"You're all being complete idiots," Lera finally broke her silence. "This isn't the time or the place. Woe, you ****ed up. Accept that, don't try to talk your way out of it. We get that you thought what you were doing was for the best, but if you had just listened to me we would have never endangered Polly. You can hem and haw and throw accusations all you want once we get off this metal bird. But at the moment, everyone is raw and hurting, and I think we've done enough without rubbing salt into open wounds." The sorceress glanced at Polly. They shouldn't be doing this in front of her.
"If you cannot even discuss without swear words, then you better not be saying anything at all. I'll get to you later, not here, not now." Woe growls at Lera.
Polly screams, "I'm right here!" Mr. Bun, hops off her lap and bounces over to Dapple, startled by the scream. "You all act like my brother is some monster. He's not! He would never hurt me! If you don't trust him then why are you even here!?" She turns back to Singe and hugs him as she sobs. "I don't think I want to be an adventurer anymore," she whispers to him.
Grasalfan pauses his explanation to Perrin about the intricacies of Elemental Flight to glance back at everyone. He then resumes, telling Perrin the chemistry behind the engine propellant. Perrin has longed tunes him out and was listening to the conversation happening in the back. Not commenting but listening. Making his own decisions about everything.
"As you've said, Plentyn," Shanolia lowers her hand and looks at Polly. "We do trust your brother, otherwise we would not be flying in this... thing. Do not be discouraged by such things as this argument. Know that we will keep you safe, and this adventure will lay the groundwork for more."
"You cannot stop being an adventurer, Polly. It is clear that it is in your nature. No matter where you are, who you are with, or what challenges life throws at you, you will be adventurous. You are brave and resourceful beyond any child your age. And you will only get stronger. Don't worry about our arguing. It's only because we all care and have different opinions. That's what adults do. So unless you'd rather take up knitting and stay in your room then you are stuck being an adventurer. But, that's not an option now since we are flying high above the ocean in this fantabulous contraption."
Singe glares at the group, "Stop talking! It does not matter who wanted Polly, it does not matter if it was your lord or if it was some other actor. We run in circles and make a child upset! You should all, all be ashamed of yourselves!" In the silence that follows, Singe comforts Polly, his hair still on edge.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Koll shrugs and goes back into a meditative state. He welcomes silence, but he won't feel ashamed about upsetting a child. Children were always getting upset. Lera - case in point. He couldn't help but think of the irony that the ones that had been so adamant that Polly stay with them and venture into unknown physical danger seem more concerned about her being "upset." Well, they could do what they liked with the child. Koll would protect her, but he would not coddle her like Singe was now. Innocence was not something to be protected, but something to be shed. There were poor children on the streets who were forced to grow up even faster than Polly was now. A part of Koll reprimanded himself for being so jaded, but still, what he wanted for Polly was for her to become strong. Just like Singe's whinging brother, Alton, it was only their own inner strength that would save them in the darkest times.
After Polly's and Singe's outburst, Woe sinks back in her seat. Quiet again. Every now and then she sends a knife-like look back to Lera. At least, her head is empty now. All the voices fighting for attention are now silent. She leans back, closes her eyes and listens to Grasalfan's explanations on the flying machine. This is not over, Woe thinks to herself.
With a final glare towards Singe, his hair still a bit lively, Shanolia takes advantage of the silence to return to her thoughts, staring once more at the palm of her hand - the reminders of all other times she’s shown her weakness over the last two-and-a-half decades. With a single swift motion, the hand that never left her dagger pulled it swiftly from its sheath, laying the blade in the palm of her hand and closing her fingers around it.
The Elf opens her mouth as if to whisper something, but closes it soon after. She opens her hand and gingerly removes the dagger, sliding it back into its place, re-wrapping her hand with the long strip of cloth, and putting her glove over it. With a soft sigh and a gentle glance toward Polly, Shanolia closes her eyes and allows herself to Trance away the last few hours of their flight, softly muttering arcane phrases to herself in order to commit them fully to memory.
As the journey to the island continues, Grasalfan is heard in the cockpit of the flying machine still explaining the intricacies of flight to Perrin. Perrin has long since tuned him out, but Grasalfan doesn't really seem to notice, instead getting more and more excited about each little detail. It's when he's explaining the aerodynamics of the wings and comparing them to a giant eagle when he finally exclaims, "There it is!" Pointing outside the window.
For those willing to look, a series of islands are seen. They're small and rocky and there's nearly a dozen of them. "We just need to find the right island!" He starts to fly low so that he can scan the islands as they pass. "This whole area used to be a network of tiny islands, all connected by massive bridges. If we go further that way," he points in a direction, "We'll reach the mainland of Lantan! But what we're looking for should be... around here..."
He pulls another lever and the flying machine begins to slow. "I think that's it!" He says excitedly, pointing at one of the small islands. "We'll fly low to scan for a good place to land!"
The flying machine hovers about the island, from one side to the other, and Grasalfan points out the various places he could land the craft. The island itself is completely surrounded by massive sharp rocks that surround the jungles within, save for a single large beach. On one end of the beach is the largest ship anyone has ever seen. Grasalfan gawks at it for a moment before he moves on to scout other areas. The ship itself seems to be in ruins, but it would measure out to be at least three-thousand feet long. Aside from the beach, the other landing locations include the sharp rocks around the island or on top of the massive ruins that jut up from the center of the island. "These ruins," Grasalfan explains, "Must have something to do with the mechanics of the portal. No matter where we land, I need to inspect them!" He waits to hear where the Scarlet Dawn prefers to land. No one knows what awaits them in the jungles, and each landing location poses its own challenges.
Singe leans over Polly to catch a glimpse of the island from the air, "I think the beach would be a good place to land. We could go look at that ship!" Singe looks at Polly.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Dapple had slept as best he could during the flight, but the arguing and Lera's pulling his fur had put an end to that. Awake now, he felt drained, emotionally and physically and certainly in need of a more restful sleep. Still, at Grasalfan's urging he survey's the scene below with the others. "I agree the beach seems safest, unless this flying machine can swoop down and perch in a tree like a real bird would." He continues to study the terrain from above, noting landmarks and waypoints - almost subconsciously mapping the island so he can find his way around it later on.
"The beach it is!" Grasalfan bellows. He starts pulling levers and the flying machine rotates and descends towards the beach. He lands it about two-hundred feet from the jungle. The engines' hum fades as it lands in the soft sand and the rear hatch begins to open. The group is met with the sounds of the beach, the ocean lapping up onto the shore in the distance. The beach itself is extremely clean and the sand is exceptionally soft. It's as warm here as it was in Chult, but rather than a humid heat if feels dry and almost comfortable.
"We can set up a sort of base camp here," Grasalfan says, popping his head from the cockpit hatch.
“Wow this place is nice. Base camp. Yeah that’s probably a smart thing to do. Why don’t we stretch out our legs for a minute and then we can divide up chores for creating our camp.”
Perrin suggests to the group hoping some space and breathing room we’ll help diffuse the tension in the air.
Thankful to be near the exit, Lera got off the airship with remarkable speed. The sorceress walked to the edge of the jungle, where she cast mold earth. A hollow cube, with the side closest to her missing, rose from the ground. It wasn’t large, but it was plenty big enough for her to curl up into a ball inside of it. She ducked inside, and then waved her hand again to close the gap left by the missing side.
Koll exits the flying machine and breathes in the fresh sea air and takes in the view of the beach, ocean and the lush jungle. He picks up a handful of hot sand and lets it run through his fingers.
"So, we should find fresh water and firewood. I suppose we can use the flying machine as shelter, but likely it won't sleep us all comfortably. So maybe some materials to build a shelter? Though Lera seems to have sorted herself out. Nevertheless, I suggest that we stick together. As we collect sticks."
Polly slowly stood from Singe's lap, but stayed near him. She looked hesitantly out the hatch into the sunlight. Then looking back at him, she quietly asked, "What can I do to help?"
As his friends are slowly getting out and sorting themselves out Perrin can’t help but have a bittersweet smile on his face. The salt air reminds him of Frank. He lets that happy though sink in for a minute before speaking up once again.
“Fresh water and firewood are necessary. Maybe Dapple can also help us find some edible plants and stuff we can use to make a meal. I also saw an abandoned ship as we were landing. We should probably check that out as well. It might have something useful aboard.” Perrin sad trying to keep the group moving and distracted from the fight from earlier.
"Little Man's right. We should explore the ship. Koll, would you like to come with me? I never did get ask you what I wished to before things got out of hand." Shanolia shoulders her pack and steps from the flying machine, eyeing the ship from just outside the hatch. She regrets referring to Perrin's size in such a way, but her memory for name's is absolutely abysmal.
"Let's just take a short stroll on the beach, then," suggests Koll, curious as to what Shanolia wants to ask. "As I said, however, I think we should all try and stick together as much as possible. Idyllic as it seems, I fear this island may have many dangers."
Grasalfan stretches as he exits the flying machine. "Well now," he says, pulling his pack out from the cockpit, "I think I'll set my tent up over here." He waddles over to an area near to the flying machine and starts the meticulous process of setting up his tent. It's different than any you've seen. The poles all seem to extend upon the flip of a switch, tightening a tarp that's built of animal bladders. The whole process barely takes a couple minutes, and when it's all done he grins and wipes a bit of sweat off his brow. "Water proof," he says, a large grin on his face. He then un-straps a small wooden bit from his pack and unfolds it. As he does, the thick leather between the wood bits tightens and forms a chair. He sets it in the sand next to the tent and sits, looking out at the island.
To no one in particular, he says, "To think... the last time anyone set foot on this island was nearly two centuries ago. From my remembrance, and the remembrance of all texts, this place used to be a bustling island hub of activity. Now... it's more like the jungles of Chult."
"So what did you want to ask?" Koll inquires, as he and Shanolia begin walking together down the beach, Shanolia waits until they are out earshot before responding.
"Why?" She asks quietly."Why did you risk yourself for me?"
"Well, it wasn't all about you. And it wasn't all my decision. Perrin also agreed to the deal. It seemed the lesser of two evils. I don't know you very well, but still I wouldn't want your death on my hands. We are teammates and we owe you some loyalty. Your decision to report Vivicus seemed like an impulse rather than a malicious act. You don't deserve to die for that. At the same time, I didn't want to further antagonize my brother. He and many of the other Wolves, like Vivicus, I still care for. More than that they are in league with the Guild - they are enemies we don't want. And as allies they could be valuable - they may not be good, but they are not necessarily bad either. So, I was considering our whole group and I felt the risk was worth it. Put simply."
"I see."She looks out over the ocean, her expression hidden by the late afternoon shade from her hood."Whether you did it for me or not, you have my thanks."
"I've said it before, but they may be valuable allies to you in particular. You ply the same trade, you are at home in the shadows. Perhaps you'd like to be with me when we meet them back in Baldur's Gate. To bury the hatchet, as it were."
"Perhaps I owe them that much."She kneels, picking up a small stone and skipping it across the surface of the water."I do have one more question; the Cat, what are your thoughts on him? Do you believe he is to be trusted?"
"I don't know. He seems out of place and searching for meaning in a world that has changed so much from what he knew. If he finds purpose with us, I think he will be loyal. I feel that he and I share something since my meeting with the werepanther Ymezra. I feel an affinity for dark and stealthy felines. Do you see anything on my hands? No? I see claws there. I don't think it's a hallucination."
"I do not see anything on your hands, you are right. However, I do understand how it feels to become one with a... strange creature."
"What does that mean?" Shanolia lets out a soft chuckle.
"Surely you do not believe I was birthed this way; sooty skin, eyes the shade of blood? You saw the bounty portrait, did it not strike you as odd that the girl on the poster and the one showing it to you were so different?"
"I suppose it didn't occur to me. You have to forgive my ignorance - what does it mean?"
"I told you on the roof that night, that I pledged myself to Lolth when the other shrines and temples turned me away. She gave me hope, but at a cost; my skin darkened, my hair bleached. I, too, could see claws growing where there were none, and fangs that grew within my mouth. I became like her children, the Drow, but I can feel myself becoming one with her children, the Arachnida, with every passing day."
After letting everyone get off the aircraft and stretch their legs Perrins survival training kicks in and he starts thinking of what they need.
First we need some freshwater; we only have so much on us and we’re bound to run out in this weather. We’re also going to need some wood to make a fire in order to keep the chill of the night out. I don’t know how high the tide will get maybe Dapple does. He’s thoughts are interrupted when notices that Koll and Shanolia have left the group. He then speaks up to the rest of the party.
”All right everyone we’re going to need some basic supplies to make this home base. First some fresh water I think me, Zamar, and Woe should go get that. We’ll also need some fire wood for tonight. Singe do you think you can take Polly and hopefully Lera to gather that. You shouldn’t have to venture out too far into the jungle to find some. And finally I don’t know about everyone else but I’d rather not eat rations tonight. Dapple do you think you can catch up to Shanolia and Koll and take those two to get some food. There was an abandon boat I saw overhead. Maybe you guys can see if there’s any good food or such in it. If not than try to catch some fish or something. Grasalfan you can stay here and protect your flying machine. Let’s move quickly people I don’t want us to be separated once night hits. Who knows what happens then.”
Once Perrin is done with his speech and giving out tasks he’ll start making his way towards the jungle leaving his non essentials at the camp.
Koll looks askance at Shanolia. "Is this transformation something you welcome? I don't believe that darkness equals evil, but they are bedfellows. For my part, I feel the need to bring good to those places where light cannot get in. Sometimes we must be one with darkness in order to battle the malevolent forces that dwell there. What do you think?"
"I was unsettled at first, but I've learned to accept who I have become, and what I am becoming." She raises her left hand and looks into her palm. "Most struggle to find a light in the darkness that's consumed their life rather than embracing it and moving forward, so caught in what used to be that they fail to see the future closing in until it's too late."
The elf does not address the question of good or evil, as Koll hoped she would. He is unsure what lies in her heart and he remains somewhat wary of her motives. He does not let his doubts show. "Self-acceptance is good," is all he says. "Let's get back to the group and figure out what we're doing."
"Yes. Let's." Shanolia's eyes narrow a little when Koll abruptly ends their conversation.
Singe nods, "Come on Polly, let's see if we can wake Lera up. Perhaps we can teach you some magic while we're looking for fire wood." Singe walks over to Lera's cave and knocks on the outside, "Hey Lera, Polly and I are gathering firewood, would you like to join us?"
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
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"You're all being complete idiots," Lera finally broke her silence. "This isn't the time or the place. Woe, you ****ed up. Accept that, don't try to talk your way out of it. We get that you thought what you were doing was for the best, but if you had just listened to me we would have never endangered Polly. You can hem and haw and throw accusations all you want once we get off this metal bird. But at the moment, everyone is raw and hurting, and I think we've done enough without rubbing salt into open wounds." The sorceress glanced at Polly. They shouldn't be doing this in front of her.
"If you cannot even discuss without swear words, then you better not be saying anything at all. I'll get to you later, not here, not now." Woe growls at Lera.
Polly screams, "I'm right here!" Mr. Bun, hops off her lap and bounces over to Dapple, startled by the scream. "You all act like my brother is some monster. He's not! He would never hurt me! If you don't trust him then why are you even here!?" She turns back to Singe and hugs him as she sobs. "I don't think I want to be an adventurer anymore," she whispers to him.
Grasalfan pauses his explanation to Perrin about the intricacies of Elemental Flight to glance back at everyone. He then resumes, telling Perrin the chemistry behind the engine propellant. Perrin has longed tunes him out and was listening to the conversation happening in the back. Not commenting but listening. Making his own decisions about everything.
"As you've said, Plentyn," Shanolia lowers her hand and looks at Polly. "We do trust your brother, otherwise we would not be flying in this... thing. Do not be discouraged by such things as this argument. Know that we will keep you safe, and this adventure will lay the groundwork for more."
"You cannot stop being an adventurer, Polly. It is clear that it is in your nature. No matter where you are, who you are with, or what challenges life throws at you, you will be adventurous. You are brave and resourceful beyond any child your age. And you will only get stronger. Don't worry about our arguing. It's only because we all care and have different opinions. That's what adults do. So unless you'd rather take up knitting and stay in your room then you are stuck being an adventurer. But, that's not an option now since we are flying high above the ocean in this fantabulous contraption."
Singe glares at the group, "Stop talking! It does not matter who wanted Polly, it does not matter if it was your lord or if it was some other actor. We run in circles and make a child upset! You should all, all be ashamed of yourselves!" In the silence that follows, Singe comforts Polly, his hair still on edge.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Koll shrugs and goes back into a meditative state. He welcomes silence, but he won't feel ashamed about upsetting a child. Children were always getting upset. Lera - case in point. He couldn't help but think of the irony that the ones that had been so adamant that Polly stay with them and venture into unknown physical danger seem more concerned about her being "upset." Well, they could do what they liked with the child. Koll would protect her, but he would not coddle her like Singe was now. Innocence was not something to be protected, but something to be shed. There were poor children on the streets who were forced to grow up even faster than Polly was now. A part of Koll reprimanded himself for being so jaded, but still, what he wanted for Polly was for her to become strong. Just like Singe's whinging brother, Alton, it was only their own inner strength that would save them in the darkest times.
After Polly's and Singe's outburst, Woe sinks back in her seat. Quiet again. Every now and then she sends a knife-like look back to Lera. At least, her head is empty now. All the voices fighting for attention are now silent. She leans back, closes her eyes and listens to Grasalfan's explanations on the flying machine. This is not over, Woe thinks to herself.
With a final glare towards Singe, his hair still a bit lively, Shanolia takes advantage of the silence to return to her thoughts, staring once more at the palm of her hand - the reminders of all other times she’s shown her weakness over the last two-and-a-half decades. With a single swift motion, the hand that never left her dagger pulled it swiftly from its sheath, laying the blade in the palm of her hand and closing her fingers around it.
The Elf opens her mouth as if to whisper something, but closes it soon after. She opens her hand and gingerly removes the dagger, sliding it back into its place, re-wrapping her hand with the long strip of cloth, and putting her glove over it. With a soft sigh and a gentle glance toward Polly, Shanolia closes her eyes and allows herself to Trance away the last few hours of their flight, softly muttering arcane phrases to herself in order to commit them fully to memory.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
As the journey to the island continues, Grasalfan is heard in the cockpit of the flying machine still explaining the intricacies of flight to Perrin. Perrin has long since tuned him out, but Grasalfan doesn't really seem to notice, instead getting more and more excited about each little detail. It's when he's explaining the aerodynamics of the wings and comparing them to a giant eagle when he finally exclaims, "There it is!" Pointing outside the window.
For those willing to look, a series of islands are seen. They're small and rocky and there's nearly a dozen of them. "We just need to find the right island!" He starts to fly low so that he can scan the islands as they pass. "This whole area used to be a network of tiny islands, all connected by massive bridges. If we go further that way," he points in a direction, "We'll reach the mainland of Lantan! But what we're looking for should be... around here..."
He pulls another lever and the flying machine begins to slow. "I think that's it!" He says excitedly, pointing at one of the small islands. "We'll fly low to scan for a good place to land!"
The flying machine hovers about the island, from one side to the other, and Grasalfan points out the various places he could land the craft. The island itself is completely surrounded by massive sharp rocks that surround the jungles within, save for a single large beach. On one end of the beach is the largest ship anyone has ever seen. Grasalfan gawks at it for a moment before he moves on to scout other areas. The ship itself seems to be in ruins, but it would measure out to be at least three-thousand feet long. Aside from the beach, the other landing locations include the sharp rocks around the island or on top of the massive ruins that jut up from the center of the island. "These ruins," Grasalfan explains, "Must have something to do with the mechanics of the portal. No matter where we land, I need to inspect them!" He waits to hear where the Scarlet Dawn prefers to land. No one knows what awaits them in the jungles, and each landing location poses its own challenges.
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Singe leans over Polly to catch a glimpse of the island from the air, "I think the beach would be a good place to land. We could go look at that ship!" Singe looks at Polly.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
Dapple had slept as best he could during the flight, but the arguing and Lera's pulling his fur had put an end to that. Awake now, he felt drained, emotionally and physically and certainly in need of a more restful sleep. Still, at Grasalfan's urging he survey's the scene below with the others. "I agree the beach seems safest, unless this flying machine can swoop down and perch in a tree like a real bird would." He continues to study the terrain from above, noting landmarks and waypoints - almost subconsciously mapping the island so he can find his way around it later on.
"The beach it is!" Grasalfan bellows. He starts pulling levers and the flying machine rotates and descends towards the beach. He lands it about two-hundred feet from the jungle. The engines' hum fades as it lands in the soft sand and the rear hatch begins to open. The group is met with the sounds of the beach, the ocean lapping up onto the shore in the distance. The beach itself is extremely clean and the sand is exceptionally soft. It's as warm here as it was in Chult, but rather than a humid heat if feels dry and almost comfortable.
"We can set up a sort of base camp here," Grasalfan says, popping his head from the cockpit hatch.
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“Wow this place is nice. Base camp. Yeah that’s probably a smart thing to do. Why don’t we stretch out our legs for a minute and then we can divide up chores for creating our camp.”
Perrin suggests to the group hoping some space and breathing room we’ll help diffuse the tension in the air.
Thankful to be near the exit, Lera got off the airship with remarkable speed. The sorceress walked to the edge of the jungle, where she cast mold earth. A hollow cube, with the side closest to her missing, rose from the ground. It wasn’t large, but it was plenty big enough for her to curl up into a ball inside of it. She ducked inside, and then waved her hand again to close the gap left by the missing side.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Koll exits the flying machine and breathes in the fresh sea air and takes in the view of the beach, ocean and the lush jungle. He picks up a handful of hot sand and lets it run through his fingers.
"So, we should find fresh water and firewood. I suppose we can use the flying machine as shelter, but likely it won't sleep us all comfortably. So maybe some materials to build a shelter? Though Lera seems to have sorted herself out. Nevertheless, I suggest that we stick together. As we collect sticks."
Polly slowly stood from Singe's lap, but stayed near him. She looked hesitantly out the hatch into the sunlight. Then looking back at him, she quietly asked, "What can I do to help?"
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
As his friends are slowly getting out and sorting themselves out Perrin can’t help but have a bittersweet smile on his face. The salt air reminds him of Frank. He lets that happy though sink in for a minute before speaking up once again.
“Fresh water and firewood are necessary. Maybe Dapple can also help us find some edible plants and stuff we can use to make a meal. I also saw an abandoned ship as we were landing. We should probably check that out as well. It might have something useful aboard.” Perrin sad trying to keep the group moving and distracted from the fight from earlier.
"Little Man's right. We should explore the ship. Koll, would you like to come with me? I never did get ask you what I wished to before things got out of hand." Shanolia shoulders her pack and steps from the flying machine, eyeing the ship from just outside the hatch. She regrets referring to Perrin's size in such a way, but her memory for name's is absolutely abysmal.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
"Let's just take a short stroll on the beach, then," suggests Koll, curious as to what Shanolia wants to ask. "As I said, however, I think we should all try and stick together as much as possible. Idyllic as it seems, I fear this island may have many dangers."
Grasalfan stretches as he exits the flying machine. "Well now," he says, pulling his pack out from the cockpit, "I think I'll set my tent up over here." He waddles over to an area near to the flying machine and starts the meticulous process of setting up his tent. It's different than any you've seen. The poles all seem to extend upon the flip of a switch, tightening a tarp that's built of animal bladders. The whole process barely takes a couple minutes, and when it's all done he grins and wipes a bit of sweat off his brow. "Water proof," he says, a large grin on his face. He then un-straps a small wooden bit from his pack and unfolds it. As he does, the thick leather between the wood bits tightens and forms a chair. He sets it in the sand next to the tent and sits, looking out at the island.
To no one in particular, he says, "To think... the last time anyone set foot on this island was nearly two centuries ago. From my remembrance, and the remembrance of all texts, this place used to be a bustling island hub of activity. Now... it's more like the jungles of Chult."
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"So what did you want to ask?" Koll inquires, as he and Shanolia begin walking together down the beach, Shanolia waits until they are out earshot before responding.
"Why?" She asks quietly. "Why did you risk yourself for me?"
"Well, it wasn't all about you. And it wasn't all my decision. Perrin also agreed to the deal. It seemed the lesser of two evils. I don't know you very well, but still I wouldn't want your death on my hands. We are teammates and we owe you some loyalty. Your decision to report Vivicus seemed like an impulse rather than a malicious act. You don't deserve to die for that. At the same time, I didn't want to further antagonize my brother. He and many of the other Wolves, like Vivicus, I still care for. More than that they are in league with the Guild - they are enemies we don't want. And as allies they could be valuable - they may not be good, but they are not necessarily bad either. So, I was considering our whole group and I felt the risk was worth it. Put simply."
"I see." She looks out over the ocean, her expression hidden by the late afternoon shade from her hood. "Whether you did it for me or not, you have my thanks."
"I've said it before, but they may be valuable allies to you in particular. You ply the same trade, you are at home in the shadows. Perhaps you'd like to be with me when we meet them back in Baldur's Gate. To bury the hatchet, as it were."
"Perhaps I owe them that much." She kneels, picking up a small stone and skipping it across the surface of the water. "I do have one more question; the Cat, what are your thoughts on him? Do you believe he is to be trusted?"
"I don't know. He seems out of place and searching for meaning in a world that has changed so much from what he knew. If he finds purpose with us, I think he will be loyal. I feel that he and I share something since my meeting with the werepanther Ymezra. I feel an affinity for dark and stealthy felines. Do you see anything on my hands? No? I see claws there. I don't think it's a hallucination."
"I do not see anything on your hands, you are right. However, I do understand how it feels to become one with a... strange creature."
"What does that mean?" Shanolia lets out a soft chuckle.
"Surely you do not believe I was birthed this way; sooty skin, eyes the shade of blood? You saw the bounty portrait, did it not strike you as odd that the girl on the poster and the one showing it to you were so different?"
"I suppose it didn't occur to me. You have to forgive my ignorance - what does it mean?"
"I told you on the roof that night, that I pledged myself to Lolth when the other shrines and temples turned me away. She gave me hope, but at a cost; my skin darkened, my hair bleached. I, too, could see claws growing where there were none, and fangs that grew within my mouth. I became like her children, the Drow, but I can feel myself becoming one with her children, the Arachnida, with every passing day."
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
After letting everyone get off the aircraft and stretch their legs Perrins survival training kicks in and he starts thinking of what they need.
First we need some freshwater; we only have so much on us and we’re bound to run out in this weather. We’re also going to need some wood to make a fire in order to keep the chill of the night out. I don’t know how high the tide will get maybe Dapple does. He’s thoughts are interrupted when notices that Koll and Shanolia have left the group. He then speaks up to the rest of the party.
”All right everyone we’re going to need some basic supplies to make this home base. First some fresh water I think me, Zamar, and Woe should go get that. We’ll also need some fire wood for tonight. Singe do you think you can take Polly and hopefully Lera to gather that. You shouldn’t have to venture out too far into the jungle to find some. And finally I don’t know about everyone else but I’d rather not eat rations tonight. Dapple do you think you can catch up to Shanolia and Koll and take those two to get some food. There was an abandon boat I saw overhead. Maybe you guys can see if there’s any good food or such in it. If not than try to catch some fish or something. Grasalfan you can stay here and protect your flying machine. Let’s move quickly people I don’t want us to be separated once night hits. Who knows what happens then.”
Once Perrin is done with his speech and giving out tasks he’ll start making his way towards the jungle leaving his non essentials at the camp.
Koll looks askance at Shanolia. "Is this transformation something you welcome? I don't believe that darkness equals evil, but they are bedfellows. For my part, I feel the need to bring good to those places where light cannot get in. Sometimes we must be one with darkness in order to battle the malevolent forces that dwell there. What do you think?"
"I was unsettled at first, but I've learned to accept who I have become, and what I am becoming." She raises her left hand and looks into her palm. "Most struggle to find a light in the darkness that's consumed their life rather than embracing it and moving forward, so caught in what used to be that they fail to see the future closing in until it's too late."
The elf does not address the question of good or evil, as Koll hoped she would. He is unsure what lies in her heart and he remains somewhat wary of her motives. He does not let his doubts show. "Self-acceptance is good," is all he says. "Let's get back to the group and figure out what we're doing."
"Yes. Let's." Shanolia's eyes narrow a little when Koll abruptly ends their conversation.
Singe nods, "Come on Polly, let's see if we can wake Lera up. Perhaps we can teach you some magic while we're looking for fire wood." Singe walks over to Lera's cave and knocks on the outside, "Hey Lera, Polly and I are gathering firewood, would you like to join us?"
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