[DnD 5e] Playthings in an Interplanar Dollhouse- A Path of the Planebreaker Adventure

[purepolarpanzer]

Velein, At the Foot of Mount Velein, The Capital of Wissimvale, Plane of Viridor


https://assets.dicebreaker.com/innis-worldbook-lawbrand-artwork.png/BROK/resize/844%3E/format/jpg/quality/80/innis-worldbook-lawbrand-artwork.png

The Day of Union had arrived after weeks of preparation in the castle city of Velein. Merchants filled the market, guests of all shapes and sizes filled the normally human-dominated taverns and businesses of the city, and the celebrations had begun early and lasted well into the night for a half-week already. After more than a human generation's worth of war (and war-time taxes) the entire kingdom gave a sigh of relief at the prospect of peace with Everarbor. Even Elvish guests were welcomed, and despite mutters of "knife-ear" and "tree-hugger", incidents of aggression were minimal (and dealt with swiftly and thoroughly by the local guard). Tables, stages, and stalls were being set up for the entire city to feast and party in the streets along with the hundreds of visitors from afar that came to celebrate and trade here. Even a magic mirror was being set up to allow watchers all over the kingdom, maybe even the world to watch the festivities as two nations that had been at each other's throats for three decades made peace with the power of bloodlines mingled and, according to the romantically inclined, love shared.

It was a time when most of Viridor paid attention to a small mountain kingdom. Some hoped for success, peace, and prosperity. Some bitterly hoped for failure, folly, and a continued war. All who had read omens assumed the nuptials were the monumentous event that would shape the fate of all of Viridor. But no one expected what would come next.

Velein Castle is arranged in a series of descending terraces and structures built into the natural incline of the mountain. The higher you go in the structure, the stricter the security and the more prestigious the status of the people you find. Today the entire castle is abuzz with last minute wedding preparations- the priest of Damh, god of celebration, must be located in the city below and brought back for his duties, the royal chamberlain and his small army of butlers is rolling barrels of ale, wine, and spirits from the cellar and bringing them into the Hall of the Grandfathers, the Prince and Princess are under attack by wave after wave of courtiers, wellwishers, make up artists, tailors, and every other type of support staff imaginable, and somewhere a baby's howls fill the halls with a cacophony that only adds to the madness of the most memorable day since the previous King and Queen met their end at the hands of elvish alchemy.

Seeking respite, your instructor, Corinne, led you stealthily to one of the lower, less important garden terraces on the east side of the mountain, directly facing the morning sun. Snagging a low hanging apple, she tossed it to Doredan with an impish smile. "A moment of peace in a maelstrom of chaos, oui?" the regional tongue of Wissimvale shared a similar language structure with the trade tongue that had been adopted as the main language, but many of the older members of the populace still spoke with pronounced accents. How a woman who appeared in her mid thirties held such a strong accent was a mystery coming from a woman whose business was mysteries, hence, no one knew. She grabbed another apple and took a large bite, finishing it completely before continuing.

"There is a tradition amongst the elves of Everarbor. One that the visiting queen has INSISTED be honored. On the day of a marriage between two great houses, all who would attend the wedding must purchase an "unexpected" gift. How a gift is unexpected when this tradition outdates humans speaking eludes me, but no matter. It must also be purchased personally. A servant and a squad of guards is leading your younger brother to the market as we speak. It need not be expensive, or even useful, but in the words of the elvish Queen it should be "memorable and meaningful". I trust that you, unlike your baby brother, have not spent all your royal allowance on sweets and can make the trip to the market yourself?" She chuckles, and, as you have seen her do a hundred times in your lifetime, Corinne leaps over the balcony, skidding on her heels down the rocky slope of the mountain to reach the lowest terrace at hair-raising speed.

To take Corinne's favored path, or you can take the long way around through the castle and the chaos. Is Doredan a daring, dashing rogue?

There is a note cunningly twisted to look like the stem of the apple. If you read it, you recognize a special ink used by Corinne that will disappear and render the note blank within the hour. It reads- "The High Priest of Damh is missing. Your Father and Mother are keeping it quiet so we do not look like fools to the Elvish Royal Party. I am heading into the city to tap my sources and try to locate him, but another set of eyes, eyes I trained to be sharp, would be more than welcome. Your target is a half-elf named Meriand Voskolm, wearing a prominant holy symbol of a spilling cup. If you find him and return him to his duties before the rehearsal, I'll tell you a hellacious, scandalous secret that will make your toes curl with how venomous it is."You may roll a Religion Roll against the DC's listed in Bill's spoiler as well.

The royal chamberlain, upon the prestigious Maker arriving, had led Kunnian to a guest's room in the lower part of the castle. The chamberlain seemed to be in a terrible rush, not bothering to give a tour, introduce to any of the plethora of exciting and daringly dressed people passing by, or even ask much of the Maker. "Good good. You are expected. Follow me, and I will lead you to your quarters, where you may wait until we have further instructions for you, Master Maker." A whirlwind trip through the castle later, and Kunnian was led to a section of smaller rooms meant for smaller dignitaries and diplomats.

The room was nice, if a bit cold and musty, as though it hadn't been used (or even thought of) in some time. An ample bed, large enough for even a tall dwarf, let alone a small gnome, a well made dresser with a mirror and a basin, a bell on a string for summoning servants, and... a note. The envelope was tucked into the top drawer of the dresser, under the sight line of the leaving chamberlain, but easily seen by the cunning and perceptive eyes of the gnomish guest. Written in flowing, loopy letters that seemed inefficient and exotic to regular gnomish script, the envelope bore Kunnian's name and title in full, along with a symbol for the Wyrdos.

"Elvish tradition dictates that all esteemed guests who are welcomed to a wedding of nobility bring an unexpected gift for the couple to be married. Do not feel the need to bankrupt yourself, Honored Maker, but we would be humbled if you would follow our rituals and bless our nuptials with a gift of meaning and memory. Though I recognize that it is likely you could craft such a gift with your abilties if rumors of your people are true, I would prefer a gift from the local market, if I had my choice. Delightfully yours, Princess Deidrenei Vallen'tal of Everarbor, Servant of the Great Forest and Master of Five Orbs."

Among the elves, it is customary to carry an arcane orb tuned to a specific school of magic. A master of five orbs has knowledge and proficiency of a magic user of considerable power. It is customary for elves to only include titles detailing magic proficiency to peers in the art. For such a title to be used denotes exceeding amounts of respect.

Upon arriving in the city of Velein, Bill would be astounded to see the hustle and bustle of such a large settlement. It was almost as though an entire hive of humans and other humanoids was broken open. There were merchant caravans from afar come to fill the market with exotic trade goods, every tavern was packed to the common room floor with guests from near and far, and the castle itself was overrun with activity. Upon being announced at the gate, an under butler met Bill and sternly guided him to a quieter part of the castle.

"We have a problem. It is... not customary... but we may need you to be an understudy for the High Priest of Damh. He arrived early and went into the city to "oversee the holy celebration" and make sure it was... FESTIVE... enough. We haven't seen him since. He's a half-elven man bearing a holy symbol showing a spilling cup. We can't spare help right now, so we would ask two things of you, priest. Either find the High Priest and return him here in time for the rehearsal, or prepare to do the ceremony yourself. If it does come to that, you will need to secure some sort of special "unexpected" elvish gift for the royal couple. Some silly knife ea... I mean, some important elvish rite of some sort for noble weddings. We've been reassured that it needn't be expensive, but it should be memorable or show..." He sighs. "Personal meaning? Whatever that means... either way, we hope that you can find the High Priest, but if you can't... get yourself ready, master harrengon, because the Kingdom needs you." He points back towards the main gate, mutters a few basic directions to get to the market, and ushers you back out towards your new mission before splitting off for some other task. He does not even ASK you. Quite rude.
The nearest High Priest of Damh is Meriand Voskolm, a half-elvish cleric who maintains a cathedral near the border of Wissimvale and Everarbor in the Pass of Falling Arrows.Meriand, being born of an unsanctioned union between deserters of both militaries in the War of the Clipped Coin, has been an avid supporter of peace between Wissimvale and Everarbor for the last thirty years or so. He maintains a cathedral cut into the contested Pass between the two nations, preaching peace and encouraging desertion. Both nations frown on his efforts, but neither will risk the wrath of Damh by striking his temple. It is possible that no one has worked harder for this peace than Meriand, and it is very suspicious that he is not lending a direct hand in supervising the union that will secure peace for generations.

While the humans of the castle rushed about like ants in a kicked nest, the Elvish contingent, filling a full wing of the Castle high on the mountain, was quiet. Not that people weren't busy preparing for the union, but most of the preparations for Princess Deidrenei's wedding had been completed while her husband-to-be was in diapers. Back then it was assumed that the third-daughter would be married off to some High Elvish noble to secure an alliance, or a Wood Elf Viridian Lord of the Deep Forests as part of the Rite of Grafted Branches. Hells, theree was even rumor that Queen Vallen'tal would marry her third daughter off to one of the Sorcerer-Kings of the far east in an attempt to produce offspring who were even more magically inclined. But the husband mattered little to the preparations of a daughter of Everarbor nobility. What mattered is what could be gained through the union.

Princess Deidrenei stood in the center of her chamber while seamstresses did final checks on her dress. Radiant white moonstones dotted the silk lattice that made up a dress that was simultaneously revealing and demure, radiant and simple, intricate and beautiful, depending on the angle one viewed it from. "Lower in the bosom, I should think." The Princess said. "I want to see Prince Monsinar flush through his dark skin when he sees me in this." Holding entirely still, Princess Deidre flicked her eyes, causing an ethereal hand to turn the page of a book on a stand in front of her. "Magus..." Again, she did not move, but Hylusi felt the attention of her lady turn to her even as he head remained entirely still. "We have informed the humans of the expectations of the Unexpected Gifts. I know, and old ritual, but one that is called for when dealing with a wedding of this gravity. My mother may not consider this wedding befitting of the greatest of rites, but I do. And, as my lady, my magician, and my servant, I wish you to be present for both the rehearsal and the vows. You will be my curled bicep, a show of my strength that the humans cannot fully understand that will keep them from considering my own magical prowess as a Master of Five Orbs. And, as you will be included in the wedding party, it is necessary that you also participate in the Rite of Unexpected Gifts." She twitches her eyes again, and the hand goes to a nearby table and picks up a purse that has been prepared, gently tossing it to her Magus. "Fifty golden Everarbor acorns. Let their merchants fret and worry about whose coins are worth more and whether or not they can afford to make a fuss. You know the old ways as well as I- it need not be lavish, but it should bear the weight of meaning and memory." For the first time in nearly an hour of this fitting, one side of the Princess' mouth turns up into a smile. "If you chance by it... find something exotic, but practical from one of the foreign merchants. I want to see if my husband-to-be can puzzle the purpose of whatever it is you find. I'll owe you a bottle of fractal ink if you manage to stump me as well."

Fractal Ink is one of the ways magic users craft spellbooks and scrolls. Magic supplies used for crafting are often traded between practitioners of the art at a higher value that mere coins. Some mages even consider coins an insult. As a Master of Five Orbs and a member of the royal family, Deidre has a special account with the most esteemed magic shop in the bows of the Great Oak back home. Her fractal ink is of the utmost quality and resonates with magic more strongly than what most mages have access to. A bottle of it is no big deal for her, but a great boon to less wealthy and connected mages. It is a generous gift between friends, and not one that she would give freely to someone she didn't trust and value.

When Felicity first arrived at the castle, the popular opinion was that she would have an honored place- in the lower stable. However, Prince Monsinar himself had insisted that, as a servant of the Crown, she be given a room in the castle meriting a foreign dignitary. The humans tended to look upon Felicity with mixed confusion and uncertainty, but the Crown Prince had never treated her strangely or differently. In fact, ever since the centaur had saved the life of his younger cousin Monsinar had treated Felicity as a friend and perhaps even a confidant of sorts. More than most, she knew he bore a great weight with the burden of royalty on his shoulders like a yolk, he was anxious as could be about marrying a woman he'd met less times than can be counted on one hand, but he was determined to do his duty, protect his people, and do right by the oaths he'd sworn to his parents.

He also realized that he would have less and less time to meet with his friends after the marriage, and had begun sending notes to those closest and most loyal to him. Sometimes they were as innocuous as a silly joke, other times they were of dread seriousness, with true insight into his thoughts and feelings and instructions to burn them after reading them. They were often in unexpected places, and it was rumored that the Prince had been given a secret map of Velein Castle with secret passages that led everywhere. And so it was unexpected, but only moderately so, when Felicity found a hand addressed note from the Crown Prince in her closet as she chose her nicest clothing for the festivities.

"Felicity- I feel like a prisoner in my own home! Bound in chains of tradition and ritual, dressed in a uniform of silk and royal dyes, but a prisoner nonetheless. Now my wife-to-be is informing us of some ancient Rite of her people to bind the marriage in the eyes of her ancestors or something. Either way, I have a task that I must unfortunately ask of you. Ever since you pledged yourself as my sword, I've felt uncomfortable asking you for favors, as though instead of friend to friend I was ordering you as liege to servant, and that has never been how I've felt around you. But despite this, I must allow some of my "royal authority" to slip into this request.

I must ask you three tasks-

First task- as a member of my esteemed wedding party, I need you to buy an "Unexpected Gift" for me and my bride-to-be, and it must be purchased before the rehearsal this afternoon. I wish I had more notice for you, but trust me, it was a last minute order from the Queen of Everarbor. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to come from the heart apparently. I've never known someone so honest and forthright as you, so I know you'll have no issue finding something meaningful. Perhaps something that reminds you of home? My second brother might just be spreading rumors, but Doredan said that there was a centaur merchant in the market pulling a cart. If you require funds you may ask the chamberlain. I'm sure he will pinch every copper, but he knows you serve me and will not deny you.

Secondly- the High Priest of Damh who is supposed to do the ceremony hasn't been seen since yesterday. Father and Mother don't want the Elves to know we've got issues, so they're trying to keep only our most trusted agents informed of the situation. As my sworn sword, I'm asking you- Meriand Voskolm, High Priest of the God of Festivities is missing somewhere in the city, and we need HIM back before the rehearsal as well.

Third- Have some fun today! I'm buried in obligations in anxiety, but that doesn't mean that one of us can't have a good time! I've given special order to the staff to make sure there is room for someone of your size and shape in the dancing that will go on this evening. I told you I'd see those hooves do a two-step, and I won't take no for an answer!"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---

A long day of playing violin to entertain the guests had left the young (but not youngest) Prince exhausted, with sweat glistening on his forehead. Pulling out a kerchief from his pocket, he wipes away the layer of sweat, only opening his eyes in time to reflexively catch the apple flying his way. "Oui, and a welcome one. If someone requested Le Mariage de Lord Lachance once more, I was prepared to snap my strings to escape."

Leaning back against the apple tree, he takes a bite from the fruit and listens to the elven marriage tradition. Unexpected, huh? Doredan could do 'unexpected'. He is looking up at the leaves, lost in thought, when Corinne leaps from the balcony. Startled from his thoughts, he looks around and then, confident in his own skills, leaps after her. While skidding down the slope and leaning back to keep from tumbling over, he lifts the apple to take a bite in an attempt to look cool. The wind blows the stem off as he raises it to his mouth and blows it down his throat, where it lodges itself rather painfully.

Startled, the Prince hacks and chokes, missing a rock in his path that sends him tripping over and tumbling down to the next level terrace. Rolling against a stone bench, his stomach impacts the leg and causes him to cough up the stem. Only, as astute observation finds, it is no stem at all.

Sitting up and hiding his face, flush with embarrassment, behind the seat of the bench, Doredan unfurls the note and peers at it. There was absolutely no way to play off this blunder as intentional, so he simply tries to act like it never happened and his sides aren't sore and likely to bruise.

Now, Doredan had paid less than zero attention to the guest list. So his first thought upon reading the name on the note is, Who is Meriand Voskolm?

Takes 8 damage from biffing Acrobatics with a nat 1 and falling.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096633742987325/1067100344007544843/hylusi2.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

The Magus herself had been seated on a chair in the corner, only paying mild attention to the works of the seamstresses. Her Lady did not keep her near for her clothing advice, after all. It was rare for the spidery ex-elf to be in anything that a collection of blacks and greys of various shades, as if something had sucked all the colour from her countenance. Even her skin was a slate-grey hue, the sclera of her eyes dark and the pupils pinpricks of painfully white light, by no means ugly but certainly unnerving to the common man. Compared to the illustrious beauty of the Princess, she seemed a grim crow of a figure, but that had its own advantages.

Three silent figures stood against the wall. Each was clad in heavy robes, down to the floor, their hands gloved and faces covered by smooth painted masks of red, green, and blue, respectively, shaped in the form of elven faces at rest. The three figures were entirely still.

One hand was supporting her cheek, rested against it. Another lightly grasped the stem of a wineglass, still half-full of a admittedly acceptable human-brewed vintage from 1338; a third held open a slender book written by one of the humans' so-called war wizards, and a fourth scribbled sharp, angular letters of her own cypher on a piece of parchment. At the Princess' words, however, the motion stilled. Her eyes flicked towards the princess, and she clicked her fingers once, in time for one of the silent, robed figures standing like statues by her to step forward and catch the purse. It slid it into a pocket of its robes; Hylusi did not sully her own hands with money if she could help it.

She inclined her head, once, knowing that the Princess could tell - even without mundane line of sight on her.

<As you wish,> she said. Her voice was not spoken out loud, for a flaw in her flesh-craft formula had robbed her of a voice. Instead, it was a thrum of thought, dry and rustling, like bones riffling through parchment. This one was for the Princess alone - the seamstresses heard not a thing.

<Something to confuse the human might be easy, but I suspect you will be more difficult. Nonetheless, I accept the challenge.>

She took a final sip of the wine and left the glass on the table, snapping the fingers of a different hand. She twisted the fingers in a series of quick gestures. Another one of the servants - Seli, this one, with the mask of green - stepped forward and offered forward her staff. She took it, appreciating the feel of ever-cold, polished wood under her fingers. Shal, red-clad, stepped forward to collect the book and page of notes.

<Deidrenei.>

She inclined her head again in a shallow bow of farewell, the three servitors mimicing it far deeper, and made her way out, her retainers opening the door as she moved towards it. Outside, they dropped into formation three steps behind, their padded boots soft compared to the clack-clack-clack of her staff against the ground. It was a mark of their friendship, the private use of her first name like this. There was no softness in it. It was not a friendship built on sappy handholding and flower crowns - any of that faded with the foolish notions of childhood. But they were bound - mutual links of respect, of ambition, of hunger for magical knowledge. A vial of fractal ink certainly helped matters.

Making her way down the terraces, she could see in the distance some damn fool leapt from a balcony and try to surf down the mountainside. With some small satisfaction, the man tripped and tumbled inelegantly down, stopping his roll via application of bench to gut. She made to go past him, seeking the marketplace and its oceans of tat.

[jscape2000]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/987176146003177582/1064927016551460864/Bil.jpg

Bil Mabovoh (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Priest of Damh (Twilight)
AC: 18 HP: 33/33
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
5/5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd

The smallest gasp escapes Bil's lips when he hears the news from the butler, and his left ear twitches spasmodically in excitement. What an opportunity! To serve at the royal wedding... nay nay! To save the royal wedding.

But... Bil takes a steadying breath. Decorum demands that he be seen trying to locate the missing high priest. Prudence demands it as well, as it would not be good to have the half-elven priest arrive just before the ceremony were set to commence and usurp Bil's place. There is the matter of a gift - something of personal meaning.

Personal to the newlyweds or to me? Underbutlers are often in the position they occupy because they underwonder and underexplain Bil thinks to himself. No matter. Off to the market, to search for presents, priests, and prominent position in the pastorate.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian slightly tilts her head to one side after reading her letter... She giggles as she thinks to herself: << How can a gift have meaning and memory if I just bought it? >>
She had been pacing around the room as she read and finds herself now standing before the mirror. She sees herself in her dusty old travelling clothes and can't help but tut disapprovingly: ''This will not do,'" she says out loud.
She gives a twirl and a short whistle and her cloak magically flies towards her bed while her armor transforms into more proper attire. Nothing too formal though - she would keep the fancier look for the wedding proper. She now appears to be wearing a green coat over a purple silk tunic in perfectly constrasting shades. She winks to herself in the mirror, slings her heavy bandore around her shoulders and heads out towards the market.
All the while, a nagging feeling kept creeping up into her mind: << Aren't you forgetting something? >>
Ever since she'd returned from the Realm of the Fey, she had a tendency to be forgetful, as if her mind had retained some of the fleeting nature of the Feywild and had a difficult time readapting to the more fixed nature of the material plane. But knowledge that truly needed to be known would return in time, she had learned.
She was forgetting though, that much was true! She had foreseen a terrible omen. But perhaps it was better for her to forget right now, so she could enjoy her time here before delivering the bad news.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---

Furling up the note and slipping it into his pocket (though it would be a moot point soon enough when the trick ink fades), the unlucky Prince stands and looks around, brushing himself off. Hopefully not too many people saw him take a tumble. No doubt Corinne is somewhere in a dark corner stifling laughter at his expense.

Straightening his shirt and finery, bearing the royal insignia, he notices a cohort of masked figures following a familiar elven dignitary. Since this high priest he is supposed to look for is an elf, perhaps she knows where he is. Striding swiftly in her wake, he catches up to the color-drained and stern-looking magus. "Fancy meeting you outside of the castle! Are you enjoying the festivities? Or you needed a break from them, perhaps?" he hazards a guess based on her demeanor.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096633742987325/1067100344007544843/hylusi2.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

Oh, it was the spare.

The magus had not had too much to do with the Prince Doredan. He had seemed a rogue and rastabout, with little interest or ambition towards the throne, and with his zero magical ability there had been little common ground.

Fufulling the basic tenants of politeness, Hylusi bowed shallowly to the human. The three servitors, again, copied the gesture in perfect mute sychronicity.

<Your highness.> Her mind-voice and face alike were carefully neutral. <In all honesty, I have not been overly involved in the celebrations; my duties have kept me at my Lady's side. They do however seem very... festive. You must be very pleased for Prince Monsinar.>

Her eyes flicked over him, up and down, and she frowned at his crumpled appearance. With a single, sharp motion, she tapped her staff on the ground, the sound strangely muted, and the dirt scuffs on the Prince's clothing crumbled off, leaving it perfectly clean and a quickly fading chill.

<I was heading to the market, in truth. No doubt you know of the Rite of Unexpected Gifts? I intend to seek a worthy gift among the stalls.>

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”][COLOR="#0000FF)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd

Bil makes his way from the castle down towards the market. Along the way he whispers a prayer of gratitude to Damh.
Thank you for bringing these strangers together in a moment of joy. That centaur, the gnome, those elves, these humans, that… whatever that is. Help me leave my past and future to their own devices so I can revel in this moment.

Arriving at a glass blowers’ stand, Bil forces himself to slow. Memorable, or showing personal meaning. Perhaps a mirror? Something that could show the sovereigns themselves as the world sees them?

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---

Being contacted by the telepathic voice catches Doredan by surprise, the Prince's brow rising. He resists the curiosity to question it for the moment, not wanting to go off on too many tangents at once and lose the conversation. "Oh, there's no party like a Damh party!" he agrees with a good-natured laugh. "Though the nobles, to be frank, could use more varied taste in music." A little more soberly he adds, "I know this is a political marriage, but I hope that the two of them come to enjoy one another's company. And that the war business is all behind us."

Turning to the side, he sweeps his arm forwards towards the market. "I was just on my way to the market myself. Would you like to go together, or would that be against the spirit of the thing?"

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096633742987325/1067100344007544843/hylusi2.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

The magus inclined her head in agreement to his offer. Again, her mouth didn't move, but the dry mental voice came to the Prince again.
<The rite allows for such,> she told him. <Indeed, it is not uncommon to seek assistance from the friends and family of the one to recieve the gift.>
She was silent for a moment, then made a small gesture in the direction of the markets, and began walking, letting the prince fall in besides her. The servitors dropped smoothly into formation, following behind like shadows.
<As you say, your highness. Only a fool marries for love; but one can hope to find their spouse's company enjoyable.>
As they walked, she glanced at the young princeling. Handsome enough, in his way, with an athletic, wiry body; fine enough, if one was into humans, at least. How old was he? Less than a decade, she was sure, but humans born at the dawn practically shrivelled by the dusk.
<You are too young to have fought, correct?>

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1065661674763337728/centaur.jpg?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was glad no one was around as she read (and re-read, and re-read) the Prince's letter. Had anyone been nearby, they would have seen the remarkable sight of the tall, statuesque, elfin centaur's entire face blush a deep, deep red. And then they would see her clutch the letter to her heart, with small tears of joy in her eyes, before she stuffed it away and got hold of herself.

A present! He wants me to buy him a present! Esteemed member of the wedding party! All of this tore through her head like a rampaging stallion and it was the sober second point that brought her back to earth: the High Priest of Damh! Missing! The wedding is in danger!

And with that though, she took to hoof and galloped through the wide halls of the palace out into the bright sunshine and toward the market district.

After all, maybe Meriand Voskolm was in the market? And she could manage two quests at the same time.

Sure, Felicity was a creature of the far wilds, a expat of the Feywild, and a depthles, incurable romantic. But that didn't mean she couldn't be efficient.

Hitting the market, she slowed (mostly oblivious to the looks she was getting) and started perusing the stalls and the crowd.

What does Meriand Voskolm even look like? What does a High Priest look like?

So she started looking for very tall hats.

After an hour or so, she hadn't found anything that would serve as a personal, unexpected gift. And she hadn't seen anyone with a particularly tall hat. She did, however, see an anthropomorphic rabbit staring at a glassblower.

Interesting, she thought. Not what I'm looking for, but interesting.

She clopped over slowly (not wanting to startle him).

"Pardon me," she said, in her best, most friendly and jovial voice, "And forgive me if this is a rude question, but are you a Harengon? We had a family of Harengon living near us in the Faegrym Forest. What brings you all the way to Wessimvale?"

Maker/Nikkatsu: if you wanted to 'happen to notice' two other Fae creatures and wander over for a chat, that might be a nice intro. The moment Felicity recognizes Prince Doredan she's going to lose it, and go talk to him, so that'll be a nice final step.

[jscape2000]

[TABLE]
After an hour or so, she hadn't found anything that would serve as a personal, unexpected gift. And she hadn't seen anyone with a particularly tall hat. She did, however, see an anthropomorphic rabbit staring at a glassblower.

Interesting, she thought. Not what I'm looking for, but interesting.

She clopped over slowly (not wanting to startle him).

"Pardon me," she said, in her best, most friendly and jovial voice, "And forgive me if this is a rude question, but are you a Harengon? We had a family of Harengon living near us in the Faegrym Forest. What brings you all the way to Wessimvale?"




https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Bil gives a small start, interrupted from his consideration of the various mirrors and other fine items. His nose gives the slightest twitch as he considers the centaur.

In fact, I am, milady. he replies telepathically, offering a slight bow to the centaur. I consider myself a resident of Velein, since my colony was lost to war. I was serving here at court, as an ambassador to Wessimvale from the Mabovoh clan, when the warrens and neighboring Maril were lost. But what of you? On this auspicious occasion, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady...?"

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

The gnome had been wandering around the market, strumming her bandore, hoping to get a flash of inspiration for the required gift, but so far, it had been mostly moot... She'd even asked a few local animals - birds, a rat and a horse - what they thought the bride and groom to be might enjoy as a gift, but their ideas had not been very convincing and mostly revolved around food that they themselves would've enjoyed. <<Animals in the material plane are so selfish,>> she thought to herself.
She was beginning to feel a little frustrated and kept repeating in her mind: <<meaning and memory, meaning and memory...>> when her eyes suddenly befell a surprising yet welcome sight: feyfolk! Indeed, standing only a few feet away from her, there was what appeared to be a Centaur and a Harengon. The Harengon bowed and then appeared to be staring intently at the Centaur... perhaps they were shy and didn't know what to say to each other? Kunnian thought she might chime in to break the awkwardness:
''A Harengon made fun of a Tortle one day for being so slow. ''Do you ever get anywhere?'' he asked with a mocking laugh. ''Yes,'' replied the Tortle, ''and I get there sooner than you think. I'll run you a race to prove my claim, and put your speed to shame,'' she sung, accompanying her song with a few notes from her bandore. She strummed out her final notes and stood there, smiling: ''Hi! I'm Maker Kunnian the Gleeful of Wyrd Town, friend to all the Fey Folk.'' She curtsied.

[purepolarpanzer]

Velein Market, At the Foot of Mount Velein, The Capital of Wissimvale, Plane of Viridor

https://global.discourse-cdn.com/pocketgems/uploads/episodeinteractive/original/4X/5/c/6/5c64070fbd5c7c9133885fe87e39165af79a59b1.jpeg

The market at Velein is over capacity, to say the least. The established market stalls and shops are joined by wagons, caravans, hawkers, street foods, carnival-style games, minstrels, bard, street players, and magicians, and so much more beyond that. The normally expansive open air market feels claustrophobic to those who are used to leisurely strolls while doing their shopping. The city guard are everywhere, making themselves known, but keeping out of the hubub for the most part, probably on orders to allow both the residents of the city and the visitors to have their fun, make their coin, and more than anything pay their taxes.

Either in pairs or in trios, our party enters this chaotic free for all of coin and trade. Amongst the sea of people, music, food, and mercantilism there are many sights, sounds, smells, and scintillating items from near and far.

Most of the established local shops are doing good business with the locals of the city, offering sales and specials to keep their regulars from straying to the competition. There are a variety of local wares, from the glassblower that caught Bil's eye, Dragon's Fire Glassworks, making mirrors, vases, hookahs, and glass art ranging from a delicate butterfly resting on a branch to a life size shark hanging from the ceiling of the shop with exquisitely crafted miniature fish inside of it. The local arms and armorer, The Bulwark and the Blade, is having a sale on a range of items made from leathers to full plate. A ceramics shop is offering fine porcelain plates with the visage of the royal families from both Wissimvale and Everarbor as collections.

The Bulwark and the Blade's "sale" is modest at best, as it appears they marked up everything in their shop before discounting it all to make the offer seem more impressive. However, there is a mastercraft pair of shortswords for sale, one of obvious, flowing elvish design and one of more standard design with artful filigree and a gemstone in the pommel. The placard next to this pair states that the crafter is a renowned smith of the Unfathomable East who forged these blades in the styles of Everarbor and Wissimvale when the fighting began to cool a few years ago, in hopes that the next time elvish blade and human blade were drawn they would be in defense of both lands, not in aggression against each other. Though they are of very different form, they appear to be expertly weighted against each other. They are marked down from 300 gp to 200 gp, but if the story of their origin is true and the artistry is authentic that price is more than fair.


The glass are of Dragon's Fire Glassworks ranges in quality quite a bit. Some of the creations are obviously the work of lesser blowers, while the most intricate works are masterpieces of fragile art. Prices range from 5 gp for glass rings and small baubles upwards to approximately 50 gp for the finer mirrors, smoking apparatus, and quality pieces.

The plates are tawdry things, an obvious cash grab by some entrepreneurial soul. Made of cheap materials, the prints of faces on each are terrible. The image of Doredan has a lazy eye, Monsinor's teeth look positively horshish, and half the family of the Everarbor royalty are simply made up. They are, however, very affordable at a silver apiece.

Some of the travelling merchant's stalls are harder to spot in the chaos, but this is where goods become more exotic. A pale man wearing furs drives a cart that appears to be the skeleton of a large fish, and his wares are scrimshaw carved from a variety of sea shells, bones, and horns of all manner of creatures. He doesn't seem to speak much common, but he does swear by his ancestors that he single handedly slew every beast and carved their remains himself. A centaur merchant that pulls a cart themselves has an entire shop set up selling products made from colorful grasses- charms, dream catchers, incense wraps, even a shield of tightly wound grass with a red bullseye woven tightly into it. She speaks common, but speaks quietly and slowly, much to the annoyance of some customers who give up trying to hear her over the din. Finally, a man wearing a jangling coat of coins offers to sell commemorative coins. Coming in a wooden clutch, one coin shows The Great Oak of Everarbor, the other Castle Valein. He openly promises that any who purchase them will have fine luck for as long as the marriage between the bride and groom lasts. He is charging fifty gold for each pair he sells.

The pale man wearing furs is from the Frozen Archipelago to the far south. If he truly killed all these animals himself he is an exceedingly well travelled man, as these beasts come from all corners of the world. The craftsmanship of the carvings is well above average, and he has pieces ranging from sand dollars with light etchings on them for a few silver up to a massive tooth the size of a halberd's head showing a scene of some men in a boat doing battle with a great sea serpent. As impressive as the massive tooth is, the true treasure of this collection is a spiraling horn of pearlescent material that seems to shine with an inner light. The horn belongs to Immex Unicorn, a creature far more common than a true unicorn, but only slightly less magical. Hunting them in their homeland across the sea is a crime, so this must have been smuggled from afar. It is said that if they are ground and used as a spell component, the spell is blessed with radiant, divine energy. This oaf has carved vines into it like a common walking stick.

The coins are made of brass, and mechanically stamped. They are trinkets, nothing more.

The centaur's works are beautiful, but if you lean in and listen to her quiet words she professes that they are meant to be practical. She is an exiled shaman of her people, and the items she sells apparently have supernatural qualities. The charms are meant to ward away evil (+1 to AC and Saves Vs. Evil Creatures upon being targeted by an attack or spell for 10 rounds, 15 gp), the smudge sticks ground spirits to the material realm with their smoke (immaterial beings become tangible for 10 rounds when burned, 40 gp), and the shield is imbued with Mother Earth's desire to protect her children from metal weapons, grabbing at foe's blades and bludgeons if they are made of metal. She is selling the shield for 300 gp. However, because few can understand her mumblings, she isn't doing a very good trade.




If anyone has any interesting ideas for gifts, hit me up on the Discord. This post took longer than I thought it would, and I have to cut it off early.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---

"Excellent!" still speaking aloud, the Prince is not really sure if the magus can read his mind or hear his thoughts back, or not. It's a bit of an unnerving thought, but her aggressively neutral face gives away no hints that she can detect his wandering mind. Instead of focusing on that, Doredan keeps up a polite smile and walks alongside the elven party.

Walking ahead could give the impression that he views himself as superior, and walking behind would look weak in front of the people. Both could reinforce the elements desiring to take up arms again for fools' causes. The Prince knows enough of appearances that going alongside the magus would present the best message to the people.

On the matter of love and fools, the romantic in Doredan wants to disagree. However, he has been educated on these matters. As a royal, the liberty to choose his spouse was an unlikely one, and something he had to resign to long go. In the end he chooses not to comment.

"Well, I am quite a gifted fencer, if I do say so my- oh," just as he begins to answer, Prince Doredan realizes she was talking (thinking, think talking?) about the war. "To fight in the war, right. Old enough to stand in a line as a lancier were I a conscript," he answers as they step into the familiar bright colors and ambient smells of the market. "But too young to be sent out as an officer."

When they pass the many flavors of street performers, Doredan sets a hand upon his coin purse, wary of losing it. "The street magicians have skilled legerdemain," he warns his traveling companion(s). "Good for making coins disappear." The guard is out in full force, but one can never be too careful when carrying a hefty coin pouch.

It is a cart pulled by a centaur in shamanic garb that draws Doredan's attention. Inclining his head towards her, he suggests to the princess' attendant, "A fine array of wardings. I am sure that the princess would appreciate their efficacy." He also motions towards the pair of swords on display, of Arborian and of Wessimvalian style. "These also are of fine quality and a most keen symbol of union, though the tale of their making seems, to me, too tall."

Thinking the swords a little to on the nose for himself, he approaches the centauress' cart and peruses the protective charms. Drawn to the intricate woven strands of the dreamcatchers, he takes a closer look at them. "Most captivating, speaker of spirits. Of the dreamwebs, this one would know the purpose," he questions the craftswoman, speaking in flowery Sylvan.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067100940810854540/hylusi2_annoyed.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: detect magic
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

<Ah, yes. I recall your proclivity for dueling being mentioned. Swordsmanship is a laudable enough skill, for those without arcane talents.>
Speaking of arcane talents-

Hylusi flicked a hand over her eyes and centred her sight slightly past the mundane, seeing the dimn auras of magic cling like moss to some of the items they passed. Most of what was being sold as magical was nothing of the sort - but it didn't seem to prevent fools from spending coin like water on them.

Bah. To the foolish frog, went the scorpion's sting: trust was rarely earned. The ex-elf eyes were drawn to a series of plates, purportedly of the Everarbour royalty - though the family seemed to have gained and lost a few members, and the idea of the Princess having that sort of ridiculous goofy smile-

Well, she almost wanted to smile herself - while forcing the sellers to eat their defective wares as penalty, perhaps.

<It would seem the royal family of my land has had some changes to the bloodline since last I saw, judging by those plates. Why, one could almost think they just made it up.>
She gestured towards the offending articles, her mental voice wry.
<Truly, such a collection of gimcracks and gewgaws has rarely been exceeded.>

At the centaur's wagon, Hylusi paused to examine them. These, at least, were not the garbage of most of the rest of the festival, each clearly enshrouded with a magical aura.
<I can at least say these are genuinely magical. For a union ensuring peace, however, presenting the couple with the equivalent of armour seems a little... inauspicious.>

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---

The Plate Stall

Prince Doredan picks up one of the plates with his face on it when the gray elf points them out, examining it. He turns it around next to himself and asks the seller with a mock-serious face, "Does my eye really do that?" It would probably be within his rights to enact some sort of punishment for selling such poor quality wares, but causing a scene in front of the public would be all the worse. So Prince Doredan tucks it away, to perhaps see some of the funds redirected to the less fortunate.

Or, maybe not. Time spent being petty could be better spent on something else.

The Shaman's Wagon

"What is a dreamcatcher, but armor for dreams? What are dreams, but our wishes for a better future?" the Prince waxes poetic in an aside while he contemplates a possible purchase.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1065661674763337728/centaur.jpg?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2


In fact, I am, milady. he replies telepathically, offering a slight bow to the centaur. I consider myself a resident of Velein, since my colony was lost to war. I was serving here at court, as an ambassador to Wessimvale from the Mabovoh clan, when the warrens and neighboring Maril were lost. But what of you? On this auspicious occasion, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady...?"
Felicity blushes a little and giggles when he calls her lady (twice!). Even the very thought of her, Felicity, being a noble, all decked out in a fancy dress and custom made shoes for her hooves and, and...

"No, no, not Lady. Merely a knight in service to the crown. Felicity, if it please you. But you're an ambassador? I'm so sorry, Your Excellency! I meant no disprespect!"

And she was about to curtsey all prim and proper, when...


Kunnian thought she might chime in to break the awkwardness:
''A Harengon made fun of a Tortle one day for being so slow. ''Do you ever get anywhere?'' he asked with a mocking laugh. ''Yes,'' replied the Tortle, ''and I get there sooner than you think. I'll run you a race to prove my claim, and put your speed to shame,'' she sung, accompanying her song with a few notes from her bandore. She strummed out her final notes and stood there, smiling: ''Hi! I'm Maker Kunnian the Gleeful of Wyrd Town, friend to all the Fey Folk.'' She curtsied.

Felicity watched (and listened to) the little gnome with such delight she forgot all about how the Harengon had been speaking directly into her mind.

"That's such a good curtsey!" she said, more than a little jealous. "So much better than mine!"

She then demonstrates her curtsey, but aimed more an Kunnian than the Harengon (who still hadn't said his name). And then she realized how rude that must be, blushed again, and curtsied at him.

And then she realized how ridiculous she must look bobbing up and down all over the place like a jackanape. And she laughed.

"Are you both in town for the wedding?" And then she gasped. "Wait! Do either of you know Meriand Voskolm, High Priest of Dahm? I'm, uh, trying to find him."

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd

"No, no, no," Bil chatters, "You give yourself too little credit. Every knight worth her scabbard is a lady. Just as every curtsey is a fine one, for 'tis the intention that matters more than the form of the thing. A harp is a harp, even if it does need to be restrung every now and again."

"And I too, Tramunbil, humble servant of Damh, seek the high priest... though do lower your voice, dear lady. This is a matter which must be handled with delicacy. His Excellency is overdue to the castle, but we must cause no alarm among the people nor imply to High Priest Voskolm that the slight delay in his schedule caused by his celebratory choices were ill-advised."

Bil's mind worked fast - if these two were also searching for the high priest, then his quest was both less discrete and more urgent than he'd realized. He had to find the high priest first, if he were going to win the laurels for saving the royal wedding.

"First, I aim to find a suitable wedding gift for the royal couple. I was thinking a mirror with a word of wisdom, 'To seem is to be' or some such similar guidance worthy of a prince. We should join forces! My friends call me Bil. How shall I address you?"

[purepolarpanzer]

Velein Market, At the Foot of Mount Velein, The Capital of Wissimvale, Plane of Viridor

The Porcelain Plate Stall

The seller of the plates, come face to face with the subject of his "art", stutters and protests. "No, M'lord. You look SO much better than my wares would say... I mean... not that my plates are wrong... but... they could never hope... to encompass the... RADIANCE... of the Reydalise family! Please, forgive the slight, M'lord..."

The Shaman of the Grasses' Cart

The centaur, an older woman with grey streaks in her auburn hair, leans in close and whispers in Doredan's ear. "The dreamcatchers are woven with plainssage and sweet grass and dyed with flowers I picked on my journey away from my homeland. They are blessed by the earth mother to keep foul ideas and foul spirits away from the people they guard. Hang them in your bedchamber, and you will be visited only by good dreams, kind worded sir. I must charge 50 of your country's gold pieces for them, for I need the money to continue my journey and complete my penance."

She fully believes what she is saying, and speaks with a wisdom that portrays some expertise in matters of spirits and dreams.

Other Oddities of the Market

One small merchant drives a hairy six legged rodent the size of a mule. The purveyor is clad is robes that obscure it's body, and it sells small tanks of water with color changing squids in them that wave affectionately at passerby. The small robed merchant rings a bell, and all the small squids change color at the same time to portray a famous painting of a beautiful woman. It's imperfect and smudgey, but still very impressive for invertebrates.

A gregarious and moustachioed man with oily black hair sells clockwork creations, from birds that sing in a foreign tongue to a complex puzzle that he claims holds a magic gem inside. He allows people to try their hand at solving the puzzle, but when people manipulate the cranks, dials, and mechanisms incorrectly a loud horn blares, they jump and release the puzzle as though they've been struck with a shocking grasp, and the clockwork merchant only laughs and offers a children's puzzle instead.

A lizardfolk merchant leads a massive reptile of some sort through the market, and hanging off of the large surly beast are masks of a thousand different colors. Some are made with feathers and scales, some are made with sea shells, some are made with cloth and dye, but all of them are fetching and alluring, and the merchant promises that each lets you see "Through the eeeeyyyyeeesss of a sissssster ssssssoulllll on a wwwworrrlllddd you may never visssssit."

A small ape wearing clothes turns the crank on a small musical instrument, causing a large, obese man on a leash to dance mirthfully.

An ethereal elf-like figure with pure black eyes and star shaped pupils sells chunks of crystal that reverberate with a resounding hum when struck, growing at a creeping pace for as long as the vibrations continue. If asked, he (or is it she?) says that at their home there are entire gardens of growing crystal in a myriad of colors, and the different patterns are used in divination rituals. They look wistful and distant as they speak of their home, but quickly return to business.

A merchant in chain armor carrying a scimitar is making a small fortune selling dragon scales, wyvern stingers, and other macabre monster hunting trophies. The most prominent piece in their collection is a large, ominous eye larger than a man that seems to follow the viewer wherever they go.

A gnomish jeweler offers rings, necklaces, earrings, and studs made of "stone smoke", permanent smoky creations that do not dissipate or blow away in the wind of various colors and patterns. His partner, dressed as a thief, does a small show of sneaking up behind the jeweler and attempting to steal the necklace, but their fingers pass through the smoke as though it were... well... smoke. "It can only be given, never taken."

A disheveled man in strange, foreign looking clothing sells decks of divination playing cards, promising that each one is "truly, spiritually attuned" to the person who buys it, promising that it will always lead them to brighter horizons. Inspection reveals that they all have scantily clad men and women on them of various species.

A large being with stone grey skin that seems to have nodules growing on it is wearing furs and leathers, carrying a massive axe. They lead an aurochs that has hundreds of small stone charms woven into it's thick fur, weighing the creature down with an earthen coat. The goliath promises that each stone is saturated with a generational memory put there by his "master", and that if you cup the stone between two hands you will experience an ancient memory. Different memories have different costs, but no one who purchases one and tries the technique looks disappointed with their purchase.

All of these oddments and oddities are, to some minor degree, magical under the gaze of a detection spell.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1068876642153398283/image.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: detect magic
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

The Plate Stall

The Magus sent an amused thrum to the Prince over the stall-holder's protestations, and stepped up next to him. Her next words were more widely spread, so both merchant and princeling could hear.
<Oh, but they are wrong. I should know - I have oft met those so depicted - at least, those who actually exist. Tell me, merchant. Did you intend to slander the royal families with your depictions, or did you merely consider it secondary to your profit?>
Her hot-ember eyes fixed on the man, her expression as grim as ever to hide her growing amusement at the man's discomfort.

Rest of the Market

The Magus spent a short time watching other people attempt the puzzle - what worked and what didn't before she would attempt herself. Most of the man's wares were children's toys, worthless baubles for one such as herself - or the royal couple - but the promise of a magical gem piqued her hunger for magical doodads and the ability to flex her mental capacity her pride.

Only a fool, a child, or a foolish child wanted non-magical trinkets. Such things were unnecessary wastes. But magical items were entirely different, of course. She approached the mustachioed man, servitors following behind, and extended a hand for the box.
<I will open it,> her mental voice buzzed to the clockwork merchant. <I am sure it will be no issue for a scion of Bleakpines such as myself.>
For a moment, she turned it over in her hands, seeing the dials and cranks, feeling the weight. There - hold back that switch, turn that, press it that, another thing to twist, but not too far - utilising all three hands, she frowned, and finally jabbed a button with a thumb. The cube made a sharp mechanical sound - and no shock came. As it began to open, she nodded, satisfied, to herself.
<A matter of ease.>

---

The crystal merchant drew her attention the most, however. It seemed well fitting - the sound aspect for the husband, and the divination for the wife. He seemed somewhat like an elf, which drew her attention, being somewhat of an elf herself, but the description that the crystals grew lured her interest for real. She examined him more closely, eyes narrowed, and she searched her mind for a bigger clue of what both he and his products were.

The crystals were certainly magical; no worthless trinket they would be, but all the same, she was searching for something obscure.






Nat 20 for a 24 to open the box.

22 in Nature to identify the crystals and the star elf.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Plate Stall

"Nn...nnnooo my... lady! I didn't even make these! Just sell them! I would never imagine to insult the royal family! Either side of em! Puh...puh..please don't take offense!" The man seems terrified and confused by the psychic communication, by the difference in power and authority, and even more so by the accusation of slander. No doubt visions of guillotines dance in his head. "Perhaps... perhaps a penance? A pittance, I'm sure, but I would be happy to donate a wedding gift out of my sales to the royal family as... apology! To prevent further misunderstandings! And... ah... any repercussions?" He removes a hefty purse from under the counter of his stall and offers it to Hylusi, head inclined in either deference, shame, or fear.

The purse contains 100 gold Wissimvale Crowns.

The Clockwork Merchant

The large, potbellied man twists the corners of his moustache as Hylusi twists knobs and turns dials to work on the intricate clockwork puzzle. Sometimes a sliding tile must be put in the right place to solve a visual riddle, sometimes a leap of logic is needed to determine which button to press among some number. The closer Hylusi gets to solving the puzzle, the more the crowd leans in around her and the more interest the merchant's wares receive, until the final loud click sounds, the entire device blossoming open like a flower to reveal a small ellipsoid gem, slightly hazy and roughly the size of a hefty humanoid thumb.

"There, you see! My puzzles are not impossible! They are just difficult to master! Once you have solved them they make excellent containers to store precious goods! Come one, come all, and test your wits! Each puzzle is only one hundred gold pieces!" He begins doing a busy trade, and he twists his moustache and looks at Hylusi with a large toothy smile. "Thank you for demonstrating my puzzles, my Lady. You may keep your prize gem, but I would ask my puzzle returned unless you wish to buy it. May the god of knowledge bless you with the logic needed to solve all problems set before you!"

When the gem is lifted from the puzzle, it rises from Hylusi's hand and begins to orbit her head. She has heard stories of legendary stones of the ancient god Ioun, but unlike these fabled gems this pale yellow oval doesn't have a strong aura and doesn't connect to her own soul's aura in a symbiotic connection. The gem does, however, brighten in a soft light, difficult to see under sunlight. Upon thinking that it is difficult to see the light, it immediately changes color to a lovely pale blue. Hylusi finds that with a simple mental command she can change the color of the gem to any color that she wishes. When clasped in her palm the light is blocked, but it otherwise provides bright light for twenty feet and dimmer light for another twenty, much like a torch.

Ioun Stone of Illumination. Common rarity, no attunement required. 20 ft bright light, 20 ft dim light. Color change with an action.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian shook her head politely when the centaur asked about the priest of Dahm, then her smile brightened when the bunny said he was also looking for a gift for the royals. ''Ooh! Yay! Let's do that together then. Or better yet, race ya to it!'' She exclaims, and then zips off. She stops suddenly and turns on her heel, flicking to each of them a single gold coin with a 'K' etched into them: ''Don't worry about us getting separated, I can find you easily with these coins. Don't lose them and don't spend them, either.'' She winks: ''See ya later!'' She zips off once more.

- squid tanks -

Kunnian can't help herself: she stops to wave back at the cheerful squids. She claps when they perform their art and, since her speak with animals spell hadn't completely run out yet, she asks the squids if they are happy. If at least one of them replies that they aren't, she will feel bad for them and purchase one of the tanks. If not, she bids them farewell and moves on to the next stall.

- divination cards -

Kunnian is intrigued by the divination cards, and decides to buy a set for herself. When she inspects them, however, she blushes slightly. ''''Who are these men and women? Do you know any of them?'' she asks as she exchanges coin for one of the decks of cards.

- the goliath -

Finally, as Kunnian walks by the goliath, she suddenly thinks to herself: << Meaning and memory! This might be just the thing. >> ''Excuse me sir! Sir? Down here!'' She waves at the huge goliath to attract his attention. ''Hi! I'm looking for a gift for the royal couple. Something of meaning and memory. I think your pebbles might just be the perfect thing! Any memory that might be meaningful in this situation? A great wedding that will consecrate peace among warring nations... Anything comes to mind? Here, let me help you think.''
As she says so, she spins her bandore around her shoulders so it lands into her hands. She begins: ''A song of mind, a song of time. To find a meaningful memory of miiiiine.'' a wisp of golden light vaguely resembling a musical note takes form and flies towards the merchant. Spinning around his head for a moment, the mote appears to be dancing and pops if he actually thinks of something, emitting colorful harmless sparks.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---

The Plate Stall

Wearing an amused grin at the plate merchant's panicked apology, Prince Doredan raises his hand, "If our esteemed foreign dignitary is satisfied that the honor of our new allies has not been besmirched, then I am mollified. After all, bad art is not a punishable offense," he sways his hand towards the plates of fictional elven royals. "However, take care with false advertising in the future, merchant."

Leaving the gold to Hylusi and hoping that the quivering man has learned a valuable lesson, he steps away.

The Shaman of the Grasses

"Oh, that sounds très bien, shamaness, very good. I will take two," he declares cheerily. One for the newly wedded couple and their - presumably - shared bed. To suggest otherwise would be distasteful, after all. And the second for himself. No reason that the Prince should not treat himself on this lovely shopping trip.

The Squid Tank

Walking up behind a gnomess currently perusing the squids' clever displays, Prince Doredan rubs his chin and smiles. "Magnifique!" he applauds their show, and curiously glances at the gnome who is making faces and bubbling noises at the tiny creatures.

The fair folk and their descendants are rather odd, so it could well be mere eccentricity, but still asks sociably, "Do they talk back?"

[roll0] Nature or Arcana to identify the squids, both are the same modifier

The Monster Hunter

On his walk through the market Doredan comes upon the seller of hunters' trophies. Hunting of fantastical and dangerous beasts is a age-old passtime of nobility, but one the Prince in his youth has not been afforded the chance to enjoy. War and all. So he strolls through the displays with awe on his face, coming eventually to the stingers. He recalls his instruction on proper handling and application of wyvern venom, renowned for its potency.

"Do you have any of the venom for sale?" he asks the seller.

[roll1] Nature or Arcana to identify the eye and anything else interesting

Happy Mask Salesman

"A sister soul?" the prince asks, as he passes by the reptilian beast and its manifold, colorful pieces of cargo. Looking over each of the masquerades, he admires the varied elements incorporated into each one.

[roll2] Arcana or Religion to identify the masks
Another +2 if History would apply to identify their cultural significance and origin

The Dancing Man

Stopping in his patrol of the markets, Prince Doredan stares at the strange pair. "Are you quite alright?" he asks the fat man with a concerned knit in his brow.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Star Eyed Elf

The elf chimes the crystal with a metal bar, causing it to grow several inches as a powerful reverberation chimes through the air. Hylusi has special insight into these creatures- she has studied them for her own transformation. These otherworldly beings are elves from another plane, considered cursed by most of their cousins who are local to this world. Theirs is an ancient and sad tale, considered a stern story of warning in the lands of Everarbor.

Hundreds of years ago, a strange ship sailed down from the stars, and little is known about it except that several hundred star eyed elves were found in the forest where it descended. These black eyed elves made their way to the nearest elvish queendom and pleaded with a local royals for sanctuary, stating that they were travelers from a distant world who were brought here by evil, slaving spider demons. The Queen was about to give them sanctuary in their lands, when the arcane-inclined King scanned them with a spell and announced that they had the influence of monsters in their bodies and in their blood. Rumors spread like widlfire that they were tainted, cursed, and to be shunned, and so it was. The star eyed elves became nomads, travelling all over the world in their lonely caravan, the only examples of their bloodline in the world, and it looks like on of them found their way here. Most educated elves only feel sad for the Star Elves, feeling they were shunned and mistreated for alteration to their body outside their control, but a substantial majority of elves, especially the less educated, believe them bad luck at best and mutants to be run off at worst.

Hylusi also knows that the crystals were brought here by the star elves, claiming it was cargo on the demon spider's ships that they stole. They taught some about the divination techniques, which involved playing multiple tones to make different color crystals grow around each other and entwine. It, like most divination, is a highly suspect and not incredibly reputable school of magic, by Hylusi knows there are powerful elvish wizards in Everarbor who swear by this method of determining the future without expending spell power.

The Squid Stall

When Kunnian claps for the squids, they wave their tentacles out of the water and do small dances in their bowls. The magic of the gnome make communication with the creatures easy enough, and when asked if they are happy the respond in a small, burbling chorus "We are fed. We get to go in the big tank and swim and play and dance at night. We are happy. Miss home, but happy. Master teach us tricks, tricks buy shrimp, shrimp taste good fresh. Yum. You like shrimp small one? Maybe you change color, master feed you shrimp, you come with us?"

Doredan has no idea about these strange, squiddy creatures. They almost look like alien beasts from another world. But they seem harmless enough, especially with a gnome burbling happily with them.

Divination Stall

The shabbily dressed man takes Kunnian's coins quickly, deposits them into a hidden pocket in his coat, and gently encourages the gnome to leave him alone. "The girls and guys? I don't know 'em. Not my business. I'm in sales, not in production. Gonna have to talk to the artist about that. You wanna meet em? Tough luck. They're from a city far from here. You're runnin the wrong cat up a tree kid. Just take yer dirty cards and get out of here. Once a month under a full moon, they'll set ya true, but don't use em too much. Gods don't approve of people who do spoilers. Get outa here, friend, yer crampin my style..." He looks very beleaguered by the curious gnome, haphazardly trying to hawk his wares and shuffle off the curious Wyrd gnome simultaneously.

The Goliath's Memory Stones

The goliath smiled at Kunnian's words, considering them carefully before searching for a stone charm on the creature's coat before using a stone blade to saw the hair off and free the charm. "Shaper Glomluch calls this "The Battlefield's Death. I will give you a taste, but you will have to buy to see the full story." He pressed the stone down, large enough to fill a gnomish palm, and In a pristine moment Kunnian's mind is filled with imagery, sensations, and feelings.

Kunnian feels massive and solid. Strong and ancient. Sitting on a hill, staring down at a battlefield. Time passed quickly in the dream. Man fought man. Elf fought elf. Dwarf fought dwarf. Even the foolish hill giants fought each other. Skeletons filled the field below, each corpse consumed over the years by flowers, grass and moss. The battles troubled Kunnian's ancient brow, but for every momentary flash of warfare, bloodshed, and hate there were many years of growth, flourishing, and plenty for the tiny, insignificant animals that called the hill and the field their home, which made Kunnian smile a smile slower than ice melting in the spring. Slower than the movements of the real world under the earth. Yet, with how fast, hazy, and tiring as the Dream was, it was the smiles Kunnian remembered best, not the fires of war. And one day the battles stopped, and then the children of the various peoples played amongst the graves of their ancestors, gathering flowers that were the plow shares of a millennia of war. And it was a good Dream.

Kunnian wakes to the Dream... or... the real world... after the goliath gives her a small shake. "Are you alright, stoneling? Shaper Glomluch's memories are strong. You must be careful not to be overwhelmed."

The Monster Hunter

The adventurer monster slayer looks at the swords wielding prince, and there is a moment of acknowledgement as both recognize the other as a capable, potentially deadly individual. Which is no reason to not be impolite, with the scarred woman rubbing the back of her head and grinning at the royal. "Venom? HA! Had more than my fair share of the burning death poured into my own veins in my days. Managed to catch and capture some too, when the gods were nice enough to let me keep that part of the beastie intact. But selling poisons and venoms is... uh... illegal in Wissimvale. I'd never imagine to sell that stuff round here." The woman looks nervously at a roving guard who turned his nose in interest to the conversation, but the guard spotted Doredan and knew that the Prince was far more capable of handling any ill doing than him, turning away quickly and minding his business. The monster hunter, seemingly not knowing Doredan's position, shakes her head. "Sorry friend, you'd have to go to Everarbor to find someone who deals in such things legally."

The massive eye is a fossilized Beholder eye lens. Though you doubt it sustains any magic, this relic of a Beholder killed and preserved ages ago couldn't be attributed to this monster hunter, a woman in her early thirties at most. But it is a amazing trophy, and likely a a good story in how such a curio could be aquired.

The Reptilian Mask Merchant

Doredan can identify positively some of the masks on the lizardfolk's pack beast, but most of them are strange and alien. At least one looks like it is made from night sky and star stuff in a fantastical sense, and Doredan begins to wonder if some of them are from entirely different worlds, as the night mask shows three moons instead of two.


Reverse Organ Grinder

When asked by Doredan if he is ok, the obese man, wearing only a tiny vest and tight shorts, looks to someone passing by who tosses a coin to the monkey. Returning his gaze to Doredan, the large man shrugs. "It's a living." Then continues to dance to the music and the small monkey begins to turn the crank on the musical instrument faster.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1068876642153398283/image.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: detect magic
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

The Plate Stall

The Magus let the man cook for a long minute before finally she clicked her fingers. A spectral hand plucked the purse from the man's outstretched hands and flicked it towards the silent servitors. Tui, the gold-masked, stepped forwards again to neatly catch it and tuck it away. Gold, coin-shaped or not, had value for spellcasters, even if peddling in money itself was unworthy.
<Very well. I will accept this act of penance.> She began to turn away, face still gravely expressionless, a grey funeral mask. <Do consider your business partners more carefully when it comes to quality. Not all are as merciful as I.>

She was a dozen steps away when, just to the Prince again, the mental link trilled with her mirth.
<My, my. I wonder if he'll have enough courage to try to sell the rest to make up for what he just gave away? I dread to think how many of those awful pieces of porcelain might be going to curse some family's cabinet.>

Potbellied Puzzle Merchant

The puzzle was, admittedly, more difficult than she expected. Carefully, her hands skittered across the surfaces, her mind picking it apart a fragment at a time - and when it came open, she realised a crowd had formed to watch. She watched the crystal lift from her palm and begin to orbit, only half paying attention to the merchant's words.

For a moment she considered it. But no - the Princess was her mental equal. If she had solved the puzzle, certainly Dei could - and it didn't fit as a gift for the human, either.
With an easy shrug, she let one hand hold it forth.
<Take it,> she sent easily, one of the servitors gently taking the puzzlebox from her proffered grip to pass it along to the fat human. <I have no value in a puzzle already solved.>
Instead, she was more interested in the Ioun stone. She knew what they were, of course. There were many kinds, all told, some more useful than others - but for something that had let her flex her mind and demonstrated her ability, this would do perfectly sufficient as a prize.
She let the little gem continue its orbit for a moment longer, then plucked it out of the air. It would be better than candles when reading tomes, without the risk of fire or the indignity of the cool moonlight of her moontouched knife.

Pleased, she continued on her way.

Star Elf

Hylusi had an academic interest in the star elves - transformed creatures, changed from their original flesh into something new. Hylusi did not pity these strangers from another star - but she did not scorn or depise them, either. A star elf (predeceased, admittedly) had been an important research material when creating the fourarmed flesh she now wore. The source for her interest was obvious, in that aspect. The lonely wretches rarely came to Bleakpines, the land hostile even if the people themselves were surprisingly welcoming to the shunned. The people of Bleakpines, after all, were used to a fell reputation.

<Greetings, cousin of the Long Path,> she sent to the elf as she approached. She inclined her head in a nod. What was the old greeting? Ah, yes. It had not originated with the star elves, but it seemed certainly fitting. <Skies gaze upon you kindly.>

Once the pleasantries were out of the way, she gestured to the minerals before her with a slender grey hand.
<I am interested in your crystals. They will be a gift for someone - someones, rather - important.>






nil

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---

The Plate Stall

"I shudder at the crime against the arts," the Prince agrees, with a shake of his head, after they leave the stall. "But trinkets and baubles are harmless, when the one selling them is honest about their quality."

The Monster Hunter

"Oh!" Prince Doredan laughs and smacks himself in the forehead. "Of course, we do not want those without the requisite skills to hurt themselves or others handling such things carelessly."

When the guard comes near, Doredan waves him off with a smile, and elaborates for the adventurer, "It is likely beyond the allotment for this shopping trip, in any case. I am Prince Doredan Reydalise, of Wissimvale. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He offers the monster huntress a handshake. Informal for a prince, perhaps. But a gesture of respect between dangerous people skilled with the blade. "Though it is uncommon knowledge, I am a practitioner of mithridatism. The venoms I was using, of snakes and scorpions, are not potent enough to be useful, now. So I am scouting potential sources of stronger venom."

"Have you ever trained a wyvern for riding? You hear fanciful tales of such things," he asks curiously, interested in stories of foreign adventures even if he would not be finding any exotic and tasty poisons today.

Happy Mask Salesman

Taking a closer look at the mask of the starry night sky, Prince Doredan waves the saleman over. "How much for this one?" he inquires, intrigued by its design.

The Dancing Man

Pursing his lip and nodding his head, Prince Doredan deposits twenty gold coins in the man's earnings. If he is willing to do this much for coin, he probably needs it.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Squid Games

Kunnian is overjoyed at the squid's response and is caught off guard when the man asks her about them talking back: ''Everything can talk. You just need the proper attunement, need to learn to hear their song, so to speak.'' She shrugs before adding: ''And who might you be? Are you also here for the wedding? You look, um... proper!''

Memory Stones

A tear was rolling down Kunnian's cheek as she came to: ''That... was beautiful! Your master is truly an artist. Lesser men and women would spend a lifetime honing their skills and never come up with anything as magnificent.'' The gnome was starry-eyed, truly moved and impressed by what she had just experienced, and her voice trembled as though she was about to cry: ''And that was only a glimpse you say? This, my friend, is a gift fit for a king and a queen. I... am without words other than: how much?''

As the coin is exchanged, she puts out her other hand and shakes the man's free hand vigorously. With a more confident voice she adds: ''Maker Kunnian sends her sincerest regards to Shaper Glomluch, dear.''

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1065661674763337728/centaur.jpg?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2
Felicity was equally delighted when Kunian said she wanted to go shopping together. But then she was equally delighted when the little Gnome scampered off, leaving magical coins behind, and claiming she could find them anywhere.

And, although it was concerning that more than one person was searching for the High Priest, she was glad to have a companion in her quest.

"We can search for him together," she said to the Harengon, "Do you know what he looks like? Does he have, maybe, a very fancy hat?"

Wandering (presumably with Bil) through the market, Felicity scanned the stalls and booths and all the wonders therein, her face tight with concentration. None of this was quite right. When she saw the older centaur she smiled and galloped over.

First, she bowed, arms wide, in a show of obeisance and submission (as was proper when addressing an elder). Then she said, "Eldermare, I'm so happy to see one of the Folk so far from hill and meadow. I am looking for a present for the Royal Couple. In the Grymwood, I remember there was a flower that grew there that our clan named songblossom. It only bloomed when two sounds touched it in harmony. Do you, by chance, have such a thing? I would be eternally grateful and owe you a service."

(She also noted a human who looked remarkably like Prince Dorendon walking away from the stall, but that can't be right, can it? She kept her attention on the centaur - it would be very rude to look distracted - but she marked where the human went, just in case)

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Bil catches Kunnian’s coin with a flourish. “Useful. Does it work in reverse?”
After purchasing the best of the mirrors as a wedding present, he makes his way through the market.
He’s had so few needs lately, that he is unimpressed with the trinkets and charms he sees. Life can be so fleeting. Damh teaches you to live in the moment. Bil should revel in the little boosts of arcane or divine power the charms provide. But he finds himself looking for something more lasting.
He listens with interest to the tale of the star elves, hearing echoes of the way his own fey ancestors were treated upon entering mortal realms.
He negotiates briefly with the gem merchant for the ioun stone. He’s meant to use his own powers to create something similar but hadn’t yet invested in the gem dust he would need to imbue an item with permanent light.
As he chats amiably and casually with the vendors, showing the holy symbol inscribed on his shield to those who seem they might recognize it, and inquiring after the high priest. ”my message is for my holy brother, if you have seen him. I, Tramunbil Mabovoh, have left a similar message with trusted confidants at the castle, should you see him.”
He also looks for an armorer, who might be able to provide him with an upgrade.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

''Hmm.'' Kunnian thinks in reply to Bil's question. ''I guess that depends of your abilities. The coins aren't magic - my spells are what allows me to track them. So if you have similar magic, it could be possible.''


she is talking about the spell 'locate object'

[purepolarpanzer]

Star Elf Crystal Merchant

The star elf turns from her crystals to lock eyes with Hylusi for a moment before declining her head. "My path may be long, but it is no less worthy than yours, Cousin. And I think, based on appearances, that your own path may be closer to my own than most of The Family. I pray they are kinder to you. Skies gaze upon you kindly, as well." She then turns back to her display of crystals, tapping a magenta crystal with a silver rod, rapidly followed by a sapphire and an emerald. As the reverberation fills the air, the crystals reach for each other, entwine, and spiral. The dark eyed elf with the star eyes frowns, looking over the formation of the crystals with concern, before looking up at the bright blue sky with furrowed brows.

"The crystals are my livelihood. I must charge you for them, though your patrons are important. Thirty three gold for each color. One color is for vanity. Two are for curiosity. Three answer questions. A gold for your own silver rod. Any metal may do, but the silver rings the truest answers. Plus it sounds nice." She smiled and tapped the three crystals again, nervously looked up at the sky again, then turns to Hylusi. "I'm afraid my time at these festivities draws short. I do not mean to be rude, especially to one of your station or your patron's station, but I must go. Do you wish to buy a crystal trigram?"

The Monster Hunter

The scarred, scimitar wielding woman smiles wide, first taking Prince Doredan's hand, then quickly shifting her grip up to his arm in a grip speaking more of comradery than suspicion. "I have heard tales of the poison prince. Didn't ever think I'd meet him. Or that he'd have such a fetching smile." She winks and gives a small laugh before turning to move a box with some sort of ornery, hissing creature in it. "If we'd met a hundred miles to the east in Everarbor I would happily trade you venoms that would test your resistance, to be sure. But, knowing that I was coming to a kingdom where such wares are... less than welcome, I moved all my stock amongst the elves. They are a cunning people. Peace or no peace, they buy enough poisons that I think the only blades that go untreated are their butter knives. Your brother best be careful with his wedding." She uttered and angry word in a foreign language and shook the box, causing a louder hiss and a series of small, snapping crab-like claws to shoot between the bars.

When Doredan brings up taming wyverns, she grins and leans on her cart, the large, crystalized eye turning to look down at her. "You're talking to the wrong sister. I'm a warrior of nature, focused on doing battle with beasts and monsters and protecting my hunting grounds. My sister took vows with a druid circle, and she has allies that would send this crowd running for their homes. She hates places like this, so I travel and do the trade to earn us coin for her reagents and ingredients. Two years ago I returned to our home to find her missing. Spent days tracking her, only to have a wyvern the size of a rhino... do you ken rhinoceros? anyway, mini wyvern scoops me up in it's claws and carries me all the way home. I spend the whole trip praying and struggling and, quite honestly, sobbing like a child. Wyvern drops me about ten feet to the ground, and my loon of a sister is riding on top of it and laughing at me like I peed my pants. Crazy *****." She leans heavily on a cage, then is woken from her daydream by the cage growling and shaking. Releasing a small chuckle, she looks quickly to either side and deftly slides a vial out of her bracer, tossing it one handed to the Prince. "From my private stock. Made my sister let me milk the tail of the beast after it dropped me. If it kills you, you didn't get it from me. Not as strong as it's bigger family, but still should be enough to put a foe in the ground. Or put some hair on that chest of yours." Someone inquires about a beast that looks like a stuffed scaled feline, and her attention is drawn to other business.

One dose of miniature wyvern poison. Nature DC 14 to learn it's exact stats.

Often mistaken for young wyverns, miniature wyverns live in areas that would be awkward for their larger cousins, such as sea cliffs or canyon walls. Their venom deals 4d6 poison damage, or half with a successful DC 13 Constitution saving throw.

The Lizardfolk Mask Merchant

The reptilian artisan blinks passively at Doredan's curiosity. "Masssssk meant for you, ssssssirrrr. Sssssooooullll ssssisssster callllsssss to you. Fifty gold pieeecccessss for the curio. The realm of eyesssss will open youuurrsss upon a new world!" If asked for another mask, the lizardfolk refuses, adamantly insisting that the three moon mask is perfect for Doredan, whispering "ssssoooooullll sssssiiisssster...."

The Goliath's Memory Stones

The coins are exchanged- the memory stones are quite pricey at 75 gold pieces. But if the magic that you've seen so far is any indication of what the full experience is like, it is well worth the cost. "My thanks, stoneling. Shaper Glomluch has returned below the earth to the Waking world, but I will send Maker Kunnian's regards. We are people of mist, smoke, and dream to the Great Shapers, but as the memory indicates, even beings as temporary as us can be a color in a palette that creates works of art that will live far beyond our lifetimes." The massive goliath reaches down and scruffs Kunnian's hair a bit. "You, friend, are a very bright and memorable color."

The Grass Shaman's Cart

When Felicity and Bil approach the centaur woman with the mottled grey hair, she welcomes Felicity with a warm smile and an affectionate clasping of hands, as is common for their people. At the mention of songblossom, the shaman turns to her cart and searches underneath several bundles of grass to extract an elegant white flower with a violet ring around the edges of it's petals. "Blossomed under the song of a wedding of our people. My last one. But I am honored to pass it on to the wedding of these two nations, that it may remind the two legs that peace and harmony depends on their bliss."

While moving through the market with Bil, Felicity and her Harengon ally find several people who have seen hints of the missing High Priest over the last day or so. "Oh, you mean the bulky bearded elf with a spilling cup on his robe? I saw him blessing drunks in a tavern on the other side of the market!" Says a woman selling dress clothes for the festivities. On the way to investigate, Bil passes by a armorer who has a a sturdy looking breastplate with the accompanying chain that sheens in the afternoon sun, on sale for an actual discount, as opposed to the local blacksmith. He is offering the armor for 375 gold pieces, extolling it's virtues to all who pass by.

Arriving at a winesink of a tavern called the Mountain's Grapes, it doesn't take long to locate the half-elf High Priest of Damh. If elves are known for the gracefulness and lithe bodies, Meriand Voskolm must favor his human side. He has the pointed ears of Everarbor, but the bear like man with a barrel chest and a flowing beard definitely favors his human parentage. And, unfortunately, he appears to be well into his cups, leaning heavily on the bar of the small hole in the wall tavern and mumbling blearily. The woman tending bar sees your interest in the man and shouts out to you. "At first I was happy to have a priest of the Mirthful One here. People drink more when it's a sacrament. But he's long overstayed his welcome, and well over-celebrated the wedding. He owes thirty silver in wine. Kept paying to fill everyone's cups in the common floor. I don't mean to muscle a man of the cloth, but I'd be paid before you drag him away, if you please."

The esteemed High Priest of Damh sits up, burps loudly, and sings a lopsided few bars of a wedding march before falling back on the bar heavily.

A Few Moments Later

By one way or another, the Prince, the Magus, the Maker, the Cleric, and the Courser all find themselves moving through the central market. Some have had a merry time shopping, some have found rare or exotic goods with magical qualities from distant lands, and some are supporting a wide bodied High Priest singing drunkenly between themselves, but all have navigated the waves and tides of shoppers, hawkers, merchants, street chefs and festive celebrators for several hours. Whether you have enjoyed the crowded market or not, the merriment is contagious, and even the most cynical feel a tugging at the corners of their mouths. Every soul in Wissimvale is prepared for the great wedding between royal families, a new age of peace and prosperity, and at the very least, a raucous party that will be memorable even across the long life of an elf. The time for the rehearsal is coming up soon, however, and for those with official duties such as yourselves it is becoming time to leave the market and return to the castle.

The first sign of something wrong is the sky turning a deep, blood red, as though a massive lens had been erected between the noon sun and the ground. Most people notice slowly, with merriment turning into confusion. Then comes a massive, terrible sound like icebergs cracking against each other up in the sky, as though the foundations of the clouds was crumbling under the weight of some inexorable pressure. Those who look up see a distinct and disturbing bulge form in the sky overhead, which grows and stretches and rips open the very sky. Bright and terrible flashing lights emerge from the hole in the sky, causing the eyes of the onlookers to grow wide and dilated with otherworldly terror. Then it emerges, with a sublime sound of air being moved around it that reminds all who watch it of the worst storm they have ever witnessed. A red moon, moving across the sky, blocking the sun in an eclipse of terror. Those with sharp eyes can see veins of eldritch energy on the massive offensive body, roiling red liquid in a massive ocean on it's surface, and a wake of shrapnel, wreckage, scrap, and fragments break off it like a large dog shedding snow.

It starts to rain as clouds rumble into existence around the foreign object, with lightning crackling through the clear sky, torrential black clouds appearing from nowhere, and thunder rippling through reality. It starts to rain, but it is not water that comes down.

A baby cries. People take a deep breath. Someone screams. Then everyone screams. Madness begins to take control of the crowd. Then a chunk of stone the size of a wagon pulps a stall selling meat on a stick. Awe turns to panic. The crowd becomes a sea of madness.


https://techraptor.net/sites/default/files/styles/image_header/public/2021-10/Path%20of%20the%20Planebreaker%20Featured%20Image. jpg?itok=DGTZTEOd

Strength save, dexterity save, wisdom save, please. Everyone can post a reaction, anyone trained in Arcana may roll, then I will roll for initiative, and the real fun will begin. The Planebreaker has arrived.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096633742987325/1067100344007544843/hylusi2.png

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: detect magic
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

Star Elf

Hylusi considered the star elf's words for a moment.
<All must strive,> she sent at last. <To regret my path and its necessity would be folly. I have achieved already what many will never, and the zenith of my power is yet still far distant until I reach it.>

The gold surrendered by the stupid plate merchant came in use much sooner than the Magus expected. She inclined her head and clicked her fingers, and the gold-masked servitor offered forth the hundred gold for the three crystals and the rod. Let it not be said she offered an incomplete gift, after all.
<I will take all three and the rod, then.>

As the crystals were prepared, the Magus watched the star elf carefully.
<Do you foretell ill, cousin?>



Apocalypse Moon

Heading back through the market, the Magus was deep in thought. It was only the change in light that made her pay attention to the sky, and she saw crimson spread like inkblots across it, and then-

Then the sky was screaming. Bloody red, it ripped and tore, as a monstrous scarlet moon hurled across the sky. Raw magic played across its length, crackling like lightning, as the magic energy sloshed in an eldritch sea across the surface. The wounded sky wept from it.

It was... fascinating. Power unmatched by nigh any mortal work she knew of.

She wanted it.

She wanted that might, to tear the sky if she willed.

Notes, she had to take notes!

Paying no attention to the bedlam around her, she retrieved parchment and began scribbling feverishly. She didn't even notice when the servitors stepped closer, silently blocking the madness of the crowd from jostling her.

For a moment, she was again a young girl, alone in a dim stone chamber, surrounded by books and scrolls piled high, working on magical equations even as limbs spasmed and the bitter iron taste of blood filled her mouth, even as her own body betrayed her, determined to live, to overcome, to gain the power never, ever, to feel so desperate-

And then she was again the Magus of Bleakpines as her spidery writing danced across the page.






str: 16, dex: 3, wis: nat 20 for 24, arcana: 15

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit (1/encounter)

Squid Games

"Everything?" with a playful expression, he draws the fencing blade at his side. Silver-coated steel glints gold in the light of the sun, and elaborate decorations dance upon the guard and pommel.

"For the wedding? Oh, no, I live here," the well-dressed man responds with a good-natured laugh. He sweeps his fine, gold-threaded red sleeve to present his person dramatically - with the arm not presently showing off his sword. "Prince Doredan Reydalise, of Wissimvale," Doredan announces, letting that arm fall back to his side where it hangs casually. "Many an instructor has told me that every sword will tell you much about her wielder. And no blade is truly yours' 'till she has a name," he muses, carefully stowing the weapon back in its sheath.

"She is called La Ilumineuse. And what might yours' be called?" the prince inclines his head to the rapier at his diminutive new acquaintance's side.

The Monster Hunter

Answering the shift in gesture in kind, Doredan chuckles in mild embarrassment at the familiar epithet. "So my reputation does precede me. Is the dwarven ambassador still telling that story?" Dwarves have long memories. And so the aftermath has been long of a night in which a dwarven bodyguard was mid-accusation upon Doredan of poisoning a goblet of wine only to be stunned speechless in the same breath as Doredan downed the entire poisoned goblet in hand.

The drinking contest that followed was forever burned into the memory of the back of Doredan's throat, by some very potent dwarven whiskey. But the other details of that night were foggy at best, for everyone involved.
Still, dwarves do have long memories.

When the huntress moves to lean upon her catch's cage, Doredan steps up to the wall of the building behind her display, leaning back against it as well to aid the casual air. He sizes up her sword a little more closely as she talks, trying to figure the origin of its make. There is little doubt the blade has as storied a history as the scars upon its wielder. "My brother is many things, but careful is not something I would wager upon," he half-jests at her concern. "Fortunately, he has exemplary royal retainers."

[roll0] History to identify the make of her scimitar

When asked in brief aside about rhinoceroses, Prince Doredan dips his head from side to side in a 'somewhat' gesture. He'd heard stories of the creatures, of course, even seen a few illustrations. If the drawings are to be believed, they are much like the offspring of a horse and a stone golem. He grins at the tale of her sister and the tamed pygmy wyvern. "Siblings," he responds simply, quickly reaching up to snatch the tossed vial out of the air.

Inspecting it, Doredan grins even wider in giddy anticipation and tucks it away in his bag. "Many thanks!" Not one to leave a good turn unanswered, he waits for the other inquirer to move on before passing by and drawing a vial of bright purple liquid of his own. Inspecting the stylistically embossed glass, he sets it on a (not moving) box of hunt memorabilia, "Des Chemins Oubliés," he introduces the concoction of perfume from his own personal collection. "Warning on the bottle says do not wear near displacer beasts during mating season," with a devilish grin he adds, "I try not to think too hard about what they put in these... whether you like it, or find a more practical use for it in your hunting, I hope it serves you well."

With a polite bow on his way, Doredan leaves the huntress to members of the crowd circling in again like vultures.

Happy Mask Salesman

Gauging the mask again, Doredan decides it's cheap enough to be worth his curiosity. "Then here you are," he deposits a pouch of fifty gold pieces into the reptilian saleman's outstretched claw - it is a common enough amount that having pouches of it on hand is, well, handy.

Dawn of the Third Day

Just as he is following the trail of a centauress looking suspiciously like one of his brother's royal retainers, and a drunken elf looking suspiciously like is quarry, and a familiar looking gnome lady, Doredan is brought to pause. For the sky is torn asunder in a display that leaves him gaping in awe.

As the chunks of stone begin to fall, Doredan begins to sprint for cover in one of the terrace ramparts, the guard rooms beneath being the most secure place he can think of in the event of spontaneous meteor shower. "Dame Felicity!" he shouts in a panic, hoping it is indeed her. "To the wall!"

Strength 2
Dexterity 23
Wisdom 12

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was so, so, so happy when the Elderhoof placed the beautiful songblossom in her hand. It was perfect! Perfect! And the violet-ringed white flowers were among the rarest varietals. Her heart surged and her face broke out into a bright smile.

She forgot her manners and jumped up, clopped forward, and hugged the Elderhoof. "Thank you thank you thank you!" she gushed.

And then when, a short time later, she and Bil found the High Priest, she thought This is the greatest day of my whole life.

And then the sky tore open. And the world went mad.

Felicity was strong and brave. The surging crowd did not take her or move her. But even though she was screaming at herself inside her mind to Run! To the Castle! The Prince! The Pricess! Run!

She. Just. Could. Not. Convince. Her. Feet. To. Move.

So she stood, still and resolute, mouth agape, songblossom fluttering in her open palm until it was caught by the crowd and trampled into dust, staring at the sky.

She even thought she heard Prince Dorendon's voice calling to her. But it seemed very far away.

RUN!

The sky!

RUN!

Look at the sky!

[purepolarpanzer]

A Marketplace In Chaos

The monster hunter's scimitar looks as though it has seen years of hard use. Judging by the distinct curve and odd heft at the end of the blade, this weapon, and perhaps it's wielder, comes from the Inscrutable East, though her armor and clothing looks more local to the center part of this continent. This woman appears to be something of a mutt as far as heritage and equipment can tell.

"Omens rarely speak of woe or weal, at least where my people are from, Cousin. They do, however, speak of change. I only hope that the change the crystals speak of simply means the upcoming wedding. Be wary in case it is not." She picks up the handles on her cart and wheels it off to a less populated part of the market without another word.

The chaos is absolute. People begin running to cover as more and more rubble begins to rain down from the scarlet moon above. It seems as though the force of making it's way into your world has dislodged a large amount of debris from the moon itself. As people scatter Doredan catches an errant elbow to the face, followed by a man twice his size bowling into him from the side and sending the prince sprawling ignobly in the dirt of the market. To put injury to injury, someone steps on his outstretched hand, threatening to break a finger but thankfully only hurting like the Nine. Make Kunnian, with her diminutive size, makes out even worse. Caught up in a current of running people she is trampled, with feet and fists and the weight of larger beings stomping, shoving, and crushing her beneath the crowd. The other members of the wedding party hold their ground firmly, with Bil, Felicity, and the High Priest weathering the worst of the crowd's pushing and shoving, while Hylusi's servants are quick to move to either side of her and ward off the violence of the crazed commoners.

Perhaps their abuse is for the best, however, as neither the Prince nor the Maker suffer from falling debris. Hylusi's servants cannot keep track of all directions at once, and a rain of what appears to be pebbles and shards rains down on her from above with the force to bruise skin. Bil, Felicity, and the drunken High Priest all lurch out of the way of a falling shard of metal that flies straight down through the sky like a blade, catching all three with it's sharp edge before it sticks straight out of the ground trembling slightly.

The sudden onset of a potential apocalypse overwhelms both Felicity and Doredan, the rushing people, falling objects, and potential for destruction causing them both to only look up in fear for a few moments and stare. Amongst the rubble of the market place, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial, there are numerous red boulders and shards that look potentially like pieces of the moon above. This proves to not be true, however. The market place is beginning to thin out, but some people are wounded, some are unwilling to leave their wares, and some are terrified into stunned silence, but all appear to be at risk as the five red pieces of rubble start making clicking, humming, hissing sounds. Chitinous bodies unfold, leathery wings unfurled, and it is revealed that the entire market place has been peppered with some sort of insectoid beings the size of a large halfling. A beggar missing his lower legs begins frantically crawling away from one of these things, but it appears that in the mass of bodies he was injured, his already slowed pace marked by a sprained arm.

The insects all begin clacking and hissing in the same alien tone, moving aggressively into the remaining people with mandibles and sharp pincers waving menacingly.


https://i.imgur.com/4CHGBpg.png

Rolled Initiative for you all. It ended up being the insects, then you all. The insects spend their turns falling, readying themselves, and moving towards prey without actually attacking anyone. That's the good news. Here's the bad news.

Doredan and Kunnian takes 10 bludgeoning damage each from the crush of bodies. Hylusi, Bill, Felicity, and the High Priest each take 10 damage from falling debris. Doredan and Felicity both can move, but not attack or cast a spell due to being overwhelmed by the situation for one round. The market is a crazed place with scattered people remaining, but most people have gotten inside the various shops. Each of you is within 30 ft of one of these mites, and on each turn if they are not intercepted there is a chance the mites will attack civilians, or a chance they will leap at you. They seem to be directed by predatory instinct.

Again, it is the Party's Turn.

The Star Elves have a legend of a transient moon that travels THROUGH other world's skies, shattering the walls of reality and continuing onward from plane to plane like an omen of doom. It sometimes spends just a few minutes in a world, but sometimes spends a number of days. Either way, it will eventually move on after causing no shortage of chaos and doomsaying. The Star Elves say that there is a city on the moon, and an ocean, but that is all Hylusi has heard on this subject. Most think it the ramblings of aberrant minds and mutated bodies.

Some of the debris that has fallen down from the red moon looks like precious metals. Some look like odd coins. In particular, one that struck the Magus directly in the forehead and bounced off looks like a strange coin combining an arc of silvery metal and a reverse arc of some sort of precious gem.


https://i.imgur.com/JvJr75o.png

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 15/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit (1/encounter)

Left groaning, the prince rolls over onto his front after being stomped underfoot in the crowd. Bruised and battered, with bootprints on his fine gold and red ensemble. He forces himself up to his feet and stares around, stunned, mouth agape. At first he barely registers that the bugs are hostile, backing away and then spinning around to find them in all directions.

Stand from Prone, and take the Dodge action. No Dodge roll reaction this round since it would be redundant.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd

Bil dons his new half plate with relish. It would impare him a little in the field, but no more than his old scale mail would have. And he cut such an imposing figure. Sleek fur, gleaming metal, the power of Damh at his fingertips, like great Hrairoo of old. He thanks the shopkeeper in formal tones and offers a blessing to his works, “You have honored the wedding with your labor and your craft, emptying your storehouse in the service of the celebration. When next you raise your glass, Great Damh will lift his too, in toast. And for all the days you labor here, he will mark this door as the place of a friend; and he who girds and guards, who knows the ways beneath the earth down from the warrens to the places of deep stone, of ore, of heat, will sing his songs in the time your hammer beats, that your work may be lighter and the hours fly.”

Bil is thrilled to find the high priest, and popping energetically from foot to foot, helps to lead the celebrant towards the castle. Hopefully the old elf’s liver takes its time purging the toxins from his system. Bil could still assist in the wedding…

As the market descends into chaos, Bil remains alert. Pushing the high priest towards cover, he asks the elf “are you well enough to defend yourself?”

As the beetles approach, Bil takes a defensive position against a building. He calls a drum mallet into being, striking at the nearest beetle.
Then he follows that by calling on Damh the protector. A bell tolls, marking the end of the feast, it is the sound of the last bottle falling empty on the table, a goblet set down drained, the spoon scraping the bowl for the final morsel, the end of life.


Spiritual weapon. To hit: 17, damage: 12
Toll the dead. Dc 17 wisdom or necrotic damage. 17 if hurt, 13 if not hurt

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd

“To me, all of you with swords and spells. In the name of Damh, to protect weak and preserve the feast! Our strength is needed for our fellows, our voices needed for the song!”
Bil breaks into a battle hymn.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 28/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian rubs her chin and furrows her brow when the handsome man asks her the name of her rapier - she'd never actually thought about it! ''I-uh...'' She starts, blushing slightly

When suddenly the sky is torn asunder, bleeding death and destruction upon the land below...
...and the people all around start panicking.
Before she can even react, Kunnian and the prince are bludgeoned and trampled by the terrified horde.
Instinctively, the gnome covers her face and curls up into a ball on the ground, trying as best she can to hold in her screams, to bear the pain as these people, most twice her size, crush her without even realizing she was there. The world around her is a blur of stomping feet and shapes rushing by.
Then, the debris comes crashing down around her. One body falls over her, then another...
In this moment she realizes she is so far from home. She feels so afraid. Then she realizes, with some surprise, that she is unscathed by the debris...
The very people who, alive, almost trampled her to death, ended up unwillingly protecting her in death, taking the brunt of the falling rocks in her stead.
She pushes the bodies away and gets to her feet with a pained groan. Her legs are shaking...
...and terrible creatures are now attacking the townsfolk all around, preying on the weak and the defenseless.
She hesitates - what to do? What CAN she do?
Then she hears it. The call of the priest of Dahm. And his battle hymn.
That melody. That song... she knows the words - A satyr had taught it to her in the Feywilds! So she joins in, harmonizing her voice with the priest's, in hopes that her music can inspire others, lending her strength to the words of the Harengon. She was not used to a battle... But she needed to push through her fear and act.

She swings her bandore around her shoulders. It feels comforting as it lands in her hands. She can feel its strength as she begings to strum, adding music to the song of Dahm. Reaching out with her voice, she invites the plants around the market to revel and to dance. And they answer, reaching out with their stems, their roots, their leaves and their stalks to hold down the abominations that fell out of the sky...

She casts shillelagh as a bonus action as she grasps her bandore and then entangle on three of the bugs

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1071459411358388325/hylusi3_annoyed.png

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

So engrossed was Hylusi in her note-taking, it was only belated she realised something was falling towards her. She snapped up a hand to raise a shield, but it was too late; a flurry of hard objects struck her, making her emit a strange gurgling hiss of pain.

A drop of mercury-like blood, beading like quicksilver, slowly rolled down her face where the sharp edge of something had cut her brow. Hylusi caught the drop with a hand, staring down at it with outraged astonishment. She was injured! Her!

One of the servitors nudged her, and she began to round on it with a mental snarl, when she stopped. Around the marketplace, oversized insects had fallen, and now they unfurled themselves with clear hunger in their intent.

This was remarkably inconvenient timing for the wedding, she mused.

There were others scattered about the marketplace likely to fall prey to the insects. While she didn't care about the majority of the meaningless humans about, there was still the Prince about, and letting him be eaten by excessively large bugs might be the final nail in the coffin if the union wasn't already completely buried. She might be a necromancer, but there were some things so dead even she couldn't bring them back.

<Prince Doredan!> Her mental voice was a sharp snap, now, like a cracking femur. <We must get to the castle. My servant-creations will clear a path.>

To her masked servitors, she gave a glance and frowned. She could not leave them, either. She did not want them destroyed, and they were not designed for fighting, either. Hopefully, as unliving bones, with no scent of flesh or blood, the insects would be uninterested in them compared to the screaming prey about.
<Stay behind me,> she commanded them. <Avoid any attacks you can.>
The three of them silently obeyed.

She breathed in, then out. She stamped the butt of her staff against the ground.

<Gorelings! Defend your mistress! Come forth and devour!>

Her clothing seemed to ripple, under her cloak, under her skirts, and shapes moved and pressed against it where before they had laid flat. Then there were pattering sounds, as heavy drops of the rain, and shapes began to emerge - first, slim black lines, like worms, then pushing out to reveal themselves as gloved hands, absent any arm or body, crawling like spiders on their fingers. They boiled forth from the Magus' robes, chittering with mindless noises from unseen mouths. Now they were stirred, they were a sea of motion, skittering on fingertips over and around each other. There was a sharp chemical smell, like formaldehyde.

With a wave of her staff, the hands rippled, scrambling over each other, and swarmed towards the nearest insect, flinging themselves at it like ticks. They grabbed and twisted at it, trying to yank off chitin and pulling at antennae, hissing and chirping. In a couple of places, the touch of the gorelings spread rotten black like poison where they drew blood with nails or crushed in chitin. Hylusi frowned. The insect seemed tough - well, it had to be to survive the fall, never mind the planar journeys on the planetoid, and the gorelings were doing less immediately damage than she'd expected.

She slammed her staff-butt on the ground again, and the air became brittle and sharp for a moment. There was the tolling of a bell, distant and cracked, a bleak and unkind sound, and where the gorelings had begun to wound the insect, necrotic energy bloomed on its chitin like verdigris.

First: deal with the immediate threat. Then head for the palace.






BA: Command the gorelings to emerge and attack the nearest bug. They hit twice, doing 9 bludgeoning and 9 necrotic.
Action: I rolled a 6+mod for its save, so it probably failed against Toll the Dead for 21 necromantic.
Reaction: Cast Shield if struck.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Absolutely flummoxed by the chaos (AND THE SKY) and the insects (AND THE SKY) and the people
and the debris (AND THE SKY), it's all Felicity can manage to realize the insects mean to harm to the people. People who can't defend themselves. People she's sword to protect in the crown's name.

So she chose the nearest one and, still barely able to tear her eyes away from the spectacle above,
galloped up to it and called from the depths of her fierce, caring heart.

"Stay away from them! I am here! Come to me!"

However I can best position myself to get as many as I can, use my Champion's Challenge. All the bugs I can snag within 30 feet make a Wisdom Saving Throw (DC 11, LOL), or they can't move more than 30 feet away from me

[purepolarpanzer]

Chaos in the Market

Doredan gets to his feet just in time for one of the insect creatures to fling itself at him, leathery wings buzzing the air at a nearly invisible pace. The creature extends a sizable pincer, which Doredan barely ducks, before skidding to a halt on the opposite side of the Prince, gnashing mandibles chittering angrily at the missed meal. Nearby, Bil's holy intonations summon the earth breaking mallet of Damh, bringing it down on one of the insects hard enough to send the creature skittering aside. A further spell announces the end of the feast, the cacophony of the end of festivities wracks the hard-shelled mite with pain. Similar to Doredan, the insect launches itself the short twenty foot distance to the harengon cleric, pincers reaching and mouth parts chittering. This time, however, it's pincer succeeds in catching Bil in a less defensive part of his armor, biting hard and nearly penetrating deep. The impact is not unlike a hundred pound bolder catching him in the stomach, and the mite knocks Bil to the ground in a heap. From there, the insect's mandibles extend outward, mouth opening up to an alarming degree and clamping down heavily on the rabbit's unlucky foot, nearly swallowing the appendage whole. The insect shakes Bil from side to side, trying to bite down deeper and keeping him off balance. The harengon's situation would look dire to anyone nearby.

Luckily, one of those nearby is a High Priest of Damh. The half-elf was a mumbling, bumbling mess mere moments ago, barely holding himself upright between Felicity and Bil and mostly ignoring their questions and assistance. However, upon seeing one of his own flock fighting with Damh's holy power, the disciple who sought peace between nations shakes himself, eyes blinking, and lumbers forward. He lifts Bil's top half off the ground, giving the rabbit leverage in his attempts to escape the madly biting insect. He also unleashes a mighty burp, and while the gaseous, wine smelling air is unpleasant, it carries with it a holy word of magic, easing some of Bil's wounds.

A few dozen feet away, Kunnian's magic causes plants of all shapes and sizes to rise from between the cobblestones, dancing to the bardic tune and reaching for the insect's legs in an attempt to hold them down. However, despite being not much larger than Kunnian, these insects have strength far greater than one would imagine, and each one of them wrestles it's way free from the vines. One of these insects spots Kunnian and takes off, racing toward the gnome and attacking with an outstretched pincer, which painfully scrapes the bard's arm as she enhances her instrument into a weapon. However, Kunnian braces against a nearby stall and avoids falling to the ground and being savaged by her attacker.

Like a coordinated storm, the grasping hands of Hylusi's gorelings races forward in a tide of roiling, grasping flesh. Those civilians who were not terrified and fleeing due to the boulder sized insects give wails of dismay at this undead wave launching itself forward. Little do they know, however, that these undead are servitors to the necromancer's will. Spilling into combat, the hands surround one of the insects and begin prying, punching, pinching, and pouring over it's chitinous shell. The beast recoils, gnashing mandibles and grasping pincers doing their best to stem the attack, but there are simply too many hands, their immaculate gloves serving as a leather armor of sorts. With a stamp of her staff Hylusi sounds the insects doom, the necrosis of her servants combining with the magic of her toning bell to leave the insect an empty husk of empty exoskeleton, the flesh of its body rotted away.

Felicity's call of challenge is resisted by the mites, but that does not mean that they leave her alone entirely. One of the remaining insects rushes her, managing to hit her from the side and grasp painfully at her foreleg with a pincer, but her mass is too muscular for the mite to effectively bowl her over.


The mite attacking Doredan rolls a 17 and a 1 due to disadvantage and misses it's charge attack. This is good news. However, Bil's buggo is much luckier, first charging him with a claw for 10 damage, forcing a strength check, which Bil fails, and knocking him prone. This provokes a bite attack as a bonus action, which hits for 12 damage. The bite leaves Bil grappled and restrained, DC 13 to escape as a free action (which can be repeated as an action if need be). All is not lost, however, as the High Priest of Damh provides the help action on Bil's escape from the jaws of the buggo and hits him with a healing word for maximum healing at 17 HP recovered. Unfortunately the priest is a peaceful man, so he won't be much help in actually damaging the mites.

Kunnian suffers a fate similar to Bil. After all three buggos pass their saves, one of them decides the gnome will make a good meal and launches itself at her. It deals 8 damage with it's claw, but Kunnian succeeds the strength save with a 19 on the die and avoids being knocked prone and bitten. Next, Hylusi's necrotic assault simply snuffs one of the bugs as 8 goreling attacks and a high damage roll on a toll the dead wipe out the enemy closest to her without a problem. 3 buggos have gone (you all got your turns first, I'm just narratively describing a back and forth), one has been killed, and the remaining mite charges Felicity for 10 damage, failing to knock her prone and denying it it's super duper combo attack.

Party's turn. The bug biting Bil looks almost dead, the ones doing battle with Doredan, Kunnian, and Felicity are all unharmed, and you all easily reach any target with a move action, but if a bug menaces you and you move away from it there will be attacks of opp. I'm sure once you all have worked together for a while your combats will become more team work oriented and organized. It's kind of fun for me to have it be a chaotic scrum for the first battle.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 15/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit (1/encounter)

When he bug's jaws nearly ensnare him, Doredan's fighting instincts kick back in. He spins around to face it and leaps, drawing his blade in the same motion. Stomping upon the creature's back, the prince drives his blade down, trying to pierce something vital between its dorsal shell plates. The blade, whether striking true or glancing off, goes with him as he flips from the bug's back and crosses the battlefield to join forces with what is now very clearly Felicity. "We must break through and take the injured to the walls!" he declares, and points out the drunken priest dragging a harengon from the jaws of one of the bugs. The prince himself sports a few bleeding scrapes and dark bruises already.

Draw silver rapier and stab his buggo.
[roll0] to hit
[roll1] damage, and it takes +1d6 damage from attacks until the end of Doredan's next turn
And some flavor text for using Mobile to break engagement and move next to Felicity.

Reaction prepared to Dodge Roll if attacked and roll behind it for a counter.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd

"Ow, ow, OW! I'm not dead yet!" Bil sighs with relief as the High Priest's sweet, sweet healing washes over him.
First, he brings he shimmering holy mallet down on the bug nearest him. Then he launches into a fresh prayer: "Damh the Devious, you lure our enemies to their doom. Grant your blessing to me so we might return to the feast!" Phantasmal shapes swirls and form around Bil, satyrs and nymphs frolic and flit, until they come close to one of the bugs, and then suddenly their joyful dancing becomes a vicious attack.

bonus action - Spiritual Weapon, 21 to hit, 7 damage to the closest wounded looking bug
cast spiritual guardians.
15' radius. bugs' speed is halved,
and when the creature enters the area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, it must make a Wisdom saving throw DC17. On a failed save, the creature takes 14 (3d8) radiant damage. half damage on success.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 24/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Bleeding and in pain, Felicity looked around in panic. There were too many people who needed her help. Too many things she needed to do, all at once, right now. And she felt unequal to the task.

Then she heard Prince Doredan call out (and he had such a clear, commanding, regal voice!) and her duty was suddenly clear to her.

She skipped back out of range of bug attacking her and moved to stand next to Kunnian (and, in fact, as many of her new allies as she could manage).

A stern, focused expression crossed her sunny features. She sighed. She knew she was going to regret this.

"Quick!" She yelled to the Gnome, "Jump up on my back!"

Bil seemed fine. Prince Doredan too. She wasn't sure who the dark-haired, kinda-cute-in-a-spooky-sort-of-way elf-lady was, but she might also benefit from some tactical transportation.

Meanwhile, she swung out her trusty pike and stabbed the nearest, most injured bug within reach, twice. And then tried to catch it with the back swing. Her first attack went wide, the second one bit, and the third was way off.


Okay, Move Action to move away from the bug threatening me (and I know that provokes an AoO), to move adjacent to Kunian (and anyone else, if they're close enough).

Attack the most damaged bug within 10 feet of me twice. 6 damage.

Current Things:
-I am threatening 10 feet around me with my pike. So I get an AoO should any bad guys enter.
-Should Kunnian (or anyone else within five feet of me) take an attack, I'll use my Reaction to give that roll Disadvantage.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1071459411358388325/hylusi3_annoyed.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

As the insect before her withered into a husk before her eyes, Hylusi felt a thrum of satisfaction. But there was more to do. She swung the Fingerbone Staff like a conductor's baton, and the swarm of hands flowed across to consume the bug the Prince had injured. With its carapace already fractured, the Gorelings were able to lever the opening wider and crawl inside, and a few frantic spasms later the big beetle was dead - and perhaps glad of it, too. The gorelings began to squirm free, the ichor on them already cracking and flaking off to show the pristine 'leather' beneath.

Would the pre-priming of the necrotic energy make raising the insects easier, or let their carapace be utilised as necrotic materials? Anything from the sky-cutting planetoid was sure to have at least some kind of interesting property, if she could unlock it. There was the symbolic connection, too, with insects and decay.

Grounds for study.

<Remind me to have some of these insect corpses retrieved for research later,> she commanded her servitors, and they nodded in unison.

With a mental sigh, the Magus paced towards the prince, the centaur and her rider, though she aimed to keep them between her and any remaining bugs.

When she broadcast now, it was simply to everyone nearby, her icy tones rippling into people's heads like a cold river overflowing its banks.
<We don't have time to stay here playing with insects. We need to get to the castle.>

Again, she sharply cracked the butt of her staff against the ground, and the interplanar parasite currently trying to eat the oversized rabbit was wreathed in necromantic power. She looked that way, and - wait, wasn't that the High Priest of Dahl? What was his name again? Whatever it was, shouldn't he be at the castle already, having prepared for the marriage rehearsal?

Well, whatever - it wasn't important right now.

She regretably added another entry to the list of creatures not to let get eaten by space bugs: In order of importance from most to least, herself of course, her servitors, then the prince, and now the Priest of Dahl.






BA: Command the gorelings to emerge and attack the injured bug the Prince hit. They hit twice, 29 damage in a spicy blend of bludgeoning and necrotic.
Action: I rolled a 5+mod for its save, so 16 necromantic against the insect eating Bil.
Reaction: Cast Shield if struck.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Maker Kunnian's song was interrupted by the pincer of one of the chittering beasts. Although the scrape hurt pretty bad, by some form of providence the tiny bard managed to stay on her feet even as the creature tried to drag her to the ground...
She turned around to face the thing, remembering her many sparring sessions with Aphareus, one of the Centaur blademasters of the Seelie court under whom she'd trained all those year ago. She gripped her bandore in two hands and swung it in a graceful arc, almost as though she was wielding a sword...
But the instrument simply bounced on the thick chitin of the insect. She felt suddenly very afraid... she crouched into a defensive posture, hoping she could survive another savage attack, mentally hoping Aphareus would forgive her terrible fighting form...
Then, almost as though the thought of her equine master had conjured another one of his kin, Felicity appears next to Kunnian and yells: ''Jump on my back!''
Kunnian hesitates for a second... She was well-versed in the way of the Fey and she knows how disrespecteful it was regarded by centaur for two-legged races to mount them.
But her train of thought was quickly disrupted by the beetle rearing up and striking at her once again.
She closes her eyes and disappears in a puff of pink smoke, while the vicious pincers close around the spot where she was couching a mere second ago...
... and she reappears on Felicity's back. Kunnian's eyes are wet with tears: ''Thank you,'' She mutters with a trembling voice. ''I'll support you as best I can! A-Are you hurt?''

A failed attack and a misty step onto Felicity

[purepolarpanzer]

Chaos in the Market

Doredan's flashing rapier smacks a pincer away from him, followed up by piercing stab that impacts deep into the carapace of the insect. Using his leverage, the Prince pushes the beetle onto it's side, leaving it's legs kicking and it's less armored underside exposed to assault from his allies. Meanwhile, Bil's holy mallet and reveling spirits cause the insect attacking him to dissolve in a rush of radiant ligfht that leaves only a faintly smoking spot on the cobbles.

As Felicity repositions herself, the monster menacing her flanks takes a swipe at her, but her armor absorbs the blow. She rushes to cross the square, pike flashing in a maneuver that gouges the upended beetle in it's underbelly, causing viscous goo to start to flow. That is the only opening Hylusi's army of hands needs as they scrabble and crawl across the market and leap onto the exposed insect, burying it in a wave of assault. By the time the hand's master is prepared to execute her cantrip the bug is already dead, a dried husk devoid of life. She turns her attention to the two remaining mites. Bil's radiant spirits have danced and dashed their way outward, impacting and scorching the insects with holy power, which makes the foes all the more susceptible to the tolling bells of doom that the Magus intones.

Wounded, with the smell of dead and dying mites filling the air, the two remaining wounded monsters in the square release a new high pitched buzz, one that is picked up and resounds around the city. Both lift up into the air, wings chopping upward and lifting their body sixty feet in the air. This mass lift off is replicated in other parts of the market, and even other parts of the city as dozens of insects that had fallen over the capital lift off into the air. Disturbingly, some of them have corpses or still living humanoids in their grasp. However, when the insects get sixty feet into the air, something strange happens.

They land. They land on a semi-translucent ribbon of ethereal smoke that looks almost like a wisp of cloud. This trail of path seems to follow the roving moon like the trail of a comet, and once they have landed on it the mites begin to work together to drag the remains (and screaming victims) of their raid upwards towards the celestial body like hornets returning to a hive. While this grisly display may tug on the heart strings of some of the people on the ground, it is over quickly, as this milky, transparent path seems to accelerate the insect's journey to improbably speed, conveying them upwards towards the moon far faster than a bowshot or even a spell could manage.

In the distance, stone rumbles. The mountain shakes. Looking to the castle, one of the higher spires of the castle, undoubtedly an important wing filled with important people, suddenly shifts, tilts, and begins to tumble down the mountain. People of the market begin to scream and wail, pointing towards the crumbling tower with fresh waves of dismay. Something is wrong at the castle, it is has collapsed nearly a tenth of the entire mountainside structure.

Time for reactions, and then back to the castle, I'm guessing?

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 2/2 3rd
"Well, if we're all quite agreed we have places to be, and that place is coming to the defense of the castle, we should make all haste. All haste at once."
Bil turns to the high priest. "I'm quite sorry to leave you, sir, but I hope you can aid the people here. They will need your ministries."

"Kunnian, Felicity - this little blessing won't be much, but I fear we will need it soon enough."
He picks up his song where he left off, singing in a strong clear baritone, even as he begins to run. "There was a duke of Ryle, who had ten thousand elves.
He marched them to the woods one day, and left them by themselves.
For when must you frolic, you frolic.
And when you must fight, you fight.
But whether you have to frolic or fight, it keeps you up all night!"



cast Aid, then start running to the castle. Bil, Kunnian and Felicity's max hp and hp increase by 5 (duration 8 hours)

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

''I am very grateful for your blessing, Son of Dahm.'' Kunnian says, her eyes teary from the beautiful song. ''Let me lend some of my magic to the efforts, too.'' She expertly strums a few quick notes on her bandore and then gestures to the Prince to come closer. Sitting on Felicity, she is high enough to lay her hands on his head. When she does, Gossamer wings made of shimmering energy sprout from behind the prince, bearing him aloft: ''Take flight.'' She says, the last notes still ringing through the air. ''Now let's go.''
An almost uncharacteristic seriousness befalls her stare as she gazes towards the crumbling castle.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 15/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: Fly (Kunnian Concentration)
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit (1/encounter)

As the bugs scatter and flee before them, Doredan wipes clean his blade o their oozing gut juices with a kerchief, but keeps it at the ready. And his eyes turned skyward for any other falling rubble. However, that nightmarish celestial horror appears to be moving on. Thanking his (perhaps not so) lucky stars, he reconvenes with the other survivors. "They came to abduct my people," the prince says, solemnly. "And naught that I can do about it."

Solemn footsteps are replaced with stunned silence as an entire tower of the castle crumbles down into the structure. When Kunnian's wings sprout from his back, Prince Doredan looks back and tests them, hovering clumsily above the ground and getting his bearings. "My thanks, songstress! We go!" Angling himself forward, Doredan zips ahead.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1071459411358388325/hylusi3_annoyed.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: fly
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

Truly fascinating. Were the insects like her goreling hands; the obedient servitors of a greater being? Something that made the path to draw them back to some nest, a calculated harvest from worlds the planetoid passed? Or was it simply a phenomenon they'd learned or evolved to take advantage of when capturing prey?

She recalled the gorelings to her with a flex of her will. Once again, they assembled before her, jittering, tapping, in motion, before she clicked her tongue. They swarmed towards her, to cling onto the insides of her robe, her cloak, on her slender legs, until they were again out of sight.

A rumble interrupted her thoughts as part of the castle collapsed. Was it - no, it didn't seem to be the wing given over to the elven delegation - it was probably just humans who had become dirt. Hylusi couldn't let panic colour her actions. The Princess was a capable mage. While Hylusi's alchemy was probably ahead in the arts of ritual flesh-crafting, that was born of necessity to stave off the Magus' impending death; in all other matters, the scion of Bleakpines had fallen far behind the Princess' magic capabilities.

The rabbit was singing. The gnome ensorcelled the Prince; as it stood, she would be left behind, without the speed of a centaur to mount upon. As the others began to move forward, she spared a glance to the servitors.
<Hurry to the castle,> she told them. <Retrieve my work materials if you can. I am heading to the Princess' chambers.>

With a click of her fingers, she wound magic in and around her staff, sitting on it held horizontal like the archetypical witch on a broom. It lifted off with a flex of her will, and she too began hurtling at all speed towards the castle.






Action: Cast fly on self

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on: Spirit Guardians
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

While the group gathers around, Bil shifts his song into one of praise for the moment. "Lord Damh, we revel in this moment you've given us when we stand upon the precipice. We find ourselves between - our enemies retreating but still a thread, our friends standing but hurt. Lend us your blessing, as the light fades and we plunge into the dark."

Turning to Prince Prince Doredon, the rabbit bows low, his ears twitching - "My liege, give me a moment to see to your wounds." With a fresh prayer, he lays a long fingered paw upon the lowest hem of the prince's cloak, allowing Damh's healing power to pour out.

When the castle crumbles, Bil lets out a quiet prayer for the fallen. Is this Maril all over again?

When invited, he springs eagerly onto Felicity's back. As his sudden companions take flight, he thanks sweet Damh who provides the strength we need to survive the moment we find ourselves in.




everyone gets 11 temp hp, and Doredon gets 10 hp of healing

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity knew that her people had complicated feelings about bipeds riding on their backs. It was generally seen as demeaning, as being treated akin to a beast of burden. Felicity didn't very strongly about (even though sometimes she thought she could).

However, when Kunian and Bil climbed up and she became like a living seige engine, she forgot all that and just took to hoof.

She made sure that Prince Dorendon (so brave!) and the spooky looking elf lady were keeping up, and she took off full speed toward the castle.





70 move! Let's gooooooooooooooo!

[purepolarpanzer]

A Sprint Through Velein

The wedding party leaves the High Priest behind, who, having sobered up considerably after the fight, utters blessings upon you and speaks of aiding the wounded before making his way up the mountain to the castle himself. In his own words "The revel of nuptials is secondary to the suffering of the common people. I did everything for them..." The High Priest looks saddened and lost, but with renewed purpose he sets about bandaging wounds on those with cuts and bruises and administering healing to those with broken arms and crushed limbs. He also utters prayers of mourning for those taken byu the insects, but quietly.

Sprinting and flying through the city streets, the party finds that the entire city was raided by the insects. Things get more militant and therefore less damaged as you all get closer to the castle, and it seems that military order has faltered but is in the process of being restored. Watch captains and castle sergeants are belting orders to the soldiers on alert in the streets, but the cry is always the same. "To the castle! To the castle! The Royalty are In Danger!", and without hesitation the men-at-arms (and even some less ordered and militant sword arms) begin flooding like a tide throughout the city towards the castle.

The march is met with consternation, however. The drawbridge had been down when this... event? attack? catastrophe? came about, and the rubble cascading down the mountain crashed down on the bridge, snapping thick timbers as old and solid as Doredan can ever remember like match sticks. The flowing Velein River washes over the smashed rubble, creating a haphazard path that only the brave or the fool hardy could manage. One of the bravos of the city, surely a sellsword, leaps ahead of the pack and attempts to leap the gap, and when he does he slips on a wet stone and comes crashing down into the water, immediately swept away by the fast moving flow of the river. The officer on duty, an old, grizzled Captain bearing insignia marking him a veteran of the war, calls for a rope, which is quickly brought forward.

He turns to Doredan, hovering as he is on gossamer wings, and says "Prince! If you could fly this rope across, we can start a slow flow of troops into the castle! Can you aid us, sir?" another mercenary scoffs at this idea, looking to Doredan's wings and saying "The threat is whatever knocked down the turret of the castle! You could fly straight there and get to the heart of the action before this procession of ants makes it to the foyer!"

Here's a problem for the party. The drawbridge has become something of an obstacle course of water flowing over stone rubble and shattered wood. I'm going to need an athletics check from anyone who tries to cross it (unless they are being carried). There's also the question of if you should split the party- those with wings could fly straight to the top of the mountain rather than moving up through the halls of the castle. Let's see how careful, how risky, or how determined you all are to get to the fight. This is an area where I'm ok with a party split, but the question is whether you will be weakened by leaving part of the party behind. Then again, Felicity moves with insane speed, so your reinforcements can't be far behind... if she can cross the raging river!

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33 +11
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: Fly (Kunnian Concentration)
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit (1/encounter)

After the harengon's intervention, the Prince feels much better, the scrapes and bruises from his fall and the falling debris mending themselves. A shimmering barrier of half-light surrounds him, pairing with the wings to give him an appearance as fey as many of his new allies.

Descending to the ruined drawbridge, he lands to assess the situation. "Of course, Captain," Doredan agrees, taking an end of the rope. He glances at Hylusi, who had also taken to the air, as he glides across to find something to affix the rope to. "Magus, the two of us could fly ahead. Perhaps I could even carry our gnomish friend with me - apologies miss, I think I forgot to ask your name in the chaos!"

Once the safety rope is secured, Doredan flies back over to convene with the others. "What say you?"

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity knew she wasn't getting across on a rope (no matter how dashing Prince Dorendon looked getting it secured!). And she didn't know if any flying magic was goign to work on her or not. On the one hand it was magic. On the other hand, she was a very, highly, truly ground-bound sort.

So she clenched her fists and set her jaw and yelled out, "Anyone who wants to come with me hop on quick!"

And then she ran across with all the might of her little quadraped heart.




Athletics roll: 11.

+7 from Bardic Inspiration with Advantage.
+3 from Guidance

FOR A TOTAL OF 21!

Boo!

BUT if the GM agrees that having four feet should give me advantage, then...

Athletics roll: 22.

My fate hangs in the balance...

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 + 11 temp | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Although she was afraid because of all the chaos unfolding around her and she knew it was a stupid reaction to have right now, the little bard couldn't help it: she blushed when the prince asked her name. ''Kunnian. Um- Maker Kunnian of Wyrdtown, actually. Friend to all the Fey and disciple of the song of Creation.'' She said quickly. She then grabbed his outstretched hand, ready to fly off with the Prince and magus: Make haste.'' she said to Felicity, Let's meet again on the other side. She begins to whistle a few melodious notes and the very air blowing from her lips seems to take form: it takes the shape of a golden mote of frantic, dancing energy that flies towards Felicity and begins orbiting around her head. This should help you get across. she said, hopeful.


she uses inspiration

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33 +11
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: Fly (Kunnian Concentration)
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit (1/encounter)

"Doredan Reydalise," the prince introduces himself, not remembering in the head of the chaos whether he had already. "And pleasantries can wait until later!" Not quite confident in his ability to carry Kunnian with one arm, and with the wings in the way of a piggyback ride, Doredan sweeps her up into both arms. "Apologies, but this seems the least likely to drop you."

Kicking off of the ground, he starts flying up to the towers and fallen parts of the castle, leaving a trail of sparkling fey magic.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP: 11
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on: Guidance
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

Bil is humbled by the moment. To be carried to the aid of the royal family by a centaur - he would be careful to never use the term "ride" because he understands the honor born of urgency.

As he assesses the state of the drawbridge, it becomes clear how treacherous the path they find themselves on truly is. He offers a fresh word of prayer. "Damh, help my friend Felicity rise to this challenge."

Cast Guidance on Felicity. +1d4 on a skill check. I suggest using it on this one!

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: fly
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

Seated on her staff, the Magus only briefly paused at the morass of soldiers, sellswords and such scum as had swelled before the stream. While having them enter the castle might be useful, she had not inclination to wait until they could make their way across. Even before the centaur had begun her desperate attempt to throw herself across the treacherous path, the Magus was rising on her ride.
<I must seek out the Princess,> she messaged to the others). <I will begin at her chambers, and make my way to the main hall if I do not find her. I bid thee luck.>

With a nod, she clicked the fingers of one hand and hurtled off towards her target, seeking out her master, her face set like a picture of disdainful resolve. As she did, she called up her magic, holding the potential of a shielding magic thrumming just below reality. She had no intentions of turning a corner and being ended by some stupid human's hasty crossbow bolt.

Be ready, she commanded her gorelings, and beneath her robe they stirred in preparation.






Reaction: shield if necessary.

[purepolarpanzer]

At the Castle Gate

As those capable of flying (and one which is quite carryable) fly off towards the caste, Felicity, with Bil aboard, rushes towards the broken remains of the draw bridge. With several accurate leaps and a burst of athleticism and strength that leaves some soldiers dumbstruck, she jumps from a timber to some broken stones and across the gap with a combination of magical aid and well trained aptitude. Once she is clear she finds herself running through the palace foyer. A few guards remain behind, but most are sprinting towards the heart of the palace with reckless regard. One nearly crashes into Felicity's rearquarters before backing away, recognizing her. "Lady Knight!" The plain faced but recognizable man turned to the harengon cleric and said "Master Cleric! Please come with us. A terrible monster holds the stair and none dare face it!"

Led forward, Felicity enters the area ahead of her guide, revealing the sprawling heart of the castle. No less than eight exits lead to the various areas of the castle, but most are underground and all are well labeled. Those of most interest to our heroes are the broken Apex Chamber, where the wedding would take place and the place where the castle tower collapsed, as well as the two leadings to the personal chambers of Doredan's family (including his brother, wed to be) and the Everarbor Queen's chambers with her contingent (including the bride to be). However, all around the hall is the massive, fleshy body of some sort of creature with waving tentacular arms and large, alien eyes, and obvious hostile intent. Around the chamber are several broken bodies wearing the uniform of the royal guard, their armor bloody. Several guards are arrayed around it, hedging the creature in with pikes, but hesitant to go forward against this staggeringly large and well muscled beast.

You recognize the guard who led you here. Name is... Angus, you think. You recognize many of the troops in the hall. But you don't recognize any of the dead or wounded soldiers in the room.
One of the soldiers with a pike dances his weapon forward, and the tip goes through the monster's tentacle as though it wasn't actually there, but no one around you notices. The blood from the wounded soldiers doesn't flow or drip. Just static puddles, not moving or shaking.

The Bride's Chambers

Hylusi comes down in a small open air garden right before the Everarbor procession's chambers. Riding her staff like the archetyple witches' broom, she lowers herself into into the main entrance and flies inside. There are courtiers, attendants, human servants, and political aspirants, but the ceilings are high and Hylusi can easily fly over the hubub. If inquired, the human's give nothing of use, only running to their assigned tasks and struggling to find guards. The first elf she meets, and cousin of the royal family come to attend the wedding, they are more useful. "The Princess is missing," Aluminzel, a lower cousin on the tree, sips calmly at wine before screwing up his face and spitting the human vintage out. "But there's no way she's in danger. She's the most powerful amongst us. Cuz will resolve this... indecency." A human might think him detached and calm, but the Magus can tell he is just soundly drunk. He tosses the glass aside into the chaos of the hall.

All the elves are acting strangely. Passive. Lethargic. And all the humans are anxious, hurried, but quiet.

There is a mushroom native to Everarbor that elves and humans have very different reactions to when it is burned. Elves are intoxicated much like alcohol, but humans have an almost manic reaction that leaves them somewhat stunned and silent. But both have a hellacious hangover coming their way in a few hours that is potent enough that abuse of the intoxicant is rare. And the spores are thick in the air.

If you proceed towards the Princess's chambers I will need a DC 13 Constitution Save

Apex Chapel, With Doredan and Kunnian

The top of the castle, seated at the apex of the small, stunted mountain that makes up the heart of the Kingdom. In lessons taught by his father and every father before them who ruled Wissimvale, Doredan has been told throughout his entire life that one day each member of his family would climb the stairs to the Apex Chapel and receive a partner, and together they would bring honor to the family name, influence to their cause, and secular power. While only Monsinar would inherit the throne, the younger princes were still expected to marry well. Doredan had been brought here for religious services to the mountain gods and his ancestors since he was old enough to cry. It was so odd to see it with the roof smashed off, open to the air and the elements. But this is what he saw as he approached on fey wings with a gnome in tow. But it is what he sees happening that demands his attention.

Monsinar is being dragged by three hooded figures towards a large bag, carried along like cargo. His jaw is slack, and it looks like he sleeps the rest of the well drugged, with eyes rolling and snores emanating. Their clothes are strange and armored, like harnesses and leather jackets stiffened with cloth and small plates. Their hoods cover most of their features, but they wear thick masks with dark goggles, carry blades, and seem intent on bagging Monsinar and carrying him off. His father lay unconscious on the ground, also in a state of stupor.

The armed figures turn to Doredan, and the tallest of the group motions to their companions, which continue their attempt to package the prince. The tall figure steps forward, draws a curved saber, and gestures for the prince and the gnome to come down with their free hand. They seem confident and armed, but not overtly hostile. Carrying several daggers on their hips, but they haven't thrown one. They seem intent on talking things out.

Tall one is buying time for their companions to wrap up the prince and escape with him through some unknown means. The kidnappers are moving quickly, and if you mean to rush to the Prince's side you will have to come into the reach of the taller figure. But they show no evidence of rushing to violence.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 + 11 temp | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

It doesn't take long for Kunnian to connect the dots... that's Doredan's brother that they were trying to drag away! The prince had been so nice to her... So she wanted to help. She whispers to the prince: ''Their main objective seems to be kidnapping your brother and that big guy is trying to buy them some time. B-But I have a plan... I-I think! I can distract them while you rescue your brother. But you'll be on foot because I'll need to disperse your wings for my plan to work.''
She waits expectantly for the prince's reply.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33 +11
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: Fly (Kunnian Concentration)
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Eyes locked onto his brother's prone from being dragged away, Doredan begins descending towards the ruined chapel. "Alright. I'll drop you off in cover," he whispers back to Kunnian. Swooping down, he deposits the gnome into cover - behind a pillar, a pew, or a piece of rubble. Whatever will allow her to plan and act unseen.

Then, he steps out and draws Fang. His teacher's dagger seeps shimmering purple poison from the hilt that drips down its blade. Rather than form droplets and drip down to the floor, the poison piles up as if inside of an invisible field, until it coats the entire blade like a bubble. "Unhand him!" Doredan shouts at the two dragging his brother towards the bag, while keeping the focus of his attention on the foe stepping up to challenge him.

Set Kunnian down, draw and activate Fang, coating it in poison. Does the GM rule the dagger benefits from Poison Use's extra hit of an applied poison, or nay, for future reference?

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

When the prince drops Kunnian, she whispers: ''When you hear music, close your eyes.'' She watches him get into position, drawing his magical dagger and drawing the three men's attention.

She grabs her bandore, waiting for the perfect moment to surprise the men with her song. As soon as the challenger steps into position, she starts:
Her hands begin plucking the strings of her instrument, almost flying with perfect grace as she births the music coming up from her soul. The notes are emphatic, but gentle, bringing to the minds of those who hear it loving, tender memories: the caress of a mother or loved one as a child, a sunset, a moment of perfect blissful tranquility... Lights begin dancing around the men in the chapel, like an aurora borealis fluttering around them. Their pupils constrict and their minds become numb as they are consumed by overwhelmingly pleasant memories...

The wings of the prince disperse in a shower of gold and silver as the magic of the fly spell dissipates, adding to the ethereal beauty of the dancing colors.

Kunnian hopes will all her might that these men will be too weak-willed to break free from her spell...

Hypnotic Pattern

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity's eyes widened in shock and her stomach turned over when she saw the horrid beast and all the brave, dead soldiers strewn about.

With eyes only for the monster, she set her pike in her grasp and charged the beast with her full speed and might, crying out "For the honour of Wissimvale!"

Whatever that thing was, it messed with the bull. So it had to get the horns.

[purepolarpanzer]

Apex Chapel

The tall figure in the canvas and leather clothing with a face mask and goggles watches Doredan place the gnome on the ground, moving closer to the two of them with blade raised but a hand extended. Then Kunnian's magic causes a wonderous pattern to emit into the air. The two kidnappers who are handling the Prince both look dumfounded, locked in place and staring at the brilliant, shimmering light. The tall figure who moved up to meet you, however, does not fall victim to the mesmerizing imagery.

Speaking up, the figure says "I'm not going to say that I'm not here to cause trouble. The wreckage, the chaos, that's on me, ok? The red moon passing through your sky? Not me, believe it or not." The voice is smooth, soothing, and confident. Masculine, and when the figure moves it is easy to see that their form is defined, but not musclebound. "I'd prefer to leave this... quaint... kingdom in one piece. I need to borrow a Prince, and it seems you have extra. So why don't you put the blade down, put the illusion magic away, and we all go on with our days. If you refuse... well, I can be VERY persuasive when I need to be..."

The figure is interrupted by a voice from up above, a outburst from empty, naked air that seems to come from naked sky. "Captain! We've got to go! Thirty seconds to lift off! Get... what are those idiots doing, sleeping!" The figure identified as Captain shrugs, then gestures towards Kunnian and Doredan. "We have company. Show them we mean business." A few moments later, a green beam of light seems to shine out of empty sky. It moves in a beam, settling on the altar of the Apex Chapel. It lingers there for a moment before the altar shimmers, combusts, and melts into a molten slag of stone. The Captain gestures towards it. "Unless you want that to be you, don't stand it our way. Cut the magic, or I turn one or more Princes into cooked meat. Submit, and we all walk out of here alive. The choice is yours."

Captain rolled a 23 intimidation. I generally don't tell players how to roleplay, but respond appropriately. When the green beam shines, if one looks at the origin one can see the outline of a dim, hazy figure in the air, standing on an equally blurry platform suspended by barely visible ropes.An invisibility spell of this magnitude would require magic beyond most mortals. These abductors have some powerful magic helping them on this mission.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 25/33 +11
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Doredan's defiant stance loosens when he witnesses the arcane power of their... mage? Weapon? Something, in any case. It is all he can do to keep his knees from knocking as adrenaline pumps into his flight response, urging him to cut and run.

Trying not to look weak, Doredan lowers his dagger, but keeps it at his side. He holds up a hand to Kunnian. "Maker, lower the spell," he commands, managing to keep his voice from shaking and maintain his composure in the face of mortal fear. "I won't stand in your way, Captain... We must pick our battles."

Doredan fails his courage save and bows out, but he rolled well enough he doesn't crap out and run for it.

He watches them leave so that he might get some idea where they're going.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
"Felicity, Angus! Look again. We're being deceived. That soldier's pike passed through the monster. I believe it's an illusion."

With a leap, Bil springs forward from Felicity's back - into the path of the monster. He scoops a stone from the ground, and flings it forward at the "monster" intending to prove the lie of the illusion.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: fly
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

None of the humans gave anything more than frightened denials of knowledge to Hylusi's impatient commands. When she encountered the milkblooded cousin, however, she found not annoyance but downright anger seething in her hand-crafted gut. The Magus' face molded itself into a disgusted scowl as she stared down at the drunken cousin. Sensing her wrath, the hands hidden under her robes began to stir and chirp, their grips shifting and loosening on her in preparation for swarming out.

<The Princess is the primary concern, Aluminzel!> her mental voice hissed with venom. <If she is missing, then search, you miserable sodden creature! Even the humans are doing more than you!>

With a toss of her head, she headed past the worthless worm towards the chambers. She did not expect to find the Princess there, since even Aluminzel was presumably not so worthless as to miss the Royal next door, so to speak. She remembered the bugs; the gorelings readied themselves for hotdropping into combat, which mostly involved flexing their grip and hanging on as loosely as they could without falling off.

As she approached each door, a flex of her magical might had a spectral hand, translucent as grey as the grave, shove them open so the Magus didn't even need to slow down.

<Deidrenei?> her mental voice buzzed, tuned only for the Princess.







Since I was accidentally spoiled on mushroom fumes(?) just a reminder my necklace of adaption allows me to breath normally in any enviroment and grants advantage on saves vs harmful gases and vapours.

Reaction: shield if necessary.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Atrium of the Castle

Between Bil's stone and Felicity's charge, it becomes evident that the giant tentacled creature isn't real. When both impact the beast it fades from view rapidly, leaving nothing but empty space in it's place. The wounded soldiers, as well, disappear, along with their pooled blood. The castle is left open to you, and soldiers begin fanning out through the castle, looking for the cause of all this trouble. The heroes of the moment are left free, with the sounds of ruckus coming from the Apex Chapel.

The Bride's Chamber

Whether through her unique biology or due to her magical protective item, Hylusi brushes past the drunk elf and the rushing humans, heading deeper into the royal family's chambers. There things quiet down, the crowds left outside, and she finds herself alone. The absence of the royal guard who had come all the way from Everarbor is concerning, but as she hustles through the halls she can see why- their response was to slam the chambers of the Queen and King shut and barricade them. However, it does not appear that any of the guards and Deidrenei's door managed to bar the door. They lay in twitching, mumbling piles on the floor, oblivious to the world, with thick smoke pouring out of her rooms like there is a small house fire inside. Hylusi ignores the intoxicant and moves inside.

The chambers have been ruined. Plant pots shattered on the ground, art torn down and tossed aside, and drawers opened and looted. As Hylusi enters the main chamber, where just this morning she met with the Princess, and there she finds two figures in leather and canvas clothing wearing masks and goggles. One of them is stumbling, leaning on the other heavily, while the other, a more muscular figure, almost carries them across the room towards the window. When they spot Hylusi, their reaction is a hair faster than hers, and before the Magus can sic her flock of hands upon them, they clamber through the window and leap. When the Magus looks out the window, she can see them both riding some sort of line, attached to a rope, upwards towards... something blurry hanging in the air? They are moving quite quickly, obviously aided by either magic or mechanics.

Nothing of value has been taken, even though there are gilded statues and valuable sculptures left behind. It looks more like someone made a mess for the sake of making a mess rather than looted this place for objects of value.

The Apex Chapel

When the magic fades and the two masked figures return from their stupor, one of them draws a blade and makes towards Kunnian, but the Captain slaps them with the side of their saber and shouts "The Prince! Get the Prince, you fool!" The underling nods, and quickly the two of them lower the bag over Monsinar's head and start hauling him towards the chapel. The Captain extends his blade again and begins to lead his flunkies in a small circle around Doredan. A rope gets tossed down from... seemingly nowhere, falling down between the abductors, who use mechanical clips to secure themselves to the rope. "Captain! The Princess isn't on board yet! Should we wait?"

The Captain tugs on the rope, which begins to raise into the air. As it does, a section of the invisibility spell coating the large ship that hovers above the chapel fails, and suddenly Kunnian and Doredan can see a sailing ship floating in the air above the castle. "We don't need her! We have him! Get out of here, NOW!" The rope zips upwards towards the deck of the ship, and the Captain turns and gives a small curt salute to Doredan with his blade. Once the Prince and the four sky pirates are aboard their ship, the entire boat begins to move at a swift pace away from the castle... and towards the red moon cruising through the sky. There are sailor's cries and a ringing bell, and they are away.

Besides Doredan, the altar of the chapel shimmers, turning back from a melted slag heap into the religious heart of the chapel, solid and waiting for the rituals of the ancestors and the mountain gods, apparently just fine. Doredan can almost hear the laughter of the rogue Captain as the ship makes it's escape and the illusion of the destroyed altar fades.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33 +11
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Doredan stands with his blade at his side, tense, as the Captain and the two lackeys pass him by. He doesn't take his eyes off of them until they fly away, and the illusion they cast fades. Boiling rage and indignation contort his face, and he slams his fist into a stone pillar, sending stinging pain up his arm and scraping open his knuckles. Hissing through his teeth, he grabs the hand and squeezes it until he gets a hold of himself.

Wearing a scowl, he takes a handkerchief and wraps it around the bloody knuckle. "They said that they did not get the Princess," he observes, once the pain clears away the rage clouding his mind. "Let us make certain that everyone else is alright," he takes off towards the stairs, back down into the castle, seeking something to take his mind off of the failure.

Punches a wall, dealing 1 punch damage to himself.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity did not like being tricked. And she did not like being delayed. Especially when the safety of the royal family was stake. So when Bil showed her that the room of enemies was a trick, her face clouded with rage and a very non-whimsical growl emerged from her throat.

She clooped up to Bil and bowed to him. "Thank you for realizing they were a trick. I'm honoured to have you as my companion. One more ride? To the tower?"

And (assuming he agrees) she sped up the stairs toward Apex Tower as fas as she was able.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil gives a bucktoothed grin of delight as the illusion fades. That would set a few of the guards talking about his quick wits and bravery... assuming they survived.

He turns his pride into a theatrical, self-aware bow to Felicity when she offers another ride. "No, milady, our enemies are about and seem to wield powerful magics. We will serve each other better with a bit more space and flexibility.

Bil spins towards the guardsman. "Angus, I present to you Lady Felicity, a knight of noble bearing come to serve the crown in our hour of need. Soldiers of Wissimvale, to me! Prince Doredan has flown ahead of us on the wings of magic to the Apex Chapel and surely needs our strength of arms! Glorious Damh has given us a moment against which to test our mettle!"

With a grin to Felicity, he joins her in bounding up the stairs, trusting that the soldiers would fall in behind them.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian watches the Prince bloody his knuckles and feels a strange knot in her stomach. She felt so... powerless over what had just happened - a feeling she was not used to. In fact, she had always been gifted and most things had come naturally to her.
Although her training in the Feywild had been grueling, more often than not the challenges presented to her could be overcome. She felt her legs buckle, but she kept her bearing. This was not what she had expected when she left Wyrdtown!
She thought of asking the Prince if he needed healing for his hand, but decided to keep quiet instead. She remembered being told once that a lesser pain could sometimes help mitigate a greater one. At the time she had scoffed at such a statement, commenting that no pain at all was surely better than any pain, however small. Life had a strange way of teaching you a lesson sometimes.
When the prince finally spoke, breaking her train of thought, she simply nodded and followed the Prince to the aid of the others.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: fly
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

When Hylusi slammed into the room and saw the escaping figures, the white dots of her pupils flickered back and forth, taking in the room. The pleasantly orderly design had been spoiled with reckless abandon, and her nose crinkled in disgust at the pointless mess. A part of her noted that the valueables were still here. Deliberate deception - targeted - something to think on.

She did not bother with threats or insults. She ran through her mental list of spells - no, none use, and instead pulled on the magic sunk into the vaguely-skull-shaped emblazoning on her hat. A bead of heat built up at one of her fingertips and with a crack! a burst of eerie white flame launched to splash against the rope and mechanism conveying the escapees to safety.

With a scowl, Hylusi hurtled forth on her staff. If the rope had snapped and it looked like a lethal fall distance, she would cast featherfall on the staggering escapee - but if the rope hadn't snapped or it was only a short drop, she would release the gorelings to drag down her opponents and incapacitate them.





Move forward towards them.
Action: Using the Hat of Wizardry's 1/LR feature to cast Firebolt on the mechanism/rope, 20 to hit, 12 fire damage on a hit.
Ba: release the gorelings if necessary; I'll roll for them if needed.

Reaction: if necessary, cast featherfall on self/one of the enemies so they don't fall and splatter.
Otherwise, cast shield to stop me being hit by an attack.

[purepolarpanzer]

Apex Chapel

Angus nods enthusiastically along with Bil's rousing speech, gathering a squad of soldiers together and rallying after Felicity and the harrengon as they charge up the stairs towards the chapel. However, it isn't long before they are met by Prince Doredan and Maker Kunnian on their way down, with the unconscious king slumped over his son's shoulder. Angus squeezes through the tight stairwell and asks "Lord! M'lord! King! Prince! What has happened?"

Outside the Princess' Window

The Magus' firebolt hits the mechanism that is pulling the two pirates up the line, and while it does not snap the rope, it does damage the ascender device so that it is not actively speeding them both up the rope. When the payload of swarming gorelings falls down upon the fleeing kidnappers, most of the undead are scattered over the mountainside, falling down for nearly a hundred feet before cracking upon the stones of the mountain. However, dozens of appendages tug and pull and yank at the pirates, managing to distract both of them enough that climbing the rope is impossible. The extra weight on the already frayed rope causes itto snap, and both pirates and the clump of hands fall out of sight. Hylusi's spell wraps the groggy one in a protective cushion of air, leaving her companion to be dashed across the mountainside.

With a familiar intonation of elvish words, the groggy pirate rises into the air. Staring at the Magus for a moment, one of the stray gorelings that has managed to hold on through the chaos yanks hard on the offender's mask, which comes off and is quickly taken by the wind. Flying before the Magus is her mentor, her master, and her friend, Princess Deidreinei. She looks muddled and it appears hard for her to focus, but her eyes are locked on Hylusi. Most would say that the Princess' face was a emotionless mask, but her constant companion knew better- the Princess was feeling more emotions than most commoners would experience in their entire lives.

"Hylusi... I don't have time to explain. Where I am going... you cannot join me. Yet. I must learn what we are dealing with, gain mastery over it, and then I WILL need your assistance. But for now... they will not let you come with me. They barely trust me, there's no way I can bring an ally. Follow us. We are leaving this planar backwater for the full expanse of the multiverse! True freedom, unlimited power, and worlds without number... no more knowing what each moment, each day, each year, each CENTURY will bring! Follow me, and when the time comes, we will turn the tables on the powers I work with and you and I will end up on top! I can't do this without you, but for now... I cannot bring you with me. Use the coin, follow the Path, and together... NOTHING will stop us, Hylusi!" Looking back towards the highest part of the mountain, a large sailing ship blips into existence and begins pulling away from the castle and the mountain. The Princess' eyes turn to it, then back to the Magus. There is a moment of uncertainty and pain, and then the Princess spreads her arms and begins to fly towards the soaring ship as it moves to catch up with the red, scarred moon that is ambling across the sky.

If Dedrenei is not stopped or interrupted she will fly/run action to catch up with the boat.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1078384629414887526/hylusi3_surprise.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: fly
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 2/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

Most of the gorelings simply fell like awful rain to shatter on the stones far below, but Hylusi paid no heed to their destruction. Enough managed the rope snapped, and with contemptuous ease Hylusi bent her will to ensuring one of the raiders survived.

And then the raider rose, under their own magic, and-

Hylusi stopped. She stared into the frantic eyes of her lady, her face revealed. Behind the outpouring of emotions, it seemed like her - and with the innate elvish resistance to charms, it was almost certain the Princess was doing this by choice. One of her hands rose as if to grasp at the Princess.

Hylusi was no stranger to mania. It was only the rejecting of her fate and reason that she had made the very flesh she now wore.

She had so many questions - but there wasn't time. Trust her - or fight to bring her back? Deidreinei was powerful. Even in her state, Hylusi wasn't sure she could even if she wanted to forcefully bring back her liege.

So all that left was trust. She balled her hand into a fist.

<Deidreinei-> she began, then cut herself off. She smiled grimly. <Very well! I'll seek you out. Skies watch you kindly, Princess, until we can claim all that lies beneath them! Stay alive! And trust none!>

She watched the Princess go, motionless in the air on her staff. Only once the other elf was gone did she force herself into motion.

With a sort of creeping calm, she flew down to the corpse of the raider who had been dashed across the stones, and yanked off his mask. A click of her fingers slicked the blood off, and she shoved it in her sash for later inspection. She searched him for anything useful - perhaps he had the coin the Princess spoke of? - or incriminating, before heaving his corpse rather awkwardly over her staff. With two arms balancing him over the staff, she flew back up to the Princess' chamber and dumped him out upon the floor.

She breathed in, slowly.

And then she howled. It was a horrible, gurgling, inhuman thing, from a throat too flawed to make the sounds of speech. She snatched up a jar - a Tannali piece, elegant and rare, cracked already from the uprooting the room had taken - and hurled it across the chamber to crash in pieces against the wall. She picked up a ivory statuette and snapped it over the side of antique dresser. She delivered a vicious-if-clumsy kick to the slightly mushy side of the corpse, once, twice, thrice, then hissed at the pain in her toes.

Everything had changed, twisted, without warning or sign. Her careful plans of study and growth, destroyed. Her greatest ally was now gone, on what was seemingly a plan Hylusi had not been part of nor even told about. As her Magus, it would not be impossible even for blame to be twisted towards her, whether it was her fault or not. Maybe not at first, but the Quaternaros line was not loved on all fronts. The only difference between an elvish court and a pit of vipers was number of scales.

She huffed for breath, her wrath cooling.

Think it through.

All was not lost. Dei had said she expected Hylusi to follow her, and she would. The 'coin'. This could - must- be an oppotunity.

Hylusi had already overcome death! She had already defied fate itself! She would not be dragged down by - this!

Taking a moment longer to recollect herself, she stalked towards the doorway. She would find out the state of the rest of the castle. See if they had recovered the 'coin' spoken of.





nil

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33 +11
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

As he carries his father down the stairs with considerable difficulty, Doredan's expression is uncharacteristically grim and dour. As soon as their reinforcements appear, he ushers a guard to help him with the man, and catches his breath. "Prince Monsinar has been abducted," he reports. "The bastards fled in some sort of flying ship."

"They said they'd not captured the Princess yet," he says, with some hope still in his voice. "Have any of you seen where she and my mother are?"

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

"My prince, we came straight here when we hear the commotion.
Bil presses himself forward while also punctuating each sentence with a fresh bow.
But when we separated after the battle in the marketplace, the magus said she was headed to the princess' chamber on her broom. If she hasn't joined us yet, then it seems likely that she may have encountered enemies there. Bil's ears twitch with anticipation, ready to follow the prince in a charge across the castle.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was also not a big fan of making a super-dramatic charge only to find out that she had to stop, turn around, and somehow make another super draamtic charge in the other direction.

But it's for the Prince. And for his father the King(!). So she hid her frustration beneath some suitably grim
determination, and readied herself to start moving toward the Princess's bedchamber!

I swear I'm going to stab something today, she thought to herself.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Mountainside


While her servitors descend the mountain on the thin goat paths to clean up and prepare the gorelings for reinvigoration, the Magus descends on her staff and begins the process of searching the dead. It seems the pirate travelled light. Upon removing the canvas mask from the corpse, she finds that the planar pirate is of human origin. Male, with curious tattoos running up the left arm and onto the neck. His head is shaved bald and he has a prodigious moustache with two small gold rings hanging from the corners. In his pockets you find a small handful of coins, several precious stones, and a hefty bronze medallion on a string around his neck that appears to be made of geometric lines meeting a moon-shaped crescent of dull, white gem.

4 Gold, 12 Silver, and 23 copper for your troubles. Four small gemstones worth 15 gp apiece to the right buyer. And a strange medallion/coin that the Magus isn't sure about. Oh, and the mask is non-magical.

The medallion vibrates slightly as you run your thumb across it, indicating some hint of magic.

Holding the medallion up on it's ribbonlike cord allows it to swing free. When the Magus does this, the medallion swerves slightly towards the rogue crimson moon passing through her world's sky like a behemoth creature, similar to how a lodestone or compass turns towards a source of iron.
The Princess' Quarters

The party follows the sound of spellcasting and violence towards the Princess' chambers. A thick, smoky air remains, but the worst of the spores have dissipated, leaving a wing full of moaning people holding their heads as the aftereffects of the aggravating mushroom take hold. Any attempts to gather information are met with vague pointing in the direction of the royal family's suites.

Following the directions, the party finds themselves meeting Hylusi in the hall outside the ransacked Princess' chamber just as the larger doors down the hallway burst open. A flurry of elvish guards stream out, fanning down the hallway and "encouraging" all they find to hold their position. After a few moments of hubbub an elegantly dressed woman who appears to be in her mid thirties leaves the royal suite, who Doredan (and surely some of the others assembled) know to be the Queen of Everarbor, Felisenai Varn'allow. She moves with supreme control, her dress shimmering with a combination of fresh water pearls and silver leaves. "What is the meaning of this commotion? What has happened?" Her voice is calm and cold, but carries an authority of command and an underlying tone of suppressed outrage.

[Awful]

Hylusi had, with mild distaste, used mage hand to retrieve the coins and with somewhat less distaste the gems. Well, she was already looting a corpse - she would need liquid assets for the journey ahead, no doubt, so with gritted teeth she retrieved the gold mustache rings, too.

The medallion she inspected carefully, seeing how it inclined towards the bloody scar across the sky.

Interesting indeed.

The Princess' Quarters

Hylusi had not time to exchange more than a glance with the rest of the party when the Queen's protectors finally made their move. At the outpouring of guards, Hylusi had to hold back a sneer. Now the danger was past, they emerged? Each was a failure to their duty to the Princess... even if that Princess had gone against them, perhaps.

As the elvish queen swept out, Hylusi promptly dropped to one knee, her head inclined. She held forth one hand before her, the weighty amulet heavy and bright against her slender grey fingers.

<Your Majesty,> Hylusi broadcast. She kept this open to everyone nearby. <It seems the castle was attacked by an interplanar force. I have slain one of the intruders since my return to the castle, but...> she paused, weighing her next 'words'. <The Princess is not present. I believe she has been taken with the attackers as they departed. >

She cast a glance sideways at the others. The human princeling, the gnome, the rabbit, and the horse - a menagerie indeed. She waited to see how they had fared in their own little quest.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33 +11
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Once they arrive outside the Princess' guest room, Doredan lowers his father into one of the lounge couches, the weight growing rather taxing. Despite what he'd heard from the abductors, the elvish delegation's quarters look ransacked, and he can see past an emerging Hylusi no accompanying princess. A pit of despair sinks into the pit of his stomach.

Standing from his father's side, he turns to face the entering elvish Queen. Just the sort of political maneuvering he'd never wanted upon his shoulders... "Queen Varn'allow," he greets the foreign royal with a bow of the head rather than a knee, as befitting her status as a reigning monarch, while he only a prince. Doredan does his best to keep the exhaustion and stress from creeping into his voice, but it inevitably carries an edge of frustration. "It is good to see that your Majesty is safe. My brother the Prince was abducted by raiders, taking advantage of the..." he pauses, looking towards the windows - incredulously, still. "The red moon."

Lowering his head in shame, Doredan admits, "I was unable to rescue my brother, fooled by their illusionist. They were shouting to one another. They claimed that the Princess was not yet on board, and that they would need to take flight soon-" he looks hopefully to Hylusi. "Magus, were you able to reach the Princess in time?"

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was doing okay until they walked into a room and THE QUEEN Was there. The Queen! She was starstruck and tried to hide with the depth and grace of her bow.

(which was indeed deep, but not overly graceful)

She looked back and forth as the others talked. She didn't have anything to add except the bit where she was fooled by the illusions and was no help at all protecting anyone.

So she decided maybe discretion was the better part of valor.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil's nose twitches in anxiety in the presence of the elven queen. Could an introduction be arranged? Surely, the demands of protocol are superseded by the urgency of the situation - and yet, it is the prince and the magus who have encountered the enemy. He has no information to share that is not trumped and overshadowed by their experience, and to speak would be to invite disdain, perhaps even ridicule or rebuke.

Silently, he stands ready.

"Damh forbid," he offers, sotto voce, when Hylusi shares her suspicious about the princess' abduction.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: fly
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

In a moment of irritation, Hylusi shot the prince a look only just shy of withering from where she knelt to the queen before she turned her face back away.
"<Do you see the Princess here, hu- Highness?>" her mind-voice hissed to him.





nul

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian was starting to feel a little better surrounded by obviously powerful allies and she was following the conversations with interest. She did feel a little bit weird when a strange voice rang inside of her mind though.
Was it coming from that creepy lady over there? She thought to herself.
Then, she caught that same creepy lady shooting an evil stare at the prince and everyone stood in silence for an awkward moment.
So she broke the silence: ''Well. What now?''
She felt stupid as soon as the words crossed her lips and her cheeks immediately turned red.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Sensing Kunnian’s embarrassment, Bil steps to her side, looking to smooth the moment over.
”Great Damh, in his wisdom, has offered us a moment of decision. The celebration we came for is not to be. But the festivities will be even more joyous if we overcome these challenges and rescue the prince and princess.
It may be that we stand at the pivot point of our destiny. I don’t believe we are here by chance. Your Highnesses, I offer my strength and my faith in your service.”

[purepolarpanzer]

The Queen's Suites

The elvish queen frowns at this news, and frowns deeper at promises of assistance. "I made a mistake in trusting the kingdom of Wissimvale to handle security on this matter, clearly. Why would I make the mistake of putting wedding guests and random passerby in charge of the rescue effort? No, thank you. If you wish a royal blessing on your misadventures, you may talk to the human king whenever he wakes up. We leave for Everarbor immediately. I will consult with our sages, and we will stage our own rescue attempt."

The queen shoots Hylusi a look, then closes her eyes and speaks again in a cold voice. "Magus, as my daughter's advisor, it seems you are unemployed while she is away. I would request you monitor any attempts to rescue her and her husband to be from this end, to at least ensure that Wissimvale's attempts do not interfere with our own. As far as the Dahmian priests go, there will be no celebrations in Everarbor until my family, both my third daughter and my first human son, are returned. I have every confidence in Wissimvale to provide whatever support is needed in this rescue mission, even if their actual security... leaves much to be desired." She turns and barks a command in elvish to the guards and support personnel- "Prepare our things! We leave by morning!" Without another word, her entourage shut the doors of her suite with a finality.

"Dooorrredan..." The mumbling, groaning voice of King Reydalise rises from the couch. The king attempts to sit up, and when he does great pain crosses his face. His guards quickly move in from behind to support the king, who rubs at a large bump on his head, looking to his middle son. "Doredan, we will turn the kingdom's full might and ability to rescuing Monsinar and Deidrenei, but our magical strength pales in comparison to the elvish queendom. I will not be idle, however. I don't care if I have to spend every gold peak in the treasury, I don't care if my cry goes from the Unfathomable East to the Western Sea of Grass, I will find someone to help my boy. But... if you can figure out something quicker... you've always been a sharp boy..."

Doredan's father, usually so solid, so vital, looks wounded and ashamed at what has transpired. "I never approved of your lessons with the spy master, and I cannot ask the rest of you to do anything that would put yourselves at risk, but if there is any way of following that red moon, of following those damn kidnappers... I would ask that you undertake this task for me." He turns to Doredan and grimaces. "For your family. For the kingdom. Hells bells, the instability from this could start the whole damn war all over again if left untreated." He shifts his gaze to look over Hylusi, Kunnian, Felicity, and Bil as well. "In the name of peace and prosperity for this corner of the world, I formally ask you all, if it is at all in your capabilities, please rescue my son and my new daughter." The king's rubbing hand at his temple makes contact with the large bump on his head, causing him to wince and his guard to give a worried, hushed cry at his pain. "I must go inform your mother, Doredan. I pray to the mountain and our ancestors that she can handle the news... guards, follow me. If you need speak with me further, come to our family's wing." The king is rushed off by the guard, and then you are all left alone again.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Doredan could not bring himself to promise anything after his failure. Once he had endured the vitriol of the elven queen, and the pleas of his king father, Doredan excuses himself from the room. He finds his way to the nearest balcony to look out over the ruins of their city.

In the distant horizon, he can see the fading shape of the red moon, the third in their sky. As the thought passes through his head, Doredan's hand twitches and grips the balcony railing. The short, red cape at the back of his outfit flips in the wind of his rapid turn, and he walks inside to pull up a chair. From the carrying satchel at his side, he tugs a black, starry-skied mask.

"Mask of Three Moons," he whispers under his breath. No coincidence, surely. It can't be. Not like there's another lead, so it's worth a shot. Doredan places the mask upon his face, not certain what will happen.

[purepolarpanzer]

An Aside- the Mask of Three Moons

When Doredan moves to a more secluded area of the castle, the only home that he'd ever known, and begins ruminating over the three moons suspended in the sky of his plane, a sense of detachment comes over him. As his attention turns to things celestial, the mask glimmers in a faint beam of moonlight, suddenly reflective for the moment that Doredan turns his attention to it. Lifting it up before his face, he suddenly wonders if the third and central moon was a scalded red when he bought it. As a matter of fact, the coloration of the mask perfectly mirrors the triplicate moons in the Wissimvale sky. It slips on as though it were perfectly molded for his face.

For a moment, it appears as though nothing had happened. Doredan realizes that the eyes of the mask appear empty, but actually have deep blue lenses, at least when wearing them. His own breath isn't restricted by the mask, which only covers from his forehead to his nose. But after a few moments things change. Wisps of light, few and far between at first but with increasing frequency, begin to swim by the Prince's hand. This flow of light almost seems like a river flowing with many fish, but as time continues the flow becomes solid, a single layer of ethereal light. It begins to spill forward like milk from a fallen bottle, rising gently from a quick leap down the mountainside and flowing off all the way up to the slow moving red moon. It almost looks like a flow of solid smoke trailing from the moon at this point, a trail or path that spins out from rear of the of the massive aerial object.

This may cause wonder or eureka or satisfaction for the Prince, but if it does it is interrupted by the moons on the mask rotating in place with a thunk, and suddenly the lenses are green, and he is seeing something completely different. There's a moment of disorientation, and suddenly Doredan finds himself looking down at Wissimvale FROM the floating moon. His vision swims and moves without him moving his head, as though someone were forcefully turning his neck to see alien images.

If you fail you feel nauseous and motion sick.

You're looking through someone else's eyes, and by the HEAVENS it is confusing.
Whoever this is, they are sitting at a table looking over some papers covered in alien text, but repeatedly their eyes drift to the city, the mountain, and the castle, all hanging in space below her location on the moon. Does she know there is trouble down there?
A humanoid being climbs up the stairs to the roof. He would be handsome if it were not for the scales around his eyes and temples and the serpentine nature of those eyes. Hell, maybe he's handsome in spite of it. He passes a tray with a drink and some sort of food to towards you, and feminine hands reach out to take the drink. She must be at a restaurant on the red moon!

Then there is another thunk, the lenses switch again, and again the Prince sees the mountainside. The moon. He's standing in the same place. But the path is clearly visible, going up to the orbit of the renegade moon, as visible and real-seeming to him as anything else around him.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: fly
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 10/10

Hylusi inclined her head deeper at the Queen's command. As soon as the door shut, she abruptly rose. She frowned in thought, consternation, and just as a general principle.

The princess had said "to use the coin". She thought back on what she'd recovered from the corpse still lying in the room next door. She must mean the medallion.

Without a word, she stalked back into the Princess' chamber, holding up the medallion in the ruddy light of the ill moon. She breathed in and out, focusing her senses on it, watching how it reacted.

There would be much to do.






23 arcana on the medallion.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Princess' Chamber

Utilizing the same window that the Princess left through, Hylusi lifts the coin and focuses her mental prowess on the object. So much magically inclined willpower on a single point was normally not enough to manifest power without spells, but channeled through this object it caused a stream of milky, ethereal light to spill out before the window. This steam of wispy light strengthened, solidified, and became a path that spirals off, moving in to trail the renegade moon like a particularly aggressive walkway.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png

Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 22/32
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 1/1
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10

Oh ho.

Well, that would show how to get to the red moon.

However, going immediately would be... hasty. The Princess had gone deliberately; she could trust her not to die pathetically from an hour's delay.

Judging the path of the moon, she calculated it and nodded. There were things to do and, perhaps, allies to assemble.

The princeling might make a decent work partner. He was handsome for a human, she supposed, and having a pretty face to say prettier words was helpful sometimes - Hylusi made no pretence as to care social niceties, but as a prince, he'd gargled on honeyed words since before he had teeth, no doubt, and he seemed capable enough with that blade of his.

The centaur - Fourhoof, or something? She thought it was part of the castle guard or stables or something - either way, she was large, armoured, and fast, and honestly, Hylusi was deeply interested in autopsying the centaur. Did she had two sets of organs, respective to the horse and elfoid segments of the body? Or one, larger and rearranged for the combined biology? If she came along, there would be a likelihood of getting the chance. She resolved to invite the centaur along.

Who else? There was that rabbitfolk cleric from before. While it was inferior to the true power of arcane magic, the powers of the divine could be useful. The rabbit was wearing armour, so probably experienced enough in violence. Hmm. Worth a try. There was that gnome, too, who had demonstrated magic back at the marketplace battle against the beetles. Combined with the human king's request, they should be willing to come and useful enough to be worth bringing along.

That would be four companions, which should be sufficient. Too many would be unruly and awkward, especially if she had to kill them all at the end to preserve the princess' secret. Well, she'd burn that bridge if she came to it.

Right, then. It was settled. She made her way to her lab-chamber, intending to get some swift work in before she packed it all up to take with her.

When her servitors brought in the pulped flesh of her gorelings, she scribbled quick notes on some vellum and sent them off.

---

Each of the party would find themselves approached by a hooded, masked figure, clad in charcoally black-grey robes, who would present them silently with a note before departing. With a polite inclination of their head in farewell, the figure would turn and leave without saying a single word.

Inspected, the note would read, in somewhat antiquated Common:

Hark! As thou hast proven thyself above a common knave, I, the Magus Quaternaros, do beckon thee to attend to the Princess' chamber, one hour hence, shouldst thou have the will to pursue the Red Moon and its captives, of which I hath devised a means of approaching. If thee wouldst quail at further danger, come ye not, for I hath no use for the craven.

One might surmise it had been a while since Hylusi had last written outside of elvish.




If possible, take a short rest for the purpose of HP recovery, Arcane Recovery, and the Chef feat, then resurrect the gorelings with a couple castings of Animate Dead with the Fingerbone staff.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian had remained silent as the others seemed to bravely accept the king's plea. Just as the party was disbanding temporarily, Kunnian called out to Bil and strolled up to him: ''Excuse me, father. Would you mind if I walked with you for a moment? This might be too forward of me but-but I have something I need to confess.'' There was a heavy weight upon her soul and she hoped a priest of Damh might be able to offer counsel.

As the pair stepped outside, the air still felt tense and Kunnian walked in silence for a moment before talking. She was trying to compose herself, unsure how to bring up the difficult subject on her mind: ''I-'' she started. She took a deep breathe: ''I think I could have stopped this...'' She looked away, embarrassed. ''You see, before leaving home I received a prophecy that something terrible would happen at the wedding. I came here to alert the royal family but... I can get so distracted sometimes... I completely forgot what I came here to do and decided to enjoy myself instead.'' Her eyes glistened with tears. ''And then, when I tried to save Monsinor, my magic wasn't strong enough. I don't know what to do, Bil. I want to help you, like the king requested, but what if I just make things worse again?''

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 28/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity took some time alone. Resting quietly. Neither of those were her natural states, but she'd had a long day. She'd hoped to talk to someone, but Prince Doredan went off doing royal stuff and Bil and Kunnian went off together. So she sat. Alone.

After an hour she went where the letter told her to go. Warily. Carefully. With the paper clutched in one hand like a talisman. Or a shield.

When she arrived in the princess' chamber, she asked the little elf, "Why did you write us letters? You could have just asked us?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Near the Balcony

Experiencing swimming nausea, Prince Doredan struggles not to fall from his chair during the transitions between viewpoints. When the world pulls back to him, he takes off the mask and practices breathing exercises to control the sudden urge to vomit. Close eyes, breathe in, breathe out.

That image of scaled, reptilian eyes sticks with him. And the hands, not his own. Soul sister, the lizardfolk merchant had said. Apparently, quite literally. When he opens his eyes, the prince is met with the sight of one of the Magus' servants, standing before him with a hand outstretched and a letter resting in the palm. Doredan takes the letter, and the servant politely leaves the room.

Slicing it open with a letter opener, as any civilized person does, he reads the contents. With an upturn of his nose, he harumphs and tucks the letter away. Above a common knave indeed.

The Princess' Chambers

"Above a common knave indeed," when he steps into the room, the prince wears an expression of irritation. Too stained with grief to boil over into true anger, but nonetheless displeased. "I am not a servant to bid and call, Magus. I've the decency to address you by title and I expect the same. Je te ferai savoir, this prince has already resolved the means to track the Red Moon," he tosses the folded up letter onto a mostly-intact table, and holds up the starry-faced mask between two fingers.

Thankfully, the others are gathering as well, and so he divests the knowledge that has come to him. "I need only wear this mask to see the moon's trail. Furthermore," Doredan tucks the mask into his coat pocket, "It allows me to see through the eyes of someone living upon that very moon... in a city, with restaurants, no less."

"This was no act of god," he proclaims dramatically, holding up a finger. "We have been invaded, very willfully, by a society residing upon that moon." A leap in logic, perhaps. But the moon struck, the bugs abducted their people back to it, and the sky pirates followed in its wake. No shortage of damning coincidence for whatever nation lay up there.

[jscape2000]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian had remained silent as the others seemed to bravely accept the king's plea. Just as the party was disbanding temporarily, Kunnian called out to Bil and strolled up to him: ''Excuse me, father. Would you mind if I walked with you for a moment? This might be too forward of me but-but I have something I need to confess.'' There was a heavy weight upon her soul and she hoped a priest of Damh might be able to offer counsel.

As the pair stepped outside, the air still felt tense and Kunnian walked in silence for a moment before talking. She was trying to compose herself, unsure how to bring up the difficult subject on her mind: ''I-'' she started. She took a deep breathe: ''I think I could have stopped this...'' She looked away, embarrassed. ''You see, before leaving home I received a prophecy that something terrible would happen at the wedding. I came here to alert the royal family but... I can get so distracted sometimes... I completely forgot what I came here to do and decided to enjoy myself instead.'' Her eyes glistened with tears. ''And then, when I tried to save Monsinor, my magic wasn't strong enough. I don't know what to do, Bil. I want to help you, like the king requested, but what if I just make things worse again?''




https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP: 11
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

Bil looks at the gnome with sympathy as she pours out her grief.
"Oh Kunnian, oh child." He wraps a reassuring paw around the gnome's hand.
"Prophecies are always clear in retrospect. 'Something terrible?' The wedding itself could have been terrible. The beef might have been overdone, or the musicians out of tune. Many marriages are their own form of tragedy, no matter how joyous their beginnings. Often, because of those joyous beginnings."

Bil leads Kunnian to a quiet corner of the ruined castle gardens to rest and talk. He'd always liked this particular spot. A wide rosemary bush grew in the far corner, and its fragrant leaves were a sweet treat during court balls once Bil had grown tired of the chatter and the dancing and the very real *work* of being charming. That bush, like so much in Bil's life, was trampled, burnt on one side, and badly broken now.

"Kunnian, please consider for a moment the importance of a royal wedding. Of *this* royal wedding that was to bring an era of peace and unity after a generation of war and violence and grief. How many divinations have been poured into this day? How many magus and seers and holy hermits read tea leaves or sticks or consulted oracles? All of them, every one, was blind. The gods do not whisper our fate to us to spare us from it." He snorts with a short, bitter, barking laugh. "I am not sure anymore if the gods don't use prophecy to twist the knife deeper into us, for daring to presume a small sliver of their vision. So, do not confess to me as though you have committed some offense. Let the queen, with her might and splendor come to confess. Let the magus come with her pride. Your faults are so small that you need not seek forgiveness. " He exhales slowly, the fear and anger and powerlessness of the day leaving him.

"But if it brings you peace, know you are forgiven. Because, when the moment for accounting came and we had to choose to run or face the danger our foes represent, I heard you singing. Every moment is a celebration, if we allow it to be, even the moments of fear and grief. When the moment came, you chose to sing."

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

The paladin

When the centaur entered, Hylusi was standing at the window, staring out at the red moon and weighing the medallion in two of her hands. Their primary tasks complete, one of the servitors was cleaning the room for want of something to do. The others stood against the wall, carrying the belongings the Magus intended to take with her; spare robes, a tent, fine wine, perfume, long-lasting food, the most valuable books from her collection. The remainder had been packed and instructons had been left to send them back to Bleakpines.

The corpse of the man Hylusi had killed had been stashed in the corner of the Princess' chamber, destined to no doubt upset the maids in the morning.

She turned her head at the sound of hooves striking on stone. The centaur - as with all their ilk - was tall, but despite her size and obvious might the creature was holding the letter like an aegis before her.
<The letter? There was - is - much to be done before the Red Moon departs, and my time was better utilised in work. Neither myself or my servants can speak aloud, and they do not have the telepathic talent that I possess. Thus, the letters. They served their purpose, did they not?>
Her mind-voice was calm and measured as she turned to face the paladin more fully.
<Fourhooves, correct? I hope you have prepared. We will not return for some time, I believe, and even I cannot be certain what we will encounter.>

---

The prince

As the Prince entered, Hylusi bore his annoyance with a neutral expression, but when he revealed he too had found a way to follow the moon, she blinked. Her voice did not stutter - as a thought, it was incapable of such, but there was nonetheless a note of surprise in it.
<You... have?>
She settled herself, adjusting her grip on her staff, and when she next 'spoke' it was in her normal cold-water tone.
<I see. My apologies, your Highness - the recent events have left my humours unbalanced. The letter was generic. No insult was meant to you and your station.>

Once the rest of the group had gathered, she turned back to look at the distant ruddy moon.
<Restaurants, indeed? I would be interested in inspecting that mask of yours at some point. But for matters at hand...>

Focusing her will on the medallion, she brought back the milky path to the Red Moon. She gestured grandly with her left arms to the way to the Moon, stepping aside to clear the way for the others.

<Behold, our path. I cannot say what we might face once we depart. I would recommend you go first, in case the path vanishes behind me, being the summoner.>







Added the twilight cleric THP from earlier since i didn't update my stats for it, which afaik should last until i finish a long rest.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 32/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity did not have much. Far from home and a career knight, she possessed little more than clothing, her weapons and armour, and a few personal effects.

Everything she owned was slung in a pack over her back.

She was still a little uncertain about the thin elf mage. She seemed... unwholesome. Felicity didn't like to judge a book by its cover, but some covers just had big scary skulls on them and there was no point in pretending otherwise.

Still, Kunnian and Bil and the Prince all seemed fine. So she was probably just being oversensitive.

It's not like she's fantasizing about cutting me up and studying me like a lab animal after all.

Felicity smiled a wan, uncertain smile.

"I'm ready," she said, "For whatever comes next."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Letting out a breath, Prince Doredan shrugs off his irritation. "It has been a trying day," he admits, in understatement. When the milky path appears, it reminds him of those that the bugs used to latch onto and let the moon carry them away. Looking upon the strand leading into the horizon, he wonders aloud, "How many days do you think we will need to walk the path to catch up to the moon?"

Turning to the commoners and knights, the prince straightens his clothes and takes charge, "We must be sure to bring enough food for the journey. Let us split up, and search the kitchens and guards' quarters for any provisions we can take." He casts his gaze between Quaternaros and Maker Kunnian. "Have any of us prepared the spell Feather Fall? We should be prepared in case the path vanishes beneath us."

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

<Few, if any. Consider the insects,> Hylusi sent. <They were accelerated back to the moon with their prey at incredible speed. It is likely we will encounter the same phenomenon.>
At his question of spells, Hylusi nodded. <I ensure featherfall is available. When one can utilise flight, only a fool relies on the kindess of gravity in the face of interference with their spell.> She glanced at the others. <Of course, it only affects a limited number of entities, the number of which this group will exceed.>






nil

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

<Few, if any. Consider the insects,> Hylusi sent. <They were accelerated back to the moon with their prey at incredible speed. It is likely we will encounter the same phenomenon.>
At his question of spells, Hylusi nodded. <I ensure featherfall is available. When one can utilise flight, only a fool relies on the kindess of gravity in the face of interference with their spell.> She glanced at the others. <Of course, it only affects a limited number of entities, the number of which this group will exceed.>






nil



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 23/33 THP:
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
5 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil conducts a quick headcount. Kunnian, Felicity, the prince, the mage, himself...
"I am, of course, no expert in the limitations of your Art, lady magus. But my experience with the particular spell you mention is that we are actually a small enough group to fit comfortably within its limits. Unless there are other warriors not gathered her prepared to make the journey, perhaps? Or," Bil's gaze is direct and unamused, "perhaps you mean to imply that you would choose to preserve the undead minions in your command over the companion's gathered here?"
He sniffs. "His highness the prince was not the only one perturbed by the curtness of your note."

-- At an appropriate moment, to Prince Doredan --
"Your highness, would you know if anyone within the castle has a quantity of diamonds available? I have gold to exchange, but they are the crucial component in a spell of resuscitation. Should one of our companions be slain, with the appropriate offering I can beg Damh's intercession? If not, I must beg time to return to town, and hope to find a merchant able to open his shop in these distressing times."

posting in the back together timeline, knowing Bil and Kunnian have a flashback still to wrap up

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

"The palace treasurer may be able to trade some," the prince replies to Bil. "I will go with you. Perhaps acquiring a spare scroll of Feather Fall in town is also wise before we set out."

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

At Bil's accusation, the Magus regarded him coldly before sighing slightly in exasperation. For the sake of diplomacy, she decided to be polite, already vaguely regretting inviting the rabbit along.

<Oh, so you realised their nature?> Hylusi 'said' as mildly as she could. <Very well. My three servants here are no common 'undead minions', as you put it. They still possess their anima, their will, their names. They are very much what they were before their deaths - minus the more... temporary organics. They have provided me with loyal and able service for longer than you've existed, unless I miss my guess.>
With a flex of her will, she beckoned one of the resurrected gorelings, the gloved hand creeping up from her sleeve to balance on a slender grey hand - a neat white glove, squatting like a spider on her palm. It chirped softly until she silenced it with a thought.
<These ones are mere tools. They are little different to that mace you carry at your belt. Indeed, I expended them in my defeat of that raider, apparently the only such success.>
She gestured casually to the corpse in the the corner as she met the cleric's gaze, just as grave.
<My silent retainers are sworn to me, to serve beyond death. They are mine, and I will not squander them needlessly, nor permit their destruction. So to answer your accusation, master hare: read into my words as you will - but I merely stated that the spell would be insufficient for all who needed preserving, and so it is.>

She shrugged lightly.
<For the sake of the venture ahead, I will forgive the choler in your statement, as I'm sure you will forgive any unintentional insult within my letter.>






nil

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 20/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

- To Bil, in the courtyard-

Sorry I took some time to reply. I'll just wrap this up without any conversation since it would probably be weird to go back and forth in the timeline
Kunnian let the fragrance of the rosemary tree, combined with the light scent of honey that followed her wherever she went envelop and soothe her. She closed her eyes to consider Bil's words for a moment. He was truly inspiring. Kunnian herself wished to be such a leader for her people some day... And maybe this was the perfect opportunity for her to step up, to do something that everyone back home would be proud of and to finally prove herself! ''You're right.'' She said, her conviction renewed. ''As long as there is good song, good company, there will always be hope. The people are afraid right now. Heck, I'm afraid. But instead of letting this fear control me, I should seize it, seize this opportunity, and make things right again.'' A moment, then: ''I-I'll be honest, I'm a little bit scared of the lady with four arms and the prospect of travelling alongside her. But her concern for the princess certainly did seem genuine so she can't be all bad. Right?'' The question seemed more to herself than to Bil and before he could answer she hopped to her feet: ''Thanks again mister Bil! But I need to go collect my things if we are to be gone travelling for a while. And I need to write back home, too... They'll be so worried if they don't know where I am for so long. Oh! There are so many arrangements to make... Who will teach the little ones while I'm away I-'' She suddenly stopped herself. ''Sorry. I'm rambling again. Well, I'll see you in a bit, ok? Thanks again. Oh! And here, take this.''
She rummages through her pockets and pulls out a colorful cupcake, covered in sprinkles and surprisingly well preserved for something she just fished out of a pocket. ''It's my infinity cupcake. Eat it! It's really good. Don't worry, it'll grow back tomorrow, so you can give it back to me then.'' She winks, and runs off.

- in her room -
Kunnian is furiously writing letters - to her cousin Gimble, her parents, to Elder Klazmar, to her little sister, to her pupils... when she received the visit of the Magus' servant. She reads the letter the servant delivered, unsure of what it means because of the archaic writing - Common was not her mother tongue either. She furrows her brow: ''Does this mean your mistress wants me to go meet her?'' The servant shook it's head ever so slightly in an affirmative way. ''Ok. Wait, I'll come with you. I'm a little shy to show up there alone. What if I'm the first one to arrive? That would be awkward.'' She starts packing her things quickly and continues talking all the while: ''Well, I was mostly finished writing my letters anyways. Maybe you can help me find someone to deliver them? I'm not too sure how the post works around here...'' The servant remains silent: ''Not too talkative, are you, huh? Well, that's alright. I have a bunch of storie from back home to entertain you with on our way to meet your mistress.''
And the unlikely pair headed off towards the meeting.

- in the Magus' quarters -
Kunnian and the servant arrived in the middle of the others' conversation. The servant is visibly relieved that her ordeal with the bard is over. Kunnian says: ''Oh! You're all there already. Don't mind me, then. Keep talking,''. She smiled awkwardly. While the others discussed logistics and such, she could feel tension directed towards Hylusi, so she plucked a soft tune on her lyre, hoping to relax the atmosphere...




She shrugged lightly.
<For the sake of the venture ahead, I will forgive the choler in your statement, as I'm sure you will forgive any unintentional insult within my letter.>


Well, if it's any consolation I thought your letter was lovely! she says softly, still hoping to defuse the situation.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 32/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity listened to the tense exchange with increasing anxiety. She didn't know much about princes or mages. Or unwholesome-cute-but-spooky elves. So she was a little out of her depth. She was more confused by Hylusi's letter than offended.

Then the prince mentioned raiding the larders! For food! To carry on the way! That was something she could do!

"I can check the kitchens!" she called out, happy to be of service. Even mundane service.

"Kunian? Do you want to come with?"

She had an instinct that the Bard would be really good at foraging.

[jscape2000]

<These ones are mere tools. They are little different to that mace you carry at your belt. Indeed, I expended them in my defeat of that raider, apparently the only such success.>
...
She shrugged lightly.
<For the sake of the venture ahead, I will forgive the choler in your statement, as I'm sure you will forgive any unintentional insult within my letter.>





https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP: 11
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil eats the cupcake Kunnian leaves him. She didn't explain about the things magic in nearly sufficient detail for his liking. Carefully, he savors the sweetness of it, leaving a mouthful behind, tucked carefully in its wrapper and secure in his rucksack. Plenty to grow back from, he thinks, just in case it works that way.


When Hylusi snipes back at him, Bil offers a nod of his head at her comparison of her minions to his mace. There was a logic there, and while undeath frequently tormented the souls of the afflicted, if no suffering was involved, if the service was willing... then there was nothing in Damh's teaching that opposed the undead per se. Everyone is entitled to seek their own bliss, as far as they do no harm to those around them. Clearly, she had misunderstood the thrust of his jab - the undeath of the her servants didn't bother him, but her blunt assurance that she would value their existence over theirs in a crisis. But there was nothing for him to gain by clarifying his position.

And then he offers a slight bow of acceptance when the mage offers her apology, backhanded though it may be. He's enough of a diplomat to know he does their party no service by deepening discord. All the same, he wishes they were setting off on more equal footing. The mage clearly sees the three non-royal companions as expendable tools. So be it. You can't be friends with everyone, and there are plenty of people in the world who aren't worth the effort.

"I need a few moments longer before we depart. The prince has kindly offered to introduce me to the royal treasurer. I have want of a spell component that I hope to never need. Can I pick up anything for anyone while I'm about?" Bil offers his new companions a buck toothed grin.

[NiKkatsu]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 32/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity listened to the tense exchange with increasing anxiety. She didn't know much about princes or mages. Or unwholesome-cute-but-spooky elves. So she was a little out of her depth. She was more confused by Hylusi's letter than offended.

Then the prince mentioned raiding the larders! For food! To carry on the way! That was something she could do!

"I can check the kitchens!" she called out, happy to be of service. Even mundane service.

"Kunian? Do you want to come with?"

She had an instinct that the Bard would be really good at foraging.





https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

''Sure, let's go!'' She says, glad to leave the tedious planning to others. ''I hope I won't slow you down too much though, with my tiny little legs and all,'' she said with a hopeful grin. She let her words hang between them for a few seconds, hoping Felicity would catch on and offer her a ride, but knowing all too well the chances for that were slim... After all, centaurs didn't usually enjoy hauling people on their backs and the previous ride was certainly born out of necessity.
After a few seconds, if there is no reaction, she will simply trot along behind Felicity, hiding her disappointment

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

"Right. I will show you to the treasury," the Prince motions for Bil to follow taking the lead through familiar halls in search of diamonds for the rabbitfolk's revivifying magic. Once they'd acquired the materials, he would set out to find a spare scroll of Feather Fall for the gnomish bard, in case they should need it.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

No fool, Felicity, she knew right awat what Kunnian was hinting at. And after a moment of reflexive indignation, she thought about it. It was different during the attack. That was just providing any asset she had to help the cause. It was no different than throwing herself in front of a bystander.

But this was different. Her mother would be scandalized. Her people all had very strong opinions about this sort of thing (and was one of the reasons centaurs didn't hang out with bipeds, actually).

But Felicity found that she didn't feel one way or another about it. And Kunnian's joyful, hopeful face tipped the balance.

She looked at her friend, a twinkle in her eye. "Hey, you, uh, you wanna...." and she gestured to her back.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian could hardly believe it. She was quite savvy in the ways of the fey folk and the centaurs were no exception. Felicity offering her a ride was an immense honor! After all the emotions she'd gone through today in such a short period of time, this small mark of recognition and friendship was just too much for her to handle: she sniffed, tears now coursing down her cheeks. She clambered onto her centaur friend and muttered a short: ''Thanks.'' Her stomach growled and she realized she was quite hungry: ''Let's go find some food, then!'' She was beaming as the pair left the room, but still sobbing - what a strange day it had been. With a thought, she transformed her armor into comfortable looking travel clothes, a more appropriate look for the voyage ahead.

[purepolarpanzer]

Preparations

The heroes travelled about the castle, seeking assistance for their cause. The royal treasurer was unmoved by Bil's request at first, but the additional weight of Prince Doredan's request finally caused him to relent. He returned from the vaults with two pouches, each one filled with tiny diamonds. What they lacked in size, they made up for in quantity. "These diamonds are kept on hand for emergencies. Seeing as this is an emergency, we can give you six hundred gold worth of the mountain's bounty. Use it wisely. Like if our local Prince decides to get felled by some horrible monster." The wizened old treasurer, who had known Doredan his entire life, gave the Prince a smile, passing to him a woolen cloak with veins of silver thread running through it. "And for our adventuring Prince, we have your grandfather's cloak, recovered the regrettable night he fell to assassins. It was to be your older brother's wedding present. I trust you will present him to it after getting much use out of it. Godspeed, Prince Doredan."

600 gp of diamonds in two 300 gp sacks, one cloak of resistance for the Prince. No, not that Prince. The other Prince. Do deliver it to him.

In the kitchens, Felicity and Kunnian's plea is met by a small woman wearing an apron with a friendly smile on her face. The head chef's smile melts away as you describe the direness of your mission, however. "I knew that poor Monsinar was getting into trouble marrying that elvish witch. Well, our heroes to be will not want for anything I can provide." She makes her way to the pantry, returning a quarter hour later with two small barrels of food mounted by leather straps to be carried by a mule. Or a centaur. "There's some basic rations in there, but I also raided the royal pantry for you. There's five Ephasian apples in there- you'll know them, they glow slightly, and they don't spoil. They say Ephasian apples will cure anything that ails you, and I've not seen them fail once. Use them carefully, though. They are worth more than you can afford, and I was supposed to bake them into a pie for lunch tomorrow."

Supplies. Plenty of them. You'll run out eventually, but likely not before you have time to restock. Each Ephasian apple counts as a potion of greater healing that casts lesser restoration on you when you eat it, and you have 5.

Hylusi's journey through the Princess' chambers is bitter sweet. It is simultaneously empty of anything of use and filled with memories. Late nights studying tomes. Early mornings breaking fast after trancing. Inane dinner parties broken up by telepathic sarcastic jokes about the guests. All these moments and more flash back through the Magus' mind, so much so that she does not notice at first when one of her servants, face impassive and masked, returns from the room where Hylusi tranced and kept her quarters, adjoined to the Princess'. The servitor hands a small blue ring attached with silver cord to a small note. In reading it, it was obviously prepared before the Princess meant to leave, before she was confronted and questioned by her Magus.

My compatriot, my study partner, my closest companion- I must go. There are forces beyond us in this world and in others, and I hope that by the time we meet again I will have greater mastery over them. Keep this knowledge secret, and I will return for you, so that we may both be elevated beyond the meager titles of Queen of some human backwater and Court Wizard, admittedly of a very capable Queen. I want something better for myself that secular power. More for us. I wish I could tell you more, but if I linger one more moment the opportunity will be lost or I fear my conviction may falter. Take this. Be safe. Grow more powerful. We will meet again, with entire worlds beneath us. Your Teacher in this World and Beyond, Deidrenei.

This is a Ring of Force of Will, tuned to evocation. 3 charges, restoring 1d3 at dawn. You can spend a charge to cast counterspell targeting any evocation spell of 3rd level or lower (please remind me when you fight spell casters and I will probably automatically activate it when we discuss it OOC). You lose hit points equal to 3 times the spells level. This is a reaction action. It requires attunement.

This is one of Renald's Rings, a protective ring passed down through the aristocracy of Everarbor for many generations. Crafted by King Renald, there were blue rings, red rings, and a single black ring. The black ring went to his wife, the queen, and you know that it has been worn by every queen since, including the one one room over. The red rings went to his many children, most of which are lost to time, misadventure, war, or ruin. The blue rings, the least powerful, were given to trusted advisors, courtiers of rank, and, supposedly, their lovers. They are uncommon, but not unknown of in Everarbor, but it is still considered an esteemed honor to receive one (whether it is a sign of trust, respect, admiration, or affection).

Once the group is assembled in one of the terrace gardens, freshly supplied and seemingly prepared, Hylusi or Doredan activate their respective tokens, summoning the ethereal, milky Path that leads to the moon. When someone touches it, a wave of light pulses through the path along with a hollow chime, but it is as solid as the very stone of the mountain beneath your feet. It is time.

However, before the group can make their first step in their great journey, a wailing comes from within the castle, followed by a maid's curse and the sound of rapid feet coming this way. Doredan's younger brother, Ferdinand, stomps his way up to Doredan and kicks him firmly in the shin. "They say you are leaving! They say you are going to save big brother! She says you may be gone a long time!" The young boy jerks his thumb backwards at a maid who is approaching, hopping on one leg with a fresh scuff on her own shin. "You better find Monsinar! And you better bring him back! And we're going to be a family, and be happy, and we'll be together again! Forever!" The young dark skinned boy has tears in the corners of his eyes, and he throws himself at his older brother in an awkward child's hug. "I DON'T WANT YOU TO GO!!!"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Treasury

Taking the cloak across his arms, the prince looks at it solemnly. "I will depart with this cloak on my shoulders," he folds it carefully upon a table and removes his own red, ceremonial cloak, replacing it with the silver-lined protective one. It would take some time to attune to it, but it would serve to aid him on his quest. "And may Lathandar guide me home, with it across my brother's shoulders."

Offering the treasury guard a polite farewell, he marches his way back to their point of departure. No scroll were they able to find, but hopefully the bridges of magic would not collapse beneath them.

The Departure

With the black, starry mask upon his face, Prince Doredan looks out upon the twin trails following the moon. As he works up the nerve to step off the balcony and onto one of them, a familiar voice's wailing makes him freeze. Doredan's heart beats faster, a surge of relief and twinged heartstrings both accompanying the knowledge that the little prince had survived the moon's fall. A farewell he'd wanted to avoid is charging his way.

"Ow!" those feelings have a pang of brotherly annoyance jabbed into them, when little Ferdinand kicks him in the shin. "Don't kick me, you little-" bending down to rub his shin, Doredan catches the crying child's arms around his lowered shoulders, dangling off of him like the world's largest necklace.

Grabbing onto Ferdinand, Doredan hugs him back, fighting not to cry in front of his vassals and soon-to-be traveling companions. He pats the boy and sets him down, struggling to get him to let go. "I... would rather not go, either, to be honest. But," there's a lot of buts. The weight of responsibility and shame after failing to see through the abductors' illusion. The fear of the crown's weight. Putting their family back together. "Someone must. And I seem to have been chosen for that task."

Raising a hand to the mask upon his face, Doredan traces the unnaturally smooth material, like a glass window into a starry night sky. "I will return, Ferdy. You will make sure mother and father do not cry too much while I am gone, oui?"

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33/33 THP: 11
PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/ 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

Bil thanks the treasurer with formalities. He pledges to return the diamonds if they’re able to avoid needing them.

—-

He watches the princely brothers’ farewell with the practiced detachment of lifelong court functionaries. He looks away while noting every detail. Doredan was doing his duty, but reluctantly? But he seems sincerely devoted to his family; his embrace of his brother is genuine and plenty of royal children would not have shed a tear for a departing sibling. Perhaps there will be time to learn more. But hopefully they’ll be home in time for dinner.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was delighted by the run down to the kitchens (delighted that Kunnian was delighted, for the most part). She was excited about finding the matron and the matron finding them supplies. She was... slightly less delighted about being saddled with a mule's harness. And instantly she heard her mother's voice in her ear saying she told her so.

But she kind of brute-forced her way throught it. They were on a long journey, this was one of the ways she could contribute. She didn't want to ruin Kunnian's fun.

And she found that, after the initial burst of shame and indignation, she was able to genuinely smile at the matron and thank her for the gift of the apples. And then thank Kunnian for her suggestion for how to split them.

So by the time she got back to the group, she was pretty much ready to get going to whatever came next.

But then the Prince's brother arrived. And this was a whole other thing. Felicity didn't like any of her siblings, so this was all new to her.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

The princess' chambers

The room itself meant nothing to the Magus, she told herself. The memories remained, but even they were only important due to the person within.

Always move forward, she reminded herself. Life is struggle. There's no time to wallow in regret or despair or fear.

When she was handed the ring and the more, she looked down at both for a long time.

A ring. A letter of farewell, for now. She slipped it onto a finger, feeling the cool metal against ash-grey skin. The Princess had intended to leave her behind - but she had planned to come back.

The letter she carefully folded and stowed away. She'd burn it later. The magic in the ring hissed against her, unattuned as yet. It'd need time.

The Princess had given her a ring, but by the end, they would be both be wearing crowns of stars, if Hylusi had her way about it.

The garden

Hylusi had frowned at the interruption, wondering what new delay was about to manifest, but it turned out just to be the littlest human princeling, barely even more than a fetus by elven terms and not that far beyond even in human ones.

She said nothing - of course - having little interest in intervening and no inclination towards dealing with children in the first place. It was strange how the littlest princeling was trying to stop him going, as it would increase his chances of the throne in future; well, perhaps he was even too young for the basics of politics. Her own sister certainly would not cry at her departure.

She waited politely for the scene to resolve. Once the interpersonal aspects were over, she stepped up to the path.

<Come. Let us depart.>
Despite her previous words of warning, now the prospect was ahead of her, she found herself eager. A wave of hands pulsed around her feet and boosted her step onto the milky way road, her loyal servitors merely a step behind.





nil

[purepolarpanzer]

The Terrace Garden

Ferdinand sniffs and hugs at his brother's leg, but Doredan's reassurances seem to take hold, and he begins to calm down. A maid swoops in and scoops up the youngest prince of the mountain, begging Doredan's forgiveness. You are left alone, and with nothing else to stop you, you all step on to the path. It is as solid as stone and just as supporting, even though it looks to be made of thickened mist and light. After the first few steps along the path it seems to move with you, carrying you along at an ever increasing pace towards the red moon. Much as it was predicted, you swiftly reach speeds that cause your vision to blur and your senses to meld. Then, in a flash you are all falling.

The Red Sea

Falling, you all tumble toward the reddish face of a wave-tossed sea stretching away in all directions. Then you plunge beneath its cold surface, surrounded by a burst of effervescent bubbles.

Swimming to the surface is surprisingly easy in this red tinted sea, and even an amateur swimmer can rise with the continuous stream of bubbles to escape the water.

You begin to sink deeper into the sea despite the lifting feelings of the bubbles. You may reroll the save, but with disadvantage. If you fail 3 successive saves then you begin to sink, and someone might have to deep dive after you.

Massive but slow waves roll across this wine colored sea. Between their peaks, a low line of pale stone is visible in one direction, probably less than a half mile away. Between waves it is possible to see that someone is standing on a stone causeway, looking out at you all over the water.

The figure has more than two arms in their silhouette, much like Hylusi.

Once you are on the surface with that DC 5 you don't need to roll to move around- the waves may be large, but they are gentle. All of you can move towards the stone causeway at 1/2 speed, which will take a while, but once you adjust to the cool water it's not particularly unpleasant.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

Hylusi had thought about many potential outcomes of their journey across the milky way - ending on some burning plain, assailed by beasts; in a multiplanar city amid the crowds; even in some lunar ruins abandoned by reason and dwelling-place for the mad and monstrous.

She hadn't, admittedly, expected to be dumped into the unruly oversized ponds called an ocean. She had a brief moment to cast feather fall, but it wouldn't have helped.

Instead she hit the water and sank briefly before she slowly clawed her way to the surface, four arms giving her enough of a breaststroke to counteract the weight of soaked robes.

She was quietly pleased with herself for getting a resistant spell book.

Floating on the surface like a sullen oil slick, the Magus regarded the area, spotting the distant figure. Once everyone had bobbed to the surface (or sunk eternally into the depths) she gestured to the distant figure.

The advantage of telepathy is there wasn't a risk of water getting in your mouth when you were talking.

<Hark, a watcher. More limbs than the average - how curious. Be wary.>






nil

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 32/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was very brave. And very dedicated. And very loyal. She would walk through fire to defend someone she loved or had made a promise to.

But she did not like the water.

She could swim. Technically. But that's like telling an arachnophobe staring down a tarantula that they know how to roll a newspaper.

She surfaced. And she was sort of floating(?). But she was also low key panicking.

If you were close enough you could hear her saying, under her breath, over and over, "No no no no no no no no no no......"

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil tucks into a dive, his ears flattening against his head as he pulls himself to the surface. In his heavy armor, he's grateful that the ocean seems as tranquil as it seems. Seeing Felicity's distress, he paddles over to her.

"You're doing great, my friend. Trust yourself."

Bil takes in the silhouette when Hylusi points it out. "Well, it has been that kind of day, hasn't it? I suppose we should be grateful that they didn't send a more - ahem- aggressive welcome party. Or perhaps we were blessed by this splash landing. However, I am ready to make my way to shore."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Crashing down in the red sea, Doredan panics at first - not from the water, he is actually quite fond of a good swim. The sudden splashdown itself was simply startling. Leisurely gliding his way to the surface, he breaches into the air and takes a breath, treading the gentle waters. The moon, if indeed this is the red moon, feels... more idyllic than he expected.

"Everyone accounted for?" he asks before he carries on, looking around to make sure they've all surfaced and no one was concussed unconscious by the impact.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian was swimming lazily near the others. She was sort of enjoying the cool waters, but she was mostly worried about her instruments... She'd probably need to prestidigitation the water out of her pan pipes, which was annoying. And she hoped the salt in the water wouldn't stiffen the strings of her bandora or her lyre... She doubted she would find new ones around here. Sure, she could always Make new ones into existence, but those would only be temporary! Her skills still only allowed her to maintain one Making at a time. All lost in her thoughts that she was, it is no surprise that she didn't notice the figure standing nearby.
She was somewhat pulled out of her thoughts by Felicity muttering under her breathe... but she saw Bil seemed to have it covered so she went back to her thoughts. When Doredan spoke she distractedly replied: ''Yep.'' without actually taking the time to look around if everyone was indeed accounted for - she simply trusted the others to survive swimming in calm waters.

[purepolarpanzer]

Welcome to the Plane Breaker

The party swims towards the causeway, easily keeping above the buoyant crimson water. The gentle sea almost aids you in your journey, periodically sending waves that spur you on as they head for the same direction. It takes some time, but after a half hour or so of paddling and swimming (made all the more excruciating for Felicity) you all find yourselves approaching dry land.

The stone causeway is part of a spiderweb network that spans much of this red sea, criss crossing it like a splayed hand. As the party nears it, they see a four armed figure wearing greyish blue robes who comes into view for the less perceptive. The figure is back to at first, trawling a fishing net in a strange, sucking whirlpool in the water on the other side of the causeway. As the party hauls themselves out of the water, the figure gives a happy cry, hauling on the net with all four slender arms, their light blue skin bulging with muscle as they drag the net up onto the causeway, hauling up a broken piece of wooden sign. Doredan recognizes it as the wreckage of a sign from one of his favorite inns in the city down below. Speaking of down below...

Looking up, the party sees that they are a few hundred feet above the city below, hanging upside down over it's surface. With a moment of distinct vertigo, you realize that the gravity of this place holds you all to the surface of the red meteor, while down below people look up in fear at what they do not know. The four armed figure gives a huff of disappointment, loading the sign in the shape of a stag with a crown into a small wheeled cart that is positioned nearby. It is only then that they turn to notice you, revealing an appealing (if blue) smooth face. She begins to speak in a language you don't understand, full of clucks as well as some hand motions with her delicate, sweeping arms.

"Oh. Tourists. Right... welcome to the Planebreaker." She raises two of her arms and points in a direction. "The haze is pretty bad right now, but the city of Timeborne is in that direction. Look for someone with a badge that looks like this..." She makes a symbol by bringing her fingers of two hands together in a twisted symbol that looks like a knot. "They will explain everything. Just don't do anything to piss off the Mantis and you'll be fine."

https://i.imgur.com/VMLk2PI.png

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was very happy to reach the shore. Easy to swim in or not, she didn't like and she was glad it was over.

But then it turned out that inverse gravity was another thing she wasn't real fond of. Quite the brave Paladin you are today, she said to herself, Just notching up phobias like crazy.

But she put on a brace face and was prepared to help everyone else out and soldier forward when the strange four-armed creature started talking to them.

This was also not exactly her fort.

"Uh, anyone got any magic for this?" she asked the group, giving the blue lady a big, friendly smile.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions: Tongues
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 0/2 3rd; channel 1/2
When the multi-armed creature speaks in a non-threatening way, Bil holds up a paw, and with quick word of ritual blessing, smooths his ears.
"Would you mind saying that again please, now that I can understand you?"

Assuming the creature does
"Tourist is not quite the word for it. We are a delegation, perhaps. Tramunbil Mabovoh, and my -erm- companions." He offers a small bow. "But can you tell me more? You call this place Planebreaker? I've encountered none like it in my travels. And who or what is the Mantis?"


Cast Tongues on himself.

[purepolarpanzer]

Welcome to the Planebreaker

The blue skinned woman has no external ears, a flattened nose, violet eyes, and a winning smile when Bill asks her to repeat herself. "Welcome Tramunbil and friends, to the Planebreaker. It's a... well... no one really knows for sure what it is or how it does what it does, and if you asked a dozen different residents of Timeborne you'd get a dozen different answers, but as far as we know it is a vagrant moon of sorts, travelling the multiverse and leaving a Path behind it that people can follow, should they have a Path token. The entire demi-plane is made up of the Sea of Uncertainty..." she sweeps all four hands around her to indicate the immediate area. "...where wreckage of the different planes such as yourselves lands. I'm a salvager by trade, so I look for interesting finds that wash up from the planar whirlpools that form here or the stuff that gets sucked up from planes we visit."

She gestures towards a thick haze of mist. "The city of Timeborne is in that direction. There you'll find shelter, food, and a much better explanation for everything than I could give you, even if I had the time to do so. It's run by the Mantis, who I know even less about, other than not to ask too many questions and to follow the Boss Bug's rules. I've got to go hunt for more salvage, despite how... interesting... tourists are, so head in the direction of the city and find a member of the Interpreter's Guild..." She makes the same twisted knot symbol with two of her hands. "They get paid to help people new to Planebreaker and Timeborne, but I sadly do not, so here we part ways. If you survive the big city perhaps we will see each other again. Or, as is the nature of this place, we may never see each other again, Tramunbil and friends. Either way, I wish you well and I wish you goodbye." She leans down and scoops up a basket filled with what appears to be random brickabrack dredged up out of the red water and turns to follow the causeway further out to sea.

This woman is a Vedalken, a species virtually unknown on your home world but common enough amongst the planes and other worlds of the multiverse. They are a mutable species, sometimes found with multiple arms, sometimes not, but they are a species known for being scholarly, logical, and introspective. They are also semi-aquatic, capable of breathing underwater for short periods, and are often found in moist environments. Like any sentient species, they are a varied people, capable of good or evil just like any human, elf, or dwarf.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity had an idea of who this woman was. Or, rather, what she was. Which was pretty surprising, considering that she was not exactly well-read. But the knowledge didn't really help.

Felicity bowed to the lady, thanked her, and followed the others toward the city. Her face was stern. And a little sad. Whatever was up ahead, her life had just changed. Forever. And nothing would ever be the same.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Pulling himself up onto the Causeway, Prince Doredan climbs to his feet and flicks the excess water from the long sleeves of his fancy shirt, then begins wringing out his cloak. "This is going to dry terribly. Wrinkles all over," he complains to himself under his breath, straightening the royal headband upon his brow.

Once he is finished preening, the Prince turns to watch Bil speak with the local. He can understand the rabbitfolk's side of the conversation, but not the other. "Tourists?" he asks, mouth a thin line. "We are not here for something so plain. What does this woman know of the invasion, the abductions?"

[purepolarpanzer]

To Timeborne

The beachcomber gone, the party turns to the west where the vedalken had indicated and begins to follow the stone causeway. Along the way, they view whirlpools form, vomit of planar detritus, and quell, they see the haze of mist in the air pulse and flow almost like the sea had risen above the level of the water, and they hear the sound of gentle waves lapping at the worn stone walkways. All in all, despite it's violent entrance to your world, this Planebreaker seems remarkably peaceable. Or at least it does for a few moments.

As the haze begins to part, a massive wall appears vaguely in the distance, growing closer and more defined the closer the group gets to it. Crumbling sculptures so strange it’s difficult to know what they represent stud a cyclopean wall fifty feet high. A single ominously tall statue—easily one hundred and fifty feet tall—stands astride the wall like a sentinel, vaguely humanoid, but with four arms and a grotesque, terrifying visage. A ragged cavity about forty feet across breaches the wall. Through the hole is a city of mismatched buildings, most different from its neighbor in style, age, and state of repair. It’s as if architects from hundreds of dimensions each contributed something to the city, then departed. And everything, in turn, is built on far older ruins that poke through here and there: pale stone towers with no windows, crumbling statues like those interspaced along the city walls, and free-floating stone spheres pockmarked with strange glyphs. Many of the spheres are hung with lamps of far more recent make. Lone figures and small groups of people move along the irregular lanes, far too few to match the size and number of divergent structures surrounding them.

At the breach between the causeway and the wall there are the remains of some sort of battle. Numerous bodies of the same red, shard-like mites that you did battle with before lie dead and twitching around the entrance to this mysterious city, and a rag-tag group of defenders has begun picking up survivors, executing the last of the mites, and heading back into the strange architecture of this kaleidoscope of planar influences. One woman catches your attention, not just because she appears to have lead this defensive action, but because she bears the symbol the vedalken advised you to look for on her pauldron, and because she walks side by side with some combination of massive canine and predator bird that is currently feasting on the remains of a red insect while it's master brushes her hair from he eyes and shares parting words with leaving defenders. When the party approaches she spots them, stepping forward to meet you all. She tries a few different tongues (all of which Bil understands) before settling on a heavily accented and foreign sounding version of your own world's common.

"Oh, newcomers! Welcome to Timeborne! I'm sure you have so many questions! I am Darli Kos, warrior for the public good and member of the Interpreter's Guild. It is my job to keep this place safe..." She reaches down and twists a blade deep under the chitin of a twitching mite, causing it to cease moving. "And to make sure newcomers like yourself feel welcome! So, ask away!" She hears a crack from behind her, turning to her bird hybrid and shouting "NO! NO! NOT FOR EATING!" before sighing and leaving it to feast.


“This city is Timeborne, located on the Planebreaker. We are a city of newcomers, though some of the old-timers have been here for centuries. You can escape all the cares of your home plane in Timeborne, and rest. Or become a planar explorer, a dimensional salvager, or a seeker after all the mysteries of the multiverse. On the Planebreaker, you are not judged. Timeborne is a city built on a mystery that predates the multiverse.”

“A cursed moon hurtling through the multiverse, crashing from one plane to the next, never at rest, forever fleeing a catastrophe that predates existence itself. This tumbling rock visits all demiworlds, all planes, and all dimensions, in time.” (If you ask why the moon is cursed, the Interpreter indicates it’s cursed to continually tumble through the multiverse. If asked about the catastrophe, they shrug and say that’s a secret no one has yet uncovered.)

Whether you’ve come accidentally or on purpose, Timeborne welcomes you. Here, you can find houses of rest, markets where inexplicable extraplanar treasures and oddities are bought and sold, and the accumulated knowledge of the multiverse. But some prefer beachcombing to the market, walking the causeways reaching out onto the Sea of Uncertainty, looking for salvage tossed up by the infinite planes.”

“I am an Interpreter, of the Interpreters’ Guild. We are based in Timeborne. We seek to ease relations between extraplanar refugees and travelers who come to the Planebreaker.”

No one rules in Timeborne. Though the Mantis sees to it that things remain peaceful, for the most part. Those who cause too much trouble gain the Mantis’s attention. That’s usually the last anyone hears of them.”

There are no births here, ever. So the population is only replenished by new people who arrive and stay. But mortals eventually die (even if some claim they’re aging more slowly, or not at all), and the divine and demonic never stay long for reasons of their own.”

"Oh, these are path mites. They're a constant bother here on the Planebreaker. They nest in the less populated parts of the moon and the city, and every time the Planebreaker comes to a new world they get riled up and go in search of food. Thankfully most here are handy enough with a blade to deal with them, and a bit of civic pride usually brings together a force that can deal with their mischief."

"Not me. Ever since we came to this plane I've been busy killing mites and setting things to order. But if it's a planar ship you're looking for I'd be happy to guide you to the Docking Towers near the Landing at Preservationist's Enclave. They're always receiving planar travelers, new workers, and supplies from all over the multiverse, either by boat, ship, or Path travel. Someone has to keep this city in working order!"

“I am happy to guide you, as a courtesy, of course, offered by the Interpreters’ Guild. Where would you like to go? A tavern, perhaps, to take your ease? I recommend Savva’s Crossplane Cantina. The clientele there are especially welcoming to newcomers. Or maybe you’re looking for a Path token? The Worldswept Market usually has some on offer, though if you keep your eyes peeled, you might just find one lying in the gutter.”

"Oh, glory, no! We're sorry about any mites or ne'er-do-wells that might have left Planebreaker and came to your world, as well as for any of your people or property that get sucked up when we leave the plane, but no one is invading your world. If anything, your world has become connected to a greater planar network that follows the Path of the Planebreaker. Now anyone with a Path token can freely travel from your world to Timeborne or any other world the Planebreaker has been to during it's long, long, LONG journey across the planarverse."

"Oh, that's just Little Guy. I picked him up on some adventure to some plane... don't quite remember when. But he's loyal enough, when he stops thinking with his stomach, that is."


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

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

All images TM and © 2022 Monte Cook Games, LLC.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

This strange, alien place is not what Doredan was expecting. As the haze parts, he looks upon a city more like the results of a hundred refugee camps all sitting in one place so long they start taking root into a tangled garden. What becomes more apparent is that his initial thoughts may have been wrong - rather than deliver their captives to this place, the bizarre insects seem to be giving them just as much trouble. Perhaps not an invasion force then, but a native menace spilling over the edges...

A strangely human woman flags them down before they are forced to seek out one of these interpreters. Prince Doredan introduces himself, "I am Prince Doredan Reydalise. I would know more of these hideous insects that have laid ruin to our realm. Are they some manner of invasion force."

As the answers come, his tense stance loosens, but the young prince remains guarded. "Then, a different quarry. Some manner of sky-pirates in a flying ship stole my brother from the castle. The ship was hidden beneath illusion magic, but where might it dock?"


After everyone else sates their curiosity, Doredan looks forward into the city with resolute purpose. "I say that we begin with these docking towers. Whether these criminals dock at the proper authority or not, we are more likely to find someone who knows."

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

The city was an incredible mix of different styles, plucked from a hundred worlds, no doubt. The Magus would have, in other circumstances, spent a happy hundred years simply researching the place and the no-doubt countless magical secrets it held.

Though no doubt it held threats, too. She'd bid her servitor's to stay close, and a pair of gorelings sat on her shoulders ready for action like a pirate with the worst parrots in the world.

To the... Interpreter... She steadily listened and catalogued away the information. She had no reason to believe the woman was decieving them - but none to suggest she was trustworthy, either, considering the replies without committing them to belief.

When the majority of the other questions were asked, she presented both the medallion and the cloth mask, one to a hand.

<Do you recognise these,> her mind-voice rustled. <The mask was worn by a human crewman of one of the ships we seek. The medallion the same.>

The knowledge that their world was connected now to the greater expanse of planes was something to keep in mind, if and when she returned in cosmic power. Bleakpines was hers, after all. But threats from other dimensions might require better defences and safeguards - as the human's kingdom had found out to their peril.





nil

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

This was all quite beyond poor Felicity. As happy as she was to be out of the water and back on solid ground, she felt like the "solid ground" of reality was rocking beneath her. She was a Fey creature, and so was used to a certain amount of chaos and uncertainty.

But even still.

"Um, Ms.Kos?" she asked, trying to sound braver than she felt, "How, uh, what.... how do you pay for things in Timeborne? And how do you get more of whatever that is?"

Felicity had a nightmare that they traded in shells or inset mandibles or some rare metal they'd never seen. And they'd all be stuck washing dishes in an extraplanar restaurant or something.

She also wanted to know why no one was every born here. But one thing at a time.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

The gnome hounded Kos with questions, and she found with some satisfaction that the woman answered all of them without much hesitation. She was shaking her head vigorously in response, fascinated by what she heard, peppering the conversation with so many oohs! and ahs! When she finally ran out of questions, Hylusi asked about a mask and the Prince suggested they start by heading to the docking towers. Kunnian would have preferred to try the Cantina Vos suggested, but she had much sympathy for the Prince's feelings - finding his brother was certainly a priority right now.
While she listened to Kos reply to the others, she decided to try petting Little Guy, whom she found kind of cute - in a sort of nightmarish way.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

Bil takes in his surroundings, listening attentively and asking follow up questions as they learn more about their wearabouts.

"Are you implying that our world was not part of the ... what did you call it? the planarverse? What are these path tokens? How many are there? Are we suddenly exposed to a universe of plane walking marauders?"

Bil listens patiently, the slowly asks, pondering as a question occurs to him:

"Is the Planebreaker's path pre-set? The brigands who attacked the castle seemed to know where they were headed and whom they were looking for."

[purepolarpanzer]

The Crumbled Entrance

Darli Kos smiles as Kunnian begins petting Little Guy, who croons like a pleased bird even as it's canine claws dig at the ground in pleasure. She answers your questions in the rough order she receives them. Turning to Doredan, she agrees "A lot of folk pass through Timeborne, including many dangerous or downright devilish folk. Likely they stopped there to purchase supplies. I'll start leading you there." She begins to walk and talk as more questions come.

When the Magus produces the mask, Darli shakes her head. "No one operates with masks like that in this city. Might be passerthroughs, but not natives. The medallion is a Path Token. A lot of people who've been to Timeborne keep them around as a way of escaping or having a fallback to get here." She grins at Felicity's coin question and responds "We have an informal rule here- as long as there's not too much difference in size, coin is coin, and all coins and gems are accepted. If anyone needs an appraisal there are merchants for that." When Bil speaks up she shrugs in her response. "I'm afraid I don't know if you've been a part of the Path for centuries or if this was a first entrance. Your world's records would have more on that then I would, or the Library of Worlds. They try to keep track of such things. In fact, if your brigands knew that this world was coming up next they probably went to the Library- that's where they make predictions about upcoming worlds, gather lore on them, and keep a catalogue and calendar of everywhere this Planebreaker touches."

The march through Timeborne is one of the more unusual that any of you have seen. Everywhere there are strange folk, potential monsters, and odd construction. You pass by a colony of xvarts all sitting on a baroque stoop leading to an apartment building, and they harangue the group, catcalling and making vague threats. Across the street a medusa with her lengthy serpentine hair collected into a loose braid sells street food, a pot of boiling oil on a brazier next to her. But as curious as the sights of this city are, they are few and far between, with the city feeling nearly abandoned instead of like a bustling metropolis that it appears to be capable of being. Exotic sights, smells, and sounds fill the air, but there is a stillness to this place, and inertia, that seems to make every step take a little more effort. On the way to the docking towers you pass a murmuring market and a sizable inn with a sign saying "Crossplane Cantina", from which stringed instruments play.

The Landing

You all enter a open area, and as you do, you see the silvery mist of the Path appear suddenly on either side of a courtyard, and on your left a single traveler with a cloak and many blades appears as though at high speed, stepping off the Path with practiced ease. On the right side of the courtyard and entire party arrives, with figures in matching armor ranging from leather to plate. They breath sighs of relief and head over to a colorful street cart offering fried whitefish on a stick. at the four corners of the square there are four towers rising tall into the air. There is only one airship moored on one, and it is a massive contraption consisting of not one but three balloons. It looks to have a large bay for cargo. Darli explains "Each tower has a master with a logbook, so you might want to start there if you're looking for a specific ship."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Timeborne is a strange and exotic place, and Doredan feels a fog of unease. Perhaps it is a sheltered upbringing in a single city and all the new sights are simply overwhelming. Or maybe there is something more to this place and the feeling of ennui that hangs over it.

That pests such as the xvarts are permitted speaks of a neglect from its ruler. Though this Mantis sounds like it cares more about quelling problems than maintaining a standard of quality. When the party comes to the landing, Doredan looks up at the airship. Could that be it? Impossible to know.

"I suggest we divide into one group of three and one pair of two, so that we may speak to the towermasters more quickly," Doredan turns to the group. "Unless communication will be a problem?" he asks the Interpreter.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity had been to the Feywold once, so she'd seen some strange things. But this wasn't just strange, it was... strangeness stuffed into normalcy. A weird pack of catcalling Xvarts was one thing. But a pack of catcalling Xvarts sittiong outside their apartments is quite another. What do they do later? Go eat sandwiches and play cards until bedtime? What's a Xvart's bedtime?

It was so completely incongruous. Felicity was horrified. But also intrigued. And excited. Whatever all this was, it was stranger and more perplexing than anything her people had ever encountered.

But then she was brought back to earth (or wherever) by the grim reality of their situation. Fine enough to be a gobsmacked tourist, she thought to herself, but the Prince's brother is missing. Get a grip, Felicity!

She nodded at his plan. Splitting up seemed the way to go here.

"Kunnian and me can take two towers," she said, giving the Gnome a shy look, "If she wants to...?"

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

"My first impulse matches yours, milord," Bil say to Prince Doredan. "Allowing for the need for haste, without the magics necessary to easily communicate or reunite our groups, I suspect we will create greater delays for if we divide ourselves. Should we glean any useful information, we'll be better prepared to take action as a single team. Especially in a strange place, where not all of us have the masks necessary to walk the misty paths, I am loathe to be separated."

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian listens attentively while the others speak. She acquiesces first to Doredan's plan and is about to nod vigorously to Felicity's request when Bil suggests it might be better for the team to stick together. This sounds sound to her. ''I'm with Bil on this one,'' she says assuredly. ''Hylusi? It seems you're the tie-breaker. Do we separate to cover more ground or stick together?'' A pause, then: Oh! Do your... uh- friends get a vote, too? Not to be mean or anything, but I'm not sure if they even have, you know, free will. I might be wrong though - and I'm sorry for making assumptions if I am.'' She smiles reassuringly.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

It was a curious place, this Timeborne - but it seemed... drained. Vulnerable. This place could be a nexus of great and terrible import - but it was half way to empty.

When Hylusi had the powers of the planes under her command, that would be something to fix. The magical secrets and treasures that must go through this place - well, none could blame her if she brought order and then taxed her share.

Something for the future.

<They are not friends, but servants, but no. While near all their will remains intact, minus a few superfluous elements,> Hylusi replied to Kunnian, <The nature of the magic tends to ensure a certain...mandated loyalty. My vote is also each of theirs. But I suspect some would object to my vote having four times the weight in these matters.>

She shifted her weight, leaning on the Fingerbone Staff.

<Caution is good only if it does not engender timidity. If you can't talk to a dock master without facing destruction, it was only a matter of time anyway. I say we cover more ground and split up. >






nil

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

Kunnian's eyes widen in fascination at Hylusi's explanation. She makes a mental note to discuss further the details of the 'nature of the magic' the Magus mentions, but for now, there are more pressing matters. She turns to Felicity and, with a playful tone, she says: ''It would be my pleasure to take on those two towers with you, Milady.'' Then, to the others: ''So the three of you can take the other two. I suggest we meet up later at the Crossplane Cantina.''

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity puts a hand to her mouth and giggles. This was, of course, a serious situation, but watching Kunnian try to be so formal and fancy struck her funny.

She got hold of herself. After all, Bil's objections were both reasonable and prudent.

"We'll be quick," she says, "And careful. And not take an unnecessary risks or weird side tangents."

Pause.

"And we'll meet you back at the Crossplane Cantina in... one hour? Two hours?"

She didn't have a good sense of how quickly bipeds got things done.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Landing- North Tower

Doredan, Bil, and the Magus begin moving clockwise through the towers. As they approach these pillars of ancient construction, they see that each one is unique from the other in materials and skills used to erect it. The north tower appears to be a barely planned pile of stones, ancient and rickety. The approach is easy enough, though you have to swerve to avoid a party of elves who materialize singing and dancing their way through the streets. "Summer wine, twisted vine, give to me your heart, it's mine!" This tower has no door, a naked hole in one wall revealing a spiral, uneven staircase of unmilled stone that appears to be a risk to one's health and wellbeing. Braving the tower, the trio reaches the top to meet the dock master.

This dockmaster is a rock. Well, a primitively carved rock showing a stern face. It looks out to the north over a haphazard dock with various posts to tie an airship. No one is tied up currently, and when you crest the stairs the stone head is making soft snoring sounds. However, an uneven stone wobbles under your feet and the features of the stone head shift from sleeping to keenly aware in an instant. "State your name and purpose for entering the village. Lie and I will call down the wrath of Hmuggah Mugaw on you!"

When it is explained that you are here to ask about airships, the stone head grows disinterested quickly. If asked about Hmuggah Mugaw or the fact that it guards not a village but an abandoned city it only grunts and rolls its eyes rudely. However, when you mention an invisible airship, the statue's carved eyes go wide and it grins. "I recognized that ship! They tried to tie up at my dock, but I have heard the words of the ancient insect, and know how to read the trade tongue! Aesul's Revenge, three masted caravel that flies through air and starlight on a silver keel, wanted on a dozen planes for theft, smuggling, and many other charges! The Queen Insect spoke of subterfuge and a trap, that we would ensnare the Revenge the next time it came to port, but I called down the wrath of Hmuggah Mugaw on these village pillagers, and they fled fast as they could! And so the village was once again saved by the authority of Hmuggah Mugaw and his servant, Onth Granite Face!" The statue takes on a proud and superior look.

East

The eastern tower is of much sturdier construction, using smooth marble blocks to make a white tower that would not be out of place on your own world, spiraling like a unicorn's horn upwards. This tower has a door which leads to a small room full of either alchemical or natural science instruments. Perhaps both. When you reach the top, you find a wizened old gnome wearing wizard's robes staring into a odd looking contraption of dark green lenses. It points upward at the barely visible moon of Doredan's world, about to disappear in the haze of morning sunlight. "Ooooh, fascination! Intoxicant! Brilliamt!" The gnome looks away from the scope to scribble some notes before noticing you all. "Oooh! Visitors? Boring if you're here for a ship..." He waves a liver spotted hand outward at an eastward facing dock that looks like a complicated drawbridge with a large balloon suspended cargo hauler tied to it. "But..." He sniffs, then turns his eye to his scope and sniffs again. "You smell of the below! The local planar stink! Natives! Oh you ARE interesting!" He giggles and titters a bit before reaching into his pocket and drawing out a small ornate box. "I will trade you a snort of rare Aldubarren Scarab Snuff for information on that lovely orb there you have floating in your native sky? What say you?"

South

The southern tower, approached by Kunnian and Felicity, appears to be made of a twist of obsidian, rising much like you'd imagine a Dark Lord's tower from some fantastic tale. It has a door that looks like an open, screaming mouth, which opens without you touching it. Inside is a stairwell curving up with sharp edges and dangerously small steps. While Kunnian has not trouble climbing it, Felicity struggles and barks her shin on the stairs more than once as she climbs them. At the top, they find a small landing leading to a dock in the shape of a twisting kris blade. There are no ships there, but standing on the tip of the dock staring outward at your world below is a refined looking gentleman in a smoking jacket, puffing on a pipe. He appears perfectly content, other than the fact that he has twisted ram horns, red skin, and fingernails that look longer, sharper, and blacker than any you've ever seen. He's humming a soft song, and when he spots you in the corner of his eye he smiles a small, knowing smile. "Ahhhh, friends. Come to visit and commiserate. Had I known I would have started tea." He strolls in your direction, still humming a soft song, and extends an arm toward you. Spiraling arms of grey smoke extend from his sleeve, seductively and smoothly extending out to form a serving platter, a tea pot, and a small tray of cookies that smell of cinnamon and sugar. "Still, there are advantages to this miserable position. What are your names? What is your mission? Tell me everything about you! It's not often I get visitors. Most judge my tower harshly based on it's looks. But you both surely can see beyond mere appearances, can't you? I'm Gelligus, by the way. Tiefling sorcerer of some repute. Maybe you've heard of me?"

West

The western tower appears to be a battlement plucked directly from a castle rampart and unceremoniously dumped here in Timeborne, though there is no sign that it wasn't built here with militaristic intentions. There are sand bags and cover made from wooden shields around the base, and a large, sound looking door of sturdy construction. It leads to a stone innards with a wide staircase leading upwards. Arrow slits and murder holes decorate the stairwell up, and when you reach the top there is a metal gate over the stairwell that is spiked and formidable, though unlocked. The top room here has a round wooden table with maps and small figurines representing troop movements on a world that certainly isn't yours. The table is manned by a trio of kobolds, all wearing uniforms, armor, and helmets, all bearing swords and spears. They argue in draconic, hurling slurs and curses as only military members can, arguing about a battle that seems fairly irrelevant at this point. Their dock is adorned with gargoyles and sharpened spikes that ships tie off to. When they notice you, one of them growls and gestures towards the dock, which is currently empty of ships. "No ships today. Bad day for ships. Enemy advancing! Take cover! Bombards and platoons, trenches and terrible war machines!" He grips his helmet, a manic look of fear in his eye, before turning to his companions with a quizzical look. "Or is that next week?"

[jscape2000]

The Landing- North Tower

Doredan, Bil, and the Magus begin moving clockwise through the towers. As they approach these pillars of ancient construction, they see that each one is unique from the other in materials and skills used to erect it. The north tower appears to be a barely planned pile of stones, ancient and rickety. The approach is easy enough, though you have to swerve to avoid a party of elves who materialize singing and dancing their way through the streets. "Summer wine, twisted vine, give to me your heart, it's mine!" This tower has no door, a naked hole in one wall revealing a spiral, uneven staircase of unmilled stone that appears to be a risk to one's health and wellbeing. Braving the tower, the trio reaches the top to meet the dock master.

This dockmaster is a rock. Well, a primitively carved rock showing a stern face. It looks out to the north over a haphazard dock with various posts to tie an airship. No one is tied up currently, and when you crest the stairs the stone head is making soft snoring sounds. However, an uneven stone wobbles under your feet and the features of the stone head shift from sleeping to keenly aware in an instant. "State your name and purpose for entering the village. Lie and I will call down the wrath of Hmuggah Mugaw on you!"

When it is explained that you are here to ask about airships, the stone head grows disinterested quickly. If asked about Hmuggah Mugaw or the fact that it guards not a village but an abandoned city it only grunts and rolls its eyes rudely. However, when you mention an invisible airship, the statue's carved eyes go wide and it grins. "I recognized that ship! They tried to tie up at my dock, but I have heard the words of the ancient insect, and know how to read the trade tongue! Aesul's Revenge, three masted caravel that flies through air and starlight on a silver keel, wanted on a dozen planes for theft, smuggling, and many other charges! The Queen Insect spoke of subterfuge and a trap, that we would ensnare the Revenge the next time it came to port, but I called down the wrath of Hmuggah Mugaw on these village pillagers, and they fled fast as they could! And so the village was once again saved by the authority of Hmuggah Mugaw and his servant, Onth Granite Face!" The statue takes on a proud and superior look.

East

The eastern tower is of much sturdier construction, using smooth marble blocks to make a white tower that would not be out of place on your own world, spiraling like a unicorn's horn upwards. This tower has a door which leads to a small room full of either alchemical or natural science instruments. Perhaps both. When you reach the top, you find a wizened old gnome wearing wizard's robes staring into a odd looking contraption of dark green lenses. It points upward at the barely visible moon of Doredan's world, about to disappear in the haze of morning sunlight. "Ooooh, fascination! Intoxicant! Brilliamt!" The gnome looks away from the scope to scribble some notes before noticing you all. "Oooh! Visitors? Boring if you're here for a ship..." He waves a liver spotted hand outward at an eastward facing dock that looks like a complicated drawbridge with a large balloon suspended cargo hauler tied to it. "But..." He sniffs, then turns his eye to his scope and sniffs again. "You smell of the below! The local planar stink! Natives! Oh you ARE interesting!" He giggles and titters a bit before reaching into his pocket and drawing out a small ornate box. "I will trade you a snort of rare Aldubarren Scarab Snuff for information on that lovely orb there you have floating in your native sky? What say you?"




https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil speaks with delight to Onth Granite Face. Always fascinated to learn of new cultures and new pantheons, Bil peppers Onth with questions about Hmuggah Mugaw.
"What's he like? How do you honor him? From where does he draw his strength?"

...
Bil is more hesitant with the old gnome. "Perhaps instead of snuff, you might trade tale for tale with what you know of Timeborne?" Bil answers honestly but reservedly. He will not give away any information that might make his home world look weak or disorganized. He talks admiringly of the skill and strength of its wizards and warriors, the wisdom and honor of its kings and queens.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The North Tower

"We seek after a ship, whose sailors have abducted my brother," Doredan announces to the stone head as they step up onto the platform. "An invisible ship, flown by masked sky-pirates."

News of the ship being spotted brings a relieved swell to his posture, which immediately deflates when the foolish head reveals that its grandstanding ruined the monarch's plans to captured the pirates. Biting his lip to avoid telling off the thing and feeling the wrath of Huggy Muggy or whatever this thing was babbling about, Doredan takes a deep breath.

Though perhaps this city's monarch is not as inactive as he expected. "You mean the Mantis, she had a plan?" he asks, folding his arms and looking down at his wrinkly, drying clothes with a frown. He is in absolutely no state to appear before a foreign monarch like this, let alone one with as fearsome a reputation as this Mantis. "... Thank you for your time," he says, turning to make his way back out.

The East Tower

This room interests the prince, and he looks around at the alchemical tools and measuring instruments with as much fascination as the old gnome looks at the measurements from their world. Well, maybe not that much fascination. "I would be happy to share information. As a prince, I have had an excellent education, and I believe I can share many stories of our history," he boasts. The ship had already tried to dock at another tower and been chased away, so Doredan doubts the old gnome will know much about it. Or have cared enough to pay attention to details of his docking ships. "And I must agree with Cleric Bil here. We too seek to learn more."

[roll0] History to share interesting historical facts with the gnome, likely about well-documented scientists and researchers whose works could be sought out

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

South Tower
Felicity was quickly finding out something she hadn't expected when she moved from her sylvan life to her urban one: she hated stairs. Hated them. She couldn't quite get the hang of how her hooves were supposed to go and so she was forever slipping and clomping around like a newborn foal.

Not a good look if you wanted to be a cool Planehopping Royal Knight of Love and Justice.

But she persevered. And then... well, she'd met Tieflings before. And, while she didn't like to stereotype, let's just say her opinion of them wasn't great.

"Hello, Gelligus," she said, trying her best to remain formal, "We have not heard of you. But we are very new to town."

A pause. A dubious look at the smoke-snacks.

"Uh, is that real tea? Or an illusion? Or, like, some kind of charm spell?"

(She had this odd notion that magical enchanters weren't allowed to trap you if you asked them directly)

"As to our mission, we're looking for an airship. What goes on here? Do airships dock here?"

West Tower
Felicity was charmed by the scene that met here when she crested the second tower.

This was more like it! Insane kobolds? Barking orders? Waging pretend wars? Not sure what week it even is?

Excellent.

"I don't know what your schedule is!" Felicity exclaimed. "But we're here asking about airships. Do you know anything important about airships?"

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Conditions: ---

South Tower
Kunnian sees her friend struggling to go up the stairs and says: ''You have accepted to carry me once, now allow me to return the favor in kind.'' She begins to strum slowly on her bandore, just a few light notes, enough to channel her magic while also being careful not to be too loud. Felicity levitates lightly, a mere inch above the stairs. It takes her a second or two to stabilize the centaur, but once Kunnian perfectly attunes with the arcana of the spell, she easily floats Felicity up the stairs, greatly facilitating her travel.
When the Tiefling presents the snacks, Kunnian hungrily reaches for them, but halts when Felicity voices her concerns. Right. Gotta be more careful, she thinks. She waits for the Tiefling's reply to Felicity's query before adding anything more or sampling his goods.

West Tower
''Yeah!'' Kunnian chimes in after Felicity, sensing an opportunity. ''Help us with our airship problem and we can help you win your war. My friend here is a brilliant military strategist and I'm a seer. If we put our minds together, you will crush your enemies, easy peasy.'' Kunnian gives a discrete wink to Felicity.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

North

The Magus kept a wary eye as they travelled through the city, only allowing a tiny scowl at the singing elves being so friviously merry. If you had time to celebrate, you should generally be studying the mysteries of magic, time and space in search of ultimate power, Hylusi generally reckoned.à

The talking head almost managed to gain her interest. Certainly, an animate guardian was interesting to study, but the mental abilities of it was clearly... Minimal, and she already had a much more practical method of creating servants on - if one could forgive the pun - hand.

<Little wonder no ships were docked. Well, we have a name, at least,> she said as they departed.
<We should learn more about this Mantis before we attempt to make contact, however.>

East

The eastern tower was more in Hylusi's wheelhouse. She prowled around the lab, inspecting the materials of alchemy with a practiced eye.

Another thing to do with insects, she noted. The mites, the mantis, and now ground scarab snuff.

<Perhaps.> she sent to the gnome.

<Be wary what you tell. Knowledge is power.> she messaged to her companions, who seemed eager to spill information in exchange for a noseful of alchemical concoction.

If they wanted that, they only had to ask her, after all.






[roll0] arcana to look at the materials and also know what the snuff does before we start snorting things.

[purepolarpanzer]

North

Onth seems happy to share stories of Hmuggah Mugaw. Apparently it is a regional volcano god of a small island. Onth doesn't remember what plane the island was on, but he tells a enthusiastic story of the day the rogue moon arrived over the island and slurped him up from his position guarding his village. Onth sank deep into the Sea of Uncertainty, until he was dredged up by scavengers who sold him to the Mantis and put to work guarding the docks. However, beyond that Onth's memory seems fuzzy and imprecise.

East

The wizened old gnome listens to the tales of Doredan and Bil, grinning and cackling, slapping his knee (sometimes at inappropriate moments) and seemingly greatly entertained. He takes several snorts of the beetle snuff himself, his eyes changing color every time he snuffles some up his nose. When the tales are told and the stories are done, the gnome begins adjusting dials on his large scope and looking all over your world for some of the new information you have relayed to him. "Well well well! I find your tales sufficient! In exchange, if you are not interested in the most rare and exquisite of beetle snuffs, I will trade you a tale of Timeborne, just as you requested!" The gnome looks furtively to either side, as though the walls themselves have ears, and leans in.

"Before I was confined here for my one hundred year sentence as dock master, I was a pretiguous and supremaly powerful wizard! Most knowledgable and wisdomiferous gnome in this quadrant of the planarverse, was I! Ha! And for my final study, my magma opus, I intended to do one final study on one of the most interesting and powerful beings of the multiversus... Timeborne's own MANTIS! So, I delved deep in the catacombs below the streets of Timeborne. But the horrors, time fractures, and evertwisting and turning halls of those strange places, I lost conciousness. Nearly lost my whole mind!" There's a giggling cascade that tumbles towards sobs for a moment before recovering to glee. "Miraculimously, a team sent by the Mantis found me. Brought me back up. The Mantis, she could have killed me! But she admired my work to date, so she only confined me to this tower, "to look outward for one hundred years, so I may be more mindful of the dangers of looking inward"! I've only got fourteen years left! BUT, the most important bit, is that down there in the catacombs beneath Timeborne, there are MORE beings like the Mantis! Strange, massive, insectile forms with humanoid faces and strange appendagoes! It's a giant burial tomb to a race of monstrous gigatonaging insect people!" He cackles madly again before cutting himself off with a cough. "Surely, if I'd managed to go just a bit deeper, I would have found out even more!"

The snuff is nothing Hylusi has directly heard of, but beyond being a mild stimulant it appears to be charging the wizard with magical energy. If she were to estimate, she would say that if the wizard would stop taking it recreationally, he would have some limited use of what some magic users call metamagic if he used some while casting a spell. It also changes the color of the user's eyes, though that appears to be random and temporary.

South

"Oh come now. If I meant to bewitch or seduce you, surely I would do it with more guile then a plate of tea and cookies. Besides, if I did the Mantis would have my head. I am being punished, after all." He offers the cookies and tea again. If you sample, you find the tea to be very strong and bitter, while the cookies taste of ginger and cinnamon in a way that makes your lips pucker, but not in a bad away. "Old Gelligus was a war hero in the Blood War, but rising too high precipitates a terrible fall. My fall lead me here, a place where the demons and devils of my past cannot catch up with me. However, I... failed... to pay proper and prompt respect to the Mantis, and so I serve a hundred year sentence here. Watching airships. Or the lack thereof. Every. Damn. Day. To answer your question, few ships travel here. Most find it easier to use Path tokens, and despite the illusions of grandeur of some of it's residents, Timeborne is a poor example of a trading town. Too much emptiness. Too much regulation. There's so many airships lining up to dock at the City of Brass that they've been known to run out of food while in que. Here? I get maybe two ships a week. Five is a godsend of new acquaintances. And I've seen none that match your target. Sorry."

West

The kobolds form a knot and begin to argue and bark at each other before turning to face the duo of the centaur and the gnome again. "Newcomers cannot be trusted. This war is bigger than you. Bigger than me! Maybe even bigger than her!" He points at Felicity with an exaggerated gravity. "But we are on punishment detail, so we will tell you- there have been eight ships the quarter, and none of them match the description of your ship. Though you should check with the other dockmasters! We cannot see what ships the others deal with..." There's some murmuring between the three manic kobolds, whispering words like "coup!" and "liberation!" before turning back to their table and beginning to argue again.

The Landing

More figures materialize in the area, but Darli Kos waits for you patiently where you left her. However, when you arrive there is something different about her demeanor. She seems more official. Like she is doing her duty, not being easy going and friendly. "You are all such interesting people, I have received word that you have been invited for a meeting with the Mantis tomorrow. The esteemed and impartial juror of Timeborne encourages you to rest, make yourself ready, enjoy the local shops and cuisine, and come to her Enclave during business hours tomorrow." Kos does not, in any way, indicate that this meeting is optional.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

South
Felicity wasn't at all sure how she felt about levitating. Centaurs didn't at all have the same fixation on flying that bipeds did. Maybe because birds have two legs, too? She wasn't sure.

But she tried her best to relax. And she had to admit it was faster.

"That was exciting," she said (a little breathlessly) when they got to the top, "In a running-down-a-steep-hill-too-fast kind of way. Is that how you like to get around?"

To the Teifling:

"The Mantis would have your head if you enchanted a tourist? How would he? She? It? even know?"

West
Felicity covers her mouth to stifle a scandalized giggle when Kunnian offers their help to the kobolds. After she got hold of herself she nodded vigorously. "It's true!" *giggle" We're very," *snerf* "Very good at war."

The Landing
Felicity was suddenly very nervous. Facing down monsters and bandits was one thing. But vague social events with magical autocrats? Terrifying.

"How do we make ourselves ready? Do you mean, like, wear fancy clothes? Or more, like, write our wills?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The North Tower

Swept up from a home he was meant to guard and sold into servitude. In spite of Onth's resilient enthusiasm at guarding once again, Doredan feels a few pangs of sympathy for the... entity. Not a creature, exactly, but all the same. It is perhaps enough to forgive the thing's rash actions chasing away an opportunity to capture his brother's abductors. "Thank you for your tale, Onth," he expresses, before they move on.

The East Tower

The old gnome is a little more mad than Doredan was expecting. A little more than most gnomes he's known. Or maybe just drug-addled? His strange story would see impossibly outlandish, were Doredan not standing on a magical moon punching holes through the veils between worlds. "Interesting..." he comments, not sure yet what to do with this information. Save treat this Mantis with due caution. No mere ruler with a fancy name, she.

The Landing

Reconvening with the others, the prince nods to their interpreter, and maintains a stoic face upon learning of their invitation. "Is there anything we should know about protocols, laws, how to avoid insulting the Mantis?" he asks the woman, instilled by the tales of the towers to show due respect and caution.

To the rest of his crew, he informs, "The sky pirates attempted to dock at the stone tower there. However, they are wanted fugitives here. The tower's guardian attempted to smite them down and they fled."

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342%E2%80%9D)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2

Bil listens eagerly to Kos' response to the princes' question. As a diplomat, he's spent years studying protocols and is keenly aware of the opportunity for inadvertent missteps.
"Is there an inn or boarding house where we could all take lodging?"

Bil takes a moment to scrutinize the crowd growing around the group that seems to have so stiffened Kos.
perception on the crowd 24 - who is here, is anyone paying attention to us?
insight on Darli Kos 17 : is it the Mantis invitation that's changed her demeanor, or is it something about the people arriving around us? Or something else?

[purepolarpanzer]

South Tower

The tiefling gives Felicity a dry look, then a galled one as he slides the sleeve of his robe up his arm and reveals a tattoo of a chain. Several links are broken. "Ten links, ten years servitude each. When a decade goes by, a link breaks. When they all break, they disappear and I am free. Not a great situation, but better this than the wrath of the Mantis. Her bounties always get claimed eventually. Almost as if soul silver were rare, pure, and dangerous enough for people to do anything to get it." He grumbled out that last sentence out of the corner of his mouth as an aside clearly not meant for you.

The Landing

Kos smiles again at the group, but the smile doesn't reach her eyes. "You should have no worries about meeting the Mantis. She is not a ruler of pomp and circumstance, nor a tyrant who punishes people for the most minor of offenses. If anything, it should be an honor. Speak true, be polite, and be receptive to any favors or questions she asks and you will be fine."

Bil can see that Darli Kos is taking the group more seriously now, as though an invitation from the Mantis was a mark of danger or proficiency that the warrior intended to respect. It seems weaklings are not invited to see the Mantis on their first day in Timeborne. As for the crowd, Bil notices an unpleasant amount of interest from several street meat salespeople pulling small carts around the landing and selling to freshly teleported people. Their eyes shine with greed.

"As far as lodging, I recommend Savva's Crossplane Cantina. They rent a few rooms to weary travelers. Or, if you have the bravery, scout out a building and claim it for yourself. Buildings that don't see use have a tendency to... not be there any more. If you see something that appeals to you, claim it, and make it a more permanent addition to the city."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Landing

Doredan rubs his chin. Staking a claim of their own does sound appealing, and he supposes that's how those babbling xvarts managed to obtain real estate on the moon. On the other hand, the matters of obtaining food would fall upon them rather than a hosting cantina. "I think that staking any claims to property should wait until we are more knowledgeable about this place and what to expect," he voices to the rest of the party, though he could be swayed in the other direction if they preferred the adventurous route.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

<It would be more comfortable,> the Magus sent. <But comfort is emphereal. We have been noticed already, it seems, and anyone of power and note would be keeping tabs on the main lodging places. Staying at a random building would make it far more difficult to spy on us with preestablished methods. In addition, a lodging-place may object to my alchemy, and I detest being bothered over trivial things.>

She looked at the buildings, the different styles.
<In truth, the notion of what some of these ancient buildings may contain is interesting, is it not?>


<Darli Kos,> she sent to their guide. <Where is the Mantis' Enclave? You say the buildings disappear if they are not utilised? How long does such a thing take?>

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Inspiration: 3/3
Conditions: ---

''Wow!'' Kunnian replies to Hylusi's telepathic words. ''Of all the people I met today, I never thought you'd be the one to suggest we move in together so soon!'' She laughs a little too hard at her own joke, then clears her throat, regaining composure: ''You're right though. We'll attract less attention that way. I'll probably go sing a few songs at the Cantina while you, uh, alchemize. I might be able to gather some intel, too!''

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

At her joke, the Magus slowly turned her head to look at Kunnian, fixing her with a deeply unimpressed look.






>:|

[purepolarpanzer]

The Landing

Darli Kos reaches to a scroll case at her side and withdraws a rolled up parchment. "I can do you one better than to TELL you where the Mantis is. I have a map that I can pass on to you. The Interpreter's guild wishes all newcomers to Timeborne well." She rolls out a simple map with some hand written notes on it.

https://i.imgur.com/xH55TFX.png

She turns her attention to the Magus and shrugs in response to her question. "How long does it take to forget the memory of your third kiss as a young person? Or your first time skinning your knee? These buildings are like the memories of the city, plucked from various worlds across the multiverse. If people settle into a building and see to it's upkeep, it isn't forgotten as easily. If no one pays much attention to a building, it fades from the city like childhood memories, or drawings left out in the rain. The process is slow, but it happens when no one is around to notice, so it goes unnoted by all but the Preservationist's Enclave. If you want to know what buildings are available, they are the ones to ask. On the other hand, I wouldn't worry about your alchemy being frowned upon at the Cantina. As long as you're not actively hurting anyone, you'd be surprised by the level of acceptance in Timeborne."

Some images TM and © 2022 Monte Cook Games, LLC.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Inspiration: 3/3
Conditions: ---

''Sisterhood of Sages?'' Kunnian asks spontaneously when she lays eyes on the map. '' What's that?''

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342”)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil studies the map with interest.
”I could use a chance to rest, and to commune with Damh. But the Library of Worlds interests me. If the sages there are the ones who track and predict the planebreaker’s motion, then they can give us a sense of how premeditated the princess’s abduction was.”

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Landing

"I am in agreement with Cleric Bil," Doredan speaks up after considering the possible destinations for a few moments. "I will accompany him to the library to gather more information. If fortune be with us, we can identify something about where the pirates came from, or where they intend to go." He looks at the rest of the group, "Whether or not those of you seeking elsewhere find us a place to claim, shall we meet up at the Cantina once our investigations are done? It is a simple enough gathering place."

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicty looked from speaker to speaker, nodding in agreement. It was reassuring to have these people around her. They were all very smart and very tough. Even Hylusi, who didn't look it at first.

"I'm not much for libraries. And I certainly can't sing. I could scout out a building to claim. If we could find one that looks like home, maybe our memories and connection will help keep it safe?"

She had an idea that her Fey nature would make this task easier. Although, if pressed, she would not have been able to explain exactly why.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Landing

Darli's eyebrow perks up at the mention of the Sisterhood of Sages. "Don't let the name fool you. There's plenty of men in the sisterhood, but it was once exclusively female. They are a meditative sect that studies the philosophy, truths, and birth of existence. Non-theologically, of course. They take no sides, religiously, but with so many gods claiming to have created the multiverse it makes sense to take such claims with a grain of salt. Go there if you want to find out more about the very nature of the web of worlds we occupy."

Darli looks to the breach in the city walls, reaching up to tug at her ear as though it is a nervous tick. Then she turns to you all and smiles. "You have a map, you know where to find me or another interpreter. I think you have what you need. Explore! Enjoy! And may you find who you seek!" She bows and heads with Little Guy towards the makeshift gate, picking up the pace as she leaves the Landing.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342%E2%80%9D)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 3/4 1st, 1/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd; channel 1/2
Bil assesses his companions, and nods a firm assent to the prince's suggestion.
"At your service, as ever, sire." The haregon gives a small chuckle. "I suspect I would be of greater service were I to refresh myself. The morning's attack on the city feels like a different lifetime ago. But, if your highness, prefers to visit the library first, let us head there promptly!"

Turning to Felicity, he bobs his head, as he brings himself to ask a favor. "If I could request a boon, as you explore our surroundings. If you see any others who bear a symbol like the drum and pan flute on my shield here, please inquire their name and how I may call on them. While I expect we will meet many of our fey brethren here in Timeborne, fellow Davians are a rarer encounter."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Landing

"It is a library, what danger could it hold?" Prince Doredan looks askance at Bil, but shakes his head. "If you must. I doubt I will sleep much."

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Feicity smiles and sketches a quick curtsey. "That's no boon, Bil. Of course I will do that for you. If you are any indication, the more allies we have among the Davians the better off we wil be."

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 3/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

The Magus raised a slender eyebrow, though the motion was hidden under the gloom of her hat.
<Tired already, cleric? The day is too young yet to waste time in sleep.>

At the Prince's words, however, her monochrome lips curled in amusement.
<Many things can be dangerous in any library worth the name, Prince. Several books of my home library back at Bleakpines must be kept chained to the shelves - the presence of the living, and especially mages, can... excite them.>


She turned her gimlet eyes on Fourhooves.
<I intend to see to this Preservationist Enclave; from what that guide creature said, we may find information on a good place there. I suspect it would be more effective to go there first than wandering about.> She paused for a second, then added, <I would recommend you accompany me.>

[purepolarpanzer]

Leaving the Landing

As the party follows Darli's map, they look for an ideal place to split up and head in their respective directions. It is while some of them are nose deep in the map provided that shadowy figures emerge from the alleyways to either side of the group, forming a solid mass of muscled flesh in a variety of colors, all bearing weapons openly. A triton bearing a trident and a net steps forward, and you recognize him as one of the street food vendors from the Landing.

"Scuse me, ladies and gents, but I'd appreciate it if you'd drop your purses to the stones. Do it real slow like and we won't have to cut you down like the tourist dogs you are." The partially aquatic man has blackened teeth pulled into a rictus grin, and you see scars running up and down his arms. His surrounding lowlives all appear well acquainted with combat, or at least mugging people who knew how to handle themselves.

Should things come to initiative, Doredan and Hylusi rolled high, thugs rolled in the middle, and sadly Bil, Felicity, and Kunnian rolled low. So first up it's Doredan and Hylusi, then I'll respond with thug attacks, then it switches to "party, enemies, party...". There are four thugs on either side of you, blocking escape from a thin alley, roughly 15 feet wide and 30 feet long. I don't think this is going to go too well for our bad guys.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Alley

"Excitable books?" Prince Doredan asks incredulously. There is no doubt in his mind that capable magi could create such a thing, but it begs the question "What use would there be in making a book that gets excitable? Do they bounce around when you try to read them? Is this a fey thing?" he turns to some of their companions at the last question.

Unfortunately, his morbid curiosity is interrupted by thugs. Prince Doredan looks at them disdainfully and draws his dagger. These brigands are not worth dirtying La Illumineuse. In a flash, he steps to meet the triton and attempts to make an example of their leader, who exposed himself by stepping ahead of his allies.

However, Doredan underestimates the triton's readiness and misses his opening cut. He pivots back with practiced footwork.

Bonus action to Dash next to the triton, and make a Charger attack with his dagger.
[roll0] to hit
[roll1] damage if it hits
If it hits, reaction to apply Defensive Flourish for +[roll2] damage and the same bonus to AC on Doredan until his next turn; however, dodge roll is also disabled this round
If it hits, target tales +1d6 from other attacks until Doredan's next turn
Attack missed, so Dodge Roll remains active
Then move back 10 feet towards the group, triton gets no AoO due to Mobile.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: Maximillian's Earthern Grasp
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP



"Excitable books?" Prince Doredan asks incredulously. There is no doubt in his mind that capable magi could create such a thing, but it begs the question "What use would there be in making a book that gets excitable? Do they bounce around when you try to read them? Is this a fey thing?" he turns to some of their companions at the last question.


The Magus gave the Prince a bemused look.
<Bouncing about? Of course not. Don't be ridiculous.> she told him. <The interactions between their spellworks and the contained necromantic energies within had merely animated them and possessed them with a drive to consume life. It is not unheard of with more powerful texts, as their arcanic signature is innately attuned to the animation of dead matter->

Perhaps the necromancer would have expoused more on her (very) distant library had ruffians not chosen that moment to attempt a robbery.
A robbery!

As if a man selling meat on sticks just a short while ago could rob a scion of Bleakpines and still walk away in a manner not controlled by necromantic mastery.

<You,> she sent to them calmly, <Have just made a very terminal mistake.>

The Prince, disregarding words, dashed forward, but the marketman deflected his strike. She smiled, a thin, cruel thing.
<Ha. Try this instead, Prince!>

Two things happened. Her gorelings boiled forth from under her robes as Hylusi raised a slender grey hand and thrust it into the air, pulling the fingers into a fist. With a groaning creak, an enormous skeletal hand burst from the ground and clamped ivory fingers around the triton. He exclaimed as the bones tried to crush the life out of him - and then the gorelings arrived. Restrained as he was, there was little he could do to save himself. With gleeful shrieks, the hands hurled themselves at the fishman with careless abandon, some of them even richoeting off the conujured bones of the crushing spell. But enough got in they began to eat, and within a few seconds, the triton was nothing more than a shrivelled husk inside the skeletal grip.

<Worthless filth,> her icy voice echoed in the heads of their assailants. <Begone. You are unworthy of my attention.>







Action: casts maxmillian's earthern hand skeleton flavour
BA: order gorelings forward, death of the triton confirmed on discord
Reaction: shield if necessary

[purepolarpanzer]

Alleyway Battle

Doredan's leap forward and the clash of steel begins the battle, which takes a whole different turn when Hylusi's spell first wraps the triton, then smothers the life out of him with wave after wave of grasping, squeezing hands that radiate negative energy. There are screams, but they grow weaker and weaker as more hands latch out. The remaining thugs look worried, and one or two of them take steps backward. "You didn't say they had a mage..." Utters a musclebound human. A half-elf with a mauled ear responds "Mages ain't scary if you target them. Draw your daggers and throw, you git!"

Though the crowd of thieves looks worried, some advance forward and some draw smaller throwing blades. One flies past the goreling hoard and the skeletal hand and scratches across Hylusi's cheek and the handle of another bounces off of Kunian's shoulder, both smarting a bit but causing no traumatic wounds. The musclebound human issues a bellow of challenge and charges the goreling wave, hacking and slashing at them with a exotic looking axe, but the effect against such a flow of necrotic influence is minimal, even with those straining arms. One hand is chopped in two, but this just results in the goreling splitting into two attackers, still mobile and dangerous, though the newest goreling is not yet under the thrall of the necromancer. On the other side of the alley Bil and Felicity are targeted by two ne'er-do-wells , but their weapons fail to pierce the pair's heavy armor, sparks flying as steel scrapes off of steel.

Hylusi gets scratched by a dagger for 6 hp (shield wouldn't have prevented it), Kunian gets hit for 5 hp, and a goreling takes 12 damage, which causes it to split. Since muscles is the nearest target he's probably going to suffer the wrath of the new goreling first, but Hylusi might want to take control of the new goreling before it tries to eat a party member.

[jscape2000]

Alleyway Battle

Doredan's leap forward and the clash of steel begins the battle, which takes a whole different turn when Hylusi's spell first wraps the triton, then smothers the life out of him with wave after wave of grasping, squeezing hands that radiate negative energy. There are screams, but they grow weaker and weaker as more hands latch out. The remaining thugs look worried, and one or two of them take steps backward. "You didn't say they had a mage..." Utters a musclebound human. A half-elf with a mauled ear responds "Mages ain't scary if you target them. Draw your daggers and throw, you git!"

Though the crowd of thieves looks worried, some advance forward and some draw smaller throwing blades. One flies past the goreling hoard and the skeletal hand and scratches across Hylusi's cheek and the handle of another bounces off of Kunian's shoulder, both smarting a bit but causing no traumatic wounds. The musclebound human issues a bellow of challenge and charges the goreling wave, hacking and slashing at them with a exotic looking axe, but the effect against such a flow of necrotic influence is minimal, even with those straining arms. One hand is chopped in two, but this just results in the goreling splitting into two attackers, still mobile and dangerous, though the newest goreling is not yet under the thrall of the necromancer. On the other side of the alley Bil and Felicity are targeted by two ne'er-do-wells , but their weapons fail to pierce the pair's heavy armor, sparks flying as steel scrapes off of steel.

Hylusi gets scratched by a dagger for 6 hp (shield wouldn't have prevented it), Kunian gets hit for 5 hp, and a goreling takes 12 damage, which causes it to split. Since muscles is the nearest target he's probably going to suffer the wrath of the new goreling first, but Hylusi might want to take control of the new goreling before it tries to eat a party member.



https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342%E2%80%9D)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 1/2

"You fools. A many armed wizardess, a hare in plate armor, a heavily armed centaur and human, and a gnomish seer. And you see tourists, and not a war party?"
Bil breaks into a mocking battle song.

Bil steps forward among the thugs, and his song takes a more serious, militant tone and becomes a song of praise for Damh, the protector.

A halo of light bursts out from the holy symbol on Bil's shield, striking all the enemies immediately around him.




Word of Radiance. DC17 Cons save or else receive... wait for it... 2! points of radiant damage.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 33/38 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Inspiration: 2/3
Conditions: ---

Kunnian lets out a little gasp when the dagger scrapes her shoulder - it stung, but nothing a few magic words couldn't fix. Her brows furrow, giving her an air of seriousness which almost looked comical on her usually smiling face. She whistled a few quick notes, keeping in tune with Bil's song, and a golden mote of swirling energy sprung from her lips and zipped towards Doredan, where it hovered over his shoulder, almost dancing to the rythm of Bil's davian song.
Then she said to the muscle-bound brute: "Hey, knucklehead, what are you trying to overcompensate for with those big muscles, huh?" It was crass, but she couldn't help but laugh internally at her taunt as she laced the words with subtle magic that would strike directly at the man's ego.

Vicious mockery to the big guy and inspiration to Doredan

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was angry. They were new here. She'd had a very long day. She had to swim. Someone magic'ed her up a bunch of stairs. She had a lot of very complicated feelings about cute/unwholesome magic elves and cute and fun gnomes (not even to mention the Prince!). And now this? Was this what they did here? Just prey on whoever happened to wander in?

Not today.

Felicity clopped forward and struck the biggest of the bandits twice with the business end of her pike, she powered both with her conviction and desire to keep her friends safe, and the strikes flashed bright as they hit.

And then in one smooth motion she spun the pike and cracked him in the face with the haft.

"Leave us alone!" She yelled to whoever was left. "Leave now and you live. Continue this madness and you all die this day! I swear to you!"

She backed up just enough to protect her friends should they need it.


Attack Roll 1: 20, 13 damage (10 + 3 Smite)
Attack Roll 2: 22, 14 damage (12 + 2 Smite)
Bonus Action Polearm Smash: 21, 7 damage.

Move forward to smack then, and then back so I'm 5ft from Hylusi (and anyone else, if possible).

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: ---
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Alley

While the horrid hands form a defensive line, Doredan rushes around the flank of their enemy and takes a slice at the half-elf with the mangled ear. Flitting in and then back out, he settles at the mouth of the alley to cut off escape.

Bonus action to Dash around the edge of the fight next to the half-elf, and make a Charger attack with his dagger.
[roll0] to hit
[roll1] damage if it hits, edit: +2 (forgot dueling bonus)
If it hits, target takes +1d6 from other attacks until Doredan's next turn
Then move behind the brigands to cut off escape at the alley's mouth.

[purepolarpanzer]

Kunnian's words and magic breach the strongest amongst them, making him suddenly self conscious and unsure, causing him to hesitate. When Felicity's bodily charge hit him, he was sent sprawling, shouting and bawling as the sharp polearm cut into him, the final smack from the haft knocking him out. Radiant light and blaring music from Bil causes the gang of thieves to shield their eyes, and by the time the half-elf's eyes had cleared his chest had developed a weeping stab would filled with Wissimvale Iron. Blood leaked from his nose, and he shouted "LEG IT! THEY'RE TOO MUCH!" But almost as though he anticipated their decision, Doredan moves to block the mouth of the alley. The predators have become like panicked sheep, ready to stampede at all costs.

The fight has gone out of your enemy. How do you wish to handle their defeat? This will set the tone for how people look at you and treat you in Timeborne, which should be a location we come back to as a hub more than once.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 11
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on: Maximillian's Earthern Grasp
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

Hylusi made a hissing sound as a knife whistled past her cheek. She raised some black-stained fingertips to touch the wound, and stared at the quicksilver-like blood staining her fingers. Her eyes narrowed in rage.

<You dare to draw my blood? You, gutterscum filth, dare?>

With a sharp motion, the giant skeletal hand sank into the ground and seized the knife thrower that had injured the Magus. With another gesture from the grey ex-elf, the gorelings advanced on the trapped figure.

Soon they were suffering the same terrible fate as Hylusi's first victim. She turned a contemptuous stare on the rest, hemmed in and trapped.

<Kneel and beg, you pathetic worms!> Her mind-voice demanded with imperious wrath. <Or would you rather suffer the same? Choose!>





Action: redirect maxmillian's earthern hand skeleton flavour
BA: destroy the one who injured me with the gorelings because they need to learn crime doesn't pay
If that didn't take care of the rogue goreling by taking control, destroy it as well
Reaction: shield if necessary

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was paying attention to the scared bandits and not enough to Hylusi. And that was a mistake. Left to her own devices, apparently she acted like dictatorial impunity.

She ran out in front of Hylusi. "Whoa whoa whoa! Hang on." She turned to the bandits. "We won't kill you in cold blood. We fight to defend ourselves. And maybe sometimes if there's a lot of money involved, but never mind that. But we won't countenance being attacked in the street. And we will defend ourselves if need be."

She backed away. Looked around.

"What passes for a justice system around here? Is there somewhere we can bring them? Or someone we can call?"

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342%E2%80%9D)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 1/2
Bil's heart is with Felicity. It is one thing to take a life in self-defense, and another kill a retreating enemy. But these brigands attacked without provocation, and would have robbed or killed a less able party of travelers.

He holds a hand up to Hylusi, a subtle request for restraint. "Your anger is justified, lady magus. Life is a series of moments, small choices, where time after time we reveal ourselves to the gods and their servants, and if we are very attentive, to ourselves as well.
Bil turns to the bandits. "The mantis is justice here, is she not?" He does not wait for a reply. "Those of you who throw down your weapons have a chance to live. Hylusi may have the rest of you for gorelings."

[purepolarpanzer]

The Alleyways of Timeborne

As one of their number is rapidly dissolved by necrotic energy and a wave of pinches, punches, squeezes, and slaps, the remaining thugs throw down their weapons. "Mantis will probably kill us, but this crazy witch will DEFINITELY kill us!" Shouts one. Another speaks up and says "I hear when Matteo got picked up for stealing he got sent on some sort of quest. Maybe we'll get lucky!" This remaining squad of scum look nervously at the party and at each other, worrying if this sudden generosity will be revoked at any moment by the furious Magus.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Inspiration: 2/3
Conditions: ---

Kunnian was watching and listening, taking everything in. Would this day ever end? She had fought vicious creatures from the sky, failed to protect the king and queen, discovered that her world was just one of many in a... a what? A multiverse? It was all so overwhelming.
She also couldn't help but being impressed at her companions and how they were so different from one another: Brave Felicity, Wise Bil, Imperious Hylusi... Their group couldn't be more diverse. And they all seemed so self assured, so certain of their character. ''What a great story it will make!'' She thought to herself.
She caught herself daydreaming about the type of leather that would be best suited to bind the manuscript of their tales and realized there was more important matters at hand right now...
At least, she knew what they needed to solve the situation at hand: a story! She thought her little group had made a strong enough impression to be able to use that in their favor.

She took what she thought was a serious stance, her tiny fists on her hips, shoulders as straight as they could possibly go and she spoke in a voice she hoped would sound commanding: ''We will spare you on one condition: spread the story of what happened here. Let it be known that we don't take too kindly to provocation. Tell them of the might of Magus Hylusi, the blinding power of Priest Bil's faith, the martial prowess of prince Doredan and Knight Felicity, the disarming wordcraft of Maker Kunnian. Make it very clear that if anyone wants to mess with us, we will repay them in kind! We do not want a repeat of what just happened here today. Do I make myself clear?''
She lets a few seconds pass to allow her words to sink in, then:
''Well? You heard me. Git! And don't let us see you again. Next time we won't be so lenient.''

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: Bardic Inspiration (Kunnian)
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Alley

Giving the surrendered brigands a contemptuous look, Doredan sheathes his blade. "Take care, Magus. The Mantis does not like disruption in her streets," he cautions. Were they in Wissimvale, the men would likely have been executed for attacking a royal party. And he has little care for these black-toothed bandits. "And I do not care to waste our time cleaning this up or escorting them to the Mantis ourselves. If she wants them, I am confident she will find them. So," he motions to the remains of those who'd already fallen. "Let them take their dead, and take word to any other two-bit alley skulkers to leave us be."

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity looks from Bil to Kunnian to the Prince. She nodded in agreement. She backed away from the bandits and put up her pike.

"The Prince is wise," she said, "And merciful. Go. All of you."

She turned to Doredan and whispered, "Two-bit alley skulkers? That's very good."

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

Oh, I know myself very well, Hylusi's mind whispered to itself at Bill's words.

For a moment, Hylusi's gaze slid between the members of the party, her eyes wrath-bright in the shadows of her face. The centaur, the rabbit, the gnome - and finally the Prince too interjected.

The Magus clicked her tongue in irritation and let her righteous anger subside.

<Hmmph. Very well.> she sent to the party. The would-be robbers were already beneath her notice. <I suppose filth like those matter little, alive or dead. Hopefully the examples made will discourage the rest from a second attempt.>

She clicked her fingers, and the giant hand sank back beneath the ground. The gorelings, chirping, scuttled back to their master.

<Consider the value of mercy to the next travellers they rob and ransack.>

She raised a hand again to touch the cut. It had already started scabbing over, leaving a silvery line along her cheek.

Her servitors moved forward, collecting up the dropped weapons, in case they'd be of use.





Servitor's pick up the dropped weapons.

[purepolarpanzer]

Alleys of Timeborne

The thugs are nearly wordless with gratitude as they escape the alley, one of them lingering to watch Hylusi's servants sort through their weapons. "My knife..." But his friend roughly grabs him by the arm. "You wanna die for a knife? C'mon. Let's leave while they let us." The first thug looks at Hylusi with naked threat for a moment, but then turns away, fires of rebellion quelled. A knife was apparently nothing to die for today.

It was easy for her to identify which knife belonged to the bemoaner with the angry face. Most of the blades and truncheons were cheap affairs, the type of thing you pick up for copper or make yourself. However, one of them is a keen, curved blade with a gutting hook, silver enlaid in the blade, a golden grip, and a ruby shaped like a heart on the pommel. It radiates a sense of off power, and it thrums slightly in one's grip, as though something were vibrating the blade. It's unmercifully sharp, and draws the eye with unnatural strength.

Timeborne Reputation Gained- Not to be Trifled With

At the Library of Worlds

Following Darli's map, one half of the group finds themselves at the Library of Worlds. A red-brick structure with clay roof tiles sprawls over a couple of acres, crowding nearby buildings. Five stories tall and featuring a central tower with a dome-like top, the main entrance of this building is flanked by two large iron sculptures of stylized humanoids reading from massive tomes. The doors are open, but relatively few people are moving in and out. Those who do nod at you all congenially as you approach, so there doesn't seem to be any tomfoolery about getting into the place. Once inside, you find yourselves before a central desk, looking around at shelve upon shelve of books, each one identically sized but in a kaleidoscope of colors and ranging in age from fresh pressed covers to nearly disintegrated text.

The docent at the front counter smiles at you all, saying "Welcome to the Library of Worlds. How may I help you?" He is another androgenous blue vedalken with two arms sorting through some sort of card catalogue and the other two opened in greeting. "You have the look of locals. I'm surprised we've already swept up visitors, that usually doesn't occur until we leave... but I assure you, this is the right place for any newcomer to Timeborne to come- we have any and all information that could help you right here!"

At the Preservationist Enclave

A low wall surrounds a wide yard filled with tidy stacks of lumber, bricks, and stones of various size and color, roof tiles, sand, brackets, and other building materials. At any given time, one or two carts are pulled up in the yard, loading up supplies and specialized tools. A supervisor clutching a ledger watches everything, jotting down notes and interacting with those who come and go. The yard backs up to several attached warehouse-like structures.

The supervisor, a red haired elf with ink stains covering his fingers, points to a wheel barrow of sand being pushed across the yard by what appears to be a humanoid rhinoceros. "No, not there, damnit! That goes in warehouse C, as it's meant for the south side! Whole district needs new concrete mixed ASAP! Get the lead out, you layabout!" The rhino man gives an audible snort, his foot pawing the ground for a moment like he is considering a charge, then turns the wheelbarrow around and pushes it towards a different warehouse. Seeing you entering the chaos of the yard, the elf approaches you. "Safety equipment is required beyond this point. Are you my new workers? If so, you're early. And you won't be paid until the job starts. I'd suggest finding quarters in the city somewhere while we wait for the paint to dry on district L!" He has elven edges to his features, but his eyes are cold and his hands are callused along with ink stained. "Well, who are you? What do you have to say for yourself?" A tag on his shirt says "Supervisor Neng".

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png
Bil ("https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342%E2%80%9D)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 1/2
*At the Library of Worlds*
"Thank you." Bil offers a formal, courtly bow. "And you are correct, we are natives of the world below. If I may present myself, your humble servant, Tramunbil of the Mabovoh Warrens. And my companions, Prince Dorodan of Wissimvale, sent on a royal mission on behalf of the king." Bil introduces all the companions who are in the library with him.

"We seek information after our city was attacked, and citizens abducted. The abductions do not appear random, although we are given to understand that the movements of Timeborne can appear that way. Therefore, we conclude that someone who understood or anticipated Timeborne's travel must be behind the attack. We need to know if such prediction is possible, and if so, by whom?" Bil's ears twitch with eager anticipation. He hopes he has not revealed too much, as his nature would be to show greater reserve. But time is of the essence, and the group needs information before they meet the Mantis.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: Bardic Inspiration (Kunnian)
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

The Alley

Doredan releases a breath from his nose and shakes his head at the paladin's flattery. "I would not call it mercy. I am only trying to gauge the milieu of Timeborne." It would have suited him just fine if Hylusi had decided to cut them all down, though perhaps shaken his faith in her reason. He nods his head at the Magus, "Better we be known as dangerous, but reasonable. We do not want to close doors to us, or look weak." Some of the political lessons from his tutors, both overt and covert.

Library of Worlds

The civilized atmosphere does wonders for Doredan's mood after their alleyway ambush. He keeps his head raised in a royal posture to make clear that he does not bow, but nods back to the scholarly folk they meet on their way inside, carrying himself with a more relaxed posture.

He greets the docent similarly with a nod and a salutation of the right hand over his right shoulder. A Wissimvale gesture of respect from the upper class to educated individuals, often the kind who seek royal or noble patronage - artists, scholars, and their sort. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. In addition to the good cleric's inquiry, I am interested in knowing the origin of a type of mask."

With pen and paper, Doredan attempts to sketch out an image of the masks that the sky pirates had worn.

[roll0] Performance, I think would be appropriate for descriptive drawing?

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity skecthed a quick, no-nonsense curtsey. Sometimes you showed respect by tarting it up, sometimes by stripping it down.

She frowned internally, not at all pleased that both of those options sounded like sexual innuendos.

She smiled at the elf. "Lodgings in town is actually what we're here about!" she said, brightly (but not, like flippantly or annoyingly - she had some trstraint). "We're new to town, and we're looking for somewhere to take up residence. And any information you have about this whole buildings fading from reality thing, that would be great too!"

She looked around.

"But, uh, you look busy. Is there someone somewhere who's got time to be hassled by outworlders? Like someone with a desk job, amirite?"

[purepolarpanzer]

The Library of Worlds

The vedalken frowns at the mention of abductions, assaults, and theft, but the gentle smile returns swiftly. "Well, if there is anyone who can predict the path of the Planebreaker it would have to be one of the highest scholars in our retention.... but to meet with any of them first you'll have to commune with the Lead Archivist. Her office is just over there if you'd like to wait for an appointment... she usually just has to be located before she can meet with guests. Or if you wish you could pursue her... last I heard she was in the basement archives, which is just over there..." They gesture in the opposite direction with their fourth hand. "Unfortunately I don't know anything about masks, but the lead archivist can direct you to the right stacks, or the right researcher."

You may wait at the Lead Archivist's office while someone finds her, or you can go try to hunt her down yourself.

The Preservationist's Enclave

Supervisor Neng's nose turns up. "Desk job? We don't have desk jobs around here. I'm in charge, and I keep this operation moving. Always moving, always building, always repairing. You want a place to stay, with the paperwork to back it up? You fix the place you're stayin' in. Then, if someone comes and tries to take your spot, or ends up being a jerk of a neighbor, Mantis takes care of it. We do enough work for her clearing jobs and bounties, we got sway like that." He rips out a scribble of paper and quickly sketches a star onto it before handing it to Felicity. "There. You're deputized. Scout any location you want, fix it up, make it nice, and do your best not to let it fade away. We'll provide basic supplies for the job, but we're not gonna plant the flowers in your garden, understand?" He scribbles out several more with difficult to read addresses, thrusting them out at each of you. "Here's some leads we're interested in repopulating. Start there."

If people are up for it, I'll do a write up for several locations throughout Timeborne, and you all can claim whatever fixer upper you're interested in. Or keep things simple and stay at the inn. Discuss it in the Discord, I just don't want to make a house repair mini game if no one wants that.

[NiKkatsu]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Inspiration: 2/3
Conditions: ---

Kunnian clears her throat to attract the man's attention as he is scribbling the other addresses: ''Excuse me? Excuse me! I'd like to be deputized too, if that's not too much to ask?''

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

The Alley

Clicking her fingers and pointing, one of the servitors proffered the clearly magic dagger for her inspection.

<Oh? This seems too fine to be in the hands of a reprobate thug.>

She gave it a cursory look, then a quick gesture had the servitor stash it away for later examination.

The Enclave

The Magus looked about her imperiously, but did not dignify the supervisors questions with an answer, letting inspect the centaur speak.

She examined the list she was handed, with a careful eye. She was interested in whatever secrets might be hidden in the old abandoned places this city had stolen.

Hmm. She would have to expand her spellbook to get more immediately relevant spells. Something to do, after this.






+Magic knife

[purepolarpanzer]

The Preservationists' Enclave

"Sure thing, little one." Neng quickly turns his pad of paper and draws another star. "There ya go. It ain't worth much, but it gets you buckets of nails and bags of cement. Now quit bothering me! I have more to do today then you do in a month, and we're barely started! Get movin'!" Someone in the yard shouts "Neng!" and he wheels to see a crowd of confused workers holding supplies, unsure where to put them. He gives a wave of finality and heads back to continue his duties.

A villa nestled in between two more vertical buildings, this low building offers rooms for everyone of varying size, a well stocked but archaic kitchen, a wine cellar attached to an underground grotto that connects to a sewer menaced by dark shadows and monstrous echoes from a grated pipe in the wall. There is grafitti on the walls that indicate that something large and dangerous makes it's home under the villa, along with a great treasure.



A tall watchtower or similar military construction sits at the crossroads of a busy street (by Timeborne standards). It's roots sink deep into the earth, which defies logic, as it apparently appeared here a week ago as though it belonged here. The building is spartan, but it is efficient and modern, with a partially stocked armory, a small gymnasium, hot water that runs through pipes, and plenty of room for visitors if they don't mind barrack living. There is a command bunker with personal quarters in the basement, along with a safe that no one has been able to open that occasionaly makes noise. The building is currently overrun with a giant bee hive that must be reckoned with.

By far the most unassuming option in the group, a modest stone house that would be cosy (and potentially cramped), if in were not for a howling ghost reported to be wailing at all hours. Visitors sometimes report seeing fleeting images of people doing everything from dancing to dying. No one has been hurt yet, but passerby outside have been menaced by spectral hands. There is an extensive library spanning a variety of topics, a study with more eldritch tomes, and a ritual circle in the basement that appears inert, perhaps only partially completed. There's a bonus bounty for quieting the ghost before it harms someone.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity smiled and beamed, flashing her new deputy mark and comparing it to Kunnian's. She looked over the listings Neng gave them.

"We should bring this to the others," she said, "But, uh, you wanna go scout 'em out first?"

With her crazy (magically enhanced) speed, Felcity could zoom around the city pretty quick.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 1/2

"How could I pass up a chance to wander the archives?" Bil's ears twitch with excitement. "While I've certainly never been much of a scholar, I'm doing my best to follow Damh's exhortation to embrace each moment as a new treasure!"

Turning to Prince Doredan, Bil says, "Would you join me, sire, or would we do better to search separately for the Lead Archivist? Would could reconvene at this desk in, say, a half hour?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions: Bardic Inspiration (Kunnian)
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Library of Worlds

"A sound enough plan," the prince agrees with Bil, and gives the blue person a cordial nod. "We shall seek her out. Thank you for your assistance."

[NiKkatsu]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity smiled and beamed, flashing her new deputy mark and comparing it to Kunnian's. She looked over the listings Neng gave them.

"We should bring this to the others," she said, "But, uh, you wanna go scout 'em out first?"

With her crazy (magically enhanced) speed, Felcity could zoom around the city pretty quick.





https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Inspiration: 2/3
Conditions: ---

Kunnian thought about it for the better half of a second before answering excitedly: ''Oooooh! That's a great idea." Her eyes widened with wonder: '"I'm particularly curious about the ghost! What if it's just misunderstood and needs someone to listen to it's story so it can pass on, you know? Maybe we could start there. And if it really is only hostile, we can always arrest it,'' she added with a quirky smile, flashing her badge.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

With Felicity and Kinnian

The Magus nodded. A haunted house full of books on magic was so up her alley it was on to the next street.

<The wizard's home is certainly the most intriguing of the options. Even if we do not take it over as a habitation, the books and tomes are a worthwhile prize by themselves.>

[truemane]

https://i.ibb.co/Lt7Z4DK/Kunnian.webp
Maker Kunnian (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2745032)
AC: 15 | HP: 38/38 +11 | HIT DICE: 5d8+10
Speed: 25ft | Initiative: +2
Passive Perception: 11 | Passive Insight: 11
Inspiration: 2/3
Conditions: ---

Kunnian thought about it for the better half of a second before answering excitedly: ''Oooooh! That's a great idea." Her eyes widened with wonder: '"I'm particularly curious about the ghost! What if it's just misunderstood and needs someone to listen to it's story so it can pass on, you know? Maybe we could start there. And if it really is only hostile, we can always arrest it,'' she added with a quirky smile, flashing her badge.



https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity nodded and smiled, absolutely delighted. This was all very exciting.

"Ooooh, yes! Can you hug ghosts? Probably not. But I can't think of anyone better than us to help a restless spirit pass one!"

As soon as Kunnian was on board she started galloping toward the ghost-house. On the way she carefully tucked her badge into one her saddlebags. "We should find something safe to store these in, so they don't get damaged. But somehow also be able toshow them quick if we need to. Any ideas?"

[purepolarpanzer]

The Library of Worlds

Doredan and Bil follow the directions of the receptionist, finding themselves before a solid stone stairwell going deep into the earth. Heading downward, the temperature drops noticeably, small puffs of steam coming from your mouths as you climb down step after step after step. The stairwell cuts backwards at a landing, then exits out into a chamber much like the room above, with stacks of books floor to ceiling across multiple floors, but all of these appear much, much older. Separating from one another, you begin to search the basement stacks.

The books here are tattered, torn, stained, and soot covered to different degrees, showing signs of age and wear beyond a mortal lifetime. The vaults of them seem to go on and on, each book looking virtually identical except for the colors. Here and there you find a book that looks out of place, as though it had been misstacked in the wrong section. These are some of the more interesting finds, with books bearing beautiful illuminated script, ghoulish and disturbing illustrations, and mind boggling formulas.

Doredan, moving through the stacks, sees a flit of motion down an alley formed by the shelves. Out of curiosity, he follows it to it's source, revealing a small wonder. A pipe has burst in the wall, forming a small puddle and washing over one stack of books. It isn't a lot of water, but a small ecosystem has grown up here. First he spots patches of fungus, then moss, then a small house carved into the bookshelf, a tiny canoe in the puddle, and a plume of smoke coming from a tiny chimney all the way at the top of the shelf. However, the curtains shift, and suddenly the whole affair disappears.

While Bil is wandering the basement levels, he happens to notice a book that is out of place down here, much newer than those around it. When he removes it from the shelf, his eyes go wide at the word "Viridor" on the cover. This book is crisp, new, and mostly blank, but it shows drawings of several locations on the same continent as Wissimvale. Bil recognizes the Griffin Pass, Everarbor, and even a village of his own people. It is written in a foreign language, but it's intent is clear- a study from afar of all the views the library could make of your home from what appears to be a massive telescope. This book would probably be missed if it was taken. On the first empty page he finds a small note tucked into the pages that reads, in common, "PB has been here before. Must find other book!"

After some exploring, Bil and Doredan come across each other in a main avenue of the underground stacks, when both of them hear the wooden creak of a cart of some kind. Coming down the aisle is white haired woman who wears it down to her waist, wearing the same robes as the docent above. She is humming to herself lightly, pushing a squeaky wheelbarrow full of books as she goes. She doesn't appear to notice either of them, making as if to pass them by. She has laugh lines, a gentle, distant smile on her face, and a spellbook at her side.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 1/2

PB? Bil thinks to himself. Plane Breaker, most likely. And Viridor is what they must call our planet. He tucks the book into his pack. Perhaps the magus could divine a commonality between the locations this scholar had chosen to study.

Bil continues more carefully through the neighboring stacks, eyes search for familiar names. The researcher who'd been observing Bil's homeworld had set off in search of other books on Viridor. Perhaps there was a section on this solar system?

***
Seeing the kindly looking woman approach, Bil approaches, speaking softly to minimize the disturbance in this quiet basement.

"Excuse me. Madam? The receptionist send us down here in search of the Lead Archivist. You wouldn't happen to be she? Or perhaps you have seen her recently?"

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Library of Worlds

Walking through the aisles of bookshelves, Doredan looks at the spines idly. There is not so much as a smidgen of identification, making him wonder how exactly one is supposed to search through them. Then again, magi such as Hylusi must have spells that can point them to the book they want. Wizardly conveniences surely leave the common - no, that's not the word. They surely leave the mundane man lost.

And what he stumbles upon in a forgotten corner of the library is certainly anything but mundane. At first he is horrified at the water damage, then he takes in the strange mossy landscape and is left with a befuddled stare. After he blinks, everything looks normal again.

"Ridiculous. I must have inhaled some of that gnome's beetle powder," Doredan scratches his nose and looks around one more time, before warily backing out of the aisle.

- - -

Not long after returning to the main corridor, the prince spots bill speaking to a white-haired woman. He approaches, politely folding his hands behind him rather than interrupt.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Wizard's Home

Kunian, Felicity, and the Magus make their way across Timeborne, through a dizzying array of streets, motifs, and construction methods. The place is eerily empty, with room for thousands but the occupancy of a ghost town. When you arrive at the cul-de-sac where the wizard's domicile resides, you all find yourselves in a rough party of town, with broken streets and damaged buildings. It almost looks like it was absorbed mid major disaster, like an earthquake was rudely interrupted by absorption onto a renegade plane. Domination the rear of the circle is a modest two story house with violet curtains, old stained wood, an iron gate, and an overgrown garden plot of some sort out front. It is unassuming, if not for a sign that reads "Vemian Desquiren, Professional Mage. Leave your shoes by the door." From the street, you can see a small stable attached to the house and hear the frantic neighing of an upset animal.

The gate appears to be locked, but rusty and weatherworn. It may make way to enough elbow grease.

The Library of Worlds

The woman settles her wheelbarrow to the ground and turns to Bil with a merry smile on her face. "I can't tell you how happy I am that you can't tell that I'm in charge around here. It's very much the mood I'm shooting for. All equal in pursuit of knowledge." She extends a hand first to Bil, then to Doredan. "Lindel Rusha, Lead Archivist of the Library of Worlds. You can call me Lindel if you insist, but I prefer Lindy. Probably the most well read person you'll ever come across. How may I help you?"

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 1/2

Bil's nose twitches in amusement at the librarian's introduction. She desires the appearance of modesty, but carries either the most extreme ego or the most extreme self confidence. How could he get the archivist and Hylusi into a room together?

"The most well-read person we've ever met is exactly the person for whom we've been searching.

In your studies, have you come across mention of the planet the Plane Breaker is currently visiting? Our homeworld, I believe you might call Viridor. The royal palace was attacked as soon as the the Plane Breaker arrived, and a member of the royal family was abducted in what seems to have been a coordinated attack. I suspect that only someone who had predicted the Plane Breaker's travel could have been prepared for such a strike."

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was very excited. But she was also a little nervous that maybe they shouldn't be doing this alone.

She whispers to Kunnian. "Do you want to go in? Or go get the others? Or just skip this one and go on to the next?"

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

With Felicity and Kinnian

The Magus gazed thoughtfully at the decrepit mansion, ignoring the animal screams.
<Are you capable of warding yourself against the unquiet dead?> she sent to the others. <If not, well. As... limited... as clerical magic is, the Dahlite may be of use here before we attempt anything. I can ward against the undead, of course - but such magic is limited to but a single entity.>

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Library of Worlds

Shaking hands with a prince, very quaint. Doredan returns the gesture all the same. It would be small-minded to presume he understands the cultures of all the worlds intersecting on this place. To a scholar, the gesture may be a simple and safe baseline.

He considers asking about the tiny fey house, but these academic types will drone on if given half the chance. Better to focus on the matters at hand. "My brother's abductors also wore masks. I hoped we might learn if they hold some significance - or notoriety." Bringing out the sketch he'd made earlier, the prince shows the head librarian.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Library of Worlds

"Judging where the Planebreaker is going to roam next? Possible, with literary sciences and some calculations, but inexact. We've been surprised one too many times to say we can estimate the direction one hundred percent." She looked thoughtful for a moment, then begins searching through her stack of books. "Sorry to hear about your brother. I don't know anything of any masked figures, but I assure you they haven't been running around the library with bandit's masks on. Like I was saying, though, a bright enough scholar should be able to deduce what is coming up over the course of the next few jumps. Not exactly, mind you, but statistics can get you close. Perhaps your abductors received a tip and rode the wake of the Planebreaker into your world after waiting nearby."

She looks the two of you up and down, then sighs. "It'll be a pain in my butt, and take me away from important studies, but if you want I'll put my scholars feet to the fire and find out if anyone is marketing predictions about upcoming planes to any ruffians. They won't get in trouble, mind you, since there's nothing wrong with sharing that information, but I'll let them think there will be a punishment. Keeps 'em on their toes." She finds the book she's looking for and replaces it carefully on the shelf. "You've been respectful, not too pushy, and you respect the library from what the books have told me so far, so I'll help any way I can. Given reasonable considerations, that is. I won't be leaving Planebreaker or anything. Give me a few days and I'll get back to you with any info I can pry out of those doddering old bibliophiles."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Library of Worlds

"I am concerned less with punishing enterprising librarians and more with any information they may have on the culprits," Doredan says, though it's not entirely true. And not entirely false. There is some vitriol tucked away to spare for the bookworms, but it is far less than that reserved for the pirates. "They may also be employing a former member of the library. There was at least one wizard among them competent in illusions," he adds, with some small bitterness.

"In the meantime, is there anything we could do to assist you in the city?" the prince offers, knowing the value of cultivating well-connected allies in a new political sphere. Particularly ones of charitable attitude, who can be relied upon to answer a call for aid.

Reconvened

Following their pre-established plan, Prince Doredan leads the way down the streets back to the inn that they were to rendezvous with the other group at. As luck would have it, they seem to be on their way from the other way down the street, and he hails them with a raised hand.

"The library's lead is not a dead end yet. They are looking into who may have sold information to the pirates," he tells them, quietly, once the distance between has shrunk.

[truemane]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

With Felicity and Kinnian

The Magus gazed thoughtfully at the decrepit mansion, ignoring the animal screams.
<Are you capable of warding yourself against the unquiet dead?> she sent to the others. <If not, well. As... limited... as clerical magic is, the Dahlite may be of use here before we attempt anything. I can ward against the undead, of course - but such magic is limited to but a single entity.>











https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity frowns. "No, I'm sorry. I'm not that kind of Paladin."

A pause.

"Do you know about this sort of stuff, Hylusi? You think it's best we go get the others before messing with it?"

If there was one thing Felicity knew for sure: always ask an expert.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

With Felicity and Kinnian

The Magus smiled, small and sharp.
<Do you think I have experience in this sort of matter, Felicity Fourhooves?> she 'asked' dryly before somehow adopting more of a lecturing tone. <Most spectral undead are quite simple. Ghosts, however, can prove more troublesome to remove, and that they were a wizard can complicate matters in unexpected ways, with the twisting of arcana. They cling to something essential to them - a place, a grudge, an item, and destroying them oft just disperses their soul for a while, to reform later.

Since you are unable to ward yourself against them, as I said, it would be best to bring the Dahlite onboard - not for my safety, you understand, but for yours.>

As they walked back to fetch the others, perhaps the thought of necromantic delvings had put her in a good mood, for she spoke again.
<Prithee, satisfy my curiosity, Fourhooves. I am interested in your body. Do you have two sets of organs - one for each trunk of your flesh - or but one unified set, one heart, for example, to support your entire system? After all, I have an interest in biology and its works.>


---

with the rest of the group

The Magus inclined her head to the others in greeting.

B]<Oh? And has a timeline been stated?

Unless we intend to leave today, we have something to do in the meantime. We have discovered of several locations to claim if we wish. One in particular would hold materials of value - a haunted wizards lair, the master deceased but formerly in possess of eldritch tomes and lore. A bounty, in addition, for removing the nuisance.> [/B]

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3

At the Library
"Indeed! Let us not threaten if there is not punishment. If it was one of your librarians who made the prediction, then either they were an unwitting accomplice and might willingly and forthrightly identified their contacts, or else they are a co-conspirator, and thus unlikely to be intimidated."

Bil's nose gives a double twitch when the archivist shares her opinion on the two travelers. It continues to twitch as he tries to compute what she has said, and to reconcile that with the book tucked into his bag, ready to be stolen... "It is always nice to hear that one is spoken of in a complimentary way, especially by books. I have never had the pleasure to meet a book that chatted up the librarians, but now that I have it certainly changes my appreciation for them." He reaches out, and gives a nearby volume a firm pat on the spine. "You have my word, of course, that my warren worked hard to keep the burrows free of beetles and silverfish."


With the group

"Yes," Bil speaking up to confirm the prince's report, "if I might paraphrase the great prophet Stine Bach, from his Travelogue with Cherli, "There's absolutely nothing to take the place of an expert." Bil proceeds to fill the group in on all they've learned.

When he hears about the ghost, he grows quite still, almost solemn. "A ghost is a soul without a family. Someone for whom all the music and joy of life has been stripped away by solitary striving and anguish. This person, whomever they were and whatever torment they currently endure, deserves the peace of rest. If it is our power, we should pursue it."

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter)

Reconvened

"I don't know how useful I will be in dispelling ghosts, but my dagger should be able to harm them. Or so I am told," the prince draws Fang and examines the blade, then sheathes her again. "I've little interest in bunking in some solitary wizard's abode between... all of us," he glances at their company's number, and Felicity's bulk in particular. She's enough trouble stepping inside buildings. "However, you have the right of it. There may be useful information, and a bounty would not go to waste here away from royal coffers. I suggest we plunder this haunted domicile and then lay claim to that fine villa. Plenty of space for all of us, Dame Felicity included."

[truemane]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

With Felicity and Kinnian
[...]

As they walked back to fetch the others, perhaps the thought of necromantic delvings had put her in a good mood, for she spoke again.
<Prithee, satisfy my curiosity, Fourhooves. I am interested in your body. Do you have two sets of organs - one for each trunk of your flesh - or but one unified set, one heart, for example, to support your entire system? After all, I have an interest in biology and its works.>






https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

The question stopped Felicity up short. Not only had she never been asked that before, and not only did it seemed rude, somehow (although she could not figure out exactly why), but she'd never even thought anyone would ever ask such a thing.

She eyed Hylusi warily. Almost suspiciously. "I don't actually know. I've never... seen inside myself. Or... dissected one of my people. I'm pretty sure I only have one heart. But I don't know about the rest. What even are the other organs? I know there's one for black bile. And another one for yellow bile. But other than that I'm lost."

Reconvened
"The builders told us about three places. We figured the villa sounded the best (and maybe the thing in the basement isn't that horrible!). But we were curious about the others. And Hylusi's...." Slightly nauseated look, "Scientific interests mean she'd like a library."

She wasn't sure if what Prince Dorendan said was an insult or not. But she smiled and nodded along anyway. He was a royal, after all.

"Yeah, so let's go see about the ghost-wizard. And then go see how the villa looks!"

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3

With the group

"That sounds like a good plan, Felicity. We'll give ourselves a base of operations, do good for the community by laying the ghost to rest, and demonstrate our capacity to whatever parties are watching us, for good or ill. Let them know they've messed with a group of capable warrior." Bil say.

Shouldering his shield, he is ready to go.

[purepolarpanzer]

At the Library of Worlds

Lindy smiles at Doredan's offer for assistance, eyes widening in a moment of realization. She snaps her fingers and a scroll appears in the air before her. "People take books from here all the time. Makes me... unbelievably MAD. We give just about everyone free access to about seventy percent of our collection, and some still insist on taking books without signing them out." She hurriedly scratches a list of titles and suspects on a piece of paper. "If you have time while you're about the city, if you wouldn't mind leaning on some people and finding these missing tomes I'll see you're paid for your trouble. Mantis usually doesn't approve bounties for stolen books, so we must fend for ourselves."



Planets, Portents, and Possibilities- What the Night Sky Can Tell You About You by Ashgum Gnarlroot. Last spotted in the possession of a merchant in the marketplace.

Potions and Poisons for Dummies- Introductory Alchemy by Voight Vallhellen. Stolen by a skilled thief who left a matchbook from the Cantina showing an alluring tiefling with a flame rising from their finger.

On Cantrips- The Most Underrated Spells in a Mage's Repertoire by Vemian Desquiren. Defenses in the library detected no living being, with the nearby books speaking only of ethereal hands.

Temple of the Fate Eater- Dooms Avoided, Curses Unknit, Uncertainty Introduced by Jicardo Rennings. It has a very noticeable cover, and someone said they saw it at the Pink, the slum vice den across the city from here.

Reconvened

The party decides on a direction, first heading to the mage's former residence. They find it much as half of them did before- a rusty gate concealing a small garden, a comfortable house, and a small stable. Were in not for the sign on the gate advertising the owner is Vemian Desquiren, professional mage, this would be a very unassuming home from the outside. Kunnian, Felicity, and Hylusi all realize that they no longer hear the sound of a distressed horse coming from the stable.

DC 14 to unlock the gate with tools, DC 16 to break the flimsy lock.

There is sign of recent wear on the mechanism for the gate. Someone has tried to force it, and recently.

There is also a small section of the gate that has been pried open just enough for a small humanoid to get through.

There are wet, fleshy noises coming from the stable, as though something large was chewing and tearing meat.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity was about to start looking around to see if she could see anything odd about the gate, or hear anything odd in the stable, or notice anything in her immediate surroundings, actually.

But then she got distracted by a butterfly and just clomp-clomp clomped around after it, smiling delightedly.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

With Felicity and Kinnian


The ex-elf gave the centaur the look she gave the ignorant when she was trying not to cause offence - that is to say, not very nice, but visibly restrained from being withering scorn.
<Well, no matter then.>


---

with the rest of the group

The Magus inspected the mansion carefully. Signs of entry and the beast in the stable had stopped screaming - there seemed an obvious conclusion.

<See how the gate is damaged here? Someone has tried to force the lock. And here...> she gestured with one of her arms to the patch of levered-out gate. <They have found entry.>

She regarded the house for a moment longer.

<When I was here earlier, there was the sound of a beast in the stable in distress. Now there is not. The conclusion is obvious, I would hope. We arenot the first visitors to this place, and the previous one has either left-> Her lips curled into a thin, mocking smile. <-or is no longer much capable of leaving. Be wary. I suggest we check the stables first to see which is most likely to be true.>

As if a thought occured to her, she snapped her fingers. One of the servitors presented about a small pill to each of them, a tiny sphere.
<Here. These can bolster your flesh. Hasty work, but an advantage is an advantage, not matter how small. When you take them, swallow them quickly before they start to squirm.>






Everyone gets a treat for taking now or later

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter), 1 Alchemical Treat (eat for 3 thp as a bonus action)

The Book Bounty

"Stealing books from a public library? What kind of ill-bred cretin would do such a thing?" curling his lip in disgust, Doredan accepts the scroll and looks it over with noble disdain. "While I must prioritize finding my brother, I will see them returned to you, madam, should time permit."

Reconvened

Giving the home cursory and slightly dismissive look, Prince Doredan clears his throat. "Dame Felicity, if you would, could you kick the lock off of this door? I don't believe any of us are the sort to twiddle with picks."

He accepts the small pill and makes a face when squirming is mentioned. "How thoughtful. My... thanks."

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Bred and trained to obey a rightful liege, Doredan had barely finished talking before Felicity chirped, "Yes my Prince! I won't fail you!" And was moving toward the gate.

She lined up, turned around, looked back. Aimed. And kicked!

She hit it pretty much dead on. She was pretty pleased with herself.

17 Athletics!

[purepolarpanzer]

At The Wizard's Manor

Felicity's swift kick dents the metal of the gate, and a second kick sends it flying open, making considerable clamor in the process. You all enter into the courtyard, looking around to see multiple entrances. The house looks somewhat bigger from inside the gate, with outbuildings, multiple entrances, and a stable. Speaking of the stable...

A hissing shriek emanates not just from the lock, but also from the darkened structure. Almost faster than some of you can catch, a large, scaled form bursts through the stable door, moving at speeds rivaling a riding horse of it's size. With the sound of a sail unfurling, a prodigious frill seems to make the creature nearly double in size as it rushes forward, hissing and crying out. Blood drips from it's maw, and, to all of your confusion, a black hat rests on it's head behind the frill at an angle so that the fan of flesh covers most of it. This mysterious hood looks muted and soft, like velvet or some sort of lightly furred hat. You have little time to consider this oddity before the creature is on top of you all.

Felicity suffers a painful bite from the animal, while Bil's shield barely deflects a powerful tail swipe that nearly knocks him off his feet. The creature's charge, so sudden and so violent, also stirs feelings of fear in the front line, suddenly sure that this creature is massive and dangerous beyond measure.

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

The giant frilled lizard charges out of the stable. It bites Felicity for 11 piercing damage and 11 poison damage (no save). It misses Bil with a tail attack. Felicity and Bil both fail a Charisma Saving Throw, DC 13, and are scared of the lizard for [roll0] rounds, rolling to save at the end of each turn. No advantage on the creature's attacks because you knew SOMETHING was in the stable.

Initiative-
Frilled Lizard
Hylusi
Bil
Kunnian
Doredan
Felicity
?????

The whole party is up.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter), 1 Alchemical Treat (eat for 3 thp as a bonus action)

A sudden appearance from the frilled creature causes Doredan to yelp. Once the initial startle passes, he rushes forward to slice it with his dagger lengthwise down its flank, then does a side roll out of the path of any retaliatory kick it may take while he passes.

Move 3 East
[roll0] to hit with dagger
[roll1] damage, if it hits activate a defensive flourish for +[roll2] damage and the same as +AC to self until next turn and reaction is used.
If it hits, allies' attacks deal +1d6.
Then, move 2 NE.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3

At the Library
"Deplorable if done out of malice," Bil agrees. "And yet... I admit I did not notice signage on my way in that explained the checkout process. In fact, there is a book here I might be interested to borrow." He produces the slim volume from his pack. "Perhaps, with a demonstration of the process, we can better assess the motives. The unjust should be punished of course, but mercy is a moment of joy in its own flavor."

With the party
Bil flings himself backwards.
"Well, done. Be thankful you're not a stew, being careless as that," he mutters to himself as he gathers his wits.
"Dies illa solvet saeclum in favilla!" he sings in a short rising scale, then circles back to put his more martially minded companions between himself and the oddly frilled lizard.


bonus action: Rabbit Hop
As a bonus action, you can jump a number of feet equal to five times your proficiency bonus (15'), without provoking opportunity attacks. You can use this trait only if your speed is greater than 0. You can use it a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
2/3 remaining

cast Toll the Dead, DC17 Wisdom Save or 3 damage necrotic damage

move to the back of the pack, to around c4, to avoid being in too obviously a straight line behind Felicity & co

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

The thing was wearing a hat? Interesting. Was it a polymorphed victim of the wizard allegedly haunting these premises?

Well, that was something to consider after it was dead. With a click of her fingers and a jab of her staff, the horrendous hand horde hungrily hustled forth; heaping hastily on hat-wearing hide, they handily began to hurt the enemy with gleeful chirps and clicks.

<Preserve the corpse when you're done. I have a suspicion.> she sent, thumping the base of her staff against the ground, and the dolorous sound of a distant bell rang out.





BA: Gorelings attack. 23 bludgeoning, 19 necrotic
Action: Toll the dead. I rolled a d20 for their save and got a 2, so I suspect they would fail and so take 18 necrotic
Reaction: Cast shield if struck.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

As the creature approached, Felicity brought up the haft of her pike and tried to strike the giant lizard. But she misses. And it puts her so off-guard that the thing gets a solid bite on her. And now she's scared. Really scared in a not-at-all-heroic sort of way.

As soon as Bil is out of the way, scared or not, she moves down to block access to as many of her compatriots as possible. And then waves her pike in the thing's face, trying to distract it.

Polearm master OA when lizard closes distance: 7 (nat 1!)

Move: 5ft down/south to block creature's access.

Action: Dodge!

[purepolarpanzer]

The Mage's Manse

Doredan's fast movement draw's the beast's attention, and when he tries to slice along it's side the monster lizard nimbly dodges out of the way. Bil's hop keeps him ahead of the angry bite that follows his retreat, but escape he does, sending back a minor spell at the hat wearing lizard that causes scales to fall of it's body, weathered and withered. The wave of undead hands sent by the Magus nearly bury the large lizard in grasping, pinching, punching, and slapping hands infused with necromantic energy, and her spell, empowered by the bleeding cuts and worn flesh of Bil's previous cantrip, causes the frilled lizard to shriek and pain, frantically shaking itself to try to shed the swarm of hands. Keeping up with Bil, Kunian launches a vicious insult- "You look like a velociwizard with that stupid hat on!" Though the beast is not intelligent, the psychic attack stirs it to a rage that sends hands flying off of it's body.

The creature sheds the cascade of hands, pushing southward and an unstable lope that draws a blade from the Prince. This time his dagger cuts deep, sending a splash of blood to the stones. The beast doesn't move far, but it's movements are ungainly and forced compared to it's earlier grace, possibly due to the massive damage the party is pouring on. Then something surprising happens- the lizard opens it's maw and a wave of fire flows out of it, washing over Felicity and the gorelings in a tide of burning energy. Felicity leaps out of the way, as do some of the gorelings, but the rest are incinerated by the blast of flames. Then the creature sets about destroying more of the offending hands with claw and tail, fully eating a goreling with a snapping bite and crushing another with a tail. It gives a primal hiss of pain and aggression as the fight moves into it's next stage with many less players on the field.

The fire attack didn't originate from the lizard's mouth. It came from the brim of the dark hat on the creature's head.

Doredan misses with his dagger attack.
Bil leaps away, gets some distance, and Tolls the lizard for 3 damage.
Hylusi's hoard deals tons of damage (41 to be exact) and her Toll deals 18.
Felicity dodges. Both her and Bil save on their second attempt at the end of their turns, ending the fear affect.
Kunnian deals 3 with a vicious mockery and provides disadvantage on the lizard's next attack.

The lizard's fire attack deals 5 fire to Felicity, as well as 2 gorelings from each swarm. I'm going to rule that most elemental damage doesn't cause the gorelings to split (doesn't make sense to me, and we're already on unsteady balance with this homebrew). 2 gorelings from each swarm take 11 fire damage, which reduces them to ash.

If you would have spent your reaction differently let me know, Cyclist, but if you take the AoO you deal 10 with your dagger. Felicity misses with an Opp. Attack.

The lizard would crit bite a goreling, but Kunian's disadvantage makes it a regular hit. Still does enough damage to finish that goreling with 7 piercing and 9 poison. A tail smash deals 10 bludgeoning to another goreling, finishing it.

That leaves 2 gorelings (one from each swarm) still in operational. The frilled lizard is in Orange on it's health bar and is definitely not happy. Party's turn.

https://i.imgur.com/WaRvv4q.pnghttps://i.imgur.com/WaRvv4q.png

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter), 1 Alchemical Treat (eat for 3 thp as a bonus action)

Lunging in again with his blade, Doredan attempts to cut the beast before swiftly pivoting away and putting distance between himself and its flames and fangs.

Move 1 E, 1 S.
[roll0] to hit with dagger charge
[roll1] damage, if it hits activate a defensive flourish for +[roll2] damage and the same as +AC to self until next turn and reaction is used.
If it hits, allies' attacks deal +1d6.
Then, move 2 NW, 2 N.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3

Mage's Manse
Bil takes in what he's seen, his nose twitching furiously.

"Magus," he calls, "I have begun to suspect, and your observations and confirmation would be most sincerely appreciated, but do you think it possible that the lizard is not our foe, but rather the unstylish calotte this fellow is sporting?"

Approaching cautiously, Bil times he jump, leaping at the lizard and reaching for the hat.


The map looks like I might be able to move in 20' (4 south and 4 east), use the dodge action, interact with object, then fall back 5 or 10 feet (2 north).
But if you want my action for an acrobatics check or similar, I'll use my 2nd hop.

rolled a 13 in anticipation of a skill check call. Acrobatics is +2 so 15, if that's the route.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Mage's Manse

Doredan's swift blade leaves a gouge in the scaled meat of the dinosaur, and Bil leaps forward in an attempt to knock the hat off of the lizard's head. At first he is stymied, with the hat seeming to GRIP on to the lizard's head. But with an agile mid-air twist her removed the hat, only to find it a strange creature, not a hat at all. The small hood-like creature waggles small tentacles at Bil, small red eyes either catching the light or glowing slightly.

The frilled lizard's rage is stained by confusion. It's still hostile, but it is definitely distracted, as though it had rapidly gone from a spectator in this fight to a participant.

"PUT ME DOWN, YOU TRESPASSER! You'll not invade the master's sanctum while I still live!" This is accompanied by much tentacle waving.

https://koboldpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/brain-hood.jpg

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3

Mage's Manse
"Oh my," Bil gasps, "I expected a charm or a psychic controller, not a conversation. On the other hand," he says, holding the creature as high and as far from himself as possible, "the creature has confirmed its desire to duel to the death. Sojourners! Some swift stabbing seems suitable!"


No actions, as turn has passed. Just using free actions to chatter like a good little bunny.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

Hylusi frowned as a great majority of her gorelings died to fire, carefully backing several steps back from the smouldering flames. The two remaining shrieked, flinching away from the ashes and embers.
<Worthless creations!> She blasted them, gesturing fiercely with her staff.

As Bil snatched away the living(?) hat, she turned her eys on it. With a sharp gesture, she rang the bell of doom against it, but the magic seemed muted, ill-formed, against something uninjured. She would have snarled a curse if her vocal cords functioned: instead, she simply sent to her comrades:
<Destroy the miserable thing, then!>





Move: move back 10ft
BA: Gorelings attack. miserable failure
Action: Toll the dead. I rolled a d20 for their save and got a 17, so they probably don't take any damage. If they somehow do, they take 10 necrotic
Reaction: Cast shield if struck.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 39/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2
Felicity saw Bil pick... something... off the lizard's head and dimly heard him talking to it, and then also Hylusi arguing about killing it. She figured she'd leave that sort of thing to smart people.

Instead, she put up her pike and galloped at the lizard and leaped onto it, trying to tie it up and hold it down while the others did whatever the heck they were doing with whatever the heck that was.

Grapple! Centaurs are soooo good at grappling.

Athletics Check: 16

[purepolarpanzer]

The Mage's Manse

Doredan rushes in and out with another dagger blow, drawing deceptive amounts of blood from the scaled monster. Kunnian again sends cackles and pranks at the creature, which confuses it in it's weakened state, seemingly unsure how it got into this fight or how it is going to get out of it. Felicity takes advantage of the disorientated creature and manages to secure a hold on the creature, stopping it from lashing out. Kunnian's magic means the beast's teeth find only air, but a wide swing of it's tail catches Felicity on the flank in a bruising strike.

Meanwhile, Hylusi's magic is resisted by the black cap, which reaches out to Bil with a commanding thought that almost has the rabbit seizing up, but with force of will the cleric manages to drown out the magic in his own body.


Doredan slices the lizard. Bil removes the brainhood and hops away. Kunnian mocks. Lizard misses with it's bite, hits Felicity with it's tail. Brainhood casts hold person on Bil, but the rabbit succeeds on his save. The map is a little inaccurate with Doredan's position, but it will be corrected for next time.

https://i.imgur.com/dSuF4lS.png

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1075454478163124234/hylusi3.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP

With a sharp gesture, she sent the remaining parts of her horde against the lizard, and this time they sank in to the task properly. Turning her mind to the hat, she snapped her fingers, the bone-crack snap! loud, and necrotic energy corroded at the hat's brim. She held up one hand in a ready postion, prepared to cast a warding gesture if need be.





Move: none
BA: Gorelings attack. 18 and 20 for 12 bludgeoning, 5 necrotic
Action: Toll the dead. I rolled a d20 for their save and got a 10, so they probably fail. If they do, 9 necrotic damage.
Reaction: Cast counterspell if a spell is aimed in her direction

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter), 1 Alchemical Treat (eat for 3 thp as a bonus action)

So the lizard was under the control of something. Seeing the face of their true enemy now, Doredan leaves the beast to the rest; truth be told, he would be loathe to kill the creature for the crimes of its master, but a wild beast unleashed in the midst of a city would do no one no good.

Dashing in, he uses Bil as cover to step closer and jab at the hat-like abomination, then swiftly backpedals to avoid it grabbing onto his head. Those teeth look anything but pleasant.

Move to the space 1E of Bil. I think that's at least 10 feet from where really he was before.
[roll0] to hit with dagger charge
[roll1] damage, if it hits activate a defensive flourish for +[roll2] damage and the same as +AC to self until next turn and reaction is used.
If it hits, allies' attacks deal +1d6.
Then, move 2 NE, 2 N.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3
Pushing the creature's invasive presence from his mind, Bil retaliates by singing a single clear note at the top of voice. His face contorts with fury and the note dissolves into a scream. He does his best to hold onto the creature, allowing his allies their clearest lines of attack on the hazardous hat.


Toll the dead. DC17 wis save or 12 damage.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Mage's Manse

Before another psychic protestation can be given, both Hylusi and Bil's tolling bells and screeching sonics cause the small, squid-like creature to release a thin green ichor and deflate slightly, no longer possessing life. The rampaging lizard, however, appears to be just another animal in this situation- hurt, bleeding, and enraged from the damage. It is likely that it, too, will fight to the death, though that death may not come easily.

Brainhood is dead. Lizard is orange-red on the HP scale.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 39/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

Felicity, despite her martial occupation, did not desire to hurt anything that didn't deserve it. As soon as she realized the lizard was just a scared, hurt creature, she let go of it and stood, on guard, hoping it would take the opportunity to flee.

Release the Grapple and use my action to Dodge.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3
Tossing aside the lifeless brainhood, Bil turns his attention to the lizard. Following Felicity’s lead, he backs away, clearing an avenue for the creature to flee but ready to strike it with divine retribution should it attack any of his allies.


move 4 squares north
hold action: Toll the dead if it attacks anyone. DC17 wis save or 12 damage.

[purepolarpanzer]

The Mage's Manse

When presented with an opportunity to flee, the mortally wounded lizard rears back on it's rear feet and hurriedly dashes away towards the gate, narrowly dodging any attempts to take advantage of it's flight, leaving the stable and the mansion open to you all. Should you choose to pursue the lizard it would be difficult to catch it, as the beast's top speed far surpasses a humanoid's.

Lizard disengages and runs for it. Fight over, unless you want to follow the lizard and hurl stuff at it.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2

As soon as the lizard was out of the melee, Felicity swung back around to make sure everyone else was okay.

"Did you get it?" she asked, "The... whatever it was... on the head? That was...."

She trailed off. She actually had no idea what was going on.

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3

“It spoke of a master. We should be prepared for an enchanter of some sort. One who could create or conjure a range of mind control.” he surveys his companions. Then Bil sighs. There will be more blood spilled than wine this day.

”in my experience, a strong offense is our best defense. As much as we can, bypass minions or thralls. Strike the enchanter.”

na

[purepolarpanzer]

The Mage's Manse

Looks like some kind of living hat.More like a hood, really. With tentacles and glowing red eyes.These creatures are called brainhoods, aberrations known for taking control of the minds of beasts.These strange creatures use alien psionics to replicate many spell effects, such as burning hands and hold person.Some particularly amoral mages keep brainhoods as a improved familiar of sorts, capable of much greater magics than a regular familiar.

[Awful]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/976249086070124627/1071459411358388325/hylusi3_annoyed.png
Hylusi Quaternaros, Magus of Bleakpines (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744333)
Magework Necromancer
Darkvision: 60ft
AC: 15 HP: 32/32 THP: 5
PP: 14 PIv: 14 PIs: 11
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3/5 d6 HD
Arcane recovery 0/1
Spell Slots- 4/4 1st, 2/3 2nd, 1/2 3rd
Fingerbone staff 4/10
Alchemical treats: 7/7 granting 3THP
Gorelings: 2

Hylusi stepped aside as the lizard barrelled past, features creasing in a scowl as she rounded on the others.
<Why did you let it go?> Her mental voice cracked out, sharp and slicing as a whip. <That creature could have been useful materials - and, at least, there is now one more threat roaming the streets of this lamentable city!>

She hissed out a sigh of exasperation, walking over to poke at the charred remains of many of her gorelings with the butt of her staff. There would be no coming back from that - those hands had manhandled their last lizard. She made a mental note to reexamine that for better phrasing and clicked her fingers, letting the remaining two gorelings swarm up her robe to perch on her shoulders like blasphemous parrots.

She moved on to examining the deflated, sad remains of the magecap. Always ready to show off her breadth of knowledge, she conversed with the others as she lifted up a limp tendril to examine the beady eyes.
<This thing was a brainhood, an aberration from the distant places. More capable than a normal familiar, if you can get one. It mind-controls beasts, as you saw, and can replicate the effects of spells.> She gave a sideways glance to Bil, and a sharp note of amusement entered her mental tone. <Perhaps you were lucky, ser rabbit.>




nucht

[jscape2000]

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1067096712801419386/1067294600752025620/Bil.png

Bil (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744342)
Twilight Cleric of Damh
AC: 18 HP: 33 / 33 THP: 11

PP: 17 PIv: 11 PIs: 17
Conditions:
Concentrating on:
3 / 5 d8 HD
Spell Slots- 1st: 3/4, 2nd: 1/3, 3rd: 1/2; channel 2/3
Bil’s nose twitches with irritation.
“You are welcome to throw yourself into the path of any wild beasts we encounter. For me, when a creature shows itself to have been dominated by a power hungry magic wielder, once the creature is liberated, if it does not attack me I will not presume it to be a foe.”
Bil allows the rabbit comment to pass. Arguing with the self centered wizardess seemed unlikely to speed their quest.

[RandomWombat]

https://i.imgur.com/6z3SVya.png
Prince Doredan (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744233)
Human Martial Bard 5
AC: 14 HP: 24/33
PP: 9 PIv: 11 PIs: 9
Conditions:
Standing Reaction: Dodge Roll if critically hit or if hit while at 12 hit points or less (1/encounter), 1 Alchemical Treat (eat for 3 thp as a bonus action)

The others may be prepared to let the beast go, but the prince is not. He gives chase on swift feet, before the creature can vanish into the city and cause chaos. "Set beasts loose in the wilds, merrymaker, not in cities!" he shouts back at Bil.

Dash 80 feet after the lizard.
Bonus action Charger attack if he can get in range.
[roll0] to hit
[roll1] damage on hit

[purepolarpanzer]

Outside the Gate

Doredan's dash does catch him up with the fleeing lizard, but only barely. It careens down the road, menacing the few people left in this neighborhood as they scramble for cover inside the buildings. Leaping forward at it, the Prince catches the beast with a long gash across it's side that spills far too much blood for the creature to survive. It roars savagely, then falls to the ground, bleeding and dying. From a nearby stoop to a stone building a lone vedalken claps slowly with four hands. "Uh... thank you? For slaying that monster. Good on you..." Hardly a crowd of adoring populace, his mild approval is all the thanks the prince gets for now.

[truemane]

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/941056535935729727/1070052563174572113/Centaur.png?width=115&height=125
Felicity Fourhooves (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744131)
Centaur Paladin 5
AC: 17 HP: 39/44
PP:10 PIv: 09 PIs: 10
Lay on Hands: 25/25 Spell Slots: 4/2
Everything happened really fast. Letting the lizard go seemed like the obviously right thing to do. What honour (or glory) was there in killing simple creatures when all it wanted was to get away? Then Hylusi (who was very smart, if creepy ) had a strong opinion about it (and not a terrible one) and then Prince Doredan (who, to the extent that the term had meaning here, was her liege lord) ALSO had an opinion about it (and a pretty good one) and then [B]dashed off!

Felicity was torn. Should she follow? Disagree? Be angry?

She was quick on her hooves, but not on her feet, as it were.

And then it was all over anyway.

"Should we.... should we keep trying to explore the house? Do we think there's more giant lizards? Either mind controlled ones or regular ones?"