedly as he speaks in his Kobold-ish language. The group of Kobolds exchange glances as he speaks, eventually offering some sort of response of agreement. Kobash gives you a bony, scaly thumbs up and watches as you step into the cavern.

Inside, it is as described. A large cavernous room that looks like it had been shaped a bit by someone. On the far stone wall, you see a large blue crescent moon painted directly on the stone. The rest of the room seems to be a strategy post, with various weaponry and armor hanging along makeshift hooks that had been driven into the stone. The weapons and armor are all mundane and look to be common pieces of steel, and it seems the Kobolds were able to do away with the inhabitants before they could reach their cache. Two Blue Moon members lie motionless on the ground, blood pooling around their bodies. One lies in the middle of the room, the other beside a table that has become home to a marked map. A lantern shines on the table, offering extra light for the map. There are a few more tables set up with chairs, and beside the large blue moon painting is a large chest. The stone-and-metal chest stands somewhat tall, possibly coming to about your waist.

The cavernous room is otherwise empty.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image...

-Checks the bodies to see if anyone is, or resembles, Punnuh. Ugh, these humans all look alike... and I'm not just over-generalising, like Ammi used to. She tries to recall how Punnuh looked, while recalling the, ahh, "insights" of a very vapid young Aasimar that she trained alongside. If anyone resembling him is present, she will attempt to, well, diagnose him.




-Examines the racks for any types of appealing armour or weaponry. Might be able to 'wing it' with some of these things until I can get the proper training for them. Be nice if I could get some muscle behind me that's not a bunch of idiot lizard-dupes... I'm going down a dark road, right now, but if it serves the greater good, I'm sure there'll be some lenity given to me.

-Finally, examines the treasure chest as best she is able. What did Sola tell me to do, again? If she is able to determine it is safe to open, Image uses her crowbar on it.

[roll2]
[ROLL1d20
[ROLL1d20


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
First Roll (1d20-1): Medicine, but only if Punnuh is present.
Second Roll (2d6): Healing Light, but only if Punnuh is present and seems not to be too far gone.
Third Roll (1d20-1): Perception on the chest!
Fourth, Fifth Rolls (1d20): Crowbarring the chest open because I don't think Image has thieves' tools on her person at this very... If she hasn't got leverage, just ignore the second roll~

I did these rolls all at once, to sort of expedite things.

[SCARY WIZARD]

crowbar because I forgot to close the tags

[roll0]
[roll1]

[PolloMark]

Looking over the bodies on the floor, you do see a pair of young men, but neither is Punnuh. Their lifeless corpses stare into the great beyond with an appearance that is similar to Punnuh, but you know well enough to know that he is not one of these corpses. Your attention then focuses on the weapons and armor hanging on the wall.

For the most part, the items are standard shortswords and Cloth armor; there is little more than crude essentials offered. However, upon further inspection, something does catch your eye. One of the shortswords wiggles in its holder, a subtle rattling sound ultimately catches your attention. Upon further inspection, you notice the blade is indeed shifting on its own, and its holder looks slightly different than the others.

After recognizing the unique blade, you turn your attention to the chest. It is rather large, but as you look it over, the chest appears to have no special properties about it. You whip out the crowbar, and you attempt to gain some leverage. The crowbar gets jammed in the chest however, and you are unable to remove it. It juts out of the chest, mocking you and your inability to use a crowbar well.

No one's in here! a voice calls out. Oh... wait. Punnuh, you idiot.

You stare at the chest and are given a moment of silence in response. The voice picks back up quickly though. I'm coming out! I'm unarmed, and I want to go home. Please don't hurt me! the voice calls out. The chest begins to open, and your crowbar falls to the floor. As the chest opens slowly, the face of Punnuh is slowly revealed. As he sees you, his face immediately drops into a look of regret. He purses his lips, and he lets out a sigh. He remains in the chest, but he stretches out his limbs after being scrunched inside. You... I... this... this isn't what it looks like.


Double 1s! Nice! I feel like there should be a special reward for that!

Regarding the unique blade, it is a dancing shortsword! Congrats!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image takes the strange, moving sword and attaches it to her hip. "I'll get a new harness for you, sooner or later..."

"Punnuh? Boob would get himself locked in a chest, wouldn't he..." Image whispers to herself, hearing his name. She folds her arms across her chest, still wearing the disguise of a hag, and waits for the chest to open. Her expression is not the usual disturbing grin "Vanessa" wears, but instead one of disgust and morbid curiosity. And, out comes Punnuh. Looking at a six-foot-two hag. Who awkwardly rolls her eyes and slouches her shoulders, bites her lip, and says, "Wait... Wait." In a very un-haggish voice.

Image puts her finger to her lip, and then undoes some of her disguise -- but only enough to reveal that the haggish face is not her own. "Look familiar?"

"It's a really long story, and I don't think there's a whole lot of time for me to tell it here, but -- two things: Jame is worried sick! And, if you come with me I'll fill you in and I'll make sure that the kobolds don't kill you." She then turns around and continues to speak. "Just, please, if you want to live, you will do exactly as I say. And you won't try anything stupid, like I've seen you do." She emphasizes her last sentence with a very stern, very serious expression. "You're all your sister has, now."

Image then points to the racks. "Arm yourself up, and follow me. In the meantime, I have to put back this disgusting disguise. It's a part of our long story, but suffice it to say while I'm wearing it, you will call me 'Vanessa'." If needed, Image will assist Punnuh in donning armours.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Neat!

[PolloMark]

Punnuh looks at you with a look of confusion, particularly as you reveal your identity. His mouth hangs open, but no words come out. He simply stares with wide eyes as you offer brief orders. He looks around the cavern, and nods haphazardly as you talk, his eyes continuously looking over the entrance.

Th-there's Kobolds now too? he mutters to himself finally. He slowly steps over to the wall of goods, and he grasps a shortsword with a both hands. The blade looks like it could be a bastard sword in his grasp, and Punnuh places the sword on the ground as he grabs a nearby cloth armor. He throws it over his garb, and the cloth armor looks like it is a few sizes too large. Punnuh looks down at himself. Is armor always this loose? he asks before shrugging and grabbing his blade of choice. He stands beside you, nodding towards the entrance.

I think she may be returning soon. If we're still here when she gets here, we could be in some serious trouble... especially if she has those Kobolds with her that you were talking about.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Only if it's not fitted properly." Image says, replacing her horrific disguise. Affecting her awful hag voice again, she adds, "Getting fitted for this was a nightmare... no one understood that..." She pauses before going on a rant about armourers. "Uhh, nevermind. Just follow 'Vanessa'. You're her prisoner. Look scared, and miserable. The kobolds think that you guys are conspiring with gnomes, but if I say you're good, they won't... whatever in the Hells it is they call what they did to the guards and that spider. I mean, I've seen milk-fattened kittens fight better than they do."

Game Master disregard the following if there is no source of fire with which to incinerate things.

Before leaving, and if there is a source of fire like a torch, Image piles up the armour and arms, and burns them. "Vanessa doesn't like it when naughty children use toys like this... they hurt Vanessa's friends. They hurt. They hurt."

Game Master finish disregarding.

She plods with Punnuh in front of herself. A dagger sits in her left hand, while her strange, new sword is in her right. "Show Vanessa out, handsome man... show her out. Show her out." She then adds, amplifying her voice with her minor illusions, "Vanessa is ready, sweet kobolds! AND SHE HAS A NEW FRIEND WITH HER!"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Disguise self to maintain the hag's visage. Possibly burning things. Guiding Punnuh out.
Minor illusion to call for kobolds.

[PolloMark]

Smoke pours from the fire you have started using one of the torches off the wall. Punnuh coughs in some light smoke and watches as you burn all the items. We... could've sold those for gold... he mutters in a whiny voice before coughing again.

He shakes his head as you explain the interaction with the Kobolds and their less-than-impressive combat skills. They think I'm a part of this mess? I have nothing to do with the Blue Moons! he replies hysterically. And what Gnomes are you talking about? Punnuh sighs and shakes his head, his face tattoo looking like it is trying to attack the rest of his face as he shakes his head. Oh, never mind. I don't want to know. he mutters before agreeing to your plan.

Stepping outside, Kobash and the Kobolds' eyes light up at the sight of Punnuh. They ready their spears, and are about to begin thrusting their tiny weapons before you interrupt them with your voice. The Kobolds all look at each other with confused expressions, many shrugging and others scratching their heads as they try to understand. Kobash holds up his hands and speaks to his tiny army, hissing and pointing at Punnuh. The rest of the Kobolds all look at Punnuh and many display a disappointed look. Regardless of what they may or may not be thinking, the Kobolds pull back their weapons and retain a peaceful stance. Kobash steps to you and Punnuh and motions to the face-tattooed person. New... friend?

Punnuh looks at all the Kobolds and shudders. You can see the shortsword tremble in his grasp and his knees wobble beneath the cloth armor that could almost be a dress on him. He looks at you. Oh great... Ima... I mean Vanessa... what will you have me do? After asking the question, Punnuh leans towards you and stretches onto his toes as he believes you are truly as tall as the hag. He whispers, Unless you want to have to face... her... I think we should get out of here quickly and go back to Last Call.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Punpun, here" Image grins deviously, gesturing to Punnuh, "Told me that the gnomes..." She gestures further east. "...are marching from the east. They are two days from here. The gnomes are two days away. Gnomes."

She then asks Punnuh, whispering, "Her?"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Gnomes?! East?! Kobash shrieks. He looks back to his Kobold krew and translates your information to them. Kobash points to one of the Kobolds then points south. The Kobold nods then directs the rest of the Kobolds south. Kobash watches proudly as they disappear behind a collection of trees. Kobash flashes you a toothy grin. Kobold take care of Gnomes for good. Kobash go to camp and check on rest of Kobolds. Thank you Hag. he offers before turning on his scaly heels and wandering back towards his camp.

Punnuh scoffs at the nickname Punpun and remains silent as the Kobolds all wander away from you. He finally speaks as Kobash disappears from view. That... was weird.

Punnuh looks over your shoulder, his eyes scanning the horizon for a few moments before he responds to your question. You don't know? Oh boy... Punnuh sighs and puts his blade into his belt. The leader of the local Blue Moons. She's dangerous. VERY dangerous. She headed into Aramoor to recruit new members, but she'll be back. Didn't Jame tell you anything about this? Punnuh looks around anxiously and runs a hand through his hair. We're not really going to stick around... are we?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image waves at the kobolds, bidding them farewells in her hag's voice.

Then, once they're out of sight, Image blinks. "Stick around? Hells, no! We're going back into town. I got some kind of a book from this little hidout... a diary of some sort. But, first, I've got some bad news to tell you."

The mage doffs her disguise, revealing that she is not a six-foot-tall hag, but in fact a half-elven woman barely over five feet tall. "Gods, I hate that disguise... it's the only one I could think of when dealing with them, though. Had to think fast."

Image then guides Punnuh into town, explaining to him as tactfully as she is able that Lark is dead. She then details everything that happened up to this point. While she wants to speak very accusingly towards the boy, she does not.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Punnuh smiles. I think you looked better as the hag.

Punnuh keeps the shortsword and cloth armor as you head back to Aramoor (insisting its to protect him from the Blue Moon leader) and listens to you tell him everything that has transpired since the discovery of Lark's body. He is quiet as you speak, nodding occasionally. As you tell him about the death of Lark, Punnuh offers no emotion. He simply nods knowingly and lets you continue. Once you finish, he finally offers a response.

I know about the death of Lark. That's why I was at the Blue Moon camp; I think they may have something to do with it.

As you step into the walls of Aramoor, the guards offer you a welcoming nod. The courtyard is busy as always, and you can hear merchants yelling in the crowds. The Last Call stands on the other side of the courtyard, waiting for you. Punnuh maintains a hushed tone as he continues talking, eager to not draw any unwanted attention. If you grabbed a journal... or a diary... or whatever, I think you may get an answer.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"And I liked you in the box, yet here we are..." Image sniffs.

"Why Lark, though?" She says in response to his statements. "Then again, that's why I got the book... they tried to cart me off to a mine, so I won't say that I don't have a bone to pick with them. Anyone who deals in what they deal in is a lost cause, in my book. Traffickers..." She spits.

Then, she leads Punnuh into The Last Call.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Punnuh rolls his eyes at your comment but follows you into Last Call quietly.

Jame's eyes light up as you and Punnuh enter the familiar tavern. Willem sits beside her and begins to pour himself another drink as the two of you enter. He takes a quick drink and sets the glass down, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. While Willem continues to drink, Jame stands from the table and offers you a weak smile. She grips the back of the chair and nods to you and Punnuh. I am thankful you found my brother. Have you... have you found anything about Lark?

[SCARY WIZARD]

"As of yet, nothing. I did, however, find this..." Image lifts the book from her backpack. "And it might have answers."

Without wasting another moment, she recounts her tale of thrilling heroics while scanning the book for information. In particular, she seeks out entries involving poor Lark!


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Jame and Willem listen intently as you recount all of the different mishaps that happened. They seemed to struggle with the fact that you somehow managed to befriend a tribe of Kobolds, but they remain quiet as you speak. Flipping through the journal, you look for any mentions of Lark...


It has been three days since we attempted to recruit her. She insists that she has value that she can bring to the Blue Moons, but She isn't so sure. I'm not so sure either. I do know that she works at a popular watering hole in town though, so maybe business is good there. She said She was going to stop in to scope out the place, so I guess we will see what She has to say about her.



She says that She stopped at the tavern and was impressed with how busy they were. She said that She ordered a drink, but it took forever to get it due to the countless customers. She says that she pretended not to know Her, so that impressed Her. Usually people are in awe of Her when they know who She is. It seems that She could be a valuable asset to the Blue Moons of Aramoor after all. Good thing too. I like a spicy ale.



She says that She wants to bring her in for a briefing. It seems that She has some big plans, and she could provide some valuable resources, especially having a location that is so prime. I have my hesitations about bringing her in, but She insists that She knows what She is doing. xoxo



Well that was a mistake. She brought her in, and she did not like to learn about our plans at all. She insists that we are going to get caught, and she was bold enough to declare that she had a better plan. Of course, She was not a fan of that. She played it off pretty well though; if I did not already know here, I would have figured she was fine. Of course, I knew what was coming though. I had seen it plenty of times. She may have been a great potential resource, but She would never let someone think they know better than Her.


As you look through the journal, Jame leans closely and tries to scan over the pages you are reading. Punnuh looks out the window quietly at the courtyard outside. Willem simply sits back and coughs. So did that have any clues?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image recounts what she has read, verbatim. "It sounds like... to me, and this is just based on my comprehension, it sounds like Lark was in line to be recruited by them...?" She frowns, seemingly really uncomfortable. "But then this woman didn't like that Lark thought that she, uhh, Lark, had a better plan than she did."

She eagerly positions the book so that Jame can read from it, and then hands it over to her. Her expression seems troubled, and confused. She mouths, "But why?".


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Jame grabs the book and reads through the various entries intently. Her eyes widen as she reads through it, shaking her head periodically. She points something to Willem before tossing the journal onto the table. A shot glass topples over and rolls around the table, its contents spilling. Lark was always sharp, but... but this? This seems unfathomable!

Willem looks at Jame then to you. It's clear that Lark got tangled up with the Blue Moons. Whoever wrote this, they're just writing from their perspective so it will be hard to know just how involved Lark was with the Blue Moons. I must say that I am curious about this... "Her". It's clear that this person is likely the person that killed Lark. I think I can poke around to see if...

Who cares?! Jame blurts out. Punnuh turns from the window and looks at Jame as she continues. Lark is dead, but it's clear that there is something bad going on. Whatever Lark was into, whatever happened to her... it's done! We actually have something that can prevent this from happening to someone else. Take this to the guards and let them deal with this... BOSCHTET!

Jame pounds a fist onto the table and shoots up to her feet. She lets out a sharp exhale and storms out of the tavern, disappearing into the hallway behind the bar. Willem looks over to you and purses his lips. Jame will be okay. It's probably best to just let her take some time to calm herself. Willem looks over to Punnuh then back at you. The guards could use the information from this journal to round up some local Blue Moons and maybe even rid Aramoor of them all for good. As for who this person is who killed Lark, I have some old contacts that could provide insight and maybe even give us a location or a name. You've done so much already, so it's only fair for you to decide how we should proceed in this. What do you think?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image frowns. "I feel like just directly giving the book to the guard might be risky... I saw one of the Blue Moons being regarded in a friendly manner by them. It was just a greeting, and I'm no psionicist, but still... it might sound silly, but I'd like to make a copy or two of this, and then hand it in, in a disguise. Just in case evidence ends up tampered with. These Blue Moons are some sick bastards, and I. Want. Them. Dealt with." She then turns to Punnuh. "Maybe it would be a good idea for you to talk to these contacts of yours. But be careful this time, alright? Next time, there might not be a 'hag' and her idiot army around to save you."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Convoluted plans.

[PolloMark]

Willem simply nods at your response. Punnuh approaches the table and grabs an open seat nearby. His eyes wander as he thinks about your idea before responding.

I think... we could go check in with my... contact... Punnuh says slowly, his gaze suggesting that he is still quite deep in thought. It is getting a bit late for now though. Perhaps we should go in the morning?

Willem nods. Aye, anyone you try to meet with at this time may not be so welcoming and helpful. Best to rest up and head out at first light.

Convoluted plans are the best plans.

Also, it is getting a little later into the day. Sun is starting to set.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Yeah, it might not be the worst idea to wait. Would it be too much to ask for a meal before I turn in?" Image reaches into her coins.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
A long rest is in order!

[PolloMark]

Willem reaches across the table and places a burly hand over your hand. Save your coin. After everything you have done, they can afford to pay for a damned meal. There's some stew behind the bar. Go help yourself.

*If there is nothing else you wish to do before going to rest, continue. If there is more you wish to do or say, you can disregard the following*

After a quiet night, you awaken in your dimly lit room. Stepping out into the bar, you see Jame behind the bar. Her eyes are darkened as though she had not slept. Her hair is a mess yet she rushes around behind the bar, pouring a variety of drinks. A few patrons sit around the bar, some alone and some in pairs. The bar is quiet, but a Dwarf at one of the tables laughs to break the somber silence. Jame notices you and passes you a knowing glance. Her expression is weak, and she remains otherwise emotionless as she passes out drinks and bowls of stew. By the door, you find Punnuh waiting for you. He is still wearing that oversized cloth armor, but he seems to have gotten rid of his weapon. As you approach, he offers you a casual nod.

I was wondering if you would ever show up, Punnuh says with a smirk. When we go visit my friends, try not to embarrass me. Anyways, are you ready to go?

During your rest time, I will also assume that you have made at least one copy of the journal.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image nods. "You have my word, no embarrassments from me." Then, she looks Punnuh over. "Although... if you're serious about this, some armour that fits you might be a good idea. Would you like to go to any nearby armourers before we meet with your friends? And I've a spare weapon or two that might do you good."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Rested longly.

[PolloMark]

Punnuh scoffs at your suggestion, and he scratches the tattoo on his face, making it look like he is scratching the creature's stomach on his face. He promptly steps behind the bar and grabs a short blade. He wiggles it in his hand to emphasize to you that he is now wielding a weapon, but it slips from his grasp and falls onto the ground below. He quickly grabs it then leads you to the door. Jame maintains her place behind the bar, ignoring the antics of her brother.

As you follow Punnuh, he wanders through some alleyways into smaller and darker alleyways. These alleyways are taken to darker and smaller alleyways. People disappear from view, and the voices of the crowd gets quieter and quieter with each step. Before long, it gets completely silent. Punnuh trudges ahead, eventually making his way to the end of an alley and a sizeable hole in the stone city wall. He slithers his way through the hole and you can hear him speak on the other side of the city wall. You slither through the hole as he did, and find yourself out of Aramoor and into a heavily wooded area. The leafy trees around you block out the sun, making the space seem darker than you know it is. Punnuh motions to a trio of men, two Humans and an Elf, that stand around a large leafy tree. I give you the Street Urchins. he declares.

Punnuh, don't be a fool. You bring a beautiful woman into our midst,and you call us urchins? That's what the guards call us! one of the men calls. The man is a bit huskier than his comrades and is balding. The little hair he does have left is a light blonde. I'm Kalfu. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you. May I show you...

Kalfu, don't be a creep! another hisses. This one is an Elf, a large scar runs down the right side of his face and his right eyelid remains closed. Unlike most of his Elven kin, this Elf is bald. You'll have to excuse Kalfu; he apparently spends too much time away from society that it seems he has forgotten how to communicate. The Elf passes a stern look to Kalfu who steps away and takes a seat with his back against the large tree. The Elf continues to speak in a slow tone. I am Green and that is Charon. And of course Kalfu. We are what many would consider to be some of the invisible; guards like to call us street urchins. We are the beggars, the homeless, the diseased. Society pretends we don't exist, but we see and hear everything. Green pauses to look over to Punnuh who simply shrugs. After a moment, Green continues some more. I assume that if Punnuh has brought you here, it must be important. Punnuh is about one sister away from being one of us. And if you know Punnuh, he won't do well. Anyways, what is so important that you have come to us?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image raises her lip at Kalfu, seeming a little disgusted. To Green and Charon, she nods. "Thank you for your audience. I call myself 'Image'. I come requesting information that you might possess..." Image shows these men the book that she retrieved from the Blue Moons, and describes the reason for her inquiry: Lark's slayer. True to her word, she does not embarrass Punnuh, instead making him out to be a little braver than he really is. She also does not mention her duplicitous actions with the kobolds, and the lives that they took...


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Oh, hey, I'm gonna buy a book and some ink and a pen during that long rest... Image hasn't got that! I'm also going to deduct things from her finances~

I've been thinking for a while... Image's power source is an Empyrean who's opened a link between her and the Upper Planes, if not also the Positive Energy Plane. However, some of Image's actions are less than good by any stretch... Mike Mearls himself said that Celestial Warlocks can be as non-good as Fiendish Warlocks can be non-evil. And, for every three Chaotic Good Empyreans, it seems that there is one Neutral Evil one.

Would you like her to change her alignment to Neutral Evil, once she levels up? She acts, thinking that she is doing good and that manipulation and... things that violate the Geneva Convention... are justifiable in the name of advancing ultimate good, but giving a merchant illusory coins that he gets arrested for to feed your children is as wrong as threatening him with physical harm for the same food. I've got a couple of ideas as to what sort of a role she might fulfill...

Like, if she becomes Good, then she's a mortal agent of the goodly powers that be.
Lawful, a sort of heavy-handed mortal enforcer of divine wills.
Evil, then a twisted visionary who strong-arms her vision onto the world.
Chaotic, a mover and shaker and force of change.

As it stands, right now she doesn't really know what the source of her power is, she just thinks she lived and trained among some mystics and is a "chosen one" of a sort -- why else would they give a fraudster who debatably did good, the time of day?

[PolloMark]

Green nods slowly as you speak, listening in silence. As you describe... or perhaps embellish the heroics of Punnuh, Kalfu scoffs. That ain't Punnuh! Ha! That scrawny spat must have paid you for your company and kind words because anyone that knows Punnuh would know that's not true!

Green looks back over to Kalfu and gives a death glare. Kalfu goes quiet and lowers his arrogant head slightly, like a scolded animal sitting against the tree.

Green looks over the book and thumbs through it using the little sunlight that breaks through the trees to read its content. I am aware of Lark's passing. I apologize for the loss; I know Lark was well-loved by many, and I am sure that she was kind to you as well. Unfortunately, that who took her life has remained hidden. I have yet to hear or see anything that would lead to the reveal of her that who took her life. He continues thumbing through the book for a moment before continuing. Based on what I am reading, it seems that Lark has fallen in with the Blue Moons shortly before her passing. That aligns with what I have heard; some say that she wanted to see the establishment fall which would align with the views of the Blue Moons.

Punnuh steps forward. If she was with the Blue Moons, why would they kill her?

Their leader is ruthless and cruel. Green says flatly. She is one who would squash the head of a friend if it meant she could receive more power and influence. Her name is Xarissa. Based on what I am reading, it seems Lark may have crossed her or even impressed some of the superiors. Green pauses and returns the book. I would be cautious though. Unlike the rest of the Blue Moons in these parts, she blends in well. She bears no tattoo or other marking to show she is a Blue Moon. If you wish to find her, I believe she holds a small encampment in some caves to the East near Horn Lake.

We've already been there. That's where we found the book. Punnuh offers.

In that case, you must either return to her encampment and ambush her or you must prepare for her wrath when she learns someone has invaded her camp.



First, both Kalfu and Charon have those "quest-giving" exclamation marks over their head. You can interact with them for some side work if you would like or just ignore for now.

Second, I personally have not felt that Image has acted in an evil manner. She may be more neutral than anything at this point, as there is quite a bit of "gray" area that balances itself out. If you would like to change her alignment, you can do so with a level up. On my end, she has felt neutral to me. It's a great non-answer to your question, but I would say no alignment change is needed as of right now! I think I’m time, it may be more clear which path she will take.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image frowns. "I am, at best, an adventurer trained in the mystical arts..." A trap might be for the best. "Part-magical, and part-my occupying the space she's to enter." She looks to Charon, and then Kalfu. "Have you two any insights, or any comments?"

The mageling wracks her memory, attempting to come up with, and on the spot, no less, a good physical trap to set.

[roll0]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Intelligence, to try and find out what traps might work best.

[PolloMark]

Yeah! Kalfu blurts. If you head over by that Blue Moon cave, do you think you can get me some berries? They grow these special blue berries over there, and they are waaaay better than what we grow around here!

Green looks over to Kalfu and makes a comment about Kalfu only thinking about food. Kalfu ignores the Elf's comments and continues. If you can bring me three bushels of the berries, I can pay for that!

Charon sighs at Kalfu's request and shakes his head in disappointment. That request is so stupid Kalfu! You have a master of the mystical arts here, and you wish for berries? Here's what I want. I've been trying to keep the area cleared for us for a few days now, and it seems that some stupid giant insects continue to find their way here. Maybe it's because of the messy eater that hogs all the food! Charon passes a glance to the unsuspecting Kalfu. I think the insects have a nest nearby just north of here. It's... kinda on the way to that Blue Moon camp. If you can at least kill 5 of those pesky pests, I am willing to pay for that!


Wow. That... is a SUPER DUPER clutch roll! Tell you what, with a roll like that, you can pick the physical trap, and I will guarantee its success.

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Cross my palms with enough gold, and I'll cook those insects with the berries. You've both got yourselves a deal."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Green sighs and walks around the tree, disappearing from view. Kalfu and Charon both high five each other in delight, and Punnuh motions you. I guess we're headed back to that Blue Moon outpost then. And I guess... I have to come with.

You leave the trio behind at the large oak tree, and meander your way back too the Blue Moon encampment. It's a relatively quiet walk, as Punnuh has little more to say than complain about a pebble that was in his shoe. Eventually though, you do find yourself back at the familiar outpost. It is still quiet. There are no Kobolds, no Blue Moons, and no critters moving about. You and Punnuh rest behind a collection of bushes, hiding from view. The campfire that was once burning has turned to ash, but besides that, the outpost remains untouched since you left it. Punnuh looks over to you and grips his dinky blade tightly. So what's the plan here?

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image surveys the area. "I want to say... hrm." She scratches her chin, a genuine itch on it, and then points, wagging her finger. She looks around without stirring anything. "We could dig a small trench at the cave entrance... cover it with some canvas, or even a tent. Stick some caltrops beneath it. Cover it with dirt." Then, she pauses. "Ohh, and then, we could set up a 'dead body' -- nothing too fancy, just enough that it looks like one of these idiots, in the mouth of the cave. To draw their attention, so they step on the caltrops. Gods... if this were a building, we could dump oil on them." She makes a "fwoosh" sound, and fans out her hand.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

Image is assessing the area for trap types that she can lay! And has an idea.
Sorry about that delay, work got kind of hot for a second.

[PolloMark]

Punnuh looks over to you, his eyes squinting. A... fwoosh sound?

As Punnuh looks out over the cave entrance, he also scratches his chin in an action that mirrors yours. He finally stops and looks at you. Call me crazy, but I think I have an idea. We dig a small hole right at the mouth of the cave. We cover it with a canvas, maybe some branches. Now I'm just throwing out ideas, but we can put some... oh, I don't know... caltrops at the bottom. Then we cover it with dirt so it looks even more inconspicuous. If we really wanted to sell it, we can put one of the corpses just inside the mouth of the cave to look like everything is fine. Punnuh nods confidently. Yeah, I think I may have just come up with our best option. I'm not sure who all is coming, but if we hurry, we should be able to set the trap in time. With enough time, we may even be able to set up a good point to drop oil on them when they fall in.

Punnuh looks around, clutching his kitchen knife with one hand and using it to move some bush twigs out of his way. If you want to get started on that, I can keep watch.


No worries! I can completely understand that! I hope everything has stabilized at work!

So your trap idea will definitely work! If you want to get started on that trap, just say so. If you'd like to use a different trap, or just do something else entirely here, just let me know, and we can proceed!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image gapes for a moment before mouthing the word "dunce". "I, uhh, yeah. It looks like we're both on the same page..." The vexed mage without hexes looks for anything canvas-like that might remain from the encampment. And anything that she could improvise a shovel out of. Failing locating anything shovel-like, she instead resorts to using her crowbar. All the while, she mutters things in Elvish to herself. Agitated things. About "daffy" young men.


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

And a one, and a two, and a...

[PolloMark]

Looking around the immediate area, you do not find much beside brush and some broken down rocks. Looking at the campsite however, you do see the canvas of the tent that had been knocked over by a Blue Moon in your recent encounter. The dark green canvas rests flat on the ground and looks quite sturdy in its build. Beside it, you do see a small portable shovel (a simple spade with a handle) beside the ash of the campfire. A small hole had been dug out beside the fire pit, but it is empty. You also notice a few empty tankards lying about, and a decent length of rope. Punnuh walks towards the small pile of ash and grabs the portable shovel. He looks over at you and frowns.

I suppose you want me to start digging then? he asks, looking around. Should I dig right in front of the cave entrance? I think I should start digging soon because whoever we are trapping should be coming by soon!

Punnuh walks towards the cave entrance, and his shuffling breaks the otherwise silent space. He pokes his gaze into the small cave, and shrugs. This seems like a decent enough spot. I could sure use some help though! My arms are already tired.



WELCOME BACK!

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image aids in the digging with her crowbar, using it to break things loose, or otherwise "fine-tune" the trench. "I'm going to use an illusion when they do show up... it'll disorient and confuse them."As she digs, she makes another superficial change to her appearance, making herself appear as, well, herself, just in a Blue Moon's trappings. "...starting with this illusion. I'll stand near the cave-in, and conjure up an illusion of... I don't know, someone menacing." She glances about for anything sharp that she can "install" in the pit she and Punnuh are making. Her pitons that remain are sacrificed for this endeavour. "I've got good enough hearing, so I'll keep my ears pricked up to listen for them, then my phantom menace will run at them. The illusion won't last too long after it's interacted with, though, so there is unfortunately that.... but, a diversion is a diversion, and we can get at least one or two cheap shots in before they notice they're swinging at pretty air. You can wait near where I found you. Take these, and throw them at the real Blue Moons -- I'll be the cute one carrying a sickle and a sword, so you'll know not to throw at me." She then removes her two daggers from her boots and hands them to Punnuh. "They're not the best for throwing, but they'll keep some distance between you and them, and then you can engage them with your other weapon. All else is looking for openings, making as few openings for them as possible, and footwork. I've a club you can borrow, too, if you'd like."

That all said and done, she quickly conjures up an illusion of a golden-plated paladin with a winged helmet. "This fellow's going to be the one who'll 'menace' me."


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)

[PolloMark]

Punnuh's gaze is off in the distance as you explain your plan. He wipes his forehead, leaving a dirt streak on his face. As you hand him the blades, he nods and heads into the small cave back near the chest that he was found in. She's not that cute... he mumbles to himself. He stumbles over a rock, but he eventually finds a good spot along a wall and out of sight.

You await with you winged-helmet illusion, watching and waiting in the calming silence for... well whoever it was that was coming.

Seconds turn to minutes. Minutes turn to longer minutes. Your illusion stares through you blankly until you hear a rustling in the nearby brush. You hear a voice coming from down the path, and a few footsteps heading towards you.

Ged, if you ask me about the treasure of ice one more time, I swear... a woman's voice carries. It sounds vaguely familiar, but you cannot quite place it. The footsteps continue towards you, and you can hear the crunching of branches getting louder. Your paladin illusion continues to stare through you, its massive weapon raised high above its head in a threatening manner.

A pair of Blue Moon members emerge from the path, a man and a woman. The man (a burly man) you do not recognize, but the woman... it was the woman who you met outside the alley behind Last Call! The woman who scolded that boy Nelson with you. The woman who sent you on this wild goose chase at the beginning of this whole thing. She bears no Blue Moon tattoo on her face, but she wears the familiar blue cloak like the one you have created for yourself.

The woman walks into view with a Blue Moon member, and her face hardens immediately at the sight of the golden-plated Paladin towering over you. Ged! Stop him! We've seen our numbers thin enough. The man charges, and the woman prepares a spell, her hands beginning to glow a bright white color.



You trap is set, and the hulking Blue Moon member is charging straight for it. The woman is standing back and not moving towards your trap, but she stands roughly 15 feet away. Punnuh is out of sight ready for your moves. This combat is working on the assumption that you are inside the mouth of the cave and not out in the open. If this is not where you envision yourself being, please correct me.

If all is correct, go ahead and roll for initiative. Both opponents are drawn to your illusion, so you are not being targeted by either person.

[SCARY WIZARD]

Image breathes her sigh of relief. "Oh, thank the gods you're here!" Her "paladin" almost comically turns his atention, and then charges at the Blue Moon man. His creator rises, pretending to be relieved and calming down from a panic, but then draws her new sword, which she looses with a command word. It is directed to attack the foe nearest her illusory menace, and as it intends to do real damage to the man, Image readies a bolt of positive energy to be sent at the woman to do very real damage to her.

[roll0]

[ROLL]1d20+5[ROLL]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

"Punnuh! Now!"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
You are correct!
"Image" is going to direct her daffy do-gooder to devastate these deviants, deceptively. The first two rolls after Initiative are for a guiding bolt spell, cast at the woman. Also will come an attack from her dancing sword, which is the second set of attacks; this is meant for the big Blue Moon warrior.

[SCARY WIZARD]

[roll0]

In all this excitement, I overlooked a proper spell attack roll for guiding bolt!

[PolloMark]

Initiative Order:
1. Blue Moon Burly Man
2. Punnuh
3. Image and her Sword
4. Blue Moon Leader


The burly Blue Moon man lets out a vicious roar as he charges your illusion. He pulls back his massive axe for terrifying swing, but his eyes grow wide as he disappears before he can lunge forward with his attack. You hear a substantial THUD as the burly man disappears in your trap. ow. is all you hear in a deep gravelly voice. Your illusion remains untouched.

Punnuh runs from his hiding place, and he charges out by the trap, stopping just past it so he is between the trap and the woman. He looks down, but shrugs and looks over to the woman. Without hesitation, he hands one of the daggers and throws it as hard as he can at the woman. The dagger soars high over the head of the woman and disappears into the trees behind her. You hear the rustling of leaves as it falls through one of the trees. Punnuh remains in his throwing pose, his eyes looking straight ahead.

A blast of energy shoots from you, racing towards the woman. She stands still and simply watches as the blast shoots just over her shoulder, missing her. Her gaze fixes on you, and she offers a sympathetic smile. Your dancing blade drops into the trap after the burly man, and you hear the sound of a gravelly yelp. Based on your estimations of gravelly yelps, you can assume that your blade connected with the burly man trapped down in your pit.

The woman looks at you and shakes her head. Smart trap. I see I will be taking on three of you then. The woman motions her hands before her, and a faint white glow surrounds her. She steps away into some nearby trees, disappearing from view.

Begin Round 2:

Burly Blue Moon Man- Is sitting in your trap prone. He has taken some damage from your blade and looks to be bleeding.

Punnuh- Still standing in his pose empty-handed.

Your Blade- Hovering over the burly man in your trap.

Woman- Hiding in some trees roughly 25 feet away from you. She has cast Shield of Faith on herself.


Begin Round 2

[SCARY WIZARD]

"After her. Dead or alive, she's coming with us." Image directs her "Paladin" to advance on the woman, while she veers off to the other side of her, closing about fifteen feet of distance, and fires an eldritch blast.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
First Set: Eldritch blast at the lady.
Second Set: Dancing sword will slice the Blue Moon Bloke badly.

[SCARY WIZARD]

exposition, exposition, sword attacking man in the blanket

[PolloMark]

Round 2:

Stuck in your trap, the burly Blue Moon member wrestles his way to his feet and frees himself. Looking around, he realizes he is stuck and will have to begin to climb. He grips the dirt around him, but struggles on his first attempt to get out of the pit. His hands are full of loose dirt, and he tosses it aside. A sword hovers over his head.

Punnuh stands nearby the edge of the small pit, but his eyes remain fixated on the woman who has ran for some nearby trees. He steps towards the woman and clutches his second, and final, dagger. He hurls the dagger in the direction of the woman, but the dagger goes wild from his grasp and bounces off a nearby tree, offering little more than a hollow thud. Punnuh remains in his throwing pose as before, statuesque in his failed attempt.

You shout an order to your paladin and rush past Punnuh to shoot a blast at the woman. The blast lands squarely on her robed chest, causing her to stagger on impact. You can see a scorch mark on her robe where the blast hit, but she seems to stand tall and defiant. She looks at you with a narrow gaze.

While your blast is successful, you can hear the whiffing of your blade down in the pit. The blade slices at the burly man, but in his frantic attempt to escape the small pit, he manages to unknowingly dodge the blow of the blade. It slices little more than air.

The woman stays in the trees, but her eyes darken. She fixes her gaze on Punnuh, who is still in his throwing pose, and motions her fingers before her. She mutters something quietly, and yells out. Flee! Without hesitation, Punnuh turns on his heels and sprints as fast as he can in the opposite direction. He disappears into a treeline and completely disappears from view. With Punnuh sprinting in a dumb-founded fashion, the woman bounces her gaze between you and your paladin companion. She hides behind a nearby tree, completely out of your line of sight.

Begin Round 3!


The Burly Blue Moon is in a pit with your blade. He has not really taken any damage, but he is struggling to escape.

Your paladin is still the focus of the burly man, and it has the attention of the woman.

The woman has cast "Command" on Punnuh, and it was successful... no surprise. As a result, Punnuh has run as fast as he can and as far as he can. The woman is also not much further away than she was before, but she is standing against a tree out of your line of sight.

Also, that my friend, was some beautiful exposition. I teared up a bit.

Also also... USA! USA! USA! (don't know if you watch the olympics or not, but that's a thing these days)

[SCARY WIZARD]

"Huh!" Image scoffs. She attemtps to find the woman as best she can... and, if she can, sends an eldritch blast her way.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Her sword, meanwhile, continues to harry the large fellow.

[roll2]
[roll3]


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
I don't, but I do TRAIN, SAY MY PRAYERS (starting at seventeen, to Bane but now to Ioun), and EAT MY VITAMINS. I'm also TRUE TO MYSELF, and TRUE TO MY COUNTRY. Just like the Hulkster said.

and by that I mean I take this multivitamin thing and get my tetanus shots kept up-to-date, work a physically demanding city job, and do what a bunch of New Age jerkoffs do but without pretending to care about Lilith/Ra/Shabranigdo/Elune

Sword attacking man, Image eldritch blasting​ woman.

[PolloMark]

Round 3!

The burly one looks at the ledge of the trap, and he grips a jutting rock. He works tirelessly to pull himself up, slowly crawling up the side of your shallow trap. His breaths are incredibly heavy, and a burly hand emerges from the mouth of the pit, followed by a heavy-breathing head. His hair is matted with dirt, and his eyes are wild. He pulls himself up, and rolls to his back, staring up at the sky above. His eyes look towards the Paladin and he exhales.

Somewhere in the dense forest, a young man with a dragon face tattoo stops. He looks around and sees nothing but trees. He racks his brain, desperate to remember what he was doing, and realizes he was in the middle of a battle. With nothing else coming to mind, he sprints back towards you, the woman, the floating blade, and the burly one. You manage to see him just through the trees.

You have no time to check on Punnuh, and you return your attention to the woman. You only need to take a few steps to see her again, as she has not hidden so much as just wanting to obscure vision. Satisfied with your shot, you prepare another blast of blistering energy, and you send it off at the woman. The blast shots past a few trees, quickly finding its mark. It lands RIGHT where the previous blast landed, and the woman lets out a loud grunt of pain. She staggers a bit, but she manages to stay on her feet. She does wince a bit, and the burn mark on her robes have grown significantly darker. She looks at you with pained but angered eyes.

Your blade continues to hover over the burly one, and has no trouble slicing at the man that has just emerged from the pit. He lets out a yowl as the blade connects, making a deep cut on him. He grabs his shoulder in pain, but the blade continues to hover over him. The man grumbles something about sorcery and the devils as he lies in pain. He looks... awful. Like, he may be on death's door.

The woman takes a moment to breath and regains her composure. Berrios! Mind the blade! she yells to her lackey. Her face remains emotionless, but you can see that her mind is racing at solutions. Her eyes look out to the chaos happening with her lackey, your paladin lackey, and the floating blade at the mouth of the cave, but her gaze promptly returns to you. Her hands waver before her, and a greenish glow begins to form. She launches a disturbing green blast in your direction (she casts Ray of Sickness), and you watch as the blast races towards you. As you stand still, the blast just edges over your left shoulder, and you can feel its disturbing energy on the side of your face. The woman curses to herself, then moves around the tree again and away from view.

BEGIN ROUND 4!!!


Berrios (the burly one) is bleeding badly and is lying just outside the edge of the pit he had just fallen into. His eyes are on the paladin that has taunting him this entire fight.

Punnuh is within view, but not quite exactly where he was before he was sent running. He should be back in the fight next turn.

Your blade and your paladin illusion continue to harass Berrios (the burly one).

You are exactly where you think you are and are doing exactly what you think you are doing.

The Woman is literally just circling around a large tree to hide from view. It is a classic tactic that is referenced as one of the great defensive tactics in Art of War... probably. She's still running at full energy, but you can tell she's feeling some pain.

A multi-vitamin and tetanus shots? Now you're just showing off... :smallbiggrin:

[SCARY WIZARD]

Another blast is fire at the woman, as Image pursues her. This one is, again, a blast of positive energies, much like the one Image initially fired at the woman.

[roll0]
[roll1]

And, her sword continues to menace Berrios.

[roll2]
[roll3]

Image also directs her "paladin" to break away from Berrios and harry the woman. "Myrrikhan, after the woman!"


"Image" - Half-Elven Warlock of the Celestial (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2365320)
Sword attacking man, Image guiding bolting​ woman.
Directing illusory Paladin to the woman. "Myrrikhan" was a strange, Neutral Good Paladin "kit" from Dragon Magazine. They had an assortment of Paladins that ranged from Neutral Good, to Neutral Evil, and all had their own prerequisites, strictures, and abilities.

[PolloMark]

ROUND 4:

Yes Gretchen!Berrios responds as he jumps to his burly feet and swats at the blade with an unarmed burly hand while he pulls out a dagger with his other burly hand. He moves for the paladin, and takes a VICIOUS swing at the taunting paladin. With all of the rage built up from being trapped in a pit and fending off a floating sword, Berrios unleashes ALL of his frustrations on the Paladin Myrrikhan that has been taunting him this whole time. The dagger slices, and... connects with nothing but air. Berrios gasps, and a lone burly tear falls from his burly eye.

Punnuh emerges from the trees, and his scrunched brow suggests an anger has been built up in him as well. He raises a hand as he charges at the nearby Berrios, and you can see the bar knife in his hand. He slashes at Berrios, and the blade manages to scrape off some material from his armor. Berrios turns and sees Punnuh standing dumb-founded behind him and chuckles. Punnuh looks towards you and shrugs.

Having no time for Punnuh, Berrios, and their worthless nonsense, you turn your gaze back to the woman. You take a few steps and see her again. Without hesitation, you launch a blast of positive energy at her, and she can only watch in horror as the blast completely engulfs her. She screams in a blaze of positive energy, and a burn mark is left on the nearby tree as she crumples to the ground. She lies motionless on the ground, every fiber of her being burned.

Your blade continues to hover over the head of Berrios, and while he tries to avoid the blade, it continues to harass him. The blade swings wildly over his head, but fails to connect with the burly Berrios.

BEING ROUND 5!!!


Berrios has realized that Myrrikhan is an illusion, but he is still fending off the floating blade and now Punnuh.

You can celebrate as you have downed the woman, and she is definitely dead.

Also, that is an amazing reference!